Jackson County Missouri  
JOURNAL  
Jackson County Courthouse  
415 E.12th Street, 2nd floor  
Kansas City, Missouri 64106  
(816)881-3242  
County Legislature  
DaRon McGee (4th) Chairman,  
Donna Peyton (2nd AL) Vice Chairman,  
Jalen Anderson (1st AL), Megan L. Smith (3rd AL),  
Manuel Abarca IV (1st), Venessa Huskey (2nd),  
Charlie Franklin (3rd), Jeanie Lauer (5th)  
Sean E. Smith (6th)  
Office of  
Mary Jo Spino  
Clerk of the County Legislature  
Monday, December 15, 2025  
3:00 PM  
Forty-ninth Regular Meeting  
K.C. Legislative Assembly Area, Kansas City, Missouri  
DaRon McGee, Chairman, called the meeting of the Jackson County Legislature to order.  
1
ROLL CALL  
Present 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Smith,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
2
3
THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
Recited.  
APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING  
A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Donna Peyton to  
approve the journal of the previous meeting held on December 08, 2025.  
The motion passed by a voice vote.  
4
HEARINGS  
22099 A RESOLUTION honoring the Northeast High School Vikings Boys  
Soccer Team.  
Resolution #22099, adopted on December 8, 2025, was presented at this  
time by Legislator Manuel Abarca IV.  
5
COMMUNICATIONS WITH AND REPORTS OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE  
Phil LeVota, County Executive, was present and gave the following report:  
He thanked the legislature for their assistance and collaboration with the  
budget process.  
He stated his office is working on increasing revenue to the County by  
making empty parking spaces available for a fee in the evening, for events  
held at the T-Mobile Center. They are working with companies to begin that  
effort.  
There was a water outage in the City of Independence that caused him to  
shut down all County facilities located there. He recognized it may have  
impacted some taxpayers from the ability to pay at those facilities, but there  
are other ways to make tax payments - at the downtown courthouse, online  
or by mail and all taxes are still due by December 31, 2025.  
He restated the origins of the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds and  
the ongoing plans for how to distribute one-half of the $70 million in  
remaining funds received by the County.  
He asked the legislature to make a request to the Missouri State Auditor's  
Office to conduct an audit regarding the use and distribution of all ARPA  
funds received by the County. Legislator Sean E. Smith stated he would  
sponsor that legislation.  
Discussion was also had with Legislator Manuel Abarca IV.  
To view details of the discussion, use the link below and select the video for  
the December 15, 2025 legislative meeting.  
https://jacksonco.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx  
6
PERFECTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEE  
Sean E. Smith explained the substitute for Ordinance #6007. Discussion.  
6007  
A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Manuel Abarca IV, to  
approve the Floor Substitute dated December 8, 2025 for Ordinance  
#6007. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Smith,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
(APPROVED)  
6007  
A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Manuel Abarca IV, to  
perfect the Floor Substitute dated December 8, 2025 for Ordinance #6007,  
repealing section 5542., of Jackson County Code, 1984, related to the use  
of unlicensed gambling devices and enacting in lieu thereof one new section  
with a with severability clause. The motion passed by a voice vote. Consent  
Agenda.  
(PERFECTED)  
Resolution #22099 was presented at this time. Refer to HEARINGS on  
page 1.  
6044  
6044  
6044  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Donna Peyton, to  
approve the Floor Substitute dated December 15, 2025 for Ordinance  
6044. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Smith,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
(APPROVED)  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
perfect the Floor Substitute dated December 15, 2025 for Ordinance  
#6044. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Smith,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
(PERFECTED)  
A motion was made by Donna Peyton, seconded by Manuel Abarca IV, to  
adopt Ordinance #6044, to adopt the annual budget and set forth  
appropriations for the various spending agencies and the principal  
subdivisions thereof, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. The  
motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Smith,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
(ADOPTED)  
6045  
6045  
A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Manuel Abarca IV, to  
perfect Ordinance #6045, setting the 2026 Jackson County, Missouri  
tentative tax levy. The motion passed by a voice vote.  
(PERFECTED)  
A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
adopt Ordinance #6045, setting the 2026 Jackson County, Missouri  
tentative tax levy. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Smith,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
(ADOPTED)  
6048  
A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Jalen Anderson to  
perfect Ordinance #6048. The motion passed by a voice vote.  
(PERFECTED)  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Sean E. Smith, to  
hold Ordinance #6048. The motion failed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 3 - DaRon McGee, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey  
No: 6 - Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Megan L. Smith, Charlie Franklin,  
Jeanie Lauer and Sean E. Smith  
Discussion.  
6048  
A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to  
adopt Ordinance #6048, appropriating $950,000.00 from the undesignated  
fund balance of the 2025 Grant Fund and awarding a contract for the  
furnishing of construction services to Terry Snelling of Independence, MO for  
the Rock Island Trail Greenwood Connector, under the terms and conditions  
of Invitation to Bid No. 25-034 at a cost to the County not to exceed  
$1,914,489.00. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 7 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Smith,  
Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer and Sean E. Smith  
No: 2 - Manuel Abarca IV and Venessa Huskey  
(ADOPTED)  
6049  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
perfect Ordinance #6049, establishing a third-party monitoring program for  
Jackson County projects and authorizing access for qualified contracted  
third parties to conduct site visits. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 5 -  
DaRon McGee, Jalen Anderson, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa  
Huskey and Charlie Franklin  
No: 4 - Donna Peyton, Megan L. Smith, Jeanie Lauer and Sean E. Smith  
(PERFECTED)  
Legislator Abarca explained Ordinance #6049.  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Venessa Huskey to  
hold Ordinance #6049. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 8 - DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Manuel Abarca IV,  
Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer and Sean E. Smith  
No: 1 - Megan L. Smith  
6050  
AN ORDINANCE prohibiting law enforcement officers from concealing their  
faces or badges during performance of their official duties and establishing  
penalties and exemptions.  
(Anti-Crime Committee - 1st. Perfection)  
7
FINAL PASSAGE OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES  
None.  
8
RESOLUTIONS IN COMMITTEE  
22014  
A RESOLUTION awarding a twelve-month term and supply contract, with  
one twelve-month option to extend for the furnishing of disaster recovery  
services for use countywide to 21st Enterprise, LLC aka ServPro of Lee’s  
Summit, Missouri, under the terms and conditions of the Junior College  
District of Metropolitan Kansas City, Missouri (MCC) Contract No.  
19-7242-C3R2.  
(Legislature As A Whole - 8th. Meeting)  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Venessa Huskey to  
hold Resolution #22014. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 - DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Smith,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer and  
Sean E. Smith  
22103  
Transferring $636,425.00 from the undesignated fund balance of the 2025  
Park Fund for construction services provided by Hartline Construction of  
Kansas City, MO for use by the Parks + Rec Department.  
(WITHDRAWN BY SPONSOR MEGAN L. SMITH. CONCURRED BY SEAN  
E. SMITH AND DONNA PEYTON.)  
Whitney Miller, Chief Deputy County Counselor, said she will resubmit  
Resolution #22103 as an Ordinance.  
22120  
A RESOLUTION awarding a twenty-four-month term and supply contract,  
with one twelve-month option to extend, for the furnishing of tree removal  
services for use by various County departments to Looks Great Services of  
Columbia, MS under the terms and conditions of Invitation to Bid No.  
25-044.  
(Budget Committee - 1st. Meeting )  
22121  
22122  
22124  
22125  
Budget Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
Finance and Audit Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
Budget Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
Justice and Law Enforcement Committee moved to adopt. Consent  
Agenda.  
22131  
22132  
Budget Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
Justice and Law Enforcement Committee moved to adopt. Consent  
Agenda.  
22133  
22134  
Justice and Law Enforcement Committee moved to adopt. Consent  
Agenda.  
Justice and Law Enforcement Committee moved to adopt. Consent  
Agenda.  
22135  
22136  
22137  
Budget Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
Budget Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
Budget Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
9
CONSENT AGENDA  
6007  
AN ORDINANCE repealing section 5542., of Jackson County Code, 1984,  
related to the use of unlicensed gambling devices and enacting in lieu  
thereof one new section with a with severability clause.  
(ADOPTED)  
22121  
A RESOLUTION awarding a twenty-four-month term and supply contract,  
with three twelve-month options to extend, for the furnishing of moving  
services for use by various County departments to A. Arnold Kansas City of  
Olathe, KS, under the terms and conditions set forth in the 16th Judicial  
Circuit of Missouri IFB-10004706-24-27, an existing government contract.  
(ADOPTED)  
22122  
A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of certain documents required by  
the County’s banking and investment companies designating the County  
Executive, the Interim Director of Finance and Purchasing, and the Clerk of  
the Legislature to be authorized signers on behalf of the County.  
(ADOPTED)  
22124  
22125  
A RESOLUTION authorizing the County Executive to execute an agreement  
with Miriam Hennosy for administrative services at a cost to the County not  
to exceed $5,800.00.  
(ADOPTED)  
A RESOLUTION awarding a twelve-month term and supply contract, with  
three twenty-four month options to extend, for the furnishing of laboratory  
drug testing for use by various County departments to Avertest, LLC., dba  
Averhealth, of Richmond, Virginia, under the terms and conditions set forth  
in Johnson County, Kansas Contract No. 2023-019, an existing government  
contract.  
(ADOPTED)  
22131  
A RESOLUTION awarding a contract for the maintenance of software for  
use by the Compliance Review Office to AskReply, Inc., dba B2Gnow of  
Phoenix, AZ, at an actual cost to the County in the amount of $48,180.00, as  
a sole source purchase.  
(ADOPTED)  
22132  
22133  
A RESOLUTION authorizing the Prosecuting Attorney to accept a  
twelve-month extension of the 2022 Justice Assistance Grant awarded by  
the United States Department of Justice, at no cost to the County.  
(ADOPTED)  
A RESOLUTION authorizing the Jackson County Sheriff to execute a  
contract for services with the Family Court Division of the 16th Circuit Court  
of Missouri to provide deputies to assist with the Family Court’s  
Connections supervised visitation program.  
(ADOPTED)  
22134  
22135  
A RESOLUTION transferring $129,658.00 within the 2025 General Fund to  
cover the cost of computers and the purchase of vehicles for use by the  
Jackson County Family Court.  
(ADOPTED)  
A RESOLUTION awarding a contract for an upgrade to Granicus Operations  
Cloud Governance Legislative Edition for use by the Office of the Clerk of  
the County Legislature to Granicus of St. Paul, MN, at an actual cost to the  
County not to exceed $179,785.00, as a sole source purchase.  
(ADOPTED)  
22136  
A RESOLUTION awarding a contract for the purchase of new hardware,  
including setup and configuration necessary for the upgrade to fully  
managed video services for use by the Office of the Clerk of the County  
Legislature in 2026 to Granicus of St. Paul, MN, at an actual cost to the  
County not to exceed $70,000.00, as a sole source purchase.  
(ADOPTED)  
22137  
A RESOLUTION authorizing the Chairman of the Legislature to execute a  
twelve-month Consulting Agreement with two twelve-month options to extend  
with Fred Dreiling, LLC, of Kansas City, MO, to serve as Chief Lobbyist to  
perform State Legislative Lobbyist Services for the Legislature, under the  
terms and conditions of Request for Qualifications No. 24-086, at a cost to  
the County for 2026 not to exceed $117,500.00.  
(ADOPTED)  
Ordinance #6007 and Resolutions #22121, #22122, #22124, #22125,  
#22131, #22132, #22133, #22134, #22135, #22136 and #22137 were  
moved to the Consent Agenda for adoption.  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
approve the Consent Agenda. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Smith,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
10  
11  
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE  
None.  
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE  
22138  
A motion was made by Megan L. Smith, seconded by Sean E. Smith, to  
adopt Resolution #22138, awarding a contract for construction services for  
the Little Blue Trace Trail bridge replacement over West Fire Prairie Creek  
to Realm Construction, Inc of Blue Springs, MO, under the terms and  
conditions of Invitation to Bid No. 25-033, at a cost to the County not to  
exceed $625,909.00. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 8 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Smith,  
Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer and Sean E. Smith  
Abstain: 1 - Manuel Abarca IV  
(ADOPTED)  
22139  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Donna Peyton, to  
adopt Resolution #22139, authorizing the County Executive to issue a  
three-month extension to the 2025 Outside Agency cooperative agreements  
that provide public health and other public services, at no cost to the County.  
The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Smith,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
(ADOPTED)  
22140  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
adopt the the Floor Amendment dated December 15, 2025 for Resolution  
#22140, appointing a member to the Kansas City Zoological District  
Commission (adding the name Sharon Cleaver on page 2). The motion  
passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Smith,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
(APPROVED)  
Legislators Franklin and McGee explained Resolution #22140.  
Ballots were passed out by the Deputy County Clerk and each legislator  
voted for one of the following nominees:  
Sharon Cleaver, Dan Tarwater, and J.J. Rizzo  
The Clerk of the County Legislature read the votes aloud.  
Sharon Cleaver received 5 votes.  
Dan Tarwater received 3 votes.  
J. J. Rizzo received 1 vote.  
22141  
Expressing the intent of the Legislature to authorize the County Executive to  
execute Cooperative Agreements with certain outside agencies that provide  
public services to citizens of Jackson County, at an aggregate cost to the  
County not to exceed $15,000,000.00.  
(Assigned to the Legislature As A Whole.)  
Legislator Smith explained the evaluation process for the non-profit  
partnership grants. He said they would like to adopt Resolution #22141 next  
week. Manuel Abarca IV thanked Sean E. Smith for finding a solution.  
Legislator Franklin said he received information from the Compliance  
Review Office and will send it to all legislators after the legislative meeting.  
Legislator Peyton thanked the team that worked on this project.  
No objection to the consideration of Resolution #22142 - not on printed  
agenda.  
22142  
A motion was made by Charlie Franklin, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
adopt Resolution #22142, authorizing the Jackson County Counselor’s  
Office to execute a limited Professional Services Agreement with Branch  
Recruiting of Kansas City, MO, for legal recruitment at a cost to the County  
not to exceed $15,000.00. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Smith,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
(ADOPTED)  
12  
COUNTY EXECUTIVE ORDERS  
25-31  
I hereby make the following appointments/reappointments to the Freedom  
Wall Commission:  
Gayle Hill-Suber is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire  
9/21/2027.  
Marquita Taylor is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire  
9/21/2027.  
Damon Daniel is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire 9/21/2027.  
Letonia (LT) Torrence is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire  
9/21/2027.  
Toi Wilson is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire 9/21/2027.  
Kevin Woolfolk is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire 9/21/2027.  
Venessa Huskey is hereby reappointed to finish her current term set to  
expire 9/21/2026.  
Linda Williams is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire 12/31/2028.  
Barbara Davis is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire 12/31/2028.  
Ike Graham is hereby appointed to a new term term set to expire  
12/31/2028.  
Rev. David McDaniels is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire  
12/31/2028.  
No resumes received from the County Executive for Barbara Davis or  
Ike Graham.  
25-32  
I hereby appoint Jennifer Nussbeck to serve as Chief Public Affairs Officer,  
effective October 14, 2025. Ms. Nussbeck’s resume is attached.  
No resume was attached.  
25-33  
I hereby make the following appointments/reappointments to the Community  
Mental Health Fund Board:  
Christopher Beal is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire  
9/30/2028.  
Brook Nasseri is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire 9/30/2028.  
Dr. Eve McGee is hereby reappointed to finish her current term set to expire  
9/30/2027.  
Dr. David Lisbon is hereby reappointed to finish his current term set to  
expire 9/30/2027.  
Sandra Jiles is hereby reappointed to finish her current term set to expire  
9/30/2027.  
Desarae Harrah is hereby reappointed to finish her current term set to  
expire 9/30/2026.  
Kirby Ann Randolph is hereby reappointed to finish her current term set to  
expire 9/30/2026.  
Rochelle Harris is hereby reappointed to finish her current term set to expire  
9/30/2026.  
Marsha Campbell is hereby reappointed to finish her current term set to  
expire 9/30/2026.  
Jessica Garcia is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire  
9/30/2028.  
James Walden is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire 9/30/2028.  
James Halvorson is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire  
12/31/2028.  
Robbie Makinen is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire  
12/31/2028.  
No resume received from the County Executive for Rochelle Harris.  
25-34  
I hereby make the following appointments/reappointments to the  
Developmental Disability Services-EITAS Board:  
Stuart Alan May is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire  
12/31/2028.  
Dr. Eve McGee is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire  
12/31/2028.  
George Mitchell Jr. is hereby reappointed to finish his current term set to  
expire 12/31/2026.  
Deborah Prior is hereby reappointed to finish her current term set to expire  
12/31/2026.  
Nick Pevato is hereby reappointed to finish his current term set to expire  
12/31/2026.  
Benjamin Kisner is hereby reappointed to finish his current term set to  
expire 12/31/2027.  
Edward Van Haele is hereby reappointed to finish his current term set to  
expire 12/31/2027.  
Susan Borgmeyer is hereby reappointed to finish her current term set to  
expire 12/31/2027.  
Lauren Powell is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire 12/31/2028.  
No resumes received from the County Executive for Stuart Alan May,  
George Mitchell Jr., Edward Van Haele, Susan Borgmeyer and  
Lauren Powell.  
25-35  
I hereby make the following appointments/reappointments to the Domestic  
Violence Shelters Board:  
Ashley Burke is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire 2/07/2028.  
Kristina Jones is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire 2/07/2028.  
Chiquita Singleton is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire  
2/7/2028.  
Tonya Hampton is hereby reappointed to finish her current term set to expire  
2/7/2027.  
Shelly Doucet is hereby reappointed to finish her current term set to expire  
2/7/2027.  
No resumes received from the County Executive for any of the  
reappointments.  
25-36  
I hereby make the following appointments/reappointments to the Ethics,  
Human Relations & Citizen Complaints Commission:  
Howard Lotven is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire 6/04/2029.  
Mary Shannon is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire 6/04/2029.  
Jacquelyn Eidson is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire  
6/4/2027.  
Mike Yonke is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire 12/31/2027.  
Brent Herrick is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire 12/31/2027.  
Holmes Osborne is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire  
12/31/2026.  
Karen Baker is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire 12/31/2026.  
No resumes received from the County Executive for Howard Lotven,  
Mary Shannon, Jacquelyn Eidson, Mike Yonke and Holmes Osborne.  
25-37  
I hereby make the following appointments/reappointments to the Pension  
Plan Board of Trustees:  
Carolyn Watley is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire 2/17/2029.  
B. Stephen Gills is hereby reappointed to finish his current term set to expire  
2/17/2026.  
Theresa Ryan is hereby reappointed to finish her current term set to expire  
2/17/2027.  
Terrence Messonier is hereby appointed to finish his current term set to  
expire 2/17/2027.  
Whitney Miller is hereby reappointed to finish her current term set to expire  
7/22/2027.  
Gail Overly is hereby reappointed to continue her current term set to expire  
2/17/2028.  
Gina Campbell is hereby reappointed to continue her current term  
indefinitely.  
Theresa Garza is hereby reappointed to continue his current term  
indefinitely.  
Mark Foudree is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire 12/31/2029.  
Robert Hepting is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire 12/31/2029.  
No resumes received from the County Executive for Carolyn Watley,  
B. Stephen Gills, Theresa Ryan, Terrence Messonier, Whitney Miller,  
Gail Overly, Gina Campbell, Theresa Garza or Robert Hepting.  
25-38  
I hereby make the following appointments/reappointments to the Plan  
Commission:  
Larry J. Antey is hereby reappointed to finish his current term set to expire  
12/31/2028.  
William D. Farrar is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire  
12/31/2029.  
Robert Smead is hereby reappointed to a new term set to expire  
12/31/2029.  
Jack Crawford is hereby reappointed to finish his current term set to expire  
12/31/2027.  
Ralph Monaco is hereby reappointed to finish his term set to expire  
12/31/2027.  
Denise Ryerkerk is hereby reappointed to finish her term set to expire  
12/31/2027.  
25-39  
A. Executive Order No. 16-12 is hereby rescinded.  
B. Pursuant to Section 11 of Article IV of the Jackson County Charter, there  
are the following established as members of the staff of the County  
Executive:  
Chief Of Staff, Theresa Garza  
County Administrator, Stephen Arbo  
Chief Public Affairs Officer, Jennifer Nussbeck  
Chief Policy Officer, Chris Whiting  
Community Relations Officer, Courtney Adams Canady  
Chief Executive Assistant, Lauren Powell  
As said positions may be amended, and together with such other staff  
positions may be included in the County's annual budget.  
Within the Executive Office Structure are the following departments and  
offices:  
Chief of Staff  
Communications  
Community Engagement  
Government Relations  
Liaison to:  
Jackson County Sports Complex Authority  
Pension Plan Board  
County Boards and Commissions not otherwise assigned  
County Administrator -  
Emergency Manager  
Financial  
Operational  
Liaison to:  
Office of Ethics, Human Relations, and Citizen Complaints  
(OEHRCC)  
OEHRCC Commission  
Operations - Assistant County Administrator  
Economic Development  
Parks and Rec  
Public Works  
Internal Services - Assistant County Administrator  
Environmental Health  
Medical Examiner  
Human Resources  
Information Technology  
Fiscal Operations - Assistant County Administrator  
Assessment  
Collections  
Finance and Purchasing  
Recorder of Deeds  
The Assistant County Administrators shall oversee and provide direction to  
the departments assigned to them. The director of each department shall  
organize and manage the department, subject to the coordination and  
supervision of the County Executive Office and the respective division chief,  
and shall point out and assign functions and duties to such other officers,  
assistants, and employees as may be provided.  
County Municipal Court  
The County Municipal Court Administrator of the Jackson County Municipal  
Court shall administer the operations of the Court and ensure compliance  
with all applicable provisions of the Laws and County Code. The County  
Municipal Court Administrator shall provide support services for judicial  
officers appointed to preside over the County Municipal Court and the  
lawyers assigned by the County Counselor to prosecute offenses before the  
Court, and the County Executive or the Executive's designee regarding the  
operations and administration of the County Municipal Court and its budget.  
County Administrator  
The County Administrator, or the County Administrators designee, shall aid  
the County Executive in the coordination of Day-to-Day Operations and  
oversee and provide direction to the County Emergency Preparedness Plan  
and shall be responsible for the maintenance of all community,  
governmental, and business contacts and act as the liaison between  
Jackson County and other entities regarding all public health-related issues  
and matters. The County Administrator may assign Assistant County  
Administrators to act as liaisons to the Office of the Medical Examiner,  
Truman Medical Center , Jackson County Health Department, the County 's  
Anti-Drug Sales Tax (COMBAT) staff, and Drug Commission, and shall have  
such duties as are delegated to that office by the County Executive, or the  
Executive's designee, and the County Charter and/or Code.  
The Director of Emergency Management and Safety shall administer the  
Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. The Director  
shall be responsible for preparing, planning, and recovery of emergency  
situations and homeland security initiatives within the County. The Director  
shall prepare for potential disasters that are either man-made or are caused  
by nature. The Director shall prepare appropriate emergency management  
plans, train the various County agencies, and support response activities  
with other local jurisdictions, County agencies, the State of Missouri  
Emergency Management Agency, and Federal personnel, to ensure that the  
lives of the citizens of the County and their property are protected. The  
Director is responsible for developing an Emergency Operations Plan for  
annual state certification and for operating a functional Emergency  
Operations Center that is on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  
Assistant County Administrator of Operations  
The Assistant County Administrator of Operations shall aid the County  
Executive in the coordination and supervision of the Departments of  
Economic Development, Parks and Rec, and Public Works. The Assistant  
County Administrator of Operations shall have such duties as are prescribed  
by the Constitution, Laws, Charter, and Code for those departments. The  
Assistant County Administrator of Operations shall have all duties as are  
delegated by the County Administrator, or the County Administrators’  
designee, and such other duties as may be required of that position by the  
County Executive, or the Executive's designee, and the County Charter  
and/or Code.  
The Director of Economic Development shall administer the Office of  
Economic Development and shall be responsible for the promotion and  
support of regional economic development through collaboration with  
municipalities, regional development agencies, the private sector, and the  
community, The Director will engage with stakeholders regarding economic  
development policy and will support county initiatives designed to promote  
economic growth, The Director shall have such duties delegated to that  
office by the County Administrator, or the County Administrators’ designee,  
and such other duties as may be required of that position by the County  
Executive, or the Executive's designee, and the County Charter and/or  
Code.  
The Director of Parks + Rec shall administer all County parks, lakes,  
marinas, and recreational facilities and programs and shall have such duties  
as are delegated to that office by the County Administrator and such other  
duties as may be required of that position by the County Administrator, or  
the County Administrators’ designee, and such other duties as may be  
required of that position by the County Executive, or the Executive's  
designee, and the County Charter and/or Code.  
The Director of Public Works shall administer all County roads, highways,  
streets, sewers, bridges, and dams. The Director shall be responsible for  
the implementation, execution, and enforcement of the County's zoning code  
provisions and the plan for the development of the County. The Director shall  
have responsibility for the implementation, execution, and enforcement of  
building construction code provisions for the County. The Director shall  
direct the operation of all County buildings and grounds, with the exception  
of those in the County park system and Office of the Sheriff, and those  
dedicated to the sole use of the Circuit Court of Jackson County, and shall  
have such duties as delegated to that office by the County Administrator, or  
the County Administrators’ designee, and such other duties as may be  
required of that position by the County Executive, or the Executive's  
designee, and the County Charter and/or Code.  
Assistant County Administrator of Internal Services  
The Assistant County Administrator of Internal Services shall aid the County  
Executive in the coordination and supervision of the Departments of  
Environmental Health, Medical Examiner, Human Resources, and  
Information Technology. The Assistant County Administrator of Internal  
Services shall have such duties as are prescribed by the Constitution, Laws,  
Charter, and Code for those departments. The Assistant County  
Administrator of Internal Services shall have all duties as are delegated by  
the County Administrator, or the County Administrators’ designee, and such  
other duties as may be required of that position by the County Executive, or  
the Executive's designee, and the County Charter and/or Code.  
The Director of Environmental Health shall administer programs and  
services designed to protect and promote the public’s health through  
environmental regulation, monitoring, and enforcement. The Director shall be  
responsible for coordinating and supervising activities related to food safety,  
water quality, air pollution control, waste management, vector control, and  
other environmental health concerns within the County. The Director shall  
also oversee inspection, permitting, compliance, and public education  
initiatives, and promote collaboration with state and federal agencies,  
municipalities, and community organizations to ensure environmental health  
standards are met. The Director shall have such duties as are delegated to  
that office by the County Administrator, or the County Administrators’  
designee, and such other duties as may be required of that position by the  
County Executive, or the Executive's designee, and the County Charter  
and/or Code.  
The Director of the Medical Examiner’s Office shall administer operations  
related to medicolegal death investigations, which shall be responsible for  
determining the cause and manner of death in cases under the jurisdiction of  
the County. The Medical Examiner shall be responsible for coordinating and  
supervising autopsies, forensic examinations, toxicology testing, evidence  
collection, and documentation activities, and for maintaining accurate and  
secure records of all investigations. The Director shall also oversee the  
dissemination of findings to law enforcement, courts, families, and other  
agencies, and promote the advancement of forensic science practices  
within the County. The Director shall have such duties as are delegated to  
that office by the County Administrator, or the County Administrators’  
designee, and such other duties as may be required of that position by the  
County Executive, or the Executive's designee, and the County Charter  
and/or Code.  
The Director of Human Resources shall administer the Human Resources  
Department and the merit system. The Director shall certify all additions,  
deletions, and changes in the payrolls of merit system employees and shall  
have such duties as are delegated to that office by the County Administrator,  
or the County Administrators’ designee, and such other duties as may be  
required of that position by the County Executive, or the Executive's  
designee, and the County Charter and/or Code.  
The Director of Information Technology shall administer information  
management systems, which shall be responsible for coordinating,  
operating, and directing all of the County's computer and  
telecommunications functions. The Director shall also be responsible for  
coordinating and supervising a variety of geographic information systems  
(GIS) including data modeling, conversion, maintenance, quality assurance,  
documentation, and dissemination activities within the County and promote  
the use of GIS to other agencies and units of government. The Director shall  
have such duties as are delegated to that office by the County Administrator,  
or the County Administrators’ designee, and such other duties as may be  
required of that position by the County Executive, or the Executive's  
designee, and the County Charter and/or Code.  
Assistant County Administrator of Fiscal Operations  
The Assistant County Administrator of Fiscal Operations shall aid the  
County Executive in the coordination and supervision of the Departments of  
Assessment, Collections, Finance, and Recorder of Deeds. The Assistant  
County Administrator of Fiscal Operations shall monitor County contractual  
services functions relating to the fiscal viability of the County. The Assistant  
County Administrator of Fiscal Operations shall have such duties as are  
prescribed by the Constitution, Laws, Charter, and Code for those  
departments and shall have all duties as are delegated by the County  
Administrator, or the County Administrators’ designee, and such other  
duties as may be required of that position by the County Executive, or the  
Executive's designee, and the County Charter and/or Code.  
The Director of Assessment shall administer the provision of assessment  
tax rolls to political subdivisions and taxpayers for the levying of taxes and  
shall have such duties  
as are delegated to that office by the County Executive and the Chief  
Administrative Officer and such other duties required of that office by the  
County Charter and/or Code, except those otherwise specifically delegated,  
including the 2017 appraisal process and final decisions on real estate  
valuation. The County Administrator, or the County Administrators’  
designee, and such other duties as may be required of that position by the  
County Executive, or the Executive's designee, may assign specific  
responsibilities relating to the implementation of statutorily required orders  
and to the valuation of real property to a competitively retained, independent  
expert consultant.  
The Director of Collection shall administer the collection of property taxes for  
all political jurisdictions. The Collector shall have such duties as are  
delegated to that office by the County Administrator, or the County  
Administrators’ designee, and such other duties as may be required of that  
position by the County Executive, or the Executive's designee, and the  
County Charter and/or Code.  
The Director of Finance and Purchasing shall administer the Department of  
Finance and Purchasing, which shall include accounting and payroll  
functions. The Director shall act as purchasing agent and shall have such  
duties as are delegated to that office by the County Administrator, or the  
County Administrators’ designee, and such other duties as may be required  
of that position by the County Executive, or the Executive's designee, and  
the County Charter and/or Code.  
The Budget Officer shall serve under the direction of the Director of Finance  
and Purchasing in the preparation and administration of the budget. The  
Budget Officer shall administer the Budget Office and shall have such other  
duties as are delegated to that office by the County Administrator, or the  
County Administrators’ designee, and such other duties as may be required  
of that position by the County Executive, or the Executive's designee, and  
the County Charter and/or Code.  
The Recorder of Deeds shall have the duty of recording, reproducing,  
copying, storing, and indexing deeds, instruments, conveyances, and other  
documents required by the Laws or the Code to be kept and shall  
administer the Department of the Recorder of Deeds. The Recorder shall  
have such duties delegated to that office by the County Administrator, or the  
County Administrators’ designee, and such other duties as may be required  
of that position by the County Executive, or the Executive's designee, and  
the County Charter and/or Code.  
Chief of Staff  
The Chief of Staff shall aid the County Executive in the coordination and  
supervision of the Office of Communications and Executive Office Staff. The  
Chief of Staff shall have such duties as are prescribed by the Constitution,  
Laws, Charter, and Code for the Office of Communications. The Chief of  
Staff shall have such other duties as are delegated to that office by the  
County Executive. The Chief shall also be responsible for the maintenance  
of all community, governmental, and business contracts, in coordination with  
the County Counselors Office, and act as the governmental relations liaison  
on behalf of the County Executive Office between the County Legislature, the  
Sheriff, Prosecuting Attorney, and other governmental entities and/or elected  
officials. The Chief of Staff shall serve as the administration's liaison to the  
Jackson County Sports Complex Authority, and to all County boards and  
commissions assigned by the County Executive.  
The Chief Public Affairs Officer shall serve as the senior advisor and  
strategic lead for all public affairs and media relations under the direction of  
the Chief of Staff, and on behalf of the County Executive. The Chief Public  
Affairs Officer will provide executive-level guidance and strategy on  
messaging, communications, media outreach, and public engagement  
related to the County Executive and media relations. The Chief Public  
Affairs Officer is directly responsible for handling external communications,  
including media advisories’ and press releases related to the County  
Executive and the Office of the County Executive. The Chief Public Affairs  
Officer shall have such other duties as they are delegated to that position or  
may be required by the County Executive, or the County Executive’s Chief of  
Staff, and the County Charter and/or Code.  
The Director of Communications shall serve under the direction of the Chief  
Public Affairs Officer as the strategic lead for internal and external  
communications across County departments. This Director shall administer  
the Communications Department and shall ensure consistent, accurate, and  
engaging messaging that reflects the County’s values and priorities. The  
Director shall be responsible for aligning departmental messaging with  
executive priorities while facilitating operational coordination across County  
Leadership. The Director shall advance transparency, civic engagement,  
and public trust by delivering clear, accessible, and compelling  
communications across all media platforms, including digital content and  
produce public-facing materials that support County departments and raise  
awareness of County programs and initiatives. The Director shall have such  
other duties as are delegated to that office by the County Executive, or the  
County Executive’s Chief of Staff, and the County Charter and/or Code  
The Chief Policy Officer shall serve under the direction of the Chief of Staff in  
the administration of legislative, regulatory, policy initiatives, and  
implementation on behalf of the County Executive. The Chief Policy Officer  
shall provide executive-level guidance for all Boards and Commissions  
appointed by the County Executive. The Chief Policy Officer shall help to  
shape and advance the County Executive’s policy agenda, while ensuring  
alignment with County priorities, community needs, and intergovernmental  
opportunities. The Chief Policy Officer shall have such other duties as they  
are delegated to that office by the County Executive, or the County  
Executive’s Chief of Staff, and the County Charter and/or Code.  
The Community Relations Officer shall serve under the direction of the Chief  
of Staff in support of the County Executive’s Office by serving as a central  
liaison between County leadership and the broader community. The  
Community Relations Officer shall represent the County Executive at  
meetings and events, build relationships with residents and community  
groups, strengthen public trust, and expand awareness of county programs,  
services, and initiatives. The Community Relations Officer shall work closely  
with the Executive Office team to ensure that community voices are heard,  
concerns are elevated appropriately, and residents remain informed and  
engaged in local government. The Community Relations Officer shall have  
such other duties as are delegated to that position by the County Executive,  
or the County Executive’s Chief of Staff, and the County Charter and/or  
Code.  
C.  
Executive Order No. 16-12, dated _________, is hereby rescinded.  
25-40  
I hereby appoint Courtney M. Canady to serve as Community Relations  
Officer, effective December 1, 2025. Ms. Canady’s resume is attached.  
13  
UNFINISHED BUSINESS  
Phil Levota, County Executive, with regards to the executive orders  
introduced, reported there are 212 board seats, 118 were vacant, 59 were  
expired and only 35 were valid. He said he has appointed 86. He thanked  
the County Clerk's office for assisting him and his staff with the filing of  
executive orders.  
Megan L. Smith, County Legislator, said she had questions regarding the  
evaluation process as explained by Sean E. Smith regarding non-profit  
partnership grants. Discussion.  
Charlie Franklin, County Legislator, will send the summary spreadsheet and  
the Compliance Review Office will send necessary links.  
Donna Peyton, Vice Chairman, assumed the Chair.  
Discussion regarding payment to evaluators.  
DaRon McGee resumed the Chair.  
Manuel Abarca IV said he and Legislator Huskey visited the Word War II  
Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. He said he is happy to share his  
educational experience and photos with anyone interested. He said there is  
an intent to create a monument for WWII veterans; for those veterans who  
served as well as those who supported the war. They learned that the largest  
expense of the war was the procurement and manufacturing of planes which  
were made in our region. He said he would like to acknowledge all those  
who served in WWII. He applauds his colleague and County Executive for  
expressing the desire to create a monument or marker to acknowledge  
these individuals.  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Donna Peyton, to  
adjourn the meeting. The motion failed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 2 - Manuel Abarca IV and Venessa Huskey  
No: 7 - DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Smith,  
Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer and Sean E. Smith  
Discussion continued regarding payment to evaluators of the non-profit  
partnership grants. Megan L. Smith said she feels this is public service and  
evaluators should not be paid. Discussion.  
14  
15  
NEW BUSINESS  
None.  
ADJOURNMENT  
A motion was made by Donna Peyton, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
adjourn the meeting. The motion passed by a voice vote.  
The next legislative meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday, January 12,  
2026 at 3:00 P.M. at the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse, 308 W.  
Kansas, Independence, Missouri, Ground Floor, Legislative Chambers.