IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION recognizing the City of Oak Grove upon the election of its first all-female Board of Aldermen.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21601, April 15, 2024
INTRODUCED BY Jeanie Lauer, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee, and Sean E. Smith, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, on April 23, 2024, the City of Oak Grove, Missouri, a Fourth-Class City nestled within Jackson and Lafayette Counties, will host an Oath of Office Ceremony to swear-in its first all-female Board of Alderman; and,
WHEREAS, Oak Grove was established as a municipal corporation in 1881, and has a long-standing tradition of civic engagement and community leadership; and,
WHEREAS, Oak Grove encompasses approximately five square miles, and is home to a diverse and vibrant population, with an estimated population of 8,157 by the U.S. Census Bureau; and,
WHEREAS, Oak Grove has a Mayor/City Administrator/Board of Alderman form of government, and witnessed significant milestones in its history, including the 1978 election of its first female Alderwoman, Charlene Owings, and the 1992 election of its first female Mayor, Audrey Griffin, paving the way for subsequent generations of women leaders in municipal governance; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Oak Grove proudly boasts its current and only female Mayor in Jackson County, Dana R. Webb, who has served the community with distinction since her appointment and subsequent election as Ward III Alderwoman for Oak Grove from 2017 to 2020, when she was first elected Mayor; and,
WHEREAS, Mayor Webb continued her trailblazing achievements with her subsequent re-election as Mayor in 2022 and 2024, embodying the spirit of dedicated public service; and,
WHEREAS, on April 2, 2024, the City of Oak Grove again made history by electing its first all-female Board of Aldermen, comprising of Mayor Webb and Ward I Alderwoman Rachel Kilmer, Ward I Alderwoman Cierra McMichael, Ward II Alderwoman Kelly Nadeau, Ward II Alderwoman Pam Pope, Ward III Alderwoman Tracey Newcomer, and Ward III Alderwoman Jamie Ballowe Ratliff, each bringing unique perspectives, experiences, and dedication to the service of their community; and,
WHEREAS, this historic milestone reflects the City of Oak Grove's commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and gender equality in governance, setting a precedent for equitable representation and fostering a more inclusive democracy for all residents; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri that the Legislature hereby extends its sincerest congratulations and commendations to Mayor Dana R. Webb and the entire all-female Board of Aldermen for their historic achievement and invaluable contributions to the City of Oak Grove, Missouri.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 21601 of April 15, 2024, was duly passed on April 15, 2024 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas ______7_________ Nays ______0________
Abstaining ____0_____ Absent _____2_______
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature