OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Joplin City Council Regular Meeting - October 6, 2025

City Council — Monday, October 6, 2025
BodyJoplin, Missouri
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, October 6, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

Good evening and welcome to the Joplin City Council regular meeting on Monday, October the 6th, 2025.

0:09

Mrs.

0:09

Nosh.

0:10

Eternal God, as we begin another meeting of the Joplin City Council, we ask that you invest in this body your strength and wisdom to fortify us and guide us so that we may enhance the prosperity of our community and improve the quality of life for those we serve.

0:25

Amen.

0:25

Amen.

0:26

Mrs.

0:27

Carlin, I believe you might have some special guest for us this evening.

0:31

I might.

0:32

You might just maybe.

0:35

I think pink is a theme here.

0:47

Normally I would do this from the podium, but this evening, we wanted to bring to your attention that October is breast cancer awareness month.

1:00

And so I've asked some of my sister breast cancer survivors to join me this evening in leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:12

Now breast cancer still remains the most common cancer in women today.

1:19

And according to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime in the United States.

1:28

In 2025, an estimated 316,950 women and 2800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

1:42

Now you can support worthwhile groups in our area, such as Help for You Breast Cancer Foundation, which some of their board members are with us this evening, and other organizations that do provide services for women.

1:59

But you're going to see pink everywhere in the month of October.

2:02

And so I just want you to, when you think pink, to remind yourself to do your breast exam, your self-exam.

2:12

Get your mammogram if you haven't done that.

2:17

Think about those who have gone before us and didn't make it.

2:21

And think about your friends who have survived.

2:24

They're here to help you navigate the way and get services for you if you need them.

2:31

Happy October.

2:38

Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

2:40

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

2:58

If you'd please join me in standing and applauding these brave women that have come to our chambers tonight.

3:32

Yeah.

3:33

And the hope for you race that's coming up, not this weekend, but next weekend, Sunday afternoon.

3:40

I'll be delivering the invocation at that.

3:42

So I look forward to seeing you all there then.

3:45

Thank you so much for coming tonight.

3:50

Roll call.

3:51

Mr.

3:51

Bard, present.

3:52

Ms.

3:53

Carlin.

3:54

Present.

3:54

Mr.

3:55

Koppel.

3:55

Present.

3:56

Mr.

3:56

Ditarr.

3:57

Present.

3:57

Dr.

3:57

Farnham.

3:58

Mr.

3:59

Jackson.

4:00

Present.

4:00

Mr.

4:00

Lawson.

4:01

Present.

4:02

Mr.

4:02

Shaw.

4:03

Present.

4:03

Mayor Cortez.

4:04

Present.

4:05

Mayor.

4:05

Mayor.

4:07

I'd like to move to the Dr.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning Regulations████████████████████████████28%
Affordable Housing█████████████13%
Procedural████████████12%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████8%
Transportation Safety██████6%
Environmental Protection██████6%
Public Safety████4%
Public Health███3%
Public Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Joplin City Council Regular Meeting - October 6, 2025

The Joplin City Council met for its regular meeting on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM. All eight council members were present (Dr. Farnham absent). The meeting included a special breast cancer awareness pledge, several public hearings, and action on multiple ordinances including annexations, rezoning, code amendments, and contracts.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was finalized without objection. It included routine approvals and was later approved unanimously (8-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Councilwoman Carlin led the Pledge of Allegiance with breast cancer survivors. She highlighted that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and encouraged self-exams and mammograms.
  • Public Hearings - Opposition to CB 2025-281 (Rezoning for 96-unit apartment complex): Multiple residents from Cedar Ridge, Country Club Drive, and Adobe Lane spoke in opposition. Concerns included increased traffic, lower property values, wildlife displacement (coyotes, bobcats), stormwater runoff, loss of green space, crime, and the scale of the development (six 16-unit buildings). Speakers included Crystal Robinson, Dorothy Alsins, Liz Macy, David Alsins, Kathy Diarman, Michael Teeter, Barry Wimberley, Chris Goff, Amy Goff, Terry Wimberley, and others. Some noted the developer (Rick Benson) could build without city approval in Jasper County, but others conceded annexation added regulations. Michael Teeter urged reinvestment in central Joplin.
  • Public Hearing - Favor for CB 2025-281: Wayne Stevenson (GB Engineering) presented the project, noting 96 units (8 two-bedroom, 8 one-bedroom units per building), sewer/water access, stormwater detention, a dog park, walking trail, and added screening. He emphasized economic impact (tax revenue examples).
  • Public Hearing - Favor for CB 2025-278 (Autism facility): David Perryman and Nathan Wagner spoke in favor, noting the provider (My World ABA) outgrew its facility, has a year-long waitlist, and parents drive over two hours for treatment. The facility would serve children ages 4-18.
  • Public Hearing - Favor for CB 2025-276 (Vacation for Joplin Schools): David Pettett (Joplin Schools) explained the street vacation was needed for an addition; the building already sits on unvacated right-of-way.
  • Public Hearing - Favor for CB 2025-282 (Vacation for Jefferson Elementary): David Pettett explained the project would improve drop-off/pickup congestion and create a playground; utilities would retain access.
  • Public Hearing - Favor for CB 2025-283 (Gas station rezoning): Wayne Stevenson said the rezoning cleans up split zoning for a building permit.
  • Public Hearing - Favor for CB 2025-280 (Annexation): Wayne Stevenson presented the annexation of 8.3 acres.
  • Public Hearing - CB 2025-279 (Development code amendments): William Hilligus spoke in opposition, complaining that code requirements (e.g., sheds must match house) burden working-class residents. City Manager Edwards noted he would research the specific concern.

Discussion Items

  • Special Presentation: Councilwoman Carlin led the Pledge with breast cancer survivors; October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
  • Reports and Communications: Public Information Officer Lynn Onstot announced: closure of 20th & Black Cat Road for roundabout construction (approx. 2 months); First Impact teen driver program (Oct 22); State of the Community event (Jan 14, 2026, $25 tickets, limited 250); citizen newsletter ($145,000 in tax revenue from similar development) and Joplin Schools ($55,000). Councilmember Detar noted the developer could proceed without city approval, making annexation protective.
  • CB 2025-279 (Zoning code amendments): City staff introduced 38 proposed amendments. The item was tabled (8-0) for a work session on October 13 to allow deeper discussion.
  • New Business: Councilman Koppel requested a crosswalk study for the Tuna Cup Trail at Glendale Road. He also directed staff to prepare an ordinance to include short-term rentals under the hotel/motel tax and to enforce licensing. City Manager Edwards confirmed research and will bring back information.

Key Outcomes

  • CB 2025-276 (Forest Avenue vacation): Approved 8-0.
  • CB 2025-283 (Rezoning 901 N Florida Ave to C3): Approved 8-0.
  • CB 2025-282 (First Street vacation for Joplin Schools): Approved 8-0.
  • CB 2025-280 (Annexation of property at Adobe Lane & Country Club Drive): Approved 8-0.
  • CB 2025-281 (Rezoning annexed property R1 to R3 for 96-unit apartments): Approved 8-0 despite protest petition (14.55%) and extensive public opposition.
  • CB 2025-278 (Rezoning 7603 E 32nd St to C3 for autism facility): Approved 8-0.
  • Resolution 2025-011 (Woodsonia Marketplace CID petition): Approved 8-0.
  • CB 2025-354 (Emergency demolition at 126 S Pearl Ave, $6,478): Approved 8-0 on emergency basis (public health/safety).
  • First Reading Ordinances: CB 2025-142 (7th St sewer relocation engineering), CB 2025-143 (Zora Street improvements phase 2&3 engineering), CB 2025-144 (Public Safety Training Center bathroom design), CB 2025-284 (Emerald Glades third edition final plat), CB 2025-401 (Lead hazard reduction grant with ESC), CB 2025-402 (CDBG Housing Connect), CB 2025-453 (Animal neglect penalties amendment), CB 2025-454 (Maternal child health contract), CB 2025-535 (Sale of city lot), CB 2025-536 (UMR health insurance admin contract) — all passed 8-0 (CB 2025-142 passed 7-1, one opposed).
  • Second/Third Reading: CB 2025-615 (Ewert Splash Park construction, $8,935,365) approved 7-1.
  • Closed Session: Motion to go into closed session for real estate and personnel matters passed 8-0; meeting adjourned.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the Joplin City Council regular meeting on Monday, October the 6th, 2025. Mrs. Nosh. Eternal God, as we begin another meeting of the Joplin City Council, we ask that you invest in this body your strength and wisdom to fortify us and guide us so that we may enhance the prosperity of our community and improve the quality of life for those we serve. Amen. Amen. Mrs. Carlin, I believe you might have some special guest for us this evening. I might. You might just maybe. I think pink is a theme here. Normally I would do this from the podium, but this evening, we wanted to bring to your attention that October is breast cancer awareness month. And so I've asked some of my sister breast cancer survivors to join me this evening in leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Now breast cancer still remains the most common cancer in women today. And according to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime in the United States. In 2025, an estimated 316,950 women and 2800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Now you can support worthwhile groups in our area, such as Help for You Breast Cancer Foundation, which some of their board members are with us this evening, and other organizations that do provide services for women. But you're going to see pink everywhere in the month of October. And so I just want you to, when you think pink, to remind yourself to do your breast exam, your self-exam. Get your mammogram if you haven't done that. Think about those who have gone before us and didn't make it. And think about your friends who have survived. They're here to help you navigate the way and get services for you if you need them. Happy October. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. If you'd please join me in standing and applauding these brave women that have come to our chambers tonight. Yeah. And the hope for you race that's coming up, not this weekend, but next weekend, Sunday afternoon. I'll be delivering the invocation at that. So I look forward to seeing you all there then. Thank you so much for coming tonight. Roll call. Mr. Bard, present. Ms. Carlin. Present. Mr. Koppel. Present. Mr. Ditarr. Present. Dr. Farnham. Mr. Jackson. Present. Mr.

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