Johnson County, Kansas, Homepage


	How you can be involved with Johnson County Government! Governing Boards Friends, Volunteers, Task Forces Citizen Advisory Boards Township Zoning Boards Rural Fire District Boards Consolidated Fire District No.2 To ensure that programs and services offered by Johnson County Government meet the needs of residents as thoroughly, fairly, and economically as possible, the County relies heavily on citizen input. More than 250 volunteers support, guide, and help oversee the County's departments and agencies by donating their time to serve as members of the governing and advisory boards described in this brochure. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) actively seeks interested members of the community to serve on these boards as positions become available. The BOCC also invites residents to provide input to these advisory groups by attending their meetings, which are open to the public. Commissioners rotate serving as liaisons to the boards. If you are interested in applying to serve on an advisory or governing boards, please submit a resume and letter of interest to: Board of County Commissioners Office 111 S. Cherry St., Suite 3300 Olathe, Kansas 66061-3441 Or call 913-764-8484, ext. 5500. back to top Governing Boards Five agencies operate under governing boards within the structure of Johnson County Government: the Airport Commission, Developmental Supports, the Library, the Mental Health Center, and the Park and Recreation District. State statutes establish the authority of these governing boards and define their responsibilities. Governing board members oversee the operation and maintenance of their agency in a policy-setting capacity. Each board is composed of seven members appointed by and accountable to the Board of County Commissioners. Two are appointed at large; the remainder represent individual commissioner districts. Governing board members represent a broad cross-section of the community and may or may not have experience directly related to the agency they serve. Airport Commission The Airport Commission oversees the 500-acre Johnson County Executive Airport at 151st and Pflumm, and the 2,500-acre New Century AirCenter, between Olathe and Gardner. New Century is a hub for air, rail, and interstate highway transportation and, with its business park, a home for more than 30 companies. Executive Airport is in the heart of the county's economic belt and the choice for many corporate, business, and general aviation users. Membership: Seven members serving three-year terms Meetings: Fourth Wednesday, 9 a.m., at the Airport Administration Building Conference Room, One New Century Parkway, New Century, KS. Developmental Supports Board Developmental Supports provides services to people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. The nationally accredited services of Developmental Supports include job training and placement, community living, and family support and respite care. Membership: Seven voting members serving three-year terms Meetings: Fourth Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., usually preceded by dinner at 5 p.m., at Johnson County Developmental Supports, 10501 Lackman Rd., Lenexa. Library Board Johnson County Library serves the approximately 334,000 residents in its library district (excluding the city of Olathe, which has its own library) through 12 library facilities, including a Central Resource Library at 87th and Farley. Among the tasks charged to the library's governing board are acquiring property, providing library services, making and adopting rules and regulations, developing policies on acquisitions of materials, and administering state and federal grants. Membership: Seven members serving four-year terms Meetings: Third Wednesday, 4 p.m., at the Central Resource Library, 87th and Farley. "Being on the Library Board has been rewarding because it has enabled me to be involved with such an energetic, competent organization and to be a part of something that is so vital to the community."--Roger Edgar Mental Health Center Governing Board This Board is the governing body for the Johnson County Mental Health Center. The center offers programs that operate 24 hours a day and each year serve approximately 6,000 Johnson County residents who experience mental health related problems. The center charges fees for services based on a citizen's ability to pay. Major facilities are located in Mission, Olathe, and Shawnee. Membership: Seven voting members serving three-year terms Meetings: Second Tuesday, 6 p.m., at the Northeast County Offices, 6000 Lamar, Mission Park and Recreation District Advisory Board Johnson County Park and Recreation District maintains ten parks with more than 5,000 acres of park land and provides more than 4,000 recreation programs annually. JCPRD facilities include two public golf courses; two sports domes; a streamway park system; football, soccer, and softball complexes; a nature center, an arboretum, two pools, and horse stables. Membership: Seven members serving three-year terms Meetings: Third Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Shawnee Mission Park Administration Building "Volunteerism satisfies my need to get things done. There are a lot of armchair visionaries, but few implementers. When I see something that needs doing, I roll up my sleeves and make sure it gets done."--Vickie Truitt (JCPRD Governing Board) back to top Friends, Volunteers, Task Forces Another way you can contribute is by joining a "friends" or other volunteer group. Many of the county's agencies and departments have formed special groups committed to promoting department services, advocating for the special populations they serve, organizing fund raisers or financial support, or providing volunteer services. For example, volunteers organize used book sales to fund Library programs, they serve in Eldernet programs linking seniors adults and school children, they create costumes or stage props for Theatre in the Park, and they help survey historic structures for the Museum. These valuable volunteers save taxpayer dollars, and the county benefits from their rich and varied backgrounds and abilities. Many citizens also contribute to county government by serving on citizens task forces. The BOCC forms these groups to help study a single special issue and make recommendations for specific courses of action. Task force members are appointed by the BOCC for a limited period of time. Once the special issue is addressed, the task force is disbanded. In addition to the governing boards, you may be interested in serving on one of the following advisory boards. Advisory boards are subject to the jurisdiction and control of the BOCC. Members of advisory boards offer advice, recommendations, and assistance to respective county agencies rather than set policies. Like those serving on governing boards, members represent a cross-section of the community and represent diverse backgrounds and perspectives. back to top Citizen Advisory Boards Arts Enhancements to County Buildings The Citizens Coordinating Committee for Arts Enhancements to County Buildings advises the Board of County Commissioners on the need or desire for art, historical preservation, or cultural displays at county buildings. The group recommends plans and resources to obtain and display art and items of historical or cultural significance. Membership: Seven members serving one-, two-, or three-year terms. One member is appointed by the Johnson County Arts and Humanities Association; one by Johnson County Community College. Meetings: First Tuesday every month at 7 p.m. in the BOCC conference room in the County Administration Building, 111 S. Cherry, Olathe. Commission on Aging The Johnson County Commission on Aging (COA) provides guidance and support to the Johnson County Area Agency on Aging to assist in the planning and administration of services to older adults. The commission also helps develop and coordinate cooperation among organizations providing services to older persons. The COA serves as a link between seniors in the community and the BOCC. Membership: No fewer than 12 nor more than 15 at-large members for three-year terms expiring Sept. 30; a majority are older adults with representatives of minorities, the general public, and elected officials. Meetings: Second Wednesday of the month, 9 a.m., Health and Human Services Center, 11875 S. Sunset, Suite 200, Olathe. "Being a member of the Commission on Aging allows me to help ensure high-quality services for the elderly, be where the action is in county government, make new friends, and work with an exceptional group of professionals." -- Hester Thurson Board of Zoning Appeals The Board of Zoning Appeals assists in reviewing cases of individuals requesting variances from zoning regulations. After hearing each case, the zoning appeals board submits recommendations to the BOCC, which is responsible for making the final judgement on each request. Membership: Seven members serving three-year terms. Meetings: Every third Wednesday (or as needed) at 5:30 p.m. in the County Administration Building, Suite 1054. Civil Service Board The Civil Service Board reviews the hiring and promotion decisions of the Sheriff's Department. Membership: Five members with three-year terms expiring on the third Monday in January. Meetings: Meets quarterly or as needed. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Committee This committee makes policy recommendations for the County's CDBG program, a program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. CDBG funding is awarded to participating cities and county agencies based on a competitive process for projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Projects include sewer, water, and street improvements; housing projects; and public service projects. Membership: Eleven members (two from each district and one at-large). The BOCC chair appoints a county commissioner to chair the committee for a two-year term. Meetings: Quarterly meetings held at least twice a year. Board of Code Review The committee provides advice and interpretations or opinions to the County building code official regarding the provisions of codes, standards, and other publications adopted by the County. Membership: Seven members serving one-, two-, and three-year terms expiring May 31. Membership is comprised of builders, electricians, firemen, and individuals in fields of architecture, engineering, and plumbing. Meetings: At the County Administration Building, Suite 3150 (as needed) Community Corrections Advisory Board The board consists of representatives from law enforcement, prosecution, the judiciary, Court Services, education, corrections, ethnic minorities, social services, and the general public. The board approves the comprehensive plan for community corrections grant services with an emphasis on public safety and reports to the BOCC. Membership: Twelve members (four appointed by the BOCC) serving two-year terms expiring Jan. 31. Meetings: Minimum of two meetings each year scheduled when needed. Judicial Nominating Commission The Judicial Nominating Commission nominates candidates for appointment to the office of district judge or district magistrate judge in the Tenth Judicial District when a vacancy occurs. Membership: Ten members serving four-year terms; five lawyers nominated by the Johnson County Bar Association and five non-lawyers appointed by the BOCC. Meetings: Scheduled as needed when vacancies occur. Juvenile Detention Advisory Board The board consists of representatives from the community, the judiciary, the District Attorney's Office, public schools, the Sheriff's Department and other juvenile justice professionals. The board works with the Corrections Department and the Juvenile Detention Center to provide substance abuse counseling, academic and life skills education, rehabilitation, and other quality services to incarcerated youth while emphasizing safety. Membership: 12 members; five appointed by the BOCC for two-year terms, remainder serve three-year terms Meetings: Second Friday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Juvenile Detention Center, 915 W. Spruce, Olathe Museum Advisory Council The Johnson County Museums operate the Museum of History and the Lanesfield School Historic Site. The Museum Advisory Council helps publicize activities, exhibits, and programs; reviews the Board's annual budget; recommends expenditures from the Heritage Trust Fund; and reviews museum policies. Membership: Seven members (two at-large) serving three-year terms, expiring April 31. Meetings: Quarterly on a Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Museum of History, 6305 Lackman Road, Shawnee. Nursing Center Advisory Council The council offers advice and support for the 120-bed Johnson County Nursing Center, which provides 24-hour care for elderly and frail individuals. The council reviews resident care and other policies, programs, and budget items as necessary. It also helps monitor inspections by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Membership: At least nine members (four at-large) serving three-year terms Meetings: Third Thursday at noon at the Nursing Center at 11875 S. Sunset, Suite 100, Olathe. Planning Commission This commission helps prepare and revise the County's comprehensive plan for growth and development and helps draft the County's zoning and subdivision regulations. The comprehensive plan and zoning regulations are subject to BOCC approval. Membership: Twelve members (five at-large) serving three- year terms expiring Sept. 30. Meetings: Fourth Tuesday (subject to having scheduled agenda items), 7:30 p.m., County Administration Building, 111 S. Cherry Suite 1054, Olathe. Solid Waste Management Committee The committee reviews solid waste management operations in the county, insuring that the solid waste management plan is reviewed and kept updated. It also assists in development of a contingency disposal plan. Membership: Fifteen members holding three-year terms (nine representatives from municipalities and six from the county) taking office on July 1. Meetings: Third Wednesday every quarter at 7:30 p.m., Environmental Services Building, 11180 Thompson Ave., Lenexa. Transportation Advisory Council (TAC) The TAC reviews and makes recommendations on the planning, coordinating, and funding of the County's public transportation services. TAC members help develop positive public awareness of mass transportation to gain public acceptance, support, and utilization. The council interacts with and advises the County's transportation staff and reports to the BOCC. Membership: Twelve members (one non-voting member serves as the county's representative to the Kansas City Transportation Authority). Members hold three-year terms expiring August 31. Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at 12 p.m. (Location changes monthly). Johnson County Extension Council This council is unique in that it is a publicly-elected governing/ advisory board rather than one with members appointed by the BOCC. In cooperation with Kansas State University, the council plans and administers Johnson County Extension's educational program through four program development committees: Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H and Youth Development, and Community and Economic Development. For information call 764-6300. Membership: Twenty-four members elected by the public in special fall elections as provided by state statute. Members serve two-year terms . Meetings: Following a schedule set in January, the executive board meets monthly at the Extension Office, 13480 S. Arapaho Dr., Olathe, and the four program development committees meet at various times throughout the year. back to top Township Zoning Boards Members of zoning boards for the county's nine townships hold public hearings and make recommendations to the BOCC on matters of zoning, land use, and development in their township. They consider site plans for new businesses, requests for rezoning or special uses of property, and requests to subdivide land into lots. The county contains these townships: Aubry, Gardner, Lexington, McCamish, Olathe, Monticello, Shawnee, Oxford, and Spring Hill. Some township zoning boards represent more than one township. Members serve three-year terms and must live in the township they represent. For information , call the Planning, Development and Codes Department, 764-8484. back to top Rural Fire District Governing Boards Members of Rural Fire District Governing Boards help oversee the operation of the district's fire departments and selection of regular fire department employees. Unless indicated differently below, five members are appointed by the BOCC to serve staggered three-year terms. Rural Fire District No. 1 Commission District No. 5 only Rural Fire District No. 1 serves Gardner Township excluding the City of Gardner and McCamish Township including the City of Edgerton. Membership: Three members serving three-year terms. Meetings: Second Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., New Century Airport Administration Building Conference Room. Rural Fire District No. 2 Commission District No. 3 only Rural Fire District No. 2 serves the townships of Aubry, Oxford, and Spring Hill. Meetings: Third Tuesday, 6 p.m., at KCP&L in Spring Hill, 199th and Newton , or at Station No. 1, 19495 Metcalf Ave. Rural Fire District No. 3 Commission District No. 2 Rural Fire District. 2, 1st District Rural Fire District No. 3 serves Lexington Township, Olathe Township, and portions of Precinct 1 and Precinct 2 (City of DeSoto). Meetings: First Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., at Fire Station No. 2, 29520 W. 127th St. (intersection with Gardner Rd.) back to top Consolidated Fire District No.2 Commission District No. 1 Consolidated Fire District No. 2 serves the cities of Countryside, Fairway, Mission Hills, Mission Woods, Roeland Park, Westwood, Mission, Prairie Village and Westwood Hills. In addition, the District contracts with the Overland Park Fire District for the area north of Center Line of Johnson Drive in Overland Park. Meetings: Third Monday, 5:40 p.m., located at 3921 W. 63rd St., in the Administration Building in Prairie Village. back to top