Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. issued a veto on July 22nd of Ordinance 5374, which proposes a question to voters on the November general election ballot authorizing the removal of Andrew Jackson statues located at the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City and the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence.
     Last week, the County Legislature voted 7-2 in favor of the Ordinance.
     “I am hopeful that the passage of time has provided an opportunity for members of our Legislature to reflect on their vote and act differently,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said.
“However, I am vetoing this Ordinance, not just in the hopes that Legislators will reconsider their position, but also to allow them the individual opportunity to take a clear position and directly tell the residents of our community if they believe the statues should be taken down or not. Additionally, I would like to commend the courageous actions of Legislators Jalen Anderson and Ron Finley, the two dissenting votes of the Ordinance, who have passionately voiced their commitment to fairness, justice and equality in Jackson County.”
     White called for the removal of the two statues on June 25th, following a surge of similar calls across the country to remove statues of figures that proponents of such measures believe to be hurtful images of the nation’s legacy of racism and oppression.
 

​     Voters in Jackson County have expanded options to cast a ballot in the August primary election and November general election.
     Voters may head to the polls to vote in-person, request an absentee ballot, or request a mail-in ballot. The mail-in ballot was added due to COVID-19 concerns, enabling all registered voters the option to vote by mail.
     Absentee voters must meet one of seven reasons to vote absentee. Those who have contracted or in an at-risk category for contracting or transmitting coronavirus are now included in the list of reasons to vote absentee. Absentee voters claiming this exemption do not need to have their ballot notarized.
     Every registered voter is eligible to vote by mail-in ballot. An application is available on the Jackson County Election Board’s website, www.jcebmo.org, and may be mailed or dropped off to the Election Board offices at 215 N. Liberty, Independence.
     Once mail-in ballots are received and completed, they must be notarized.
     Requests to vote absentee or via mail-in ballot for the August 4, 2020 primary election must be received on or before Wednesday, July 22, 2020. To vote absentee or via mail-in ballot for the November general election, applications must be received on or before October 21st.
     Voters in the August 4th primary election will cast votes for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer, 6th District U.S. Representative and State Representative District 32.
     Jeff Coleman, Republican Incumbent for MO District 32, will run unopposed, as no candidate has filed for the Democratic, Libertarian, Green, or Constitution parties.
     Voters will also decide on Constitutional Amendment No. 2, which would adopt Medicaid expansion for persons 19 to 64 years of age with an income level at or below 133% of the federal poverty level.
     Polls will be open from 6:00am—7:00pm on election day.
 

Jackson County Public Works Environmental Health Division inspects all restaurants, grocery stores, schools, mobile food and temporary food establishments in the City of Grain Valley. The following violations were reported in the last 30 days:
 

El Tequilazo Cocina y Cantina LLC
522 S. Main ST
The freezer is at 27*F. All product was still frozen and immediately moved to another freezer that is at 5*F.  Re-inspection required.
 
McDonald’s
712 N. Main
Observed a container of cut tomatoes past its discard date. Corrected on site. Manager discarded the expired food. Observed ready-to-eat burrito mix stored in the walk in cooler with no date markings. Corrected on site. Manager placed a discard date on the product. Grease build up on the floors and baseboards by the grill. Repeat violation. Correct by August 10th.
 
Subway
109 AA Highway
The soda nozzles at the drink station in the dining area had an accumulation of stuck on residue. Corrected on site. Manager cleaned and sanitized dirty soda nozzles. 
 
Casey’s General Store
1251 AA Hwy
Chemical bottles stored next to a prep station. Corrected on site. Manager placed the chemical bottle in the designated area. Missing ceiling tile in the back storage area. Repeat violation. Correct by August 17th. Accumulation of food debris inside the pizza make table cooler.
 
Grain Valley Aquatic Center
713 S. Main
No violations recorded.
 
Casey’s General Store
101 S. Buckner Tarsney Road
Multiple containers of pre-cooked sausage and a container of diced tomatoes were stored in the reach in cooler of the pizza make table. Repeat; re-inspection required. Employee was aware of the dates each product was prepped and labeled each container. Corrected on site. Repeat priority violations were found during this inspection. Required re-inspection will be conducted on 7/2/2020. Ceiling vents in the kitchen area have accumulation of dust. 3rd repeat violation; re-inspection required. 3rd Non-critical Violations require a re-inspection to insure continued compliance. Notice of Violation will be issued if violation if not compliant by re-inspection date. The pizza make table cooler is in disrepair; water was observed coming from under the cooler on the back side.
 
Lin’s Kitchen
1111 SW Eagles Parkway
1. The can opener had an excessive buildup of food debris on the blade. Corrected on site. Employee cleaned and sanitized the blade. 2. The rice pot that was not used today and was stored away as a clean dish, had stuck on food debris. Corrected on site. Employee cleaned and sanitized the pot. 3. Stuck on food debris was observed on a clean meat utensil. Corrected on site. Employee cleaned and sanitized the utensil. A container of uncovered raw eggs was being stored above a uncovered container of fresh carrots on the make table top shelf. Corrected on site. Employee placed the container of raw eggs on the bottom shelf. Observed a broken scoop used for dry rice. Corrected on site. Employee discarded broken utensil.
 
Armstrong Park Concession Stand
713 S Main
No violations recorded.
 
Quik Trip
1110 Buckner Tarsney Road
Chemical bottle stored next to clean utensils. Corrected on site. Manager placed the chemical bottle in the designated area. Observed a leakage under the three compartment sink. Manager placed a work order in for leaking issues to be repaired.
 
Papa Murphy’s
1203 Buckner Tarsney Road
The scoop for the taco seasoning did not have a handle. Corrected on site. Employee discarded the scoop.
 
Valley Nutrition
201 N Main
The floors behind the counter has an accumulation of sticky residue. Correct by August 30th.
 
Comfort Inn
210 NW Jefferson
No violations recorded.
 

     Effective July 1st, Jackson County has instituted a mask requirement as a part of its Phase 2 Recovery Plan.
     According to the County, the order is in response to reports of increasing case counts and a potential overwhelming of the health care system. So far, more than 2,600 people have been infected with the virus and 62 people have died in Jackson County. Local public health directors and hospital officials say wearing a face mask is the most effective and least costly strategy to slow the spread of COVID-19.
     “While some continue to deny the overwhelming judgment of public health officials, none of us are safe from this deadly disease,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said.
      “However, we should find comfort in the fact that we have the power to dramatically reduce the impact this virus has on our community by simply wearing a mask. It protects you and more importantly, makes it less likely you will accidently harm someone else. Wearing a mask should not be politicized. Wearing a mask is about saving a life. Be a hero, wear a mask.”
     Under the new order, masks covering the mouth and nose must be worn in:
 
A public indoor space, including a workplace, business, school, place of worship, or public facility such as a community center or library;
 
A public outdoor space, including parks, playgrounds, farmers markets, bus stops and restaurant/bar patio seating, and when using public transportation, taxis or ride-sharing services.
     The following individuals are exempt from the mask requirement:
 
Those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
 
Children younger than five years old; and
Children who are younger than two years old should never wear face coverings due to the risk of suffocation.
 
Children who are two, three, or four years old, with the assistance and close supervision of an adult, are strongly recommended to wear a face covering at all times in settings, like grocery stores or pharmacies, where it is likely that a distance of at least six feet cannot be maintained from non-household members and vulnerable people must go.
 
Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering. This includes, but is not limited to, persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a face covering could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance.
 
     "The science is clear that when we wear masks, we limit the spread of droplets being passed on to others when we talk, cough or sneeze,” Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH said.
     “While some of us are wearing masks in public, we must increase usage to best control the virus. Mask wearing is one of the simplest and least invasive tools we have to protect our families, friends, and neighbors in Jackson County.”
      The mask requirement is part of a modified Phase 2 of the Jackson County Recovery Plan, which includes changes to allow in-person instruction at schools, playgrounds to reopen and increased outdoor capacity limits to 100 people.  
     Residents and businesses with questions should contact the health department by visiting www.jacohd.org/coronavirus, calling (816) 404-9883 or emailing COVID19@tmcmed.org.
 

     In a press conference held June 17th, Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr., in coordination with the Women’s Foundation, announced a paid parental leave policy for public employees.
     The executive order establishes up to 12 weeks of guaranteed paid parental leave for all eligible County staff following the birth or adoption of a child. The new paid parental leave policy, which adds an additional seven weeks to the current policy of five weeks, extends to same sex parents and takes effect immediately.
     “Many people struggle to care for their families, go into debt or even lose their jobs for simply having a baby. Today, we’re sending a message that families come first at Jackson County. We’re sending a message that quality of life is important to us,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr said. “Our new, expanded paid parental leave policy is equal, adequate and accessible. It ensures our Associates, no matter their job, salary or status, have the opportunity to be there for the most precious moments of their lives. With the support of the Women’s Foundation, we are proud to be a leader in this nationwide effort and encourage others to join us by taking a stand for working parents to build stronger families.”
     The County’s new paid parental leave policy includes the following highlights:
Up to 12 weeks of leave at 100% of the eligible staff member’s pay.
Applies to mothers and fathers equally, and to both parents if they are eligible County staff.
Can be taken all at once or intermittently.
An eligible staff member must start the paid leave within 12 weeks following the birth or adoption of a child.
Allows County staff who have experienced an eligible birth or adoption within the 12 months prior to the policy’s effective date to access additional paid leave.
    “Childbirth and parenting a newborn are physically and mentally hard. It takes time to heal, time to get on a schedule, time to prepare for childcare, time to care for a partner,” Whitney Miller, new mother and Department of Collection Director said. “New parents deserve the time to put all of their energy into their new baby so they can return to work feeling more prepared and focused. This new policy gives associates at every level of County employment just that and I hope today’s action by the County Executive encourages other public entities to follow his lead.”
     “When children are born, it’s all hands-on deck for families. Having time to spend together and support each other makes the lives of mom, dad and baby less stressful and more joyful,” Matt Davis, father of two and Jackson County Associate said. “This new policy demonstrates that Jackson County values their associates and their families, is considerate of their health and well-being and is forward-thinking about policies to make this organization a better place to work.”
     Expanding access to paid parental leave has been a top priority of the Women’s Foundation, which has been working to educate public officials on the importance of the benefit, advocating for 12 weeks of paid parental leave at 100% pay for state employees. As a result, the Women’s Foundation has helped secure paid parental leave to more than 100,000 state employees in Missouri and Kansas.
     "Paid family leave empowers women, their families and helps build thriving communities,” Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO said. “The commitment County Executive White and his team have made to strengthen Jackson County’s economy and associates' families sets a new standard for both state and local governments.”
     Women’s Foundation research, commissioned in partnership with the University of Missouri Institute of Public Policy, found that paid leave programs prevent families from falling into poverty, reduce reliance on public assistance, recruit and retain talented employees and increase worker productivity. It also found about 35% of the country believes expanding paid leave should be a top government priority.
     County Executive White’s announcement today comes on the heels of the County fully implementing the recommendations from a compensation study that ensured all county associates are making a competitive and living wage.
 

     Jackson County amended the Phase One executive order on May 13th to allow gyms, fitness centers, and places of worship to open with occupancy limits.
     Gyms and fitness centers will be allowed to open May 18 with occupancy limits. Conversations with these stakeholders has produced valuable modification proposals to help limit risk. 
     Places of worship are also now allowed to open with the same occupancy limits as nonessential businesses.
     Jackson County Health Department continues to encourage the use of drive-in and online services whenever possible, especially for high risk populations.
 

​Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. today is announcing phase one guidelines of the Jackson County Recovery Plan, which is planned to begin on May 11 in alignment with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/KCK and Johnson County, KS.
 
The Jackson County Health Department, under the leadership of Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH, has prepared the phased-approach recovery plan that is focused on protecting the health and safety of residents, while beginning a safe and sensible path to economic recovery for all of Jackson County.
 
“Families, workers and businesses have made difficult sacrifices, but their cooperation has made it possible for us to develop a path to move forward,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said.

​“Far too many lives have been lost to this virus and we remain committed to protecting public health as we reopen slowly and safely. I appreciate the input and support of our communities during this unprecedented and deadly pandemic. The road ahead will have its challenges, but I am confident that if we stick together, we can overcome any obstacles that lie ahead.”
 
Under phase one, all businesses deemed essential during the county’s stay-at-home order will be allowed to remain open. In addition, most retail stores, personal service providers, restaurants and bars selling food will be allowed to reopen for business provided they follow the social-distancing guidelines and capacity limitations provided. Gatherings, of up to 10 people, will be allowed to resume, but social-distancing guidelines must be followed. In addition, certain businesses and activities including entertainment venues, gyms/fitness centers, and outdoor playgrounds shall remain closed.
 
The County strongly recommends that all residents continue social-distancing protocols, specifically, encouraging seniors and vulnerable populations to stay at home, working remotely if possible, and wearing a mask or face covering when in public.
 
“Every individual has a personal responsibility to stay safe and protect themselves, their neighbors, employees and customers. When we stop taking this virus seriously, we will be right back where we started or worse,” said Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH. “Social distancing has proven to be effective in our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and we urge people to follow our guidance, knowing that their actions will determine how we progress through this recovery process.”
 
A public survey issued by Jackson County on Friday, May 1 has so far, resulted in more than 9,000 responses and that feedback has been instrumental in the development of the County’s phase one plan. Additionally, here are some of the comments survey respondents shared when asked what steps they would like to see the County take to help them feel safe:

• “Open in phases, require face mask, ensure that health care workers and first responders have adequate PPE.”
• “Allow us to make our own decisions. Stop mandating stay at homes and business closures”
• “No there is nothing you can do except keep everything closed please.”
• “Encourage those who don't feel safe to stay home, but we need to open our businesses.”
• “Enforcement of social distancing, mask wearing & reducing maximum capacity”
• “Robust contract tracing and tracking, readily available testing for all citizens.”
• “No more then 25% capacity for at least one month if not two”
• “Do not open too quickly. As a healthcare provider it is upsetting that we are quickly opening that there will be a surge in cases.”
• “Would like to see closures again if we start to see an increase in positive cases again. I’d prefer to not reopen until we have significant and steady decline in cases.”
• “Monitor compliance and provide education in social media and signage.”

 
The survey will remain available until noon Friday, May 8. Individuals can go to www.jacksongov.org to take the survey. Additionally, the attached QR Code can be scanned on smart devices for easy mobile access.  The County will share the final results of the survey on its website and social media platforms after it is concluded.
 
Jackson County’s Recovery Plan can be found online by visiting www.jacksongov.org and www.jacohd.org. Residents and businesses with questions should call (816) 404-9883 or email COVID19@tmcmed.org.

Jackson County Public Works Environmental Health Division inspects all restaurants, grocery stores, schools, mobile food and temporary food establishments in the City of Grain Valley. The following violations were reported in the last 30 days:
 
Sushi Avenue
1191 NE Mc Querry Rd.
The storage shelves that hold clean utensils had an accumulation of food debris. Correct by 4/24/2020
 
Valley Pub & Patio
640 NW Yennie St.
Chemical spray bottle at the bar was not labeled. Corrected on site. Employee labeled the spray bottle. Several containers inside the make table cooler did not have a use by date. Corrected on site. Employee labeled the containers.
The gaskets and the floor base of the reach in cooler are torn and in disrepair. Correct by 4/26/2020.
 
Casey's General Store #2209
1251 AA Highway
Container of opened egg salad had no date marking. Corrected on site. Manager placed expiration date on the egg salad. Clean utensils were stored while still being dirty with stuck on food debris. Corrected on site. Utensils were cleaned and sanitized by manager. The inside of the handles to the pizza reach in cooler at the make table had stuck on food debris. Missing ceiling tile in the back storage area. Correct by 5/5/2020.
 
Cheezteak Company
1452 SW Eagles Parkway
Mouse traps were uncovered. Corrected on site. Manager discarded all mouse traps.
1. Soda nozzles had a buildup of residue. Corrected on site. Manager cleaned and sanitized all nozzles. 2. All three can openers had stuck on food debris. Corrected on site. Manager cleaned all can openers. 3. Knife magnet had stuck on food debris. Corrected on site. Manager cleaned the knife magnet. 4. The meat containers in the pull-out drawer cooler under the grill has an accumulation of dried food debris. Corrected on site. The containers were taken out and cleaned and sanitized by the manager.
Uncovered vegetable containers in the reach in cooler. Correct by 5/5/2020.
1. The reach in cooler and the reach in freezer has an accumulation of dried food debris. 2nd repeat violation. 2. The reach in cooler to the make table that is not is use, has an accumulation of debris behind the lid, and soil residues in the bottom of the cooler. Manager stated they no longer use that reach in make table cooler. 3. The pull-out drawer coolers under the grill has an accumulation of food debris. Correct by 5/5/2020.
The floors under all equipment has an accumulation of dust, dirt and other debris. Correct by 5/5/2020.
 
Mactan Asian Market
1438 SW Eagles Parkway
No violations recorded. Inspection date 3/6/2020.
 
Essex of Grain Valley
401 SW Rock Creek Lane
Shelled eggs were being stored above ready to eat foods in the fridge. Corrected on site. Employee moved the eggs to another fridge and placed them on the bottom shelf.
Package of opened raw sausage was stored in the fridge without any date markings. Corrected on site. Employee was unaware of the open and thaw dates so the item was discarded.
The handles on the tops of the drawers have accumulation of dried food debris/crumbs. Repeat violation.
Shelled eggs were being stored above ready to eat foods in the fridge. Corrected on site. Employee moved the eggs to another fridge and placed them on the bottom shelf.
Opened package of raw sausage was being stored in the fridge without any date markings. Corrected on site. Employee was unaware of the open date of the food the food was then discarded by employee.
 
America’s Best Value Inn
105 Sunny Lane Drive
Soap was not provided at the hand sink. Corrected on site.
Single-service cups were being stored on the floor. Corrected on site.
 
 

Jackson County Public Works Environmental Health Division inspects all restaurants, grocery stores, schools, mobile food and temporary food establishments in the City of Grain Valley. The following violations were reported in the last 30 days:
 

Casey’s General Store, 1111 Buckner Tarsney Road
No violations reported.
 
Sonic Drive In, 706 N. Main
The ceiling tiles and ceiling vents are in disrepair. Correct by 3/29/2020. Clean utensils were being stored inside dirty containers. Corrected. Employee replaced dirty containers with clean containers. Corrected on 1/ 29/2020.
 
Grain Valley High School, 551 SW Eagles Parkway
A cloth-lined wicker basket was being used to store utensils. Corrected on site. Basket was removed. Corrected on 1 /28/2020. Chafing dish fuel was being stored above food in the dry storage area. Corrected on site. Fuel was moved. Corrected on 1/ 28/2020.
 
Grain Valley High School Indoor Concessions, 551 SW Eagles Parkway
No violations reported.
 
Temp Stop, 723 Main
Chemical bottle was stored next to the drink station in the lobby area. Corrected on site. Manager moved the chemical bottle to the chemical storage area.
Several containers of ready-to-eat foods with no date markings in the reach in cooler in the grill area. Corrected on site. Manager placed discard dates on all containers.
 
Price Chopper, 1191 NE McQuerry Rd.
Shelled eggs were being stored on a cloth towel inside a pull out drawer cooler. Corrected on site. Manager replaced the towel with a clean container to store the eggs in.
1. Dust build up on the hood vents above the grills in the kitchen. 2. Dust build up on the ceiling vents above the prep make table in the kitchen. Corrected on 3/30/2020.
 
Starbucks, 1191 NE McQuerry Rd.
No violations reported.
 
El Maguey Mexican Restaurant, 102 Buckner Tarsney Rd.
Shell eggs were being stored above salsa in the walk-in cooler. Corrected on site. Salsa was moved.
 
Lin’s Kitchen, 111 SW Eagles Parkway
The handwashing sink in the kitchen does not have any disposable towels or drying devices available. Correct by 4/3/2020.
Multiple stacks of single-service (to-go) containers were stored upright. Corrected on site. To-go containers were turned upside-down.
The pipes and areas around the hood vents have a significant accumulation of grease and other residues. Correct by 4/3/2020.
 
McDonald’s, 712 N Main
The interior of the microwaves had stuck on food debris. Corrected on site. Manager cleaned and sanitized the inside of the microwaves.
1. The hood vents above fryers had a buildup of grease. 2nd repeat violation. 2. The bottom of the reach in cooler next to the breakfast table has an accumulation of stuck on food debris. 1. Grease build up on the floors and baseboards by the grease trap. 2. The cabinet under the lobby soda fountain had a buildup of flood spillage and moisture. Correct by 4/6/2020.
 
Porky’s Blazing BBQ, 9512 S Buckner Tarsney Road
Handwashing sink near hot holding table was missing handwashing signage. Corrected on site. Inspector provided handwashing sign.
An in-use wiping cloth was sitting out on a counter in the back. Corrected on site. Cloth was placed in sanitizer.
In-use tongs were being held in a container of standing water. Corrected on site. Tongs were removed from water and cleaned.
 
El Tequilazo Cocina Y Cantina LLC, 522 S Main ST
The handwashing sink by the 3-compartment sink had a broken off handle. Correct by 4/17/2020. There was an open rodent snap-trap under the 3-compartment sink. Corrected on site. The snap-trap was discarded.
An employee was observed washing hands in the warewashing (3-compartment) sink. Corrected on site. Inspector provided education on handwashing requirements.
The top of the dishwashing machine has a build-up of residue/crumbs. Correct by 4/17/2020.
The ice scoop in the ice machine was buried completely in ice. Corrected on site. Scoop was placed in ice with handle above the top of ice.
A dish was significantly cracked/broken. Corrected on site. Damaged dish was discarded.
There were no markings to indicate discard dates on any foods in the walk-in or reach-in coolers. Repeat. Re-inspection required.
 
Sushi Avenue, 1191 NE McQuerry Road
The storage shelves that hold clean utensils had an accumulation of food debris. Correct by 4/24/2020.
 
Valley Pub & Patio, 640 NW Yennie ST
Chemical spray bottle at the bar was not labeled. Corrected on site. Employee labeled the spray bottle.
Several containers inside the make table cooler did not have a use by date. Corrected on site. Employee labeled the containers.
The gaskets and the floor base of the reach in cooler are torn and in disrepair. Corrected on 4/26/2020.
 

     The Jackson County Legislature authorized the implementation of a compensation study during its February 10th meeting, increasing the minimum salary for any county staff member to $15/hour by 2022.
     In addition to increasing entry-level wages, the study also reviewed all county positions to determine if current salary ranges were competitive with the market.  In the end, the report recommended changes to salary ranges that will provide an immediate pay raise averaging 16.9% or an average annual salary increase of $5,485 for more than 500 staff members, almost half of the county’s current full-time workforce.  
     The study also provides changes to various salary ranges that will be implemented over the next two years to ensure the County does not fall behind the market again.   
     “After being elected to the County Legislature, I quickly learned that the County was simply not taking care of its Associates in the manner they deserved,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said.
     “As County Executive, I have seen each of our departments struggling to fill vacancies in essential roles simply because we refused to acknowledge that we were not compensating our staff appropriately for the work they were doing.”
     “I am so excited to have the long anticipated Final Report on the Classification and Compensation Study for Jackson County by Evergreen Solutions, LLC,” Jackson County Legislative Chairman Theresa Cass Galvin, who represents the 6th District, said.
     “This is something that has been extremely important to me since I took office five years ago. It was made even more special by working in collaboration with the County Executive’s team to achieve such a rewarding common goal. I am confident that having a competitive compensation and classification system will encourage strong recruitment and retention in Jackson County.”
     The County’s lowest entry-level hourly wage will be as follows for three years:
     2020 – $12.50/hour
     2021 – $13.75/hour
     2022 – $15.00/hour
In March 2019, the County awarded a competitively-bid contract to Evergreen Solutions, LLC to perform a classification and compensation study relating to all County associates. The independent study analyzed pay, benefits, job descriptions, salary schedules and market data to reach its 10 recommendations.