Joplin City Council Meeting – March 2, 2026
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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.
Meeting Transcript
May the second, twenty twenty-six, Mrs. Nosh. March May. March, May, same thing. Starts with an M. 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 This evening, we would like to invite the Joplin Interfaith Coalition to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Joplin Interfaith Coalition was founded in 2012 to promote understanding and fellowship among different religious communities in Joplin. They engage in community service projects, educational programs, multicultural dinners, discussions, and fundraisers. Coming up, speaking of fundraisers, Saturday, March 28th is their largest fundraising effort of the year, and a not to be missed event, I guarantee you. This isn't just a bake sale, it is a culinary journey around the world. Saturday, March 28th, 10 to 3 p.m. This year proceeds will be donated to support the Solus House. Everyone is invited to enjoy local homemade sweet and savory treats. And there is also a soup and sandwich luncheon for purchase. Thank you. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Mrs. Carlin. Thank you, Interfaith Coalition. I highly encourage you, if you're in the sound of my voice, to make plans for March the 28th over at the Islamic Society of Joplin to uh go over there and buy some of those sweet treats that they have from around the world. Roll call. Mr. Bard, present. Ms. Carlin. Present, Mr. Coppel. Present. Mr. Ditarr. Present. Dr. Farnum. Present. Mr. Jackson. Present. Mr. Lawson. Present. Mr. Shaw. Present. Mayor Cortez. Present.
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