Joplin City Council Special Meeting - September 22, 2026: Air Service Change and Budget Work Session

The Joplin City Council held a special meeting on September 22, 2026, to discuss a proposed change in air service from Chicago to Houston, honor retiring IT Director Mark Morris, approve an expedited ordinance for sewer easement condemnation, and conduct a budget work session for fiscal year 2027. The meeting began at 6:00 PM in the fifth floor council chamber.

Consent Calendar

• The council finalized and approved the consent agenda unanimously (8-0).

Presentations

• Discussion of Change of Air Service (Jeremy, Airport Manager): Jeremy presented two options: (1) Accept a new Chicago schedule with a 5:00 AM departure from Joplin and a 7:40 AM return from Chicago starting December 1, 2026, which reduces connecting flight opportunities; (2) Request a switch to Houston with a 7:40 AM departure from Joplin and a noon return from Houston, improving connectivity. The current Essential Air Service (EAS) contract expires at year-end and will be rebid. SkyWest, the carrier, prefers Houston to maintain ridership. Council members expressed consensus for Houston, with Mr. Moran and Mr. Bard voicing support. The city manager will draft a letter requesting the change.

Resolutions

• Resolution 2026-018 – Recognition of Mark Morris: Mark Morris retired after 25 years as Director of Information Technology. The resolution recognized his service, especially during the city’s cyber attack. Mr. Morris spoke briefly, thanking God, his family, and his team. The resolution was approved 8-0.

Ordinances

• Council Bill 2026-146 (Expedited) – Easement Condemnation for 10 Cup Parallel Force Main Sewer Project: The ordinance authorizes condemnation proceedings for permanent and temporary easements from Richard and Danita Bruder after unsuccessful good-faith negotiations. The project will install a second 30-inch force main to increase pumping capacity. The bill was approved on an expedited basis, 7-1 (Mr. Cortez opposed), with one absent (Mr. Ditar excused).

Budget Work Session

• City Manager Nick Edwards opened with a call to prioritize existing promises and projects, highlighting that many voter-approved projects are 10-15 years old. He urged council to be intentional about new requests.
• Finance Director Leslie presented an overview of the FY2027 budget as a balanced operating budget with focus on sustaining current services. Key points: general fund budget of ~$278 FTEs, public safety is the largest expenditure; unrestricted fund balance remains healthy; a regional dispatch study is proposed ($100,000) to explore interoperability and efficiency.
• Departmental Presentations: Each department outlined 2026 accomplishments and 2027 key initiatives. Notable items:
  • Police Department: Authorized 115 sworn officers, currently 21 short but with six in pipeline; aims for zero vacancies by year-end. Key initiatives: expand CRU program, enhance peer support, increase traffic enforcement with revived motorcycle unit.
  • Fire Department: Record 9,980 calls in 2025; five vacancies with five new hires starting Oct 5. Initiatives: community paramedicine program, new staffing schedule to reduce overtime (30,000 hours in 2025), station upgrades.
  • Parks and Recreation: At Cunningham Pool, the aging big blue water slide will be removed due to safety and cost concerns. Council requested exploring replacement options, including private partnerships. Other initiatives: paint Schifferdecker pool, overlay softball complex parking lot.
  • Information Technology: Lane Starchman named Assistant IT Director; focus on cybersecurity (RavenAI contract), GIS expansion, and transitioning after Mark Morris’ retirement.
  • City Manager’s Office: Initiate a new citizen-based five-year strategic planning process, continue annexation efforts, and implement Proposition Action plans.
• Council Discussion: Mr. Moran praised the budget document and emphasized focusing on voter-approved projects. Mr. Jackson expressed concern about maintaining existing amenities like the pool slide.

Key Outcomes

• Consensus to request change of air service from Chicago to Houston; city manager will draft letter.
• Resolution 2026-018 approved (8-0).
• Council Bill 2026-146 approved on expedited basis (7-1, 1 absent).
• Council directed city manager to explore options for replacing the Cunningham Pool slide.
• Budget work session to continue the following evening (Sept. 23) with issues and options discussion.