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Johnson County Board of County Commissioners

Sept. 12 through Oct. 10, 2024 (most recent listed first)

Observers: Rebecca James, Joan Gilson, Jerry Gilson

The Board of County Commissioners encourages citizen participation in local governance processes. To that end, and in compliance with the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KSA 75-4317), the public is invited to participate in today’s meeting. A copy of the rules, BOCC materials, meeting schedules and videos are available at https://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/OnBaseAgendaOnline/.

Oct. 10, 2024

After the call to order and opening ceremonies, a team of public safety employees joined Chairperson Kelly in proclaiming October as Cybersecurity Month. One of the fast growing cybercrimes is phishing, the attempt to install malware or to gain access to personal and financial data through fake emails.

Public Comments lasted about 10 minutes.

The Board approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the grant application by Olathe through the 2024 Bureau of Justice Assistance Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to include Johnson County as a party, together with Olathe, Overland Park, Lenexa, and Shawnee.

The County will accept the FEMA Cooperating Technical Partners Grant award for $1,033,170 to complete the Captain and Kill Creek two-dimensional floodplain modeling project.

Commissioners approved an agreement with Olathe to provide a fifty-percent cost-share for a water quality improvement project at a cost to the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program of $144,802.

The County will work with Olathe to improve Black Bob Road from 159th Street to 167th Street with CARS Reserves and the Federal Fund Exchange account.

Commissioners authorized the 2025 County Assistance Road System (CARS) Program expenditures for $18,485,000. Representatives from the cities of Mission Hills, Olathe, Prairie Village, Roeland Park, Gardner, Leawood, Lenexa, Merriam, Merriam, Westwood, Fairway, Springhill and Shawnee were recognized. Commissioner Allenbrand noted the importance of infrastructure. Commissioner O’Hara complained about EV charging stations. Chairperson Kelly noted that less than 1/10 of 1% of the annual budget goes to subsidize these stations.

The Board also approved the 2025 Stormwater Management Program with County cities for $27,775,000. Representatives from the cities involved were recognized. More than 100 homes were saved from the flood plain. Fewer car rescues are being called in during floods, and fewer homeowners are experiencing flooding.

The statewide gas tax, which supports CARS, has not been increased for several years. KDOT is looking at moving away from a gas tax model to a vehicle miles driven model for revenue.

In response to Commissioners’ wide-ranging discussion about storm water mitigation, Chairperson Kelly offered the reminder about the importance of a balance between mitigation and repair, that much of our infrastructure problems stem from old and obsolete standards, and that storms are increasing in frequency and intensity.

 The following contracts were approved:

•  With Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City to furnish group health administration services for 2025 calendar for $2,400,000 (renewal). The employee contribution rate structure recommended by the Health Care Fund Management Team (HCFMT) was also approved.

• With Symetra to furnish Group Stop Loss coverage for 2025, with an estimated annual premium cost not to exceed $2,918,598. One member of the public complained about the County overpaying for insurance and charged lack of competitive bidding.  The County will save $1.1 million by this change, and less state premium tax will be paid. Five companies bid on this item.

Oct. 3, 2024

Public comments lasted about 10 minutes. The Consent Agenda included approval of the following appointments:

• Sarah Sanders - First District representative to the Consolidated Fire District No. 2 through August 25, 2027

• Susan L McGee - First District representative to the Consolidated Fire District No. 2 through August 25, 2027

• John J. DeGrande - Sixth District representative to the West Consolidated Zoning Board through July 31, 2027

And the following reappointment:

• Craig Connell - Sixth District representative to the West Consolidated Zoning Board through July 31, 2027

The Action Agenda included the following approvals:

• The 2025 property tax relief pilot program requirements and removal of the cap of $200 on the refunds to eligible applicants, while keeping all other requirements from the FY2024 pilot program in place. This action targets the most vulnerable residents, and the Board will receive recommendations about appropriate policies regarding this issue in the future. Chairperson Kelly reminded Commissioner O’Hara that the Board consistently advocates at the state legislature for lower taxes.

• All real property at 561 Sumner Way, and the land at 600 New Century Parkway, all in New Century, Kansas, to be declared as surplus and disposed of. No replacement tenant or buyer has been found.

 

County Economic Research Institute (CERI) Indicators – September 2024 Edition

• Unemployment rate, July 2024: 3.5%.

• Average unemployment rate same month previous 5 years: 3.7%

• Number of Johnson County homes sold by realtors, July 2024: 840

• Average number of homes sold same month previous 5 years: 1,132

• Number of multi-family building permits issued July 2024: 0

Major Projects Update   

https://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/  (No report in the meeting.)

Commission Comments

Commissioner Fast noted that Chairperson Kelly has received the Mel Carnahan Good Guy Award.

Commissioner Allenbrand reported on an update from Election Commissioner Fred Sherman, who is expecting a record voter turnout.

Commissioner O’Hara requested a moment of silence for victims of Hurricane Helene.

Commissioner Meyers and Chair Kelly commended Commissioner Fast’s memorial tribute to Annabeth Surbaugh.

Chairperson Kelly extended Rosh Hashanah greetings to Jewish friends and neighbors. He also mentioned the opportunities for early voting. Information is available at https://www.jocoelection.org/voting-election-info. He asked everyone to do their research and avoid disinformation, requesting a return to civil political discourse.

Sept. 26, 2024

Public comments lasted about 15 minutes. Chairperson Kelly cited the following for the record:

•  correcting a previous procedural error in which the 2025 Budget incorrectly showed a 1% increase to the 2024 pay table for the CIP to the corrected amount of 2%.

The Board approved the August 20, 2024, Budget Public Hearing minutes and the August 29, 2024, business session minutes.

 Commissioners also approved the following items:

• Gardner Rezoning, Preliminary Development Plan, Final Development Plan, and Final Plat for Sam’s Car Lot, (used cars and detailing) on a 1.27 acre commercial lot, located south of Old Highway 56 and east of Moonlight Road within 1 mile of New Century AirCenter. (Recommended by Gardner and the Airport Commission.)

• The Johnson County Department of Corrections’ SFY2024 Year-End Juvenile Outcome Report and the Department of Corrections year end outcome report to the Kansas Department of Corrections as recommended by the Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board and the Community Corrections Board in August, 2024. (Success rate is determined by percentage of people who got off probation successfully, and no other Kansas County has comparable programs.)

• An exception to competition and authorized Mental Health staff to sign an agreement with Netsmart Technologies, Inc. for NetSmart Bells AI (artificial intelligence) documentation assistant for $91,000 annually and a one-time setup cost of $18,600 and authorized the reallocation and expenditure of fund balance (reserves) for FY 2024 for $109,600 and for FY 2025 for $91,000.

•  An exception to competition and authorized Mental Health staff to sign an agreement with Netsmart Technologies, Inc. for NetSmart CarePOV Medical Note and tools for $16,500 annually, and a one-time setup cost of $23,000 and authorized the reallocation and expenditure of fund balance (reserves) for FY 2024 for $39,500 and for FY 2025 for $16,500. Both of these technologies will assist with progress notes and billing procedures. Current and state equipment is NetSmart; therefore, the exception to competition is necessary for technology fit. Both items are being paid for with Medicaid funds with no impact on ad valorem taxes. One member of the public criticized the use of AI and exceptions to competition. The County will be using data-based AI, not generative AI in which the program makes things up.

After discussion, the Commissioners voted not to ask staff to prepare a resolution for Board’s approval to remand or veto the establishment of the Olathe Redevelopment District at 135th Street & S. Mur-Len Road or for staff to develop an engagement policy with cities before any future creation of a TIF District. (Item added at Commissioner Ashcraft’s request.) No votes: Meyers, Hanzlick, Kelly, Allenbrand, Fast. Yes votes: O’Hara, Ashcraft.          

Management Reports

The County Square Heart, “Expand Your Circle,” created  by a Desoto artist, is a permanent installation, and is designed with interconnecting circles symbolizing Unity, Community and Being Included.

Study session

The Board adjourned for a study session on Treasury, Taxation & Vehicles and Appraiser Overviews.

The Tax Advisory Group (TAG) was explained. It provides a forum for county staff that have a role in the tax administration process, to look for methods to improve and invest in projects of mutual interest. Functions include reviewing existing procedures and systems to look for innovative methods and strategies to improve customer experience, efficiency savings and remove any possible duplication of effort.

Sept. 19, 2024

Special Meeting

After the call to order and the opening ceremonies, Chairperson Kelly called a special Board of County Commissioners meeting to address the situation with the Homeless Services Center.

Absent: Commissioner Allenbrand. A quorum was present.

The Clerk read the notice of Special Board of County Commissioners Meeting

Action Items

• To terminate the Real Estate purchase agreement with MAA Krupa Lenexa, LLC La Quinta Motel.

• To terminate the assignment with ReStart to transfer La Quinta to ReStart 

(Key conditions have not been met. Lenexa denied the special use permit on Sept. 17, 2024. The Franchise fees have not been adjusted as needed.)

• Request that other solutions on the housing continuum be considered. 

 Public Comments included the following items:

• Suggestions for alternative uses of the SFLRF funds (State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.)

• Racist remarks, name-calling and political campaigning, specifically naming Board members. 

• Demands that private religious entities handle homelessness.

• Members of the Good Faith Network: The redlining behind the current situation for addressing homelessness, their optimistic hopes for ultimately establishing a center.

Chairperson Kelly asked that the Board act swiftly, by the fund deadline of December, 2024. 

Commissioner Hanzlick noted the good work of the Board and the Community in raising the awareness of the problems experienced by the Homeless.

Commissioner Meyers emphasized the need for affordable housing and his resolve to work towards solutions. His contacts with residents indicate 60% of Johnson Countians support solutions for homelessness.

Commissioner Fast also stated the need for affordable housing, and that the County has prioritized this. The County Home Maintenance Program and Eviction Mediation program can help to stabilize the housing market.

Commissioner O’Hara’s amendment to use the SFLRF funds for other uses besides housing failed with a tie vote. (Yes: Ashcraft, O’Hara, Fast. No: Kelly, Meyers, Hanzlick). Time constraints make this motion impractical (Meyers, Kelly). 

Commissioner O’Hara’s amendment to divide the motion passed.

Commissioners voted to terminate the real estate purchase agreement with MAA Krupa Lenexa, LLC, the assignment agreement with reStart and to direct staff to develop new options for the SFLRF funds in the housing services and programs continuum.

 

Sept. 12, 2024

Commissioner Fast was absent.  

Chairperson Kelly declared National Suicide Prevention Month. The Chair also proclaimed Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week, recognizing those who care for people with intellectual disabilities.

Public Comments lasted about 15 minutes.

At Commissioner Ashcraft’s request, the Board added an item to a future agenda concerning the city of Olathe’s TIF district for the development of 135th and Mur-Len.

Commissioners approved authorization for Design Engineering Services for a new Air Traffic Control Tower at New Century AirCenter (IXD), with Burns and McDonnell for the siting, design, bidding, and construction services for $1,465,474.

The Board approved airport improvements for $1,700,000 and authorized $1,700,000 and the issuance of general obligation bonds to pay for these improvements, and also approved the publication of notice of intent to issue general obligation internal improvement bonds in the official County newspaper.

The Board adjourned to executive session to consult with legal counsel concerning potential litigation about the acquisition of real estate.

The Board will send a letter to support reStart’s application for a Special Use Permit with Lenexa for a homeless services center. The letter will include a commitment to work with Lenexa to address their law enforcement concerns, and funding for this request will be identified if a proposal comes forward. Four members of the public commented. Chairperson Kelly noted that we will have resources to help with law enforcement, and that both of the candidates for the Sheriff’s position have expressed support for this center. Kelly and Allenbrand both described the extensive community and background work done for the center. Both Panasonic and Amazon have notified one commissioner of their interest in hiring individuals from the center and providing transportation to and from work. NO votes: O’Hara, Ashcraft.

Johnson County has been highlighted in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Gains Center article titled "The Power of Data-Driven Early Intervention."  The full SAMHSA Gains Center article is here:

https://www.prainc.com/gains-data-driven-early-intervention/

Johnson County Library. Board of Directors

Oct. 10, 2024, 4:00 p.m.

Observer: Jodi Dinkins

 

All board members were present, except for two. County Commissioner Shirley Allenbrand was also absent.

The LIBRARY LETS LOOSE fundraiser brought in $175,000, with 575 in attendance. This compares with $131,00 raised at last year’s fundraiser. 

Library staff honored 14 winners of its bookmark contest. This brought a crowd of patrons to see the winners hold large sized bookmarks selected from seven categories, ages preschool through adult participation. 

Staff reviewed (with slides) various programming presented through their summer Outreach efforts, including distributing up to 7,000 books to Title 1 and other schools in the area.

Spring Hill and Desoto are on track for planned renovations with KC Design Group.

A considerable portion of the meeting was discussion provided by architects, presenting pros/cons to the Corinth Replacement Project. Possible locations are (1) Harmon Park in Prairie Village or (2) the current Corinth site, which would require closing during the new construction. Prairie Village currently does not want to donate property for the Harmon site. More discussion will follow in coming weeks. 

To learn more, click here.

Johnson County Mental Health Center (MHC) Advisory Board 

Sept. 23, 2024, in-person at the Mental Health Office in Mission, KS. 

Observer: Harry Bognich

Meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Erin George, chair of the Advisory Board. Public comment was on the agenda; none given.

County Commissioner Becky Fast reported that Lenexa had turned down approving a Homeless Shelter. JoCo Commissioners therefore had to scrap the plan to convert a former motel building into a shelter. 

Shana Burgess gave a presentation on “Prevention Services & Community Relations” as she is the director of that team:

 

1. Prevention Services is important to reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors to improve people’s health and wellbeing:

   1. The average age of first use of alcohol is 13 years old.

   2.  29% of people have considered suicide.

   3. 1 in 6 youth ages 6 - 17 experience mental health disorder each year!!

   4. The average delay between symptom onset and treatment is 11 years!!  Accordingly, one of the primary goals of the team is to greatly shorten that delay.

   5. This team has 12 different initiatives in place to do prevention work.

2. Team performs lots of staff development ranging from onboarding a person all the way to departure of a person. JCMHC has over 500 staff, of which over 100 new staff are onboarded each year. The team liaisons with high school and college students to advance their training.

3. Community Relations, e.g., Website, Brochures, Social Media, Media Relations, etc. All of this is done in-house by this team.

4. Grant and Award Management

5. Team supports and interfaces with “Friends of JCMHC”.

Tim DeWeese, MHC Director announced:

1. The addition of a Homeless Outreach program.

2. A pressing need to add additional hospital beds for treating people.

3. The Youth Crisis Stabilization Center (YCSC) went live last week. This is a new 11-bed crisis stabilization program for young people ages 10 to 17 to avoid jail detention of that young person. The average length of stay is expected to be just 3-5 days.

4. A long-range goal is to open a Health Services Building (HSB) in Olathe in 2027 and have clinical offices open up in Mission and Gardner in 2026. This is to enable Mental Health services from northern to southern Johnson County along I-35 which is where the population is growing.

Tim reminded everyone that “English as a Second Language” is NOT Special Education and that the importance of Public Education is for each and every child to have an opportunity to learn. These things come into play when talking about funding and how mental health needs to be involved with school-age children.

Meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

Next meeting will be Nov. 25, 2024. To learn more, click here.

Water One Board

Oct. 8, 2024 7:00 p.m.

Observer: Annette Becker

I am going to talk about one thing from the meeting last night, discussion of implementation of the EPA's Revised Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR) . These are requirements that public water systems must comply with starting Oct. 16, 2024. Water One is way ahead on compliance with these requirements. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has provided unprecedented funding to make rapid progress on removing harmful lead from America's drinking water.

The first step is to inventory and map all water service lines to identify any that contain lead. Water One has already completed most of the mapping and we know that NONE of the service lines contain lead from Water One to customer property. HOORAY!  Including service lines connecting to Water One, it is known that 94.1% are non-lead service lines. That leaves only 5.7% of lines on private property as "unknown" and 0.2% as "galvanized and requiring replacement".

The mapping and inventory of service lines will be sent to KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment)

Customers that have these "unknown" or "galvanized and requiring replacement" will receive written notice, including a fact sheet, and a customer service number to contact. Water One can do field work if requested by sending someone out to get a water sample that can be tested in their lab for lead and other metals. The goal is to get all these "unknowns" off the books as soon as possible, or it will require annual notification to property owners to ascertain what type of  pipes they have connected to Water One service lines.

The LCRR also mandates that school and child care facilities begin water sampling in 2025. 

Until next time, 

stay hydrated! 

To learn more click here.

Prairie Village City Council 

Oct. 7, 2024

Observer: Eileen Marshall

The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. All members were present. Evergy gave an update on progress toward more sustainable energy sources and tree trimming plans to reduce outages. Council went into Executive Session with Evergy for about 30 minutes. After council returned to an open meeting at 7:45, public comments lasted about 35 minutes, mostly about short-term rentals.

Council had a lengthy discussion regarding the proposed community center/library project. Nick Redell put forth a motion to kill the project now, survey results and public input notwithstanding. Motion failed 6 votes to 7. (YES votes to kill the project: Agniel, Gallagher, O’Toole, Redell, Selders, Sharp) Once this occurred, votes proceeded to approve negotiating points recommended by the Finance Committee to move forward with potential partners Y and Johnson County Library. This part of the meeting lasted almost two hours.

Council approved revised procedure and rules regarding the election of Council President.

Meeting as the Committee of the Whole, Council approved (10 to 2) a ban on housing rentals of less than 30 days, effectively banning AirBnBs, with an effective date of Nov. 11, 2025. This will move to a future meeting of the council for final discussion and potential approval.

The meeting ended about 11:10 p.m.

To learn more, click here.