Thursday, April 02, 2026

Agenda posted for Joplin City Council meeting

JOPLIN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
5th FLOOR COUNCIL CHAMBERS
602 S. MAIN ST. JOPLIN MO
6:00 P.M.

Call To Order

Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America

Roll Call

Presentations

Fair Housing Proclamation / Boys & Girls Club Poster Contest

Joplin Chamber Of Commerce Quarterly Update

Documents:

Finalization Of Consent Agenda

Reports And Communications

News From The Public Information Office

Citizen Requests And Petitions

Maurice Filson

Chris Hammer

Christopher Swanton

Public Hearings

Public Hearing Procedures

Documents:

PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURES.PDF

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-260

AN ORDINANCE providing to vacate right-of-way for property known as Old McIntosh Cir., lying near property described as 3201 McIntosh Cir., City of Joplin, Newton County, Missouri.

Documents:

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-261

AN ORDINANCE amending the Joplin Development Code, Ordinance No. 2022-119, passed by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, August 1, 2022, being Appendix 29-A of the Joplin Municipal Code.

Documents:

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-262

AN ORDINANCE approving the voluntary annexation by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, of property generally described as approximately 25 acres approximately 450 feet East of the Southeast corner of East 32^nd Street and South Kodiak Rd, Newton County, Missouri.

Documents:

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-263

AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2022-119, passed by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, August 1, 2022, by removing from District R-1 (Single-Family Residential) and include in District M-2 (Heavy Industrial) property as described below and generally known as approximately 25 acres approximately 450 feet East of the Southeast corner of East 32^nd St and South Kodiak Rd, Newton County, Missouri.

Documents:

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-264

AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2022-119, passed by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, August 1, 2022, by removing from District R-2 (Two-Family Residential) and include in R-2 HL (Two-Family Residential – Historic Landmark Overlay) property as described below and generally known as 612 West E Street, Jasper County, Missouri.

Documents:

Consent Agenda

Minutes Of The March 16, 2026, City Council Meeting

Documents:

MARCH 16, 2026 MINUTES.PDF

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-112

AN ORDINANCE approving the City of Joplin to enter into an agreement with KCI Construction Company in the amount of One Hundred Twenty-Two Thousand Two Hundred Ninety and 00/100 dollars ($122,290.00) for construction of the Newman Road Bridge Deck Repairs project and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin and setting a date when the Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

CB2026-112.PDF

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-115

AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City of Joplin to enter into a work authorization with Allgeier, Martin and Associates, Inc. for Professional Engineering Consulting Services in the not to exceed amount of Four Hundred Thirty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($430,000.00) for the Shoal Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Final Clarifier Addition and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

CB2026-115.PDF

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-116

AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City of Joplin to enter into a work authorization with Allgeier, Martin and Associates, Inc. for engineering consultation services in the not to exceed amount of Ninety-Eight Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($98,000.00) for the Wastewater Treatment Plants Electrical Upgrades and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

CB2026-116.PDF

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-117

AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City of Joplin to enter into a work authorization with Allgeier, Martin and Associates, Inc. for engineering consultation services in the not to exceed amount of Eighty-Eight Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($88,000.00) for the Wastewater Treatment Plants Lime Silo and Digester Roof Rehabilitation Project and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

CB2026-117.PDF

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-508

AN ORDINANCE approving an agreement for banking and depository services by and between Commerce Bank and the City of Joplin, Missouri, for Commerce Bank to provide banking and depository services to the City of Joplin; authorizing the City Manager to execute said agreements; and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

CB2026-508.PDF

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-606

AN ORDINANCE approving the purchase of annual insurance premiums from multiple insurance carriers to provide property, casualty and liability coverage for the City of Joplin; authorizing the City Manager to execute said agreement, and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

CB2026-606.PDF

Resolutions

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-006

A RESOLUTION authorizing the submittal of an application with the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office for the FY 2026 Historic Preservation Fund Grant for the Intensive Level Architectural Survey of North Heights Phase II, and future phases.

Documents:

10.

Ordinances - Emergency

11.

Ordinances - First Reading

COUNCIL BILL NO 2026-121

AN ORDINANCE approving Amendment #3 to Work Authorization OLS-OC24-001 with Olsson for professional engineering consultation services in the not to exceed amount of One Hundred Thirty-Six Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty-Three and 00/100 dollars ($136,783.00) for the 7^th Street Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

COUNCIL BILL NO 2026-122

AN ORDINANCE approving the City of Joplin to enter into a construction agreement with APAC Central, Inc. in the amount of One Million Thirteen Thousand Five Hundred Eighty-Seven and 02/100 Dollars, ($1,013,587.02) for the Mill and Overlay 2026 project; authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-265

AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City of Joplin to enter into an Agreement with Crafton, Tull & Associates, Inc. for Professional Planning Services relating to the creation of the Active Transportation and Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan updates for the Joplin Area Transportation Planning Organization (JATSO); authorizing the City Manager to execute said Agreement for the City of Joplin; and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-401

AN ORDINANCE approving an Agreement between the City of Joplin, Missouri, and Joplin Economic Housing Development Initiative that pertains to 2024 and 2025 HOME funds in the total amount not to exceed $310,000.00; authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute same on behalf of the City of Joplin;

Documents:

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-402

AN ORDINANCE approving an Agreement between the City of Joplin, Missouri, and Joplin Economic Housing Development Initiative that pertains to 2024 and 2025 HOME funds in the total amount not to exceed $175,000.00; authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute same on behalf of the City of Joplin;

Documents:

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-509

AN ORDINANCE amending the Annual Budget of the City of Joplin for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as adopted by Ordinance 2025-143 on October 20, 2025, to adjust appropriations; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-607

AN ORDINANCE approving a Purchase Order to be issued to Superion, LLC., to cover the annual support payment for the financial software and related systems as budgeted amount of $227,063.26, was budgeted and approved for FY2026 by Council during the budget process and finalized by Ordinance 2025-538 on October 20, 2025; and establishing a date when it shall become effective.

Documents:

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-608

AN ORDINANCE Authorizing the City of Joplin to issue a purchase order to Don Brown Chevrolet in the amount of One Hundred and Fourteen Thousand One Hundred Eighty-Eight Dollars and No Cents ($114,188.00) for the purchase of two (2) Chevy Tahoe Police vehicles; authorizing the City Manager to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin and setting an effective date.

Documents:

12.

Ordinances - Second Reading And Third Reading

13.

Unfinished Business

14.

New Business

Missouri Senate panel weighs plan that could swap income tax for broader sales tax

By Jason Hancock

Missouri Independent

As Missouri Republicans push a constitutional amendment to phase out the state income tax, the proposal’s House sponsor told a Senate committee Wednesday that sales taxes are a fairer, more transparent way to raise money — even as he insisted the measure itself would not directly raise them.

Pressed on language allowing lawmakers to expand sales taxes on goods and services to replace the income tax, GOP state Rep. Bishop Davidson of Republic said the amendment simply authorizes that debate.

“This doesn’t tax any services whatsoever,” he said.

If approved by voters, the amendment would gradually reduce the top income tax rate as state revenue grows, while giving lawmakers three years to broaden the sales tax base and eliminate exemptions to replace the money now raised by the income tax without another statewide vote.

It would lift a constitutional restriction that now limits lawmakers’ ability to apply sales taxes to services and other transactions not currently taxed — from haircuts and legal services to streaming subscriptions and home repairs. And it would allow a sales tax on motor fuel for the first time and exempt that revenue from the constitutional provision dedicating all taxes on gasoline and diesel to highway needs.

Missouri’s personal income tax is almost flat, with the top rate of 4.7% applying to taxable incomes greater than $9,436. The current state sales tax is 3% for general revenue, plus 1.225% earmarked for public schools, conservation, state parks and soil conservation. Local option sales taxes add to the 4.225% total, and there are more than 50 locations in the state where the total sales tax is 11% or higher.

Without expanding the transactions subject to sales tax, replacing the revenue now generated by the individual income tax would require raising the state sales tax to nearly 13%.

The income tax, Davidson told the committee, is “the worst of all” taxes, calling it unfair and an invasion of privacy. He contrasted it with sales taxes, which he described as transparent, easier for consumers to see and more likely to reach tourists and other nonresidents who spend money in Missouri.

“This is the most significant change we can make now to improve the lives of Missourians and their economy,” Davidson said of the proposed amendment.

The amendment, Davidson said, is meant to constitutionally lock in the revenue triggers for cutting the income tax and prevent a future legislature from reinstating it once the rate reaches zero.

State Sen. Patty Lewis, a Kansas City Democrat, underscored why opponents remain alarmed.

After asking Davidson to read the provision aloud, Lewis pointed to the sentence stating that state and local sales taxes “may be expanded by legislation to impose taxes on transactions involving any goods and services.” Davidson agreed that the language would allow lawmakers to tax services in the future, but stressed it wouldn’t require them to.

That tension has become the central fight over the proposal.

Supporters describe it as a gradual, growth-triggered phaseout of the income tax and a modernization of a tax code built around the sale of physical goods. Critics say it asks voters to approve a broad constitutional framework now and trust a future legislature to decide later which services, exemptions and transactions should be taxed.

The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a left-leaning think tank, estimated that Missourians earning roughly $49,000 to $78,000 would pay about $535 more a year on average under a shift from income taxes to higher sales taxes, while those earning about $24,000 to $49,000 would pay about $850 more. The top 1% of households, by contrast, would receive an average annual tax cut of nearly $40,000, according to the group.

Davidson cast Tennessee, Florida and Texas as proof that states without an income tax can outperform their competitors. He told the committee Florida is beating 48 states on measures like population and income growth, with Tennessee the only state outpacing it.

“When I look at Tennessee, I actually see a lot of assets in Missouri that Tennessee doesn’t have,” he said. “I see a lot of similarity between our states. The great differences truly are tax policy and regulatory policy, and I think this is the point of the spear.”

Critics say those states are poor comparisons for Missouri. Florida draws enormous sales-tax revenue from tourism, while Texas benefits from its outsized oil-and-gas economy. Tennessee has no tax on wage income but relies on one of the highest combined state and local sales tax rates in the country.

Lewis noted Wednesday that the tax cut debate is playing out while lawmakers are wrestling with a shrinking state budget. Last week, the Missouri House approved a budget that will close an almost $2 billion deficit by using almost all the state’s remaining surplus in the general revenue fund.

The state treasury’s surplus peaked at $8 billion at the end of fiscal 2023. As of Feb. 28, the remaining balance was $3.9 billion, but projections for declining revenue this year and sluggish growth after that put the surplus at around $265 million by June 30, 2027.

“We’re facing losses in general revenue and making cuts to the budget,” Lewis said. “I don’t think this is a fiscally responsible thing.”

Wednesday, April 01, 2026

Nancy Hughes: Don't ignore the weeds

“The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?” Matthew 13:27 (NIV)

I finally decided to spend two long, hot afternoons pulling huge weeds out of the landscaping in my backyard a few years ago. The job was completed, but not without some negative outcomes, including sunburned shoulders, a sore back, and about two million (more or less) chigger bites. To be honest, I had not really given much thought to my backyard plants and shrubs for a long time.

Now, the landscaping in the front yard was a totally different story. I spent hours almost every day making it look attractive. Mowing and trimming, and weed eating and watering and mulching and planting new flowers and shrubs and, yes, pulling weeds were always on the agenda.

Why the difference in the attention that I gave each yard? It’s simple. The front yard – the one that I spent so much time on to make it attractive – is the yard closest to the street. It’s the yard everyone sees when they drive by. No one sees the backyard but me.

But you know what? The very same weeds that tried to creep up in my front yard were also sneaking into my landscaping in the backyard. I knew that. It’s just that since no one saw them, I didn’t think they were that important.

Isn’t that how it is with sin? The “big” sins – the ones people can see – are the ones we declare we would never allow in our lives. For example, we would never murder someone. And yet, we read in I John that when we allow the hate weed to grow in our hearts, we have murdered. (I John 3:15)

And what about adultery? We state loudly that we would never commit that sin, but if we allow lust to shove its roots into our hearts, that’s exactly what we have done. (Matthew 5:28). No one sees those weeds in the “backyard,” but they are there.

So how do I keep them out of my heart? The answer is clear: I have to be digging into God’s Word. Not every so often, on an afternoon. But every day. Why? Because when I am NOT in the Word, I allow weeds to sprout up in my heart. And since I am unable to identify them for what they are, I may either fail to spot them or simply ignore them until they have multiplied and spread from the backyard to the front yard of my life.

Not only that, but the good seed that has been sown? The compassion and mercy and grace and forgiveness and love that the Lord has given me? It is “choked out” and wilts and dies when the weeds are allowed to grow.

Take a deep look into your heart. What are you growing? You may be like me: It’s time to dig in the Word and do some weeding in my life.

Father, show me in your Word what weeds I need to pull out of my heart to be more like you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

Can you identify sins in your heart that you have allowed to grow?

What is your reason for allowing them to grow?

Apply

Memorize Matthew 13:27 and write it in your journal daily.

At the end of each day, make a list of the “weeds” that you allowed in your heart and replace them with God’s words of truth.

Power

Matthew 13:27 (NIV) “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?”

Psalm 119:11 (NIV) “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Proverbs 28:13 (NIV) “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

Joplin man ordered held without bond on meth trafficking charge

A U. S. District Court judge ordered Mark Alan Thomas, 40, Joplin, held without bond while awaiting trial on a charge of possession with methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

A grand jury indictment was unsealed March 24 and was based on an October 10 Joplin Police Department arrest.

Previous story- Joplin man indicted for meth trafficking

City of Joplin closes JHAP-3 applications due to heavy response

(From the City of Joplin)

City announces closure of JHAP-3 applications due to unprecedented response

The City of Joplin has received an unprecedented number of applications for the Joplin Housing Assistance Program Phase 3 (JHAP-3). Due to this overwhelming response, the City is no longer accepting applications at this time. The applications received to-date are expected to deplete the funds that were allocated to the program.

Applicants who have not yet received an eligibility email should be aware that the City will no longer continue processing applications. All applicants who have submitted an application but have not received approval will be placed on a waitlist in the event that additional funding becomes available in the future.Applicants who received a Household Eligibility notice will continue to be eligible until the funding runs out.

Funds are not secured for your application until the property intended for purchase is approved.
Already eligible applicants will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We are grateful for the strong community response to JHAP-3 and understand the importance of these resources for Joplin residents,” said Loni Smith, Project Coordinator. “While we regret that we are unable to accept additional applications at this time, we remain committed to completing assistance for approved households in a timely manner.”

Residents will be notified directly if their application status changes or additional funding becomes available. Updates will also be shared through the City of Joplin’s official communication channels.

For questions or additional information, residents may contact Loni Smith at lsmith1@joplinmo.org.

Former Granby police chief pleads guilty to DWI

Former Granby Police Chief Rico Enberg pleaded guilty Monday in McDonald County Circuit Court to driving while intoxicated.

Judge John LePage sentenced Engberg to six months in jail, then suspended the sentence and placed him on unsupervised probation for two years.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Engberg January 8, 2025

Greg Dagnan named chief of police at Missouri Southern State University

(From Missouri Southern State University)

Dr. Greg Dagnan has been appointed Chief of Police at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU), effective May 1, 2026.

Dagnan brings more than three decades of law enforcement experience to the role, having begun his career in 1990 with the Joplin Police Department. During his tenure there, he served in patrol, traffic, and investigative assignments, gaining broad operational and investigative expertise.

He later served as an investigator with the Jasper County Prosecutor’s Office and as Director of the Children’s Center, where he focused on child abuse investigations and advocacy.

In 2008, Dagnan was appointed Chief of Police for the Carthage Police Department, a position he held until 2021. During his tenure, he also served as Chairman of the JASCO 911 Center Board of Directors and remained active in regional and statewide criminal justice leadership roles.

Dagnan holds a PhD in Criminal Justice Leadership from Liberty University, a Master of Arts in Human Resources Management from Webster University, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Missouri Southern State University. He has also taught criminal justice courses at MSSU for many years.

Now returning to MSSU, Dagnan will lead the University Police Department, bringing extensive leadership experience, investigative knowledge, and a longstanding commitment to community service to the campus.

Thursday, April 02, 2026

Agenda posted for Joplin City Council meeting

Call To Order

Roll Call

Presentations

Fair Housing Proclamation / Boys & Girls Club Poster Contest

Joplin Chamber Of Commerce Quarterly Update

Finalization Of Consent Agenda

Reports And Communications

News From The Public Information Office

Citizen Requests And Petitions

Maurice Filson

Chris Hammer

Christopher Swanton

Public Hearings

Public Hearing Procedures

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-260

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-261

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-262

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-263

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-264

Consent Agenda

Minutes Of The March 16, 2026, City Council Meeting

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-112

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-115

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-116

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-117

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-508

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-606

Resolutions

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-006

Ordinances - Emergency

Ordinances - First Reading

COUNCIL BILL NO 2026-121

COUNCIL BILL NO 2026-122

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-265

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-401

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-402

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-509

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-607

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-608

Ordinances - Second Reading And Third Reading

Unfinished Business

New Business

Missouri Senate panel weighs plan that could swap income tax for broader sales tax

Wednesday, April 01, 2026

Nancy Hughes: Don't ignore the weeds

Joplin man ordered held without bond on meth trafficking charge

City of Joplin closes JHAP-3 applications due to heavy response

Former Granby police chief pleads guilty to DWI

Greg Dagnan named chief of police at Missouri Southern State University

TURNER REPORT PRIVACY POLICY