Joplin City Council Regular Session - October 19, 2026

The Joplin City Council met on October 19, 2026, receiving quarterly economic development updates, a master plan proposal for the MSSU/North Park Mall area, and hearing extensive public testimony on a potential 287(g) immigration enforcement agreement. The council adopted the FY 2026-2027 budget but failed to advance an across-the-board 12% pay plan on an expedited basis, requiring further debate.

Consent Calendar

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

Public Comments & Testimony

• God's Resort Representatives: Corey Fisk and Christopher Sweighert thanked the council for new pedestrian crosswalks on 15th Street, citing improved safety for children served by the organization.
• Opposition to 287(g) Agreement (10+ speakers): A large group of residents and non-residents spoke against the council exploring a 287(g) agreement with ICE.
  • Tanisha Parrish and Teresa von der Burke detailed the case of Rodrigo Gonzalez in Noel, MO, a high school student with a work permit who was detained by a marshal at a traffic stop under a mistaken ICE warrant. Ms. Parrish noted ICE has lost 90% of court cases while illegally detaining immigrants and reported 52 deaths in ICE custody over 500 days.
  • Lena Ingie cited reporting of 500 U.S. citizens detained by ICE in 2025 and stated if council endorses such an agreement, "we will be calling for your removal or resignation."
  • Rob Jones (Joplin Area DSA) argued the program reduces community safety and urged focus on enforcing labor laws against wage theft instead.
  • Yevet Shackles drew parallels between the rhetoric of the current proclamation on foreign nationals and historical authoritarian language.
  • Cassidy Treadwell spoke personally about her DACA husband spending two months in an ICE detention center and her fear for her children's safety.
  • Skylar Carr provided council members with a detailed packet analyzing the moral philosophy and legal implications of 287(g).
  • Chris Hammer questioned the necessity of federal collaboration, arguing local police are competent.
• Council Responses: Councilman Brian Cows clarified he only asked the public if the program was "worth looking into," stating his priority is to "enforce the laws, protect the citizens of Joplin, and find additional resources for law enforcement." Councilwoman Price and Councilman Jackson questioned the residency of some speakers and their standing to petition the Joplin council.
• Homelessness Concerns: Christopher Swanton argued police "discretion" is used to discriminate against homeless individuals, citing his own arrest for trespassing as a victimless, nonviolent crime.

Discussion Items

• Joplin Chamber & MoCAN Updates: Brendan Dungan (Chamber) reported Momentum Bike Park saw 90,600 visits from 30,800 visitors (30 states). MoCAN's Amy reported a robust development pipeline with 10 prospects representing 675 potential jobs and $602 million in capital investment. She also highlighted the Forward Together Workforce Summit.
• MSSU/North Park Mall Master Plan (Place Foundry): Consultants David and Mark presented their Phase 1 findings. Key findings included $59 million in unmet annual retail demand (groceries, dining, apparel), positive foot traffic data (3M visits to North Park Mall), and a need for better connectivity between MSSU and the mall. Three development scenarios were outlined: Connected Commerce, Campus Village, and Event-Based. Councilman Coppel suggested exploring a food/pickleball venue. Councilman Jackson inquired about CBL's financial stability.
• FY 2026-2027 Budget & Pay Implementation: The council debated the budget (CB 526/527) and the corresponding pay plans (CB 528/529).
  • Finance Director Leslie Haas detailed the complex implementation of the Proposition Police and Fire sales tax, involving moving 37 public safety positions from the general fund.
  • Pay Plan Debate (CB 528): An impassioned debate erupted over the proposed 12% across-the-board raise.
    • Councilman Jackson argued the percentage disproportionately benefits top earners ($20k vs $4k for the lowest), criticizes worsening compression, and leaves no funds to fix equity gaps found in an upcoming compensation study. "This is a failed plan for the people who do a lot for us."
    • Councilman Cortez countered that a 12% raise for a $31k employee is "real money" and frames the raise as a necessary correction after decades of underpayment, noting the plan fixes compression by moving employees to their step. "We have got to do something positive for our city employees... This is the right thing to do."
    • HR Director Michelle noted 34 open positions and stated pay is a critical factor in retention, alongside workload and childcare.
    • Councilman Cows expressed concern the specific 12% figure for general employees was not explicitly discussed previously.
  • Outcome: The General Pay Plan (CB 528) failed to reach the 8-0 threshold for expedited passage (passed 5-3). It will return for further readings. The Fire Pay Plan (CB 529) passed 7-0-1.
• I-44 Bridge/Trail Project: The council approved a $3.9M bridge and trail project to resolve flooding at 36th and Brownell.
• Willow Branch Culvert Award: The council awarded the contract to Signature Dirtworks over low bidder D&E Plumbing, citing D&E's performance history.
• Boards & Commissions: Appointed Justin Bowman (ADA), Stanley Walker (Zoning), Jared Pace (Tree Board), Mike Grinniger & Christy Barley (CVB), Carl Kindler (P&Z), Mike Seibert & Jim West (TIF).
• New Business: Councilwoman Price directed staff to explore adding augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) boards to parks. Parks Director Bloomberg confirmed existing interest and will pursue expansion.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: Budget and most ordinances passed. Pay plan (CB 528) requires further reading due to 5-3 vote.
• Next Steps: General pay plan returns for second and third readings. MSSU/North Park master plan community open house in February 2027. Staff to explore housing incentives and park AAC boards.