the City of Kansas City has a resolution prepared for its agenda this week
to partner with the County on the Detention Center project. That
negotiation will be ongoing. Dan Wehmuller said they continue to work as
directed by staff. Ronald E. Finley, County Legislator, asked what that
means. Mr. Wehmuller said he understands discussions with the City of
Kansas City are ongoing. At present the team is moving forward on the
project as a County-owned facility, but they are open to discussions with
the City.
Jeanie Lauer, County Legislator, said she had not heard of any changes
to the original plan for this to be a County only facility. If there are
negotiations with the City, she did not think those should involve the
contracting partners, JCDC and JE Dunn. She asked for an update from
Frank White, Jr., County Executive. Mr. White said they have had positive
meetings with the City. He will give an update on discussions with the City
when he has something to report.
Jalen Anderson, County Legislator, said working with the City remains a
possibility, but no vote has taken place to move forward on a joint project.
Mr. Anderson asked about the groups on the contact list. He advocated for
a community outreach effort. Ms. Macy said that idea has been explored.
The plan is to have those community discussions after the guaranteed
maximum price (GMP) has been set so there will be a design to present to
the public, sometime in late October. Mr. Anderson said if they wait until
after the GMP is passed, it defeats the idea of having public hearings. Ms.
Macy said the purpose of the community outreach is to educate and
inform the public about the plans for the facility. At each stage of the
process the team will go out to the community to provide education, so the
public knows what to expect. Mr. Anderson asked where the information
from previous community meetings is recorded. Ms. Macy said notes were
taken at each of these meetings and she is happy to resend this
information. Mr. Anderson said these groups do great work, but after
speaking with constituents, many people still do not understand the
Detention Center project. He believes it is crucial to have meetings
around the County to talk about the jail.
Theresa Cass Galvin, County Legislator, said, regarding the question of a
partnership with the City of Kansas City, the County will continue to move
forward on the project and not wait for decisions on a partnership with the
City.
Ronald E. Finley asked where the MBE/WBE/VBE trade partnership
meeting on Thursday, July 14, will be held. Jeff Jenkins said the meeting
will be at the JE Dunn headquarters. Mr. Finley expressed concerns about
the lack of response from MBE/WBE/VBE trade partners. Mr. Jenkins said
this process is trying to get ahead of that issue. Mr. Finley said he hopes