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, January 8, 2024  
3:00 PM  
First 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 Jeanie Lauer, seconded by Venessa Huskey to  
approve the journal of the previous meeting held on December 29, 2023.  
The motion passed by a voice vote.  
4
HEARINGS  
DaRon McGee, Chairman, opened nominations for Chairman of the  
Legislature for 2024.  
Sean E. Smith nominated Jeanie Lauer.  
Charlie Franklin nominated Donna Peyton.  
The votes for Chairman were as follows:  
Jeanie Lauer: 5 - Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Marshall, Charlie Franklin,  
Jeanie Lauer, and Sean E. Smith  
Donna Peyton: 4 - Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey,  
DaRon McGee  
DaRon McGee opened the floor for nominations of Vice Chair.  
Manuel Abarca IV nominated Jalen Anderson.  
Jalen Anderson nominated Megan L. Marshall.  
The votes for Vice Chair were as follows:  
Megan L. Marshall: 6 - Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Marshall, Charlie Franklin,  
DaRon McGee, Jeanie Lauer, and Sean E. Smith  
Jalen Anderson: 3 - Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV, and Venessa Huskey  
5
COMMUNICATIONS WITH AND REPORTS OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE  
Frank White, Jr., County Executive, congratulated the newly elected Chair  
and Vice Chair. Mr. White read a statement regarding the stadium sales tax  
issue:  
“As our county legislature prepares to vote on the proposal to place the  
ballpark project on the April ballot, I want to express my respect and  
understanding for the roles and responsibilities of our esteemed  
legislators. The decision before them is not an easy one, and I am very  
aware of the immense political pressures involved in such significant civic  
decisions.  
I understand the complexities and challenges of these discussions and  
want to reassure everyone that my commitment to collaboration remains  
strong. Regardless of the vote's outcome, I am dedicated to working  
closely with legislators, our sports teams and all stakeholders. This  
commitment holds true whether the issue reaches the ballot or not. My  
office is ready to continue constructive engagement in every step of this  
process, ensuring the best outcomes for all involved.  
Over the past months, my administration has worked diligently to improve  
this deal for the taxpayers of Jackson County. We have successfully  
negotiated several concessions from the teams, which I believe are steps  
in the right direction. However, I firmly believe that our county deserves  
and can achieve more before we commit to placing this on the ballot.  
A key component that must be addressed is the establishment of a strong  
and enforceable Community Benefits Agreement. This agreement is vital  
to ensure that the project delivers tangible and lasting benefits to our  
community. Additionally, we need a solid and enforceable agreement that  
includes the costs associated with the demolition of Kauffman Stadium. It  
is essential that we fully understand and prepare for these financial  
implications.  
Furthermore, it is crucial to secure a commitment that both teams  
maintain their front offices and training facilities in Jackson County for the  
duration of the lease. This commitment is not just a matter of local pride; it  
is also about economic stability and the sustained growth of our county.  
In closing, I want to reiterate my respect for the legislative process and the  
difficult decisions our legislators are facing. My office remains ready and  
willing to continue our efforts to ensure the best possible outcome for  
Jackson County and its residents.”  
Manuel Abarca IV, County Legislator, asked about the reported $1 billion in  
concessions Mr. White requested from the teams. Mr. White said this  
amount is tied to different areas related to the stadium tax and insurance  
costs, but the figure is negotiable.  
Mr. Abarca asked about the court hearing regarding the lawsuit from certain  
cities over the assessment issue. Bryan Covinsky, County Counselor, said  
the Legislature can schedule a closed hearing to discuss the litigation  
issues.  
Donna Peyton, County Legislator, asked for information regarding the 2006  
stadium tax and the timing of negotiations during that time. Greg Grisham  
said he was the attorney representing the Chiefs during the 2006  
negotiations. The 2006 stadium tax was on the April ballot, but the final  
community benefits agreements were not approved until March 2006.  
Charlie Franklin, County Legislator, asked Frank White, Jr., what a four-day  
hold on the ballot issue might accomplish. Frank White, Jr., said a hold will  
give more time to iron out issues.  
Manuel Abarca IV asked Mr. Grisham if members of the County Legislator  
participated in the negotiations with the teams in 2006. Mr. Grisham said  
there were representatives from the Sports Complex Authority, the County  
Executive’s team, and some members of the County Legislature involved in  
the prior stadium improvements tax.  
6
PERFECTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEE  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Donna Peyton to  
approve the Floor Substitute dated January 8, 2024 for Ordinance #5822.  
Megan Marshall objected.  
A motion was made by Megan L. Marshall, seconded by Charlie Franklin, to  
hold Ordinance #5822. The motion failed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 4 -  
Megan L. Marshall, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer and Sean E.  
Smith  
No: 5 -  
DaRon McGee, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV  
and Venessa Huskey  
(FAILED)  
5822  
5822  
5822  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
approve the Floor Substitute dated January 8, 2024 for Ordinance #5822.  
The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 8 -  
DaRon McGee, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV,  
Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer and Sean E. Smith  
No: 1 - Megan L. Marshall  
(APPROVED)  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Donna Peyton, to  
perfect the Floor Substitute dated January 8, 2024 for Ordinance #5822.  
The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 7 -  
DaRon McGee, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV,  
Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie Lauer  
No: 2 - Megan L. Marshall and Sean E. Smith  
(PERFECTED)  
A motion was made by DaRon McGee, seconded by Manuel Abarca IV, to  
adopt the Floor Substitute dated January 8, 2024 for Ordinance #5822,  
submitting to the qualified voters of Jackson County, Missouri, at a special  
election to be held on April 2, 2024, a question authorizing Jackson County  
to impose a countywide sales tax of three-eighths of one percent for a  
period of forty years for the purpose of retaining the Kansas City Royals and  
Kansas City Chiefs sports teams in Jackson County, Missouri. The motion  
passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 8 -  
DaRon McGee, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV,  
Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer and Sean E. Smith  
No: 1 - Megan L. Marshall  
(ADOPTED)  
5823  
5824  
AN ORDINANCE repealing sections 9103. and 9104., Jackson County  
Code, 1984, relating to the Board of Equalization, and enacting, in lieu  
thereof, two new sections relating to the same subject, with an effective date.  
(Finance and Audit Committee - 2nd. Perfection)  
AN ORDINANCE appropriating $22,000,000.00 from the undesignated fund  
balance of the General Fund and authorizing the construction of two floors of  
office space in the Health Sciences building for use by University Health.  
(Budget Committee - 2nd. Perfection)  
5825  
5825  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Jalen Anderson to  
perfect Ordinance #5825. The motion passed by a voice vote.  
(PERFECTED)  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to  
adopt Ordinance #5825 enacting sections 1074., 1075., 1076., 1077.,  
1078., and 1079., Jackson County Code, 1984, relating to County  
development incentives and responsible bidding on County projects. 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)  
7
8
FINAL PASSAGE OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES  
None.  
RESOLUTIONS IN COMMITTEE  
21507  
Budget Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
9
CONSENT AGENDA  
21507  
A RESOLUTION encouraging the County Executive to appropriate  
$22,000,000.00 from the undesignated fund balance of the General Fund  
and authorizing the construction of a new Health Sciences building for use  
by University Health.  
(ADOPTED)  
Resolution #21507 was moved to the Consent Agenda for adoption.  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to  
approve the Consent Agenda. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 8 -  
Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca  
IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer and Sean E.  
Smith  
Absent: 1 - DaRon McGee  
10  
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE  
5826  
Submitting to the qualified voters of Jackson County, Missouri, at a special  
election to be held on April 2, 2024, a question authorizing Jackson County  
to impose a countywide parks sales tax of three-sixteenths of one percent  
for a period of twenty-five years for the purpose of retaining the Kansas City  
Chiefs sports team in Jackson County, Missouri.  
(Assigned to the Legislature As A Whole.)  
11  
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE  
21508  
Expressing support for payment of prevailing wages for all workers involved  
in the Jackson County Detention Center Construction Project located in  
Kansas City, Missouri.  
(Assigned to the Finance and Audit Committee.)  
12  
13  
COUNTY EXECUTIVE ORDERS  
None.  
UNFINISHED BUSINESS  
None.  
14  
NEW BUSINESS  
Jalen Anderson, County Legislator, said that he encourages the Royals and  
Chiefs to continue to negotiate in good faith for a community benefits  
agreement that will provide union jobs and guarantee fair pay and affordable  
housing. If these community benefits are not met, he would have to  
reconsider his support for the stadium tax.  
15  
ADJOURNMENT  
A motion was made by Megan L. Marshall, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to  
adjourn the meeting. The motion passed by a voice vote.  
In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, January 15,  
2024, the meeting adjourned until TUESDAY, January 16, 2024 at 3:00 P.M.  
at the Jackson County Courthouse, 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City,  
Missouri, 2nd Floor, Legislative Assembly Area.