The Board of County Commissioners met on Thursday, Sept. 12 in the Hearing Room at the Johnson County Administration Building.

Commissioner Fast was absent.

The Board proclaimed September as National Suicide Prevention Month and Sept. 8-14 as Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week in Johnson County.

More information, including attachments to agenda items, weekly reports, 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.

Olathe TIF placed on future agenda

Motion was made by Commissioner Ashcraft for the Board to add an item to a future business board agenda to discuss the potential adverse impact on the county caused by the establishment of the Olathe Redevelopment District at 135th Street and South Mur-Len Road and to consider whether to object to its creation and remand the matter to the city to discuss the impact on future county services. Vote: Passed 5-1.

• Yes: O’Hara, Meyers, Hanzlick, Allenbrand, Ashcraft
• No: Kelly

Dedicating land for public road purposes

Adopted Resolution No. 070-24 dedicating certain land for public road purposes at New Century Commerce Center.

Contract for T-hangar reconstruction

Authorized a contract with Centric in the amount of $3,201,583, for the Reconstruction of T-Hangars Mike and November, at the Johnson County Executive Airport; and authorizing an increase of $3,643,171 for the Airport T-Hangar capital project bringing the new project authorization to an amount not to exceed $7,900,000.

Design services for new air traffic control tower

Authorized Authorization No. 2a. for Design Engineering Services for a new air traffic control tower at New Century AirCenter, per the term and supply contract with Burns and McDonnell for the siting, design, bidding and construction services for a new air traffic control tower at the AirCenter in an amount not to exceed $1,465,474; and authorizing an increase of $1,545,780 for the related capital project account in an amount not to exceed $2,145,980.

Consent Agenda Vote: Passed 6-0.

Contract for software in inventory review

Authorized a contract with Carahsoft Technology Corporation, for ResourceX software for program and service inventory review, in an amount not to exceed $337,818 and authorized the reallocation and expenditure of General Fund reserves in the amount of $314,418, Library Operating Fund reserves in the amount of $11,700, and Park & Recreation General Fund reserves in the amount of $11,700. Vote: Passed 5-1.

• Yes: Meyers, Hanzlick, Allenbrand, Ashcraft, Kelly
• No: O’Hara

Bonds for airport improvements

Adopted Resolution No. 069-24 authorizing and approving certain airport improvements in the additional amount of $1,700,000; authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds to pay for these improvements plus costs of issuance and other related financing costs as authorized by K.S.A. 3-301 et seq.; and authorizing the publication of notice of intent to issue general obligation internal improvement bonds in the official county newspaper. Vote: Passed 6-0.

Contract for locomotive services

Authorized a term and supply contract with Railway Service Contractors, Inc, for locomotive maintenance, repair and service, at a cost not to exceed $200,000 for a period of one year with the option to renew for four additional 1-year periods. Vote: Passed 6-0.

Letter supporting reStart’s application

(Item added to the agenda). Approved a letter to support reStart’s application for a special use permit with the City of Lenexa for a homeless services center. Vote: Passed 4-2.

• Yes: Meyers, Hanzlick, Allenbrand, Kelly
• No: O’Hara, Ashcraft

MED-ACT Honor Guard presented the Colors at Royals game

The Johnson County MED-ACT Honor Guard was selected to present the colors for the National Anthem at the Kansas City Royals game on Friday, Sept. 6. MED-ACT’s Honor Guard was formed in 2016. The Honor Guard’s primary mission is to plan and coordinate aspects of a line of duty death. They also assist with line of duty death events throughout the Kansas City region. This is the first time the team has been asked to present the colors at a major sporting event.

Progress Update on Broadband Plan and Permit and Licensing Project

The county is developing a plan to expand broadband access and infrastructure. A committee, including KC Digital Drive, will work with cities and residents to identify needs and develop a strategic plan. The plan will include goals, objectives and an implementation plan. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year. In addition, staff are developing a Request for Information for a permitting and licensing project to identify permitting and licensing solutions for county functions. Staff are reaching out to Johnson County cities, fire districts and public utilities to learn what program(s) each organization currently utilizes and to invite any interested party to participate in the RFI process.

Johnson County recognized for Data-Driven Early Intervention

Johnson County has been highlighted in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Gains Center article titled "The Power of Data-Driven Early Intervention." The article highlights how Johnson County has developed a proactive early intervention system by leveraging data from various agencies, including law enforcement, corrections, public health and mental health services. This system prioritizes individuals who are likely to experience mental health issues or substance use disorders and connects them with appropriate support services before they become involved in the criminal justice system. View the full article.

After meeting in executive session, motion was made to approve a payment of a performance bonus in the amount $5,000, a 1% market salary adjustment and an additional 3.5% merit increase for the County Manager effective with the first payroll period of 2025 and  authorize the Chair to approve and execute an amendment to the employment agreement with the County Manager, increasing the annual base salary to $348,499 and for payment of a performance bonus in the amount of $5,000.

Motion was made to divide the question regarding the performance bonus. Vote: Failed 2-4.

• Yes: O’Hara, Ashcraft
• No: Meyers, Hanzlick, Allenbrand, Kelly

Vote on Original Motion: Passed 4-2.

• Yes: Meyers, Hanzlick, Allenbrand, Kelly
• No: O’Hara, Ashcraft

The BOCC will not meet on Sept. 19, 2024. The next meeting will be on Sept. 26, 2024.