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,  
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),  
Jeanie Lauer (5th), Sean E. Smith (6th)  
Clerk of the County Legislature  
Monday, March 27, 2023  
3:00 PM  
Twelfth 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, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,  
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 Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Jeanie Lauer to  
approve the journal of the previous meeting held on March 20, 2023. The  
motion passed by a voice vote.  
4
HEARINGS  
A motion was made by Sean Smith, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to  
reconsider Ordinance #5711 as perfected on March 21, 2023. The motion  
failed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 4 - Jalen Anderson, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer and Sean Smith.  
No: 5 - Donna Peyton, Megan Marshall, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa  
Huskey and DaRon McGee  
5
COMMUNICATIONS WITH AND REPORTS OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE  
Frank White, Jr., County Executive, expressed his thanks to Jalen  
Anderson, Venessa Huskey, Donna Peyton, and Chairman DaRon  
McGee for attending the ribbon cutting of the Frank White, Jr. Softball  
Complex this past Saturday. There was new turf installed on the infield.  
Many coaches and staff are excited about the new fields.  
Second, Mr. White said, there are a series of mass shootings throughout  
the country on a regular basis with no responsible gun legislation to keep  
our community and our children safe. There was another mass shooting  
today in Nashville. His hope is that our state legislature and those at the  
highest levels of government in Washington, D.C. will pass some  
responsible gun law in the near future. Mr. White asked everyone to join  
him in a moment of silence for those who lost their lives today in Nashville.  
DaRon McGee, County Legislator, commended the Parks + Rec  
Department on their fine work at the Softball Complex. He said it is a nice  
upgrade to the complex.  
Mr. McGee asked Troy Schulte, County Administrator, to give an update  
on the plumbing issues at the Historic Truman Courthouse in  
Independence. Mr. Schulte said, the Administration is engaging in some  
contract discussions with the term & supply vendor. The Administration will  
be bring legislation to the County Legislature in the next few weeks to  
cover the repairs using contingency funds. The approximate cost is  
$190,000.00.  
Manuel Abarca IV, County Legislator, asked the County Executive about  
the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) process. There are significant  
funds to be allocated. Some allocations have come through piecemeal.  
He asked the County Executive about the process for determining the  
priorities. Mr. White said that is not an easy question to answer because  
there are nine legislators and they each have wishes and wants. He would  
like to meet with each one of them to discuss their priorities. Additionally,  
the County has a number of infrastructure needs to address. The new  
Administration building is part of the plan. He is happy to meet with  
anyone to discuss these plans. Mr. Abarca asked if there are any public  
engagement plans. Mr. White said yes, the public input is important for the  
allocation of funds.  
Manual Abarca IV requested additional information about the County  
policy related to the use of vehicles. Mr. White asked to clarify if he meant  
the fleet management policy. Mr. Abarca said yes. Mr. White said his  
office will provide that information.  
Megan L. Marshall, County Legislator, asked if there is an update on  
grants the County has applied for related to the detention center. Troy  
Schulte said on Friday the County was notified of an award of a couple of  
hundred thousand dollars. He does not have the exact figure. This grant is  
funding for renovations to the existing jail. They had hoped to buy a new  
dishwasher, but that was not funded by the state. There will be a resolution  
regarding the purchase of a new dishwasher. There will be legislation soon  
accepting the grant.  
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PERFECTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEE  
AN ORDINANCE appropriating $5,000,000.00 from the Undesignated Fund  
Balance of the American Rescue Plan Fund and authorizing the County  
Executive to execute an agreement with the University of Missouri - Kansas  
City (UMKC) for the purpose of continuing the Our Healthy KC Eastside  
program for COVID-19 vaccination and minority health outreach for the  
calendar year 2023, at a cost to the County not to exceed $5,000,000.00.  
(Finance and Audit Committee - 4th. Perfection)  
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8
FINAL PASSAGE OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES  
Consent Agenda.  
RESOLUTIONS IN COMMITTEE  
Budget Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
Justice and Law Enforcement Committee moved to adopt. Consent  
Agenda.  
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CONSENT AGENDA  
AN ORDINANCE appropriating $8,377.00 from the undesignated fund  
balance of the 2023 Health Fund and authorizing the Director of Finance  
and Purchasing to issue a check to the Mid-America Regional Council in the  
amount of $46,377.00 relating to the Local Emergency Planning Committee.  
(ADOPTED)  
A RESOLUTION awarding a three-year contract for the furnishing of  
mortgage loan information services to Trepp, Inc., of New York City, New  
York as a sole source purchase, at an actual first year cost to the County in  
the amount of $90,023.00.  
(ADOPTED)  
A RESOLUTION awarding a twelve-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.  
(ADOPTED)  
Ordinance #5723 and Resolutions #21202 and #21203 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, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
10  
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE  
Ordinance #5728 was discussed and perfected at this time. See pages  
5-8 for details.  
Enacting sections 667. and 5575., Jackson County Code, 1984, relating to  
a ban on conversion therapy for minors, with a penalty provision.  
(Assigned to the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee.)  
Establishing the New Detention Center Capital Project Fund as a dedicated  
special revenue fund within the County’s financial system, appropriating  
$99,017,979.00 from the Undesignated Fund Balance of the 2023 New  
Detention Center Capital Project Fund, authorizing the County Executive to  
execute three contract amendments to the contract with J.E. Dunn-Axiom of  
Kansas City, MO, for the construction of the new Jackson County Detention  
Center to cover the guaranteed maximum price, Component 2 (Site  
Demolition, Site Development, and Earthwork), and Component 2a  
(Engineering, Detailing, Mockups, and Early Procurement) at an aggregate  
cost to the County not to exceed $99,017,979.00, and declaring the intent of  
the County to reimburse itself for this expense from future bond proceeds.  
(Assigned to the Legislature As A Whole.)  
DaRon McGee asked to be added as a sponsor for Ordinance #5727 and  
all future legislation pertaining to the new Jackson County Detention  
Center.  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Venessa Huskey,  
to approve Floor Substitute II dated March 27, 2023 for Ordinance #5728.  
Discussion.  
A motion was made by Jeanie Lauer, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to  
hold Ordinance #5728. The motion failed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 2 - Jalen Anderson, Jeanie Lauer  
No: 6 - Donna Peyton, Megan Marshall, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa  
Huskey, Charlie Franklin, and DaRon McGee  
Abstain: 1 - Sean Smith  
Jeanie Lauer, County Legislator, asked for clarification as to which  
substitute was under consideration. She inquired if this vote is regarding  
Floor Substitute II. Manual Abarca IV said yes. Ms. Lauer asked the  
sponsor to state the revisions. Mr. Abarca deferred to the County  
Counselor. Jay Haden, Chief Deputy County Counselor, said to ignore the  
previous document titled Floor Substitute I. Floor Substitute II eliminates a  
previous sub-paragraph 5575.3 relating to First Amendment and freedom  
of religion issues. That is no longer in this ordinance. It also eliminates  
any reference to training and education. Now the section just has a notice  
requirement. Those are the two substantive changes. Subsections were  
also renumbered.  
Jeanie Lauer inquired of the sponsor about the notice requirement. She  
asked how he anticipates the County would accomplish the notice  
requirement. Mr. Abarca said the same way the County fulfills any notice  
requirement, publish in the newspaper. Ms. Lauer asked how often would  
this run? Mr. Abarca stated it would be published one time. Ms. Lauer said  
many people, therapists, school counselors would not see just one notice.  
Mr. Abarca said the goal was to accommodate some of the objections  
listed by other legislators from the discussion last week in hopes of  
bringing together a more congenial effort to bring folks to the table. Mr.  
Abarca said the draft of the ordinance is to provide some level of notice to  
those impacted by the new law.  
Jeanie Lauer asked about including a fiscal note since this notice  
requirement could be an additional cost to the County and staff resources.  
She said it also seems this gives an unfair advantage when some groups  
are required to receive notice, but other groups do not have that  
requirement. This could be construed as to giving notice to “bad actors” of  
a penalty provision, whereas the County does not give such notice to other  
“bad actors” such as burglars, domestic violence offenders, or other  
groups and criminals. It seems inconsistent with the intent.  
Megan L. Marshall asked for clarification form the County Counselor  
about the notice requirement. Her interpretation is this section requires  
notice to the citizens of Jackson County, not specifically providers. Bryan  
Covinsky, County Counselor, said the section states, ” The County shall  
provide notice to ensure awareness of this section to Providers and other  
persons who may be subject to this section in order to ensure that they are  
aware of the potential harms of Conversion Therapy.” Mr. Covinsky said,  
when an element of notice is added in, then to enforce the ordinance would  
require an element to prove how the offender got the notice. There are  
multiple ways notice can be given. It would be up to a court to determine if  
the notice was proper. Megan L. Marshall said there would be cost  
effective ways to give notice that does not take away the intent of the  
ordinance. Bryan Covinsky said that this requires that notice would have to  
be part of the enforcement.  
Jeanie Lauer said state statutes require public notice through social  
media and through newspapers. That would require additional costs. We  
are a litigious society. It leaves us with the potential that a bad actor could  
claim “I didn’t see it” and that would be sufficient defense of the charge.  
The onus on the County is to prove that they did see the notice. It leaves  
us with potential litigation and another encumbrance on the County.  
Jalen Anderson, County Legislator, asked when an ordinance is passed  
and signed by the County Executive, how long before it is enacted? Mr.  
Haden said an ordinance is effective the date it is signed by the County  
Executive unless there is an effective date. Mr. Anderson said his original  
ordinance introduced by himself, Mr. Abarca and signed on by Legislator  
Lauer and Smith, did not have this notice requirement. He has never seen  
notice given that will give a 90-day effective date on a law to protect  
children. This gives people who do horrible things the chance to say, “I  
didn’t see that notice." He asked if we would to do this with human  
trafficking or assault? He said this is a chance to tie the County up with  
lawsuits that cannot be defended.  
Mr. Abarca asked the County Counselor where the 90-day provision is in  
the ordinance. Jay Haden said it is in section C in the last paragraph of the  
ordinance. Mr. Abarca asked why this was included. Mr. Haden said one of  
the Legislators asked him to put it in there.  
Frank White, Jr. asked the County Counselor, based on the notification  
requirement of the ordinance, if it would put the County in jeopardy to  
receive more lawsuits by people claiming they did not receive the notice.  
Mr. Covinsky said he is not sure it would be a general exposure for more  
lawsuits. Mr. Covinsky gave an example of how an attorney might  
prosecute such a case. These requirements are foundational. The notice  
has nothing to do with the substance of your case. In this circumstance, if  
you are to enforce the statute, the notice piece becomes foundational.  
That was not a requirement of the other ordinance. It would be an element  
that the prosecutor would have to provide. The defense would have the  
opportunity to say, “I did not receive notice.” It adds another layer to being  
able to enforce the ordinance – how the notice was provided. The court  
would have to determine if that notice was sufficient. A lot will depend on  
how the County goes about providing that notice. It would be difficult to say  
what is sufficient notice.  
Frank White, Jr. said part of his job is to not put the County in harms way.  
This legislation as written, leaves the County with potential for more  
lawsuits. He said if this passes he cannot see himself signing it into law  
based on how it is written.  
Donna Peyton, County Legislator, said she had concerns voting on  
Proposed Floor Amendment II which sets a 90-day effective date to be  
enacted. She doesn’t see the necessity of the 90-days effective date. Jay  
Haden acknowledged there is conflict between the boiler plate language  
on the signature page that states the ordinance is effective upon signature  
of the County Executive and the section C of the ordinance that has a  
90-day effective date. He said the County Counselor’s Office will correct  
that when it is filed with the Clerk’s office. Ms. Peyton said she has  
concerns that a Legislator would request a change to the effective date  
without notifying the sponsor. Mr. Haden said he will review his emails and  
let the legislature know who made the request. This section has been in  
the ordinance since last week.  
Donna Peyton asked what Mr. Haden meant about the ability to amend or  
revise the ordinance. Mr. Haden said he was referring to correcting the  
signature page, which inadvertently said the ordinance is effective upon  
the signature of the County Executive. Once the ordinance is perfected, it  
cannot be substantially changed. Sean E. Smith, County Legislator, asked  
for clarification about amending an ordinance at a later date, after it is  
adopted. Mr. Smith said it is possible to revise the law at a later date. Mr.  
Haden agreed.  
Ms. Lauer asked about the inclusion of a fiscal note. Mr. Haden said it is  
not the practice of the County to include a fiscal note on anything that does  
not have a specific direct expenditure attached to the request.  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
approve Floor Substitute II dated March 27, 2023 for Ordinance #5728. The  
motion passed by a voice vote.  
(APPROVED)  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
perfect Floor Substitute II dated March 27, 2023 for Ordinance #5728,  
enacting sections 667. and 5575., Jackson County Code, 1984, relating to a  
ban on conversion therapy for minors, with a penalty provision and an  
effective date. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 5 -  
DaRon McGee, Megan L. Marshall, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca  
IV and Venessa Huskey  
No: 2 - Jalen Anderson and Jeanie Lauer  
Abstain: 2 - Charlie Franklin and Sean E. Smith  
(PERFECTED)  
11  
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Megan L. Marshall,  
to adopt Resolution #21208, authorizing the Chairman of the Legislature to  
execute an amendment to the Consulting Agreement with Fred Dreiling,  
LLC, of Kansas City, MO, to serve as Chief Lobbyist to perform state  
legislative lobbyist services for the Legislature, awarded pursuant to  
Resolution 20841, dated December 13, 2021. The motion passed by a roll  
call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
(ADOPTED)  
Awarding a contract for the furnishing of annual software maintenance for  
use by the Finance and Purchasing Department to Mitchell Humphrey of St.  
Louis, MO, as a sole-source purchase, at an actual cost to the County in the  
amount of $87,310.00.  
(Assigned to the Finance and Audit Committee.)  
Authorizing the County Executive to execute an Intergovernmental  
Cooperative Agreement with the City of Independence, MO, for the use of  
certain County property for a civic event, at no cost to the County.  
(Assigned to the Finance and Audit Committee.)  
Awarding a contract for the furnishing of a backhoe for use by the Public  
Works Department to CSTK of Kansas City, KS, under the terms and  
conditions set forth in the Sourcewell Contract No. 040319-JCB, an existing  
competitively bid government contract, at an actual cost to the County in the  
amount $130,194.00.  
(Assigned to the Public Works Committee.)  
Awarding a contract on Bid 23-011 for the 2023 Pavement Maintenance  
Program (Surface Treatments), Project No. 3273, to Vance Brothers, Inc., of  
Kansas City, MO, at an actual cost to the County not to exceed  
$470,400.00.  
(Assigned to the Public Works Committee.)  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Megan L. Marshall,  
to adopt Resolution #21213, congratulating Macedonia Baptist Church of  
Kansas City, Missouri on the occasion of its 107th anniversary. The motion  
passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
(ADOPTED)  
Congratulating the Ruskin Eagles High School boys basketball team on  
winning the Greater Kansas City Suburban District Championship.  
(Assigned to the Legislature As A Whole.)  
Congratulating Melodie Chrisman on the occasion of her retirement after  
more than fifteen years of service to the Community Services League.  
(Assigned to the Legislature As A Whole.)  
12  
13  
COUNTY EXECUTIVE ORDERS  
None.  
UNFINISHED BUSINESS  
Jalen Anderson presented Resolution #21205, adopted by the County  
Legislature on March 20, 2023, to Justin Horn, recognizing him for his  
service on the Board of Directors of the Jackson County Children's Services  
Fund.  
14  
NEW BUSINESS  
DaRon McGee recognized and congratulated Captain Mike Rogers with the  
Sheriff's Department on his retirement from Jackson County effective March  
31, 2023, after 33 years of service.  
Jay Haden said he was questioned by Mr. Anderson for clarification about  
the perfection of Ordinance #5728. Rule 16D of the Rules of the Legislature  
say a proposal for ordinance may be immediately added to the perfection  
agenda of the same meeting at which the proposal was introduced only if a  
motion for immediate perfection is carried. Passage of such a motion  
requires a two-thirds majority of those present and voting. If the ordinance  
appropriates funds, a motion for immediate perfection will be defeated by  
two “No” votes. He believes the vote to perfect was defeated.  
After the conclusion of the meeting, the County Counselor conferred with  
Robert’s Rules of Order and the Rules of the Legislature and determined  
that because of the two abstentions, Ordinance #5728 was perfected.  
15  
ADJOURNMENT  
A motion was made by Jeanie Lauer, seconded by Manuel Abarca IV, to  
adjourn the meeting. The motion passed by a voice vote.  
Meeting adjourned until Monday, April 3, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. at the Jackson  
County Courthouse, 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 2nd Floor,  
Legislative Assembly Area.