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The Board of County Commissioners encourages citizen participation in local governance processes. The public is invited to participate in the meeting. Annotated agendas, a copy of the rules, BOCC materials, meeting schedules and videos are available at https://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/OnBaseAgendaOnline/.
 
November 6, 2025

Because of renovations to the audiovisual system, the Board meetings will be held in room 200 on the lower level of the Administration Building today and on November 13.

Commissioner Allenbrand was absent.

Public comments lasted 15 minutes. A resident complained about the annual report. A person struggling with homelessness commented that the annual point-in-time count of the homeless undercounts these individuals and urgently requested a solution to homelessness. A third resident commented on “new federalism”,’ the need for “small government,” and other issues. A representative of the professional paramedics’ union commented on the need for a union for these employees.

Consent Agenda
● Unanimously approved the October 9,2025 business session meeting minutes.
● At the request of Ashcraft, all other items on the Consent Agenda were moved to the Action Agenda.

Action Agenda
● Authorized an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Spring Hill to assist with building inspections on an emergency, as-needed basis to ensure timely completion of inspections. Kelly recused himself. The County is indemnified from legal risk for this task.
● Adopted a resolution prohibiting truck traffic on certain roads designated by Johnson County Public Works and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. These include roads in the unincorporated area near Vine Street, 198th Street, and 199th Street.
● Approved an agreement with KDOT, Olathe and Spring Hill for the US-169/K-7 Corridor Study in Johnson County, for $67,000. Kelly recused himself.  There is a $650,000.00 limit, evenly divided, which limits County exposure.
● Approved the following appointments and reappointments:
--Bonnie Limbird, to the Johnson County Public Art Commission.
--Kristin Riott, Scott Schulte, and Lara Isch to the Sustainability Coalition.
--David Poskin, to the Johnson County Housing and Community Development Advisory Council. (David and his wife, State Representative Mari-Lynn Poskin, are building the first 3-D printed ADA compliant home in Kansas, located near Topeka.)
--Charles W. McAllister, Jr., Jae Moyer, Saaliha Khan, Kathleen Smith, Samantha von Ende, Haile Sims to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition.
--Sonta Wilburn, Carol Gonzales, and James Terrones to the Civil Service Board.
 ● Authorized term & supply contracts with multiple firms to provide in-home services through the Johnson County Area Agency on Aging, for $1,750,000. Term is one (1) year, effective December 1, 2025.  Funds come from the Older Americans Act and Kansas legislation. Clients qualify based on age and/or disability.  Delivering services in-home significantly reduces County expenditures while improving safety outcomes for clients. 
● Extended authorization of the reallocation and expenditure of 2025 Health Environment reserves $121,000 from the 2025 Health and Environment fund balance (reserves) for WIC through December 6, 2025.  The County has received some funds through November 15th, but has had no official word on ongoing funding.  This is necessary because of the federal funding chaos due to "the longest government shutdown in American history.” 

County Manager’s Report

At the KC Metro APWA Expo (American Public Works Association), Johnson County earned multiple honors. Kelly praised the Department for their technical excellence and their vital role in maintaining safe roadways for County residents.

The Major Projects update is available here. 

Commissioner Comments

Brewer urged residents to donate food items to alleviate food insecurity resulting from the government shutdown.  The County website has information on how to access services during the shutdown and ways for residents to step up for other residents.

Fast gave information about a pilot site for community stakeholders to access information about services for justice-involved youths.

Hanzlick suggested a study session on aging issues, including services such as limitations on and access to senior tax rebates.  She spoke to a resident who said that she is "one more appraisal away from reaching the rebate cutoff of $350,000.00."

Kelly emphasized the importance of stepping up to support vulnerable populations—including children and seniors—during this prolonged disruption of safety net services, caused by the longest shutdown to date.
 
October 30, 2025
No meeting was scheduled.

October 23, 2025
 
Public Comments lasted about 10 minutes. One public commenter complained about the “courthouse tax.” Brian Perkins, a young person without housing, asked for better planning and fewer gaps for the process of moving into more secure living, including available health insurance. Perkins has stated a moving, persuasive plea at every Board meeting for the last several meetings. A virtual commenter seconded Perkins’ comments, and thanked the Board for the grant to Metro Lutheran Ministries for housing.

The Board approved the following consent agenda:
● The final plat for the Nelson Wastewater Treatment Facility property.
● Term and supply contracts with multiple vendors for Wastewater equipment repair services, for $3,350,000 for one year with the option to renew for four additional one-year periods.
● A contract with Symetra to furnish the County’s self-funded health insurance stop-loss coverage for the 2026 calendar and plan year, estimated to cost $3,375,062 annually. (This concerns the County’s self-funded health insurance plan.)

Items 3, 6, and 7 were moved from the Consent Agenda to the Action Agenda at Ashcraft’s request. 

Action Agenda

3. The Board voted to reorganize the Johnson County Transit Council (JCTC).  Ashcraft asserted that these Council members need to be qualified with “expertise.” Kelly noted that because transit affects many different people, it is important to include a wide range of individuals. Hanzlick commented, agreeing that this Board represents this variety of transit service users and that the new bylaws are appropriately specific. This is an advisory board, not a governing board.

6. The Board approved the Chair’s nominee, Dr. Charles C. Lenoir, Jr., to the Community Corrections Advisory Board.

7. The Commissioners approved the appointment of the Johnson County Chiefs’ and Sheriffs’ Association designee, Mike Butaud, to the Criminal Justice Advisory Council.

Kelly noted that this meeting must adjourn at 10:30 in order for the Commissioners to sign bonds in a meeting of the Public Building Commission.  Commissioners approved a resolution to authorize and direct the issuance, sale and delivery of General Obligation Internal Improvement Bonds, Series 2025A of Johnson County, Kansas to finance certain wastewater improvements and certain airport improvements estimated to be $60,310,000. The resolution also provided for the levy and collection of an annual tax to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds as they become due.  A public commenter complained. Kelly thanked staff for their work. 

The Board also approved improvements for the Northeast Office Building, the Administration Building, and New Century Adult Detention Center. This includes the approval of the issuance by the Public Building Commission of Johnson County, Kansas of its Lease Purchase Revenue Bonds (Master Lease), Series 2025A estimated at $6,485,000. The same public commenter complained.

The Board adopted the 2026 Action Plan as recommended by the Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee on August 13, 2025, and authorized the plan’s submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  Rita Carr, Director of Community Planning for United Community Services, Overland Park, commented in favor of a local continuum of care for homelessness.  Our county census noted 225 unsheltered people last January.  Janelle Bowers, Director of Development, Johnson County Developmental Services commented on the help provided by block grants for accessible, affordable housing. Brewer stated that secure housing is also an important part of our workforce readiness. Kelly replied that these projects are part of the County’s responsibility to its residents.

At this point, the Board recessed and re-convened as the Public Building Commission. The Public Building Commission approved the issuance of the Public Building Commission of Johnson County, Kansas Lease Purchase Revenue Bonds (Master Lease), Series 2025A, for $6,485,000 (Corinth Library and other projects.)
The PBC also approved the issuance of revenue bonds for $5,110,000 for the improvements to the Sunset Drive Office Building, Sheriff's Office Operations Center, and New Century Adult Detention Center. 

The Public Building Commission Adjourned and reconvened as the Board of County Commissioners.

The County Commissioners granted the Wastewater General Manager the authority to approve deferments and waive termination of deferments for capital finance charges with the Consolidated Main Sewer District. During public comment, a speaker raised concerns about the deferment process. In response, County Attorney Peg Trent and Wastewater Director Susan Pekarek affirmed that all procedures are being properly followed, refuting the implications made by the commenter. 

The Board also approved a contract with Hoover Blanket, Inc. (Main Street Computing) for an Aging and Human Services Case and Fund Management System, for $431,000. A public commenter complained again that this item was trivial.

The Board adjourned to sign bonds.

The Board reconvened for Management Reports.

FIFA World Cup 26™ Planning Updates—As of this date, 230 days remain until the FIFA event.

County Economic Research Institute (CERI) Indicators – October 2025 Edition. Unemployment in Johnson County was up to 4% in August.  

After Commission Comments the Board adjourned to Executive Session.
 
October 16, 2025

A quorum was present; Vice Chairperson Janee Hanzlick called the meeting to order at 9:30. Chairperson Kelly and Commissioner Allenbrand were absent. Public Comments—A public commenter complained about the public safety sales tax. Two members of the public commented on the urgent need for affordable housing and the need for warming centers and day centers, urging that these be part of the County’s continuum of care.

After Ashcraft’s questions about whether these were new appointments, the background of appointees and an explanation of his own appointment process, the Board approved the following appointments:

● Rod L. Richardson, to the Johnson County Planning Commission,
● Hamdan Abdalla, to the Board of Code Review,
● Lesa Patterson-Kinsey, Tim Janssen, and Laura Carey, to the Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 2 Governing Board,
● Nancy Ingram and Erin George, to the Johnson County Mental Health Advisory Board.

Brewer noted that the 32 plus County boards and commissions need several hundred volunteers and urged residents to volunteer. An agenda for a joint meeting is scheduled for November. Ashcraft asked for a financial discussion then because he is concerned about the credit card use of one district.

After a public hearing, Commissioners approved the 2026 Annual Public Housing Authority Plan for submission to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on October 17, 2025. Heather McNieve, Director of Public Housing, presented the plan. Elements of the plan include an increase in services to those struggling with homelessness, the Foster Youth to Independence program, and other items.

Important note: Emergency Housing Vouchers were originally available until 2030, but the County just discovered that these are only available until 2026, necessitating readjusting services for those without housing. Five hundred households are on the waitlist. The Federal shutdown has not yet affected services, but no new services are offered right now. 

Public Comments--Rita Carr, United Community Services, stated that the Rapid Re-Housing Program and other items included in the plan will be helpful. Another commenter emphasized the urgency of the need, and one former recipient of services asked how to qualify to become a Section Eight landlord.  

The HUD-VASH vouchers for homeless veterans have 30 applicants, but the timing of HUD funds is uncertain.

Ashcraft asked about gaps in the program and current unfilled needs, advocating for a unified approach, a homeless czar to coordinate efforts, a position already filled by Rita Carr.

Addressing the concerns of Brian Perkins, public commenter struggling with homelessness, Brewer noted that it is the County’s responsibility to create a vision and enact a coordinated plan to establish transitional services. Meyers seconded those comments and urged that services be established soon to meet immediate housing needs. 

Ashcraft objected to the removal of the clause requiring landlords to be up to date on property taxes, so he voted no on approving the Plan. This clause is not required by the Federal government, and landlords are already notified of their status by the County department of taxation. Hanzlick noted that this taxation enforcement process is not the task of the Housing Authority, and would possibly be illegal.  Brewer noted that this clause would have a chilling effect on landlords and also increase evictions, which penalizes tenants for their landlord’s action. In addition, landlords just briefly late on tax payments did not appreciate hearing from both the Housing Authority and Treasury and Taxation.

Lithium Battery Drop at Household Hazardous Waste Site--Lithium Battery Fires Have Risen 46% in recent years. Because these batteries can self-ignite, they should never be disposed of at home, and the JOCO Household Hazardous Waste Facility is open to the public from 8:00AM to 3:30PM Monday through Friday, for drop off of damaged or recalled lithium batteries. Intact batteries can be dropped off at hardware stores and other sites. 

Megan Foreman, Housing, reported on the Warming and Cooling Centers pilot program which provides short term assistance to the unsheltered. She thanked the collaborative partners in the community. Twelve to 25 people were served in the cooling center at Overland Park Christian church, which is willing to volunteer its building again next year. The County will work on recruiting other churches, faith communities and volunteers to participate in this project.  
 
October 9, 2025

Public Comments lasted about five minutes. 

Consent Agenda

The Board approved a fiscal year 2025 start date for the FY 2026 approved full time equivalent Motor Vehicle Specialist; Sheriff Vehicle Equipment Purchases; Sheriff Operations Center Security Upgrade Capital Improvement Project; and Facilities Major Asset Replacement Program (MARP) Capital Improvement Project. They also authorized the execution of a cooperation agreement between the County and the Public Building Commission to transfer and advance up to $1,280,000 from County General Fund reserves to provide interim funding for the MARP; and authored the reallocation and expenditure of reserves for FY 2025 in the amount of $3,772,530 from the General Fund Reserves.

After a presentation by County employees and representatives from most cities in the County, the Board approved the County Assistance Road System program expenditures, in an amount not to exceed $18,781,000. 

The Commissioners approved the 2026 Stormwater Management Program expenditures, in an amount not to exceed $25,013,842.

The Board authorized the County to issue Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs), Series 2025, not to exceed $25,300,000 to finance the construction of an industrial facility at New Century, Kansas; and to grant an ad valorem tax abatement on the constructed improvements for ten years starting at $0.30 a foot escalating at 1.5 percent (1.5%) each year thereafter; and entering into a payment in lieu of tax (PILOT) agreement. 

One public commenter complained about tax exemptions for projects. The area under discussion generated no revenue at all previously. The FAA encourages airports to develop sustainable revenue streams through aviation and non-aviation activities, supporting long-term viability.  Ashcraft noted that airports are engines of economic sustainability. 

The Board approved a real estate sale contract for real property located at 600 New Century Parkway and 561 Sumner Way, New Century, KS, with Sky Partners II, LLC, buyer, in the amount of $5,000,000, which represents the best offer received for this property. 

This time sensitive item was added to the agenda by the Chair.  The Board approved the expenditure of 2025 Health and Environment fund balance (reserves) in an amount up to $121,000 to fund WIC \ personnel expenses in the absence of Federal funding for up to 30 days.  Currently, the County can only fund the program through noon today (Oct. 9, 2025) because of the Federal government shutdown has impacted DHE’s operation of WIC, which supports healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare services for low-income new mothers, pregnant women, infants, and children (up to the age of five years).

Commissioner Hanzlick noted that the Health and Environment fund reserves are sufficient to cover this expense, and that more than 4,500 WIC clients live in Johnson County, many of whom are babies and children. This program, in addition to the Nutrition program through Aging and Human Services, is the most impactful program in the County, and currently it is unknown whether the County will be reimbursed by the Federal government for this expense.

Management Reports

--National Association of Counties Achievement Award – Eviction Mediation Pilot Program. Evictions are economically and emotionally devastating to people and can happen rapidly in Kansas, within 30 days’ time. In 2023 after the sunset of Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which threatened to create a sharp increase in eviction filings, Becky Fast convened stakeholders to discuss implications of the loss of KERA funding locally.  As a result, the Johnson County Eviction Mediation Program was begun with the goal to reduce eviction judgments, thereby lessening long-term impact on rental history.  Since September 2023, 711 mediated agreements have been completed. An additional benefit of fewer evictions is a safer environment for public safety personnel responsible for enforcement. The Kansas legislature is considering making this program statewide.

Commission Comments—Fast visited Rushton Elementary school. She asked the students what they would do if they were commissioners, and one child answered that they would protect Hispanics from local threats, and give out candy.

Hanzlick noted that she attended the County Pride Festival last Saturday to proclaim National Coming Out Day.

The Board moved into an executive session.

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All Board members were present except for Chrysalis Huff.  Jodi Dietz joined online.  County Commissioner Julie Brewer was absent.

County Librarian Tricia Suellentrop called on various department heads to report.  As of September 15, the library financial report shows $15.6 million in revenue. This is due, in large part, to the sale of the Antioch location.  

The manager of the Learning and Development team gave a report outlining the many ways that staff is required and encouraged to continue learning.  Considerable time is spent continuing to stay abreast of cybersecurity, done in-house as well as in conjunction with Johnson County. 

Spring Hill and DeSoto libraries are currently closed for renovations.  The Assistant Circulation Manager described the extensive process of moving contents of these libraries out to be stored while renovations take place.  

The Project Manager for Capital Improvements provided a timeline for repairs to be done on various locations through the following months.

Tricia Suellentrop reported on a Veterans’ Breakfast recently held to honor those who have served.

She referred to the recent Library Board Retreat held in October to discuss future plans/needs for the Library.

Ms Suellentrop also discussed the need for the County to provide some funds to churches, etc. to provide warming and cooling stations for the unhoused for the days on which the library is closed.  The county will provide some limited funds for this.  

The Corinth replacement plan is still on hold.   

An “unverified library card” will now be issued to patrons who may not have an address so the they can check out 2 items at a time, return them and check out again.  

To learn more, click here.

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All Board members were present for this month’s meeting.
● Note: Following last week’s Board Elections, Dr. David Benson was chosen to replace Jim McMullen on the Board. Dr. Benson will assume his position in 2026.

Open Forum topics included issues with delayed bus service and Pride displays in classrooms.

As always, the consent agenda, approved at this meeting, is posted on the BV website for the community to view.

Board Advisory Committee reports followed, covering these issues: mental health collaborative initiatives such as suicide prevention, family resources, screen time on District devices and anti-bullying strategies; upcoming facility projects, proposed curricular course changes (to coincide with course enrollment changes and state regulations) and implementation of the District’s Strategic Plan

Jason Gilham, in charge of transportation, responded to community concerns about busing services. The District is aware of buses arriving late at some buildings and has been working with Durham Bus to provide more timely service. Specific solutions are being explored on particular routes ( e.g. that serving Valley Park Elementary). Lack of qualified driver candidates is one major issue. Out of approximately 105 routes, 15-17 are “open”, meaning there are no consistent drivers scheduled for these, only subs at this time.

The Superintendent’s report was given by Dr. Gillian Chapman. She stated that the “Champions of Learning” mailer was sent to all community members and noted the recognition of Blue Valley elementary and middle schools by the U.S. News and World Report, the designation of American Education Week, grants awarded to BV teachers by the BV Education Foundation’s Surprise Squad and state championships earned by the BVHS Marching Band, and Boys’ Soccer and Girls’ Volleyball teams.

The Director of Curriculum presented HS and MS course proposals for approval at the December meeting. These include the areas of Business/Personal Finance, Digital/Communication, Culinary Foundations, Psychology in Acton, Pre-Algebra/Algebra blended course and Math. Proposals for CAPS courses include Introduction to Teaching (Expanding to include all HS as well as CAPS) and Filmmaking and Animation and Music Technology (the latter only to be offered at the BV Academy).

The Director of Human Resources then presented proposed changes to Policy 6335 which would allow employees 18 and above to operate District Operations and Maintenance vehicles. These vehicles would not carry students and would incur no changes to insurance. The policy will be voted on at the December meeting.

Dr. Chapman followed with an explanation of the Legislative Positions update, which was approved, Long term legislative positions will come up for a vote in December.

Following brief Board comments, the meeting was adjourned at 6:53 p.m.

To learn more, click here.

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The meeting was opened by the Pledge of Allegiance led by students from Blue Jacket Elementary School.

The district has lost about 250 students this quarter possibly due to immigrants leaving the country and the high cost of living in Johnson County.

The Strategic Action Plan is moving forward.  There were reports from 2 teams: learning and belonging.  A student reported on how the committee on belonging at her school is helping her and other students feel connected.

The Board is concerned that SNAP funding is ending the first of November.  They are looking for ways to continue to feed the children on free and reduced-price meals.  They are also concerned about the loss of the money for special education since that area of the Department of Education has been eliminated by the Trump administration.

In the Legislative update there was talk about fighting efforts by the Kansas Legislature to use public money for private enterprises.

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The pledge of allegiance was led by students from Ray Marshall elementary school.

The superintendent reported that U.S. News & World Report has named Corinth school as the bestgrade school in Kansas. 

The committee on Early Childhood reported that they are opening 2 new sites specially designed for early childhood education. They are working on the following projects:
● A cradle to career pathway
● Parents as teachers
● Pre-kindergarten education (for children with disabilities)
● Purposeful play
● Jumpstart to learning

There was an update from the technology committee and a short discussion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). They intend to go slowly with AI. The teachers and the students want to know how to use it effectively.

To learn more, click here.

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Mayor Curt Skoog brought the meeting to order with one Council Member absent. Mayor Skoog announced two reappointments to the Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board. For more information on this Board and members, see:

https://www.opkansas.org/city-government/boards-commissions/downtown-business-improvement-district-advisory-board/

Mayor Skoog announced two reappointments to the city's Legacy of Greenery Committee.

https://www.opkansas.org/city-government/boards-commissions/legacy-of-greenery-committee/

The Mayor announced one reappointment to the Overland Park Planning Commission.

https://www.opkansas.org/city-government/boards-commissions/planning-commission/

(All meetings of this commission are open to the public)

Mayor Skoog recognized a $500,000 donation made by QuikTrip Corporation for the new Overland Park Real Time Information Center (RTIC)  This center will be located in the current Command and Control Center and will be operational by Summer, 2026. "The RTIC will allow for live streaming of video from in-car systems and body cameras to the center" to improve emergency response and to better support police officers in the field. 

City Manager Lori Curtis Luther reported that WalletHub.com recently named Overland Park the second safest city in the US, taking into account personal and property crime rates, natural disaster risk levels, and also traffic safety. 

https://wallethub.com/edu/safest-cities-in-america/41926 

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The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. All members were present. Public comments went for 50 minutes, with most commenters speaking in favor of the Climate Action Guide that was on the agenda for this meeting.

Council approved adoption of the Climate Action Guide, which is simply a comprehensive guide for citizens who are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. In addition to potential actions, it includes factual information and statistics specific to Prairie Village regarding sources of greenhouse gases.

The Mayor encouraged everyone who is eligible to VOTE, if they have not already. Council observed a moment of silence to honor the Leawood 10-year-old who died recently as the result of a scooter/auto accident. 

Other city business was conducted, and the Council adjourned at 8:20. 

To learn more, click here.