Johnson County Board of County Commissioners
Jan. 18, 2024 through Feb. 8, 2024 (most recent listed first)
Observers: Rebecca James, Jerry Gilson, Joan Gilson, Lenore Rowe
A broadcast is available at Http://boccmeetings.jocogov.org and on YouTube. Public comments during the beginning of the meeting or for a specific agenda item can now be made in person, virtually or in writing. For more information, meeting videos, documents and agendas, go to http://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/
Feb. 8, 2024
Agenda Review
Commissioner O’Hara invited Sheriff Hayden to speak to the issue of why they are changing from Johnson County Mental Health providing services to the jail and using a no-bid process to engage VitaCore for their medical services. Commissioner Fast is concerned about this change.
Feb. 08, 2024
Public Comments lasted about 20 minutes.
Chairperson Kelly proclaimed Friday Feb. 9 as Kansas City Chiefs Red Friday. John Lohmeyer, Ted McKnight, and Shawn Barber, retired Chiefs and Chiefs Ambassadors, were present to honor the achievement of Superbowl LVIII.
The Commissioners approved the purchase of five wheelchair accessible, 30-foot diesel transit buses from the Gillig Corporation with $2,450,576 of Federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality and a county match of $612,644.
An update on our landfills was provided, and County landfills will fill up between 2037 to 2043. Commissioners Meyers, Fast and Allenbrand argued that we need to address this issue as soon as possible. Documents are available at http://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/.
The update on the Legislative session provided the following information. The veto override vote of the tax bill has not yet occurred because of illness and general absenteeism. Bills impacting local control are in process. A bill concerning open records requests could be expanded to cities and counties. Four new tax bills have been introduced containing items related to senior property tax relief, bringing the total to 13 bills.
Commissioner Fast noted that Johnson County Mental Health will now be able to take involuntary clients. Commissioner O’Hara told a Bible story. Commissioner Hanzlick attended the ribbon cutting for Prairie Brook Townhomes, which has 60 affordable housing units. Commissioners Meyers and Ashcraft will travel to Washington, DC to speak with legislators on matters of interest to Johnson County. Commissioner Allenbrand noted that Honeywell will bring 800 manufacturing jobs to Olathe. Commissioner Meyers noted that the Seven Days of Kindness has several events planned.
Chairperson Kelly closed the meeting by noting that leadership, creativity and vision are a primary reason for Johnson County’s premier status in the state and the nation. He asked that Commissioners reflect on how they are encouraging leadership in their staff. He stated that nitpicking, criticism, and disrespecting staff does not encourage leadership and vision, and he encouraged Commissioners to implement good management strategies with their own staffs and with all County employees.
Committee of the Whole
Feb. 1, 2024
The County Committee of the Whole heard a report on the Opioid settlement funds, the increasing rate of fentanyl poisoning locally, and the mitigation strategies currently deployed. The preponderance of fentanyl, a highly toxic substance, is distributed by United States citizens. The report is available at http://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/.
Feb. 1, 2024
Public comments lasted about 20 minutes.
The Board affirmed the Chairperson’s appointment of Commissioner Jeff Meyers as the Vice-Chair of the Board of County Commissioners.
The Board approved the following items:
--A request from Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Johnson County Park and Recreation District, for an air monitoring station and equipment in Heritage Park, 159th Street and Widmer Street.
--The purchase of fleet vehicles and equipment from competitively solicited contracts for $5,478,956. One public commenter asked about problems with electric vehicles. Commissioner Fast asked about the availability of federal funds for EV purchases. Commissioner O’Hara objected to electric vehicles in general as part of “the green new deal”. Chairperson Kelly noted that this item is part of a carefully created, extensive plan by County departments to manage and update their transportation resources, including the Sheriff’s department. Kelly also asked that the Board avoid political grandstanding, but rather employ logical, informed decision making processes.
Commissioners accepted an invitation to join area cities, counties and other organizations to support SevenDays® 2024, becoming a Kindness County. SevenDays® is a nonprofit organization based in Johnson County that promotes kindness and understanding through education and dialogue. The group
formed following the tragic 2014 murders of three people in Overland Park at the Jewish Community Center. This organization was founded by Mindy Corporon, whose son and father were murdered then. Commissioner Meyers noted that this fits exactly with the County DEI initiative. Commissioner O’Hara said a friend of hers gave out many Bibles, and she does not support DEI because it is racist.
The County was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. This award was given to only three of 105 Kansas counties.
The Budget Calendar for the Committee of the Whole was presented. Among other adjustments, the retreat will remain as scheduled but the agenda will be structured to allow more time for discussion. Some of the hearings will be held at the libraries to facilitate more public interaction. Commissioners also use their resources to obtain public input.
Major Project Update:
--Merriam Plaza Library. Cost $13,680,094; 80-90% complete.
--Johnson County Square Phase 2 (BOCC). Updated Authorization Amt: $2,900,000; 90-100% complete.
--Heritage Park Lake Water Quality and Habitat Improvements, Cost $8,020,373; 50-60% complete.
To see the complete report, go to https://www.jocogov.org/department/board-county-commissioners/board-county-commissioner-meetings
The Legislative update covered a number of items of interest, including:
--Property tax relief for certain retired and disabled veterans (HB 2036).
--A constitutional amendment protecting and expanding the ownership of guns and ammunition.
--Legislators in the Senate Ways & Means Committee were briefed on ongoing efforts to resolve major issues Kansas had with “Medicaid unwinding” after the end of the Covid Emergency.
--A ban on the use of generative AI to create false representations of political candidates and state officials. (This item has bipartisan support.)
Jan. 25, 2024
Public comments lasted 20 minutes.
The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included the following items:
--A petition signed by certain landowners requesting detachment of their land from the boundaries of Fire District No. 2 transferring the land to Olathe for fire protection services.
--A contract with Pullman SST, Inc., for the Sheriff Operations Building Envelope Project (maintenance and construction) at 27747 W. 159th Street, New Century, for $166,000.
The following items on the Action Agenda were also approved:
--Gardner’s application for Flint Trails Townhomes, a 212-unit development on about 28.86 acres, north of 167th Street and east of White Drive, within one mile of New Century AirCenter.
--Spring Hill’s petition to include the whole city within Johnson County Fire District No. 2. No member of the public commented during the hearing. Chair Kelly noted that discussions of consolidation of fire services will be held at a future time.
--Request for a proposal authorizing term and supply contracts with U.S. Bank, for Banking Services, for $450,000, and Elavon, not to exceed $125,000 annually for three years, with an option to renew for two more terms. This will save credit card fees to residents ($133,000 a year) and additional interest earnings. Commissioner Allenbrand noted that she supports this item, although she always supports the County doing business with organizations employing County residents, but that the issues of keeping current technology are also important. Commissioner Meyers commended County staff, noting that this project will require a great deal of work.
A report by County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson noted the following BOCC Priorities, all of which have Diversity, Equity and Inclusion aims:
--Improved housing options (Habitat for Humanity, rental to home ownership transition, low-income housing). The complete report is available on the Board website: https://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/)
--A healthy, safe community.
--Focus on Infrastructure, including Transportation, Transit, fire station, Parks and Recreation, among others. Ongoing discussions with Panasonic for their transit needs are proceeding. The County has received the funds from Panasonic for the fire station. Community Planning includes discussions of broadband access for unincorporated areas of the County.
--Investment in County Staff.
The Internet link for the Senior and Disabled Veteran Property Tax Relief Program has opened. Property Tax Relief Programs | Johnson County Kansas (jocogov.org)
The link to apply is here: K-40SVR Property Tax Relief Claim for Seniors and Disabled Veterans Rev. 7-23 (ksrevenue.gov)
Kick off meetings for The Advisory Coalition for DEI have been held and several DEI activities have been held, including VIBE workshops (Value, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity), which attracted 575 attendees. Measures include sign language interpreters, Spanish job application forms, and more. Urban Heat mapping is continuing. The County has received a grant through the Carbon Reduction Program to establish EV charging stations throughout the county. Ms. Postoak Ferguson thanked staff and Liaison Commissioner Meyers.
Commissioner O’Hara requested information about the cost in staff time and said she would submit a request for information. (Note on past practice: Such requests are to be approved through Board vote if they fall above certain dollar costs.)
Commissioner Allenbrand applauded staff and Chairperson’s work on these projects, noting her concerns about the costs of such information requests to the taxpayers. Allenbrand also reminded the Board that Panasonic has written a check to the County for infrastructure costs, contrary to misinformed statements by some, and that many people in Commissioner O’Hara’s district lack Internet access, a necessary service today.
County Economic Research Institute (CERI) Indicators for January 2024 revealed a 2.0% unemployment rate (same as last year), total taxable retail sales year-to-date through October 2023 of $16,548,427,000, and retail sales of +3.6%.
Legislative Update—The Flat Tax legislation dominates discussions in Topeka and is now at the Governor’s desk, probably to be vetoed. It does not have the necessary two thirds majority to overturn the veto at this point. Other tax bills are currently in committee. Hearings on elections to change the grace period for mail-in ballots are being held. A hearing about the Shawnee Indian Mission Museum was held this week. The situation is being monitored by the County lobbyist.
Commissioner Allenbrand commented that New Century Air Center will receive a multi-million rail grant. She discussed the COVID relief funding for the Eviction Relief pilot funding to connect residents with other helpful resources, including County businesses. The K-State Extension Program has a free program for income tax preparation.
Chairperson Kelly attended the Workforce Development Board meeting this week, which is leading efforts to address the employment shortage challenge. Additionally, more affordable childcare will help young families seeking employment. Finally, he noted Kansas Day and our history as a free state: Brown vs. the Board of Education, Women’s bodily autonomy and other important issues.
The College Baseball Hall of Fame is coming to Prairie Fire.
Commissioner O’Hara commented that she taught a bible study class to County detainees.
Jan. 18, 2024
Public Comments lasted about 20 minutes.
The Chair signed an agreement with Leawood to improve State Line Road from 81st Street to 103rd Street.
The Board also authorized the allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funding (interest earning) as follows:
--$200,000 to fund a second round of the Landlord Incentive Pilot Program.
--$250,000 to extend the Child Care Licensing Fees Program.
--$500,000 to enhance the Eviction Mediation Pilot Program because KERA funding is ending. So far, 84% of the mediated agreements have successfully avoided an eviction judgment. Commissioner O’Hara falsely commented that these items violated County policy. Chair Kelly corrected her misstatement, noting that such grants have historically been used here to pilot and test programs.
Commissioner Hanzlick noted the success of these programs with data above, adding that Missouri officials were interested in this program. Commissioners Allenbrand and Meyers agreed. Commissioner Fast noted the regulatory barriers and high licensing fees for home based childcare providers. The current funds are for renewal and new applications. More growth in childcare facilities is predicted for this year. More incentives will probably be issued, and Commissioner Fast requested follow-up. Commissioner O’Hara voted no.
Commissioners authorized contracts with several vendors for construction inspection services for $750,000. County Public Works constructs road and bridge improvement projects throughout unincorporated areas, typically by private contractors. The County uses consultant inspection firms to supplement staff to provide adequate oversight.
County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson reported on the following items:
--The Johnson County Housing Authority is required to adopt Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs) by 1/1/2025, according to HUD requirements, which will result in several subsidies for rent vouchers. This measure will enable lower income families to rent in higher-priced local areas, decentralizing poverty.
--The County personnel vacancy rate is 6.5%; turnover rate is 11.5%. Actions taken to address the issue include the transition to step-based pay systems for the Sheriff’s office and Med-Act, pro-active recruiting and implementing the Applicant Tracking System (iCIMS).
--The County has more to do for warming centers as part of our cold weather response effort.
The Legislative Update included a review of the House and Senate calendars. Go to https://www.kslegislature.org for current information. The flat tax bill, including a property tax reduction measure, was passed yesterday in the Senate and is anticipated to pass in the House. Budget hearings are scheduled in both chambers without being heard at committee level. The turn-around deadline is a month earlier this year. Governor Kelly is expected to veto the flat tax.
Commissioner Hanzlick remarked that we can watch those hearings online. She is watching HB 2036, creating a property tax exemption for certain retired, disabled veterans, which she believes will not be as helpful to residents as expanding existing programs.
Chairperson Kelly thanked the Good Faith Network and everyone in the community who ensured that more than 160 people were sheltered from the cold. He also noted that extreme cold is a result of global warming and that it is important that the County respond with measures that will contribute to the safety and comfort of residents. He will work with community partners to this end.
Johnson County Library Board
Feb. 8, 2024, 4:00 pm
Observer: Jodi Dinkins
The Board met in person, with the meeting live-streamed and made available on district websites. All members of the board were present.
Open forum: Charlotte O’Hara, Johnson County Commissioner asked for a 2025 mill reduction for patrons in Spring Hill and DeSoto library districts. She spoke for less than one minute.
Johnson County Libraries are partnering with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment to distribute Naloxone in libraries due to the overwhelming increase in Fentanyl use in our area. This was explained by Elizabeth Holzschuh, Director of Epidemiology Health and Environment and Dennis Kriesel, Deputy Director of Health and Environment.
Johnson County Library usage has shown extraordinary gains in 2023, with one million print and digital items available for patrons. The Library Maker Space cannot keep up with demand and therefore, the library would like to be able to add staff for that service.
To learn more, click here.
Blue Valley School Board Meeting
Feb. 12, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
Observer: Ann Schuster
The District no longer publicly broadcasts the community comment session, which generally begins at 5:30 p.m. The Board met in the BV Administration building, with video available on YouTube. All Board members were present with the exception of Superintendent Tonya Merrigan, though she attended remotely. Her place was taken by Deputy Superintendent Kyle Hayden.
The Board recognized the community groups in attendance (Boy Scouts, Blue Valley North students), followed by Board Advisory Committee reports from the DEI, Curriculum and Instruction, Communications, Student Activities, and Facilities and Operations groups. Topics included athletics equity and Federal laws impacting the same; parent understanding of District data; initial plans for the construction of Middle School #11; a coming Community Connections meeting; District legislative positions (which can be found on the District website); a 5 year plan for student activities based on data of student club membership, and the wrap up of expenses from 2023 Bond construction projects.
Board members reported the following activities:
-
Presence at the opening of the Next Steps program which provides school readiness for English as a Second Language preschool students as part of the Parents as Teachers program
-
Attendance of many Board members at a recent Legislative Day event in Topeka where they met with state lawmakers concerning issues of importance to the District, including Special Education funding and open enrollment. Board members also were present at a Foundations of Board Membership workshop.
-
Reiteration of the District decision to declare Feb. 14 a non-attendance day due to the Chiefs Super Bowl win and celebratory parade
-
A tribute to fallen BV alumni Corporal Donovan Davis in a military accident
-
Attendance by several Board Members at a Special Education Resource Fair in the District, at the annual Sweetheart Dance and at a production of “Spamalot” at one of the high schools.
Reminders were given about the coming “Battle of the Bands” to be held on Feb. 24 as a fundraiser for the Blue Valley Education Foundation.
Approval was given for the meeting and consent agendas and a presentation followed on future enrollment projections. The District’s enrollment is currently at 21,760 and looks to remain steady in the coming years if the current economic climate persists. Growth and new home construction in all area communities has slowed mainly due to rising housing costs and interest rates but continued economic upturns may provide incoming residents with opportunities to purchase in the Blue Valley area, though the average cost of a new home in the District tops $650,000. It was noted that only 40% of Blue Valley teachers are living within the District boundaries.
Final agenda items included the presentation of a proposed school calendar for the Board to consider and vote on in March or April as well as a review of the District’s legislative positions. As mentioned, they can be located on the District website.
The 90 minute meeting was then adjourned.
To learn more, click here.
Water One Board
Feb. 13, 2024
Observer: Annette Becker
New faces on the Board.
In December we said goodbye to Mark Parkins and Ron Appletoft. In January new members Ullyses Wright and Renee Dinsmore were welcomed. Congratulations to them.
The first half of the meeting was an appeal hearing for an extension of the water main from 167th street along Monticello road for approx 1200 feet. The current owners of the land at that corner state that the business they bought the land from had paid approximately $200,000 for the original water main to be extended along 167th st from Lone Elm to Monticello and that is where their water is sourced from. They feel they should not have to pay further (approximately $40,000) for Benefit Area Inclusion for the water main being extended along Monticello . The board tabled this to meet within 10 days for more information to make a decision.
The Legislative update included current KS House bills regarding water. The deadline for bills to be passed in the House is Feb 23, so more to come on what makes it. After many years of no water funding, there is currently $5 million in grant money available in the Water Technical Assistance Fund. They have received requests totaling $56 million. There is $12 million available in the Water Project Grant Fund and they have received requests totaling $323 million. This shows how woefully underfunded water projects have been, and there are talks on how to keep water projects funded in the future.
World Water Day (an annual observance on March 22) will be celebrated in Topeka on March 12. I was not able to find any info on what that day entails but if interested, I encourage you to check for information closer to the date.
Stay Hydrated!
To learn more, click here.
Prairie Village City Council
Feb. 5, 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 10 minutes.
A new city attorney was sworn in to replace David Waters, who has resigned. Other city business was conducted.
Acting as the Committee of the Whole, Council discussed the revised code of ethics and voted to move it forward to a future council meeting. The new city attorney will review the code of ethics.
The council went into executive session around 8:15, with no further public business to discuss.
To learn more, click here.