Joplin City Council Regular Meeting – July 20, 2026

The Joplin City Council held a regular meeting on July 20, 2026, covering cybersecurity updates, economic development reports, ordinances, and citizen concerns. The meeting began with an invocation and pledge, followed by roll call (all members present).

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was finalized with no additions from council or the public, then approved unanimously (9-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Maurice Philson expressed concern about motorized scooters (Segway E9 bot pro) weaving in traffic and riding on sidewalks, creating safety hazards. He urged the city to address the issue before a motorist is wrongly cited for an accident. Council asked the city manager to provide an update on regulations for such vehicles.
• Christopher Wayne Swanton (homeless, formerly of 1024 Central Street) apologized for prior behavior and criticized the city's pride in lead mining history, Route 66 monument, and a planned 100-foot flag. He alleged mistreatment of homeless individuals, bogus arrests, and harsh sentencing, calling on the council to be "good shepherds" and investigate complaints of abuse by the judicial system.

Discussion Items

• Cybersecurity Update (Raven Eye): Mark (IT) and Tyler Lavett (Raven Eye VP) presented. Background: a cyber event in July 2021 led to selection of Raven Eye. A phishing campaign in April 2026 involved 579 employees: 225 opened the email, 16 clicked a malicious link, and 4 entered data. Training and modules were added. The SOC report showed medium severity vulnerabilities, risk reduction scores of 5-8 (no 10s), and level network traffic. Backups and endpoint management (561 devices) were healthy. Future initiatives include a tabletop exercise and in-person training.
• Chamber of Commerce Update (Betsy Mintz): The Momentum Bike Park grand launch on May 2 attracted nearly 2,000 visitors. The Vela Solutions UCI Pump Track World Championships qualifier (Aug 15-16) was described as having brought in 4,500 visitors with live music, food trucks, and fireworks. Other events: Hemings Great Race (4,900 visits from 28 states) and Hot Rod Power Tour (2,700 visits from 24 states). The Schroeder Family Explorium welcomed nearly 1,300 visitors in its first month and hosted a Steam Day with 400+ students. Mid-year business license summary: 67 new licenses Jan-June 2026 (avg 11/month), over 4,000 total, led by restaurants and retail. New businesses concentrated on Main, 32nd, Rangeline, and 7th streets. The Joseph Newman Innovation Center houses 11 businesses. The job network had 3,528 page views and 971 job postings. Chamber held 70 business retention visits and 8 facility tours. Leadership Joplin graduated 32 (total 1,171). Upcoming: Leadership Missouri visit (Aug 13-14), relocation guide, and 20th anniversary of innovation center.
• MoCan Partnership Update (Amy Kaufman): Reported on the five-year Future Forward initiative. Workforce: attended I-49 workforce series (literacy issues emerging), planning second Forward Together workforce summit. Youth program (WIB) helps homeless youth get GED and credentials. Attraction projects: Project Bess (battery/renewables, 2 jobs? and $144 million investment – transcript states "two jobs and 144 million"), Project Pathfinder (transportation, three locations, Joplin start in 2027), Project Isley (agricultural, 30 jobs, $40M), Project Quail (food manufacturing, 18 jobs, $10M). Hosted Federal Reserve Bank's "Seven Dates in Seven States" campaign, with economist forum and industry tours highlighting Joplin's strengths. Site development: Crossroads North master plan with MODOT for entrance; Prospect Village bond project; opportunity zone applications pending until Jan 2027.
• Ordinance 2026-137 – Lumos Fiber Right-of-Way Agreement: First reading. Lumos Fiber (T-Mobile joint venture) will install fiber-to-home network. Representatives Grace Simmerall and Frank Dora answered questions about construction communication, restoration, local hiring, and coverage (city limits and possibly county). Council expressed concern about construction fatigue but appreciated competition. Passed unanimously 9-0 on first reading and advanced to second/third.
• Ordinance 2026-614 – Employee Promotion Policy: Removed from table (9-0). The policy gives a 15% raise for non-exempt to exempt promotions, with a compression adjustment to ensure supervisors earn more than subordinates. Debate: Councilman Koppel argued uncapped raises could lead to 30-40% increases, citing examples from auto tech, fire, and police positions. Others (Bard, Jackson) supported the policy to aid retention and recruitment. Motion to pass on first reading was made and seconded; passed 8-1 (Koppel opposed) over his objection that he was not allowed to propose an amendment.
• New Business – Phil Stinnett Complaint: Stinnett described a constituent whose sewer line was damaged by Allo fiber installation in Feb 2026. Repair cost $4,850; payment from Allo took from Feb 11 to June 29, with partial payments and still $150 owed. He urged council to strengthen contractor agreements with timelines and direct responsibility. Council consensus directed city manager, attorney, and staff to review and propose contract language improvements.
• Electric Utility Feasibility Study: Councilman Bard requested cancellation of the previously tabled study. Council reached consensus to remove it from future budgets.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved 9-0.
• Council Bill 2026-137 (Lumos Fiber) passed on first reading and advanced to second/third reading (9-0).
• Council Bill 2026-614 (Employee Promotion Policy) passed on first reading and advanced (8-1).
• Council directed staff to review and strengthen utility contractor agreements regarding citizen damage claims.
• Consensus to cancel the electric utility feasibility study.
• Council voted 9-0 to enter closed session for legal and real estate matters.