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, March 9, 2026

3:00 PM

Sixth 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.

ROLL CALL

Present 9 -

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

Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee

and Jeanie Lauer

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Recited.

APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

A motion was made by Venessa Huskey, seconded by Jeanie Lauer to

approve the journal of the previous meeting held on March 02, 2026. The

motion passed by a voice vote.

HEARINGS

The County Legislature held a public hearing regarding Ordinance

#6069, repealing and replacing Resolution 22169 dated February 9, 2026

and appropriating $20,683.00 from the undesignated fund balance of the

2026 General Fund and awarding a contract to LCPtracker of Orange, CA,

for an additional single software package for use by the Compliance Review

Office for non-profit partnership grants, at an actual cost to the County in the

amount of $20,683.00, as a sole source purchase.

Melinda Bolling, Chief of Compliance for Jackson County, Missouri testified

in favor of this Ordinance.

No one else was present to testify, therefore, the public hearing was closed.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH AND REPORTS OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE

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

On June 1st the KCATA will no longer offer free bus rides for the public, so

as per County Executive Order 26-07, he is reinstating the County Bus Pass

Program for employees who do not have a parking space.

The County Executive along with UMKC Chancellor C. Mauli Agrawal

welcomed the new Men’s Basketball coach, Mark Tergeon, at an event this

afternoon.

Chairman Abarca asked the County Executive about policy changes made

for purchases under $5,000.00 being held up in the Finance Department.

Mr. LeVota stated there are no changes to the policies and Monsherry

Terrell, Director of Purchasing, is working on enforcing the rules.

Legislator Sean E. Smith asked for an updated Organizational Chart with

names added for the listed positions. Mr. LeVota stated he would provide

the updated chart.

Legislator Donna Peyton thanked the County Executive and his staff for

sending out letters to churches who were concerned about maintaining their

non-profit status. She commends him for going above and beyond to make

the process simplified and understandable. She received feedback from

those who were grateful and felt less anxious about the current process. Phil

LeVota responded and added this process will now coincide with the

assessment cycle every two years.

Chairman Abarca gave kudos to the County Executive as he relayed a

response from someone who mentioned how quick and easy it was for them

to file their personal property declaration.

To view details, use the link below and select the video for the March 9,

2026 legislative meeting at 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 - 4th. Perfection)

6058

AN ORDINANCE appropriating $636,425.00 from the undesignated fund

balance of the 2026 Park Fund for construction services provided by

Hartline Construction of North Kansas City, MO for use by the Parks + Rec

Department.

(Public Works Committee - 4th. Perfection)

6059

6064

AN ORDINANCE submitting to the qualified voters of Jackson County,

Missouri, at the general election to be held on April 7, 2026, a question to

amend the Jackson County Charter, with an effective date.

(Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee - 4th. Perfection)

AN ORDINANCE amending the zoning districts established pursuant to the

Unified Development Code by rezoning a certain 161.00± acre tract from

District AGp (Agricultural Planned) to District AG (Agricultural).

(Land Use Committee - 2nd. Perfection)

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

waive the reading of Ordinances #6064 - #6068. The motion passed by a

voice vote.

6065

6066

6067

AN ORDINANCE amending the zoning districts established pursuant to the

Unified Development Code by rezoning a certain 4.87± acre tract from

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

(Land Use Committee - 2nd. Perfection)

AN ORDINANCE amending the zoning districts established pursuant to the

Unified Development Code by rezoning a certain 10.00± acre tract from

District AG (Agricultural) to District RR (Residential Ranchette).

(Land Use Committee - 2nd. Perfection)

AN ORDINANCE amending the zoning districts established pursuant to the

Unified Development Code by rezoning a certain 3.05± acre tract from

District B (Two Family) to District LI (Light Industrial).

(Land Use Committee - 2nd. Perfection)

6068

AN ORDINANCE amending the zoning districts established pursuant to the

Unified Development Code by rezoning a certain 9.75± acre tract from

District LB (Local Business) to District LI (Light Industrial).

(Land Use Committee - 2nd. Perfection)

The Land Use Committee will hold a public hearing regarding Resolutions

#6064 - #6068 on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. in the Kansas City

Legislative Assembly Area.

6069

A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to

approve the Floor Amendment dated March 9, 2026 for Ordinance #6069,

to delete the words "within the" and insert the phrase "from the undesignated

fund balance of the" after the amount first listed in the heading on page one.

The motion passed by a voice vote.

(ADOPTED)

6069

A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to

perfect as amended Ordinance #6069. The motion passed by a voice vote.

(PERFECTED)

A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to

adopt Ordinance #6069, repealing and replacing Resolution 22169 dated

February 9, 2026 and appropriating $20,683.00 from the undesignated fund

balance of the 2026 General Fund and awarding a contract to LCPtracker of

Orange, CA, for an additional single software package for use by the

Compliance Review Office for non-profit partnership grants, at an actual cost

to the County in the amount of $20,683.00, as a sole source purchase. The

motion carried by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

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

Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie

Lauer

Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee

(ADOPTED)

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.

A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Jeanie Lauer to hold

Ordinance #6049. Discussion.

Ordinance #6049 remains perfected.

RESOLUTIONS IN COMMITTEE

Sean E. Smith explained the Floor Amendment distributed by Whitney

Miller, Chief Deputy County Counselor, for Resolution #22149. He said this

amendment was co-authored with the County Executive. He said this

resolution is time sensitive because it should have been done in December

2025 but the Legislature did not receive it until January 2026.

Donna Peyton asked if the Deputy Director of Assessment would be

addressing the County Legislature regarding this resolution.

Phil Levota explained that Mr. Smith wanted to add some language to the

overview that Jackson County sends to the State Tax Commission. He said

he will share details regarding the assessment process with the Jackson

County Legislature at a later date. Discussion.

Since Exhibit A was not attached to the Resolution distributed, this

Resolution was tabled until copies could be made for review by the County

Legislature.

After reviewing Exhibit A, a motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded

by Jalen Anderson, to remove from the table Resolution #22149. The motion

passed by a voice vote.

22149

A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Donna Peyton, to

approve the Floor Amendment dated March 9, 2026 for Resolution #22149,

to insert "WHEREAS, Article II, Section 16.7 of the Jackson County Charter

gives the Legislature the power to “provide for the assessment, levy,

equalization and collection of all taxes… and prescribe a method or system

to facilitate the assessment, calculation, extension and collection of taxes”

the Legislature has added to this Assessment Maintenance Plan to include

specific requirements in EXHIBIT A to this Resolution; now therefore," as the

4th paragraph on page 1; to insert the phrase "and as amended in Exhibit A

to this resolution," after the word "Assessment" in the BE IT RESOLVED

paragraph on page 2. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

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

Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie

Lauer

Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee

(ADOPTED)

22149

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

adopt Resolution #22149, approving the 2026-2027 Jackson County

Assessment and Equalization Maintenance Plan. The motion passed by a

roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

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

Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie

Lauer

Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee

(ADOPTED)

22150

A motion was made by Charlie Franklin, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to

discharge Resolution #22150 to the Legislature As A Whole. The motion

passed by voice vote.

(APPROVED)

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

adopt Resolution #22150 , awarding a thirty-month term and supply contract,

with three twenty-four-month options to extend, for the furnishing of

information technology products and services for use by various County

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

terms and conditions of OMNIA Partners Contract Number 2024056-02, an

existing competitively bid government contract. The motion passed by a roll

call vote:

Yes: 8 -

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

Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie

Lauer

Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee

(ADOPTED)

22160

22163

22165

A RESOLUTION authorizing the County Counselor to execute a Legal

Services Agreement with certain lawyers and law firms at an aggregate cost

to the County not to exceed $50,000.00.

(Legislature As A Whole - 1st. Meeting )

A RESOLUTION awarding a contract for the furnishing of items for resale by

the Parks + Rec Department to Dunlop Sports of Dallas, TX, as proprietary

purchases.

(Public Works Committee - 4th. Meeting)

A motion was made by Charlie Franklin, seconded by Sean E. Smith, to

discharge Resolution #22165 to the Legislature As A Whole. The motion

passed by voice vote.

(APPROVED)

Sean E. Smith said this contract was competitively bid. Phil LeVota said this

is for the annual audit of Jackson County and it needs to be adopted as

soon as possible.

22165

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

adopt Resolution #22165, awarding a twelve-month contract, with three

twelve-month options to extend, for the furnishing of independent auditing

services for use by the Finance and Purchasing Department to Clifton

Larsen Allen, LLP, of Kansas City, MO, under the terms and conditions of

Request for Proposals No. 25-053, at a cost to the County for 2026 not to

exceed $150,000.00. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

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

Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie

Lauer

Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee

(ADOPTED)

22170

A RESOLUTION awarding a contract for the purchase of a deep core

aerifier for use by the Parks + Rec Department for the Fred Arbanas Golf

Course to Redexim North America, Inc. of Valley Park, MO, under the terms

and conditions of invitation to Bid No. 25-055 at a cost to the County not to

exceed $52,541.00.

(Public Works Committee - 3rd. Meeting)

22171

22172

Public Works Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.

A RESOLUTION recognizing honorarium payments to community volunteers

who assisted in the evaluation of non-profit grant applications.

(Legislature As A Whole - 3rd. Meeting)

A motion was made by Donna Peyton, seconded by Sean E. Smith to adopt

Resolution #22172.

Bryan Covinsky, County Counselor, said there may be a conflict of interest

regarding this resolution. Manuel Abarca IV asked if there is a conflict. Mr.

Covinsky said he would need to look into it.

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

hold Resolution #22172. The motion passed by a voice vote:

Yes: 8 - Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie Lauer

Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee

22175

A RESOLUTION awarding a twelve-month contract, with three twelve-month

options to extend, for training, consulting services, and software

maintenance on the Mobile Assessor Software for use by the Assessment

Department to Woolpert, Inc. of Dayton, OH, as a sole source purchase, at

an actual cost to the County in the amount of $114,355.00.

(Finance & Audit Committee - 2nd. Meeting)

Donna Peyton asked that her name be removed as a sponsor, Sean E.

Smith asked that his name be added as a sponsor for Resolution #22175.

Discussion.

22178

22180

Finance & Audit Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.

A motion was made by Venessa Huskey, seconded by Manuel Abarca IV, to

discharge Resolution #22180 to the Legislature As A Whole. The motion

passed by voice vote.

(APPROVED)

22180

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

adopt Resolution #22180, awarding a twenty-four-month term and supply

contract, with two twelve-month options to extend, for the furnishing of

LEWeb law enforcement computer information services for use by various

County departments to the Regional Justice Information Service (REJIS)

Commission of St. Louis, MO, as an acquisition from another governmental

entity. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

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

Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie

Lauer

Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee

(ADOPTED)

22181

22183

22184

Public Works Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.

Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.

A RESOLUTION awarding a contract for annual software maintenance for

use by the Collection Department to Aumentum Technologies of Niagara

Falls, NY, at an actual cost to the County in the amount of $642,563.00, as a

sole source purchase.

(Finance & Audit Committee - 1st. Meeting )

22186

Public Works Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.

22187

A RESOLUTION awarding a contract for the purchase of two vehicles for

use by the Jackson County Drug Task Force to Corwin Motors of

Springfield, LLC, of Springfield, MO, under the terms and conditions of State

of Missouri Contract No. MC250182 and CC24166201-005, existing

competitively bid government contracts, at an actual cost to the County in the

amount of $99,502.00.

(Justice & Law Enforcement Committee - 1st. Meeting )

22188

22189

A RESOLUTION awarding a contract for the purchase of rifles for use by the

Sheriff’s Office to Clyde Armory, Inc., of Athens, GA, under the terms and

conditions of invitation to Bid No. 25-056 at a cost to the County not to

exceed $83,565.00.

(Justice & Law Enforcement Committee - 1st. Meeting )

A RESOLUTION awarding a contract for the purchase of a three 2026 Ford

Transit T-350 Passenger Vans for use by the Jackson County Sheriff’s

Office Detention Center to Midway Ford Truck Center of Kansas City, MO,

under the terms and conditions of State of Missouri Contract No.

MC2501182001-MC250182011, an existing competitively bid government

contract, at an actual cost to the County in the amount of $230,220.00.

(Justice & Law Enforcement Committee - 1st. Meeting )

Finance & Audit Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.

22190

22191

22192

A RESOLUTION authorizing the County Counselor to execute a

twelve-month contract, with one twelve-month option to extend, for legal

services to Seyferth, Blumenthal, and Harris, LLC., of Kansas City, MO, at a

cost to the County not to exceed $100,000.00 as a sole source purchase.

(Finance & Audit Committee - 1st. Meeting )

The County Legislature removed from the table Resolution #22149. See

page 5 for details.

CONSENT AGENDA

22171

A RESOLUTION awarding a contract for the furnishing of two (2) Ford F-600

trucks with installed snowplow packages for use by the Public Works

Department to Viking-Cives Midwest of Morley, MO, under the terms and

conditions set forth in Sourcewell Contract No. 062222-VCM, an existing,

competitively bid government contract, at an actual cost to the County in the

amount of $287,050.00

(ADOPTED)

22178

A RESOLUTION authorizing the County Counselor to execute an addendum

to the Legal Services Agreement with Cheri Simpkins of Lee’s Summit, MO,

under the terms and conditions of Request for Qualifications No. 24-060, at

a cost to the County of $600.00 per day not to exceed $70,000.00.

(ADOPTED)

22181

22183

A RESOLUTION awarding a twelve-month term and supply contract, with

one twelve-month option to extend, for dump truck repair for use by the

Public Works Department to Rush Truck Centers of Kansas City, MO, as a

sole source purchase.

(ADOPTED)

A RESOLUTION authorizing the County Executive to execute an

Intergovernmental Cooperative Agreement with the City of Oak Grove to

provide for the mill and overlay of pavement on the shared portions of

Robinson and White Roads, at an actual cost to the County in the amount of

$121,595.00.

(ADOPTED)

22186

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

the furnishing of facility fire suppression systems, equipment, software, and

related services for use by the Public Works Department, to Johnson

Controls of Staples, MN, under the terms and conditions set forth in

Sourcewell Contract No.121024, an existing competitively bid government

contract.

(ADOPTED)

22190

A RESOLUTION awarding a contract for annual maintenance of the

Manatron recording software for use by the Recorder of Deeds Department

to Manatron, Inc., of Chicago, IL, at an actual cost to the County in the

amount of $106,772.00, as a sole source purchase.

(ADOPTED)

22191

A RESOLUTION awarding a twelve month term and supply contract, with

three twelve month options to extend, for the furnishing of t-shirts and

wearing apparel for use by various County departments to Exhibit Arts LLC

of Wichita, KS, EAIS LLC of Atlanta, GA, and Sew What? LLC of Lee’s

Summit, MO, under the terms and conditions of Invitation to Bid No. 25-050.

(ADOPTED)

Resolutions #22171, #22178, #22181, #22183, #22186, #22190 and

#22191 were moved to the Consent Agenda for adoption.

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

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

Yes: 9 -

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

Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee

and Jeanie Lauer

INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE

6070

Appropriating $64,322.00 from the undesignated fund balance of the 2026

General Fund in acceptance of the Missouri Western Interdiction and

Narcotics Task Force grant awarded by the Missouri Department of Public

Safety.

(Assigned to the Justice & Law Enforcement Committee.)

INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE

22193

Authorizing the Chairman of the Legislature to execute a Consulting

Agreement with Marcus Winn of Heartland Communications, LLC, of

Kansas City, MO, to provide communication and policy services to the

Legislature, at a cost not to exceed $30,000.00

(Assigned to the Finance & Audit Committee.)

22194

Awarding a contract for the purchase of six (6) pontoon boats for use by the

Parks + Rec Department to LSK Lebanon, Inc., of Lebanon, MO under the

terms and conditions of State of Missouri Contract No. CC232078005, an

existing, competitively bid government contract, at an actual cost to the

County in the amount of $209,346.00.

(Assigned to the Public Works Committee.)

22195

22196

Authorizing the County Executive to execute an Intergovernmental

Agreement with the Mid-America Regional Council Solid Waste

Management District to provide access to the regional household hazardous

waste centers for the residents of the unincorporated areas of Jackson

County, at an actual cost to the County in the amount of $27,325.00.

(Assigned to the Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee.)

Awarding a ten month term and supply contract with two twelve month

options to extend for the furnishing of ammunition for use by various County

law enforcement agencies to Bristol Ridge Precision LLC of Warrensburg,

MO, Gulf States Distributors, Inc. of Montgomery, AL, Kiesler Police Supply,

Inc. of Jeffersonville, IN, Precision Delta Corporation of Ruleville, MS,

Sunset Law Enforcement of Ackley, IA, and Doc’s Tactical, LLC of Dexter,

MO under the terms and conditions of State of Missouri Contract No.

MC260192001, MC260192002, MC260192003, MC260192004,

MC260192005 and MC260192006 all existing, competitively-bid

government contracts.

(Assigned to the Justice & Law Enforcement Committee.)

22197

Awarding a contract for the purchase of a 2026 RAM 2500 Tradesman

Crew Cab 4 x 4 vehicle for use by the Sheriff’s Office to Corwin Motors of

Springfield, LLC, of Springfield, MO, under the terms and conditions of State

of Missouri Contract No. MC250182004, an existing competitively bid

government contract, at an actual cost to the County in the amount of

$61,485.00.

(Assigned to the Justice & Law Enforcement Committee.)

22198

22199

22200

Authorizing the County Executive to execute a contract with the Jackson

County Board of Services for the Developmentally Disabled - EITAS to

provide for partial funding of various Parks + Rec Department's Special

Population Services Division programs.

(Assigned to the Public Works Committee.)

Awarding a twenty-four month term and supply contract with two twelve

month options to extend for the furnishing of pro shop articles for resale by

the Parks + Rec Department to Acushnet/Titleist and FootJoy of Fairhaven,

MA, as proprietary purchases.

(Assigned to the Finance & Audit Committee.)

Awarding a contract for the purchase of two (2) 2026 Ford F-150 Police

Responder vehicles for use by the Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Unit to

CFLR Auto, LLC of Republic, MO, under the terms and conditions of State

of Missouri Contract No. MC250182003, an existing competitively bid

government contract, at an actual cost to the County in the amount of

$97,978.00.

(Assigned to the Justice & Law Enforcement Committee.)

22201

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

adopt Resolution #22201, authorizing the Jackson County Legislature to

hold a closed meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026, for the purpose of

conducting privileged and confidential communications between itself and

the Jackson County Counselor under section 610.021 (1) (18) 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: 9 -

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

Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee

and Jeanie Lauer

(ADOPTED)

22202

Authorizing the Jackson County Legislature to execute a Legal Services

Agreement with Spencer Fane Law Firm of Kansas City, MO, for legal

advise in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00, as a sole source purchase.

(Assigned to the Finance & Audit Committee.)

Discussion regarding Resolution #22203.

A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Jeanie Lauer, to hold

Resolution #22203. The motion failed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 0

No: 9 - Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,

Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and

Jeanie Lauer

22203

A motion was made by Venessa Huskey, seconded by DaRon McGee, to

adopt Resolution #22203, authorizing the Interim Director of Finance and

Purchasing to issue a check in the amount of $5,000.00 for the purchase of

a sponsorship for the 2026 Difference Maker Fireside Chat Luncheon. The

motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 9 -

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

Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee

and Jeanie Lauer

(ADOPTED)

No objection to the consideration of Resolutions #22204 and #22205 - not

on printed agenda.

22204

22205

Authorizing the County Executive to execute Cooperative Agreements with

certain outside agencies that provide public health related and other public

services to citizens of Jackson County, at an aggregate cost to the County

not to exceed $3,000,000.00.

(Assigned to the Budget Committee.)

Authorizing the County Counselor to execute a Legal Services Agreement

and Addendums to existing Legal Services Agreements with certain lawyers

and law firms at an aggregate cost to the County not to exceed $275,000.00

for services to be performed in 2026.

(Assigned to the Finance & Audit Committee.)

COUNTY EXECUTIVE ORDERS

26-07

PURPOSE

This Executive Order establishes Jackson County’s Bus Pass and Parking

Program, providing eligible County Associates with a choice between a

County-provided parking space or a County-purchased monthly bus pass for

use on the RideKC transit system.

BACKGROUND

Parking in downtown Kansas City is limited, and the County recognizes that

many Associates may prefer to use public transportation rather than drive a

personal vehicle to work. Effective June 1, 2026, the Kansas City Area

Transportation Authority (KCATA) will reinstate a $2 fare on RideKC bus

service, ending the fare-free period that began in 2020. In recognition of this

change, Jackson County will purchase monthly bus passes on behalf of

eligible Associates who elect to use public transit in lieu of a parking space.

PROGRAM DETAILS

• Eligibility: Full-time, part-time, and seasonal Associates whose primary

workstation is located in a County facility in downtown Kansas City,

Missouri, are eligible to participate.

• Election: Eligible Associates may elect either (i) a County-provided

parking space or (ii) a County-purchased 31-day bus pass in lieu of a

parking space. Elections are made on a calendar-year basis and must be

submitted in writing using the process designated by Human Resources. An

Associate who elects a bus pass will not be provided with a parking space.

• Administration: The Human Resources Department will administer the

program through a designated Bus Pass Program Administrator, who will

coordinate ordering, distribution, and required purchasing paperwork with

the Finance/Purchasing Department. Each department director shall

designate a bus pass coordinator to facilitate distribution within their

department.

• Employment Separation: Upon separation from County employment, an

Associate’s bus pass will be cancelled. Departmental bus pass

coordinators are responsible for promptly notifying the Bus Pass Program

Administrator when an Associate separates from the County.

NEXT STEPS

The Human Resources Department will communicate enrollment

procedures, coordinator designation requirements, and deadlines for initial

pass elections prior to June 1, 2026. Associates with questions should

contact their department’s bus pass coordinator or the Human Resources

Department directly.

26-08

26-09

I hereby make the following reappointment to the Jackson County Land

Trust:

Rachel R. Epler is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire

3/31/2030. Ms. Epler’s resume is attached.

I hereby make the following appointment to the Community Mental Health

Fund Board:

Randy Rhoads is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire 3/31/2029.

Mr. Rhoads’ resume is attached.

26-10

26-11

I hereby make the following reappointment to the COMBAT Commission:

Mary Hepting is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire 3/31/2030.

Ms. Hepting’s resume is attached.

I hereby make the following reappointment to the Children’s Services Fund

Board:

Megan Browning is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire

3/31/2029. Ms. Browning’s resume is attached.

26-12

I hereby issue the following guidance:

Section 1. Purpose

ꢀ

The County Executive recognizes the importance of open and transparent

communication between County employees and the County Legislature.

This Executive Order reaffirms the County’s commitment to accuracy and

good faith in all legislative communications, clarifies the role of the County

Executive’s Office in coordinating those communications, and provides

guidance to employees on expectationsꢀregardingꢀtruthfulness in legislative

proceedings

.ꢀ

Section 2. Guiding Principles

ꢀ

A. County employees are expected to communicate with the County

Legislature, its committees, and legislative staff in a truthful,ꢀaccurate, and

good-faith manner.ꢀ

B. County employees should make reasonable efforts to ensure that

information provided in connection with legislative proceedings is complete

and not misleading, including:ꢀ

1. Providingꢀaccurateꢀoral and written statements to the County Legislature

and its committees;ꢀ

2. Making good-faith efforts to provide relevant context so that statements

are not misleading;ꢀ

3. Ensuring that reports and documentsꢀsubmittedꢀto the County Legislature

are reviewed for accuracy prior to submission.ꢀ

Section 3. Coordination of Legislative Communicationsꢀ

A. Consistent with the structure of the Jackson County Charter, County

employees serve under the direction of the County Executive. Formal

communications with the County Legislature, including responses to

legislative inquiries, reports, and testimony, shouldꢀgenerally beꢀcoordinated

through the County Executive’s Office or a designee of the County

Executive.ꢀ

B. This coordination is intended to ensure consistency, accuracy, andꢀ

appropriate contextꢀin the information provided to the Legislature, and to

support employees in fulfilling the expectations outlined in Section 2.ꢀ

C. Nothing in this section is intended to prevent routine, day-to-day

professional interactions between County employees and members of the

County Legislature or legislative staff. Employees are encouraged to be

responsive and collegial in such interactions.

ꢀ

D. When an employee receives a formal request for information or

documentation from the County Legislature, the employee should notify his

or her department head, who shall coordinate with the County Executive’s

Office to ensureꢀa timelyꢀandꢀaccurateꢀresponse.ꢀ

Section 4. Support and Accountabilityꢀ

Department heads and supervisors are encouraged to foster a culture of

transparency and support employees in meeting the expectations outlined in

this Order.ꢀ

ꢀ

Section 5. Relationship to Existing Policies

ꢀ

This Executive Order supplements and reinforces the existing Jackson

County Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics. Employees are reminded of

their ongoing obligations under those policies to act with honesty and

integrity in all aspects of theirꢀCountyꢀservice, including communications with

the County Legislature.ꢀ

Section 6. Effective Dateꢀ

This Executive Order shall take effectꢀimmediatelyꢀupon signature.

26-13

I hereby make the following appointment to the Plan Commission:

Charles Barton is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire 03/31/30.

Mr. Barton lives in unincorporated Jackson County and his resume is

attached.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Follow-up regarding 2026 Adopted Budget available online and

printed books with tabs.

The County Executive stated the 2026 Adopted Budget is now available

online and the Budget Books with tabs should be ready by the end of the

week.

NEW BUSINESS

The County Legislature requests all Department Directors to email

committee chair and members to provide information regarding

legislative items assigned at each meeting, immediately after

assignment.

Chairman Abarca explained the above.

Report on Detention Center transition.

County Executive LeVota shared the Ribbon Cutting Event for the new

Detention Center will be held Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Operations were passed from the construction team to the Corrections and

Sheriff's Departments a few weeks ago and they are now involved in training

and a new class of corrections officers have just graduated. Diana Knapp,

the former Corrections Department Director, left to take a job with the City of

Kansas City's new center. A nationwide search is now being conducted to

find her replacement.

Report on Health Insurance Request for Proposal (RFP).

The County Executive stated that the Director of Purchasing is working

diligently and they will have the RFP's ready to send out in a few months.

Chairman Manuel Abarca IV said the list of Ad Hoc Committees were sent

to legislators today. He stated he invited members from the Mid-America

Regional Council (MARC) and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of

Commerce to be advisors to some of the committees.

Closed meeting per Resolution #22201.

The County Legislature recessed for closed session.

The County Legislature reconvened.

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by DaRon McGee, to

hold a legislative meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 3 P.M. in the

Kansas City Legislative Assembly Area. The motion passed by a roll call

vote:

Yes: 7 - Manuel Abarca IV, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Venessa

Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie Lauer