Minutes - County Legislature

Jackson County Missouri

JOURNAL

Jackson County Courthouse

415 E.12th Street, 2nd floor

Kansas City, Missouri 64106

(816)881-3242

County Legislature

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

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

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

Office of

Mary Jo Spino

Clerk of the County Legislature

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

Monday, June 22, 2026

3:00 PM

Twenty-first Regular Meeting

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

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

ROLL CALL

Present 8 -

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

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused 1 - Megan L. Smith

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Recited.

APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

A motion was made by Jeanie Lauer, seconded by Jalen Anderson to

approve the journal of the previous meeting held on June 15, 2026. The

motion passed by a voice vote.

HEARINGS

Presentation by Stephanie Boyer, CEO of reStart.

Public Hearing regarding Ordinance #6096, submitting to the qualified

voters of Jackson County at the general election to be held on Tuesday,

November 3, 2026, a question authorizing Jackson County to continue its

countywide anti-crime sales tax (COMBAT) at the rate of one-quarter of one

cent for a period of ten years for the purpose of promoting and providing

public safety within Jackson County, including the prevention and treatment

of drug abuse and addiction and the prevention, investigation, prosecution,

and detention of violent criminals and drug dealers.

Comments in favor of Ordinance #6096 were made by Melesa Johnson,

Prosecuting Attorney, Murray Woodard, Director of COMBAT and

Stephanie Boyer, CEO of reStart.

With no other testimony, the public hearing was closed.

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

select the video of the County Legislative meeting dated Monday, June 22,

2026.

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

COMMUNICATIONS WITH AND REPORTS OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE

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

He spoke about establishing the Jackson County LGBTQ+ Commission

with Executive Order 26-25.

He made remarks regarding the Freedom Wall Honoree Event that was held

on Saturday, June 20th at the Leon Jordan Memorial Park.

He said he is ready to collaborate with the Legislature regarding legislation

on today's agenda.

Chairman Abarca asked the County Executive about the Legislature

receiving the updated organizational chart, salary schedule and resume from

Terry Riley, who was appointed to the EHRCC Commission. The County

Executive stated he would like some advance notice to produce the

documents. Chairman Abarca reminded him they were requested in

previous legislative meetings. The County Executive said Terry Riley may

not be able to accept the appointment due to a work conflict.

Legislator Sean E. Smith asked about moving forward on scheduling

meetings with the legislators in small groups to discuss the remaining ARPA

funds that may or may not be available.

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

select the video of the County Legislative meeting dated Monday, June 22,

2026.

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

PERFECTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEE

6050

AN ORDINANCE prohibiting law enforcement officers from concealing their

faces or badges during performance of their official duties and establishing

penalties and exemptions.

(Legislature As A Whole - 19th Perfection)

6077

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

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

residential facilities with a severability clause.

(Legislature As A Whole - 10th Perfection)

Manuel Abarca IV encouraged legislators to send questions they have for

Sheriff Forte regarding Ordinance #6077 so they can be forwarded to him.

6081

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

perfect Ordinance #6081. The motion passed by a voice vote.

(PERFECTED)

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

adopt Ordinance #6081 amending the zoning districts established pursuant

to the Unified Development Code by rezoning a certain 5.00± acre tract

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

motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 7 -

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

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie Lauer

Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

6089

AN ORDINANCE enacting subsection 2067. Jackson County Code, 1984

relating to tax credits and assessment adjustments.

(Legislature As A Whole - 1st. Perfection)

The County Legislature will have a public hearing regarding Ordinance

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

Assembly Area. Chairman Abarca said the taxing entities will be notified so

they can attend.

6090

6091

AN ORDINANCE transferring and appropriating $25,000.00 from the

undesignated fund balance of the 2026 Park Fund for installation services

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

Rec Department.

(WWII Memorial Committee (Ad Hoc) - 3rd. Perfection)

AN ORDINANCE submitting to the qualified voters of Jackson County,

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

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

one percent for public transportation purposes.

(Regional Transit Committee (Ad Hoc) - 3rd. Perfection)

Whitney Miller, Chief Deputy County Counselor, said she is working on the

statutory requirements for Ordinance #6091.

6092

AN ORDINANCE appropriating $15,415,000.00 from the undesignated fund

balance of various funds and authorizing the County Executive to execute

Cooperative Agreements to fund infrastructure projects with certain

municipalities within Jackson County in an amount not to exceed

$15,415,000.00.

(County Infrastructure & Strategic Planning Committee (Ad Hoc) - 3rd.

Perfection)

The Legislative Auditor will meet with the Stephen Arbo, County

Administrator and Mark Lang, Budget Administrator, regarding Ordinance

#6092. Comments by Phil LeVota, County Executive. Discussion.

6096

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

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

(PERFECTED)

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

adopt Ordinance #6096 submitting to the qualified voters of Jackson County

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

question authorizing Jackson County to continue its countywide anti-crime

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

years for the purpose of promoting and providing public safety within

Jackson County, including the prevention and treatment of drug abuse and

addiction and the prevention, investigation, prosecution and detention of

violent criminals and drug dealers. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

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

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

6097

6098

AN ORDINANCE establishing the position of Legislative Intern within the

Office of the Jackson County Legislature and setting forth provisions

governing the appointment, supervision, and employment of Legislative

Interns.

(Legislature As A Whole - 2nd. Perfection)

AN ORDINANCE repealing section 1540.1, of the Jackson County Code,

1984 and enacting, in lieu thereof, one new section relating to the same

subject requiring that the Legislative County Auditor maintain a permanent

position on the Board responsible for the Administration and Oversight of

County Pension and Retirement Systems with an effective date.

(Finance & Audit Committee - 1st. Perfection)

FINAL PASSAGE OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES

6049

AN ORDINANCE establishing a third-party monitoring program for Jackson

County projects and authorizing access for qualified contracted third parties

to conduct site visits.

Jeanie Lauer objected to the Consent Agenda.

(PERFECTED)

6074

Consent Agenda.

RESOLUTIONS IN COMMITTEE

22281

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

furnishing of automation control products and services for use by the

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

Summit, Missouri under the terms and conditions of OMNIA Cooperative

Contract #159051, an existing competitively bid government contract.

(Justice & Law Enforcement Committee - 3rd. Meeting)

Sean E. Smith assumed the Chair.

22303

Authorizing the County Auditor to execute a Financial Advisory Services

Agreement with an entity of their choice for independent financial advisory

and consulting services at a cost to the County not to exceed $50,000.00.

The Finance and Audit Committee made no recommendation for Resolution

#22303.

(WITHDRAWN BY SPONSOR MANUEL ABARCA IV. CONCURRED BY

JALEN ANDERSON AND DONNA PEYTON)

Manuel Abarca IV resumed the Chair.

22304

Establishing the Unincorporated Jackson County Fund and directing the

County Executive and County Administration to develop policies and

procedures for the administration of said fund.

(Assigned to the Legislature As A Whole.)

The Finance and Audit Committee recommended adoption of Resolution

#22304. No motion was made therefore it was assigned to Legislature As A

Whole.

22311

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

furnishing of personal computers, miscellaneous computer hardware,

software, maintenance and professional services for use by various County

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

terms and conditions of State of Missouri Contract Number CT220337001,

an existing competitively bid government contract.

(Public Works Committee - 1st. Meeting )

22312

22313

22314

A RESOLUTION authorizing the Interim Director of Finance and Purchasing

to issue a check in the amount of $239,121.00 for the purchase of

equipment for the City of Buckner.

(Public Works Committee - 1st. Meeting )

A RESOLUTION authorizing the Interim Director of Finance and Purchasing

to issue a check in the amount of $50,000.00 to the Mattie Rhodes Center to

fund the creation of a youth employment and community arts pilot program.

(Arts & Culture Committee (Ad Hoc) - 1st. Meeting )

A RESOLUTION authorizing a thirty-six-month term and supply contract for

the furnishing of Workday timeclock hardware, software, and support

services for use by the 16th Circuit Court and various Jackson County

departments to Accu-Time Systems of Windsor, CT, as a sole source

purchase.

(Budget Committee - 1st. Meeting )

22315

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

one (1) twelve-month option to extend, for the furnishing of Workday

professional services for use by the Information Technology Department to

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

of Oklahoma contract No. SW1025, as an acquisition from another

governmental entity.

(Budget Committee - 1st. Meeting )

22316

A RESOLUTION declaring certain County-owned land as surplus real

property and authorizing the Administration to solicit bids for selling fifteen

(15) surplus parcels.

(Finance & Audit Committee - 1st. Meeting )

CONSENT AGENDA

6074

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

data center land use applications and Battery Energy Storage System land

use applications by Jackson County for the purpose of developing a

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

applications, including the direction of regulatory standards and enhanced

public notification requirements.

(ADOPTED)

Ordinance #6074 was 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: 8 -

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

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE

Amending the zoning districts established pursuant to the Unified

Development Code by rezoning a certain 5.00± acre tract from District AG

(Agricultural) to District RR (Residential Ranchette).

(Assigned to the Land Use Committee.)

Requesting a conditional use permit (CUP) of AG (Agricultural) zoning

district for continuous operation of an agritourism operation associated with

the management of an alpaca farm.

(Assigned to the Land Use Committee.)

Amending the zoning districts established pursuant to the Unified

Development Code by rezoning a certain 10.05± acre tract from District AG

(Agricultural) to District RE (Residential Estates).

(Assigned to the Land Use Committee.)

Amending the zoning districts established pursuant to the Unified

Development Code by rezoning a certain 25.00± acre tract from District AG

(Agricultural) to District RR (Residential Ranchette).

(Assigned to the Land Use Committee.)

6103

Appropriating $13,022.00 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 Anti-Crime Committee.)

INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE

22318

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

adopt Resolution #22318, congratulating Adam Salmon on the occasion of

his retirement from Oak Grove High School. The motion passed by a roll call

vote:

Yes: 8 -

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

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

22319

22320

Transferring $150,000.00 within the 2026 Anti-Crime Sales Tax Fund to fully

fund the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office’s 2026 Law Enforcement School

Based Initiative program (LESBI).

(Assigned to the Anti-Crime Committee.)

Awarding a contract for stage, sound, and lighting services for the 2026

Christmas in the Sky event for use by the Parks + Rec Department to Sound

Check Enterprises of Kansas City, MO, under the terms and conditions of

invitation to Bid No. 26-025 at a cost to the County not to exceed

$25,760.00.

(Assigned to the Budget Committee.)

22321

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

adopt Resolution #22321, congratulating and wishing Jacob Newman

success as the next principal of Oak Grove High School. The motion passed

by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

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

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

22322

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

adopt Resolution #22322, authorizing the Jackson County Legislature to

hold a closed meeting on Monday, June 22, 2026, for the purpose of

conducting privileged and confidential communications between itself and

the Jackson County Counselor under section 610.021(1) of the Revised

Statutes of Missouri and closing all records prepared for discussion at said

meeting. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 -

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

Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Excused: 1 - Megan L. Smith

(ADOPTED)

No objection to the consideration of Resolution #22323 - not on printed

agenda.

22323

Directing the County Executive, the Department of Public Works, and all

appropriate County departments and agencies to develop and implement a

comprehensive framework governing the siting, construction, expansion,

and operation of artificial intelligence and high-capacity data center facilities

within Jackson County, Missouri, and establishing conditions necessary to

protect public infrastructure, utility systems, environmental resources, public

safety, and neighboring communities.

(Assigned to the Public Works Committee.)

COUNTY EXECUTIVE ORDERS

26-25

By the authority vested in me as County Executive of Jackson County,

Missouri, and in accordance with the Jackson County Charter, including the

appointment authority set forth in Article III, Section 6, I hereby order as

follows:

Section 1. Findings

On June 15, 2026, the County Legislature adopted Resolution No. 22306

(7-0), encouraging the establishment of a functioning Jackson County

LGBTQ+ Commission and presenting a recommended framework for its

creation. The Resolution found that Jackson County is home to diverse

LGBTQ+ residents who continue to face unique challenges related to

housing, healthcare access, public safety, employment, education, and

discrimination, and it encouraged “the prompt advancement of legislation or

action by the County Executive” necessary to formally establish the

Commission without unnecessary delay. This Executive Order constitutes

that action.

Section 2. Establishment

There is hereby established the Jackson County LGBTQ+ Commission (the

“Commission”), an advisory body within the Office of the County Executive.

Section 3. Purpose

The Commission shall advise the County Executive on policies, programs,

and practices affecting LGBTQ+ residents of Jackson County, and shall

promote equity, inclusion, and responsiveness to the needs of the LGBTQ+

community.

Section 4. Composition and Appointment

The Commission shall consist of nine (9) members, composed as follows:

(a) One (1) member appointed from each of the County's six (6) legislative

districts; and

(b) Three (3) members appointed at-large, without regard to district of

residence, to ensure broad representation of the County's LGBTQ+

community and allied stakeholders.

All members shall be appointed by the County Executive. As provided in

Article III, Section 6 of the Jackson County Charter, written notice of each

appointment shall be filed with the Clerk of the Legislature, and any

appointment not disapproved by the Legislature within fifteen (15) days of

such filing shall stand approved. Members shall be Jackson County

residents, and district-seat members shall reside within the district they

represent.

Section 5. Terms and Vacancies

Members shall serve three (3) year terms. Of the initial appointments, three

(3) members shall be appointed to a one (1) year term, three (3) to a two (2)

year term, and three (3) to a three (3) year term, as designated by the

County Executive, in order to establish a staggered rotation. Members may

be reappointed without limitation. A vacancy shall be filled in the same

manner as the original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term.

Members shall serve without compensation, subject to reimbursement of

reasonable expenses consistent with County policy.

Section 6. Officers

The Commission shall annually elect from among its members a Chair, Vice

Chair, and Secretary, each serving a one (1) year term. The Chair shall

preside at meetings and serve as the Commission's primary liaison to the

County Executive. The Vice Chair shall act in the Chair's absence. The

Secretary shall ensure minutes and records are maintained consistent with

Section 7 of this Order.

Section 7. Meetings, Quorum, and Committees

The Commission shall meet no less than six (6) times per year. A majority of

members then serving (five (5), assuming a full nine-member Commission)

shall constitute a quorum. The Commission may establish standing and ad

hoc committees as needed. All meetings shall be open to the public and

conducted consistent with Chapter 610, RSMo (the Missouri Sunshine Law)

and applicable County policy.

Section 8. Attendance and Ethics

Members are expected to attend meetings regularly; a member who incurs

three (3) consecutive unexcused absences, or who misses more than half of

the Commission's meetings in a calendar year, may be removed by the

County Executive upon recommendation of the Commission. Members shall

comply with all applicable County ethics and conflict-of-interest policies.

Section 9. Duties and Limitations

The Commission shall advise the County Executive on matters affecting

LGBTQ+ residents, serve as a forum for community engagement, and

submit an annual written report to the County Executive summarizing its

activities and recommendations. The Commission shall have no authority to

bind the County, expend County funds, or exercise executive or legislative

authority; its role is strictly advisory.

Section 10. Bylaws

The Commission shall adopt bylaws governing its internal operations,

consistent with this Order, at its inaugural meeting. The bylaws framework

attached to Resolution No. 22306 shall serve as the Commission's initial

bylaws unless and until amended by the Commission by majority vote,

provided no amendment may conflict with this Order or applicable law.

Section 11. Administration

The County Executive shall designate a staff liaison to provide

administrative support to the Commission. Staff and administrative support

shall be provided through the existing budget of the Office of the County

Executive; any dedicated appropriation for Commission programming shall

require separate legislative action.

Section 12. Duration and Effect

This Order shall remain in effect until rescinded, superseded, or until the

Commission is established by ordinance of the County Legislature, at which

point this Order shall be superseded by that ordinance. The County

Executive may amend this Order as circumstances require.

Section 13. Effective Date

This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon signature.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

Jalen Anderson, County Legislator, thanked the County Executive for

creating the LGBTQ+ Commission.

Donna Peyton, Chairman of the Budget Committee, reminded everyone that

the outside agency hearings are Tuesday and Wednesday in Kansas City

and Thursday in Independence. The schedules for these meetings are

posted online with the budget committee agendas.

The County Legislature went into closed session.

The County Legislature reconvened.

ADJOURNMENT

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

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