The Board of County Commissioners met on Thursday, Sept. 14 in the Hearing Room at the Johnson County Administration Building.

The Board issued a proclamation declaring September as National Recovery Month and proclamations designating the week of Sept. 18th as National Co-Responder and Crisis Responder Week and Sept. 8-17 as Welcoming Week 2023.

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.

Early start date for programs

Authorized a Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 start date for the FY 2024 approved 1.0 FTE Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas Coordinator, Capital Replacement (CRP CIP), and Major Asset Replacement Program (MARP CIP); and authorized the reallocation and expenditure of reserves for FY 2023 in the amount of $5,777,000 from the General Fund. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Remanded request for conditional use permit

Remanded back to the Southwest Consolidated Zoning Board for further review a request from Don Doleshal, applicant, on behalf of Tammy Doleshal, Don Doleshal, Steve Doleshal and Kristen Nasternak landowners, for a conditional use permit renewal for a seasonal drive-through Halloween event for Jack’s Hollow at 30450 W. 143rd St., on 29.4 acres and for a 3-year term. The zoning board will meet on Sept. 20 with instructions to consider a 1-year CUP and 240 vehicles/night. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Funding for Lagoon Biosolids Cleanout Program

After a public hearing, authorized funding for the Lagoon Biosolids Cleanout Program in an amount not to exceed $1,372,400, increasing the total authorization to $3,657,500. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Contract renewal with Blue KC

Authorized a contract renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) to furnish Group Health and Stop Loss Administration services for the 2024 calendar and plan year with an estimated annual administration cost not to exceed $6,800,000 and authorized the employee contribution rate structure recommended by the Health Care Fund Management Team. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Contract for county employee vision plan

Authorized a contract to Surency Life & Health Insurance Company to provide employee vision plan coverage at an estimated maximum annual cost of $411,000, for a contract total of $2,055,000. The contract term will be for one year with up to four additional 12-month renewals. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Contract for health advocacy services

Authorized a contract to TouchCare, LLC to provide employees and their eligible dependents health advocacy services at an estimated maximum annual cost of $130,000 for a contract total of $650,000. The contract term will be for one year with up to an additional four additional 12-month renewals. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Increasing project expenditure for taxiway reconstruction

Authorized a contract expenditure authority increase, in the amount of $137,934, with Superior Bowen Asphalt Company for the reconstruction of Taxiway F at the Johnson County Executive Airport, increasing the total project authorization by $137,934 to $858,138 and authorizing the reallocation and expenditures of Airport Fund reserves in FY 2023 in an amount of $6,726. Vote: Passed 7-0.

National re-certification for the Appraiser’s Office

The Johnson County Appraiser’s Office received national recognition through the International Association of Assessing Officers Certificate of Excellence in Assessment Administration. The Appraiser’s Office became a CEAA recipient in 2005 and a re-certification recipient in 2011, 2017 and now 2023. Johnson County is only one of two counties in the world to have received this re-certification three times. IAAO’s Certificate of Excellence in Assessment Administration recognizes jurisdictions that utilize best appraisal and assessment practices in their offices. Recognition from IAAO through a Certificate of Excellence in Assessment Administration is the highest professional honor an assessment jurisdiction can obtain.

Kitchen Restore Project

The Johnson County Extension Master Food Volunteer program created the Kitchen Restore Project in September of 2021 with the mission of improving the nutrition, health and quality of life of Johnson County residents. The project focuses on the provisioning of basic kitchen items to those with minimal or no resources for cooking with the goal of enabling individuals to prepare more nutritious meals at home. The kits include basic kitchen items, a booklet of healthy recipes, food-safe information, helpful information for eating on a budget and a list of local food banks. This year from January through August, 104 kits have been distributed to Johnson County residents, benefiting 105 children and 147 adults. From the program's inception, the project has benefited residents at all corners of the county.

Other Reports

Becky Jones, deputy director of Financial Management & Administration, presented a Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (LFRF) funding and expense report.

Following an executive session and reconvening in public session, approved a motion for a two-year extension in the County Manager’s contract to Oct. 15, 2025 with optional renewals for successive years. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Approved a motion for a 3% merit increase in the County Manager’s contract, effective with the first payroll period of FY 2024; authorized the Chairman to approve and execute an amendment to the employment agreement with the County Manager; and authorized payment of a $5,000 performance bonus. Vote: Passed 4-3.

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

There will be no board meeting on Sept. 21, 2023.