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.
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.