Eileen M. | Published on 10/15/2026
Reports included below:
Johnson County Board of County Commissioners
Johnson County Mental Health Center Advisory Board
Blue Valley School Board
Olathe School Board
Overland Park City Council
Prairie Village City Council
JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
September 24 through October 9, 2026
Observers: Rebecca J. and Amanda S.
https://www.jocogov.org/department/board-county-commissioners/board-county-commissioner-meetings
Business meeting September 24
PUBLIC COMMENTS: No public commenters were present (one was registered).
NOTES FOR THE RECORD, signed by the Chair, include:
- The submission of the 2026 annual review report for the Johnson County Solid Waste Management Plan.
- An agreement with the City of Leawood for the Public Improvement of Roe Avenue from 135th Street to 143rd Street.
- An amendment to the police services contract with the City of DeSoto allowing for full cost recovery for overtime reimbursement.
- Amendments to the five Habitat for Humanity Kansas City HOME funding contracts for the Pathway at Heritage Park project to remove the Kansas City Community Land Trust and add the Legacy Community Land Trust.
BUSINESS SESSION
CONSENT AGENDA passed by a vote of 7-0 with two items moved to the Action Agenda.
- Approved the August 27, 2026, business session minutes.
- Adopted a resolution dedicating certain land for public road purposes at New Century AirCenter.
- Approved an agreement with KDOT and the City of Gardner for the Moonlight Road bridge replacement over I-35 in Johnson County.
ACTION AGENDA
- Moved to Action at Hanzlick's request: Approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Johnson County and KCATA for the County’s participation in the regional Reduced Fare Program administered by United Way of Greater Kansas City. Staff clarified that United Way does not fund the program but serves as its administrator. Managing the program in‑house would cost roughly $60,000 annually in salary and benefits, compared to a capped $30,000 annual cost—25% of regional program expenses—under the United Way/KCATA model. Eligible riders include individuals served by nonprofit organizations. Riders must download the RideKC Go app. Approved 7–0.
- Moved to Action at Ashcraft’s request: Authorized a change order to contract with Renaissance Infrastructure Consulting, Inc., for Survey and Design Services for Mission Road reconstruction from Orchard Lane to 179th Terrace, in the amount of $150,304, increasing the contract’s total not-to-exceed amount from $474,696 to $625,000. Ashcraft and Brewer asked for clarification that this coordinated with the Parks & Rec contract for trail access. Approved by a vote 7-0.
- Authorized contract(s) with Vance Brothers, LLC for the purchase of CRS-2P Chip and Seal Oil, in the amount not to exceed $484,500 for a one (1) year term with the option to renew for four (4) additional one (1) year periods. Chip seal prices—which fluctuate with oil markets rather than being fixed—have risen from $3.12 to $3.23 per gallon. Work is done in-house with product purchased directly from Vance Brothers. Approved by a vote of 7-0.
- Amended the FY 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to include the Transit Vehicle Replacement Funding project, and authorized one-time reallocation & expenditure of General Fund balance FY 2026, in an amount not to exceed $600,000 to transfer to Transit Vehicle Replacement Funding capital project. Seven vehicles are now beyond their service life, with additional units approaching end‑of‑life. Commissioner concerns included the diminishing footprint of the JOCO Transit map, lowering the reserve fund by this amount, and support for giving the staff tools to apply for matching grants. Brewer’s suggested amended motion to lower the amount to $400,000.00, as opposed to $600,000.00, was voted down by a vote of 6-1, with Brewer voting yes. The original amendment passed by a vote of 5-2, with Ashcraft & Brewer voting no.
- Approved Early Start for FY 2027 Request for Additional Resources approved by a vote of 7-0.
- Consider authorizing a Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 start date for the FY 2027 approved Sheriff Vehicle Equipment Purchases and 3.5 FTE Transportation Support Specialists; and authorizing the reallocation and expenditure of reserves for FY 2026 for $500,000 from the General Fund and $415,000 from the Developmental Supports Fund. Police package vehicles are custom-built, and a limited number are produced each year nationwide, so the timing of the order is critical to the likelihood of receiving vehicles. Funds for 2027 vehicles must be available before the start of the 2027 budget year to place an order early and ensure timely fulfillment. A total of $ 1,054,000 is included for the replacement of vehicles in the Adopted FY 2027 Sheriff’s operating budget. This request authorizes the early expenditure of $500,000 of those funds.
- Developmental Supports Fund SWIFT Transportation 3.5 FTE $415,000: Johnson County Transit currently provides transportation services for eligible individuals. Beginning January 1, 2027, Johnson County Developmental Supports (JCDS) will assume responsibility for transportation services for those JCDS serves. To ensure a smooth transition from Transit’s contracted services to JCDS-operated services, JCDS must hire and train staff and acquire vehicles before January 1. JCDS has budgeted funding for 2027 expenditures; however, it will need to cover 2026 expenditures using reserve funds. The Adopted FY 2027 Developmental Supports operating budget includes a total of $634,100 for the transfer of the SWIFT program. This request authorizes the early expenditure of $415,000 of those funds, including $77,000 in personnel expenses and $338,000 to purchase vehicles.
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Management Reports
- Johnson County Community Development Disability Organization (CDDO) Resource Fair, scheduled for Thursday, October 1, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center. This event connects individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families directly with over 60 local service providers and public resources, including multiple Johnson County Developmental Supports (JCDS) initiatives. In addition to browsing participating organizations, attendees can engage directly with the CDDO team for assistance with initiating and navigating intake paperwork.
- September 2026 Edition County Economic Research Institute (CERI) Indicators – The unemployment rate for July 2026 is 3.8%, compared to 3.8% in July 2025, for a year-over-year change of 0.0%. The average unemployment rate for July over the previous 5 years is 3.4%. The number of single-family homes sold in July 2026 was 1,025, compared to 977 in July 2025, a 4.9% increase. Year to date, the number of single-family homes sold in 2026 was 5,784 compared to 5,310 in 2025, an 8.9% increase. Total retail sales for Johnson County were $10.59 billion year-to-date, as of June 2026, compared to $10.15 billion through the same period, year-to-date, June 2025, a 4.3% increase (includes the period of the World Cup).
- Johnson County Wastewater General Manager Susan Pekarek will be ending her pioneering 25-year career at JCW (10 years as GM) with her retirement on Oct. 1. The celebration of her groundbreaking contribution to the clean water industry and the Johnson County community will take place on Sept. 30, 2026.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS included reports on JCDS activities, A Seat at the Table (DEI Coalition initiative), the UCS Human Services Summit, the Legislative Dinner, and praise for retiring Susan Pekarek.
October 1, 2026 Administrative meeting
PROCLAMATION
- National Arts and Humanities Month Proclamation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS lasted two minutes; a resident raised concerns about confusion surrounding the City of Gardner-owned Gardner Lake and the JOCO-owned properties surrounding it.
NOTES FOR THE RECORD - none
BUSINESS SESSION
CONSENT AGENDA approved by a vote of 7-0, with one item moved to Action by Ashcraft
- Approved the September 3, 2026, business session minutes.
- Approved the appointment of the First District Commissioner’s nominee, Kim Wilburn, to the Johnson County Housing and Community Development Advisory Council.
- Approved the appointment of the Sixth District Commissioner’s nominee, Rosemary Male, to the Johnson County Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Approved the correction of a clerical error regarding the term of Sarah Sanders on the Consolidated Fire District No. 2 Governing Board.
ACTION AGENDA APPROVED BY A VOTE OF 7-0.
- Moved to action at the request of Ashcraft: Approved the appointment of the Fifth District Commissioner’s nominee, Abby King, to the Johnson County Mental Health Advisory Board. Moved to Action so that Ashcraft could praise the outgoing Board member.
October 9 Business meeting
NOTES FOR THE RECORD signed by the Chair:
- A resolution enlarging the privately financed sewer district and providing for the assessment of all applicable fees, charges, and levies of the Consolidated Main Sewer District in the vicinity of 7030 Mill Creek Road.
CONSENT AGENDA, with exception of one item moved to Action, approved by a vote of 7 - 0
- Approved the September 10, 2026, business session minutes.
- Entered into agreements to reimburse the City of Lenexa for the Seven Hills Watershed Improvements in an amount not to exceed $157,773.00, and the Brighton Storm Drainage Improvements in an amount not to exceed $17,176.50; and allocated funds in the amount of $174,949.50, previously designated for the CMSD City Project Relocations fund, to reimburse Lenexa for the two projects.
- Approved one new FTE for a Waiver Specialist and one new FTE for an Affiliate Support Specialist within the JCDS Community Developmental Disabilities Organization utilizing increased funding from the annual Kansas Department on Aging and Disability Services contract and authorized the reallocation and expenditure of Developmental Supports Fund balance (reserves) for FY 2027 of $370,000.
- Approved and submitted the Johnson County Department of Corrections’ SFY2026 year-end outcome report to the Kansas Department of Corrections as recommended by the Community Corrections Advisory Board on August 4, 2026.
- Approved and submitted the Johnson County Department of Corrections’ SFY2026 Year-End Juvenile Outcome Report to the Kansas Department of Corrections as recommended by the Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board on September 8, 2026.
- Approved a request from Doug Claussen of DCB Development, LLC, applicant and landowner, for a preliminary and final plat for a four-lot residential subdivision to be known as Estates at DC Ranch on property zoned RUR, Rural, District, and located a quarter mile south and west of the intersection of 127th Street and Moonlight Road.
- Approved a request from Jon Lister, applicant and landowner, for an ADUP (Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit) and an ABUP (Accessory Building Use Permit), on 5.7 acres, on property zoned RN1, Residential Neighborhood 1 District, located at 21110 Mission Road.
ACTION AGENDA
- MOVED TO ACTION PER REQUEST ASHCRAFT for questions on why this substantial increase for this standard procedure has occurred. Staff explained that this increase is due to fuel surcharges from diesel fuel prices and decreased storage at the Nelson plant, which increased sludge transport to the landfill during construction. The County is limited to 19000 tons per year to the landfill. Authorized a contract increase with Waste Management, Inc. for the removal and disposal of sludge, grit, screenings, and refuse from Johnson County Wastewater Facilities from the annual amount of $2,000,000 to an amount not to exceed $2,750,000 for the remaining contract term. Approved by a vote of 7-0.
- Conducted a public hearing and authorized Johnson County Wastewater to utilize the Construction Management at Risk collaborative delivery process for the Douglas L. Smith Middle Basin Wastewater Treatment Facility Digester and Solids Improvements Project (IMB1-Contract 40). Approved by a vote of 7-0.
- Conducted a public hearing and authorized Johnson County Wastewater to utilize the Progressive Design Build collaborative delivery process for the Brush Creek Pump Station Improvements Project (MTM1-Contract 80). Assets are at the end of their useful life and will not meet current compliance. Approved by a vote of 7-0.
- Authorized a contract with McAllister & Quinn for Federal Representation, at a cost not-to-exceed $150,000.00 annually, for a period of one (1) year with the option to renew for an additional four (4) one (1) year periods. Since November 2022, through federal representation, the County has secured more than $20 million in congressionally directed spending across five (5) projects – Air Traffic Control Tower, US-69 Highway sewer relocation, emergency operations center upgrade, and building security modernization improvements - in FY 2024 and FY 2026. County leadership has conducted eight (8) in-person visits with the federal delegation and federal agencies, including meetings with top officials in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Department of Transportation. The County's current federal representative also assisted in coordinating with partners to secure federal World Cup appropriations for safety, security, and transportation, totaling over $65 million. Approved by a vote of 6-1, with Ashcraft voting no.
- Conducted a public hearing and approved the proposed 2027 Public Housing Authority (PHA) Annual Plan for submission to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As of July 31, 2026, JCHA serves 2,376 people in 1,282 households. Of these 1,282 households: • 64% have income from Social Security (elderly and disabled); • 31% have wage or earned income; and • 11% have no income. The average gross income of program households is $18,427, which is extremely low. Eighteen percent (18%) of the clients served through JCHA have remained on the program for 2-5 years, 22% for 5 to 10 years, and 39% have been on the program for more than 10 years. Most of those on the program for ten years plus are the elderly and the disabled. One public commenter supported the measure. Approved by a vote of 7-0.
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
MANAGER’S MEMO
- The Johnson County Motor Vehicle Offices in Olathe and Mission will be closed to the public on Monday, October 12, 2026, to allow employees to participate in division-focused training and strategic planning activities. To minimize the impact on customers, the closure is scheduled for a state holiday when local transaction volumes are lower.
- Kansas Community Supports Waiver: Within Johnson County, this newly launched Waiver offers critical opportunities for residents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities who do not require around-the-clock care to live more independently and stay connected to their communities. Effective October 1, the program addresses local service gaps by providing flexible, individualized supports, such as personal care, occupational therapy, employment planning, respite, and assistive technology—up to an annual cap of $20,000 per participant. Local applicants must be Kansas residents, financially eligible for Medicaid, at least five years old, and have an intellectual disability diagnosed before age 18 or a developmental disability diagnosed before age 22. To learn more: contact CDDO@jocogov.org or kdads.ks.org
- Staff will provide updates on the Board’s 2025-2027 Focus Areas during October. Strategic Communications and World Cup 2026 PowerPoint provided today. Reports on Housing, Health, and Safety, and Fiscal Health will be provided at the October 27 meeting.
JOHNSON COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER ADVISORY BOARD
September 28, 2026, in-person at the Mental Health Office in Mission, KS.
Observer: Harry B.
Meeting was called to order at 5:32 PM by Erin George, chair of the Advisory Board. There was no Livestream or video recording at this meeting. Four board members were absent. Public comment was on the agenda; none given.
County Commissioner Becky Fast reported that the new Budget for the County was approved. Funding for opening a mental health clinic in Gardner, KS was passed as part of this budget.
The meeting centered on the Johnson County Chronic Care Clinic, which is an integrated approach to addressing health conditions in Community Mental Health.
- Many people with mental health issues tend to avoid a primary care physician and go to emergency rooms instead. JCMHC decided that we needed to provide clinics where people could go and use while receiving mental care.
- Serious mental illness impacts physical health outcomes: cardiovascular disease, lung disease (particularly from smoking), diabetes, etc.
- Medical facilities want to have 3rd party insurance, and they want to completely avoid Medicaid.
- 60% of the adults we serve have no insurance, not even Medicaid.
- There is a lab at our clinic, which is not a full-service lab nor can it run all tests, but it can do basic tests and that is important. We have actually saved people’s lives by detecting they needed immediate emergency care.
- We champion the Chronic Care Integration Model:
- Embedding Family Nurse Practitioners and/or Family Medicine Physicians directly into the patient’s care.
- Promoting Whole-Person care.
- Enhancing Care Coordination under one comprehensive care plan.
- We started this in May 2024 but saw few patients in the first year. We changed things to improve and had 562 patients as of May 2026 (a 10 times increase).
Tim DeWeese, MHC Director, reiterated that the County Budget passed and that helped the Mental Health Center a lot.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:48 PM. Next meeting will be November 16, 2026. To learn more, click
here.
BLUE VALLEY SCHOOL BOARD
October 12, 2026
Observer: Ann S. ,viewed via Livestream
Following Employee recognition announcements, the meeting was called to order at 5:50 p.m. All Board members were present. Open Forum concerns included: District funding issues, equal access to students at school by parents who share child custody, making employee contracts available to the public before Board approval and a new request for the upcoming bond issue.
The Academics/Athletics, Community/Communications and Finance/Operations Board Committees discussed sustainable funding, screen time guidelines, appropriate technology tools, AI professional learning, E-bike regulations and SPED programming at their recent meetings.
The Superintendent’s report included District recognitions:
- A Niche ranking of Blue Valley as the #1 School District in Kansas
- Kansas Teacher of the Year and Master Teacher designees
The Legislative Positions document draft was presented emphasizing the need for a fair and equitable funding formula, funding Special Ed as statutorily required, supporting safety and well-being in schools, increasing KPERS compensation by the State and recruiting/ retention of high quality staff. The final draft will be presented at the November Board meeting for approval.
The Strategic Plan Quarterly Report and the results of the 2023 bond issue were given and information presented on the upcoming March bond issue.The bond will have a career/tech and facility care emphasis with no new buildings planned. Voting is scheduled for March 2nd with the calendar of events pending Board approval.
Action items approved include:
- Using the Construction Manager At Risk Delivery Method (following public hearing)
- The 2026-27 Professional Employee Negotiations Agreement and Classified Compensation Package
- Agreements with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Delta Dental, and Standard and E8 Insurance for employee medical coverage for the 2026-27 year
- 3-year renewal of Logicalis security software
The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m. To learn more, click
here.
OLATHE SCHOOL BOARD
October 1, 2026 Olathe Public Schools Board Meeting
Observer: Eva Mohr
The meeting began at 5:45 pm with all board members present as well as Superintendent Dr. Brent Yeager.
Members of the administration team of Olathe Public Schools (OPS) presented to the board information that led to the issue that would be voted on later that night. This was a vote on whether to close 5 elementary schools and 1 middle school, which would take effect the following school year. Plans for next steps, should the schools be closed, were also described in the presentation, which lasted approximately 1.5 hours.
After the presentation, the room was opened for public comments. 8 members of the community made comments, many of them reiterating themes that were spoken at the Sept. 22nd Meeting for Public Comments.
The board then voted on their consent items; bids, contracts, and agreements; and other miscellaneous items. All passed unanimously.
Before voting on their final and most impactful resolution, Resolution 8.04 on closing schools, one member of the board gave remarks on the impact of the decision they were about to make. The board then voted unanimously to close the 6 schools recommended for closure. After the vote, several members of the board made further remarks on the decision that was made.
The board moved on to their future action items and noted a change in the next board meeting date. The November board meeting will now be held on the 12th instead of the usual first Thursday of the month. Dr. Yeager then gave final comments on the vote and other points of discussion from the board. Finally, the board went into their closed executive session, ending the public portion of the meeting a few minutes before 9pm.
To view the video recording of the meeting:
https://www.youtube.com/c/OlathePublicSchools233
OVERLAND PARK CITY COUNCIL
September 28, 2026
Observer: Jane M.
Mayor Skoog brought the meeting to order with all Council Members present.
During the Public Hearing portion of the meeting, the Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. RD-3533 - "Approving and Adopting a Redevelopment Project Plan for a Project within the Metcalf 8036 Redevelopment District." For more details on the 8036 Metcalf TIF Plan (which includes apartments, retail space, and structured parking) see:
https://opkansas.civicweb.net/document/398418/PLM2026-00051-bcm.pdf?handle=A03A48836C7F45A9868A81FC560B2C53
The Council also unanimously approved Ordinance No. RD-3536 - "Approving and Adopting a Redevelopment Project Plan for a Project within the Overland Park Plaza II TIF Redevelopment District." The project area is approximately 13 acres near 115th and Lamar. For more details on the project which includes the new Black and Veatch World Headquarters see:
https://www.bv.com/en-US/news/overland-park-city-council-unanimously-approves-new-black-and-veatch-world-headquarters-and-surrounding-development
The Council also voted to adopt "Playbook OP" which is the new long-range plan for the City's Parks and Recreation Department. Nine members voted to Approve, three voted to Deny. For more information on the Plan:
https://www.opkansas.gov/playbook-op
To view the complete agenda, minutes, and a video of the meeting:
https://opkansas.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=9697
OVERLAND PARK CITY COUNCIL
October 5, 2026
Observer: Jane M.
Mayor Skoog brought the meeting to order with all Council Members present. One Overland Park resident spoke during the Open Public Comment Period. Residents wishing to speak must register by 3pm before the Council meeting. Each speaker is allotted 3 minutes. To register:
https://opkansas.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx
Council President Cheatham stated that last week the Council voted to adopt PlaybookOP, the City's new Parks and Recreation Plan, and reported that the Committee of the Whole, meeting previously during the evening, discussed ways to address the additional $248 million needed to meet PlaybookOP goals. One potential funding source discussed was a dedicated Parks and Recreation sales tax. Since any new sales tax must be approved by voters, the Committee of the Whole decided to ask voters to approve a 1/4 cent sales tax. If approved, this new revenue source will allow the City to improve and maintain existing assets and begin investing in new facilities according to the PlaybookOP goals.
To view the Committee of the Whole meeting:
https://opkansas.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=9947
To view the meeting of the Mayor and Council:
https://opkansas.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=9698
To view PlaybookOP:
https://www.opkansas.gov/playbook-op
PRAIRIE VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL
September 21, 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 Ms. Selders.
Approved changes to the conversion therapy ban ordinance that are meant to bring it into line with a recent US Supreme Court decision.
Meeting as the Committee of the Whole, council approved a memorandum of understanding with the JOCO Library Board to move ahead with exploring whether a new library can fit on the PV civic campus, specifically on a tract located on Mission Road. This does not commit either side to anything other than exploration at this time. IF the site is deemed acceptable, then negotiations could begin in earnest. A decision of the Committee of the Whole brings the discussion back to the Council at a future meeting for another chance to vote. Mr. Logan recused himself from the discussion and the vote on the basis that his firm represents the JOCO Library.
Other city business was conducted, and the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
PRAIRIE VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL
October 5, 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. Public comments lasted about 15 minutes.
Mr. Logan recused himself, and the council voted to approve the MOU with the library.
Meeting as the Committee of the Whole, council took up two issues:
Item 1 – e-bikes and scooters – current ordinance proposed to be updated to be closer to the model ordinance put forward by the Mid-America Research Council (MARC) – voted to move to Council at future meeting.
Item 2 – “Halo” law has been enacted by the state. (This criminalizes approaching a law enforcement officer closer than 25 feet while he/she is performing official duties, under certain circumstances.) Per the city attorney, if the city wants to exercise some discretion over the prosecution and adjudication of offenses, they need to adopt the state law into city ordinances. Otherwise, prosecution and adjudication go to the state automatically. Lengthy discussion of hypotheticals, possible consequences to residents and the city, constitutionality, etc. Motion to move discussion to a future CCOW meeting for further discussion and action by council passed 8 to 4.
Other city business was conducted, and the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
For access to minutes and archives, click
here.