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The Board of County Commissioners encourages citizen participation in local governance processes. Agendas can be accessed via the Internet at: http://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/, or by contacting the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners at (913) 715-0430. An annotated agenda detailing the results of all votes taken during each regular meeting is posted to the Internet after adjournment.

January 15, 2026 

This was the first of the Pilot Project for Meetings, addressing Procedural and Routine items.  Next week's meeting will address regular business. Public Comments lasted 10 minutes. Brian Perkins underscored that effective housing solutions must follow a ‘one-size-fits-one’ approach and stressed the need to prioritize long-term, sustainable strategies. Ben Hoebert expressed concern that establishing the Chair’s Ad Hoc Housing Group could undermine transparency, arguing that its structure does not comply with Kansas Open Meetings requirements. 

The Amended Consent Agenda was unanimously approved. Items 6-7 were moved to the Action Agenda at the request of Ashcraft. 

Items approved were:

●Regular and Special Business Session Minutes for 11 December 2025.
● Proposed Bylaws of the JOCO Board of Code Review.  BCR Bylaws Adopted 12.10.25.docx.pdf.
● JOCO Transit Council Appointees Heidi Thummel (2nd District), Logan Heley (4th District), and Scott Sayers (Chair). 
● JOCO Sustainability Coalition Appointees Julie Blythe Peterson (Chair) and Phaedra Svec (Chair).
● Civil Service Board Appointee Cindy Volanti (Chair).
● JOCO Airport Commission Governing Board Appointee Jib Felter (Chair).
● JOCO Consolidated Fire District No. 1 Appointees James Pruetting (City of Gardner), Lane Massey (City of Spring Hill), and Mayor Donald Roberts (City of Edgerton).

The Action Agenda items below were approved unanimously:

● JOCO Public Art Commission Appointees Gail James (1st District) and Gregory Mains (5th District).  Ashcraft had this item moved to Action to thank Gregory Mains for his service and for agreeing to his reappointment.  
● JOCO Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board Appointee Andrea Watts (5th District). Ashcraft had this item moved to Action to thank Andrea Watts for her service and for agreeing to his reappointment.
● (Added Item to Agenda at the Request of Brewer (3rd District) per Chairman from 1-08-2026 BOCC Meeting) 

Approved the reallocation and expenditure of General Fund balance (reserves) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 in an amount not to exceed $25,000 for Project 1020 to fund hotel/motel vouchers for overflow Cold Weather Shelter needs during the remainder of the 2026 season (Season runs from 1 December 2025 to 31 March 2026).  There were multiple public comments in support of this expenditure.  This request is being made outside the standard budget cycle because the loss and disruption of federal funding have created an urgent financial gap. Project 1020 is currently turning away 9–12 individuals each night; at the negotiated Project 1020–hotel rates, this funding could provide nightly assistance for approximately 4.5 individuals.  Commissioners noted that, if churches and other organizations are unable to provide space for Temporary Warming Centers, they could still support the effort by engaging their personal networks—such as congregations and community circles—to help fund additional vouchers.

The meeting was recessed for an Executive Session.

January 8, 2026

Vice Chair Hanzlick presided, and Chairperson Kelly came in at the end of the public comments. The Board launched its new pilot meeting structure today, alternating between administrative meetings and general business meetings. Administrative meetings will be dedicated to appointments and other routine matters, while general business meetings will address broader agenda items. This approach is designed to create more time for study and improve overall efficiency. The Board will review the effectiveness of this structure at the end of July.

Public comments lasted about 15 minutes.  A virtual commenter thanked the Board for the accomplishments of last year and requested Spanish-language ballots. Brian Perkins advocated for those struggling with housing, commenting that churches have already stepped up in meaningful ways.  A third person objected to the public safety sales tax ballot item (which is no longer on the March ballot).  A fourth commenter spoke about Johnson County Community College, FIFA, and pickleball.  Commenting on the “ad hoc housing work group,” a fifth person stated that Commissioners should take those without housing into their own homes.

Chairperson Kelly returned and conducted the rest of the meeting.

The Amended Consent Agenda, including three items, was approved unanimously.  Two items were moved to Action at the request of Ashcraft and Brewer. 

The December 4, 2025, and December 9, 2025, business session minutes.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Board and the City of Lenexa to provide mental health co-responder crisis intervention assistance services, an alternative to taking people to the county jail or to the emergency room.

The Commissioners unanimously approved the following items:

--Authorization of an agreement with the City of Edgerton for the Sheriff's Department to provide security at the rate of $80/hour for the community event space, "The Greenspace".  The contract term is one year with the option to renew two additional one-year terms.  Item moved to Action by Ashcraft. His question was about liability, which was asked and answered.

--Approval for a revised Final Plat for one residential lot on 10 acres on property zoned RUR, Rural District at 20511 Pflumm Road.  Item moved to Action by Brewer.  Her question concerned natural drainage areas and stream buffer zones.  Staff explained that buffer zones larger than one acre would require new permitting.

--Authorization for an agreement between the county and the City of Edgerton for the provision of law enforcement services by the Sheriff's Office in 2026 for $623,747.  This is a renewal of the current contract.

--Authorization for the sheriff to establish an appropriate daily rate of compensation for the housing and maintenance of prisoners from the Kansas Department of Corrections.  With increasing costs and a decreasing population, the actual cost has risen from $72.00 to $229.05 (the time span for this increase is unknown).  Although the exact rate will not be reimbursed, the request will be for a better rate.  Hanzlick noted that the discrepancy should be referred to the county legislative liaison to be addressed with the state.  

--Authorization of an exemption to competition approving a five-year agreement with CentralSquare Technologies LLC to enhance and migrate the county's current CAD software to the cloud for $2,447,067 over the five years.  This involves the Emergency Communications Center system only, not Justice.  A public commenter objected to the lack of competition. Brewer noted that the original budget was submitted with the best information available at the time, and adjustments are necessary.

--Approval of the County Aging and Human Services Department’s acceptance of a $200,000 grant from the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services for the Senior Nutrition Program—an amount that falls short of what was requested and needed. The County’s 65+ population is its fastest-growing demographic, and the program currently has a waitlist of approximately 1,300 clients. 

Manager’s Report

 --2026 Community Survey:
The 2026 Community Survey is being prepared to be sent out in February. ETC employs security measures to ensure random sampling and validity of items.

--Strategic Rebranding of Johnson County Transit:
To alleviate confusion about the local ownership of our transit system, which was noted during the strategic planning process for Transit, Transit Services will have new branding and a new title: RideJoCo.

--Ad Hoc Housing Continuum Work Group:
Kelly announced the formation of the Ad Hoc Housing Continuum Work Group to continue to address the housing situation in the County. The task of this group will be to develop measurable goals and identify initiatives. The group will consist of Meyers, Brewer, and Chair Kelly.  Fast questioned whether community members with lived experience would be consulted, and Kelly said yes, as needed, without addressing particulars.

Commissioner Comments:

Allenbrand expressed disappointment that the Library Board voted not to have the electric vehicle charging stations at the libraries, which would have been a good source of revenue. 

Ashcraft objected to the new meeting format.

Brewer requested that the next January agenda include an item authorizing the Board to allocate a $25,000 grant to support hotel and motel vouchers for Project 10/20’s overflow of cold‐weather shelter needs. In the first 30 days of the season, Project 10/20 exceeded its motel budget by $9,300 due to overflow demand, and has additionally allowed several guests to park on-site and remain in their vehicles.

Hanzlick detailed her 2026 goals as a commissioner, including continuing the diversification of revenue streams to lessen pressure on residents' property taxes, continuing implementation of short and long-range transit plans, supporting collaborative housing solutions in light of decreased federal funding.

Kelly is looking forward to working with the legislature and the governor to address County needs.  He addressed the rationale for the Ad-Hoc Housing Continuum Work Group, which will be tasked with a review of work done and providing analysis of gaps, specifying areas of focus, and presenting plans for real, meaningful action to the board.

County Counsel Peg Trent confirmed that Brewer submitted the proper request form and followed the required process to place the hotel/motel voucher item on the agenda, and added that its placement was advanced to an earlier meeting because of time-sensitive circumstances.

The Board adjourned for a brief break, then reconvened in executive session.

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All board members, including County Commissioner Julie Brewer, were present. 

Development Department:

--In order to increase volunteer efforts among teens, the Library has reinstated having teens review books.  The reviews are monitored by library staff. 
--The Library Book Bank provides books to places of need in the community. 
--Library Heroes donated $28,000 to the Library at the end of 2025.  
--Overall fundraising for 2025 was $39,741.  Emphasis for 2026 will be on planned giving and stewardship. 
--863 people volunteered for the Library in 2025, but more are needed, especially for the Book Nook and for outreach in the community.
--40,000 hours were donated to the Library by volunteers in 2025.  
--Friends of the Library has 1,000 members.  Membership is $20 yearly.  Their emphasis is primarily on advocacy and providing more books to Title 1 schools in the area.   

Commissioner Brewer spoke about asking the county to provide $25,000 to the only Johnson County shelter, Project 10-20, to be designated for additional hotel rooms.  Project 10-20 has been at capacity each night since opening December 1, 2025.  She recognized that libraries serve as warming/cooling centers year-round and asked that the county supplement this fragile community.   She stated that she is waiting for an update, as to whether or not, EV charging stations will remain in place at libraries.

Spring Hill and DeSoto libraries continue with renovations.  Re-openings are on schedule.  

The Spring Hill library will pilot an Expanded Access program.  This has been used successfully at the Lenexa Library, allowing patrons to access material when the library is closed.  This program has been very successful at that location. Considerable discussion followed this presentation.  Spring Hill does not have full-time library hours and is open only one night a week.  The community is asking for more library access. The pilot program would allow patrons to sign up for access during unmanned hours.  The pilot will be evaluated based on usage and community feedback.  Several board members questioned the safety and efficacy of this plan. They suggested varying the hours to make a librarian and staff available during times when the patrons most need extended hours for access.  

A Leadership in Action Award was given to Library employee Tricia Wrightmire.  This is a county-wide award.  She created a "common phrases” program in several languages, available on the website. 

To learn more click here. 

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1. The renewal of the sales tax for public safety will not go to public vote. 

2. Property tax relief-Access to the property tax relief program in Johnson County is opening up to more people.  Originally, someone needed to be 65+ of age or a veteran and at or below HUD income levels. For 2026 the age requirement has been removed and the maximum home value has increased to $500, 000 based on the 2025 appraisal. This is still a pilot program. It started in 2024 with 207 eligible applicants. This amount increased to 359 eligible applicants in 2025. There are $365,000 dollars remaining in the budget. Apply to the program from Jan 15th to April 15th, 2026. Forms are available at jocogov.org/JocoPropertyTaxRelief. Call 913-715-2638 or email PropertyTaxRelief@jocogov.org with questions.

3. There are 3 state tax relief programs (Taxes must be paid and then refunds are sent out)

a. Homestead Act with up to $700 in relief. The income limit is $25,000 and the home value is a maximum of $350,000.

b. Safe Senior with up to 75% of tax relief. The income limit is $25,000 and the home value is a maximum of $350,000. Must be 65+.
c. Senior or Disabled veteran Tax Refund- Income limit is $58,000 and the home value is a maximum of $350,000. The refund is calculated based upon information provided in the application.

4. The Evergreen Community is detaching from Johnson County and moving to its new location at College and Ridgeview tentatively on May 6th. They have independent living apartments, assisted living apartments, and assisted living memory care apartments. They currently have 84 nursing home beds and have the opportunity to construct an additional building with 62 apartments. Their funding will come from private donations, Medicaid and Medicare.

To learn more, click here. 

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The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. All Board members were present. At a meeting earlier in the day, newly elected Board member Dr. David Benson and re-elected Board members Dr. Sonya Evans and Gina Knapp were sworn in for their upcoming terms.

School Board Month was celebrated by musical renditions from the BVNWHS Chamber Singers.

Just one community member spoke during the Public Forum, on the topic of the District Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative. This member, Steve Roberts, also announced his candidacy for the Kansas State Board of Education.

One Board Advisory Committee report followed, noting efforts by school nurses on the health and developmental welfare of students and progress on screentime limit and anti-bullying programs.

The Superintendent's Report remarked on the latest BV Unmuted podcast highlighting the 2026 Kansas Legislative session and the mailing of the latest issue of BV Today to all community residents.

A mid-year review of the District enrollment and budget was presented, noting that there has been a 6.7% decrease in statewide public school enrollment in the last 7 years, with a 3.4% decrease in Blue Valley, specifically (these are unaudited totals). This is partially due to lower birth rates and movement of families out of state/to other districts. Staffing in Blue Valley in that same time frame has increased by 1.3% to better serve student needs particularly in the area of Special Education. The salary package for staff is currently competitive with surrounding districts. A lengthy discussion about a possible 10% budget shortfall followed, with suggestions made to lobby for an increase in state Special Education funding, the lack of which is partially responsible for the deficit.

The Board then approved the following contracts:
● Apple - for MacBook Airs/incoming 9th graders
● CDW - for Chromebooks/incoming 6th graders
● Imagine Learning - HS Math materials
● McCownGordon Construction - Stilwell Elementary extension

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

To learn more click here.

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Mayor Curt Skoog brought the meeting to order with all Council Members present. 

The first order of business was the Open Comment section, available to any city resident who has registered beforehand to address the Council. The comments from the 6 individuals who had requested the 3 minute opportunity to speak addressed the Aspiria Campus located at 119th and Nall Avenue, and the purchase of the property mortgage by a Royals Affiliate.  The location has been named as one of three potential sites for a new ballpark, but no final decision has been made.

Following the Open Comment Section, a vote was held to elect the new Council President. A unanimous vote by the Council elected Melissa Cheatham, Ward 2, to serve as the new President of the Overland Park City Council.

The next order of business was presented by the office of the City Manager, asking the Council to approve the "Waive Procurement Process and Authorization to Negotiate Agreement"  with  Bike Share KC for an Overland Park Bike Share Pilot Program. This agreement would incur costs up to $350,000 for the purchase of bikes, batteries, and associated equipment, and maintenance costs in an amount not to exceed $125,000 per year for up to five years. This program is meant to address the transportation needs of city residents, and also 2026 World Cup visitors. The Council approved the Waiver by a vote of 6 to 5, with one abstention.  To read more about the Bike Share Program:

https://opkansas.civicweb.net/document/386015/Bike%20Share%20Feasibility.pdf?handle=3E37D594904A4326923E0A18E8AAB2CA

A complete agenda, minutes, and a video of the entire meeting is available:

https://opkansas.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=9420 

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The first 2026 meeting of the Overland Park City Council was opened by Mayor Curt Skoog with all Council Members present. A number of new appointments and reappointments were made for several City commissions, councils, and citizen advisory boards. These committees include both Council members and citizens of Overland Park, and all meetings are open to the public.  Dates, times, and locations of meetings can be found at the links.

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

Parks and Recreation Advisory Council
https://www.opkansas.org/city-government/boards-commissions/citizens-advisory-council-on-parks-recreation/

Arts and Recreation Foundation Board
https://artsandrec-op.org/ 

Downtown Overland Park partnership
https://kansascity.uli.org/resources/uli-action/past-taps/downtown-overland-park-partnership-tap/

Environmental Advisory Council
https://www.opkansas.org/city-government/boards-commissions/environmental-advisory-council/

Neighborhood Executive Committee
https://www.opkansas.org/city-government/boards-commissions/neighborhood-conservation-program-executive-committee/

Overland Park Civil Service Commission
https://www.opkansas.org/city-government/boards-commissions/civil-service-commission/

Overland Park Development Corporation
https://www.opkansas.org/city-government/boards-commissions/overland-park-development-corporation/

A Community Development Report was included in the Consent Agenda.  Overland Park will contract with Hometown Lawn, LLC, to create native plant beds in designated medians on 95th Street near the intersection with Metcalf Ave. 

"The project would involve removing all existing turfgrass and installing a variety of native plant species from edge-to-edge in the entire available planting area.... this will influence future median designs and conversions in order to enhance city sustainability efforts, reduce staff maintenance demands, and reduce chemical & fuel usage." 

For more details:
https://opkansas.civicweb.net/document/389184/_span%20style=_text-decoration_underline;__Bid%20Ta.docx?handle=5FCAB748D22B4822848EB731D0168A84

For the video, agenda, and complete minutes of the meeting:
https://opkansas.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=9680 

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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.  Lori Sharp resigned since the last meeting and was not present. 

Public comments lasted about 35 minutes, with most people speaking against the conditional animal license on tonight’s agenda. To be clear, they regard the license as “government overreach.”

City Finance Manager Jason Hannaman presented a timeline for municipal complex improvements. Bonds have been issued, construction contracts are being put together, and the city takes possession of the church property in April.  

In 2025, the city sent a donation of $22,500 to its sister city, Dolyna, Ukraine, for medicine and other non-lethal aid. Tonight, attendees watched a video from the Mayor of Dolyna, showing what had been purchased and expressing thanks for the assistance.

Next, the council took up the revisions to the Animal Control regulations. Until now, non-human primates under 20 pounds have been allowed as pets in the city, the only non-human primates allowed. The proposed revisions will classify all non-human primates as wild animals and therefore not allowed as pets in PV.  The single existing one, which has been duly licensed, scratched a child who was playing in a city park earlier in 2025, prompting a new look at the regulations.  The proposed revised regulations were approved 7 to 4. The Council intends to grandfather the existing monkey into compliance via the new conditional license.

Next, the Council took up the conditional license.  Instead of requiring the pet to be re-homed outside the city, the Council had asked city staff to draft a conditional license with additional safeguards that would allow the existing monkey to remain in the city with its human family. The Council took up the conditional license tonight.  After extended discussion, the Council approved the conditional license with two alterations, 8 to 3.

Other city business was conducted, and the Council adjourned at 8:00 pm.

To learn more, click here.