Joplin City Council Regular Meeting - June 2, 2025

The Joplin City Council held its regular meeting on June 2, 2025, at 12:15 PM (UTC). Seven council members were present (Mr. Bard, Mr. Koppel, Dr. Farnham, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Lawson, Mr. Shaw, and Mayor Cortez), with two absent (Ms. Carlin and Mr. Ditarr, excused). The meeting included presentations, public hearings, and votes on several ordinances and resolutions.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda as finalized, which included routine approvals and unanimous actions. The vote passed 7-0 with two absent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brian Evans clarified that the city's annual financial audit (presented by AGH) is different from the state audit requested by citizens. He noted the state audit has been pending for 15 months and provides a broader scope of accountability.
• Maurice Philson (824 Vermont Ave) requested a 25 mph speed limit sign on Campbell Parkway from St. Louis Avenue to 7th Street, citing dangerous speeding and concern for children. He noted no current speed limit signs.
• Audi Perez (1717 Vermont Ave) supported Mr. Philson's request, asking for speed bumps or signs to protect children playing outside. The council directed staff to review the area for enforcement and possible traffic calming measures.

Discussion Items

• Presentation of Matthew Fry, President & CEO of Freeman Health System – Fry introduced himself, outlined his background, and discussed Freeman's strategic priorities: quality improvement (aiming for 4-star CMS rating in 4 years), patient experience, and community engagement. He expressed commitment to the Joplin Regional Alliance for Health and Missouri Southern's health education expansion. Council members welcomed him and asked about city partnerships to attract healthcare talent.
• Annual Audit Presentation – Jonathan Nyberger (AGH) presented the 2024 audit results. The city received an unmodified opinion (highest), with a material weakness noted regarding a prior-year restatement of capital assets and accounts payable. No adjustments were required. The police and fire pension plan funded status improved from 79.5% (2023) to 90.1% (2024) due to the special sales tax. Finance Director Leslie Hawes also reported on the JSA audit and TIF updates.
• Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Update – Travis Stevens reported on economic development projects, including a new 50-job attraction project (outside city limits), remediation of 70 acres at Crossroads Business Park, and a new data tool (Placer AI) to track workforce and visitor patterns. He noted that 25% of RFIs can be responded to due to site constraints, and Liberty is working on power infrastructure improvements.
• Public Information Office Report – Lynn announced upcoming events: free tire drop-off (June 7, 9 am-1 pm), a teen driving course (June 24), and holiday closures (Juneteenth, July 4) with no trash schedule changes.
• Citizen Requests – The council heard from Maurice Philson and Audi Perez about speeding on Campbell Parkway. Staff were directed to assess the area for enforcement and potential traffic calming.
• Council Bill 2025-003 – Bow Hunting Ordinance – After extensive debate, the council amended the ordinance to lower the minimum age from 21 to 16 (with adult supervision for under 16), align hunter safety requirements with the Missouri Department of Conservation, require a unique ID number on arrows for those without a hunter safety number, and allow retrieval of deer from adjoining property with permission. The amended ordinance passed on first reading (5-2).
• Council Bill 2025-109 – Trolley Wheelchair Lifts – The council approved a $55,502 purchase order for replacement wheelchair lifts on the large trolley, with 80% reimbursed by FTA. The trolley service has grown to 2,550 monthly riders.
• Council Bill 2025-124 – Zora Street Improvements Phase 2 – The council approved a $2.84 million contract with Emory Sapp & Sons for road construction (12-foot lanes, 10-foot shoulders) from the roundabout east to 249 right-of-way. The project came in under the engineer's estimate.

Key Outcomes

• Votes Passed (7-0 with two absent):
  • Consent agenda finalized.
  • Council Bill 2025-270 (rezoning 1148 S Pennsylvania Ave from M2 to R3) – approved on first reading.
  • Resolution 2025-007 (special use permit for duplexes at 3105 Wisconsin Ave) – approved on first reading.
  • Case 018-25 (Vita Nova tiny home village site plan at 1201 S Byers Ave) – approved on first reading (6 in favor, 1 abstention).
  • Emergency ordinances for sale of six surplus parcels (Council Bills 517-522) – all approved.
  • Council Bill 2025-109 (trolley wheelchair lifts) – approved on first reading, advanced to second and third.
  • Council Bill 2025-124 (Zora Street improvements) – approved on first reading, advanced to second and third.
• Vote Passed (5-2 with two absent):
  • Council Bill 2025-003 (bow hunting ordinance) – approved on first reading as amended, will return for second and third reading.
• Directives:
  • Staff to review speed limit enforcement and traffic calming options on Campbell Parkway (near Vermont Ave).
  • Councilman Coppel requested inspections of Fairview Cemetery for dead trees, update on senior center ADA parking, and repair of an alley on Roosevelt between 8th and 10th.