Devin Blankenship

The meeting commenced with presentations, including a Financial Update by the Finance Director. The Consent Agenda, which included the minutes of the February 2, 2026, meeting, was approved. Several Ordinances were passed, including one authorizing a real estate purchase agreement for the Grand Falls Visitor Parking area. Other legislative actions included approving agreements for the Rehabilitation of the Turkey Creek WWTP Ultraviolet Disinfection System and the 7th Street Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project, as well as awarding a construction agreement for the On Call Infrastructure and Utility Cuts 2026 project. Additionally, the Council established grades and accepted Final Plats for two additions, the Cottages at Emerald Glades 1st and 2nd Additions. Zoning changes were addressed concerning property rezoning from R-1 to M-2 PD and from R-1 to M-2. A purchase order for a Full Body Scanning System was also authorized. On an emergency basis, the Council passed an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Budget. Council Bill No. 2026-503, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Budget, was advanced on the first reading. Ordinances concerning the voluntary annexation of approximately 540 acres and a zoning amendment for approximately 600.4 acres were passed on second and third readings after considering public testimony and exhibits.

This document provides an operational review of the Joplin Fire Department for 2025 and outlines key initiatives and planned activities for 2026. It details 2025 statistics including calls for service, structure fires, and average response times, while highlighting growing concerns such as increasing response rates and significant overtime hours. For 2026, the department is planning EMT-A training, fire station renovations, new equipment procurement, engine construction, the formation of a citizen committee to review the fire schedule, and exploring a Community Paramedicine Program.

The agenda item concerned Case 005-26, a request by Specialty Foods, Inc. to rezone property at the NW corner of Industrial Park Rd and E Kennedy Ln from District R-1 (Single-Family Residential) to District M-2 PD (Heavy Industrial, Planned Development Overlay). The proposed use is a semi-truck parking lot. Staff analysis noted that the Comprehensive Plan designates the area as Industrial and that the rezoning maintains consistency with the surrounding industrial park character, despite some R-1 and C-3 zoning currently existing. Concerns raised during public comment included potential impacts from stormwater runoff, increased heavy truck traffic on Kennedy Street, and security lighting affecting nearby residences. Proponents argued the location is unsuitable for commercial use and fits the industrial designation, with assurances that truck traffic would be routed away from residential streets. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval (7-0), and staff recommended approval of Council Bill 2026-258.

The meeting involved several agenda items concerning property maintenance and demolition hearings. Multiple property cases (Items 3090, 3104, 3112, 3117, 3120, 3121, 3128, 3130, 3131, 3133, 3141) received extensions, often until the next scheduled meeting in February 2026, for progress reports and demolition hearings, addressing issues like required permits, ongoing construction, and securing premises. Three properties (Items 3110, 3135, 3138, 3140) were subject to a demolition hearing under Dangerous Buildings proceedings, with Items 3110 (719 S. Roosevelt Ave.) and 3135 (808 S. Murphy Ave.) ultimately being ordered for demolition by the board. New Business included extension requests for Items 3142, 3143, and 3144, with Item 3144 being motioned for the next board meeting.

The regular meeting included several presentations covering the Financial Update, Popular Annual Financial Report, AoPP Transit Study Final Presentation, Recycling Education and Outreach Program Marketing, and a CVB Review of the Memorial Hall Proposal. Citizen requests and petitions were heard, followed by a public hearing regarding Council Bill No. 2026-258, which proposed rezoning property near the intersection of Industrial Park Rd and E Kennedy Ln. The Council approved this bill on its final reading. The consent agenda included approvals for previous meeting minutes and several ordinances covering trolley shelter projects, MoDOT Grant Agreement for Air Service Promotion, an Aviation Project Consultant Agreement for PFC Application, a Real Estate Contract for property sale, budget adjustments, a Ground Lease Agreement for a Street Painting Festival, and the purchase of three tornado sirens. Resolutions were approved establishing a Police and Fire Sales Tax Citizens Committee, honoring Dr. Mark Matlock by naming a trailhead, and providing a 'Free Ride Day' on the Transit system. First readings were held for ordinances regarding a real estate purchase agreement for Grand Falls Visitor Parking, rehabilitation of the Turkey Creek WWTP Ultraviolet Disinfection System, a Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project, an On Call Infrastructure and Utility Cuts project, and the establishment of grades/acceptance of Final Plats for two additions. Council Bill No. 2025-017 concerning the renovation of Memorial Hall was brought off the table, amended regarding hoteliers' majority vote threshold, and passed on its final reading. In New Business, a request was made for the City Attorney to review changes to rules addressing council conduct.