Joplin City Council Regular Meeting - August 4, 2025

The Joplin City Council met on August 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM (Central) for a regular meeting. The meeting included presentations on community events and higher education, updates on broadband deployment and capital projects, public hearings on zoning changes, establishment of a Charter Review Commission, and approval of several ordinances. All votes were 8-0 with one absent (Councilor Dietar excused) unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Consent Agenda: Finalized and approved unanimously, including routine approvals and resolutions not requiring separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kaelin Lorraine (environmental researcher): Expressed concern about the lack of public access to Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) for the Prospect Village redevelopment, which she said involves two hazardous waste land farms. She requested the city to ask the developer to release the ESAs to ensure transparency for taxpayer-funded environmental work. The council did not take immediate action.
• Gary Wolford (Joplin resident): Raised safety issues at Landreth Park, specifically the lack of crosswalks and speed bumps near newly popular pickleball courts. He noted 57 cars were present on a recent Sunday evening and requested crosswalks and speed bumps. Council acknowledged the concerns and deferred to staff for possible solutions.

Presentations & Proclamations

• Connect to Culture: Announced the 2025-2026 season with performances ranging from Broadway to Bluegrass, ballet, and classical. Season tickets are on sale; single tickets open August 7.
• Higher Education Proclamation: Mayor Cortez presented a proclamation recognizing six regional institutions (Missouri Southern State University, Kansas City University, Pittsburgh State University, Crowder College, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, and Ozark Christian College). Key statistics cited: $432.5 million in combined annual operating budgets invested in the region, 21,150 students enrolled, 2,680 jobs provided, and $126.3 million in capital projects over the past five years. The proclamation commits the city to collaborate with educational leaders to expand post-secondary access.
• Broadband Deployment Update: City Manager Troy Bolander introduced Brandon Worm (Allo) and Chuck Banks (AM). Worm reported progress on the fiber network: South transport conduit 95% complete; North transport conduit complete with fiber pulled to central office; Southwest feeder ring 63% complete; Northeast feeder ring 70% complete; 212 pond (neighborhood) 43% complete; 114 pond 45% complete; anchor institutions (hospitals, schools) at 79% (south) and 21% (northeast). Challenges include rock in Southwest Missouri and coordination with MoDOT on 32nd Street. Banks outlined plans to update the "Smarter Joplin Roadmap" (originally adopted 2019) to address connectivity, economic development, and AI opportunities. No decisions requested.
• Joplin Sports Authority Quarterly Update: Director Jared presented highlights: board appointment of J.T.; success of the state amateur sports tax credit program (increased from $300,000 to $500,000 for smaller cities); facility access challenges due to limited availability; short-term rental impacts on tournament revenue. Events upcoming: AJGA tournament, Southern Stampede, Missouri Christian Schools Fall Festival, NCCA Division II regional and volleyball championships, and national championships. Sponsors include Joplin Schools, OCC, MSSU, Freeman Orthopedics.
• Capital Improvement and Stormwater Sales Tax Updates: Jeremy (staff) presented schedule changes. The I-44 culvert project (valued at $10 million) is being moved forward to align with MoDOT's I-44 widening project. A study ($175,000) was authorized separately. Davis Boulevard improvements also accelerated to match Prospect Village development. Other projects (e.g., 15th Street/Murphy intersection, Maiden Lane) are slightly delayed. Stormwater tax funds will pay for the I-44 study; construction will use capital improvement sales tax.

Discussion Items

• Charter Review Commission Resolution (2025-009): Council debated whether to restrict the commission from recommending changes to the form of government or creating a new charter. Councilmember Jackson moved to remove that restriction, arguing the commission should have full purview. The motion failed (3 in favor, 5 against). The resolution then passed 8-1. Following passage, council appointed nine members: four former mayors (Phil Stinnett, Ryan Stanley, Mike Seibert, Melody Colbert-Keen), former city attorney Chuck Brown (as chair), and through paper ballots: Dan Pecarrick, Rob O'Brien, Morris Glaze, and Diane Reed Adams. The commission will report back by December 1, 2025, to allow time for potential ballot measures in April 2026.
• Zoning Cases:
  • Council Bill 2025-274 (912 S. Sergeant Ave.): Request to rezone from M2 (heavy industrial) to R3 (multifamily residential) to allow a two-unit home compatible with surrounding R3 neighborhoods. Planning & Zoning had recommended R2, but staff noted R2 would not allow the density. Council initially moved to amend to R2, then withdrew after clarification. The bill passed 8-0 on first reading.
  • Council Bill 2025-275 (1001 S. McKinley Ave.): Rezone from R1 (single-family) to R2 (two-family) to permit a duplex. Applicant Sam Hickey (Compass West LLC) noted the lot is adjacent to existing duplexes. Passed 8-0 on first reading.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Ordinances (Emergency Basis):
  • Council Bill 2025-135: Work authorization with Algier Martin & Associates for the I-44 culvert and Silver Creek detention study ($175,000), funded by stormwater sales tax. Passed 8-0.
  • Council Bill 2025-529: Sale of surplus property at 813 Central Street (660 sq. ft.) to Josephine Waterford for $463. Passed 8-0.
• Approved Ordinances (First Reading, Advanced to Second/Third):
  • Council Bill 2025-133: Agreement with Horner & Shifrin for review of Prospect Village stormwater and floodplain design ($53,300). Passed 8-0.
  • Council Bill 2025-134: Acceptance of MoDOT public transit operating assistance grant for MAPS and trolley. Passed 8-0.
  • Council Bill 2025-451: Renewal of WIC contract with Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services ($749,294) for nutritional assistance. Passed 8-0.
• Approved Ordinance (Second/Third Reading):
  • Council Bill 2025-131: Construction agreement with Goines Enterprises for Justice Center Sidewalks 2025 project ($152,517). Passed 6-2 (Councilors Lawson and Shaw opposed).
• Public Hearing Dates Set:
  • FY2026 Proposed Budget public hearing: August 18, 2025.
  • Property Tax Levy public hearing: August 25, 2025.
• Moment of Silence: Observed for the passing of JD Love, the first Black police officer in Joplin, who died earlier that day.
• Closed Session: Council voted 8-0 to enter closed session (Section 610.021, subsections 2 and 18) regarding real estate and communications with auditor.