Minutes - County Legislature

Jackson County Missouri

JOURNAL

Jackson County Courthouse

415 E.12th Street, 2nd floor

Kansas City, Missouri 64106

(816)881-3242

County Legislature

Manuel Abarca IV (1st) Chairman, Sean E. Smith (6th) Vice Chairman,

Jalen Anderson (1st AL), Donna Peyton (2nd AL), Megan L. Smith (3rd AL),

Venessa Huskey (2nd), Charlie Franklin (3rd),

Office of

Mary Jo Spino

Clerk of the County Legislature

DaRon McGee (4th), Jeanie Lauer (5th)

Monday, June 15, 2026

3:00 PM

Twentieth Regular Meeting

Jackson County Courthouse, 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 2nd Floor, K.C.

Legislative Assembly Area.

Manuel Abarca IV, Chairman, called the meeting of the Jackson County Legislature to order.

ROLL CALL

Present 8 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused 1 - Megan L. Smith

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Recited.

APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Venessa Huskey to

approve the journal of the previous meeting held on June 08, 2026. The

motion passed by a voice vote.

HEARINGS

Resolutions #22280, #22305, #22306, #22307, #22308, #22309, #22310

and #22317 were adopted at this time. See pages 7 - 12 for details.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH AND REPORTS OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Phil LeVota, County Executive was present and gave the following report:

He wished happy birthday to Legislator Charlie Franklin, whose birthday

was Saturday, June 13th.

He announced ramp closures on I-70 Highway beginning June 22nd. The

affected ramps are MO-7 on-ramp to Eastbound I-70, as well as the Adams

Dairy Eastbound off-ramp from I-70.

The County Executive met with the financial auditor who is working on the

2025 financial report that will be presented to the legislature in July. The

auditor stated he is waiting to receive surveys back from some members of

the legislature regarding their conflicts of interest related to ARPA awards.

He spoke about the KC Digital Divide Study (broadband) that is currently

underway. Legislator Jeanie Lauer spoke about the need for the study and

that some of the basic issues can be found throughout the County. The final

report is due in November.

The organization Driven Development was awarded $190,000.00 from the

ARPA funds and have chosen not to accept the funds. They will not provide

the necessary documentation for compliance. The County Executive

suggests that the Legislature decides what to do with those available funds.

Over 200,000 residents received a notice of a class action lawsuit against

Jackson County regarding the flawed assessments from 2023 and 2024.

From his perspective, the County has responded to the issues in the lawsuit

with one difference. The County will offer tax credits instead of refunds so the

budgets of the taxing jurisdictions will not be additional harmed.

Additional discussion was had with Chairman Manuel Abarca IV and

Legislator Donna Peyton.

To view details from this section of the journal, click on the link below and

select the video of the County Legislative meeting dated Monday, June 15,

2026.

https://jacksonco.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

PERFECTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEE

6050

AN ORDINANCE prohibiting law enforcement officers from concealing their

faces or badges during performance of their official duties and establishing

penalties and exemptions.

(Legislature As A Whole - 18th Perfection)

6077

6081

AN ORDINANCE enacting section 6004., of the Jackson County Code,

1984, relating to standards for care and treatment in Jackson County

residential facilities with a severability clause.

(Legislature As A Whole - 9th Perfection)

AN ORDINANCE amending the zoning districts established pursuant to the

Unified Development Code by rezoning a certain 5.00± acre tract from

District AG (Agricultural) to District RE (Residential Estates).

(Land Use Committee - 5th. Perfection)

The Land Use Committee will have a public hearing regarding Ordinance

#6081 on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 2:15 P.M. in the Kansas City

Legislative Assembly Area.

6089

A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to

discharge Ordinance #6089 to the Legislature As A Whole. The motion

passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(APPROVED)

The County Legislature will have a public hearing regarding Ordinance

#6089 on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 3 P.M. in the Kansas City Legislative

Assembly Area.

6089

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Donna Peyton, to

approve Budget Committee Amendment II dated June 15, 2023 for

Ordinance #6089, to, on page two, paragraph two - delete the word "order"

and insert the word "policy" and on page two, paragraph four - delete the

words "ordered by" and insert the words "implemented by" and delete the

name "Phil LeVota". The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

6090

AN ORDINANCE transferring and appropriating $25,000.00 from the

undesignated fund balance of the 2026 Park Fund for installation services

provided by Frisbie Monuments of Independence, MO for use by the Parks +

Rec Department.

(WWII Memorial Committee (Ad Hoc) - 2nd. Perfection)

6091

6092

AN ORDINANCE submitting to the qualified voters of Jackson County,

Missouri, at a general election to be held on November 3, 2026, a question

authorizing Jackson County to impose a countywide sales tax of one half of

one percent for public transportation purposes.

(Regional Transit Committee (Ad Hoc) - 2nd. Perfection)

AN ORDINANCE appropriating $15,415,000 from the undesignated fund

balance of various funds and authorizing the County Executive to execute

Cooperative Agreements to fund infrastructure projects with certain

municipalities within Jackson County in an amount not to exceed

$15,415,000.

(County Infrastructure & Strategic Planning Committee (Ad Hoc) - 2nd.

Perfection)

DaRon McGee assumed the Chair.

6093

A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to

discharge Ordinance #6093 to the Legislature As A Whole. The motion

passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(APPROVED)

6093

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Donna Peyton, to

perfect Ordinance #6093. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(PERFECTED)

6093

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to

adopt Ordinance #6093, appropriating $106,800.00 from the undesignated

fund balance of the 2026 Grant Fund in acceptance of a seven-month

extension of the Victims of Crime Act Grant awarded to the Jackson County

Prosecutor’s Office by the Missouri Department of Social Services. The

motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

Manuel Abarca IV resumes the Chair.

6094

A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Donna Peyton to

perfect Ordinance #6094. The motion passed by a voice vote.

(PERFECTED)

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Donna Peyton, to

adopt Ordinance #6094 appropriating $95,137.00 from the undesignated

fund balance of the 2026 Grant Fund in acceptance of the Violence Against

Women Act grant awarded by the Missouri Department of Public Safety to

the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for a program focused on the prevention

and prosecution of sexual assaults. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

6095

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Sean E. Smith to

perfect Ordinance #6095. The motion passed by a voice vote.

(PERFECTED)

The County Executive explained Ordinance #6095.

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Donna Peyton, to

adopt Ordinance #6095 establishing a temporary moratorium on the

delinquent land tax sale of properties affected by the erroneous 2023 tax

assessments. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

A motion was made by Donna Peyton, seconded by Venessa Huskey to

perfect Ordinance #6096. Discussion.

Donna Peyton rescinded her motion to perfect.

A motion was made by DaRon McGee, seconded by Sean E. Smith to hold

Ordinance #6096. The motion passed by a voice vote.

6096

AN ORDINANCE submitting to the qualified voters of Jackson County at the

general election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, a question

authorizing Jackson County to continue its countywide anti-crime sales tax

(COMBAT) at the rate of one-quarter of one cent for a period of ten years for

the purpose of promoting and providing public safety within Jackson County,

including the prevention and treatment of drug abuse and addiction and the

prevention, investigation, prosecution, and detention of violent criminals and

drug dealers.

(Legislature As A Whole - 1st. Perfection)

The County Legislature will have a public hearing regarding Ordinance

#6096 on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 3 P.M. in the Kansas City Legislative

Assembly Area. The Director of COMBAT will give a presentation.

6097

AN ORDINANCE establishing the position of Legislative Intern within the

Office of the Jackson County Legislature and setting forth provisions

governing the appointment, supervision, and employment of Legislative

Interns.

(Legislature As A Whole - 1st. Perfection)

FINAL PASSAGE OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES

6049

AN ORDINANCE establishing a third-party monitoring program for Jackson

County projects and authorizing access for qualified contracted third parties

to conduct site visits.

Jeanie Lauer objected to the Consent Agenda. (PERFECTED)

6074

AN ORDINANCE implementing a 180-day moratorium on the processing of

data center land use applications and Battery Energy Storage System land

use applications by Jackson County for the purpose of developing a

long-term policy and accompanying County Code provisions related to such

applications, including the direction of regulatory standards and enhanced

public notification requirements.

Held one week so interested legislators can attend a meeting in Jefferson

City on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 pertaining to this subject matter.

(PERFECTED)

6088

Consent Agenda.

Discussion.

RESOLUTIONS IN COMMITTEE

22270

A motion was made by Donna Peyton, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to

discharge Resolution #22270 to the Legislature As A Whole. The motion

passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 7 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie Lauer

Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(APPROVED)

22270

A motion was made by Donna Peyton, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to

adopt Resolution #22270, awarding an eleven-month term and supply

contract, with four (4) twelve-month options to extend, for the furnishing of

prisoner transportation services for use by the Sheriff’s Office to Security

Transport Services, Inc., of Topeka, KS, under the terms and conditions of

Johnson County, Kansas Contract No. 2026-014, an existing, competitively

bid government contract. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 7 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie Lauer

Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

22280

A motion was made by Venessa Huskey, seconded by Donna Peyton, to

adopt Resolution #22280, recognizing Janet Miles Bartee and the Local

Investment Commission (LINC) during Older Americans Month. The motion

passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 7 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie Lauer

Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

22281

A RESOLUTION awarding a thirty-month term and supply contract for the

furnishing of automation control products and services for use by the

Jackson County Detention Center to Control Service Company of Lee’s

Summit, Missouri under the terms and conditions of OMNIA Cooperative

Contract #159051, an existing competitively bid government contract.

(Justice & Law Enforcement Committee - 2nd. Meeting)

22296

A motion was made by Charlie Franklin, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to

discharge Resolution #22296 to the Legislature As A Whole. The motion

passed by a voice vote.

(APPROVED)

A motion was made by Charlie Franklin, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to

adopt Resolution #22296, awarding a twelve-month term and supply

contract, with three (3) twelve-month options to extend, for the furnishing of

ice cream concessions for resale by Parks + Rec Department to Kansas

City Ice Cream Co., Inc., of Kansas City, MO, under the terms and

conditions of Invitation to Bid No. 26-024. The motion passed by a roll call

vote:

Yes: 7 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie Lauer

Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

22297

A motion was made by Donna Peyton, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to

discharge Resolution #22297 to the Legislature As A Whole. The motion

passed by a voice vote.

(APPROVED)

A motion was made by Donna Peyton, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to

adopt Resolution #22297, awarding a contract for software maintenance

and support for ADA compliance for use by the COMBAT Administrative

Division of the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office to CivicPlus of

Manhattan, KS, as a sole source purchase, at an actual cost to the County in

the amount of $5,501.00. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 7 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie Lauer

Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

22303

A RESOLUTION authorizing the County Auditor to execute a Financial

Advisory Services Agreement with an entity of their choice for independent

financial advisory and consulting services at a cost to the County not to

exceed $50,000.00.

(Finance & Audit Committee - 1st. Meeting )

22304

A RESOLUTION establishing the Unincorporated Jackson County Fund and

directing the County Executive and County Administration to develop

policies and procedures for the administration of said fund.

(Finance & Audit Committee - 1st. Meeting )

CONSENT AGENDA

6088

AN ORDINANCE transferring and appropriating $29,658.00 from the

undesignated balance of the 2026 Park Fund and authorizing the County

Executive to execute a contract with US Engineering of Kansas City,

Missouri to cover construction and installation of a drinking fountain at

Fleming Park at a cost to the County not to exceed $29,658.00.

Ordinance #6088 was moved to the Consent Agenda for adoption.

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Donna Peyton, to

approve the Consent Agenda. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 7 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie Lauer

Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE

6098

Repealing section 1540.1, of the Jackson County Code, 1984 and enacting,

in lieu thereof, one new section relating to the same subject requiring that the

Legislative County Auditor maintain a permanent position on the Board

responsible for the Administration and Oversight of County Pension and

Retirement Systems with an effective date.

(Assigned to the Finance & Audit Committee.)

INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE

22305

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to

adopt Resolution #22305, recognizing and honoring the pioneering

individuals, organizations, and historic milestones that established Jackson

County, Missouri as an early center of LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy and

community building. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 7 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie Lauer

Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

22306

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to

adopt Resolution #22306, encouraging the establishment of a functioning

Jackson County LGBTQ+ Commission and presenting a proposed

framework for its creation. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 7 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie Lauer

Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

Manuel Abarca IV announced there will be a listening session on June 30,

2026 at the Metropolitan Community College Campus. Comments by

Legislator Anderson, he is appreciative that the County Executive is on

board.

22307

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to

adopt Resolution #22307, recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month in

Jackson County, Missouri, honoring the history, resilience, and contributions

of the LGBTQ+ community. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

22308

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to

adopt Resolution #22308, recognizing healthcare organizations, providers,

and professionals whose service, leadership, and commitment have

improved the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ residents in Jackson County,

Missouri. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

22309

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to

adopt Resolution #22309 recognizing LGBTQ+ advocacy, education,

cultural, and community organizations whose leadership, service, and

dedication have strengthened Jackson County, Missouri and the Kansas

City metropolitan area. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 6 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Charlie Franklin and Jeanie Lauer

Absent: 2 - Venessa Huskey and DaRon McGee

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

22310

A motion was made by Venessa Huskey, seconded by Donna Peyton, to

adopt Resolution #22310, recognizing the esteemed career of Dr. Kenny

Rodrequez with the Grandview School District. The motion passed by a roll

call vote:

Yes: 8 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

22311

Awarding a twelve-month term and supply contract for the furnishing of

personal computers, miscellaneous computer hardware, software,

maintenance and professional services for use by various County

departments to SHI International Corporation, of Somerset, NJ under the

terms and conditions of State of Missouri Contract Number CT220337001,

an existing competitively bid government contract.

(Assigned to the Public Works Committee.)

22312

22313

Authorizing the Interim Director of Finance and Purchasing to issue a check

in the amount of $239,121.00 for the purchase of equipment for the City of

Buckner.

(Assigned to the Public Works Committee.)

Authorizing the Interim Director of Finance and Purchasing to issue a check

in the amount of $50,000.00 to the Mattie Rhodes Center to fund the

creation of a youth employment and community arts pilot program.

(Assigned to the Arts & Culture Committee (Ad Hoc).)

22314

22315

Authorizing a thirty-six-month term and supply contract for the furnishing of

Workday timeclock hardware, software, and support services for use by the

16th Circuit Court and various Jackson County departments to Accu-Time

Systems of Windsor, CT, as a sole source purchase.

(Assigned to the Budget Committee.)

Awarding a twelve-month term and supply contract, with one (1)

twelve-month option to extend, for the furnishing of Workday professional

services for use by the Information Technology Department to Remy

Corporation of Denver, CO, under the terms and conditions of State of

Oklahoma contract No. SW1025, as an acquisition from another

governmental entity.

(Assigned to the Budget Committee.)

22316

22317

Declaring certain County-owned land as surplus real property and

authorizing the Administration to solicit bids for selling fifteen (15) surplus

parcels.

(Assigned to the Finance & Audit Committee.)

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to

adopt Resolution #22317, honoring the life, legacy, and community impact

of Ceslie “CJ” Anthony Henry, Jr. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

No objection to the consideration of Resolution #22317 - not on printed

agenda.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE ORDERS

26-22

I hereby make the following appointments to the Ethics, Human Relations &

Citizen Complaints Commission (EHRCC):

Terry Riley is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire 12/31/2030. Mr.

Riley’s resume is attached.

No resume attached.

26-23

I hereby make the following reappointments to the Merit System

Commission:

Rose Johnson is hereby reappointed to a successive term set to expire

6/30/2030. Ms. Johnson’s resume is attached.

Kirk Doan is hereby reappointed to a successive term set to expire

6/30/2030. Mr. Doan’s resume is attached.

26-24

I hereby rescind Executive Order 26-21, dated May 26, 2026, appointing

John R. Humphrey and Jane Whiting to the Ethics, Human Relations &

Citizen Complaints Commission.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Jalen Anderson, County Legislator, recognized his staff for their efforts in

preparing and scheduling the courtesy resolutions presented today.

Donna Peyton, County Legislator, said that in addition to celebrating Charlie

Franklin's birthday, she also wanted to wish a happy birthday to Jalen

Anderson and James D. Tindall.

NEW BUSINESS

Chairman Abarca said the County Legislature will have a closed session on

Monday, June 22, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri.

To celebrate the 200 year history of Jackson County, Bicentennial flags will

be raised at County buildings beginning this week. County Executive, Phil

LeVota distributed to all County Legislators a gift box of bicentennial

keepsakes: a commemorative coin, an ink pen, a lapel pin, a flag, a lanyard

and a decal. He also distributed them to mayors within Jackson County and

thanked legislators for their partnership.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Venessa Huskey, seconded by Donna Peyton, to

adjourn the meeting. The motion passed by a voice vote.

Meeting adjourned until Monday, June 22, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. at the Jackson

County Courthouse, 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 2nd Floor,

Legislative Assembly Area.