Johnson County Board of County Commissioners
Nov.16 through Dec. 7, 2023 (most recent listed first)
Observers: Rebecca James, Jerry Gilson, Joan Gilson, Lenore Rowe
A live broadcast is available at boccmeetings.jocogov.org and on the county YouTube channel. 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 boccmeetings.jocogov.org
Thursday, Dec. 07, 2023
Public Comments lasted about 15 minutes.
One item was removed from the consent agenda and discussed during the action agenda. For this item,
the Board voted to authorize the chairperson to appoint a bipartisan team of two observers for the
destruction of election ballots in accordance with state law, after Commissioner O’Hara’s objection and
request that it be tabled until the Sheriff could investigate.
Transmission was interrupted and item nine, vacating an alley at the Spring Hill Station Subdivision, was
omitted from the County video.
The Board voted to table funding a contract for the Sheriff’s department with Axon Enterprises, Inc. for
$4,998,868.52 over five years for body-worn cameras, Tasers, interview room cameras, fleet cameras
and unlimited video storage from General Fund balance reserves for 2023. The issue will be addressed
next week. Chairperson Kelly and Commissioner Allenbrand asked that future funding requests avoid
last minute timing and that the Sheriff’s office work with the Budget office.
Nelson Wastewater Finances:
● Commissioners voted for a loan agreement for $100,000,000 with the State through the Kansas
Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), to obtain a loan from the Kansas Water
Pollution Control Revolving Fund as part of the approach to finance the Nelson Wastewater
Treatment Facility Improvements project. This establishes a dedicated source of revenue for
repayment of the loan. The interest rate is 2.1%, saving $19 million in interest costs for a total of
$53,000,000 in savings on the entire loan.
● After a public hearing, an additional $35,984,000 for the Nelson Wastewater Treatment Facility
Improvements Project was approved, increasing the total authorization to $609,984,000.
Commissioner O’Hara accused Chairperson Kelly of conflict of interest, claiming the County
Attorney Peg Trent agreed. Kelly objected, again asking that she raise her concerns off the dais.
County Attorney Peg Trent added that O’Hara’s inquiries were investigated and found to be
baseless, and that O’Hara misrepresented Trent’s comments.
Commissioners voted to adopt a revised Purchasing Policy from $100,000 to $150,000 for review. The
last time the procurement thresholds were updated was 2004 when the threshold requiring Board
authority was increased from $75,000 to $100,000 and all other threshold levels were adjusted
accordingly. Commissioner Ashcraft’s amendment to perform an audit to ascertain a cost-benefit
analysis of adding contracts of $75,000 to $100,000 to our external audit was passed.
At that time, the 2004 annual budget, less reserves, was $492,631,591. The 2024 budget less reserves is
$1,262,842,727. Thresholds were discussed at a study session with the Board on Oct. 28, 2021.
Commissioners O’Hara and Fast objected, arguing that the lower level for Board review is necessary for
fiscal responsibility to taxpayers. Chairperson Kelly stated that the Board is elected to set policy, not
micromanage County professional staff.
Reports:
● The Sheriff’s office has hired 81 deputies, which will alleviate overtime costs once new personnel are
trained.
● Commissioner Meyers asked the Sheriff to address the disparaging comments Hayden has made about
some Commissioners. The Sheriff responded with a lengthy, heated complaint about having to provide
supporting information for budget requests, followed by an attack on the Wastewater Department.
Chairperson Kelly noted that the amount of ad valorem funding to the Sheriff’s has increased every year.
Commission Comments:
● Commissioner Hanzlick is happy to share the County Legislative priorities with interested residents.
Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023
Public comments lasted about 15 minutes.
Chairperson Kelly appointed Commissioner Meyers as the liaison to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Coalition. Kelly is the liaison to the Sustainability Coalition.
The Commissioners approved the following items:
● Additional land record technology projects for 2024 for the Department of Technology and Innovation,
transferring Register of Deeds technology funds from fiscal year 2023 ($216,615) for these projects. Two
“no” votes: O’Hara and Ashcraft.
● The County investment policy. “The primary objectives of the Board of County Commissioners are
safety of principal, maintenance of adequate liquidity, and maximization of earnings from County
funds.” (Qtd from https://www.jocogov.org/department/budget)
● And in breaking news, the County addressed the mental health crisis with 13.0 FTE positions for the
Johnson County Mental Health Center for $1,310,000 and accepted the Kansas Fights Addiction Opioid
Settlement Funds grant of $200,000. No additional tax support was requested, just the authority to
spend the funds. Two members of the public commented, including a member of the Good Faith
Network, who advocated for the item. Commissioner Hanzlick commented, noting the
deinstitutionalization of mentally ill people in the last century, which shifted the burden of their care
onto local governments without adequate funding. These funds are a welcome partial remedy for this
situation.
● $162,500 for the 2024 Human Service Fund as outlined by United Community Services of Johnson
County (UCS) in its 2024 report. The Human Service Fund is a competitive process that awards grants to
non-profit organizations which provide safety net programs. Priority is given to programs that address
work support services, emergency aid and shelter, child/adult abuse, child welfare, and health care.
Starfish, CASA, Catholic Charities, Center of Grace, Habitat for Humanity, and the Salvation Army were
among the 22 recipients.
● $221,318 of 2024 Johnson County Alcohol Tax Funds (ATF), and $100,000 of the Opioid Settlement
Funds (OSF) to several recipients, including the Blue Valley, Olathe, Desoto School Districts, and the
10 th District Court, among others. Commissioner O’Hara voiced a complaint about critical race theory.
● A contract with Gilmore & Bell, P.C. for Bond Counsel Services for $250,000 for one year with the
option to renew annually for up to four terms. One member of the public commented.
● An Interlocal Service Agreement with Shawnee for 2020-2023 to accept funds from the Community
Development Block Grant and City General Funds for Minor Home Rehabilitation. Minor Home
Rehabilitation provides up to $5,000 per project for home repair projects for income-eligible
homeowners. Examples include plumbing, major systems, concrete work, and accessibility modifications
for elderly and disabled homeowners.
County Economic Research Institute (CERI) Indicators:
● The unemployment rate for September 2023 was 2.6%.
● The number of single-family building permits issued year-to-date: 1,067.
● Multi-family residential building permits issued year-to-date: 881.
Commissioner Allenbrand noted that more than 250 students in the Shawnee Mission school district are
experiencing homelessness.
Committee of the Whole
Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023
The state and federal legislative platforms were discussed.
Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023
Public Comments lasted about 10 minutes.
The Board set an official meeting calendar for the Board of County Commissioners for 2024, which will
be available at https://www.jocogov.org/meetings-events?field_event_type_tid=4224
The Board approved additional compensation for qualified County employees reassigned as election
workers for a recount of one or more election races, and for qualified non-employees for a recount of
one or more election races, authorizing the reallocation and expenditure of fund balances (reserves)
from the General Fund for Elections for an amount to be approved by the County Manager.
The Manager's Memo included the following items:
● Recognition of the Remarkably Resilient Together Community Campaign, which works to
promote mental health in the community and to raise awareness about trauma, healing and
resilience. Friends of Johnson County Mental Health Center, through the support of community
donors, has provided RRT kits for JCMHC staff and clients
● The Performance Audit for Aging and Human Services indicated, among other items, that 25%
of Johnson Countians will be over 65 by 2040.
Johnson County Library Board
Dec. 14, 2023
Observer: Karen Wulfkuhle
Among the action items was a Memorandum of Understanding to outline the partnership between
Johnson County Library (JCL) and the Johnson County Election Office (JCE) for 2024. The library space to
be used for advance and day-of voting, and contact persons at specific libraries was set out. Ballot drop
boxes will be placed outside the following branches.
● Blue Valley Library
● Central Resource Library
● De Soto Library
● Gardner Library
● Shawnee Library
● Spring Hill Library
Ballot drop boxes will remain in place post‐election and will be covered by JCE with canvas covers. JCL
will provide (1) security cameras aimed at the drop boxes and (2) Sheriff’s office access to security
footage.
Antioch Library will close Jan. 28, 2024. The opening date for Merriam Plaza will be in the Spring;
the exact date has not yet been determined. Consultants have been selected for Corinth replacement in
Prairie Village. Three public engagement sessions will be held, with the first on Jan. 25.
To learn more, click here.
Johnson County Mental Health Center (MHC) Advisory Board
Nov. 27, 2023, in-person at the Mission Office
Observers: Harry and Mary Bognich
MHC Director Tim DeWeese stated there was a recent news story saying that 988 was having troubles,
but he said this article centered only on an area of New York, whereas Kansas 988 is doing well.
County Commissioner Becky Fast reported that bus transit has still been declining and service is not
available at night or on holidays; however, micro-transit has skyrocketed. She also reported an 80%
success in helping prevent evictions. Evictions are traumatic for those involved and very dangerous for
law enforcement.
The Advisory Board broke into 3 smaller discussion groups:
Question #1 – What is the one thing you are proud that the MHC has accomplished while being a
member of the Advisory Board? A few examples of responses:
Co-Responders. Financial Stability. Reducing the “Stigma” of Mental Health. Mobile Crisis Dispatch.
Mental Health staffing and participation in the Jail and the Courts. Patient Transportation Service.
Improving Staff Satisfaction and Appreciation. Increased Emphasis on Youth.
Question #2 – Thinking about upcoming 2024, what are one or two things you would want the MHC to
focus on, achieve, or work towards? Here are a few example answers:
Leadership Succession Plan. More help for grade school and middle school kids. Greater assistance with
Autism or other special needs. Presence in Senior Living Facilities. Navigators to help people navigate
insurance, etc., etc. difficulties. Maintain High Level Employee Satisfaction. Mobile Crisis Center
Expansion. Increased Coordination with like organizations.
Next meeting will be on Jan. 22, 2024.
To learn more, click here.
Johnson County Park and Recreation Department Board Meeting
Nov. 15, 2023 at JCPRD Administration Offices
Observer: Ada Niedenthal
Began at 7:00. Went into Executive Session around 9:00.
Public Comments: Four people spoke in favor of a public park-located mountain bike track, specifically a
pump track. An additional 20-some people in attendance also supported the idea.
21 items on the Consent Agenda were approved without comment.
A motion to approve permanent and temporary utility sewer easements with De Soto to serve the
Panasonic battery facility was tabled. The discussion pointed to the need for more information from the
City of De Soto and Panasonic regarding plat map revisions and costs.
A presentation was made about the possible development of a new park to include the former Kuhlman
Diecast plant site, located in southern Overland Park near 163rd St and Mission Road. Discussion
included concerns about environmental clean-up, private property easements, railroad cooperation, and
cost of development. A clean-up of the environment and Blue River watershed was seen as a favorable
outcome. A motion passed to further study the possible park development, including potential
partnerships with Blue Valley School District, Overland Park, Johnson County and other interested
agencies.
To learn more, click here.
Blue Valley School Board
Dec. 10, 2023
Observer: Ann Schuster
The meeting was called to order and began with Board Advisory Committee Reports from the
Curriculum and Instruction, Student Activities and Finance and Operations Committees. Board Member
Activity reports followed, highlighted by special recognition of outgoing Board Member Tom Mitchell.
The Superintendent’s Report noted student and staff achievements and upcoming district events.
The District’s auditor then gave the 2023 Comprehensive Financial Report.
Agenda items included the approval of the 2024 District legislative positions, technology contracts with
Apple, Greenbush and Dell and open enrollment changes.
To learn more, click here.
Lenexa City Council
Dec. 5, 2023
Observer: Ellen Miller
Third woman mayor in 50 years
On December 5, Julie Sayers was sworn in as Lenexa’s new mayor. Only two women preceded her --
Johnna Lingle (1973-1981) and Joan Bowman (1995-2003). Sayers follows the 20-year stint of outgoing
mayor Mike Boehm (2003 – 2023). Lenexa has greatly changed in those last two decades.
● Population grew from about 41,000 to 60,204 (47% increase)
● Development spread westward past I-435 towards De Soto
● Agricultural zoning dropped to about 25%
● The large civic campus opened in 2017 including City Hall, the Public Market, Park University
branch, Recreation Center, Shawnee Mission Schools’ aquatic center, and a branch library
Mayor Sayers served four years as Ward 4 council member and is on Climate Action KC’s executive
board covering northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri. She is owner and principal of encompas, a
furniture dealership. A KU graduate, she has served as president of two interior design association
groups. Many thanks to Mayor Sayers for taking an important leadership position, serving as a role
model for other women.
To learn more, click here.
Prairie Village City Council
Nov. 20, 2023
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. The original agenda included consideration of an updated code of ethics for elected
officials. This item was tabled for a future date in order to allow the 4 newly-elected council members to
discuss. New members will be sworn in at the next meeting, December 4.
Council received a legislative update from state Senator Ethan Corson and state Representatives
Stephanie Clayton, Jerry Stogsdill and Rui Xu.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Six residents spoke. Baseless claims of ethical violations on the part of the council
and/or city staff. Then ridiculous claims of election fraud based on obvious ignorance of established
election procedures in our county, which were refuted with facts by Councilman Ian Graves.
CITIZEN COMPLAINT REGARDING ALLEGED ETHICAL VIOLATIONS – City Attorney David Waters presented
the situation and his interpretation of the code of ethics vis-a-vis the complaints. To summarize, the
complaints failed to show any ethical violations, instead seemingly based on disagreements on policy
and political opinions. Council discussed Mr. Waters’ written analysis and dismissed all complaints
individually and unanimously, except as the “accused” person recused himself or herself from the vote.
The council adjourned around 8:45.
Prairie Village City Council
Dec. 4, 2023
Observer: Eileen Marshall
The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. One new
member attended via Zoom.
RESULTS OF ELECTION -- The first order of business was to recognize and thank the four outgoing council
members, two of whom chose not to run again and two of whom lost their seats in the November
election. All four of the new council members have been or are affiliated with the Stop Rezoning group.
The gender makeup of the council is now 9 men and 3 women (formerly 7 men, 5 women).
PUBLIC COMMENT – Public comments lasted 30 minutes.
MENTAL HEALTH -- Erika Garcia Reyes, the new Director of Resource Allocation at United Community
Services, gave a presentation regarding the city’s contribution allocations toward grants made by UCS
for social services. The Council voted to approve the allocations, with new member Lori Sharp the sole
vote against.
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES -- As Committee of the Whole, the Council discussed and voted on various
updates to the legislative platform for 2024. This will come back for further discussion and final vote at
the next meeting.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND SUSTAINABILITY -- As Committee of the Whole, Council voted to approve
recommendations for updates to the exterior and sustainability grants and the property tax rebate
program for 2024. The property tax rebate program offers a return to the taxpayer of the city’s portion
of property tax (about 16% of the total tax bill) if the taxpayer is low-income according to the rules
adopted by the council.
The council adjourned around 9:50.
To learn more,click https://www.pvkansas.com/governing-body/city-council/city-council-meetings-minutes-and-packets