Sun, Nov 22 2009
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The shelter was cited in January for 11 building- and zoning-code violations, including a lack of heat, insufficient fire exits, no smoke alarms or fire extinguishers, and maintaining a residential operation in an area zoned for heavy industry. It also was cited by the Joplin Health Department for nine health-code violations related to the meal program and food pantry.
The health-code violations included refrigerators that were not kept at proper temperatures and a lack of proper dishwashing equipment, according to Joplin Health Department inspector Ryan Talken. The operation was given 30 days to make “substantial progress” or face a potential shutdown order. At a re-inspection Feb. 25, fire and building officials noted progress but still found several areas, including the lack of heating and emergency exits, that had not been addressed. Projects that have been undertaken are installation of fire alarms, remodeling of a bathroom, and putting in a wall and doorway to separate the men’s and women’s dormitories. Other items, including a heating and air-conditioning unit, electrical and ductwork, and installing a double-door exit near the men’s dormitory, are on hold, pending the council’s decision. The Joplin Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6-1 on Feb. 11 to recommend that the City Council deny the shelter’s rezoning request, based in part on complaints from business owners about loitering and foot traffic of homeless people in the area. While city codes allow churches to operate in any zoning area, including heavy industry and manufacturing zones, other uses, such as residential housing, are not permitted, according to Troy Bolander, planning and community development director for the city. Asked how the city could have been unaware of the ministry’s operation in the building, Joplin building official Steve Cope previously said that operating a church in an industrial area is legal, and that churches do not require a business license. “They were in there absolutely legally for the initial use of the ministry,” he said. “There would have been no point for the city to go in there (to inspect).” Bolander said it was the ministry’s move to offer shelter services that placed it outside the zoning rules. “I’m sure we informed them that churches are permitted in the district,” he told the Globe in a previous interview. “(Anderson) probably thought that all ancillary uses for a church would also be permitted. In this case, our code contains provisions against having residents in an industrial area.” Council hearing 
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City Council to decide homeless shelter issue w/ Joplin Fire Department inspection and Joplin Heath Department notice of violations 
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