Joplin City Council appoints new member

The Joplin City Council is back to nine members after appointing Keenan Cortez to the council Monday night. The vacancy came after longtime member Jim West resigned last month due to personal reasons.

Councilman Stanley nominated former mayor Michael Seibert, saying it was great seeing the amount of interest in the vacant seat, but he knows he can work with him well. Mayor Shaw, Stinnett, and Lawson also voted for Seibert. Shaw says Seibert says he has set in that seat, and with there only being one year left on the seat’s term, he thinks Seibert would fit best.

Councilman Brown nominated Cortez, saying he has shown great interest and love for the city. Brown says he appreciates what he has done behind the scenes for the city as well with his great experience and a new perspective. Reid-Adams, Colbert-Kean, and Monteleone also voted for Cortez.

The first vote between the two was a 4-4 tie. A second vote rendered the same result. A third vote rendered a 8-0 vote for Cortez after Seibert withdrew his nomination.

Cortez’s term will expire in April 2020.

Council also approved a $125,000 agreement for construction inspection and management on the Schifferdecker Bridge Project, which is funded through the Capital Improvement Sales Tax. The city says this is to be used for critical elements of the bridge construction at the intersection of Zora and Schifferdecker.