JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Feb. 13 through March 6, 2025 (most recent listed first)
Observers: Rebecca James, Jerry Gilson, Joan Gilson
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 OnBase Agenda Online .
March 6, 2025
Public comments lasted about 10 minutes.
Electricity Access--Commissioners agreed to submit testimony to the Kansas Corporation Commission about Evergy coverage and ratemaking, etc. in order to maintain balanced, adequate access to electrical service for the County. Johnson County position statement.v.2.docx
Health and Environment--The Board voted to increase the capital project for the new Health Services Building by $3,070,000, which includes alternative power sources and water reclamation capacity, in keeping with long term economic factors and care of the environment. Chairperson Kelly noted that “The strongest impact on the natural environment comes from the built environment.”
Two commissioners expressed concerns about the total cost of the sustainability parts of the building, however. One suggestion was to delay the installation of solar panels until a later date to decrease total project costs. Other commissioners stated that building costs are slated to increase and that there would be increased installation costs added to a loss of energy savings in the meantime. In addition, current federal law authorizes a significant rebate for non-profits that install solar panels.
Digital Access, Social Equity--The County plan for broadband and digital access was presented. Commissioner Brewer noted that internet connectivity was treated as a utility during the Pandemic. Johnson County Broadband and Digital Access Plan.pdf
Legislative Update—
Childcare--Kansas lawmakers are considering an overhaul of the state’s childcare system with HB2294, legislation that would consolidate early childhood programs under a newly created Kansas Office of Early Childhood in order to streamline childcare services and reduce regulatory burdens on providers in order to expand daycare services to meet the booming growth.
Immigration--A Bill requiring cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE was pulled because Attorney General Kobach received many objections from local law enforcement officials.
Elections--A bill concerning special elections and whether mail-in ballots would be allowed is being worked.
Supreme Court Justice Selection--A bill moving the selection process for these justices from appointment to election will probably pass.
Bill to Sunset the Affordable Housing Tax Credit--Chairperson Kelly noted his concern about this legislation: Builders inclined to build affordable housing units would go to surrounding states that have tax incentives if the state legislature removes the credit entirely. Weekly Report - Week of February 24 2025.cleaned.pdf
Comments—Commissioner Meyers complimented the DEI Coalition on its work.
Commissioner Brewer noted the current photographic exhibit, The Road Home: The Journey from Homelessness to Home, currently at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center. She also stated that the County has many elderly people in dire need of food and shelter.
Commissioner Hanzlick described her concerns about the dearth of immigrant labor in the construction industry and the added cost of tariffs--70% of all lumber in US construction is imported from Canada.
Feb. 27, 2025
Commissioner Brewer and Chairperson Kelly were absent; Vice Chair Hanzlick officiated. A quorum was present. Public Comments lasted about 25 minutes.
Mental Health--The Board voted to authorize an agreement between the Johnson County Mental Health Center and Overflow Storytelling Lab, LLC to provide a story campaign and community mobilization efforts for Phase seven of the #ZEROREASONSWHY campaign. This suicide awareness and prevention program for teens has outgrown the management capacity for public schools, so the County will assume that responsibility. The campaign produces strategic stories that explain the real effects of teen suicide on families and teens, to be presented in schools and at community events by field journalists.
Commissioners approved the $200,000 Kansas Fights Addiction Grant from the State to implement the Strengthening Families and Empowering Parents for Substance Use Prevention program. The funds are from legal settlements with pharmaceutical companies and related entities.
Affordable Housing --The 2025 County Revaluation Report is available at 2025 BOCC Revaluation Update v3.pptx. Valuation increases are going down from a high of 11% back to the more normal 6%. We have a severe shortage of affordable housing. County Manager Postoak Ferguson noted that all apartment incentives are through the cities. Also, teardowns are only approved by cities. The County has no authority over those actions.
Legislative Update—A bill requiring all local law enforcement to cooperate with immigration authorities is being worked in committee. In Washington, the House did pass their budget, including proposed tax cuts, but this has a long way to go. Those with income under $360,000 a year will pay more taxes under this budget, including 80% of Johnson County residents. Weekly Report - Week of February 17 2025.cleaned.pdf
Shawnee Indian Mission--Commissioner Fast noted the concerns of residents about the possible conveyance of the Shawnee Indian Mission to the original tribes. The Shawnee tribe would like to take it over; other tribes with ties to the Mission are not eager to do so. There has been no official engagement from the County. The bill may be in the process of being worked today.
Commission Comments—Commissioner Fast described some of the drastic cuts to Medicaid in the House budget from Washington, which will devastate all communities in the state, both rural and urban.
Commissioner Meyers noted the loss of County Parks and Rec employee Scott Trevor Helm.
Feb. 20, 2025
Commissioner Ashcraft was absent. Public comments lasted about 20 minutes. Darron Leiker, the new assistant county manager, was introduced.
Income Tax Assistance--K-State Research and Extension Johnson County will partner with El Centro, Inc. and Kansas City Metropolitan Tax Coalition through an IRS initiative to offer free basic tax return preparation services to qualified individuals.
Legislative Update--Voting—The bill requiring the return of advance voting ballots by 7 PM election day is expected to pass today (Feb. 20).
Human Rights--The legislature overrode Governor Kelly’s veto of the bill banning gender affirming care for youth.
Public Health--Senate Bill 29, which significantly weakens the way public health officials manage contagious diseases, has successfully passed out of committee. Currently public health officials can prohibit public gatherings during a pandemic, but this bill mandates recommendation only.
Education—Special Education funding is millions of dollars less than the Governor recommended. Commissioners Fast and Allenbrand commented on this shortfall.
Affordable Housing--Chairperson Kelly, Commissioners Brewer and Allenbrand all expressed concern about a bill introduced by Sean Tarwater, Johnson County, and passed out of the House on Feb. 20, which eliminated the affordable housing tax credit (SB 2119).
Commission Comments--Commissioner Brewer noted the long history of absentee and advance voting rights, beginning during the Civil War.
Commissioner Fast is attending the Water One Academy and interested in conserving water in the County.
Commissioner Hanzlick gave an update on Federal Transportation funding: Presidential executive orders have caused uncertainty in transportation programs. And although the US Dept of Transportation is continuing to process reimbursement payments for four current contracts, projects are now monitored for risk of defunding. Cold weather shelter for the Unhoused: the County libraries were closed during the recent severe cold, but the Olathe library remained open for this purpose. In Lenexa, Project 10/20 was approved to open 20 more beds (for a total of 50 beds.)
Chairperson Kelly stressed the need to enact a practical work plan to address the needs of the unhoused in severe weather. We need to move beyond conversations into concrete action: phone trees, plans to identify those at risk during extreme weather, and to ensure their shelter.
Feb. 13, 2025
The Chair proclaimed Black History Month noting important community partners in the County DEI Coalition and introduced Kim Davis, Chair and CEO of the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce. Public Comments lasted about 10 minutes.
New Local Health Officer—Because Dr. Joseph LeMaster has retired, the Board appointed Professor Erin Corriveau, M.D., M.P.H., as his replacement.
Affordable Housing, Support for Eviction Mediation--Commissioners voted to accept a $180,000 grant from the Bloch Family Foundation to provide housing counseling to renters. Vice Chair Hanzlick noted the importance of this service for County residents who are struggling with finding affordable housing, the elderly, the disabled, and others. Commissioner Brewer commented that it is crucial to braid together a variety of public and private sources to support affordable housing.
Legislative Update--Human Rights--Governor Kelly has vetoed a bill outlawing gender affirming care for minors.
School Vouchers--The House and Senate Education Committees recently heard education voucher bills diverting tax dollars to private schools.
Housing--A bill concerning Eviction Mediation is in process. Another bill would eliminate the affordable housing tax credit.
Voting--The legislature is working several voting bills, including Senate Bill 4 which mandates that all advance ballots must be received by 7 PM on the third day after an election. This legislation will likely disenfranchise those using advance, mail-in ballots (the disabled, elderly, and military.)
https://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/Legislativeupdate
Vice Chairperson Hanzlick commented that the weather is causing severe strains on the meal home delivery to the 700+ people served by Johnson County Area Agency on Aging. She also noted that it is crucial that Congress renew the Older Americans Act. Members of the National Association of Regional Councils are very concerned about funding for transportation, HUD, and FEMA.
JOHNSON COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD
March 13, 2025. 4:00 pm.
Observer: Jodi Dinkins
Eight of ten board members were present for the meeting.
Board counsel, Andrew Logan, reported that libraries are governed by county and state statutes. Should law enforcement ask for patron information, confidentiality will be upheld. Libraries do not keep records of materials checked out by patrons.
Collection development: a staff of eight people develop collections with a budget of $4 million. Collections include DVDs, videos, books, and digital sources. Digital use is at an all-time high. Prices will be increasing, so first priority will be in books, followed by other formats. Also noted is that the library will take old film and digitize for the public.
Spring Hill and DeSoto libraries are still planning for renovations. The library will disperse employees to other locations during this time. Plans for physical events, partnerships with schools, cities and business and outreach for these two communities are being developed in order to keep the patrons engaged.
Tax preparation help is provided by the Johnson County libraries. People start signing up for appointments in January. Certified AARP volunteers helped 2,500 visitors prepare taxes last year.
The Board retired to Executive session at 4:45 p.m. to discuss the purchase of property for rebuilding the Corinth library.
To learn more, click here.
OVERLAND PARK CITY COUNCIL
Feb. 17, 2025
Observer: Jane McDowell
Mayor Curt Skoog opened the meeting with all members present.
The first discussion centered on the proposed Stanley Square CID (Community Improvement District) located at the northwest intersection of 151st Street and US highway 69. The improvements to the current Stanley Square Shopping Center would include pedestrian enhancements, EV charging stations, facade improvements and two new buildings. One new building would house apartments, with the other being a quick-service restaurant and drive-through. NOTE: A Community Improvement District is a geographic area. Property owners within that area contribute money through special taxes or assessments which are used for improvements within the designated district.
The Council reappointed several Overland Park residents to The Legacy of Greenery Committee and the Parks and Recreation Council. 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.” The Parks and Recreation Council advises and makes recommendations to the Community Development Committee.
NOTE: Overland Park has many boards and commissions that meet periodically to discuss topics directly affecting residents, and these meetings are usually open to the public. Residents of OP are encouraged to serve and volunteer on these committees. Appointments are made throughout the year. For more information on these boards, committees and advisory councils, see Boards, Commissions + Committees - City of Overland Park, Kansas
Complete minutes and video of the meeting can be found at: https://opkansas.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=9400
OVERLAND PARK CITY COUNCIL
March 3, 2025
Observer: Jane McDowell
The meeting was brought to order by Mayor Curt Skoog with all council members present.
City Manager Lori Curtis Luther announced that applications are open for the Overland Park Contain the Rain - Residential Stormwater Cost Share Program. The program helps a household cover material and labor costs for projects that reduce runoff and help to improve water quality. Eligible projects include rain barrels, native tree plantings, pollinator gardens, permeable pavement, and numerous other improvements. For more information including application guidelines, details on eligible projects, and deadlines for applying, go to:
https://www.opkansas.org/city-services/trees-environment/streams-watersheds/stormwater-cost-share/.
City Engineer and Director of Public Works, Lorraine Basalo, presented a brief overview of the road improvement projects in Overland Park, and information on the ongoing effort to reduce dependence on the chip seal method of road repair. Director Basalo stated that chip seal work in 2025 will begin near the end of May and conclude in mid-September. Mayor Skoog noted that revenue from the increased sales tax approved by Overland Park residents has allowed for more use of the mill and overlay method (milling removes the top 2-3 inches of old asphalt which is then overlaid with new asphalt) versus chip seal, a relatively quick treatment which seals cracks and prevents water from creating new issues.
Councilwoman Holly Grummert, a member of the Mid-America Regional Council, reported on a recent MARC presentation concerning the status of the federal grants and funds that affect numerous programs, organizations, and cities in the region, including Overland Park.
To learn more, click here.
Prairie Village City Council
Feb. 18, 2025
Observer: Eileen Marshall
The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. There was a quorum, including three who joined via Zoom. Absent: Reddell. Public comments lasted about 20 minutes, including one angry pro-DOGE rant that included false claims that have already been publicly debunked.
County Commissioner Becky Fast updated the Council on potential ripple effects locally of extreme cost-cutting or an outright shutdown of the federal government.
Finance Director Jason Hannaman presented the calendar for the 2026 budget process. Council approved it unanimously.
Other city business was conducted and the Council adjourned at 8:25.
Prairie Village City Council
March 3, 2025
Observer: Eileen Marshall
The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. There was a quorum. Absent: Shelton. Several proclamations were read, including Special Olympics and Women’s History Month, followed by recognition of local Girl Scouts and a non-profit focused on leadership by women, Innovate HER KC. Public comments lasted about 25 minutes. Several commenters pleaded for other citizens to stop spreading lies and half-truths that are damaging civil discourse in the city and wasting time of city staff, a request that was echoed by the Mayor.
Council allocated an additional $10,000 to the property tax rebate program for the current year. This program rebates the city portion of property tax for homeowners with low incomes.
Other city business was conducted and the Council went into executive session, ending the public meeting at 9:35.
To learn more, click here.
SHAWNEE CITY COUNCIL
Feb. 24, 2025
Observer: Alice Pierson
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm with all members present, with Councilmember Jeanie Murphy joining virtually. Public comment centered around short-term vacation rentals and the negative impact on neighbors and neighborhoods.
Most of the meeting was dedicated to the discussion of two parks and recreation projects. The Council passed a motion to approve the final change order for the Shawnee Town 1929 Chapel Project. The chapel is available for public reservations, and a ribbon cutting will take place Saturday, April 12th at 10:00 am. Councilmember Gillette voted no on this motion.
The council unanimously passed a motion to approve authorizing staff to accept bids for the Garrett Park Improvements Project. Plans include pickleball courts, trail improvements, ADA updates, and accessible playground equipment for all. Construction would begin in June with substantial completion in December. The park would be fully closed throughout the summer and fall. Neighbors have not been contacted regarding the impact of adding pickleball courts.
To learn more, click here.
Shawnee Mission School Board
Feb. 24, 2025
Observer: Karen Wiederaenders
The pledge of allegiance was led by students from Santa Fe Trail Elementary School.
The Superintendent reported that the final dismissal date for the 2024-25 school year will be decided at the end of April. They have used all but two snow days already. Enrollment for summer enrichment programs is open now.
There was a lengthy report from the Operations and Maintenance team. They are working on making the schools more energy efficient by installing LED lighting and a new cloud-based system for controlling the HVAC systems in the schools. Five elementary schools were totally rebuilt, and five high schools are being remodeled. They are also finding ways to make playgrounds more accessible for children with physical or mental disabilities.
The next meeting will be March 24, 2025.