City extends closure of public buildings through April 30

To lessen the spread of coronavirus-19 (COVID-19), throughout our community, City Hall and other City buildings will remain closed to the public through April 30, 2020, unless further action is needed to expand the closures. The closures include all City buildings with the exception of the Joplin Health Department as it continues to work with its community partners during this public health emergency.

To continue social distancing measures, health officials ask that only those needing immediate health services be sought from the department due to the emergency. If you have questions about health services call 417-623-6122.

Because of the closures, essential City services are being adjusted to allow business to continue without citizens having to come into the buildings.

To protect the health of our staff and community and lessen the possible spread of the coronavirus-19, the following programs and city services have been closed or modified.  We will continue to provide essential services throughout this public health crisis. 

Here’s a current update: (in alphabetical order)

Airport

• Commercial Flights are continuing with one daily flight to Dallas.

Building Division

• New Permits and Applications – New applications for building permits are continuing to be accepted.  Applications can be submitted through email or by phone.

• Inspections – Required inspections for permitted projects will continue. (24-hour notice is required)
• Submit all applications, inspection requests, or general questions to (417) 624-0820 ext. 1521 or Building-Inspector@joplinmo.org

Cemeteries

• Cemetery office is closed to the public but can be reached by phone at 417-623-7990
• To purchase burial space, and/or arrange payment, contact office by phone.
• Payments to be made by mail at this time and addressed to 3010 West 1^st Street, Joplin, MO 64801.

City Clerk

• All City Boards and Commissions are encouraged to cancel meetings until April 30, 2020.

If pending business requires a meeting before then, meetings can be conducted via teleconferencing with instructions posted on the agenda informing the public how to access the meeting.

Finance Department

(Utility Bills)

• Utility bill payments will be accepted: (No additional fees apply),

– By phone 417-627-2955 during duration of public health emergency,

– Online at www.joplinmo.org/payments

– At drop box located on the west side of City Hall 602 S. Main.

Envelopes provided and statement stub should be used to ensure proper account is credited.

            – By mail at 602 S. Main Street, Joplin, MO 64801

(Business License)

• Business License fees will be accepted: (No additional fees apply),

–  By phone 417-624-0820 ext. 1242 during duration of public health emergency,

– At drop box located on the west side of City Hall 602 S. Main.

–  By mail at 602 S. Main Street, Joplin, MO 64801

(Cab Coupons)

• Cab Coupons may be purchased: (No additional fees apply),

–  By phone 417-624-0820 ext. 1241 during duration of public health emergency,

– At drop box located on the west side of City Hall 602 S. Main.

Include full name and address of citizen purchasing coupons.

By mail at 602 S. Main Street, Joplin, MO 64801

Cab Coupons to be mailed and issued up to a week ahead of expiration date to allow for mail time.

Fire Department

• Burn permits will not be issued during this public health emergency.
• Fire Reports – Call 417-623-0403 to request a report. These will be sent via email, mail or fax.

Health Department:

• Vital Records – available on an immediate need basis.
• Immunizations – for availability call 417-623-6122
• Temporary Medicaid Service, including pregnancy testing – enrollment to continue.
• WIC to continue providing benefits to all active participants by phone call 417-623-1928.
• Animal control services to continue with some limitations in service.

MAPS:

• MAPS curb to curb services to continue on prescheduled basis.

Schedule by calling M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 626-8607

• MAPS coupons can still be purchased through the mail.
• MAPS buses will continue to accept cash or check payments for the exact fare.
• Sunshine Lamp Trolley services have been suspended.

Trolley pass holders for March will be reissued a new pass for current month when services resume.

Municipal Court:

(Docket Schedule)

• All Court dockets have been suspended and rescheduled to a date beyond May 1, 2020.  Dates were moved beyond the latest May 1, 2020 mandate from the Missouri Supreme Court, which suspends all in person proceedings.

(Court Fines)

• Court fines can be made online at www.municipalonlinepayments.com/Joplinmo, (available 24 hours/day)
• By phone – call 1-800-444-1187 (available 24 hours/day) Bilingual representatives available.
• Drop Box – located on west side of City Hall, 602 S. Main St. Envelopes provided at box and should be used with your payment.
• For other payment options, call 417-627-2930 Monday- Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Parks and Recreation

• A “Virtual Recreation Center” has been created to help residents stay active, healthy, and informed; at www.joplinparks.org or directly at https://www.joplinmo.org/409/Virtual-Recreation-Center.
• Parks are open to the public; however, bathrooms, basketball courts and volleyball courts are closed at this time. During park visits, please use social distancing guidelines as necessary.
• Shelter Reservations are not being taken until after April 30.
• Tennis courts at Joplin Athletic Complex are open.
• Memorial Hall is closed to the public until after April 30.
• All programs, events, leagues and tournaments are cancelled or postponed.
• State of Soccer leagues has been postponed until the week of May 11, 2020.
• Registration is open online at joplinparks.org for programs and events scheduled after April 30. (Programs will be reviewed at a later date)

Planning, Development and Neighborhood Services

• Neighborhood Services – See Click Fix weed/grass complaints and other non-emergency items will be acknowledged but not addressed during the public health emergency.  However, any emergency situations will be addressed.
• Planning and Zoning questions can be addressed to Troy Bolander, Ph. 417-624-0820, Ext. 510 or by email at tbolande@joplinmo.org.
• Community Development/HOME questions may be sent to twalters@joplinmo.org.

Police Department

• Citizens are encouraged to contact the Police Department at 417-623-3131 and not travel to the station.
• A phone is available inside the foyer at both entrances that can be used to contact our dispatch center.
• In case of an emergency please contact 911.
• Due to the health emergency, the Justice Center Building which houses the Police Department, is not open to the public.
• Most reports and paperwork can be emailed, faxed, or mailed upon request during this closure.

Recycling Center and Waste Collection

• Recycling Center is closed at this time.
• Monthly tree limb drop-off is suspended until further notice.
• Republic Services will continue residential waste collection with the following modifications:
• All trash must be bagged and placed in a Republic cart
• Republic will not service any trash outside of the containers
• Bulky item pick-up at curb will be suspended until further notice.

 Schifferdecker Golf Course

• Course is open. Clubhouse is closed to the public.  Credit card and online payments only.
• Golf carts are available and sanitized after each use.
• All leagues and tournaments have been cancelled at this time.

Public Works

• To report emergency issues involving the following public works services please contact 417-624-0820 ext. 564/566

• Street and storm water
• Sewer maintenance
• Traffic signal and street sign issues  

• Permits for Sanitary Sewer repairs are continuing to be issued by the Engineering Division.  Applications and permits for sewer repairs will be handled by phone at 417-624-0820 ext., 584
• Inspections for permitted repairs can be submitted by email at Building-Inspector@joplinmo.org or by phone 417-624-0820 ext. 521.  (24-hour notice is required)

This public health emergency is a rapidly-changing situation that requires frequent evaluation, and Joplin will continue to follow the guidelines of national, state, and local public health officials as this situation develops. In the meantime, please call City Hall, 417-624-0820, with any questions or visit the City’s website at www.joplinmo.org/coronavirus for the City’s response to COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/ offers more information relating to regional and national perspective during this public health emergency.