Joplin City Council Regular Meeting - April 21, 2025
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Joplin City Council Regular Meeting - April 21, 2025
The Joplin City Council met on April 21, 2025, at City Hall. The meeting began with a presentation from Habitat for Humanity, followed by updates on grant-funded projects and broadband infrastructure. Council heard public comments on police information release policies and the proposed demolition of the old Freeman Hospital. Several ordinances were passed, including contracts for asbestos abatement and demolition of the hospital, an affordable housing agreement with Economic Security Corporation, and rezoning of a parcel. All votes were 9-0 except for the rezoning ordinance which passed 7-2.
Consent Calendar
- Finalized and approved unanimously (9-0) after no discussion.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Don Dunker (citizen) spoke about a policy that previously released names and addresses of individuals involved in ex parte violations. He stated that his name and address were published online in connection with a false allegation, damaging his reputation and business. He noted the policy appears to have been changed after his complaint, but requested removal of existing derogatory information. He expressed concern that the policy endangered individuals who need location concealment. Council directed the city manager and police chief to review the policy and make it uniform.
- Mary Price (citizen) opposed the Freeman Hospital demolition proposal. She alleged that the city manager acted improperly by facilitating a transfer of the property to avoid liability. She stated that the project was not obligated by the ARPA deadline of December 31, 2024, and expressed concerns about future grant clawbacks. She said she would report the matter to federal oversight committees. The city finance director clarified that the grant funding was obligated at the state level prior to the deadline.
- Tara Johnston (citizen, resident near Freeman Hospital) described a dangerous incident on April 20, 2025, in which vandals shattered windows while her grandchildren were playing nearby. She stated that a police dispatcher mishandled a call, leading to a gun being drawn on her son. She criticized the city for not securing the building and asked what would be done to ensure safety during the demolition process.
Discussion Items
- Grant Project Status Update (Leslie Haas, Finance Director): Haas presented an update on federal grant projects funded through ARPA and BIL. Key points:
- Total awarded grants: approximately $58 million, with $34 million local match.
- The direct ARPA award of $13.8 million is already received; other grants are on a reimbursement basis.
- Many projects are underway: 20th Street ($14.2M, grant $4.5M), DORA ($6.7M, grant $4M), Justice Center electrical work 70% complete, stormwater projects begun, Zora Street roundabout complete, broadband construction 88% complete on south transport.
- Some federal grant opportunities have been terminated (e.g., charging stations, wastewater surveillance), but existing awarded grants are considered safe.
- ALO Broadband Quarterly Update (Brandon Warren and Cammy Balthazar): Update on fiber-optic network construction:
- South transport 88% complete, north transport 55% complete, rings 10-12% complete, first go-live area (Pond 212) estimated for end of August 2025.
- Central offices are powered and awaiting fiber.
- Construction challenges: hard rock, a slow contractor replaced, Shoal Creek crossing delayed.
- Customer engagement: 700 sign-ups, 400 address searches/month, storefront open.
- Freeman Hospital Demolition and Affordable Housing Proposal (Dan Bolender, Community Development; Thomas Walters, Ryan Peterson, Scott Clayton):
- Bolender detailed efforts since August 2024 to address council concerns: ESC acquired the property, phase I and II environmental assessments completed, bids received.
- Asbestos abatement contract (Environmental Operations, $63,900) and demolition contract (Denton Excavating, $331,300) were presented.
- Total project cost under $500,000, funded 50% city ARPA and 50% state ARPA grant.
- Terracon representative Rand Raglan described phase I findings: unlabeled drums, old incinerator, no significant soil contamination from former heating oil tank.
- Walters, Peterson, and Clayton outlined plan for three duplexes (6 units) for seniors and veterans, built by Joplin Economic Housing Development Initiative (Jedi) under an MOU with Economic Security Corporation (ESC).
- Council discussion included concerns about unlabeled drums (requiring additional sampling), mold/dust control, and structural safety for asbestos removal. Staff assured that best practices and insurance would be in place.
Key Outcomes
- Resolution 2025-006 (HUD Consolidated Plan & Action Plan) passed 9-0.
- Council Bill 2025-118 (air service promotion grant with MODOT, emergency) passed 9-0.
- Council Bill 2025-352 (asbestos abatement contract, emergency) passed 9-0.
- Council Bill 2025-354 (demolition contract, emergency) passed 9-0.
- Council Bill 2025-116 (engineering services for MS4 and floodplain, first reading advanced to third) passed 9-0.
- Council Bill 2025-117 (wastewater toolbox engineering, first reading advanced to third) passed 9-0.
- Council Bill 2025-121 (amended ARPA stormwater design, first reading advanced to third) passed 9-0.
- Council Bill 2025-271 (affordable housing agreement with ESC, first reading advanced to third) passed 9-0.
- Council Bill 2025-266 (rezoning 7 acres near 12th & Iowa to manufactured home park, second/third reading) passed 7-2.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome to the regular city council meeting of the Joplin City Council. Please rise. Madam Clerk. Gracious God, as we come to you this day to begin another session of the Joplin City Council, we ask that you impart upon us your wisdom and guidance so that we may promote justice, assist those in need, and provide for the overall well-being of the citizens of Joplin. Amen. Amen. Mrs. Carlin, would you please introduce our special guests this evening? Yes. If you all would come forward, please. Tonight we want to uh welcome to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Uh several friends with Habitat for Humanity. Come on up, everybody. Now Habitat for Humanity believes in a hand up, not a handout. And the homes that Habitat builds are not given, they but they are sold at no profit and no interest to qualifying low-income families who work alongside to build a better future for their families through sweat equity. Today, Habitat for Humanity has built 191 homes in Joplin. And they currently have nine more ready for construction or in under construction. Their brush with kindness program helps seniors, veterans, and individuals with physical disabilities with home repairs, and their critical home repair program works through partnerships with local contractors with affordable repayment plans. Not to mention their restore, which continues to thrive, open nine to four, and support their mission. Habitat has been great partners with the city of Joplin, and I thought this evening you'd like to see and meet and see the faces and the families of the people that you have helped. We have tonight with us. Well, first of all, I'll tell you that Habitat has worked with the city, had nine families from JHP 1 that became owners. They have 26 homes that were funded either through the HOME, the CHDO, or the CDGB disaster relief funds. See, I said that without a hiccup. Tonight, I we welcome Megan, Crystal, Heather, and Chris, and their families, and as well as Scott Clayton and Barbie Huff. So thank you all for making the effort to come out this evening for us to see you all. And if you will and if you'll now lead us in the pledge. Thank you, Baron. We appreciate our partnership with City Joblin. Thank you. All right, Madam Clerk, roll call. Mr. Bard, present. Ms. Carlin. Present. Mr. Koppel. Present. Mr. Ditar. Present. Dr. Fardham. Present. Mr. Jackson. Present. Mr. Lawson.
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