Johnson County Board of County Commissioners
Oct. 12 through Nov. 9, 2023 (most recent listed first)
Observers: Rebecca James, Jerry Gilson, Joan Gilson, Lenore Rowe
A live broadcast is available at BOCC Meetings 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 BOCC meetings
Nov. 9, 2023
The meeting was called to order by Chair Mike Kelly @ 9:34 a.m.. Public Comments lasted for 10 minutes.
CONSENT AGENDA approved by a vote of 7-0.
Chair Kelly discussed the process of appointments by the Chair and Commissioners, focusing on the issues of former County employees being appointed to Commissions.
Approved the appointment of Daniel Goodman – Third District Representative to the Commission on Aging through Aug. 31, 2024, by a vote of 7-0.
Authorized an exception to competition and increase to the existing contract with Talisen Technologies for Utility Billing and Building Management Fault Protection in an amount of $30,500, for a total contract value in an amount not to exceed $130,291, per informal Request for Proposal (RFP) FAC 111717 by a vote of 7 to 0.
Authorized the allocation of Coronavirus SL FRF received from the United States Department of the Treasury in the amount of $36,500 for the purpose of extending the Eviction Mediation Pilot Program by a vote of 7-0 after amended to extend the program through Dec. 31, 2024, to enable documented success.
Authorized a contract extension with Niche Technology, in the amount of $1,336,025 for countywide law enforcement records management system (RMS) and related software that will extend the agreement terms from January 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2028, per General Services Administration (GSA) Contract Number GS35F321CA by a vote of 7-0.
Suspended the 482 Overland Park Flex, 519 Olathe-Express, and 595 Gardner-OP Express routes by a vote of 7 to 0. Transit will be doing outreach regarding other available routes for the rest of the year.
The Kansas City Star’s service journalism team has partnered with JCMHC for an editorial series addressing fentanyl overdoses in the Kansas City area. The first event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Overland Park Farmers Market.
Nov. 2, 2023
Chairperson Kelly called the meeting to order at 9:30, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a proclamation for Veterans Day. Public comments lasted about 20 minutes.
The following appointments and reappointments were approved:
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D. Kevin Hogan –Planning Commission through July 31, 2024.
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Kristy Baughman –Community Corrections Advisory Board through July 1, 2025.
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Heidi Thummel, reappointment - Transportation Council through Aug. 31, 2026.
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Michael Hughes, reappointment- Developmental Supports Board through Aug. 31, 2026.
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Robert Givens, reappointment - Commission on Aging through Aug. 31, 2025.
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Mary Estrada, reappointment - Commission on Aging through Aug. 31, 2026.
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Andrea Watts, reappointment - Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board through June 30, 2026.
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Cynthia Green, reappointment - Commission on Aging through Aug. 31, 2026.
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Claire Reagan, reappointment- Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board through June 30, 2025.
A public hearing was held and funds for Johnson County Wastewater infrastructure improvement projects for $8,220,000 were approved. One public commenter asked whether her wastewater bill would increase.
Grant-funded dietitian positions and a customer service specialist position for the WIC nutrition program for women, infants and children were approved. Commissioner Ashcraft requested more data on results on this program which serves postpartum mothers and children up to age five. Commissioner Fast noted the importance of nutrition on brain development and health. Commissioner Hanzlick stated that the FDA WIC website has an entire report providing extensive data on the numerous benefits of the program.
Chairperson Kelly reminded people to vote next Tuesday.
Oct. 26, 2023
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kelly at 9:30 a.m. Public Comments lasted for 27 minutes.
The Consent Agenda was approved by a vote of six in favor and none opposed with one abstention (Commissioner Ashcraft was absent).
City of OP Application No REZ2023-00009 for a Rezoning from RR-J, Rural Residential District JOCO and RP-OS, Planned Open Space Single-Family Residential District. The proposed use is for a City Park on 6.17 acres located at the NE corner of 159th St & Quivira Rd OP, KS, located within one mile of the JOCO Executive Airport.
JOCO MED-ACT CPR/First Aid Class for the Older Population is hugely popular with hundreds on the waiting list. Chairman Kelly asked if there was anything the BOCC could do to help winnow that list. The presentations teach hand only CPR as well as discussing MED-ACT’s File of Life program providing emergency responders important information, “Do Not Resuscitate” orders, fall prevention and other tips on health safety. Register for CPR classes | Johnson County Kansas (jocogov.org)
Oct. 19, 2023
Chairperson Kelly proclaimed “Imagine a Day Without Water” and recognized the importance of County staff and our investment in the clean water and wastewater infrastructure. National Friends of Libraries Week was also proclaimed, and volunteers were recognized. Public comments lasted about 25 minutes.
John Bartolac was appointed to the Developmental Supports Board through Aug. 31, 2026.
The Board ratified the Chair’s appointments to the Sustainability Coalition: Kim Winslow, Sara Greenwood, Piercyn Charbonneau, Shaun Pietig, Emily Randel, Kristin Riott, Chris DeVolder, Scott A Schulte, Lara Isch, Jennifer Gunby, Ashok Gupta, Megan Parsons, Lindsey Constance, Tom Jacobs, and Ajay N Kasarabada. Chairperson Kelly thanked all the people who applied for appointments.
The Chair’s appointments to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition were also approved: Jae Moyer, James (Jim) Terrones, Sandy Geduldig, Dr. Victoria Haynes, Charles McAllister Jr., Samantha von Ende, Kathleen Smith, Jeffrey Mendoza, Saaliha Khan, Thamara Subramanian, Graciela Couchonnal, Michael Poppa, and Paulina Tabares.
After a public hearing, the 2024 Action Plan as recommended by HUD was adopted. The plan has estimated funding of $2,713, 649, which includes about $1,404,000 in Community Development Block Grant and $1,309,649 in Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds for housing and community development activities.
Commissioners noted the Kansas City area Plogtober (named for the Swedish concept that translates to picking up litter while jogging).
Senior and Disabled Veterans property tax relief for $500,000 was noted and will be featured in the next issue of The Best of Times.
Oct. 12, 2023
Chairperson Kelly opened the meeting with a moment of silence to express support and compassion for our Jewish brothers and sisters. Public Comments on matters that pertain to Johnson County Government, but which do not appear on the printed agenda, lasted about 25 minutes. Two proclamations were issued: Substance Abuse Prevention Month and the United Way Campaign.
The Board authorized a purchase agreement with Olathe to buy land next to Ernie Miller Park for $155,226.93 and an exchange of recreational property with Johnson County Park & Recreation District for the Black Bob Road project (Heritage Park).
An inmate housing contract authorizing the periodic detention of inmates from Miami County, Kansas at the Johnson County Adult Detention Centers by the Sheriff of Johnson County, Kansas for $85 a day per inmate was approved. Commissioner Fast noted that inmates lose their Medicaid coverage.
Governor Laura Kelly arrived for her “Healthy Workers and Healthy Economy” tour to speak in support of the expansion of Medicaid, which is already paid for by residents through taxes (although services are going to other states, including every state surrounding Kansas). Currently, our hospitals incur $35 million in unpaid health care every year. In addition, a robust health care system will attract more workers to Kansas. Expansion is supported by 78% of residents in both parties. She thanked the Board and Chairperson Kelly for proclaiming County support for expansion, which will lower costs for everyone, support a productive economy, and alleviate the current “health care desert” in the state.
Chairperson Kelly conducted a public hearing and approved the 2024 Streamlined Annual Public Housing Authority (PHA) Plan for submission to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). JCHA serves 2,479 persons in 1,319 households. One public commenter asked about the definitions of “Very Low-Income Family” and other items, then went on to offer complaints about property taxes. “Very Low Income” is defined as income at or below 50% of median income of the County. The increase in participants in the Landlord Incentive Program represents one significant marker of progress.
∙ 75% of families served by JCHA have an elderly and/or disabled family member;
∙ 33% of households are headed by females with children; and
∙ 38% of households have at least one family member under the age of 17.
The average gross income of participants is $15,842.
Commissioner Hanzlick asked about health insurance for participants and about the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which is designed to help families in several ways, including acquiring a savings account and moving toward financial independence. She noted that it was important that earlier in the year the Board approved the development of housing that will accept Housing Choice Vouchers.
Blue Valley School Board Meeting
Nov. 13,2023
Observer: Ann Schuster
Following the call to order, reports were given to the Board by the following committees:
DEI (focus on Music Educator’s role in DEI), Health and Well-Being (focus on Mental Health and Digital Learning initiatives), Curriculum and Instruction (focus on course changes presented later in the meeting), Communications (opportunities for future community engagement), Finance and Operations (Open Enrollment considerations).
The Board recognized American Education Week and thanked all candidates in the recent School Board election. An opening on the Blue Valley Recreation Commission was mentioned for the benefit of anyone who may be interested in applying.
The following agenda items were presented:
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Future of the Blue Valley Elementary Chinese Immersion Program: The District Administration gave a detailed report on the work done in the last 6 months by a task force appointed to explore possible options for continuance of the program. Challenges faced are the recruiting of licensed personnel to teach in the Mandarin Language and space issues at Valley Park Elementary, the “north area” building where Chinese Immersion is currently taught. The Task Force considered 4 possible options and presented to the Board their final choice. Major changes include- continuing the program at one site only (Wolf Springs Elementary in the south area of the District), allowing 54 students (2 classes) per grade level at that location, permitting current Valley Park Chinese Immersion students to transfer to Wolf Springs, sunsetting the program at Valley Park after the 2024-25 school year, and employing an Instructional Design Specialist conversant in both Mandarin and English to assist with Curriculum. The Board passed the motion by a vote of 4-3 with the stipulation that they revisit the possibility of expanding the format in the future and to make it a part of any future strategic plan.
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Approval of changes to graduation requirements (presented at the Oct. Board meeting and required by Kansas state mandate) were approved by the Board by a vote of 7-0.
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A brief presentation was then made giving updated information on the high school course changes first discussed at the Oct. meeting.
The meeting was then adjourned.
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Prairie Village City Council
Oct. 16, 2023
Observer: Eileen Marshall
The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. Two members were absent. Livestream is available on the city website at any time after the meeting.
Fire Chief of Consolidated Fire District #2 gave his quarterly report. Highlights include that CDF2 has reduced its mill levy for the 4th year in a row; EMT response time in PV averages 4 minutes; and the ISO-1 rating of the fire department means that residents’ insurance rates are the lowest possible.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Five residents spoke against any zoning changes, including pointed criticisms of the Mayor and Council. Two residents accused one council member of anti-semitism. Two others spoke in favor of action to address climate change.
The Committee of the Whole heard a presentation on a climate action plan for municipal operations, which was moved forward to be voted on at a future date.
The council adjourned around 8:40.
Prairie Village City Council
Nov. 6, 2023
Observer: Eileen Marshall
The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. One member was absent. Livestream is available on the city website at any time after the meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Four residents spoke.
The climate action plan for municipal operations, discussed in the previous Committee of the Whole, was approved as part of the consent agenda. The purpose is to reduce the city’s carbon footprint.
Council approved the agreement (vote was 10:1) with BNIM for architectural design services for the potential community center project. (This is the collaboration between PV, the Library, and the Y of Greater KC.) This step is needed in order to have clarity on what a community center might include and how much it might cost. Once these questions can be answered, it is anticipated that the issue would go to a public vote.
As Committee of the Whole, Council considered design options for a potential new city hall and renovation and expansion of the police department into the current city hall. Council approved one of the options. The current city hall, built in the 1970’s, is out of room for expansion, and more room is needed for both city hall and police operations.
The council adjourned around 9:30 p.m.
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