Jackson County Missouri

JOURNAL

Jackson County Courthouse

415 E.12th Street, 2nd floor

Kansas City, Missouri 64106

(816)881-3242

County Legislature

Jeanie Lauer (5th) Chairman,

Office of

Megan L. Marshall (3rd AL) Vice Chairman,

Mary Jo Spino

Jalen Anderson (1st AL), Donna Peyton (2nd AL), Manuel Abarca IV (1st),

Venessa Huskey (2nd), Charlie Franklin (3rd), DaRon McGee (4th),

Sean E. Smith (6th)

Clerk of the County Legislature

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

12:00 PM

SPECIAL Meeting

K.C. Legislative Assembly Area, Kansas City, Missouri

Jeanie Lauer, Chairman, called the meeting of the Jackson County Legislature to order.

ROLL CALL

Present 9 -

Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca

IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee, Sean E.

Smith and Jeanie Lauer

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Recited.

APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

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

approve the journal of the previous meeting held on January 06, 2025. The

motion passed by a voice vote.

The legislative meeting scheduled to be held on January 6, 2025 was

cancelled due to inclement weather. Therefore, the previous journal

approved was from the legislative meeting held on December 31, 2024.

HEARINGS

Jeanie Lauer, Chairman, opened nominations for Chairman of the

Legislature for 2025.

Venessa Huskey nominated DaRon McGee.

Megan L. Marshall nominated Charlie Franklin.

DaRon McGee was elected as Chairman for 2025 and the votes were as

follows:

DaRon McGee: 5 - Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey,

Sean E. Smith, and DaRon McGee

Charlie Franklin: 4 - Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Marshall, Jeanie Lauer, and

Charlie Franklin

Jeanie Lauer, Chairman, opened nominations for Vice Chairman of the

Legislature for 2025.

DaRon McGee nominated Donna Peyton.

Venessa Huskey nominated Manuel Abarca IV. Mr. Abarca declined the

nomination.

Donna Peyton was declared Vice Chairman for 2025 by unanimous

consent.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH AND REPORTS OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Frank White Jr., County Executive, congratulated the newly elected

Chairman and Vice Chairman of the County Legislature for 2025.

Mr. White read a statement regarding the loss of a Public Works employee

during the snow storm over the weekend:

"As we gather today for the first time since the tragic loss of Everett Carter,

a cherished member of our Jackson County Public Works team, I want to

take a moment to reflect on his life and his service. Everett, a 40-year county

associate, lost his life just days ago while performing one of the most critical

and selfless duties in public service: clearing snow from our roads to protect

the safety of our community. We will provide updates with service

information and share additional details about the accident as they become

available.

On behalf of Jackson County, I once again extend my deepest condolences

to Everett’s family, friends, and colleagues. His passing is a profound loss

for all of us, and I know the pain of his absence is deeply felt across our

entire community.

For four decades, Everett gave his all to this county and its people. His work

was often quiet, done behind the scenes, but it was invaluable. Day after

day, in the harshest conditions, Everett showed up with unwavering

dedication to ensure that families could travel safely and that our community

could continue to function. His service was not just a job-it was a calling. It

was a testament to his commitment to making life better for all of us, and for

that, we are endlessly grateful.

As we continue to mourn Everett’s passing, I want to recognize the heavy toll

that this loss takes on all of us-his coworkers, friends, and loved ones. To all

of our associates, please remember that it’s okay to grieve and to seek

support. The County’s mental health resources are here for you, whether you

need someone to talk to or simply a reminder that you’re not alone. Let’s be

there for one another, now more than ever.

To Everett’s family, know that Jackson County stands with you in your

sorrow. We are committed to supporting you however we can, and we will

honor Everett’s memory by ensuring his legacy is never forgotten.

Let us take this moment to come together as a community-to comfort one

another, to honor Everett’s extraordinary life and service, and to recommit

ourselves to supporting those who dedicate their lives to serving others.

Thank you, Everett, for your 40 years of service, your sacrifice, and your

example. May your memory be a blessing and a source of strength to all who

knew and loved you."

Mr. White asked for a moment of silence.

Manuel Abarca IV, County Legislator, requested a closed session so the

County Legislature could be briefed on the accident of Mr. Carter.

Mr. Abarca asked the Administration if all county parking lots have been

plowed. Frank White Jr. said all lots have been plowed including lots A & B

near the Kansas City Courthouse. Troy Schulte, County Administrator said

they will run another pass through all parking lots.

Manuel Abarca IV said he was expecting an update from the Director of

Assessment today but she is not present. He asked for a timeline for an

Assessment Department update. Frank White Jr. said Ms. Beatty plans to

attend a future legislative meeting. Mr. Abarca asked if the County is at fault

with a $1 million loss. Troy Schulte responded that Jackson County did not

receive the $3 per parcel for 2025. Jeanie Lauer said Gail McCann Beatty

was scheduled to present to the County Legislature on Monday, January 6

but when the meeting was cancelled due to inclement weather, she was

unable to attend the legislative meeting scheduled today.

Donna Peyton, Vice Chairman, asked if the process has started for

appointing the Senior Tax Commission. Caleb Clifford said they are

considering hiring a consultant. Ms. Peyton asked for a timeline. Mr. Clifford

said as soon as the budget is approved they will be able to proceed.

PERFECTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEE

5904

AN ORDINANCE repealing Section 5577., Jackson County Code, 1984,

relating to possession of firearms and age restriction, and to enact in lieu

thereof two new sections, Sections 5577. and 5578., relating to the same

subject, with a severability clause and a penalty provision.

(Legislature As A Whole - 9th Perfection)

5906

5909

AN ORDINANCE awarding a contract for construction services for the

Stoenner Road Bridge Replacement County Project No. 3247, Federal

Project No. BRO-B048 to Dondlinger & Sons Construction Company, Inc., of

Wichita, KS, under the terms and conditions of Invitation to Bid No. 24-068

at a cost to the County not to exceed $877,022.00.

(Public Works Committee - 8th. Perfection)

Submitting to the qualified voters of Jackson County, Missouri, at the

primary election to be held on August 5, 2025, a question to amend the

Jackson County Charter, with an effective date.

(Assigned to the Legislature As A Whole.)

A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Manuel Abarca IV to

move Ordinance #5909 from the Rules Committee to Legislature As A

Whole per Rule 21 of the Rules of the Jackson County Legislature. The

motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 6 - Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie

Franklin, Sean E. Smith, and DaRon McGee

No: 3 - Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Marshall, and Jeanie Lauer

FINAL PASSAGE OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES

None.

RESOLUTIONS IN COMMITTEE

21641

A RESOLUTION authorizing the County Executive or the Chairman of the

Legislature to sell the County-owned property located at 1300 Washington

Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 via the competitive bidding process.

(Legislature As A Whole - 28th Meeting)

21766

A RESOLUTION transferring $49,500.00 within the 2024 General Fund and

authorizing a contract to cover the cost of consultation and proposal services

to Colette Holt & Associates Law Firm of San Antonio, TX, at a cost to the

County not to exceed $49,500.00.

(Legislature As A Whole - 15th Meeting)

CONSENT AGENDA

None.

INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE

5957

Repealing subsection 5560.3., Jackson County Code, 1984, relating to

recklessly failing to care for or control child, and enacting, in lieu thereof, one

new subsection relating to the same subject.

(Assigned to the Justice and Law Enforcement Committee.)

INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE

21839

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

adopt Resolution #21839, honoring the life and contributions of John

Bonifacio Moreno Jr. for his devotion to his community and dedication to

society. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 9 -

Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca

IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee, Sean E.

Smith and Jeanie Lauer

(ADOPTED)

21840

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

adopt Resolution #21840, honoring the life and achievements of Joe

Serviss. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 9 -

Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca

IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee, Sean E.

Smith and Jeanie Lauer

(ADOPTED)

COUNTY EXECUTIVE ORDERS

None.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

Jeanie Lauer recognized and thanked Megan L. Marshall for her work as

Vice Chairman of the County Legislature for 2024.

Jeanie Lauer recognized, thanked and presented a plaque to Jalen

Anderson for his work as Chairman of the Budget Committee.

Manuel Abarca IV asked the status of the legislation to allocate ARPA

dollars. Frank White Jr. said nothing will be done until the budget is

approved through a budget amendment. Mr. Abarca asked for a timeline.

Mr. White said the money will need to be put in buckets for the RFP process

and he can work with Mr. Abarca to get it done.

Jalen Anderson, County Legislator, said best of luck to DaRon McGee and

Donna Peyton and he looks forward to working with them to get things done

this year. Mr. Anderson recognized, thanked and presented a plaque to

Jeanie Lauer for serving as Chairman of the the County Legislature in 2024.

Donna Peyton thanked Jalen Anderson for working to unite the legislature

and keep them informed. She thanked Megan L. Marshall for serving as

Vice Chairman and she thanked Jalen Anderson for his work as Chairman

of the Budget Committee.

Donna Peyton asked for an update on the extension of the application

deadline for the Senior Tax Credit Program. Caleb Clifford responded he is

working on a document for the County Legislature to review.

DaRon McGee, Chairman, said the Governor's inauguration is scheduled to

be held on Monday, January 13 and several legislators will be attending. He

entertained a motion to cancel the legislative meetings scheduled to be held

on Monday, January 13 and Tuesday, January 21.

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

cancel the legislative meetings scheduled to be held on January 13 and 21,

2025. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 7 - Donna Peyton, Megan L. Marshall, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa

Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Sean E. Smith, and DaRon McGee

No: 2 - Jalen Anderson, Jeanie Lauer

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

direct the County Couselor's office to prepare a courtesy resolution for

Everett Carter to be presented at his services on Saturday. The motion

passed by a voice vote.

Caleb Clifford, shared information regarding services for Mr. Carter. A

visitation for Everett will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 10:00 AM

to 11:00 AM at Newcomer's Noland Road Chapel, 509 S NOLAND RD,

INDEPENDENCE, MO 64050. A funeral service will occur Saturday,

January 11, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 509 S NOLAND RD,

INDEPENDENCE, MO 64050. A committal service will occur Saturday,

January 11, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Appleton City Cemetery,

13500 NW 1000 Rd, Appleton City, MO 64724.