Joplin City Council Informal Meeting: March 2, 2026 - Board Appointments and Fire Department Update

The Joplin City Council held an informal meeting on March 2, 2026, to fill seven vacancies on various boards and commissions and to receive an update from Fire Chief Azell on the Joplin Fire Department's 2025 operations and future initiatives.

Board and Commission Appointments

The council made appointments to fill vacancies on the Airport Board, Capital Improvements Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee, Joplin Historical and Mineral Museum, Library Board, and Traffic Commission. All appointments are subject to ratification at the formal session.

• Airport Board: Michelle Servanton was appointed unanimously (9-0).
• Capital Improvements Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee (first seat): John Buck was appointed (7-2).
• Capital Improvements Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee (second seat): Bobby Sapp was appointed unanimously (9-0).
• Joplin Historical and Mineral Museum: Diane Reed Adams was appointed over Chris Powell (6-3).
• Library Board: Micah Gunderman was appointed unanimously (9-0).
• Traffic Commission (first seat): Justin Maskis was appointed unanimously (9-0).
• Traffic Commission (second seat): Cindy McDonnell was appointed unanimously (9-0).

Fire Department Update

Chief Azell presented a comprehensive update on the Joplin Fire Department’s performance, challenges, and initiatives.

2025 Operations: The department responded to 9,980 calls (approximately 68% medical), including 61 structure fires. Average response time was 4 minutes 27 seconds. The department achieved a 94% on-time arrival for first engine (goal 90%) and 88% for first alarm assignments (goal 90%). Mutual aid was provided to neighboring departments (43 times to Reading’s Mill, 41 to Webb City, 24 to Duenweg, 18 to Carl Junction).

Concerns: Call volume is growing 4-7% annually. In 2025, the department logged 30,576 hours of overtime (equivalent to 3.5 shifts per day), and 244 times members were forced to stay beyond their shift. The department is currently eight positions down, with six recruits in the academy. Staffing shortages have forced suspension of business inspections and reduced public relations events. Chief Azell highlighted the need for a future Station 8 in the center of town, noting that eight structure fires occurred in District 8, where response times from surrounding stations are close.

Key Initiatives:

• Six firefighters are undergoing in-house EMT Advanced training, expected to be completed by summer.
• Renovation of Fire Station 5 is ongoing, with firefighters performing demo work.
• Two new engines ordered in 2024 are in pre-construction; delivery expected before end of 2026.
• A citizens committee is studying alternative shift schedules to improve work-life balance, with a goal of presenting a proposal in six months.
• Discussions with Freeman Health Systems about a community paramedicine program have begun, aiming to reduce repeat calls to frequent addresses.
• The department maintained its ISO rating of 2, placing it in the top 2% of fire departments nationally. Chief Azell credited the dispatch center, Missouri American Water, and ongoing training for this achievement.

Chief’s Closing Remarks: Chief Azell expressed gratitude for council support and highlighted the dedication of firefighters, especially those covering overtime and training.

Key Outcomes

• All board and commission appointments were approved by vote and will be ratified at the formal session.
• The council received the fire department update with appreciation. Council members praised the department’s professionalism and leadership. No formal action was taken on the report.
• Next steps include continued work on the scheduling committee, engine delivery, station renovation, and community paramedicine discussions.