Joplin City Council Meeting May 5, 2025

The Joplin City Council met in regular session on the evening of May 5, 2025. Six members were present (Barr, Carlin, Ditarr, Farnham, Lawson, Shaw); Mayor Cortez and Councilmen Koppel and Jackson were excused. All votes taken were 6-0 with three members absent. The meeting included a presentation from the Joplin Sports Authority, announcements from the Public Information Office, two public hearings, and several ordinance approvals.

Presentations

• Joplin Sports Authority (JSA) quarterly update presented by Mr. Bruggerman. JSA is a not-for-profit organization attracting sporting events to Joplin. Key statistics from the 2025 NJCAA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship held in March: 20 teams, 32 games in six days, approximately 127 hours of work per employee, ~$30,000 in merchandise sales (an increase of $4,000 over 2024), ~1,500 room nights from participants, $37,000 in ticket revenue, $890,000 economic impact, and $65,774 in tax revenue (participants only). The ROI was $10.80 per $1 spent. JSA also hosted the KCAC women's golf championship (first time in that conference's footprint) and the KCAC baseball championship, despite weather challenges. Upcoming events include the Missouri Class 3 boys state golf tournament, AJGA golf, the final year of the NCCAA Division II volleyball national championship at OCC, and a four-year cycle of NCCAA men's and women's cross-country championships. A council member praised JSA's economic impact, estimating over $1 million when spectators are included.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was finalized and later approved unanimously (6-0) with no discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dave Pettitt, Director of Facilities for Joplin Schools, spoke in favor of Council Bill 2025-269 (street vacation at Royal Heights Elementary), citing student safety and improved delivery logistics.
• Darren Collins, applicant/property owner, spoke in favor of Council Bill 2025-268 (rezoning of 410 West 26th Street), stating he acquired the property in 2013, uses it for overflow parking, and has no immediate development plans.

Reports & Communications

• Ms. Onstott from the Public Information Office announced a recycling education and outreach planning open house on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 4–6 p.m. at the Joplin Public Library, and an online survey for residents. She also announced a free tire collection event on Saturday, June 7, 2025, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., at 2214 North Lone Elm Road (old Lone Elm plant). The event accepts automotive tires (with or without rims), limit 10 tires per vehicle, one trip per address, for residents of Joplin and Jasper, Newton, McDonald, Barton, and Vernon counties.

Public Hearings

• Council Bill 2025-269 (Street Vacation): Ordinance vacating a 13-foot-wide, 311-foot-long strip of street at 2100 East Rawls Street, currently used for school pickup/drop-off. Staff stated the vacation poses no public hardship; the school district plans to build a loading dock and address safety concerns. A variance had already been granted by the Board of Adjustment. After testimony from Dave Pettitt, the council voted to place the bill on first reading and pass it (6-0).
• Council Bill 2025-268 (Rezoning of 410 West 26th Street): Ordinance amending the zoning from R1 (single-family residential) to C1 (neighborhood commercial) for a 3,150-square-foot property. Staff noted that adjacent properties are already C1, the future land use map recommends commercial, and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 6-0. Applicant Darren Collins spoke in favor. The council voted to place the bill on first reading and pass it (6-0).

Ordinances – Emergency

• Council Bill 2025-353 (Demolition contract, 126 South Pearl Avenue): Staff requested the bill be stricken from the agenda because the property owner may have insurance to cover demolition. Council voted to strike it (6-0).
• Council Bill 2025-513 (Sale of 1215 Hill Street): Approved sale of ~3,150 sq ft, zoned R2, to Terry Wright for $2,100 (minimum bid was $1,417). Closing on or before August 29, 2025. Passed 6-0.
• Council Bill 2025-514 (Sale of 129 North Maple Street): Approved sale to Lauren White for $3,906 (minimum bid), zoned R1, ~6,200 sq ft. Closing on or before August 29, 2025. Passed 6-0.
• Council Bill 2025-515 (Sale of 831 South Ozark Street): Approved sale to Lauren White for $3,780 (minimum bid), zoned R1, ~6,000 sq ft. Closing on or before August 29, 2025. Passed 6-0.

Ordinances – First Reading

• Council Bill 2025-120 (ACE Pipe Cleaning toolbox contract): Approved a $750,000 purchase order for evaluation and rehabilitation of the wastewater collection system. The total bid for 420 items was $2,359,998.22, but the city is only funding $750,000 initially. Work includes cured-in-place pipe, lateral repairs, smoke testing, and CCTV inspections near Range Line, I-44, and downstream of Silver Creek. The bid is a one-year contract with possible extension. Passed first reading (6-0).
• Council Bill 2025-516 (WIC position reclassification): Amended the salary administration plan to replace the WIC certifier position with Competent Professional Authority and Health Professional Assistant WIC positions, required by the state of Missouri. Funding will be 100% covered by the WIC grant. Effective June 1, 2025. Passed first reading (6-0).
• Council Bill 2025-611 (Raven I LLC cybersecurity services): Approved a contract for co-managed services and network upgrades. Raven I won a competitive bid and maintained the same pricing as the previous three years. Passed first reading (6-0).

Key Outcomes

• All motions passed 6-0 with three members excused (Mayor Cortez, Councilmen Koppel and Jackson).
• Council Bill 2025-353 was stricken from the agenda pending insurance investigation.
• Three surplus property sales (2025-513, 514, 515) were approved on an emergency basis.
• Three ordinances (2025-120, 516, 611) advanced to second/third reading after first reading approval.
• Councilmember Lawson noted the meeting ended early; Councilmember Carlin thanked small businesses in honor of Small Business Week.