Joplin City Council Regular Meeting - November 18, 2025

This meeting of the Joplin City Council covered several major items, including a presentation on the KC26 FIFA World Cup preparation and its potential impact on Joplin via Route 66 tourism, a detailed public-private partnership proposal to rehabilitate Memorial Hall, the annual finance committee audit review, a variety of fee changes, and a new pay plan for the understaffed emergency dispatch center. The council voted unanimously (9-0) on all matters that came to a vote.

Note: While the user-provided date for this meeting is November 18, 2025, the transcript itself references the meeting as being held on "Monday, November the seventeenth, twenty twenty five." This discrepancy is noted per accuracy requirements.

Presentations

KC26 FIFA World Cup Preparation and Impact (Jim Rowland, Missouri Division of Tourism)

• Jim Rowland, who previously served as CEO of the Truman Sports Complex and as a two-term Kansas City, Missouri City Councilman, presented on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has worked on World Cup planning for 10 years.
• The 2026 World Cup is expanded to 48 teams (the largest in history), with 6 matches scheduled at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Matches run from June 16 through July 11, 2026 (26 days).
• Initial research projected 650,000 visitors to the region; the latest research puts that figure at approximately 750,000 people.
• A fan festival at the Liberty Memorial World War One Museum will hold up to 25,000 people at any given time and operate about 18 of the 26 days.
• Economic impact was stated as "650 billion million dollars" (as transcribed; this figure appears to be an error or transcription issue).
• The event is described as a $200 million undertaking overall.
• Rowland stated that Route 66 is the number one thing international visitors consistently say they want to see and do in the region. Missouri Division of Tourism has marketing rights in six states and has been running a digital commercial in Europe since the end of July that has received over 18 million views.
• Kansas City's team has been working with Tulsa and Oklahoma City for two years to attract visitors; three potential team base camp sites are in the Kansas City region and two in St. Louis.
• A full presentation is scheduled the following morning at 8:30 at the Holiday Inn.

Memorial Hall Proposal (Friends of Joplin Memorial Hall)

• City Manager Nick Edwards noted that the city issued an RFP earlier in 2025 for proposals involving Memorial Hall; the only response came from the Friends of Joplin Memorial Hall.
• Melody Cobertine and Lori Hahn presented on behalf of the group, a newly forming 501(c)(3) dedicated to rehabbing and transforming Memorial Hall into a community asset focused on intergenerational engagement, youth empowerment, veteran support, and tourism.
• The proposal is a public-private partnership: the city would hold a ground lease and act as a pass-through for newly created lodging revenue, while the Friends would retain ownership and be responsible for rehabilitation and operations.
• The partnership proposes a 2% increase in the lodging tax (hotel/motel stays), stated to take no money from the existing city budget.
• Rehabilitation funding sources include Missouri and Federal Historic Tax Credits (20% federal, currently 35% Missouri), New Market Tax Credits, and $2 million in community fundraising (naming rights, donations).
• Crossland Construction provided a detailed estimate: $16 million total rehabilitation budget, including soft costs and a 20% contingency ($14 million base budget). This is far less than earlier city studies (approximately $28 million) because the scope excludes building additions and extensive site work; it focuses on the existing building envelope.
• Scope includes new elevator, improved ADA access with wheelchair access to the main floor, improved bathrooms, new seating (approximately 2,200 seated capacity with fixed seating on mezzanine and balcony and mobile chairs on the floor), a dock for 53-foot trailers, structural/environmental/mechanical/finish upgrades, HVAC, plumbing, and roof work.
• Operations revenue projections are in four categories: facility rentals and special events, paid programs and memberships, community support (sponsorships, naming rights, donations), and entrepreneur/business incubation.
• A community open forum is scheduled for December 1 to gather input on programming.
• Councilman Josh Ditarr questioned the city's financial exposure. Clifford Worth (Connect2Culture) confirmed the city's $7 million contribution comes in at the end of the project, after fundraising and tax credits, and that contingency/cost-control measures exist (e.g., leasing audio-visual equipment instead of purchasing). The agreement is that the lodging tax is solely for construction of tourism venues, not operations or maintenance.
• The project timeline requires council approval of a hotel tax ordinance, state legislative approval of the enabling statute, and a public vote anticipated in late 2026 or early 2027.
• State Representative Lane Roberts stated he has already drafted the empowering legislation and is prepared to pre-file it on December 1, which would allow an early committee hearing in the legislative session.
• Council members expressed strong support. Councilman Lawson emphasized the building is a 101-year-old memorial to soldiers; American Legion Post 13 Commander Bob Harrington assured the council that veterans' memorials will not be forgotten and additional memorials for conflicts after Vietnam could be added.
• Public comment: Frank Thompson formally requested his written submission be entered verbatim into the minutes under RSMO 610.020, alleging multiple conflicts of interest, a pattern of failed redevelopment projects involving the same network of organizations, and concerns about strategic plan positioning around Memorial Hall. He asked that involved parties be disqualified and that a neutral citizen-led process be adopted.
• Councilman Koppel noted the city's earlier effort to tear down Memorial Hall was not the council's "upmost" desire, but rather an attempt to draw attention to finding a viable solution.
• Motion made by Councilman Koppel and seconded to direct city staff to move forward with the proposal and bring back an MOU with timelines. Motion passed 9-0.

Finance Committee Update

• Russ Alcorn, chair of the Finance Committee, presented the committee's review of the city's FY2024-25 audit performed by Allen, Gibbs & Houlik CPAs. He clarified this review differs from a state audit; it is a review of the independent audit.
• The audit received a clean opinion ("presents fairly in all material respects").
• General Fund: $30 million+ at October 31, 2024; approximately $32 million as of September 25, 2025. This cash balance equals 83% of annual operating expenses (~10 months of coverage). Springfield is at 46%, St. Joseph at 55%. Bond rating agencies typically desire a minimum of 25% (3 months) and up to 50% for high-performing cities.
• Transportation Fund: $20 million balance, with ~$7.3 million spent last year; council was told spending was deferred because utilities were tearing up streets.
• Capital Improvement Fund: $25 million balance, with $5.5 million spent last year; projects are stacked up for an estimated 10+ years.
• Committee recommends producing a capital asset replacement schedule for the next 3-5 years and restricting funds for major capital expenditures (fire trucks, etc.) to provide a clearer picture of true available cash.
• Debt: The city has $2 million in leases and $18 million in sewer bonds - a very low debt position. The committee suggests the council consider leasing with option to purchase (e.g., fire apparatus) and evaluating debt on capital expenditures versus cash reserves during low interest rate periods.
• Tax Revenue: Overall tax revenue growth last year was ~5.5%. Sales tax, use tax, and marijuana tax were up about 5%. Total tax revenue was $77 million, dividing by ~52,000 residents yields about $1,457 per citizen. The city's property tax is only $1.3 million (for parks, health, and solid waste), while Springfield collects $28 million and St. Joseph $17.5 million in property tax (both with lower sales tax rates). Councilman Koppel noted the per-citizen figure does not account for sales tax paid by visitors from the broader metro area.
• Councilman Koppel disputed the characterization of growth as "modest," saying the main sales tax has been flat over the last 10 years and has not kept up with inflation. Alcorn agreed the main sales tax growth is slowing.
• The committee recommended the city consider hiring a consultant to evaluate the pros and cons of owning its own sewer system, and to evaluate potential partnership with the county for emergency communications to redirect funds to police personnel.
• Pensions: The public safety pension tax is on track to be 120% funded in the next year or two.
• Councilman Ditarr thanked committee members present: Cheryl Glass (former CPA), Troy Hill (former CPA), and Doug Dole (bank president).

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was finalized with no objections from council or the audience, then approved by a motion that carried 9-0.

Reports & Communications

• Public Information Officer Lynn Onstott announced:
  • Ribbon cutting for the Momentum Bike Park at 601 Adventure Lane (former Dover Soccer Field area) on Monday, November 24 at 3:30 p.m., with special announcements to follow.
  • Holiday Tree Trail sponsorship is open ($25 per tree); kickoff event is December 4 from 6-8 p.m.
  • City Hall closes for Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday; residential trash will shift by one day (Thursday customers to Friday, Friday to Saturday). The recycling center will be open Saturday, November 29.
  • State of the Community inaugural event on January 14; tickets are $25; partners include Downtown Joplin Association, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Jasper County and Newton County Commissioners, and Joplin Schools.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Amanda Beardon (speaking as an individual citizen and volunteer, not representing a specific nonprofit) discussed homelessness. She presented research on Portland, Oregon tent cities, clarifying that her previously cited statistics were from 2011-2018 and explaining the increases were driven by expanded outreach, better data systems, and a 33% rise in eviction filings from 2023-2024. She requested the city consider revising ordinances that criminalize basic survival techniques and to consider sanctioned transitional encampments, arguing these would concentrate services (e.g., street medicine, the new HRSA grant program) and reduce police costs. She noted a veteran with three children lived in her car for five months before receiving HUD-VASH housing. Councilman Josh Ditarr encouraged her to bring the proposal back with more details. Councilman Jackson stated the July executive order could risk federal funding (citing WIC), while Beardon countered that the order only applies to policies that fail to promote treatment and accountability. Councilman Bard expressed strong opposition to tent cities, citing concerns about attracting more individuals and straining resources, but commended Beardon for her volunteer work.
• Maurice Philson described a near-miss traffic incident on North St. Louis where a driver passed him in a no-passing zone on a hill, meeting a Joplin ladder truck head-on. He advocated for drone traffic enforcement, noting the Chief of Police already is pursuing a grant for three drones to cover the city. He urged the council to support this effort. The Mayor agreed that dangerous driving is a problem and commended the police department.

Resolutions

• Resolution 2025-013 (honoring Betty Robinson Gray and Thelma Meeks): Originally naming the splash park and ice ribbon facility at Ewart Park the "Robinson Gray and Meeks Family Splash Park and Ice Ribbon Center." Parks Director Paul Bloomberg explained the East Town community committee and park board agreed on an amended name: the "Robinson Gray and Meeks Legacy Complex." Councilman Koppel paid tribute to both women as "big mamas" of Ewart Park; Councilman Lawson noted Betty Robinson Gray was a respected educator in the community for decades. The amendment was approved 9-0 and the amended resolution passed 9-0.
• Resolution 2025-014 (accepting outstanding valid encumbrances): Finance Director Leslie Haas presented the resolution, which rolls outstanding encumbrances from fiscal year 2025 into FY2026, increasing the adopted budget accordingly (no net effect). Total rolled encumbrances across all funds: $50,744,631. This addresses a state audit recommendation for transparency. Passed 9-0.

Emergency Ordinance

• Council Bill 2025-356 (demolition of property at 2617 Pearl Avenue): Buildings and Code Enforcement official Mr. Bolander explained the property has been in violation for about five years (permit issued ~5 years ago). The city advertised for bids and received five; the lowest was $3,445 from Prime Contracting. The cost will be assessed to the property via tax bill, paid from the evolving public improvement fund. The bill was approved on emergency basis (finding immediate preservation of public peace, health, safety, and morals) by a 9-0 vote.

Ordinances - First Reading (all passed 9-0)

• Council Bill 2025-014 (criminal mischief ordinance): New section in Chapter 82 prohibiting criminal mischief, aimed at reducing unlawfully occupied residences and related structure fires. City Manager Edwards explained it is complaint-driven, creates a presumption against non-owners/leaseholders, and keeps violations in municipal court. Councilman Koppel raised concerns about enforcement proof; Councilman Jackson noted special situations where squatters have burned down homes before demolition. Passed 9-0.
• Council Bill 2025-015 (FOP Lodge 27 labor agreement): Includes a two-part salary increase: 2% COLAs for 2025 and 2026, plus a 23% raise upon successful passage of Prop B renewal (conditioned on that vote). This would bring the FOP to about 98.5% of the average regional comparable pay. Other components include automatic COLA if granted to general employees, increased SWAT stipend, out-of-class pay, and witness pay. Councilman Koppel expressed hesitancy about locking in pay 1.5-2 years out for six years. Passed 9-0.
• Council Bill 2025-151 (Olsen engineering services for CDBG-DR sidewalks): $950,880.50 not-to-exceed agreement for the 2025 CDBG-DR sidewalks project in Census Tract 10 (design, survey, utility coordination, right-of-way, construction phase services). The scope ($16M budget) was determined through a competitive RFQ process with Olson ranked best qualified. Design costs are about 30% of total budget because the design will cover more work than initial construction, with follow-on projects planned. Funded through the infrastructure improvement fund, reimbursed by the 2012 CDBG-DR allocation. Passed 9-0.
• Council Bills 2025-546 through 550 (various fee changes effective January 1, 2026):
  • 546 (Fire Department): Land clearing fee $50→$150 (permit period extended from 3 to 5 days); underground sprinkler inspection $100→$150; fireworks stand $225→$250.
  • 547 (Cemetery): Lot space $700→$750; grave opening/closing $700→$750; cremains $300→$350; cremains with setup $350→$400; columbarium single niche $1,000→$1,100; companion niche $1,400→$1,500.
  • 548 (Parks/Recreation): Golf green fees increased across weekday/weekend/senior/student categories; golf cart fees increased ($9 holes $9→$11 per person, $18 holes $16→$18, pull cart $5→$7); annual passes increased (adult $920→$1,000; adult with cart $1,560→$1,600; family with one unlimited cart $2,000→$2,200; senior $720→$800; senior with cart $1,360→$1,400; junior $90→$100); twilight pass fees removed; soccer tournament fees $80→$100 per match; pool passes increased (family $200→$225, youth $90→$100, senior $90→$100); admission fees increased at Schifferdecker ($7→$8 adult, $6→$7 child) and Cunningham ($6→$7 adult, $5→$6 child); museum admission $5→$6 adult, military/senior $4→$5.
  • 549 (Zoning): Rezoning, special use permit, short-term rental, board of zoning adjustment, vacation application, and site plan development review fees all from $600→$625; new encroachment permit fee at $625.
  • 550 (Sign permits): Detached sign permits $1.50→$2.00 per square foot; attached sign permits $2.50→$3.00 per square foot; billboard sign permits $2.50→$3.00 per square foot.
• Council Bill 2025-551 (Dispatch pay plan/operator three position): Police Chief (speaking at length) reported the dispatch center is authorized for 19 full-time dispatchers but currently has only 10 (~50% deficiency). Dispatchers routinely work five 12-hour shifts; one staff member (Cheryl Karnarsky) worked 21 consecutive 12-hour shifts. The center has lost 5 potential lateral hires in the last year due to pay structure. The proposal creates a new "operator three" training position to improve upward mobility, allow experienced trainers to advance, and enable competitive lateral hires. Finance Director Leslie Haas is credited with proposing the operator three model (similar to transit operator three). The ordinance also places employees on correct pay steps. The ordinance passed 9-0. Councilman Koppel raised concerns about pay equity relative to police FTOs and asked that the management team review a broader competitive pay adjustment for both dispatch and patrol. The city manager said the group would reconvene that week.

New Business

• Councilman Ditarr reported on a visit to Higher Power Automotive Repair, a nonprofit that accepts donated cars, repairs them, and gives them to low-income families. The organization also offers classes on budgeting, insurance, and interview preparation. At a recent ribbon cutting, nine cars were given away. Ditarr encouraged car donations.
• Councilman Koppel requested staff explore the feasibility of recording and archiving the council's informal meetings (which have become more formal in recent years).
• The Mayor asked staff to explore offering veterans discounts on city recreational activities (pavilion rentals, golf, league fees, etc.). Staff responded affirmatively.

Key Outcomes

• Memorial Hall: Council directed city staff to move forward with the Friends of Joplin Memorial Hall proposal and prepare an MOU, expected to be brought back on December 1. The timeline involves the MOU, state pre-filing of enabling legislation (December 1), council approval of a hotel tax ordinance, state legislature approval, and a public vote expected in late 2026 or early 2027. A community open forum is set for December 1. (9-0 vote)
• World Cup 2026: No formal vote; informational presentation. The city and state are actively marketing Joplin and Route 66 to international visitors, targeting countries assigned to Kansas City/Dallas markets after the December country announcement.
• Resolution 2025-013 (amended): Park facility named "Robinson Gray and Meeks Legacy Complex." (9-0)
• Resolution 2025-014: Encumbrances accepted, total $50,744,631 rolled to FY2026. (9-0)
• Council Bill 2025-356: Demolition of 2617 Pearl Avenue approved on emergency basis, lowest bidder Prime Contracting at $3,445. (9-0)
• Council Bill 2025-014: Criminal mischief ordinance approved on first reading. (9-0)
• Council Bill 2025-015: FOP labor agreement approved on first reading (2% COLAs 2025/2026 + 23% contingent on Prop B renewal). (9-0)
• Council Bill 2025-151: Engineering agreement with Olson for CDBG-DR sidewalks approved (up to $950,880.50). (9-0)
• Council Bills 2025-546 through 550: Fee changes approved on first reading, effective January 1, 2026. (9-0 each)
• Council Bill 2025-551: Dispatch operator three position and pay step corrections approved on first reading. (9-0)
• No ordinances were on second/third reading, and no unfinished business was considered.