Johnson County Board of County Commissioners
April 18 through May 9, 2024 (most recent listed first)
Observers: Rebecca James, Joan Gilson
Procedures for making public comments and for accessing BOCC materials, meeting schedules and videos are available athttps://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/OnBaseAgendaOnline/.
May 9, 2024
Chairperson Kelly was out of town, so the meeting was conducted by Vice-Chair Jeff Meyers. Public Comments lasted about 25 minutes. The Commissioners approved the appointments of Jennifer Hrabe and Chrysalyn Huff to the Library Board.
Two members of the public objected to the County’s contract with the Account Resolution Corporation for Bad Debt Collection Services for $350,000, for Johnson County Wastewater, which the Board voted to approve. Wastewater is prohibited from cutting off service for debt for tenants. Residential accounts number 136,000, followed by multi-family, then commercial accounts. Overall delinquency rate is about 4%. Wastewater is also working with the state “Set Off” program, which allows Wastewater to collect first from any state refunds due delinquent account holders. Commissioner Hanzlick noted that the County uses an outside company because of the level of skill and success provided by Account Resolution Corporation. No fee is paid until money is collected. Commissioner O’Hara thanked the public commenters.
The Board approved a contract with Alpha Energy and Electric Inc., Core Electric, P1 Service Inc., Teague Electric Construction Inc., and Vazquez Commercial Contracting, LLC for On-Call Electrical Services, for $600,000. Each company has different skills appropriate to the variety of county needs for the 60 plus buildings managed here, and contracts provide the best costs to the county. The same member of the public complained.
Commissioners voted to approve an increase of $2,250,000 for the New Century Adult Detention Center remodel for the video courts capital project (Sheriff’s office), bringing the new total project authorization to $3,250,000 for design and construction services. The facility has only two rooms originally designed for video court purposes and cannot effectively support the increased volume of virtual hearings. The same member of the public commented, terming the increase “a fool’s errand.” Sheriff’s personnel responded that the facilities are needed and will be used all day, every day.
Commissioners also unanimously approved an amendment to the Capital Improvement Program for 2024-2028 to include the Sunset Drive Office Building Wastewater Suite Remodel capital project and to authorize the use of Wastewater Sewer Repair and Construction Finance Plan fund reserves for $2,200,000. The 18-year-old building has had no significant remodeling or reallocation of space in that time. Commissioner Fast remarked that the cost for the remodel is “phenomenal.” This money is from Wastewater reserves, which are funded by rate payers.
The county has a surplus of personal protective equipment obtained through federal and state COVID funding. Efforts to sell the items (about 26 pallets) were unsuccessful, so the equipment nearing expiration has been donated to a non-profit organization.
Commission Comments
Commissioner O’Hara gave a shout-out to all the moms, complained about commercial property taxes and cyberattacks and reviewed the public comments. Those comments include the following items: the Sheriff does not have a warrant for the ballots, representatives from the Silver Haired Legislature, the Good Faith Network and others commented.
Commissioner Hanzlick reminded observers that the county only represents 20% of our tax bill. Ambulances, mental health, 911 services are life-saving critical services that we all need to pay for.
Commissioner Ashcraft complimented Vice-Chairperson Meyers on conducting the meeting.
Commissioner Allenbrand stated that she supports the Housing fund but not the Trust Fund, noting that some individuals on the advisory board could have a conflict. She attended the Women’s Giving Circle, the Olathe Public Schools Foundation, which donated $250,000 to Olathe Schools. At this organization’s yearly meeting attendees contribute $100 apiece to fund projects submitted by teachers. This year’s major grant of $10,000 need-based grant was awarded to Rachel Marlow, music teacher at Central Elementary, a Title I school serving many families on the reduced lunch program along with students who are going to school for the first time and who speak many different languages. The Wonderful World of Music will allow these kids to have actual instruments to play that reflect ones they might use in their cultures. These funds will also allow them to take field trips to cultural centers and experience shows and performances that many of us take for granted.
Commissioner Meyers attended the Good Faith Network Assembly. According to him, the organization could use some accurate information about the limited BOCC functions in the area of housing.
May 2, 2024
Commissioner O’Hara was present by Zoom.
Chairperson Kelly issued proclamations for Mental Health Awareness Month and for National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Illicitly made fentanyl is involved in more deaths of Americans under 50 than any other cause, and it is found in every street drug. Public Comments lasted about 10 minutes.
The County will request reimbursement from the State for $593,372.30, direct expenses for the 2024 Presidential Preference Primary election.
Commissioners approved term and supply contracts with several firms to purchase countywide groundskeeping services, for $550,000 for one year (libraries, airports, and Waste Water sites). One public commenter complained about the lack of competitive bidding and attacked Board members and the Chair by names for “political posturing.”
The Board also approved the updated Johnson County Sanitary Code to submit to the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for review and approval. Revised items include an added chapter on inspecting drinking water wells on residential property, and on allowing wastewater ponds/lagoons on 15 acres or more, among other items. The same public commenter criticized the Sanitary Code.
Management Reports
--The ribbon cutting for the new Shawnee MED-ACT Facility near Midland Drive and Renner Road was noted. Response times are expected to be reduced in the area served, which affects more than 70,000 people.
The County offers several recommendations for personal preparedness for severe weather, which are available at (https://www.jocogov.org/severe-weather-guide).
Housing Services 2023 Annual Report Now Available
--For the first time, Housing Services has prepared an annual report for 2023. The report covers
the achievements of the Johnson County Housing Authority, Minor Home Rehabilitation
program, and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program grant in 2023. It also covers the
federal funding that supports the programs to benefit our community. Hard copies are available
and it is also on the County website. Thirty-seven families participated.
Legislative Recap
--The session ended May 1. All county issues were not resolved, and the Governor has called a special session. A bill allowing Emergency Services personnel to distribute Narcan was approved.
-A bill concerning the recruitment of film projects to the State was approved.
Commission Comments
--Commissioner Fast noted that a sign and ribbon cutting is planned in the Fall for “Negro Creek.”
--Commissioner O’Hara recounted public comments and noted her bible study was canceled because of a power outage.
--Commissioner Hanzlick thanked the Mental Health Center for offering a session on mental health first aid.
--Commissioner Ashcraft noted the passing of Diane Costello, Olathe civic leader.
--Chairperson Kelly urged the Board to focus on the fentanyl crisis, including treatment, recovery and education. The majority of fentanyl traffic is conducted on TikTok, and it is especially important to be aware of the impact of this crisis on young people. The County needs to coordinate with MARC, Kansas City, MO and other bodies to best deploy Opioid Settlement Funds in this ongoing effort. Youneverknowjoco.org. is an excellent resource. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW3UA9jnUHI
After the meeting the Board participated in a study session on the following items:
--The Courts JIMS Transition involving the conversion from local, paper-driven processes to a statewide electronic system for the 10th Judicial District.
--An update on the Property Tax Relief program for Low-Income Seniors and Disabled Veterans
April 25, 2024
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kelly at 9:30 and following the Pledge of Allegiance, a Proclamation was issued for Autism Acceptance Month. Public Comments lasted for 19 minutes.
The Consent Agenda (including only the first two items) was unanimously approved.
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Consider Approving the April 4, 2024, business session minutes.
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Consider authorizing the conversion of certain election workers to county employees through the addition of 4.4 FTE, which breaks down as three - 0.4 FTE part-time no-benefits Election Workers and thirty-two - 0.1 FTE on-call Election Workers in the Election Office to support elections in Johnson County. Positions will be funded within the current Election Office budget for FY24.
ACTION AGENDA
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The JOCO Annual Noxious Weed Eradication Progress Report for 2023 was unanimously approved.
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The JOCO Annual Noxious Weed Management Plan for 2024 was unanimously approved.
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An increase in expenditure authority for a term and supply contract with Security Transport Services, Inc. for the Sheriff’s office and the Department of Corrections for $422,500 (total annual contract value not to exceed $700,000) for the current contract term and the remaining two one-year renewal options available, per RFP 2020-079, was approved by a vote of 4 to 3 (Hanzlick, Kelly & Allenbrand were no votes).
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The submission of the 10th Judicial District’s FY 2025 Juvenile Services Comprehensive Plan Grant Application for $1,811,753.80 to the Kansas Department of Corrections, and authorization of the associated positions, contracts, and client services was unanimously approved.
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The authorization for, and submission of, the Johnson County Department of Corrections SFY 2025 Community Corrections Adult Comprehensive Plan and Funding request to the Kansas Department of Corrections in an amount not to exceed $2,689,675.30 was unanimously approved.
REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
County Economic Research Institute (CERI) Indicators – April 2024 Edition: Highlights include the February unemployment rate of 3.0% (0.1%); 459 single-family homes were sold with 135 building permits issued; and total JOCO retail sales of $1.52B.
April 18, 2024
Public comments lasted about 20 minutes.
The Board approved the following appointment, and contracts, and applications:
--Tamela J Stockton – Sixth District Representative to the Fire District No. 1 Governing Board from July 2, 2024 through July 1, 2027.
--Term and supply contracts with CarbUSA LLC, Norit Americas, Inc., and PureAir Filtration to furnish and replace activated carbon media and perform necessary repairs on Johnson County Wastewater’s odor control vessels for $800,000.
--Preliminary and Final Plat approval for eight lots on 81.5 acres, Louis Allen Development, at 151st Street and Edgerton Road.
After a public hearing during which one person objected to the item, Commissioners approved De Soto’s petition to add all land comprising the Astra Enterprise Park into the Northwest Consolidated Fire District. Commissioner O’Hara argued, made another motion, and questioned the Fire Department budget at length until Chairperson Kelly asked that other Commissioners be allowed to comment. Votes: Yes-six, No-one.
The Board approved an exception to competition to contract with HNTB Corporation to provide consultation services for the Johnson County Transportation Connection Plan – Southwest Metro Area for $249,569. HNTB is already working with KDOT on the study for this area, which involves the development of the former Sunflower Army Plant/Panasonic.
By a vote of five to two Commissioners also approved an amendment to the real estate purchase at 9461 Lenexa Dr. and 9471 Lenexa Dr. in Lenexa to extend the original contract for $350,000 to buy out La Quinta Hotel’s franchise liquidation fee. This project is the non-congregate, 24/7, year-round homeless services center. Commissioner Meyers commented at length on the necessity of the project.
Commissioner O’Hara questioned the expenditure and talked about crime. Commissioner Hanzlick noted that crime rates actually declined in the neighborhood around the shelter she opened, and that 39% of those people were employed. She asked that those struggling with homelessness not be stereotyped.
Three public commenters objected. Commissioner Meyers protested against the unnecessary, destructive fear mongering about an event that occurred in Denver and the crime statistics there without context. I think someone else reiterated it later. Commissioner O’Hara continued to bring up the Denver shooting, claiming without offering evidence that 95th street and I-35 is the new corridor for sex trafficking and increased crime. She talked about her bible study twice.
County Manager Postoak Ferguson noted the ribbon cutting for the 22nd home for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by the Friends of Johnson County Disability Services, who work with several partners, including JE Dunn, Sunderland, and others.
Susan Pekarek, Johnson County Wastewater, updated the Board on the State Line Road Pump Station Project, stating that construction should start later this year.
The County Emergency Communications Center is hosting a three-day leadership bootcamp for surrounding counties. Commissioner Fast noted that last month 911 Dispatch guided three young children in Leawood in performing CPR on their father, who was in cardiac distress.
As required by county charter, an update on the Capital Improvement Program was provided. The total CIP budget for 2025-2029 is $11,363,183,090. The Program is focused on maintenance of existing capital assets and related services and re-use of existing infrastructure. Projects include New Century Airport, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety, Wastewater, Library and a number of others. (Computer systems of more than $100,000 are also included.)
Commission comments
--Commissioner Hanzlick attended the Opioid Seminar this week, which was interesting, especially concerning the issue of teenage poisoning by fentanyl. She thanked the Sheriff’s office for the invitation to observe the mail scanning machines (to keep drugs out of the jail) which the Board approved from the original tranche of Opioid Settlement Funds. She also noted the opening of low-income housing for 144 people.
The Board adjourned to executive session.
Johnson County Library Board
May 9, 2024
Observers: Nancy Kalikow Maxwell and Jodi Dinkins
The Johnson County Library Board of Directors met on Thursday, May 9, 2024. The system’s quarterly statistics showed continuing increases in both print and digital circulation. Two building projects were reported upon. First, was the approval of a contract to sell the Lackman Library facility. Second, survey results from a series of public forums revealed widespread support for a possible Corinth library-community center co-relocation. Only 7% of respondents indicated that the library should “do nothing,” while 42% supported proposed “Plan B,” which would locate the joint facility on the northern portion of available land. The League of Women Voters of Johnson County was praised for the Legislative Coffees being held in several branches. The Board then went into executive session, at approximately 5:10 p.m. to discuss a possible real estate transaction.
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Blue Valley School Board
May 13, 2024
Observer: Ann Schuster
The Board met at the BV Administration Building, with online access via BV YouTube channel. Following a 30-minute untelevised public comment section and recognition of Employees of the Month, the Board meeting began at 6:00 p.m. with Board Committee statements. The Diversity/Equity/ Inclusion, Student Activities, Finance, Curriculum/Instruction, Health/Well-Being and Communications Committee reports were presented. Among the agenda items addressed at those meetings were:
-Building projects at BV Rec, and BV Middle and High Schools
-The AVID and ESOL programs at the middle school levels
-Staffing updates
-Parental training for neurodiverse students
-Drug and Alcohol Prevention program
-Web-based opinion platforms ( i.e. surveys) for community involvement
Board members then delivered updates on their activities which included participation and attendance at committee meetings, awards banquets, the State of the County address, the Suicide Prevention Coalition, school tours and assemblies, the National School Board Association conference, the PTO/PTA Council year-end meeting, District employee retirement celebration, 7 Days of Kindness activities, the Kansas Advocacy (Legislative) Network and the Ability Showcase. It was also reported that memberships at the Blue Valley Recreation facilities have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels with almost 10,000 members.
Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan showcased staff and student achievements including the University of Kansas recognition of teachers with 25 or more years of service in Kansas schools and noted that three BV middle school students placed first, second and third in the state 2024 Civics Bee. The first-place winner will go on to the National Bee in the fall. In addition, all 5 BV high schools were among the top 10 high schools in Kansas and in the top 10% nationally.
Executive Director of Academic Services Kelly June presented the Board with curriculum updates in the following areas: Career and Technical Education, Social Studies, World Language, Mathematics, Performing Arts and the Center for Advanced Professional Studies. These will be voted on at the June Board meeting.
Revisions to the 2024-25 and 2025-26 calendars were then approved.
Dr. Merrigan then gave the legislative update noting the legislature has now ended its session with the possibility of reconvening to deal with state tax issues. She gave special emphasis to passage of Senate Bills 387 and 438 which favorably address concerns of the District.
The Children's Mercy Hospital contract with the District was approved as was membership with the National School Boards Association.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
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Prairie Village City Council
April 15, 2024
Observer: Eileen Marshall
The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. Lauren Wolf, who had to resign due to moving out of the city, is no longer part of the council, leaving 11 members plus the Mayor. Mr. Reddell was absent; Mr. Shelton attended via Zoom, and all others were present. Public comments lasted about 20 minutes.
The nominee to fill the vacant seat in Ward 3 was Chi Nguyen, who has been a leader on the Diversity Committee already. Confirmed unanimously, she is the only person of color on the Council. Ms. Nguyen was brought to the US from Vietnam at the age of 18 months by her mother 47 years ago and brings the number of women on the Council to three. She was sworn in and took her seat on the dais.
City business was conducted, and the meeting adjourned at 9:30.
Prairie Village City Council
May 6, 2024
Observer: Eileen Marshall
The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. Members Greg Shelton and Cole Robinson were absent.
Public comments lasted about 20 minutes, with continuing angst about zoning, taxes, and short-term rentals. City Attorney Alex Aggen gave a refresher on requirements of the Kansas Open Meetings Act.
Acting as Committee of the Whole, Council had a very general discussion of potential regulation of short-term rentals. The City Attorney noted that short-term is anything less than 30 days, according to KS law. Some members are concerned about neighborhood safety and disruption; others are concerned about short-term rentals reducing the availability of affordable houses for residents. Staff will research further.
City business was conducted, and the public meeting ended when the Council went into Executive Session at 9:15.
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