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Observer Corps Report

Eileen M. | Published on 9/17/2026
Reports included below:
Johnson County Board of County Commissioners
Water One Board
Blue Valley School Board
Shawnee Mission School Board
Overland Park City Council
Prairie Village City Council

JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
August 20 through September 10, 2026
Observer: Rebecca J.

https://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/onbaseagendaonline

Admin meeting Aug 20, 2026

AWARDS
  • Members of Project SEARCH in attendance were recognized. Johnson County Project SEARCH is an education and employment program serving adults age 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are seeking community-based employment.
  • Johnson County Wastewater Awards were given out by JCW management.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
  • Lasted about three minutes and consisted of complaints about how DeSoto handled a recent TIF submission, and the response of the BOCC and JC staff.
NOTES FOR THE RECORD:  The Chair signed the following:
  • An administrative resolution enlarging privately financed sewer districts and providing for the assessments of all applicable fees, charges, and levies of the Consolidated Main Sewer Districts in the vicinity of 83rd Street and Mize Road and 43rd Street and Clare Road respectively.
  • Attachment C, Certificate of Non-Federal Match Form for the Department of Health and Environment for the quarter October through December 2026, for Outreach, Prevention and Early Intervention Services.
  • An agreement with the City of Merriam for a Stormwater System Renewal Project.
CONSENT AGENDA approved by a vote of 7-0.
  • Approved the July 30, 2026, business session minutes.
  • Approved a resolution reappointing the Fourth District Commissioner’s nominee, Carol Lehman, to the Johnson County Airport Commission Governing Board.
  • Approved a resolution appointing the Chair’s nominees, Will Tschudy and Brandon Kenig, as bipartisan observers for destruction of ballots pursuant to K.S.A. 25-2708.
  • Approved a resolution appointing the Chair’s nominee, Nathan Dreher, to the Consolidated Zoning Board.
  • Approved a resolution reappointing the Chair’s nominee, Lee Jost, to the Johnson County Housing and Community Development Advisory Council.
  • Approved a resolution reappointing the Chair’s nominee, Judge Robert Wonnell; the First District Commissioner’s nominee, Nikki McDonald; and the Second District Commissioner’s nominee, Nancy Ingram, to the Johnson County Mental Health Advisory Board.
  • Approved a resolution reappointing the Second District Commissioner’s nominee, Bonnie Limbird, to the Johnson County Public Art Commission.
Aug 11. 2026 business meeting

NOTES FOR THE RECORD signed by the Chair:
  • A resolution enlarging the privately financed sewer district and providing for the assessments of all applicable fees, charges, and levies of the Consolidated Main Sewer District in the vicinity of 12610 W 75th Street.
CONSENT AGENDA approved by a vote of 7-0.
  • A resolution approving the City of Gardner Site Plan for Ryan’s Muffler and Auto Building Addition, 260 N Moonlight Rd, Gardner, Kansas, and located within one mile of the New Century Air Center.
ACTION AGENDA
  • Approved the August 6, 2026, business session minutes by a vote of 7-0.
  • Conducted a public hearing and authorized funds for the construction phase of the Tomahawk Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility Process Improvements Project (THM1-Contract 31), in an amount not to exceed $9,914,125, by a vote of 7-0.
  • Authorized a contract with Crossland Heavy Contractors, Inc. to construct the Tomahawk Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility Process Improvements Project (THM1-Contract 31), in the amount of $7,963,139, by a vote of 7-0.
  • Authorized a contract with Icon Structures, Inc. for the Sheriff (SHR) 2026 Parking Structure & Site Security Project located at 27745 and 27747 159th Street, New Century, Kansas 66031, for $1,318,140, by a vote of 7-0.
  • Approved a petition signed by certain landowners requesting detachment of their lands from the boundaries of Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 1 and the transfer of such lands into the City of Olathe, Kansas, for fire protection services, by a vote of 7-0.  This involves properties annexed by the City of Olathe and ensures that properties are not double-taxed.
  • Sitting as the Governing Body of Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 1, authorized Amendment No. 1 to the Fire Protection Services Agreement between the City of Olathe, Kansas, and Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 1, by a vote of 7-0.
  • Sitting as the Governing Body of Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 1, authorized the purchase of two Pierce Velocity pumper trucks from Conrad Fire Equipment, Inc., Olathe, Kansas, at a cost not to exceed $2,427,270 per the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) contract #11595, by a vote. 
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
  • Management Reports
    • Manager's Memo
    • Leveraging Assets for New Development (LAND) Policy Update – Following direction from the Ad Hoc Housing Group and subsequent approval by the Board of County Commissioners, staff evaluated the feasibility of adding housing on County-owned or County-controlled sites and developed broad strategies to support future unit development. Of the nine vacant properties initially reviewed, three were identified as viable opportunities. These sites will be presented at the next Ad Hoc Sub-committee meeting, scheduled for Thursday, September 24 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 200 on the Lower Level of the Administration Building.

According to MARC, a Pro-Housing HUD RFP was sent out and responded to by the region but did not include JOCO.

Performance Audit - Workplace Violence Training and Awareness Resources Would Better Prepare Employees and Supervisors 

COMMISSION COMMENTS

Commissioners noted appreciation for the high level of public participation in the budget hearings and for the thoughtful, actionable ideas community members submitted. Staff reviewed each proposal and provided clear, substantive responses.  Others expressed pride in the County’s efforts to rein in costs during rising expenses—such as fire trucks increasing by roughly 25%—and highlighted ongoing misunderstandings about what the County collects versus what it has authority to control. They emphasized that cities, not the County, approve TIFs; that state statute requires individual taxpayers' current obligations to be paid before arrears; and that many residents asking for additional support were not present, often because they are afraid to attend.

Sept 3, 2026 Admin Meeting

CALL TO ORDER AND OPENING CEREMONIES
  • National Direct Support Professionals Appreciation Week was proclaimed, commending the commitment, dedication, and compassion of the professionals offering direct support to those with intellectual and physical disabilities, empowering them to live their best lives.
PUBLIC COMMENTS lasted five minutes and included opinions on the unnecessary sacrifices made by the unhoused, including the elderly and aging population, for a county that has a budget of 1.9 B, and comments regarding a pending county purchase of a Gardner property, requiring the spreading of staff between two locations, rather than providing vouchers for transportation. 

NOTES FOR THE RECORD included the following, signed by the Chair:
  • Agreements with the Cities of Spring Hill and Merriam for Stormwater System Renewal Projects.
BUSINESS SESSION
  • CONSENT AGENDA approved unanimously by a vote of 7-0.
  • Approved the August 13, 2026, business session minutes.
ACTION AGENDA
  • Approved the revised Bylaws of the Civil Service Board by a vote of 7-0 without discussion.
  • Approved and adopted the Fiscal Year 2027 budget for Northwest Consolidated Fire District by a vote of 6-1, with comments made on how improvements in station staffing and equipment can improve ISO ratings for residents, improving home and business owners’ insurance rates. See attachment.
  • Approved & adopted the Fiscal Year 2027 budget for Consolidated Fire District No. 2 by a vote of 6-1, with comments made by the Firefighters’ Union Local 1371 President and the Chair encouraging the departments to address anti-trust legislation with the state to deal with the consolidation of corporations providing fire equipment and vehicles, driving up purchase costs. See attachment.
  • Approved and adopted the Fiscal Year 2027 budget for Consolidated Fire District No. 1 by a vote of 7-0, with commissioner comments on the importance of the fire departments and the cities maintaining open communication with their cities on how city TIFs impact the county budget. See attachment.
  • Approved and adopted the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and FY 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program by a vote of 6-1, with public comments requesting that the Board not approve the budget and return to decreasing the budget, and comments regarding the amount of the 500 M in reserves, including 361 M in restricted funds, including those for public safety, mental health, District Attorney forfeiture, and 911 that are not available for reducing property tax. See attachment.

Sep 10, 2026 business meeting

OPENING CEREMONIES included remarks on tomorrow’s 25th Anniversary of 9/11 and a moment of reflection for all of those affected.

PUBLIC COMMENTS lasted three minutes and focused on concerns about the budget, the revenue- neutral rate, and the property tax rate.

A NOTE FOR THE RECORD, signed by the Chair, documented the resolution enlarging the privately financed sewer district and authorizing the assessment of all applicable fees, charges, and levies of the Consolidated Main Sewer District for the area near Johnson Drive and Alden Street

BUSINESS SESSION

CONSENT AGENDA, except three noted items moved to Action, approved by a vote of 7-0.
  • Approved the August 20, 2026, Public Hearing minutes.
  • Approved the August 20, 2026, business session minutes.
  • Approved the August 25, 2026, Public Hearing minutes.
  • Approved a resolution appointing the Second District Commissioner’s nominee, Jennifer Wampler, to the Museum Advisory Council.
  • Approved a resolution reappointing the Chair’s nominee, Donald Sullivan, to the Investment Review Group.
  • Approved a resolution appointing the First District Commissioner’s nominee, Tom Niermann, to the Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 2 Governing Board.
  • Approved an updated Interlocal Agreement between Johnson County Government and the City of Overland Park, Kansas, for the continued use, operation, and cost sharing of the emergency communications equipment room located within the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel, for a new 10-year term with automatic five-year renewals.
  • Approved a request from Selective Site Consultants, applicant, on behalf of Evergy (KC Power & Light Co.), landowner, for a conditional use permit renewal to allow the continued use of a 60-foot extension on an existing communication tower and associated equipment on property zoned RUR, Rural District, and located at 6270 W 191st Street.
  • Approved a request from Selective Site Consultants, applicant, on behalf of Evergy (KC Power & Light Co.), landowner, for a conditional use permit renewal to allow the continued use of a 60 foot extension on an existing communication tower and associated equipment on property zoned RUR, Rural District, and located at 6270 W 191st Street.
  • Approved a request from Phelps Engineering, Inc., applicant, and Gerald Smith and Scott Living Trust, landowners, for a final plat known as Reserve at Wolf Creek, for 13 residential lots, on 37.15 acres, located at 18560 and 18550 Lackman Road.
ACTION AGENDA
  • MOVED TO ACTION AT REQUEST OF ASHCRAFT to offer praise for his nominee:  Approved a resolution appointing the Chair’s nominees, Andrew Logan and Dale Hogan; and the Fifth District Commissioner’s nominee, Steven Meganck, to the Planning Commission by a vote of 7-0.
  • MOVED TO ACTION AT REQUEST OF BREWER for clarification regarding why a 96-hour fuel tank is required (colocation of Emergency Operations Center in the Admin Building):  Authorized a contract with ComXFuel, LLC for the Administration Building Underground Storage Tank Replacement Project at the Johnson County Administration Building located at 111 S. Cherry Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061, for $157,512.50 by a vote of 7-0.
  • MOVED TO ACTION AT REQUEST OF BREWER for clarification of stub street vs. cul-de-sac terms:  Approved a request from Michael V. Gentry, applicant, on behalf of Johnson County Airport, landowner, for a conditional use permit renewal to allow the continued use of an auto restoration and repair shop, known as M&M Classics, on property zoned PEC-3, Planned Light Industrial District and located at 195 Overland Park Place by a vote of 7-0.
  • Considered and approved a request by Rose Design Build, Inc., applicant, and Countryside Baptist Church, landowner, for an amendment to the existing conditional use permit to change the locations for building additions for Countryside Baptist Church, on 19.91 acres, on property zoned RUR, Rural District, located at 14150 W. 175th Street by a vote of 7-0.
  • Approved the amendment of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to include the Mental Health Gardner Facility capital project for $4,500,000; to authorize the execution of a contract for the purchase of a site located at 18320 South Center Street in Gardner, KS, the execution of a cooperation agreement between Johnson County, Kansas (County) and the Public Building Commission (PBC), and the reallocation and expenditure of General Fund reserves of $4,500,000 by a vote of 7-0.
 
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Management Reports
  • Manager's Memo
  • Rural Comprehensive Plan – 2026 Annual Review
  • Library Lets Loose 2026  Home - Johnson County Library Foundation 
  • Regional E-Mobility Model Policy Developed Through Regional Partnerships – Community partners and municipalities convened to discuss the need for consistent e-mobility policies across the region. A model policy has now been shared with all metro cities, outlining standardized device definitions, helmet requirements, speed and age limits, and enforcement guidance.  The next phase will involve forming a work group focused on public education and developing a comprehensive outreach toolkit. A coordinated webpage, in partnership with MARC, is also planned to help inform and educate the public.  A question was raised regarding HOAs that maintain trails within their jurisdictions; this issue will be addressed as part of the ongoing policy and education discussions.
  • 2026 Wastewater Deferment Reinstatements – A review of properties that have received deferments was done, with fifty-eight properties set to expire; eight will expire, and fifty will receive reinstatements.  Those properties receiving reinstatements are not currently scheduled for development.
COMMISSION COMMENTS included SPECIAL PUBLIC BUILDING COMMISSION
  • Approved the August 6, 2026, Public Building Commission Business Session Minutes.
  • Authorized a contract change order authority with Janssen Glass & Door, LLC for additional glazing replacement in the Sheriff Operations Building and NCADC Glazing Replacement Project in an amount not to exceed $284,832 and authorized the Facilities Management Director to sign change orders up to $284,832, in total, including any project change order over $150,000, thereby increasing the contract amount to $754,286 by a vote of 7-0.
  • Authorized a contract with Trumble Construction LLC d/b/a RBT Roofing for the Sunset Office Building Roof Replacement Project at the Sunset Office Building, located at 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, Kansas, 66061, for $1,221,664 by a vote of 7-0.
  • Authorized a contract with MTS Contracting, Inc. for the Sunset Office Building Exterior Repairs Project at the Sunset Office Building, located at 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, Kansas, 66061, in the amount not to exceed $271,000 by a vote of 7-0.
  • Accompanies BOCC meeting item:  Approved and adopted a resolution No. PBC 003-26 authorizing the acquisition and improvement of a Mental Health outpatient facility located within Gardner, Kansas, and the issuance of bonds for such costs; and authorizing the execution of a cooperation agreement between Johnson County, Kansas, and the Public Building Commission by a vote of 7-0.


WATER ONE BOARD
August 11, 2026 7:00 p.m. 
Observer: Karen K.

https://www.waterone.org/252/Attend-a-Board-Meeting 
  • Approval of minutes from 7/14/26.
  • Master Plan update provided by Jim Winger with Black & Veatch.  Titled the Integrated Water and Sustainability Master Plan.  The plan includes population projections, water use characteristics, demand projections and water supply & treatment facilities; it covers a 40-year horizon, with updates every 5 years.  Ample discussion exploring various scenarios, particularly as they relate to facility timelines.
  • Zebra Mussel and management strategy report - provided by Jim Winger with Black & Veatch.  Zebra mussels are invasive, once established can negatively alter water facilities.  Mr. Winger presented strategies employed to exclude these mussels from Water One operations. 
  • Finance report provided by Darin Kamradt. 
  • Discussion requested by Shaun Petig:  Future water use and potential water use restrictions - board members were asked to weigh in if water supply should drop greatly, how would they approach water restrictions and communications to Water One clients.  Voluntary or mandatory water restrictions? Broader water use education? Broader communication strategies with all Water One customers?  Budget needed to accomplish education/communication?
  • Proposal to delay the effective date for Rule XIX - discussion that several of the 18 communities in Water One area have lingering questions about how RuleXIX would impact them.  The proposal to delay the effective date would give communities and Water One the ability to work through these questions. Unanimously approved.
  • Adjourned at  9:00 p.m.


WATER ONE BOARD
Sept. 8, 2026, 7:15 p.m. 
Observer: Karen K.

 

  • Approval of minutes from Aug 11 Board Meeting; All regular agenda items were reported to have been discussed during committee and all questions answered.  These agenda items included approving budgets for directional drilling, engineering services, master plan funds and campus improvements.  Full board approved all.
  • Reports - Finance - Water use is staying close to budget, thanks to rain. 
  • Reports - Culture Champion committee, comprised of 15 members from 5 divisions.  Shared Communications,Outreach which included a food drive, Juneteenth celebration and scholarship program. The committee is also reviewing the bereavement policy and submitting an application for AWWA Diversity Award.
  • Adjourned at 7:45 p.m.


BLUE VALLEY SCHOOL BOARD
September 14, 2026
Observer: Ann S. viewed via Livestream

https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/3307 

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. All Board members were present.

BV CFO Jeremy McFadden reported that the notices to Exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate and the Legal Maximum Budget and Estimated Tax Rate for the 2026-27 were both posted in August and the former was passed by the Board in a roll call vote. A tax increase of 3.8% for BV residents is expected. 3 public comments were made relating to the increase. One question to be addressed is whether spending down the District reserves will have an effect on Blue Valley’s bond rating in the future.

The sole Board Committee report came from Finance and Operations which noted that a presentation on SPED funding fundamentals was made at their recent meeting.

Dr. Gillian Chapman’s Superintendent Report spotlighted the following District recognitions:
  • All 5 BV high schools received top rankings in the annual U.S. News and World Report’s List of Best High Schools.
  • 1041 BV high schoolers received AP Advanced Scholar Awards.
  • The District announced 41 National Merit Semi-Finalists.
The Board then approved 2 items:
  • The 2026-27 Legal Maximum Budget and Estimated Tax Rate
  • The CDW Government, Inc. contract for Microsoft licensing agreements


SHAWNEE MISSION SCHOOL BOARD
September 14, 2026
Observer: Karen W.

The Superintendent reported that Shawnee Mission School District is one of the nation’s top-ranked according to U.S. News and World Report. Shawnee Mission East of one of the ten top-ranked schools in Kansas. The SMSD has 17 students who are National Merit semifinalists.The board is continuing to work on a policy for Artificial Intelligence use in the classroom.

The district has hired a consultant to work on analyzing how the district is changing. They needto know which schools will have fewer enrollees, and which schools will have more enrollees. The birth rate is down all over the country, and they want to minimize disruption. They are trying to decide what is the lowest number of students a school can support, and what is the highest. They are thinking of 300 as the lowest or the floor but have not determined what the highest will be (the ceiling). Community input will begin September 28 and there will be four Sessions.

The district has decided to close East Antioch Elementary School and build a new school on the site of the current Santa Fe School. The students from both schools will go to the new school. There were a lot of parents from East Antioch at the meeting to protest this decision. Closing schools is very unpopular.


OVERLAND PARK CITY COUNCIL
August 17, 2026
Observer: Jane M.

Mayor Skoog opened the meeting with all Council Members present. 

Council President Melissa Cheatham reported that the Committee of the Whole met on August 10 to conduct the annual performance review for City Manager Lori Curtis Luther. Following the review, the Committee recommended that the City Council approve adjustments to the City Manager's employment agreement. The Council voted unanimously to approve the adjustments, providing a combination of cost-of-living and merit-based salary increases, along with updated performance incentives and severance terms. 

Deputy City Manager Kristy Stallings reported that the American Public Works Association evaluation team recently recommended full reaccreditation for the Overland Park Public Works Department, whose Director is Lorraine Basalo. 

The Public Works Association recognized Overland Park's snow and ice removal practices in particular, referring to them as an "industry model."

Two Resolutions included in the regular agenda under "ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS"  were approved unanimously. 

Resolution No. 5150 Provides for notice of a Public Hearing considering a Redevelopment Project Plan in a District "generally bounded by Glenwood on the west, College Boulevard on the north, Nall on the east, and 115th Street on the south"

Resolution No. 5151 Provides for notice of public hearing concerning the creation of a Community Improvement District near the intersection of Lamar Ave and College Blvd.

To view the agenda, minutes, and video of the meeting:

https://opkansas.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=9695


PRAIRIE VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL
September 8, 2026
Observer: Eileen M

The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. All members were present except Mr. O’Toole. Public comments lasted 35 minutes, mostly in regard to the budget that was on the agenda. One speaker alleged that the Council had suppressed his First Amendment right to free speech. 

The Mayor reported that a memorandum of understanding is being worked on with the Library Board with regard to locating the new Corinth branch library on what is now City property. The MOU will be brought to Council for discussion when it is ready.

A public hearing was held on the City’s intention to exceed the revenue-neutral rate for next year’s budget. One person spoke for; one against. After discussion, Council voted 9 – 2 to exceed the revenue-neutral rate, with Inga Selders and  Nick Reddell voting against. Then a public hearing on the budget was held, and the same two residents spoke. After discussion, the budget for next year was approved 9 -2, with Inga Selders and Nick Reddell voting against.

In the Committee of the Whole, the City Attorney introduced proposed changes to the city’s anti-conversion-therapy ordinance, aimed to bring it into compliance with a recent ruling by the US Supreme Court. This item was discussed and will be discussed again at a future council meeting.

Also as the Committee of the Whole, the members discussed proposed changes to the procedure of filling a Council vacancy mid-term. To summarize, the Mayor currently vets applicants and brings one name to the Council for approval. Some members want to add more participation from the public and other council members.  After discussion, the proposal failed 7 – 4.

Other city business was conducted, and the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. To learn more, click here.