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 8, 2026  
3:00 PM  
Nineteenth Regular Meeting  
Eastern Jackson County Courthouse, 308 W. Kansas, Independence, Missouri, Ground  
Floor, Legislative Chambers  
Manuel Abarca IV, Chairman, called the meeting of the Jackson County Legislature to order.  
1
ROLL CALL  
Present 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  
2
3
THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
Recited.  
APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING  
A motion was made by Jeanie Lauer, seconded by Sean E. Smith to  
approve the journal of the previous meeting held on June 01, 2026. The  
motion passed by a voice vote.  
4
5
HEARINGS  
None.  
Resolution #22300 was adopted at this time. See page 9 for details.  
COMMUNICATIONS WITH AND REPORTS OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE  
Phil LeVota, County Executive was present and gave the following report:  
Earlier today, he joined representatives from the state of Missouri, MoDOT  
and local Jackson County leaders for the ribbon cutting of the new Lefholz  
Road Bridge over Interstate 70. He stated Jackson County should be  
involved with a connected project focused on the Lefholz Road corridor  
between Grain Valley and Oak Grove. He is requesting a $150,000.00  
investment needed to complete the design plans necessary to move the  
project forward. Chairman Abarca asked if the investment is an agreement  
with MoDOT, the County Executive said the agreement would be with a  
design group who is working with a private developer. He also stated this is  
a prevailing wage project.  
He wanted to remind the Legislature of the ARPA proposal currently on the  
agenda and what projects it will cover.  
On Saturday, the Truman Courthouse was used as a location for a major  
motion picture produced by Terrance Howard. The County Executive  
thanked Assistant County Administrator Daren Fristoe and Deputy Tyler  
McCurd for being on hand during filming.  
There was great input from the public at the Town Hall held to discuss the  
vacant McCune School in Fort Osage. Results were the building is  
dangerous and should be demolished and they will discuss later what to do  
next. Legislator Donna Peyton thanked Mr. LeVota for hosting the Town Hall  
and clarifying the commitment of Jackson County to return and solicit ideas  
for what to do with the property. Chairman Abarca asked if there is a  
process in place to find out the cost of demolition. The County Executive  
said they have begun the process to get a bid out to do so. Chairman  
Abarca also mentioned that some of the materials, such as bricks, rocks  
and stones, be salvaged and used in other places throughout the Parks +  
Rec system.  
He restated the reason for the creation and necessary adoption of  
Ordinance #6089 which deals with tax credits and assessment adjustments  
according to the State Tax Commission ruling. Legislator Sean E. Smith  
asked what the new deadline will be to get the corrected tax bills entered  
into the billing system. The County Executive said they are still working to  
get them completed and the new deadline is July 1st.  
The COMBAT tax expires in March of 2027 so it needs to be on the ballot in  
November for it to renew.  
Legislator Peyton asked about the progress for the Senior Tax Levy. The  
County Executive said they have hired an Executive Director and things  
should be moving forward.  
Chairman Abarca requested making parts of the monthly financial report  
bigger and receiving an updated Organizational Chart with names and pay  
ranges inserted. He also asked what happened with some of the elevators  
that were not working. County Executive LeVota said he will send the new  
Org Chart and the elevators were flooded and the water needed to be  
pumped out.  
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 8,  
2026.  
https://jacksonco.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx  
6
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 - 17th Perfection)  
6074  
A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Donna Peyton, to  
delete the number "120" and insert the number "180" in the heading on  
page one and in the two final paragraphs on page two.  
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)  
6074  
A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Donna Peyton, to  
perfect Ordinance #6074 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. 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  
(PERFECTED)  
6077  
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 - 8th. Perfection)  
6081  
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 - 4th. 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.  
Sean E. Smith assumed the Chair.  
6087  
Establishing a temporary moratorium on new data center development  
projects within Jackson County, Missouri, and establishing requirements for  
future data center project review with an effective date and severability  
clause.  
(WITHDRAWN BY SPONSOR MANUEL ABARCA IV. CONCURRED BY  
JALEN ANDERSON AND JEANIE LAUER.)  
Manuel Abarca IV resumed the Chair.  
6088  
6089  
Public Works Committee moved to perfect. Consent Agenda.  
AN ORDINANCE enacting subsection 2067. Jackson County Code, 1984  
relating to tax credits and assessment adjustments.  
(Budget Committee - 1st. Perfection)  
6090  
6091  
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) - 1st. Perfection)  
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) - 1st. Perfection)  
6092  
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) - 1st.  
Perfection)  
(Ordinance 6092 was an add-on and awaiting an amendment.)  
7
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.  
(PERFECTED)  
6083  
A motion was made by Venessa Huskey, seconded by Sean E. Smith, to  
adopt Ordinance #6083 appropriating an additional $34,970.00 from the  
undesignated fund balance of the 2026 Anti-Crime Sales Tax Grant Fund, in  
acceptance of the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant  
awarded to the Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force. 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)  
8
RESOLUTIONS IN COMMITTEE  
22269  
A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Sean E. Smith, to  
discharge to Legislature As A Whole Resolution #22269 authorizing the  
County Executive to execute a Participation Agreement with the Missouri  
Department of Health and Senior Services related to its Summer Food  
Service program, with costs to be reimbursed to the County. 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)  
22269  
A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Sean E. Smith, to  
adopt Resolution #22269 authorizing the County Executive to execute a  
Participation Agreement with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior  
Services related to its Summer Food Service program, with costs to be  
reimbursed to the County. 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)  
22270  
A RESOLUTION 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.  
(Justice & Law Enforcement Committee - 3rd. Meeting)  
22276  
A motion was made by Donna Peyton, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
adopt Resolution #22276 authorizing the Interim Director of Finance and  
Purchasing to issue a check in the amount of $6,000.00 for the purchase of  
a sponsorship for the 2026 Palestine Senior Citizens Activity Center’s Prom  
hosted by LINC. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 5 -  
Manuel Abarca IV, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Venessa  
Huskey and Charlie Franklin  
No: 1 - Jeanie Lauer  
Abstain: 1 - Sean E. Smith  
Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee  
Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith  
(ADOPTED)  
22280  
22281  
A RESOLUTION recognizing Janet Miles Bartee and the Local Investment  
Commission (LINC) during Older Americans Month.  
(Legislature As A Whole - 1st. Meeting )  
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 - 1st. Meeting )  
22293  
Public Works Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
22295  
Finance & Audit Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
9
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.  
(PERFECTED)  
22293  
22295  
A RESOLUTION directing the County Executive to develop and implement a  
comprehensive repair, restoration, safety, accessibility, and preservation  
plan for Lake Jacomo and to provide periodic reports to the Legislature  
regarding the condition and future of the Lake.  
(ADOPTED)  
A RESOLUTION awarding a contract for the furnishing of appointment  
management software for use by the Office of the Clerk of the County  
Legislature to QLess Software of Pasadena, CA, as a sole source  
purchase, at an actual cost to the County in the amount of $9,734.00.  
(ADOPTED)  
Ordinance #6088 was moved to the Consent Agenda for perfection.  
Resolutions #22293 and #22295 were 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  
10  
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE  
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.  
(Assigned to the Justice & Law Enforcement Committee.)  
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.  
(Assigned to the Legislature As A Whole.)  
6095  
6096  
Establishing a temporary moratorium on the delinquent land tax sale of  
properties affected by the erroneous 2023 tax assessments.  
(Assigned to the Legislature As A Whole.)  
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.  
(Assigned to the Legislature As A Whole.)  
No objection to the consideration of Ordinance #6097 not on printed  
agenda.  
6097  
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.  
(Assigned to the Legislature As A Whole.)  
11  
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE  
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.  
(Assigned to the Public Works Committee.)  
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.  
(Assigned to the Anti-Crime Committee.)  
22298  
A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Donna Peyton, to  
adopt Resolution #22298 honoring the career of Tammy Brown as the  
Republican Director of the Jackson County Board of Election  
Commissioners on the occasion of her retirement. 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)  
22299  
A motion was made by Donna Peyton, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
adopt Resolution #22299 authorizing the Jackson County Legislature to hold  
a closed meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026, for the purpose of conducting  
privileged and confidential communications between itself and the Jackson  
County Counselor under section 610.021(1) of the Revised Statutes of  
Missouri and closing all records prepared for discussion at said meeting.  
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)  
22300  
22301  
22302  
A motion was made by Venessa Huskey, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to  
adopt Resolution #22300 recognizing Lilia Vargas-Grado on her 75th  
Birthday. 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)  
A motion was made by Donna Peyton, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
adopt Resolution #22301 recognizing the 130 Year Celebration for Sacred  
Heart Guadalupe Catholic Church. 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)  
A motion was made by Donna Peyton, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to  
adopt Resolution #22302 honoring the opening of the Media Tech Museum.  
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)  
No objection to Resolutions #22303 and #22304 not on printed agenda.  
22303  
22304  
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.  
(Assigned to the Finance & Audit Committee.)  
(Resolution 22303 was an add-on, is under review and awaiting a  
fiscal note.)  
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.  
(Assigned to the Finance & Audit Committee.)  
12  
13  
COUNTY EXECUTIVE ORDERS  
None.  
UNFINISHED BUSINESS  
A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Jeanie Lauer to  
disapprove County Executive Order 26-21. He stated his reason was the  
County Executive did not follow the Jackson County Charter when  
appointing members to the ERHCC Board. He cited Article X, page 25  
regarding the nominating committee recommendations. County Executive  
LeVota expressed his disappointment that Legislator Anderson did not call  
him before bringing up this matter in the meeting. After much discussion, the  
County Executive rescinded Executive Order 26-21.  
To view details from this section of the journal, click on the link below and  
select the video of the County Legislative meeting dated June 8, 2026.  
https://jacksonco.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx  
14  
NEW BUSINESS  
Chairman Abarca stated legislative meetings need to be added to make up  
for previously cancelled meetings, prior to the outside agency budget  
hearings. The legislative meetings will be scheduled at 9:00 a.m. on June  
23rd and June 24th in Kansas City and June 25th in Independence.  
A motion was made by Donna Peyton, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
schedule three additional legislative meetings as suggested by Chairman  
Abarca. 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  
The County Legislature recessed for a closed session.  
The County Legislature reconvened.  
15  
ADJOURNMENT  
A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
adjourn the meeting. The motion passed by a voice vote.  
Meeting adjourned until Monday, June 15, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. at the Jackson  
County Courthouse, 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 2nd Floor,  
Legislative Assembly Area.