The Board of County Commissioners met on Thursday, April 27 in the Hearing Room at the Johnson County Administration Building.

The Board issued a proclamation in recognition of the 15th anniversary of the CHAMPSS (Choosing Healthy Appetizing Meal Plan Solutions for Seniors) program by the Department of Aging and Human Services. The Board also proclaimed May as Older Americans Month now in its 60th year.

Below, you can find a recap of the items discussed during the meeting.

More information, including official minutes, votes, videos, information about how to make public comments and how to request accommodations is available at boccmeetings.jocogov.org. This recap is not the official record of the BOCC meeting.

Contract funding increase for gas, diesel fuel

Authorized a contract expenditure authority increase, in the amount of $1,350,000, with multiple suppliers, for delivery of bulk gasoline and diesel fuel, in the total amount not to exceed $2,850,000, for the remainder of the initial contract term ending Nov. 25, 2024 and $1,900,000 thereafter for two additional one-year optional renewals. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Definition of antisemitism

Adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Working Definition of Antisemitism as a crucial first step in addressing the rise in antisemitism, especially in Europe and the United States. Adoption of the definition sends a message that governments understand the threat, which is the first step in addressing it. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Amending regulations on accessory buildings

Amended the Johnson County Zoning and Subdivision Regulations for the purpose of regulating accessory buildings within unincorporated Johnson County. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Contract extension for elevator services

Authorized a contract extension with MEI Total Elevator Solutions for elevator maintenance services in the amount not to exceed $185,000 for a period of one year with the option to renew for three one-year periods. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Agreement on Heritage Park Lake project

Approved an agreement with Johnson County Park and Recreation District to provide 50-percent cost-share to the Wetland Improvement Project at Heritage Park Lake, in an amount not to exceed $820,488. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Amendment to add Stormwater Management project

Approved an amendment to the 2023 Stormwater Management Program Expenditures to include $4,400,000 for Tomahawk Creek, College Boulevard to Roe Avenue (Phase 1) Flood Risk Reduction Project and increasing the approved 2023 Stormwater Management Program expenditures to an amount not to exceed $21,516,000. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Appointments for planning commission/zoning boards and consolidation study

FMA receives 35th annual Certificate of Achievement from GFOA

On April 17, 2023, Financial Management and Administration was notified by the Government Finance Officers Association it has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Johnson County for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2021.

The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. This is the 35th consecutive year that FMA has received this prestigious award.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

Employees were main speakers at TLG sessions

The national Transforming Local Government conference is an annual event that brings together local government professionals from across the U.S. to share ideas, best practices and innovation in the field of public administration. The 2023 conference was held in Kansas City from April 17-20.

Employees from the county were the main speakers for two different sessions at TLG.

• Bo McCall (BFP), Jin Yao (DTI) and Steve Yoder (DTI) led a panel titled “People and Culture Drive Innovation”. The panel shared their experiences on the characteristics of innovative work culture and how to tap into the human side of innovation.
• Angela Paz (COR) presented the ways the Johnson County Government has innovated its approach when addressing the needs of justice-involved individuals who find themselves homeless or housing insecure. The title of the session was, “Homelessness: What You Can Do.”

The county and JCPRD also hosted innovation tours that showcased Meadowbrook Park, the Arts and Heritage Center and the Emergency Communications Center.

Other Reports

Mark Dapp, principal management and budget analyst at the Budget and Financial Planning presented a CIP budget update.

Dapp also presented a Legislative Update of the Kansas Legislature.

Acceptance of SPARK grant

Consider authorizing the 10th Judicial District Court to accept a SPARK grant from the State of Kansas, Office of Judicial Administration, in the amount of $138,409; authorize a contract with West Publishing Corporation, DBA West, A Thomson Reuters business, and authorize the reallocation and expenditure of General Fund balance (reserves) in the amount of $140,000, for Case Center platform, per State of Kansas Contract 52685.

Renewal of conditional use permit

Resolution No. 034-23. Application No. SE 23-273-CUP (AU). Consider a request from Reid Automotive, L.L.C. dba KC Motor Company, applicant, and Stilwell Properties, Inc., L.L.C., landowner, for renewal of a conditional use permit to allow retail sales of passenger vehicles, motorcycles and power sports equipment located at 20219 Metcalf Avenue, on 2.13 acres, zoned PRB3, Planned Urban Neighborhood Retail Business District, Aubry Township, Johnson County.

Amending CIP for Airport-Building purchase

Resolution No. 033-23. Consider adopting Resolution No. 033-23 to amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan to include Airport-Building Purchase and consider approving a purchase contract with H&L Investments, LLC to purchase a building at the New Century Commerce Center in the amount of $650,000 and authorizing the reallocation and expenditure of $650,000 Airport Enterprise Fund reserves.

Contracts for inmate commissary and other services

Request for Proposal (RFP) 2022-084 Inmate Commissary, Tablet/Video Visitation and Phone Services. Consider authorizing contracts with Summit Food Service, LLC for commissary services; and Smart Communications Holding, Inc., for tablet/video visitation services and phone services. Both contracts are at no cost to the County, each for a period of three years with two optional one-year terms.