Joplin City Council Regular Meeting - September 8, 2026

The Joplin City Council held a regular meeting on September 8, 2026, addressing international tourism reports, a new medical transportation reimbursement program, a special use permit for a villa community, creation of an ad hoc art commission, adoption of a hazard mitigation plan, several ordinances, and the annual CVB grant funding allocations for FY2027. Council also discussed an infill development initiative and other new business items.

Presentations

• CBB International Guest Report (Mr. Tuttle): Presented data on international visitors using Visa credit cards. In 2025, Joplin recorded 40,193 international visitors who spent $5,751,000. This was a decline from 2024 (down 330,366 visitors and $366,000 in spending), while the state of Missouri experienced a $10 million drop. The guest book for January 2026 showed 3,443 entries, including 665 international visitors. Canadian visits fell nearly 70% compared to the same period in 2024 (54 vs. 87). The Route 66 centennial (2025-2027) is expected to boost future numbers.
• Mo Health Net Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (Mr. Johnson): Staff presented a feasibility study for the City to participate in the Missouri Health Net MTM program, which would reimburse MAPS transit for eligible medical rides. Conservative estimates projected annual reimbursements of approximately $104,000, with a new supervisor position costing $83,000 (half reimbursable by FTA), resulting in a net positive impact of $21,000. The program would require a 2-month rollout after a signed contract. Council members expressed support, with Mr. Moran and Ms. Price emphasizing the program's benefits for healthcare access and cost recovery. The city manager directed staff to package the proposal for implementation.

Public Hearings

• Resolution 2026-015 (Special Use Permit for Row Houses): The applicant, O'Reilly Development, proposed a 29-unit villa community (23 one-bedroom, 6 two-bedroom) at Wildwood Ranch Parkway and John Duffy Drive. The project targets residents aged 55+ and includes a clubhouse, walking trail, and connection to the existing Wildwood Senior community. No public testimony was offered in opposition. The resolution was approved 9-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Council Bill 2026-616 (CVB Grants): Five individuals spoke:
  • Joshua Booth opposed taxpayer funding for JOMO Pride Fest, arguing that hotel tax dollars should not subsidize a controversial event and that supporters should fund it privately. He emphasized he was not asking to cancel the event.
  • Ron Birch (Founder/Chair of JOMO Pride) supported the grant, noting growth from 1,000 attendees and 10 tracked room nights in 2018 to over 3,300 attendees and ~80 room nights in 2026. He stated that 100% of grant funds are reinvested into the festival and that no funds are used for private venue performances.
  • John Garrison expressed support for the grant, praising the welcoming atmosphere of Pride Fest and urging council approval.
  • Dante Shackles argued that denying funding based on animus would violate the Equal Protection Clause and cited legal precedents. He thanked council for their support.
• New Business – Citizen Request (Christopher Swanton): Mr. Swanton spoke critically of the city's priorities, alleging idolatry and moral issues, and referenced the Spiva Park statues. He did not request specific council action.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 2026-016 (Ad Hoc Community Art Commission): Staff proposed a 5-member commission to advise on art in roundabouts and public spaces. Council amended the resolution to include 6 members, adding Shelby Allen, Margie Moss, and Ann Leach to the three proposed names. The amended resolution passed 9-0.
• Resolution 2026-017 (Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan): Adopted a FEMA-required plan updated every five years to maintain eligibility for disaster recovery grants. Approved 9-0.
• Ordinances (Expedited):
  • Council Bill 2026-354: Demolition of a dangerous building at 226 S. Walnut Ave. Lowest bid $7,000. Approved 9-0.
  • Council Bill 2026-619: Roof replacement and renovation of parks maintenance facility (tornado damage) for $468,814.51. City deductible of $100,000 from self-insurance fund. Approved 9-0.
• First Reading Ordinances:
  • Council Bill 2026-519: Simplified business license fees to enable online renewals, including a new $1,000 fee for data centers. Effective Jan 1, 2027. Approved on first reading 9-0.
  • Council Bill 2026-520: Added a $300 fee per utility cut to recover inspection and administration costs. Effective Jan 1, 2027. Approved on first reading 9-0.
• Council Bill 2026-616 (CVB Grant Allocations FY2027): The CVB Advisory Board recommended $163,300 in grants from a $180,000 budget to 16 events/organizations (e.g., MoCan Dragway $10,700, JOMO Pride Fest $12,700, Four State Trucks $25,000). Council debated the scoring process and tracking of hotel room nights. Mr. Moran abstained due to a conflict of interest. The bill passed on first reading 8-1.
• New Business – Residential Infill Development Initiative (Mr. Bard): Proposed 31 code changes to encourage infill construction, including allowing front-facing garages in certain areas. Council discussed prioritizing this alongside other staff projects. Direction given to add to the priority list.
• Other New Business (Mr. Koppel): Raised concerns about bike lane signage, food truck regulations (distance from brick-and-mortar restaurants), and consistent enforcement of sidewalk use rules. Staff will add to the priority list.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Resolution 2026-015 (Special Use Permit) – 9-0.
• Approved: Resolution 2026-016 (Art Commission, as amended) – 9-0.
• Approved: Resolution 2026-017 (Hazard Mitigation Plan) – 9-0.
• Approved: Council Bill 2026-354 (Demolition) – 9-0.
• Approved: Council Bill 2026-619 (Parks facility repairs) – 9-0.
• Passed on First Reading: Council Bills 2026-519, 2026-520, and 2026-616.
• Directed: Staff to proceed with Mo Health Net MTM program implementation.
• Directed: Add infill development initiative, bike lane signage, food truck regulations, and sidewalk enforcement consistency to the city's priority list for future action.
• Closed Session: Council voted 9-0 to enter closed session to discuss personnel matters.