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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 schedule, and videos are available at https://www.jocogov.org/department/board-county-commissioners

June 26, 2025

There will be no meetings on July 3 and July 10.
 
After the opening ceremonies, Chairperson Kelly proclaimed Pride Month and recognized the work of the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, in addition to others, for advocating for and advancing equality.
 
Public Comments lasted about 15 minutes.  One person thanked the Board for the Pride Month proclamation. A second person complained about a “toilet catchment” program. A person reported statistics on homelessness; he thanked the Overland Park Christian Church for opening a cooling center and Commissioners Brewer and Hanzlick for being there. The County’s high housing prices are shutting people out. A fourth person commented on homelessness, the challenges of slow bus service, and hunger. The founder and operator of Operation 10/20, the cold weather shelter, offered moving testimony to the need for real solutions for homelessness. Other commenters noted historical legislation about business and the economy.
  
Annual Meeting, 2025 National Association of Counties (NACo) Conference—The County voting delegate will be Commissioner Jeff Meyers; alternate delegate will be Assistant County Manager Aaron Otto.
 
Approved—The final development plan and final plat for Prairie Trace Estates and Prairie Trace Meadows, residential subdivision, south of 175th Street and west of Clare Road, (within 1 mile of New Century AirCenter).
 
Approved—The transfer of a 2013 Victory Commander Motorcycle to the Olathe School District from the Johnson County Sheriff’s office. The 2013 Victory Commander motorcycle was used for honor guard escorts, but now replacement parts are scarce, and no dealer support is available. The Olathe School District’s Low-Rider Program mentors students weekly, delivering academic support, cultural identity enhancement, and opportunities to participate in community service, while building custom bikes that they earn and donate to the community. The Club has received national recognition and expanded to 14 similar clubs throughout the country.
 
Approved—The appointment of Tamara Lorenzen as Interim County Engineer.
 
Resolution No. 076-25. Consider approving Resolution No. 076-25 declaring a vacancy of the 3rd District appointee and appointing Sam Whitehead as the 3rd District nominee to the Airport Commission.
 
Action Agenda
 
The following items were moved from the Consent Agenda to the Action Agenda.
 
▪ The Board approved a contract authority increase of $854,020 (for a total contract amount of $3,000,000) for Design Engineering Services for a new Air Traffic Control Tower at New Century AirCenter (IXD), per the contract with Burns and McDonnell for the siting, design, bidding, and construction services.  The current tower dates to the 1940s, and the increase is necessary to do an archaeological survey and environmental assessment. Federal funding was obtained for this project.  JRNL Briefing Sheet - Contract Authority Increase - Air Traffic Control Tower..pdf
 
 --Commissioners authorized a contract with Bryan-Ohlmeier Construction Company, Inc., for the bridge construction at 207th Street over Little Bull Creek, for $1,184,054.25.
 
--After Chair Kelly recused himself, Vice Chair Hanzlick led the meeting for this item: The following individuals were appointed to the Johnson County Developmental Supports Governing Board: First District Commissioner nomination, Kyle Russell; Second District Commissioner nomination, Debbie Williams; Third District Commissioner nomination, Michael Hughes; Fourth District Commissioner nomination, Inas Younis; Fifth District Commissioner nomination, Bertha Guillen; Sixth District Commissioner nomination, John Bartolac; and Chair nomination, Melissa Footlick.  Appointments were approved by a vote of 6-0, with the chair recusing. 
 
--The Board approved the appointment of Sam Whitehead as the 3rd District nominee to the Airport Commission.
 
--After a public hearing, the Board approved funds for the Spring Hill System Buy-in for $2,000,000 and approved an agreement with Spring Hill for reimbursement of Johnson County’s system buy-in by Spring Hill and transfer of a portion of the JCW sewer system to the City. Commissioner Brewer stated that collaboration between multiple jurisdictions is necessary because wastewater systems are organized by watersheds, not political boundaries.
 
--After a public hearing, the Board approved the publication of the 2026 proposed budget of $1,904,065,703, which exceeds the revenue-neutral rate. Some members of the public made several claims, including the inaccurate statement that the Corinth Library building has not been maintained. Commissioner Hanzlick noted that this budget has only 21% of its sources from Ad Valorem taxes. Commissioner Brewer reminded commenters about the numerous public information meetings held last spring for this budget. The County is keeping the mill levy flat, services are not expanded, and this has not happened since the Recession. Appraised property values have risen, however. The County is working with outside agencies to identify other possible sources of revenue. JRNL Briefing Sheet - Authorizing FY2026 Proposed Budget.pdf.pdf

Public Hearing Budget--The Board will meet on August 20th, 2025 at 6:00 P.M., at the Olathe Conference Center, 10401 S Ridgeview Rd, Olathe, Kansas, 66061 to hear and answer objections of taxpayers relating to the Revenue Neutral Rate and the amount of ad valorem tax and the proposed use of all funds.
 
Commissioner Hanzlick noted that the State Constitution requires that local governments provide services for ill, disabled, and mentally ill residents. Chair Kelly noted that residents have repeatedly said they want county libraries and that he would welcome any resident who would like to accompany him to Topeka to speak to legislators about state requirements for local funding, revenue, and services. He noted that he looks forward to more conversations with residents on this subject.  
 
The Board approved the following items:
--A conditional use permit for the outdoor storage of trucks and equipment in conjunction with a construction contractor business on property zoned RUR, Rural District at 11300 Waverly Road.
--An Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit (ADUP) for a 1,600 sq. ft. accessory dwelling unit at 5875 W 203rd Terrace.
--A request from Stillwell Living LLC applicant, on behalf of Scott and Vicki Rogers, landowners for an Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit for a 1,020 square foot accessory dwelling unit at 19501 Lowell Avenue.
 
The Board recognized and began procedures to organize Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 1, following up on the February 6, 2025 resolution consolidating Fire Districts No. 1 and No. 2 into a single fire district to be known as “Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 1.” The Board will need to take certain actions regarding the budget, taxation, mill levy, and other operational matters for JCCFD1 before January 1, 2026.
 
Commissioners approved additional costs associated with the development of Johnson County Transit’s strategic plan, using $163,058 of Federal Section 5307 formula funds and a local match of $40,765 for a revised contract amount of $576,960, with a contract term extension through August 31, 2025. County Manager Postoak Ferguson apologized for not getting this approval to the Board earlier in the process. Toole Design Co. was not selected on the basis of the lowest bid. The expanded scope came from the County and developed from the need for additional outreach to cities. Commissioners Meyers and Hanzlick were present at meetings on this change. No votes: Ashcraft, Brewer. Yes Votes: Meyers, Hanzlick, Allenbrand, Fast, Kelly.

The Commissioners approved a request from Harold Phelps, Phelps Engineering, applicant, and Darrel and Susan Dougan, landowners, for a rezoning from the RUR, Rural zoning district, to the PRU-1B, Planned Residential Urban Single Family 1B zoning district, on 1.49 acres, on property at 19750 Foster Street.
 
The Board approved Olathe’s request for rezoning and site development plan for the Olathe Range Development, which is a City of Olathe Police Department public safety training facility, on 95.6 acres, at the northwest corner of 167th Street and I-35 Highway, Olathe, and within one mile of the New Century AirCenter.
 
 Management Reports
 
Johnson County’s Fourth Annual Juneteenth Celebration had 600 attendees, and members of the planning committee were recognized.
 
FIFA--Bo McCall, World Cup Special Projects Manager, gave an update on planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Six matches are coming to Kansas City. Fifty-four percent of the projected 650,000 visitors will be from other countries, and volunteers will be recruited for this event. Go to this link for more information: World_Cup.Managers_Memo.26Jun2025.pptx.pdf.
 
2025 NACo (National Association of Counties) Achievement Awards—The Eviction Mediation Program, the LEAD leadership program for employees, and the Summer Snack Pack for children experiencing food insecurity were recognized as part of this award.  
 
County Economic Research Institute (CERI) Indicators – June 2025 Edition The unemployment rate is 3.4%, down from a 4.2% average for the last five years during the same period. For more information, see: Indicator_Memo_06-2025.pdf.pdf.
 
Other Reports – The Performance Audit for the controls, billing and work change processes for the Nelson Facility Construction found these processes to be accurate and ratepayer interests protected.  Susan Pekarek thanked the Audit Department. In answer to Commissioner Ashcraft’s question, the audit required 660 hours.  The Performance Audit of contractor licensing processes found that payments were processed effectively, and there will be an opportunity to streamline processes with a new system. Management agrees with these recommendations, and Jay Leipzig thanked the Audit Team.    Nelson Facility Construction Payment Processes-BOCC Presentation-20250626-SLIDES (002).pptx
 
Sitting as Fire District No.2 Governing Board and the future Consolidated Fire District No.1 Board, Commissioners heard the first review of the Proposed CFD1 2026 Budget    JCCFD1 Budget Presentation BOCC June 26 2025 (002).pptx   JCDHE_study session handout.pdf
 
Commission Comments
Becky Fast commented on the Reconciliation Bill currently in Congress, noting that the provision capping provider tax payments (necessary for provider services) has been struck by the parliamentarian as non-applicable.
 
The Board held a study session about Community Health and Affordable Housing.    JCDHE_study session_June 26 2025_BOCC copy (1).pptx
 
Chairman Kelly was pleased to be invited to last week’s Meet in the Middle meeting with state legislators and local leaders who come from across the state every other year to discuss topics of interest to the Kansas Legislature. At this one-day event, there are no party lines or aisles, and everyone meets in the middle on issues.

June 13, 2025

Because of the Juneteenth holiday, there will be no meeting next week on June 19th.
 
Special - The 2025 Legislative Session Annual Report was presented by Frederico and Durst, JOCO lobbyists.

Although less than twenty percent of the 750 bills introduced became law, all of them required attention because sixty-two percent touched local government.  This Session saw an unusual level of legislative participation in the budget process, which will probably reoccur next Session. Chair Kelly's clear direction for the County's platform was helpful in Frederico & Durst's efforts on behalf of the County.  The Senate continues to seek to cap property valuations at 3%, which is problematic for JOCO revenues.  The Astra plan, introduced by the House, revises the revenue neutral calculation. The Legislature will continue to work on property tax relief.      
  --The bill abolishing the three-day grace period for mail-in ballots passed, was vetoed by the Governor, and then was overridden by a vote of 84-41 in the House and 30-10 in the Senate.
  --Chairperson Kelly noted that many of the services provided by the County are mandated by the state. State-mandated services must be provided by the County, with or without state funding.  For this reason, it is vital the County is included at all at discussions about property taxes, bond issues, et al.
A complete report is available at this link.
https://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/DownloadFileBytes/2025 Session Report- Johnson County.pdf.pdf?documentType=1&meetingId=7038&itemId=44186&publishId=66378&isSection=False&isAttachment=True
 
Public Comments lasted about 10 minutes. Commenters remarked on the wastewater initiative, the good work of Operation 10/20 for those struggling with homelessness, children’s books, and taxes.
 
The Consent Agenda, which included the following items, was approved.
  --Extended the appointment of Kara Endicott as the Interim Johnson County Appraiser.
  --Accepted the CIC/CSU FY 26 Grant Award for $347,000 to fund the Adult Crisis Stabilization Center at 11120 W. 65th Street, Shawnee.
  --Approved an amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners and Merriam, Mission, Roeland Park, Fairway, Westwood, Westwood Hills, and Mission Woods, collectively known as the Northeast (NE) Cities, to provide co-responder crisis intervention assistance services.
  --Authorized Mental Health staff to sign an agreement with Netsmart Technologies, Inc. for implementation of Bells Quality Coach, Bells Virtual Scribe Subscription, and KPI Dashboard for $171,000 annually and a one-time setup cost of $3,000 and authorize the expenditure of fund balance (reserves) for FY 2025 for $85,500.
  --Authorized contracts with Kelly-Hill Company, Musselman and Hall Contractors, and Capital Railroad Contracting, for rail maintenance services, for $600,000 for one year with the option to renew for four additional one-year periods.
   --Approved agreements with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for certain supplies and services for the Johnson County Airport Commission (JCAC) related to the reconstruction of the New Century AirCenter (IXD) Runway 18-36 project for a cost of $900,000 through all stages of the project including closeout.
 
Action Agenda
The public hearing was delayed for two weeks to allow time for more interested parties to comment. The Board is considering approving funds and an agreement for the Spring Hill System Buy-in for $2,000,000, which would allow for the transfer of a portion of the JCW sewer system to the city.
 
Reports
A news conference promoting many Juneteenth events in the County, Johnson County Parks and Recreation, and several local cities was held June 4th.
The 2025 Theatre in the Park season is in full swing, beginning with the first production, James and the Giant Peach.  
The County approved a temporary permit for the DeSoto sewer project.
 
Commission Comments
--Commissioner Allenbrand attended the JCPRD event, the CERI Board meeting, the County Transportation Plan community meeting, and other events.
--Commissioner Ashcraft and Chairperson Kelly noted that Lynda Sader is leaving and thanked her for her service to the County.
--Commissioner Brewer acknowledged and thanked public commenters struggling with homelessness who come to meetings and share their experiences with the Board.  The World Cup will be celebrated in Overland Park on June 22. Her third grandbaby was born last Thursday.
--Commissioner Fast attended the Johnson County Disabilities Services Open House and was happy to report that their new neighborhood in Merriam welcomes this organization.
--Commissioner Meyers attended the FIFA One-Year event.
--Commissioner Hanzlick attended the Jewish Family Services Food Pantry Party on Saturday. She also noted the Juneteenth Peace March to be held on the 14th. A cooling center will be open at Overland Park Christian Church on Thursday, June 19th, from 10:00 AM to 7 PM.
--Chairperson Kelly mentioned that the kickoff for the World Cup will be held on the Aspiria Campus, June 22, 12:00-5:00. He congratulated County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson on 15 years of service. He also stated that the Budget Open Houses have been well attended and that presenters are well prepared; these Budget Open Houses offer residents opportunities to learn about the services the County offers and the difficult choices that must be made each year when revenues decrease and/or funding sources change.
   
      Chairperson Kelly stated that he is grateful to live in a country where we have the right to peacefully assemble and protest, that we live in challenging times, and that he appreciates those who will stand up and speak at Saturday’s events. He asked that people remain peaceful and continue to work with elected county officials as they work to make “America the place it was promised to be to us”.
   
 Committees of the Whole covered the 2026 Budget Proposals.  Details of the Presentations by Departments can be viewed here.

FINAL- 12- June - Infrastructure Health Human Services (002).pptx.pdf

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The school board meeting was short.  Officers for the 2025-26 school year were elected and for the first time, the board will be led by an African American woman, April Boyd Narona.

They approved revisions to several policies, including a gun violence awareness proclamation making June 2025 gun violence awareness month.  Routine authorizations were made such as purchasing athletic uniforms for the 2025-26 school year and approving Parent Handbooks.

When talking about the budget they noted that the SMSD has the lowest mill rate among Johnson County schools.
To learn more, click here.

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Mayor Skoog opened the 25-minute Council meeting with all members present. 

Council president Holly Grummert reported on the success of the Downtown Overland Park shuttle service which began on June 7. The shuttle service will operate every  Saturday through July 26 from 7:30am to 3:00pm, with shuttle buses departing every 15 minutes. Those wishing to ride the shuttle to Downtown Overland Park and the Farmers Market can park at City Hall, 85th and Antioch.  The shuttle offers 4 stops marked with sandwich board signs, making a full loop to Downtown and back to City Hall.  For further information and a map of shuttle stops:

https://www.opkansas.org/newsroom/downtown-op-shuttle-service-begins-june-7/

Council president Grummert reported on the June 30 deadline for pet license application and renewal. Residents may apply/renew online or in person. For further information:

https://www.opkansas.org/city-services/animals-pets/licenses-permits-for-animals-pets/

The Council voted unanimously in favor of Resolution No. 5049, which provides for City sponsorship of the Kansas City World Cup Kickoff Event occurring on June 22, 2025, in Overland Park. For further information:

https://kansascityfwc26.com/kansas-city-kickoff/

Agenda, minutes, and a video of the full council meeting can be found here:

https://opkansas.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=9408

Mayor Curt Skoog brought the Overland Park Council Meeting to order. 

A first order of business was the approval of Ordinance RD3487, establishing a TIF  Project, for the Overland Park Plaza II Redevelopment, at 115th and Lamar Avenue. Details of this project are explained in a July 8 article in the Johnson County Post:

https://johnsoncountypost.com/2025/07/09/overland-park-advances-280m-incentive-package-for-black-veatch-hq-redevelopment-263675/

The council approved Resolution #5052, which involves a Purchase and Sale Agreement related to the proposed location for a new Overland Park CIty Hall at 6201 College Boulevard.  Complete details can be found on the City of Overland Park website:

https://www.opkansas.org/city-government/future-city-hall-project/

https://www.opkansas.org/newsroom/op-to-purchase-and-renovate-centrally-located-building-for-future-city-hall/

A public hearing for the proposed 2026 City of Overland Park budget was discussed and approved, and a date set for September 8, 2025. 

The Council also approved one-year Youth Liaison appointments for the following City Committees:

Legacy of Greenery, Environmental Advisory Council, Mental Health Advisory Committee, and the Independent Citizen Advisory Board on Racial Profiling and Non-biased Policing. 

To view the video of the meeting, visit the City Website at opkansas.civicweb.net.