Johnson County Board of County Commissioners
Oct. 17 through Nov. 7, 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/.
Nov. 7, 2024
Public Comments lasted about 10 minutes.
The Commissioners approved a contract with Federico Consulting, Inc., for state governmental relations services for $172,000 for two years with the option to renew. In the 2023-2024 biennial legislative session, 60% of all bills introduced were tracked by Federico for the County. Outsourcing these services will continue to save both time and money for the County and its staff. Federico and Durst has a rigorous conflict of interest policy.
After a public hearing during which no one testified, the Board approved funds for the design and bid phase of the Douglas L. Smith Middle Basin Wastewater Treatment Facility Asset Renewal Project for $1,389,100.
Johnson County Government will submit a notice of intervention concerning Evergy’s Petition for Determination of Ratemaking Principles and Treatment before the Kansas Corporation Commission. Although the proposed natural gas plants are in Reno and Sumner Counties, they will serve Evergy’s customers in Johnson County. Commissioner O’Hara’s amendment to omit the discussion of alternative energy failed. Chairperson Kelly reminded the Board that the method of energy generation impacts rates.
Oct. 31, 2024
Commissioner Ashcraft attended remotely. Public comments lasted about 10 minutes.
Commissioners approved these items:
--After a public hearing, funds were authorized for the construction phase of the State Line Road Pump Stations Project and the State Line Road Force Main Project for $30,131,800, increasing the total project authorization to $40,857,800. An agreement was also approved with Leawood to facilitate the State Line Road Force Main Project.
--The Johnson County Wastewater General Manager can execute an encroachment agreement with Evergy, and the JCW General Manager can also execute necessary utility agreements for the project. One member of the public commented, asking to “rebrand” the County and put wastewater facilities in different places. Commissioner Allenbrand and Chairperson Kelly thanked the staff for the work on this project.
--A contract with BRB Contractors, Inc., to construct the State Line Road Pump Stations Project for $10,839,000.
--A contract with Rodriguez Mechanical Contractors, Inc., to construct the State Line Road Force Main Project for $12,455,101.16.
--An exception to competition and a service agreement for respite care services with KidsTLC, Inc., for $265,000 for one year. Commissioners also approved the reallocation of $221,000 from the 2025 Mental Health reserves.
County Manager’s Report
The Johnson County Health Guide is now easily available on the front page of the County website (https://www.jocogov.org/). (The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, Johnson County Mental Health Center, Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Office, and Johnson County Park and Recreation District provide a variety of services and programs throughout the county--from immunizations and disease testing to mental health support and wellness activities.)
The County held two public engagement meetings for the County Broadband and Digital Access Plan recently, and will complete the plan by the end of the year. Commissioner Allenbrand commented on the extensive work on this plan, noting that one mile of broadband extension costs almost $1,000,000.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Allenbrand noted the need for a facility for those struggling with housing. Project 10-20 only houses 30 people, most of whom work in Johnson County and need housing and warming centers here in the County in order to keep their jobs.
Commissioner Meyers attended the Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT), which was created in November 2008 when residents invested in the county's future by voting for a one-eighth cent sales tax. The proceeds from this tax generate more than $15 million a year to fund higher education and degree offerings through a unique partnership between Johnson County, the University of Kansas and Kansas State University. He also toured a large-scale composting facility.
Chairperson Kelly congratulated Mayor Bacon on the Olathe state of the city address. Kelly was honored to speak at the state NAACP conference.
Oct. 24, 2024
Public comments lasted about 15 minutes.
Commissioners approved an agreement with the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) to accept Planning Sustainable Places grant funding of $135,000 with a required local match of $37,500, in partnership with Overland Park, to study the feasibility of higher frequency transit service along the Metcalf Avenue corridor and the need for the appropriate level of passenger amenities for such transit service. Overland Park is the largest and densest city in Johnson County, and Metcalf Avenue is the key north-south corridor. The existing transit 401 route has the highest local fixed route ridership in the JCT system. Removed from the Consent Agenda on request by Commissioner O’Hara. Her motion to table this item failed.
After a public hearing, Commissioners approved the Consolidated Plan, 2025 Action Plan, and Citizen Participation Plan as recommended by the Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee in August. The County Manager is also authorized to submit the plans to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and to implement the plans. The 2025 Action Plan has estimated funding of $2,538,000, consisting of about $1,438,000 in Community Development Block Grant and $1,100,000 in HOME Investment Partnerships funds for housing and community development activities. One person, a representative from Johnson County Developmental Supports (affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities), commented in favor of the plans. “Community Development Block Grants help the whole community.”
County Economic Research Institute (CERI) Indicators – October 2024 Edition. The unemployment rate as of August, 2024, was 3.4%, compared to 3% last year.
Oct. 17, 2024
After the Pledge of Allegiance and call to order, National Substance Abuse Prevention Month was proclaimed. The digital “You Never Know” campaign and the Olathe School District’s Fentanyl campaign were recognized.
The Board authorized the following items:
--Term and supply contracts with multiple firms for appraisal services of commercial and residential properties, for $200,000 for a one year term with the option to renew for additional four-one year terms starting Nov. 1, 2024. Appraisals are behind because of the pandemic and Big Box litigation.
--A contract with Master’s Transportation, to purchase ten wheelchair-accessible clean diesel transit buses, including needed equipment, with $3,265,700 of federal funds and a county match of $576,300 from the Transit Vehicle Replacement set-aside project for a total cost of $3,842,000.
Commissioners also approved an update to the Master Development Plan with VanTrust Real Estate for the New Century Commerce Center and authorizing the Aviation North Phase of the Infrastructure Development Plan, to be financed by previously authorized ARPA funds for $500,000 and by the issuance of General Obligation (GO) bonds for $7,700,000. They also authorized an increase of $10,436,423 to the New Century Commerce Center Infrastructure Cost Budget, bringing the new budget and project authorization to $73,220,501. One member of the public objected with complaints about taxes. Commissioners Ashcraft and O’Hara voted No, voicing complaints about transparency, cost and development “giveaways,” adding accusations of conflict of interest. Chairperson Kelly remarked on the need for constructive development that contributes to the economic health of the County.
After a public hearing during which three people complained about immigration, corruption, lack of free market in housing, and taxes, the Board approved the 5-Year Public Housing Authority Plan for 2025-2029 and the 2025 Streamlined Annual PHA Plan for submission to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Commissioners approved the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan as recommended by the Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee, adding a requirement that staff develop a plan to extend the rental assistance program for one more year. JCHA presently serves 2,645 persons in 1,407 households. Discussion: The county courts would like to be involved in developing plan discussions. Commissioner O’Hara complained again about taxes and immigration, but Chairperson Kelly noted the significant law enforcement and public safety costs associated with lack of housing (about $1,000 a sheriff’s call). Members of the public complained about immigration. A representative of the Good Faith Network voiced approval of the move and the associated processes. Commissioners O’Hara and Ashcraft voted to divide the motion to require recipients be citizens, but the motion to divide failed. The final motion passed. No vote: Commissioner O’Hara.
Management Reports:
--Johnson County has successfully retained designation as an Urban County with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, for the years 2025-2027. As an Urban County, Johnson County is considered an entitlement community and is eligible for Community Development Block Grants and HOME Investment Partnerships Program grants.
--The MED-ACT Special Operations Group deployed three paramedics to Florida after Hurricane Melvin.
Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (LFRF) Funding and Expense Report: the County’s net position is $6,348,222.00.
Commission Comments
--Commissioner O’Hara repeated disinformation about COVID vaccines.
--Commissioner Meyers noted that the Johnson County Museum has received two prestigious national awards for the RedLined exhibit. These are recognition for the Advancement of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), and the Social Justice award from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO).
--Chairperson Kelly stated that because the County is at full employment, we will need to expand our work force in order to prepare the community for the future generations. He also noted that when discussion in the business meeting goes beyond the confines of agenda items, current procedures allow the chair to move the meeting forward.
Johnson County Library Board of Directors
Nov. 14, 2024
Observer: Nancy Kalikow Maxwell
The Johnson County Library Board of Directors met on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. Library Attorney Fred Logan explained that the Board is a quasi-municipal board, meaning they have limited authority, including the ability to adopt contracts over $150,000. Shelley O’Brian announced that the Library Foundation held a successful author presentation on Nov. 13 and that the Friends’ bookstore will be expanding. The Library’s successful participation in the recent election was noted, with seven branches serving as sites on the day-of-voting, five for early voting, and six providing ballot boxes.
As a follow-up to the recently-held Board Retreat, the Board agreed that their priorities in the coming year will be deciding on the location of the Corinth Branch and revising the Comprehensive Library Master Plan. Concerning Corinth, because the Prairie Village/YMCA proposal had ended, the Board will explore other locations besides Harmon Park, with potential alternatives reported back at a later time. The Board also approved Memos of Understanding with American Public Square to sponsor non-partisan, community discussions and Encircle to support classes for incarcerated people. The Board went into Executive Session at 4:45 p.m. to review the performance of the County Librarian.
To learn more, click here.
Blue Valley Board of Education Meeting
Oct. 14, 2024
Observer: Ann Schuster
Viewed via Livestream
The meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m. All Board members were in attendance.
Board committee reports were given by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Health and Well-Being, Curriculum and Instruction, Finance and Operations and Student Activities Committees. Items discussed at these meetings included inclusion of Special Education students, Strategic Plan updates, Digital Citizenship/ Cell Phone policies and Bond updates.
The Superintendent’s report, given by Dr. Merrigan, noted that, according to the latest Niche rankings, the District has been rated in the top 1% of schools in the nation and at the #1 position in the State. The latest issue of Blue Valley Today has been sent by mail to the community and the “BV Unmuted” podcast is available to all patrons. Dr. Merrigan recognized staff and student achievements including Kansas Teacher of the Year and Master Teacher (an Emporia State award) candidates and Horizon Award winners.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Blue Valley School Board Meeting
Nov. 11, 2024
Observer: Ann Schuster
Viewed via Livestream
The meeting was called to order at 5:55 p.m. All Board members were present.
Reports were given by the following Board Advisory committees: DEI, Curriculum/Instruction, Communication, Facilities and Planning, Student Activities and Finance/Operations. Topics discussed included diversity of languages spoken by students; teacher shortage, recruitment, and collaboration days; employee benefits and wellness; District Strategic Plan; school attendance; enrollment trends and future district boundaries; business partnerships and future mill levy projects.
Board members reported on participation in the following activities over the past month:
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School plays and sporting events
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Presentation on brain injury
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BV “Prize Patrol” (awarding 156 BVEF grants, totaling almost one quarter million dollars to BV teachers for innovative projects)
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Presentation of test score assessment data (noting a rise since the end of COVID)
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Meetings of the Blue Valley Rec Board and PTO Presidents
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Suicide Prevention Coalition
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School Visits
Superintendent Dr. Merrigan remarked on staff and student achievements and other BV initiatives:
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“Champions of Learning” mailer sent to all BV residents
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Latest #BV Unmuted podcast
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Kansas Public Relations Association prizes
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BV Southwest awarded state championships for their marching band and boys’ soccer team
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Middle School Civics Bee participants heading to Washington, D.C. for the national championship
Following the approval of the consent and regular agendas, administrator Kelly June presented new course proposals for middle and high schools, which will then come up for approval at the December Board meeting.
The Board approved a change to Policy 3122 regarding transfers to the District. Changes will address deadlines for enrollment application, application review and parent notifications.
Contracts approved by the Board included those for the construction of the new Wolf Springs Middle School, a BVN HS Band room addition, and the removal of the mobile at LES and construction of a classroom addition (revision of earlier contract).
The 2025 Legislative positions were then approved. These positions can be found on the District's website.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
To learn more, click here.
Prairie Village City Council
Oct. 21, 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. Public comments lasted about 85 minutes, mainly about short-term rentals, both for and against.
The Council voted 10 to 2 to cease all work on the proposed community center project, canceling it.
After lengthy discussion, Council adopted an ordinance to prohibit residential rentals of less than 30 days, effective Nov. 1, 2025. The vote was 10 to 2.
Other city business was conducted, and the meeting ended about 10:30.
To learn more, click here.