Joplin City Council Regular Meeting – December 1, 2025

The Joplin City Council met on Monday, December 1, 2025, for a regular meeting that included presentations on the health department operational assessment and the regional homelessness commission, multiple public hearings, and passage of several ordinances. Key topics included a proposed renovation of Memorial Hall, challenges to permanent housing funding due to HUD policy changes, and a proposed vote to table a rezoning request.

Presentations

• Health Operational Assessment Report: Tracy Kulik of KULIC Strategic Advisors presented the final draft report on the Joplin Health Department. Key findings: Only 12% of residents were unaware of health department services (national average is 12% unaware – meaning Joplin’s awareness is high); 75% of survey respondents lived in the city. The department was described as “punching above its weight” compared to peer health departments. Recommendations included exploring all potential funding sources (grants, fees, collaborations), continuing fee adjustments in compliance with the Hancock Amendment, and not pursuing full Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) certification at this time (the department already meets many standards). Councilmember Koppel suggested posting environmental health results (e.g., restaurant grades) for public transparency. Councilmember Carlin asked about the lack of state/county funding for Joplin compared to other jurisdictions and expressed interest in a wellness coordinator position. Councilmember Ditar supported wellness education partnerships. The council also discussed contracting a grant writer to better capture federal/state funds.
• Regional Homelessness Commission Update: Duane Dryling and Dr. Saketa (commission chair and co-chair) reported on the search for a new director of homelessness response. The position was reposted in mid-October; a second-round candidate from Joplin has been re-interviewed, and three more interviews were scheduled. The commission is also working on a governance charter and next steps identified by the prior director, including improving the Coordinated Entry System and HMIS data, increasing stakeholder participation, and exploring intern staffing. Tammy Walker (Economic Security Corporation) noted that the Missouri Housing Development Commission and city funding support salaries, but finding salary funding via grants is difficult. Mayor Cortez asked about the impact of HUD’s change to permanent housing funding – capping renewals at 30% of the annual renewal demand ($794,782 to $238,435) – which could affect 166 individuals locally. Walker stated that the cut is “horrifying” and that many programs may lose funding, potentially pushing people back into homelessness. A lawsuit against HUD has been filed by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

Public Comments and Testimony

• Shauna Fisher (new business): Fisher stated she was arrested for protesting, alleged she was assaulted by a jailer and threatened with a restraint chair, and offered to show video evidence to council members. No questions were asked.
• Public Hearings:
  • Council Bill 2025-287 (rezoning): Matt Brogan, a representative of the property owner, spoke in favor of downzoning a tract to R1 to build a single-family home, stating the lot is difficult to develop commercially.
  • Council Bill 2025-285 (annexation): No public speakers.
  • Council Bill 2025-288 (drainage easement vacation): Alex Kendall spoke in favor, noting he moved the stormwater drain to build a house for sale.
  • Council Bill 2025-289 (rezoning to C3): Christy Moorehouse, president of a credit union, spoke in favor of constructing a bank on the site.
  • Resolution 2025-015 (daycare special use permit): Ashley Khadivi, the applicant, spoke in favor, stating she plans to care for up to 10 children and that affordable childcare is needed.
  • Council Bill 2025-291 (tax abatement): Chris Erisman (Al Gira Martin) spoke in favor, describing the company’s history, 138 local employees, and plans for a 13,000 sq ft addition and 12 new jobs.

Discussion Items

• Memorial Hall MOU (Council Bill 2025-017): The council discussed a proposed memorandum of understanding with Friends of Joplin Memorial Hall for a public-private renovation. City staff noted key terms: a city contribution from lodging tax, private fundraising of $2 million, and many future steps (state legislation, local vote). Councilmember Jackson asked about contingency plans if costs exceed the 20% contingency and about the lack of a timeline for the $2 million private fundraising. Councilmember Bard requested a clawback contingency if the project fails. City Attorney Peter Edwards said reversionary language would be included. Councilmember Koppel noted no time frame existed for the fundraising and requested one be added before final reading. A major debate arose over a requested change to the CVB Advisory Board’s makeup – the Southwest Missouri Lodging Association wants it restored to its 1988 composition, with the lodging association’s representative stating it is a “deal breaker” and necessary for state legislative support. Councilmember Jackson expressed concern that the CVB board had not been formally consulted. The council voted to pass the MOU on first reading (advanced to second/third) with a plan to amend the timeline between readings.
• Optimum Right-of-Way Agreement (Council Bill 2025-155): Councilmember Shaw complained about street damage from previous fiber installations (Allo) and asked if more damage would occur. Staff clarified most Allo work is behind the curb, not in the street, and that the city must allow right-of-way use under state statute. The agreement passed.
• New Business – Employee/Veteran Discounts: Councilmember Jackson proposed extending discounted golf course and pool access to city employees, in addition to veterans (previously proposed by the mayor). Councilmember Koppel noted similar requests have been made for over 20 years. The matter will be referred to staff.

Key Outcomes

• Council Bill 2025-287 (rezoning): Motion to table passed (vote: 5 in favor, 4 opposed).
• Council Bill 2025-285 (annexation): Passed on first reading (9-0).
• Council Bill 2025-288 (drainage easement): Passed on first reading (9-0).
• Council Bill 2025-289 (rezoning to C3): Passed on first reading (8-0, one abstention).
• Resolution 2025-015 (daycare special use permit): Passed (9-0).
• Council Bill 2025-291 (tax abatement for Al Gira Martin): Passed on emergency basis (9-0).
• Council Bill 2025-552 (budget amendment for elevator repairs): Passed on emergency (9-0).
• Council Bill 2025-553 (stop loss insurance contract): Passed on emergency (9-0).
• Council Bill 2025-017 (Memorial Hall MOU): Passed on first reading, advanced to second and third readings (9-0). Staff instructed to bring back an amendment with a fundraising timeline.
• Council Bill 2025-152 (East Town sidewalks): Passed on first reading (9-0).
• Council Bill 2025-154 (truck chassis): Passed on first reading (9-0).
• Council Bill 2025-155 (Optimum right-of-way): Passed on first reading (9-0).
• Council Bill 2025-623 (police vehicles): Passed on first reading (9-0).
• Consent Agenda: Approved as finalized (9-0).