Joplin City Council Meeting - April 20, 2026

The Joplin City Council met on April 20, 2026, for a regularly scheduled meeting that included recognition of outgoing Mayor Keenan Cortez, a detailed presentation on residential trash service contract options, public comments on multiple topics, and a contested ethics hearing regarding Councilman Ryan Jackson’s conduct. The council voted to find Jackson in violation of the city’s code of ethics and imposed a censure.

Recognition of Outgoing Mayor Keenan Cortez

• Councilman DeTar presented outgoing Mayor Keenan Cortez with the mayor's gavel, a flag flown over City Hall during his term, and a city seal. DeTar highlighted Cortez’s historic role as Joplin’s first person-of-color mayor and listed accomplishments during his 2024-2026 term, including: Momentum Bike Park, renovation of Ewert Park, Crossroads North industrial park expansion (330 acres), passage of a police and fire safety sales tax with 80% voter approval, take-home police cars, a co-responders unit, a flex platoon, relaunch of the trolley, demolition of the old Freeman building, CIDs for sports complex and Prospect Village, renovation of Memorial Hall, J-HAP 2 and 3 (100 new homes), and improved communications (monthly newsletter, State of the Community address, mayor’s monthly message).
• Cortez thanked staff, council, and the community, stating service as mayor was "one of the best things I've ever done with my time."

Presentation: Residential Trash Service Contract

• Julie Davis from Burns & McDonald presented an overview of the procurement process. Three companies submitted bids: Republic Services, EcoWaste, and GFL. Republic was shortlisted as the lowest-cost proposer. Council discussed recycling options (opt-in vs. universal), bulky-item collection (quarterly vs. on-call), and cost impacts.
• Key statistics: Current fee per household is $13.31 (all services), with new proposed fee of $16.88 for opt-in recycling or $24.37-$29 for universal recycling. Universal recycling would increase subscribers from ~1,700 to ~17,000 households. Trash alone would increase 8%; with separate yard waste, 18%.
• Council members expressed consensus for opt-in recycling and on-call bulky-item collection. Staff directed to negotiate final contract with Republic.

Consent Calendar

• Council Bill 2026-121 was removed from consent at request of Councilwoman Price and moved to second reading. Consent agenda as amended was approved 8-1.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Amanda Beardon (unsheltered community advocate): Requested revisions to ordinance 2025-001, arguing it criminalizes survival. Cited 67 citations issued but no reduction in homelessness. Also called for censure or removal of Councilman Jackson, alleging conduct violating city code (Section 2-50A) on courtesy, impartiality, and fairness.
• Jen Wonder (Assistant General Manager, Joplin Jailbirds): Announced the new collegiate summer baseball team (Mink League) playing at Wendell Redden Stadium. Season: June 2 – July 25. Ticket prices: $9 general admission, Tuesdays $3 tickets, $2 hot dogs and sodas.
• Kaylin Lorraine (President, EcoSavvy Insights): Raised concerns about the Prospect Village redevelopment on the former International Paper site. Stated that a Class 3 permit modification before MDNR seeks to end monitoring of 13 toxic chemicals, but developer’s own 2024 Phase II reports show dioxins in surface soil exceeding residential standards near planned youth athletic fields. Requested council oppose the modification, host a public hearing at City Hall, and make remediation plans public.
• Rich Thurman (Joplin resident): Called for a third-party review of feasibility studies for the proposed data center (Wildwood Ranch) to avoid conflicts of interest (studies funded by developer). Suggested funding through developer fees. Councilman Koppel supported exploring model ordinances from other communities.

Discussion Items

• Expedited Ordinance – 7th Street Lighting Relocation (CB 2026-118): Public Works Director Dan Johnson explained a $1,411,800 agreement with Liberty Utilities to relocate street lights and bury underground wiring from Kentucky to Schifferdecker Avenue on 7th Street. The project aims to improve aesthetics and resilience. Several council members expressed concerns about lack of prior discussion, cost, and why the east portion was not included. After debate, the ordinance passed on an expedited basis 7-2.
• Transit Van Purchase (CB 2026-113): Approval of $96,750 purchase for a 2026 high-roof transit van with ADA-compliant lift and Q’straint system. FTA will reimburse 85%. Passed on first reading with advance to second/third (9-0).
• Railroad Crossing Warning Devices (CB 2026-119): No-cost agreement with MoDOT and railroad to upgrade crossing at Enterprise Avenue with gates and flashers. Passed on first reading (9-0).
• Elevator Upgrades (CB 2026-123): $180,083.20 contract with Masters Elevator Company for modifications at the Donald E. Clark Justice Center and Fire Station No. 4. Budgeted item. Passed on first reading (9-0).
• 7th Street Sanitary Sewer Relocation (CB 2026-121): Amendment No. 3 to work authorization with Olsson for $136,783 for construction phase services due to unforeseen railroad permits and real estate acquisition. Passed on second/third reading 8-1.
• New Business Items from Councilman Coppel:
  • Request to begin ordering a replacement ladder truck (2017 model) for the fire department due to long lead times. Council agreed.
  • Request for mid-year increase of $25,000 to Chamber of Commerce contract to hire an economic development specialist, with potential future increases. Council directed staff to pursue.
  • Request to raise starting pay for dispatchers and patrol officers as a stopgap until Prop B pension funding reaches 120% in 6-12 months. Council directed staff to study logistics and bring back a plan.

Key Outcomes

• Ethics Hearing and Censure of Councilman Ryan Jackson:
  • Following public comments and a motion by Mayor O’Brien, the council voted unanimously (9-0) to proceed with a contested case based on a formal document filed by the city attorney detailing Facebook posts and a phone call with KSN reporter Dustin Latimere.
  • Councilman Jackson admitted to speaking in anger and apologized but maintained his First Amendment rights.
  • The council voted 7-1 (with one abstention) that Jackson violated the city’s code of ethics.
  • A motion for removal (expulsion) failed 4-5.
  • A motion for censure passed 8-1, imposing formal censure.
• Independent Investigation Motion: Councilwoman Price moved to direct the city attorney to investigate allegations involving three council members regarding reported intimidation and threats after the April 13 swearing-in, and to preserve all records. The motion passed 5-4.

Next Steps

• Staff to finalize and bring back the Republic Services trash contract for formal approval.
• City attorney to conduct investigation as directed.
• Staff to research pay adjustments for dispatch and patrol, and to begin ordering ladder truck.