News / Articles

March 26, 2026 - Business Meeting

https://www.jocogov.org/department/board-county-commissioners

PUBLIC COMMENTS included the hope of one speaker that this might be the year that something is done about the unhoused, a complaint about the continued use of tax abatements, a comment on the possibility of eminent domain to broaden Edgerton Road, with the change in roadway status by KDOT, and a rambling comment about the US subsidizing the world, eliminating kings worldwide, and the diabolical problems of single females in sewing circles.

NOTES FOR THE RECORD, signed by the Chair, included:

• A partial release of easement for JCW due to the removal of the easement sanitary sewer line in the vicinity of W. 175th Street and Long Street, OP.
• A resolution to enlarge the privately financed sewer district and provide for all applicable assessments of the Consolidated Main Sewer District in the vicinity of 137th Street and Mission Road.
• Agreements with the cities of Gardner, Lenexa, Olathe, and Roeland Park for Stormwater Management Program (SMP) Projects.
• An agreement with the cities of Mission and Olathe to provide additional circulator route transit service during the FIFA World Cup 26 matches hosted in Kansas City.
• A Quitclaim Deed and Bill of Sale for improvements located at 27200 West 157th, New Century, Kansas (New Century AirCenter), following the prior termination of industrial revenue bonds issued in 2007.

The CONSENT AGENDA, approved by a vote of 7 – 0, with one item removed at the request of Ashcraft, consisted of:

• Approval of the February 26, 2026, business session minutes.
• Sitting as the Governing Body of Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 1: adoption of the Bylaws of the JOCO CFD1 Advisory Board and approval of a petition signed by certain landowners requesting detachment of their lands from the boundaries of CFD1, and the transfer of such lands.
• Approval of the City of Olathe Application for the Final Plat for Oak Run North, consisting of 25 residential lots, located near 151st St. and Lakeshore Dr., and within one mile of the New Century AirCenter.
• Approval of a request from Brandon and Nicole Smith, landowners, for a Preliminary and Final Plat for two lots (Smith Reserve) on property zoned Rural District, located at 34010 and 34020 W. 135th St.
• Granting of necessary easements to the City of Olathe for a traffic signal improvement project on the SE corner of the 588 Building Justice Annex property (588 E. Santa Fe Street)

ACTION AGENDA

• Approval of a Resolution adopting Human Resource Policy 414, effective March 26, 2026, on Whistleblower and Ethics Reporting.  At Ashcraft’s request, the item was moved to the Action agenda, as he questioned why it appeared on Consent at this time. The Chair noted that the Board had already engaged in a full and robust discussion on the matter and emphasized that the final recommendation expands protections for any employee or member of the public who submits a complaint. While the underlying information has always been available, this formal dissemination aligns the County with state statute.  The vote was 7-0.
• In a Public Hearing, approval of the 2026 Johnson County Code of Regulations for Sanitary Sewer Use.  Public Hearing to approve the 2026 Johnson County Code of Regulations for Sanitary Sewer Use. Best-management-practice standards for the industrial pretreatment program require annual inspections and public notice in legal records. JCW already meets these requirements, so no changes to current practice are expected. The updated, streamlined rural language preserves JCW’s authority to regulate industrial waste and does not alter or remove any existing controls on dischargers.  Best management practice requirements vary by industry, and the spill control plan includes on-site mini-treatment measures within facilities that prevent flow through.  The item passed unanimously, 7–0.
• Approval of a request from Denise Smith for Rezoning, Preliminary and Final Plat (Smitty’s Lakeside Estate), and ABUP, at 15355 Lake Road 2 St. Vote was 7-0.
• Adoption of amendments to the Johnson County Rural Comprehensive Plan to update the Comprehensive Arterial Road Network Plan (CARNP) and to provide guidance on evaluating housing types in unincorporated areas. During the presentation, staff clarified that existing homes would be grandfathered in, that setbacks would remain unchanged, and that eminent domain is not anticipated for the current project. A public commenter raised questions about the definition of “attainable” housing, and staff reiterated that the document is a policy framework rather than a construction plan. Commissioner Allenbrand underscored the need to balance growth with landowner rights. The measure passed 6–1, with Brewer opposed.
• Adoption of a resolution for the Leveraging Assets for New Development Policy (LAND) directing staff to evaluate whether County-controlled sites could help support additional housing opportunities.  This is the first output from the Housing Ad Hoc Committee.  Public commenters emphasized the need to balance desirability with the use of abatement, and praised the strong early progress while urging that this momentum be clearly communicated and translated into concrete action.  Brewer praised Allenbrand, Fast & Hanzlick for their groundwork on this issue.  The vote was 6-1, with Ashcraft opposed.
• Approval of a resolution approving the Federal Lands to Parks Program/Land and Water Conservation Fund (FLP/LWCF) Land Exchange/Conversion Agreement between Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) and Sunflower Redevelopment, LLC, involving the exchange of parkland between the two entities, Added by the Chair, this resolution was unanimously approved by the JCPRD Board, and passed here by a vote of 7-0.

MANAGEMENT REPORT

• County Treasurer Tom Franzen is retiring and an Interim County Treasurer and Interim Director of Treasury, Taxation, and Vehicles will be appointed.

April 2 2026 - Administrative Meeting

OPENING CEREMONIES

• Fair Housing Week Proclamation
• National Community Development Week Proclamation

PUBLIC COMMENTS

• Public comments lasted about ten minutes and addressed several topics, including concerns about the end of the formal “shelter season” for unhoused residents amid ongoing severe weather, a complaint about the inefficiency of the County website’s search function for individuals seeking to file whistleblower reports, and a separate comment referencing No Kings Day and the idea of the Vatican relocating to the United States.
  

NOTES FOR THE RECORD

• Signed a Restrictive Covenant in support of the Johnson County Airport Commission’s application to the Kansas UST Property Redevelopment Trust Fund for reimbursement of the costs to remove an underground storage tank (UST) at New Century AirCenter.
  

CONSENT AGENDA Approved by a vote of 7-0, with removal of one item at Ashcraft’s request.

• The Third District Commissioner’s nominees to the Consolidated Zoning Board:  Scott Balentine, Kenneth Klingensmith, and Fred Wingert.
• The Chair’s nominee to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition:  Dana Williams.
• The Second District Commissioner’s nominee to the Tenth Judicial District Judicial Nominating Committee:  Dennis Monahan.
• The Appointment of Johnson County Defense Bar Association Designees to the Johnson County Criminal Justice Advisory Council.

ACTION AGENDA

• Approved March 5, 2026, business session mins.  03-05-2026 Draft Meeting Minutes.docx.pdf.  Passed by a vote of 6-0-1, with Kelly abstaining (late to the meeting).
• Approved the Fifth District Commissioner’s nominee to the Johnson County Solid Waste Management Committee:  Tom Gasper.  This item was moved to Action at the request of Ashcraft.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

• Allenbrand celebrated the growth of Ag Tourism and the K-State Flight School at the New Century Airport.
• Ashcraft recognized Fast for her leadership in the multi-year effort to research, contextualize, and ultimately preserve the name associated with the Negro Creek Project. He noted that the initiative has evolved into an educational effort, with the county and cities installing historical signage over the past three years to explain the creek’s origins.
• Fast congratulated the northeast cities, especially Councilperson Logan Heley from Overland Park, on the submission of their joint power reliability transmission grant to MARC.

April 9, 2026 - Business Meeting

PUBLIC COMMENTS lasted about ten minutes and included expressions of appreciation for the commission’s work in fostering a thriving, diverse county rather than a collection of suburbs, along with calls for a more strategic, countywide approach to addressing the needs of unhoused residents. Additional comments included concerns about what the speaker described as ongoing waste within Johnson County government.

CONSENT AGENDA, minus item three, passed on a vote of 7-0.

• Approved the March 12, 2026, business session minutes.
• Authorized a contract(s) with Security Transport Services Inc for the purchase of Prisoner Transport Services, amount not to exceed $700,000 annually for a period of one year, with the option of 4 additional one-year periods.

ACTION AGENDA

• Authorized contracts with SCRAM Systems and ShadowTrack to provide electronic monitoring equipment and related services at a cost not to exceed $550,000 annually for one year, with the option of four additional one-year term renewals.  At Ashcraft’s request, the item was moved to the Action agenda. His questions focused on the price differences between the two vendors. Staff explained that ShadowTrack’s innovation allows monitors to be detached in the field rather than cut off, enabling reuse and generating cost savings. Kelly also reminded the Board that the cost of incarceration far exceeds the cost of electronic monitoring. Passed unanimously. 
• Authorized additional funding for the Middle Basin Influent Screening, Disinfection, and Plant Effluent Water Improvements project, including a Change Order with Crossland and an Engineering Addendum with Carollo. The wet-weather screen has reached the end of its useful life and has required multiple repairs; staff had hoped it would remain operational through the current construction period. Its failure now necessitates replacement, and approving these additional funds allows the work to be completed within the scope of the existing project—avoiding the higher costs that would come with initiating a separate project later.  Passed unanimously.
• Authorized a final contract addendum of $4,425,548 with HDR Engineering for JCW’s Integrated Plan program services. By utilizing the EPA’s Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning Approach Framework to schedule and prioritize system improvements, the County qualifies for alternative funding that will save an estimated $133 million and help mitigate the costs and public health risks associated with an overwhelmed wastewater system. JCW Program Oversight Committee: Ashcraft complimented staff on the use of a local engineering firm and the cost-benefit analysis.  Passed unanimously.
• Authorized a two-year contract renewal with Transdev and WHC Worldwide for transit services, at a cost not to exceed $45,520,007, covering January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028. Staff noted their confidence in the vendors based on the most recent extension and affirmed that the providers can meet the expectations outlined in the Transit Strategic Plan. Brewer emphasized that the contract ensures the capacity to deliver the service levels envisioned in the strategic plan, and that actual costs will scale according to the County’s decisions rather than the contract maximum. Passed 5–1–1, with Ashcraft voting no and Kelly recusing himself.
• Authorized a contract with Master’s Transportation to purchase three wheelchair-accessible, 45-foot clean-diesel transit buses, including all required ancillary equipment. The total cost of $1,311,949 will be funded with $1,107,839 from federal and state grants and a $204,110 county match from Transit operating funds, procured through The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS). This purchase aligns with Johnson County Transit’s ongoing capital replacement schedule and supports compliance with Federal Transit Administration vehicle-ratio requirements. The new buses will replace units that have exceeded their “useful life,” defined by the FTA as twelve years or 500,000 miles. Currently, 34 of the system’s 63 buses are beyond that service-life threshold. Passed 7-0.
• Authorized an Interlocal Agreement with the Kansas City Area Transit Authority for the purchase of a regional fare-collection system and related equipment for Johnson County Transit, at a cost not to exceed $208,000. The system will create a unified fare platform across Kansas City, Wyandotte County, and Johnson County, supporting a transition toward cashless payment on fixed-route services through credit/debit cards, fare cards, or the mobile app. Staff noted that options for riders who rely on cash and for unbanked individuals are being developed, with additional routes to be added in Phase 2.  A public commenter questioned cost-sharing and expressed opposition to regional coordination. Staff clarified that all three agencies participated in a competitive procurement led by ATA and are paying the same GenFare pricing. Johnson County Transit staff, including Josh Powers, were directly involved in the bid process. Passed 7–0.

MANAGER’S REPORT

• The Johnson County Library and Johnson County Parks & Recreation will launch a pilot program offering free museum passes to library patrons. JCPRD approved providing five individual passes per week to each of the 14 library branches—70 passes weekly, or up to 3,640 admissions annually. Distribution may be adjusted during the pilot based on demand, branch operations, or temporary closures.  Paper passes will be available at designated spots in each branch and redeemed at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, with usage tracked through the museum’s point-of-sale system. The initiative supports the Museum’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan by reducing financial barriers and strengthening partnerships. It will launch next month alongside World Cup community engagement efforts and continue into 2027, when admission fees are scheduled to increase.  The pilot is intentionally modest, carries no new costs, and will be evaluated for demand, impact, and potential sponsorship to support long-term sustainability.
• The City of Shawnee will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to consider establishing a redevelopment district that would include the design, development, and construction of mixed-use improvements across seven project areas. The proposed district is located near I-435 and Midland Drive, with boundaries generally extending to Ogg Road on the west, West 79th Street on the south, Mauer Road on the east, and West 77th Street on the north.  Ashcraft and Brewer objected that the County did not receive this information before the scheduling of the public hearing, noting that the lack of timely detail prevents the Board from assessing potential county-level impacts in real time.
• The 2026 Johnson County Resident Survey, conducted by the JOCO-based ETC Institute, measures satisfaction with county services and helps leaders set priorities and track performance over time. Surveys were distributed by mail, phone, and online, with outreach via text, email, and postcards. The sample was designed to randomly select 1,000 households per commission district; 1,256 surveys were completed, with at least 200 responses from each district, providing a margin of error of ±3% at the 95% confidence level. Responses were geocoded without identifying addresses.  Ratings for Johnson County as a place to live, work, and raise children remain among the highest nationally. Residents identified health and human services, emergency services, and public safety as the county’s most critical roles. Overall satisfaction improved from 2025, with the largest gains in perceptions of the Sheriff’s Office and value received for tax dollars.  For details on methodology and rankings, see  PowerPoint Presentation  2026 Community Survey.pdf.pdf  Microsoft PowerPoint - JoCo 2024 DF GIS Maps by Commission District Final  Ashcraft asked for regional comparisons and value for tax dollars, which ETC will make available.
  

---

https://www.jocolibrary.org/library-board/meeting-summaries-archive/

All board members were present, as was Johnson County Commissioner Julie Brewer.

Board President Jeffrey Mendoza, is stepping down after leading the Board for the past 4 years.  He spoke highly of the library system and of staff and board members.  He is particularly proud of promoting the reduction of fines and financial printing barriers for patrons. 

The Development Department reported that 46% of the library’s volunteer corps is made up of teens.  Approximately 100 volunteers are expected to attend a luncheon celebrating National Volunteer Week.

Commissioner Brewer shared results of a community survey:  

• 94% of patrons rate Johnson County as excellent for living and raising families, as compared with 57% nationally.
• 87% rate Johnson County as a great place to work, as compared with 47% nationally.
• 66% rate Johnson County as a good place to retire, as compared with 47% nationally.  
• Improvements were noted in county services and in the sheriff’s office from 2025 to 2026.  The county’s lowest ranking was in transit provisions. 
  

Finance Report:  Costs of replacement for all materials and technology have increased significantly due to tariffs and to the increased components required for AI.  The county currently has a hiring pause.  The library has eliminated a few positions.  

Construction updates:  DeSoto is complete and will open April 23.  Spring Hill is nearing completion and will open June 3.  

Librarian updates:  The library’s teen magazine, ‘Elementia,’ sponsored a teen poetry contest.  Two teens had their poems chosen for permanent installation at the Spring Hill library.  One poet, Brooke Zerbs, read her poem, a love letter from a doomed WWII pilot to his wife, to the audience.  Brooke also paid tribute to her elementary teacher, who had inspired her to become a writer and to enter the contest.  

Corinth update:  Although there have been discussions with the city of Prairie Village about a potential site on the civic campus, no decision has yet been announced.  
The library budget for 2027 was discussed, and a motion to accept it carried.  

Dr. Amanda Viga Navek will become a new board member, replacing Jeffrey Mendoza.  

---

https://www.smsd.org/about/board-of-education 

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by students from Briarwood Elementary School.

Board Financial Report:

Declining enrollment has caused a $4 million loss in revenue.  This money was going to be spent mostly on special education, specifically hiring elementary school guidance counselors.  They had hoped to add 79 FTE but that will not happen. Part of the problem is that the state has not met its obligation to fund mental health for 10 years.  The districts have been trying to fund the shortfall with higher property taxes, but they have pretty much maxed out that option.

Legislative Update:

The Kansas legislature is considering the following items:

• Looking for more ways to cut taxes, especially property taxes since property has become so expensive.
• Has adopted the new Center for Disease Control schedule for vaccines which has taken 7 vaccines off the schedule.
• Banning student walkouts.
• Requiring that schools teach courses on socialism, communism, and fascism.
• A voucher program that would fund non-accredited schools, including home schools.  They are looking for an alternative accrediting body.
• Requiring that any information a school board puts out on a bond referendum be impartial.  They have not defined “impartial” nor have they decided who will decide if it is impartial.

Bond Action Team Update:

The 2021 bond money was used to build 5 new elementary schools and renovate the playgrounds at many schools to make them more useful for children with special needs.  In the middle schools they have used the money to create meeting spaces outside of the classrooms.  In the high schools, the money went to improving weight rooms.  The Early Childhood Education Center was also rebuilt.

The bond money to be collected 2026 – 2029 will be used for ongoing maintenance, rebuilding 4 elementary schools and upgrading their playgrounds. In the high schools, the money will go to upgrading sports facilities, performing arts and career pathways spaces.  Many of the high school turf fields need to be replaced.

Demographics:

The county is aging, the older parts of the county are becoming more expensive, and there is little development of multifamily units.  Also, people all over the country are having fewer children.  All of these factors are driving down enrollment.

---

Mayor Skoog opened the meeting with one Council Person absent. After the Open Public Comment Period, Council President Melissa Cheatham reported on the City's numerous preparations for this summer's World Cup. The transportation plan includes a free airport express shuttle that will be offered between KCI and Overland Park.  The Johnson County United Link Circulator will offer public transit connecting seven cities in the County.  The link will include six Overland Park stops, and offer two sites for visitors and residents to take a bus from Overland Park to the Fan Fest event and to the stadium.

https://www.jocogov.org/newsroom/johnson-county-and-city-partners-offer-johnson-county-united-link-transit-circulator-route-connect-seven-cities-during-fifa-world-cup-26tm

Council President Cheatham also encourages residents to offer the City feedback concerning  the Overland Park Safe Streets Plan and the United Development Ordinance.

Online surveys are available:

Safe Streets Plan:
https://www.opkansas.org/city-services/traffic-roads-transportation/safe-streets-plan/

Unified Development Ordinance:
https://www.opkansas.org/city-services/planning-development/long-range-planning/udo-update/

To listen to the meeting discussion or view the video of the meeting, visit the City Website at opkansas.civicweb.net

---

Mayor Skoog opened the meeting with all Council Members present.

Among other business during the two hour meeting, the City Council approved Resolution No. 5094, concerning the City’s Community Development Block Grant FFY 2026 Annual Action Plan and its submission to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  More information on the CDBG annual allocation program: program: https://www.opkansas.gov/182/CDBG-Program

Mayor Skoog noted that Overland Park was again named a Top 10 city by " Livability." Livability's "100 Best Places to Live" list is based on numerous factors, including local economies, educational opportunities, greenspaces, healthcare, and transportation. Overland Park ranked No. 8 on this year's list, including No. 4 for economy and No. 2 for education.  See the entire list:

https://livability.com/best-places/top-100-best-places-to-live-in-the-us/

The Council approved with a vote of 11-1, a city staff amendment regarding a new Chapter 18.375 of the Unified Development Ordinance. (UDO) This relates to the new Portfolio Homes Development Pilot Program in Overland Park. 

To read more about the Portfolio Homes Project:

https://www.opkansas.gov/356/Portfolio-Homes

To learn more of the details of the approved amendment:

https://opkansas.civicweb.net/document/393462/PLM2026-00002-drh-cc.pdf?handle=E04235C8114E4541A8F7D00795E3A1B4

The agenda, minutes and a video of the meeting can be found here:

https://opkansas.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=9686

---

City Council Meeting Streaming | City of Prairie Village

The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. All members were present at roll call. A proclamation was read to recognize the Seven Days organization. 

In addition, the Tree Board announced it will plant a tree in a city park in memory of former PV resident Sarah Milgram, an employee of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., who was murdered in an anti-semitic attack in 2025. 

Public comments lasted 10 minutes.

Other city business was conducted, and the Council adjourned at 7:30 p.m.