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The Board of County Commissioners encourages citizen participation in local governance processes. The public is invited to participate in the meeting. A copy of the rules, BOCC materials, meeting schedules and videos are available at https://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/OnBaseAgendaOnline/.

June 5, 2025

Commissioner Brewer was absent. National Gun Violence Awareness Day was recognized.

Public Comments lasted about 10 minutes. Individuals spoke about the wastewater public catchment program, homelessness, the tiny homes program and welcoming atmosphere at Eden Village (https://edenvillagekc.org/). A speaker protested “pornography” as described by Moms for Liberty and government spending.

Commissioner Ashcraft asked that the following item be moved to the Action Agenda: The Board voted to accept the resignation of Devin Self as Trustee of Gardner Township and appointed David Wolf as the 6th District nominee for Trustee of Gardner Township.

Courthouse Parking Garage—All Commissioners except Commissioner Ashcraft approved an interlocal cooperation agreement with Olathe for 50% cost sharing of the design and construction for a new parking garage in downtown Olathe, for $11,000,000. (If parking becomes a challenge, the County is guaranteed 50% of the spaces.) Two individuals offered public comments. One person noted the need for more parking but objected to the schedule of payments, among other issues.  Another person complained about “overspending and inadequate planning.”  Commissioner Allenbrand noted that increased demand and increased population both contribute to the ongoing shortage of parking spaces, but the situation is improving.  Adam Norris stated that the projected fund balance in Public Safety Three funds is $32,000,000. No property taxes are to be used in this project. Commissioners Fast and Hanzlick advocated for better accessibility for disabled people.

Election Printing-- The Board approved a contract with K&H Election Services, for Elections Printing and Mailing Services, for $615,000 for one year with the option to renew for four additional one-year terms, with an annual cost of $615,000. Documents to be printed include ballots, voter registration notices, and other items. Candidate Filing Day was Monday, and Chairperson Kelly commended Election Commissioner Fred Sherman on the speedy update of the website to reflect the candidate information.

Juvenile Justice Housing-- The Board agreed to enter into housing agreements with other counties in Kansas to house juveniles while they go through the adjudication and post-adjudication process.  Commissioner Ashcraft questioned costs and excess capacity, specifically why the focus is on $150 a day cost for operations when the actual cost is $429 a day. The rationale is that the rest of the state pays $150 a day. Thirty-three beds were taken offline in response to lower census, and this capacity is continuously monitored. In response to Commissioner Fast’s question, out-of-county youth will be commingled with in-county youth. She also asked about the County’s ability to open and close units according to need, which is an efficiency that can be addressed with building design. Chair Kelly noted that it’s important to have sufficient capacity to meet increased need, and this is more efficient than attempting to re-build to meet need. Commissioner Ashcraft said he hoped we can apply similar practices to the jail. He also asked about our relationship with other counties in the state. He commends Mr. Sullivan for this effort and encourages this practice.

Reports-- County Manager Postoak-Ferguson was absent because of the death of her mother.  

Budget Open Houses--Deputy County Manager Julie Karins reported that five open house events for the County budget will be held on the following dates.  June 9: Corinth Library, June 10: Central Resource Library, June 17: Lenexa City Center Library, June 18: Blue Valley Library, June 24: Gardner Library.  A link to a Budget Guide Webpage & Property Tax Calculator is on the front page of the County website, easily accessible, and it includes a personal calculator for property taxes. (http://jocogov.org/budget)    

Major Projects Update –The update included information on progress on the Springhill and Desoto Libraries, security updates for the Detention Center, the Med-Act facility in Olathe, and trail improvements for Coffee Creek and Kill Creek, and many other items.

https://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/Download

May 29, 2025

Public comments lasted about 15 minutes, and four individuals made comments.  

Management Reports--County Economic Research Institute (CERI) Indicators – May 2025 Edition:  The unemployment rate in Johnson County is 3.6%, up from 2.8% last year. Home sales have increased 7%, and total retail sales have increased .5% from last year.

Johnson County employees who participated in local Chamber leadership classes were recognized. These classes provide information on school districts, local governments, non-profits, healthcare systems, and best practices for their own organizations. Employees from the Airport, Public Works, Facilities, JCPRD, Department of Health, emergency services, and Human Resources participated.

Brian Pietig, Public Works, presented an update on the Southwest Metro Area-Transportation Connection Plan Study.  The study concerns the north and east areas, including Astra Enterprise Park, and it establishes a hierarchy of arterial roads, allowing for the assignment of rights of way and setbacks. An open house for public comment will be held on June 11th.  In answer to Commissioner Allenbrand’s question, Pietig noted that work and planning on road connections in this area began in 1999. Commissioner Brewer asked about how residents in the area are notified, and was told this is done through the internet. She also asked about opportunities for acquiring easements. The necessary land for rights of way is acquired as development occurs, per state statute. In answer to Commissioner Hanzlick’s question about approvals, Pietig explained that the Board makes the approvals.

Commission Comments

--Commissioner Allenbrand met with officials in Edgerton and Gardner about housing and jobs. Many offices at the airport are now leased, and the A-4 Navy planes will go to California to a museum. The airport is now functioning more as a business.

--Commissioner Ashcraft gave a brief report on the Johnson County Disabilities Services Board, acknowledging the work of the directors, who have worked to get a more equitable distribution of state funds for those with intellectual disabilities.  Progress is occurring with the Shared Living program, which matches up individuals with disabilities with families.

--Commissioner Meyers met with the Board of the Workforce Partnership.

--Commissioner Brewer noted the new, improved real-time digital transportation signs at the Mission Transit Center. She commended JCPRD for the beautiful trails. She also noted that robust discussions on agenda items occur at Agenda Review, and she encouraged residents to stay for that meeting.

--Commissioner Hanzlick thanked the staff for efficiently planning Board time now during budget season so Commissioners can hear department budget sessions. She also wanted to remind everyone that the public County redistricting sessions are a listening/learning opportunity. The County has an interactive website for education and public comments https://www.jocogov.org/department/board-county-commissioners/redistricting-johnson-county/public-engagement.

The Board adjourned for an executive session.
 
May 22, 2025

Public comments lasted about four minutes.  

Commissioner Ashcraft abstained from voting on the consent agenda on procedural grounds, but Chairperson Kelly explained the correct procedure for objecting to the consent agenda. In answer to Commissioner Brewer’s inquiry, Peg Trent explained that it is permissible to abstain from voting on the Consent Agenda as long as the commissioner states the reason. 

The Commissioners approved the appointment of Paul Lewis to the Johnson County Commission on Aging Advisory Board, and Rachele M. Zade to the Northwest Consolidated Fire District.

Site Visit, Corrections Supervision Model--Robert Sullivan, Department of Corrections, presented information about the Department’s site visit to the Georgia Department of Community Supervision to explore the Person-Centered Supervision Model.  The visit reinforced several current County practices, but the goal is to fully integrate the move from office-based practice to field-based operations, relieving officers of excessive paperwork and increasing individual engagement.  Increasing compliance will allow the Department to ensure public safety by taking faster action on cases where individuals are unwilling or unable to change.  State-level changes in standards & record keeping will be necessary.  In answer to Commissioner Hanzlick’s question, Sullivan explained that trauma-informed care is still in place in this Department.

Drug Court Graduation--The Inaugural Adult Drug Treatment Court Graduation, which will be rebranded as Adult Recovery Court, was noted. One person graduated recently with his driver’s license, housing, a job and sobriety. This successful, growing effort now features a free clothing closet, and Barbara Stroebel at the Courthouse will accept donations. (913-715-5000.)  Johnson County also has Veterans Treatment Court and a number of other special courts, all of which represent best practices.

The Transportation Connection Plan will be featured at an open house on June 11th, 5:30 at Desoto City Hall Gymnasium. It will feature recommendations for the reconnection of Astra Enterprise Park and other items.

Commission Comments

Commissioner Allenbrand stated that donations are being collected for the former Aspen Apartment residents at Hope Market in Gardner, a food pantry, (https://thehopemarket.org/). 

Commissioner Ashcraft noted that nine individuals, the eleventh class, graduated from Project Search this month. Project Search is an education and employment program for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 18 years of age or older.

Commissioner Brewer commented that the hard noon deadline on mail-in elections impedes the right to vote. It is important that everyone has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

Commissioner Meyers attended the (toilet-paper) ribbon cutting for the restroom project at Theater in the Park. One hundred thirty-four ballots did not get counted for the recent Springhill School District mail-in election because of the harsh deadline rule.

Commissioner Fast presented information on the impact of Medicaid cuts to Americans to more than 100 residents this month. Pending cuts will severely impact mentally ill people, physically and intellectually disabled individuals.

Commissioner Hanzlick attended a presentation through MARC for KC Smart Port, which represents 18 local counties and works to bring industry and manufacturing to this area. She also mentioned REACH healthcare, “Welcoming JoCo,” which is part of a national project and a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by welcoming immigrants.

Chairman Kelly noted the 50th anniversary of Med-Act, an organization marked by humility and integrity. The Board will ensure that this organization has the necessary tools to do their job.   

Chairman Kelly noted the tragic killing of Overland Park resident Sarah Milgrim last night in Washington, DC in an act of religious political violence.

There were two Committees of the Whole. The first concerned redistricting for the board

https://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/OnBaseAgendaOnline/redistricting.  

The second featured the budget proposal for outside agencies and support services https://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/finaloutsideagencies.
 
May 15, 2025

Commissioner Fast attended on Zoom. Public comments lasted about 15 minutes and included remarks about “chem trails,” Chinese technology, a constitutional convention, the need for more affordable housing in Johnson County (with Aspen Place, Gardner closing), toilets and water reclamation, the Moms for Liberty’s list of books to censor, and street racing in Kansas City.   

Property Tax Relief--Notices for the Senior and Disabled Veteran Property Tax Relief Program will be mailed out this summer.  As a result of expanded eligibility and increased communications, 358 residents were approved for $184,389 in tax relief payments, which covers the amount up to the County portion of eligible residents’ real estate taxes. The plan is to extend this pilot program to a third year.

Commissioner Hanzlick thanked Ms. Postoak-Feguson and the staff. She noted that the state legislature did not expand the eligibility for the homestead program, which many residents need. Commissioner Meyers asked to have discussion about helping residents who have fallen through the cracks.

Juneteenth--The fourth annual Juneteenth celebration will be held June 19th, 4:30 to 9:30 at the Lenexa Community Center. Victor Webb, whose parents worked actively to end school segregation, will be the featured speaker.

Commissioner Meyers attended the Garden Spheres event for Parks and Recreation and artists with Johnson County Developmental Supports. The decorative spheres will be auctioned.  https://www.jocogov.org/newsroom/garden-spheres-

Commissioner Brewer noted that the Prevention and Recovery Coalition presented free Naloxone training at the Indian Creek Branch of the Olathe Public Library.

Commissioner Ashcraft reported he attended an EPA meeting about a chemical commodities superfund site at the edge of Old Town Olathe near the corner of Keeler and Cedar, where several companies stored and re-packaged toxic chemicals for a number of years. He asked that the County add a link to the website about this. The EPA is currently monitoring the area for groundwater seepage and other problems.

Commissioner Allenbrand thanked the staff of the budget department for the public presentation on budgets in her district and Ashcraft’s district. She also stated that the Salvation Army continues to help Aspen Place residents. Hope Market and the Housing Department are helping to find housing. Hope Market is conducting a fundraiser to cover first and last month’s rent and utility bills. She also updated the work on the Van Trust project for accessible housing.  Responding to false, circulating rumors about Panasonic "never opening its doors," Commissioner Allenbrand reiterated that work is currently going on and that the opening of the fully operational plant has only been delayed from April to July. 

Commissioner Hanzlick attended the Commission on Aging meeting. Cindy Green and Ben Harbor have been elected chair and vice chair, respectively. She thanked Tim Wolf for the update on federal funding challenges to County hunger programs, which feed thousands of people. The Friends of Johnson County Developmental Services (which builds housing) had a yard sale.

Chairperson Kelly stated that plans for the World Cup are proceeding. Official FIFA volunteer recruitment will open up in August, and information for this is on KC 2026 (https://kansascityfwc26.com/). He met with the Council of Mayors and spoke about the Public Safety Sales Tax 3, which is up for renewal this November.  

Kelly also recognized his grandmother, Mary Bell Farnsworth, who lived at 7301 Outlook, supported the war effort for World War 2, raised children, grandchildren, and made a home and a community wherever she was. She died on Tuesday, May 13 at the age of 102.

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All board members were present, except for Julie Brewer, Board of County Commissioners representative.

Citizen comments:  Sheryl Landruff, a representative of the homeless, questioned the library policy stating that cars of the homeless may not park in the library parking lot.  She spoke about the value of safety for those, especially with children, who leave for work early in the morning or arrive late at night due to work schedules.  The library board will look at that policy and discuss. It was brought to the attention of the board that social workers in hospitals recommend parking lots of libraries and hospitals when speaking with the homeless population.  It was recognized that this is a problem which will be increasing in the county.  

Board president, Jeffrey Mendoza, reported that when presenting the 2026 library budget to the Johnson County Commissioners, they were full of praise for the services which are currently provided.  One question was regarding library employee satisfaction.  This topic was addressed later in the meeting.

Foot traffic is still not up to the level it was prior to the pandemic, but digital use continues to increase and new library card issuance is up from previous years.  

The Circulation Department reported that its most popular service is library holds.  In the summer of 2024, the library averaged 80,000 holds for the summer months.  Holds are delivered by the couriers throughout the county to patrons who have requested materials.  It was noted that in 2024 materials were shared throughout the country and even the world, with items being loaned to Dubai and the UK.  

Comprehensive Master Plan:  Move out dates for De Soto and Spring Hill libraries will be announced soon. Renovations will begin later this summer.  

Website update:  Public preview will launch in July.  Staff is reviewing the new website now.  The goal is for the final version to be available by mid-August.  

Juneteenth Celebration, June 19, will be held, in conjunction with other county offices, at Lenexa City Center.  Information can be found on the Johnson County website.
Jenny Reeves, Program Coordinator for “elementia,” and two of the teens who work on this teen publication spoke.  “elementia” is created for teens all over the world and is locally coordinated by 14 teens.  It promotes mentorship, collaboration and diversity.  The program has been in existence for 20 years.  

Kinsley Riggs, Deputy County Librarian, spoke about the sale of the Antioch Library property.  Alternative sites for the Corinth Library are still under consideration.  The Summer Reading Program, “Color My World” has kicked off.  She reported that surveys have led to ways to make improvements in staff satisfaction.  

To learn more, click here.

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All Board members were present.  The only Board Committee report presented was from the Finance and Operations committee.

In her final Superintendent’s report Dr. Tonya Merrigan recognized staff/student achievements and awards being given to both the Music and Communications Departments. She also gave a nod to the recent high school graduations, the completion of construction at the new Wolf Springs Middle School, the latest Unmuted BV podcast on the District’s new strategic plan and last week’s Summer Leadership Conference for staff.  Board members then paid tribute to Dr. Merrigan’s decades of service to the Blue Valley District.

The following District contracts were approved by the Board:
--Straub Construction for the BVNWHS weight room
--Universal Construction for BVNHS athletic field renewal
--Circadia Construction for safety glass installations at 7 elementary schools
--BSN Sports for sports teams apparel
--World Fuel Services for gas/diesel for the Transportation Department
--MC Electric and Core Electric for annual energy services
--Syntetic and Tech Cycle for tech repair
--Amazon Business for a variety of District needs
--Risk Strategies for property insurance
--YMCA of Greater KC  (payment to BVSD for child care space/ supplies)

The Board then dissolved the current 6 Board Advisory Committees and consolidated their functions into 3 committees going forward- Finance and Operations (including Facilities), Academic and Activities (including Curriculum) and Community (including Health and Well-Being and DEI).

The Board approved naming the soccer field serving BVN and BVNW after longtime boys/girls coach Rick Pribyl. They then elected Jan Kessinger as the incoming Board President and Clay Norkey as the incoming Vice-President.

The hour-long meeting was then adjourned. To learn more, click here.

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Mayor Skoog called the meeting to order with all council members present. 

Council member Holly Grummert announced that the Overland Park 2024 Annual Development Report is now available. Overland Park permitted 583 new housing units, including 384 single homes, 30 townhomes and duplexes, and 160 apartments. The Development Report can be viewed here: https://www.opkansas.org/city-services/planning-development/long-range-planning/annual-development-report/

City Manager Lori Curtis Luther reported that the 69 Express project is moving forward with 80 percent of pavement complete, and almost all 25 bridges rebuilt. More details on the project can be found here:  https://69express.ksdot.gov/   Residents seeking more information about the project and specifically how the express lanes will work, can visit the 69 Express booth at the Overland Park Farmers Market on May 24, June 21, and July 12. City staff will also be at the Downtown Overland Park Car Show on June 12.   

The council approved the new appointment of an Overland Park resident to the Legacy of Greenery Committee for a 2-year term. As stated on the city's website, "the Legacy of Greenery Committee develops strategies to increase, preserve, and enhance the city's tree canopy by promoting, planting and maintaining trees and shrubs in the city."  This is one of a number of committees on which Overland Park residents can serve.  For more information, see:
https://www.opkansas.org/city-government/boards-commissions/

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Mayor Curt Skoog called the meeting to order with all council members present. 

Council President Holly Grummert noted that applications for the Property Tax Rebate Program opened June 1 and must be received by July 15.  The City is holding a number of support sessions for this program to assist residents who want to apply.  The program offers a rebate of up to 75 percent of City property taxes for eligible Overland Park residents.  Eligibility for the program requires an individual to live in and own their home, be current on existing property taxes, and meet the "very low income limits" as designated by HUD.  For more information and to apply:
https://www.opkansas.org/newsroom/property-tax-rebate-applications-open-this-weekend/

City Manager Lori Curtis Luther announced that the 69 Express Project Team will be at the Downtown Overland Park Car Show on June 12th and June 13th, and at the Matt Ross Community Center on June 21st. The team is sharing information about the express lanes that will open later this year and plans for the final construction work.  They are also offering information about use of the express lanes and obtaining a K-Tag. For more information: https://69express.ksdot.gov/

Council Member Logan Heley reported that the Tomahawk Ridge Community Center Pool is offering several adaptive splash dates this year, specifically for people with disabilities and their families.  These events will be held from 9-11am on Saturdays, June 7, 14, 21, 28, and July 5.  For more information:
https://www.opkansas.org/newsroom/dive-into-adaptive-splash-this-summer/

To listen to the meeting discussion or view the video of the meeting, visit the City Website at opkansas.civicweb.net.

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The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. All members were present at roll call except Mr. Reddell. Proclamations were read for Gun Violence Awareness Day and for Pride month. Mayor Mikkelson spoke for a few moments about Sara Milgrim, who grew up in PV and was fatally shot in Washington D.C. recently in an apparent anti-Semitic act of gun violence, and the room observed a moment of silence on her behalf. 

Public comments lasted about TWO HOURS, with 48 commenters, mostly expressing opinions (more pro than con) on a potential new city hall built to LEED standards. A few minutes were spent afterward to correct some inaccuracies shared during public comment.

City Engineer Melissa Prenger presented information on LEED certification for the proposed new city hall. Council voted to design at least to the LEED Gold standard, with the option to add other items to the design in addition to what is required for Gold. This appears to “roll back” the existing council policy that all new city buildings will be designed to LEED Platinum level. Voting against even the Gold level: Agniel, O’Toole, Sharp.

City Finance Director Jason Hannaman presented the 2026 budget, recommended for approval unanimously by the Finance Committee. Acting as the Committee of the Whole, Council voted to move the proposed budget to the July 7 meeting for further discussion and final approval.

Agenda item to discuss possible restrictions on residential redevelopment  was moved to a future meeting due to the late hour.

The final discussion was brought by Councilmembers Lori Sharp and Inga Selders, and it was a proposal to repeal Charter Ordinance 28, which places responsibility for approving a bond issue with the City Council. This is related to the current campaign to “let PV vote” on the new city hall. In essence, it is an argument between representative government, in which citizens elect officials to make decisions, and direct democracy, in which citizens themselves vote on everything or most things. Motion to repeal the ordinance failed 9 to 2. The immediate effect is that the city hall project remains in process, with more city council votes necessary in order to come to fruition.

Other city business was conducted, and the meeting adjourned at 12:07 a.m. Tuesday morning.

To learn more, click here.