Jackson County Missouri  
JOURNAL  
Jackson County Courthouse  
415 E.12th Street, 2nd floor  
Kansas City, Missouri 64106  
(816)881-3242  
County Legislature  
Jeanie Lauer (5th) Chairman,  
Office of  
Megan L. Marshall (3rd AL) Vice Chairman,  
Mary Jo Spino  
Jalen Anderson (1st AL), Donna Peyton (2nd AL), Manuel Abarca IV (1st),  
Venessa Huskey (2nd), Charlie Franklin (3rd), DaRon McGee (4th),  
Sean E. Smith (6th)  
Clerk of the County Legislature  
Monday, March 25, 2024  
3:00 PM  
Tenth Regular Meeting  
K.C. Legislative Assembly Area, Kansas City, Missouri  
Jeanie Lauer, Chairman, called the meeting of the Jackson County Legislature to order.  
1
ROLL CALL  
Present 9 -  
Jeanie Lauer, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon  
McGee 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 Sean E. Smith to  
approve the journal of the previous meeting held on March 18, 2024. The  
motion passed by a voice vote.  
4
HEARINGS  
Fred Dreiling with Fred Dreiling LLC, the County Legislature’s Chief  
Lobbyist, gave an update on the political climate and current issues with the  
Missouri General Assembly impacting Jackson County. A copy of Mr.  
Dreiling’s presentation is available under the Meeting Details for the March  
25, 2024, Legislative Meeting located at  
<https://jacksonco.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?  
ID=1187611&GUID=E36EC3F9-170A-40FF-864B-6AD793BF9E9A&>  
Charlie Franklin, County Legislator, said the Legislature has many  
resolutions in the Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee directing the Chief  
Lobbyist to act in support of certain issues. He asked Mr. Dreiling, in his  
opinion, what does adopting these directives do for the lobbyist. Mr. Dreiling  
said he works for the Legislature, and he will do what the Legislature wants  
him to do. But, he cautioned, the Missouri Legislature has a super majority  
of members of the Republican party. This creates the need to proceed  
carefully on certain issues. Some issues, such as gun control in light of the  
situation at the Super Bowl Parade, in which it might be beneficial to adopt a  
position. Other issues require caution on how they approach the topic with  
the Missouri Legislature. Many of these issues will not have a hearing, so  
there would not be an opportunity for the lobbyist to testify. The better way to  
approach these issues is to have a Jackson County day at the Capitol. This  
is an opportunity to meet with the representatives and senators. A personal  
meeting will help to determine what works and what doesn’t work and  
develop an appropriate approach to the benefit of Jackson County. Having a  
personal relationship with some of the elected officials at the Capitol can  
make a difference.  
Donna Peyton, County Legislator, said there are eight weeks remaining for  
the Legislative session. She loves the idea of a Jackson County day. If there  
is a subject the Legislature wants the Chief Lobbyist to advocate for, what is  
the most expedient way to accomplish that? Mr. Dreiling said the best way  
to accomplish these goals is for County Legislators to go to Jefferson City,  
meet with Mr. Dreiling and his team. They will introduce legislators to the key  
decision makers in Jefferson City. It will give the County Legislators a feel  
for what the process is like at the Capitol. He said Legislator Smith has  
come to Jefferson City several times and it means more when an elected  
official is talking to another elected official.  
Manuel Abarca IV, County Legislator, asked what the harm is to sending  
advocacy items to the Capitol, even when an issue is not likely to be  
addressed. Mr. Dreiling said he wasn’t sure if there is any harm, but for  
example, the Kansas City mayor tweeted a few comments about the gun  
control issue and now the elected officials in Jefferson City will not see him.  
If Mr. Abarca comes down as an elected official it will be beneficial, but the  
body as a whole should exercise caution. Mr. Abarca said he will be in  
Jefferson City on Wednesday and looks forward to it.  
Mr. Dreiling added that he will send an email with a link when certain key  
issues are up for debate so County Legislators can listen live. With so many  
lame-duck elected officials now, and many of those officials seeking higher  
office, they are all angling for position.  
5
COMMUNICATIONS WITH AND REPORTS OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE  
Frank White, Jr., County Executive, was not present. Sylvya Stevenson,  
Chief Administrative Officer, said there was no report.  
Mr. Abarca asked about the long lines at the Historic Truman Courthouse in  
Independence. Sylvya Stevenson said the Administration is continuing to  
investigate the situation. Several jurisdictions are cracking down on expired  
tags and that has created long lines with citizens needing to obtain their car  
license renewal. Maureen Monaghan, Deputy Director of Assessment, said  
the department has been hiring as many people as possible to handle the  
demand. The County’s pay is such that the best employees are lost soon  
after to better paying jobs elsewhere. They are hiring people as fast as they  
can. There is space limitation at the Truman Courthouse. They are trying to  
develop different options such as a senior line. Caleb Clifford, Chief of Staff,  
said the IAAO (International Association of Assessing Officers) conducted  
an audit of the operation and recommended the County find a singular  
space for the Assessment Department. The pay scale study from a few  
years ago will require a pay study for these positions to identify the market  
level of pay. He intends to have a report on this when the County  
Administrator returns next week.  
Mr. Abarca asked Ms. Monaghan for the report on the analysis/data that  
validates the success of the assessment process. Caleb Clifford said the  
County Administrator spoke about the data last week. They will check with  
him when he returns.  
Jeanie Lauer, County Legislator, said there have been numerous problems  
with the line at the Truman Courthouse. It does not appear that the line is  
being managed effectively or efficiently. Mr. Clifford said they agree there is  
a problem, and they are working on improving the processes with the  
resources available.  
Sean E. Smith, County Legislator, asked the Deputy Director how often she  
has assisted the staff with helping customers. Ms. Monaghan said she  
helped with emails and phone calls but is not the most effective person at  
working the window. There is a limit on the space at the Independence  
courthouse. Mr. Smith said he has heard of three emergency medical calls  
from people waiting for 6+ hours in line. This is not a new problem, as he  
waited in line for 6 hours with his daughter for a tax waiver. This should be an  
“all hands-on deck” moment to clear the back log. A different view of the  
problem is needed. He stressed the County has to do something  
immediately as it is past the time of being appropriate. The Assessment  
Department does the same thing every year.  
6
7
PERFECTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEE  
5836  
Justice and Law Enforcement Committee moved to perfect. Consent  
Agenda.  
FINAL PASSAGE OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES  
None.  
8
RESOLUTIONS IN COMMITTEE  
21519  
A RESOLUTION authorizing the County Executive or the Chairman of the  
Legislature to sell the County-owned property located at 1300 Washington  
Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 via the competitive bidding process.  
(Land Use Committee - 7th. Meeting)  
21536  
Finance and Audit Committee moved to adopt.  
Manuel Abarca IV objected to the Consent Agenda.  
Discussion.  
Sean E. Smith said he had requested changes to the plan. This is the same  
plan from previous years. This is the Legislature's one chance to make  
changes to the process. If the Legislature adopts this Resolution, it is  
making a statement that everything is fine with the Assessment process.  
Manuel Abarca IV said he concurs. This is a continuation of the problematic  
process from before.  
Donna Peyton said is it the plan that is faulty or is it the way the plan was  
carried out? Did you find cause that the plan was in error or the way the plan  
was administered? Sean E. Smith said the plan lacks substantial  
information that should be carried out. There are opportunities to limit the  
number of appeals. The Board of Equalization needs to resolve appeals  
timely in July and August so taxing jurisdictions can set their levies.  
Ms. Peyton said she agrees that the County should not carry out the process  
the same as it did in 2023. If so, shame on us. We have a plan that has gone  
through the State Tax Commission (STC). I am uncomfortable in saying the  
STC is in error.  
21536  
Manuel Abarca IV moved to hold Resolution #21536. Seconded by Sean E.  
Smith.  
Yes: 4 -  
Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey and Sean E.  
Smith  
No: 5 -  
Jeanie Lauer, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Charlie Franklin  
and DaRon McGee  
(FAILED)  
21536  
A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Megan L. Marshall, to  
adopt Resolution #21536, approving the 2024-2025 Jackson County  
Assessment and Equalization Maintenance Plan. The motion passed by a  
roll call vote:  
Yes: 6 -  
Jeanie Lauer, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,  
Charlie Franklin and DaRon McGee  
No: 3 - Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey and Sean E. Smith  
(ADOPTED)  
21537  
21538  
21540  
21546  
21552  
21553  
21554  
21562  
A RESOLUTION expressing the intent of the Legislature to direct the Chief  
Lobbyist to advocate to the Missouri General Assembly in support of greater  
local controls for Jackson County.  
(Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee - 5th. Meeting)  
A RESOLUTION expressing the intent of the Legislature to direct the Chief  
Lobbyist to advocate in support of trans rights to the Missouri General  
Assembly.  
(Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee - 5th. Meeting)  
A RESOLUTION expressing the intent of the Legislature to direct the Chief  
Lobbyist to advocate to the Missouri General Assembly in opposition to  
House Bills 2367, 2470, and 2523.  
(Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee - 5th. Meeting)  
A RESOLUTION expressing the intent of the Legislature to direct the Chief  
Lobbyist to advocate to the Missouri General Assembly in support of  
maintaining a fair and equitable citizen initiative petition process.  
(Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee - 5th. Meeting)  
A RESOLUTION expressing the intent of the Legislature to direct the Chief  
Lobbyist to advocate to the Missouri General Assembly in support of Blair’s  
Law and greater local gun control for Jackson County.  
(Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee - 4th. Meeting)  
A RESOLUTION expressing the intent of the Legislature to direct the Chief  
Lobbyist to advocate to the Missouri General Assembly in support of the  
County Assessor being an elected position in Jackson County.  
(Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee - 4th. Meeting)  
A RESOLUTION expressing the intent of the Legislature to direct the Chief  
Lobbyist to advocate to the Missouri General Assembly in support of the  
Missouri Nondiscrimination Act in Jackson County.  
(Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee - 4th. Meeting)  
A RESOLUTION expressing the intent of the Legislature to direct the Chief  
Lobbyist to advocate to the Missouri General Assembly in support of  
reproductive rights and funding for family planning clinics.  
(Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee - 3rd. Meeting)  
21571  
21572  
Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
A RESOLUTION expressing the intent of the Legislature to direct the Chief  
Lobbyist to advocate to the Missouri General Assembly in support of House  
Joint Resolution 135.  
(Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee - 2nd. Meeting)  
21575  
A motion was made by DaRon McGee, seconded by Megan L. Marshall, to  
adopt Resolution #21575, authorizing a twelve-month extension to an  
existing term and supply contract for the furnishing of broker and consulting  
services for the County’s employee group health, life, and dental insurance  
for use Countywide to CBIZ Benefits of Kansas City, MO, under the terms  
and conditions of Request for Proposals 42-21. The motion failed by a roll  
call vote:  
Yes: 3 - Jeanie Lauer, Megan L. Marshall and Charlie Franklin  
No: 4 -  
Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey and DaRon  
McGee  
Abstain: 1 - Jalen Anderson  
Absent: 1 - Sean E. Smith  
(DEFEATED)  
21577  
A motion was made by Megan L. Marshall, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to  
approve the Finance and Audit Committee Amendment dated March 18,  
2024 for Resolution #21577, to delete the figure "$981,003.00" and insert  
the figure "$1,006,228.00" in the heading and body on page one, the table  
on page two and the fiscal on page four; to delete the figure "$235,850" and  
insert the figure "$261,075" in the table and final paragraph on page two  
and the fiscal on page four. The motion passed by a voice vote. Consent  
Agenda.  
21579  
A motion was made by Donna Peyton, seconded by Megan L. Marshall, to  
adopt Resolution #21579, authorizing the Director of Finance and  
Purchasing to issue a check to the permanent members of the Jackson  
County Board of Equalization as a retention stipend in the total amount of  
$16,000.00. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 7 -  
Jeanie Lauer, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,  
Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and DaRon McGee  
No: 2 - Manuel Abarca IV and Sean E. Smith  
(ADOPTED)  
21580  
21581  
21582  
21583  
21584  
21585  
21586  
Public Works Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
Land Use Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
Public Works Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
Anti-Crime Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
Land Use Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
Public Works Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
approve the Finance and Audit Amendment dated March 25, 2024 for  
Resolution #21586, to delete the figure "$5,000.00" and insert the figure  
"$3,000.00" in the heading and body on page one, the final paragraph on  
page two and the fiscal on page three. The motion passed by a voice vote.  
21586  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
adopt Resolution #21586 authorizing the Director of Finance and  
Purchasing to issue a check in the amount of $3,000.00 to the KC Repertory  
Theatre, for sponsorship of its 60th Anniversary Gala to be held April 5,  
2024, in Kansas City, MO.. The motion failed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 4 -  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin and DaRon  
McGee  
No: 5 -  
Jeanie Lauer, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton  
and Sean E. Smith  
(DEFEATED)  
21588  
Finance and Audit Committee moved to adopt.  
Manuel Abarca IV objects to the Consent Agenda.  
21588  
A motion was made by Megan L. Marshall, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to  
adopt Resolution #21588, awarding twenty-four-month term and supply  
contracts, with one twelve-month option to extend, for the furnishing of  
general contracting services for use by various County departments to  
Hartline Construction, LLC, of Kansas City, MO, Lytle Construction, Inc., of  
Lee’s Summit, MO, Tailor Made Exteriors of Lee’s Summit, MO, and  
Universal Construction Company, Inc. of Kansas City, KS, under the terms  
and conditions of Invitation to Bid No. 23-082. The motion passed by a roll  
call vote:  
Yes: 7 -  
Jeanie Lauer, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,  
Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Sean E. Smith  
No: 2 - Manuel Abarca IV and Venessa Huskey  
(ADOPTED)  
21589  
21591  
Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
Finance and Audit Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.  
9
CONSENT AGENDA  
5836  
AN ORDINANCE appropriating $975,000.00 from the undesignated fund  
balance of the 2024 County Improvement Fund to cover the cost of  
renovations and accessibility to the Family Court Division of the 16th  
Judicial Circuit Court.  
(PERFECTED)  
21571  
A RESOLUTION authorizing the County Executive to execute an  
Intergovernmental Agreement with the Mid-America Regional Council Solid  
Waste Management District to provide access to the regional household  
hazardous waste centers for the residents of the unincorporated areas of  
Jackson County, at an actual cost to the County in the amount of  
$26,795.00.  
(ADOPTED)  
21577  
A RESOLUTION transferring $1,006,228.00 within the 2024 General Fund  
and authorizing the Director of Finance and Purchasing to issue checks in  
the total amount of $1,006,228.00 to cover costs incurred in connection with  
the April 2, 2024, special election.  
(ADOPTED)  
21580  
A RESOLUTION awarding twenty-four-month term and supply contracts, with  
one twelve-month option to extend, for the furnishing of towing services for  
use by various County departments to Brad’s Towing & Recovery, LLC of  
Smithville, MO, E.W. Transport of Kansas City, MO, Independence Specialty  
Towing, LLC of Independence, MO, Lazer-Pipes Services, Inc. of  
Grandview, MO, and Santa Fe Tow of Blue Springs, MO, under the terms  
and conditions of Invitation to Bid No. 23-085.  
(ADOPTED)  
21581  
21582  
A RESOLUTION awarding twelve-month term and supply contracts, with one  
twelve-month option to extend, for park site furnishings for use by the Parks  
+ Rec Department to Fry & Associates of Kansas City, MO, and Global  
Equipment Company Inc. of Port Washington, NY, under the terms and  
conditions of invitation to Bid No. 23-088.  
(ADOPTED)  
A RESOLUTION awarding a twelve-month term and supply contract, with  
one twelve-month option to extend, for lawn mower tractor maintenance and  
repair of John Deere equipment for use by the various County departments  
to Ag-Power of Centerview, MO, as a sole source purchase.  
(ADOPTED)  
21583  
21584  
A RESOLUTION transferring $150,000.00 within the 2024 Anti-Crime Sales  
Tax Fund to fully fund the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office’s 2024 Law  
Enforcement School Based Initiative.  
(ADOPTED)  
A RESOLUTION awarding a twenty-four-month term and supply contract,  
with one twelve-month option to extend, for the furnishing of fencing  
installation and repair services for use by the Parks + Rec Department to  
Guier Fencing of Blue Springs, Missouri, under the terms and conditions of  
Invitation to Bid No. 24-006.  
(ADOPTED)  
21585  
A RESOLUTION awarding a thirty-six-month term and supply contract, with  
two twelve-month options to extend, for the furnishing of elevator  
maintenance and as needed repairs for use by the Public Works  
Department to KONE Inc. of Moline, IL, under the terms and conditions of  
Request for Proposals No. 23-055.  
(ADOPTED)  
21589  
21591  
A RESOLUTION authorizing the County Executive to execute a Participation  
Agreement with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services  
related to its summer food service program, with costs to be reimbursed to  
the County.  
(ADOPTED)  
A RESOLUTION awarding a contract for the furnishing and installation of  
audio-visual equipment at the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse for use  
by the County Legislature to Harvest AV Solutions of Kansas City MO, under  
the terms and conditions set forth in Circuit Court of Jackson County,  
Missouri Contract No. 2353-19-25, an existing government contract, at an  
actual cost to the County not to exceed $62,934.00.  
(ADOPTED)  
Ordinance #5836 was moved to the Consent Agenda for perfection.  
Resolution #21571, #21577, #21580, #21581, #21582, #21583, #21584,  
#21585, #21589, and #21591 were sent to the Consent Agenda for  
adoption.  
A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Megan L. Marshall, to  
approve the Consent Agenda. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
Jeanie Lauer, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon  
McGee and Sean E. Smith  
10  
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE  
5837  
Appropriating $24,000.00 from the undesignated fund balance of the 2024  
Grant Fund in acceptance of the National Environmental Health Association  
Food and Drug Administration grant awarded by the Federal Drug  
Administration.  
(Assigned to the Finance and Audit Committee.)  
5838  
A motion was made by Venessa Huskey, seconded by Manuel Abarca IV to  
perfect Ordinance #5838. The motion passed by a voice vote.  
(PERFECTED)  
5838  
A motion was made by Venessa Huskey, seconded by Donna Peyton, to  
adopt Ordinance #5838, appropriating $200,000.00 from the undesignated  
fund balance of the 2024 Grant Fund in acceptance of the Detection and  
Mitigation in Confinement Facilities-COVID-19 grant for use by the  
Detention Center and authorizing the County Executive to execute a  
Program Agreement with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior  
Services for the expenditure of grant funds. The motion passed by a roll call  
vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
Jeanie Lauer, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon  
McGee and Sean E. Smith  
(ADOPTED)  
11  
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE  
21592  
Authorizing the County Counselor to execute a Legal Services Agreement  
and Addendums to existing Legal Services Agreements with certain lawyers  
and law firms at an aggregate cost to the County not to exceed $92,000.00,  
for services to be performed in 2024.  
(Assigned to the Finance and Audit Committee.)  
12  
COUNTY EXECUTIVE ORDERS  
24-05  
Pursuant to Chapter 82 of the County Code, I hereby make the following  
appointments and reappointments to the Jackson County Children’s  
Services Fund:  
Amy Harris is reappointed for a term to expire March 31, 2027.  
Ajia Morris is reappointed for a term to expire March 31, 2027.  
Brian Kaberline is reappointed for a term to expire March 31, 2027.  
24-06  
Pursuant to Chapter 91 of the County Code, I hereby appoint Forestine A.  
Beasley as the Chair of the Board of Equalization.  
13  
14  
UNFINISHED BUSINESS  
None.  
NEW BUSINESS  
None.  
15  
ADJOURNMENT  
A motion was made by Megan L. Marshall, seconded by Manuel Abarca IV,  
to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed by a voice vote.  
Meeting adjourned until Monday, April 1, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. at the Jackson  
County Courthouse, 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 2nd Floor,  
Legislative Assembly Area.