Joplin City Council Meeting – March 2, 2026

The Joplin City Council convened on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6:03 PM. All nine council members were present. The meeting opened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Joplin Interfaith Coalition (which promoted its March 28 fundraiser), and a roll call.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was finalized with no issues raised.
• Approved unanimously (9-0) after no public comments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Amanda Beardon (Advocates for the Under Resourced): Requested a review of the camping ordinance, transparency for city-funded organizations (publishing agendas and minutes), and equal treatment of organizations serving the unsheltered. Noted that Vita Nova Village received favorable treatment while others were denied. Asked for a timeline, commitment to transparency, and clear public record process. Mayor Cortez acknowledged a scheduled meeting with her.
• Marla LePage: Questioned the process that placed data centers in M2 zoning without public discussion. Asserted that Joplin lacks specific data center regulations, unlike other Missouri cities. Requested a moratorium on data center applications, an electric utility feasibility study (postponed to September), and a third-party environmental impact study.
• Maurice Philson: Expressed an opinion about "invisible individuals of influence" and that the average citizen is without.
• Chris Hammer (New Business): Argued that data centers are job killers and provide insufficient benefits. Criticized the council for mischaracterizing public opposition as solely water concerns.

Discussion Items

• Council Bill 2026-259 – Rezoning (1721 S. Joplin Ave): Staff recommended rezoning from M2 Heavy Industrial to C2 Central Business to reflect current uses. Planning & Zoning Commission voted 5-2 in favor. No public testimony for or against. The council approved unanimously (9-0) on first reading.
• Council Bill 2026-604 – MODOT DWI Grant: Chief Pearson presented a $242,540 grant for a full-time DWI unit and enforcement. Approved unanimously (9-0) on emergency basis.
• Council Bills 2026-504 and 2026-505 – CID Cooperative Agreements (Prospect Village): These approved cooperative agreements for the Joplin Sports Facility CID and Woodsonia Marketplace CID, funding a 135,000 sq ft indoor sports complex, outdoor fields, park, retail, hotel, and multifamily housing. Funding through CID sales tax bonds. Both approved unanimously (9-0) on first reading.
• Council Bills 2026-506 and 2026-507 – Land Sales: Two parcels (East Furnace Street and North Street) sold to Nathaniel Dagley at minimum bid prices ($2,210 and $2,895). Approved unanimously (9-0) on first reading.
• Resolution 2026-005 – Recognition of Joyce Doty: Recognized Doty for 31 years of service as WIC coordinator at the Health Department. Adopted unanimously.
• Food Truck Violations (Councilman Coppel): Raised concerns about food trucks parking illegally on city streets/rights-of-way, competing with brick-and-mortar businesses. Staff confirmed that food trucks must operate on private property with an existing business or at special events. Police will cite and require immediate compliance.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approvals: Consent agenda, rezoning, DWI grant, CID cooperative agreements, land sales, and retirement resolution all passed 9-0.
• Directives: Staff to address food truck enforcement; Mayor Cortez to meet with Amanda Beardon for follow-up on homelessness policies.
• Next steps: The sports complex and marketplace CIDs will proceed with bond issuance; data center regulation and feasibility study remain pending.