OCTOBER - 2008

County Manager announces plans to retire in early 2009

Johnson County Manager Michael B. Press, who has served at the helm of Johnson County Government for almost a decade in a career spanning more than 32 years, announced Thursday, October 2, his plans to retire in six months.

He began his career with County Government as a paramedic.

He ends his career as the county’s chief executive officer and accountable for organizational performance, achievement, and service delivery of more than 4,000 employees, 38 departments and agencies, and a FY 2009 budget of $736.3 million.

His retirement becomes effective April 1, 2009.

“It’s time to end this chapter of my life and to start a new one,” Press said. “It has been a tremendous ride in a wonderful community with terrific people. Public service has been a great career with a lifetime of memories, and it’s been simply a lot of fun.”

The County Manager said he has been considering retirement for more than a year, but delayed the decision to help guide the county’s efforts on seeking voter approval of renewal of a quarter-cent sales tax for public safety. With the approval of the sales tax renewal in the August Primary Elections, he decided to make his plans public well ahead of time to allow for a smooth transition in county government, and to schedule the start of the formal process toward choosing his successor.

Chairman Annabeth Surbaugh said she accepted the announcement of his pending retirement with a sense of loss and deep gratitude.

“For more then three decades, Mike Press has given Johnson County his all. He has improved the efficiency and accountability of County Government,” she said. “His dedication, passion for public service, and vision have always been evident. He has made a great County Government better.”

Press began his association with Johnson County government in 1976 as a MICT (paramedic) with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) known as Johnson County Medical Action, or Med-Act. In 1980, he was promoted to director of Med-Act and served until 1999. While Press served as director, Med-Act was named the best EMS service in the nation in 1988

His duties expanded in 1995 when he was appointed Team Leader for the County’s Community Services Team, which is comprised of eight County departments that directly impact and touch the lives of Johnson County citizens.

In May 1999, Press was selected interim county administrator by the Board of County Commissioners. He was named county administrator in April 2000. The position was changed to County Manager by the Board in December 2001 under the county’s new Home Rule Charter.

“It’s an American story,” Chairman Surbaugh said. “It’s like the mailroom clerk becoming the CEO. Mike Press is that guy. He started his career driving an ambulance and leaves as the top executive officer. To me, it’s the American dream come true.”

Press was named “Public Administrator of the Year” in 2004 by the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration. He received the Kansas Emergency Medical Services Association’s “EMS Administrator of the Year Award” in 1998 and the “Administrator of the Year Award” by the Mid-America Regional Council in 1981.

He and his wife, Carol, who retired in 2006, have one son, Daniel. The couple lives in Overland Park.

“It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve Johnson County and be associated with a workforce of so many dedicated county employees. They know the value of public service. They do the right thing for the right reasons. I will leave the county in good hands,” Press said.

“I have no regrets, but it’s time to move on.”

back to top

County authorizes $69.1 million in bonds for public safety projects

With a goal of maintaining public safety as its top priority, Johnson County plans to issue more than $69.1 million in lease purchasing bonds for a jail expansion project currently under way and for two future capital projects.

Authorization for the public sale and notification to issue the bonds was approved Thursday, October 2, by the Johnson County Board of Commissioners in its role as the county’s Public Building Commission. The vote was unanimous.

The bonds and projects include:

• Public sale on October 23 of approximately $11 million in bonds for the third, and final, bond sale involving the current expansion of the Adult Detention Center at the Fred Allenbrand Criminal Justice Complex at the New Century AirCenter on the northeast edge of Gardner. The $60.3 million expansion began in November 2007 and is scheduled for completion by mid-2009 with full operations beginning by 2010. The project will more than double the county’s jail capacity by adding 554 beds to house inmates and increasing the county’s total capacity to 1,088 beds.
  
• Notice of publication for the proposed issuance of $30,285,000 in bonds for constructing, equipping, and furnishing a new Criminalistics Laboratory for the Sheriff’s Office. The new facility, which will be constructed at the county complex at 119th Street and Ridgeview Road in Olathe, replaces the existing overcrowded lab that has operated in Mission since 1974. Construction is scheduled to start in late 2009 with completion in 2011.
  
• Notice of publication for the proposed issuance of $27,825,000 in bonds for constructing, renovating, expanding, equipping, and furnishing improvements to the Adult Detention Center in downtown Olathe to serve as a countywide central booking and 72-hour holding jail facility. Construction is scheduled to start after the jail expansion becomes fully operational in 2010 with completion by early 2012.

Bonds for the Crime Lab and Olathe jail project will not be issued until 2009.

Revenue to retire the bonds will come from renewal of an existing quarter-cent sales tax that Johnson County voters approved in the August Primary Elections. The sales tax has existed for six years with its renewal becoming effective on January 1, 2009.

The quarter-cent sales tax is expected to generate approximately $18.9 million in 2009 as the county’s share for public safety purposes and approximately $10.6 million for use by cities.

In urging support of renewal of the sales tax in the August elections, the county identified building and operating a new Crime Lab, jail expansion, and a new Juvenile Services Complex building as top priorities on use of the revenue generated from the sales tax.

On September 11, the Board authorized a $1,286,000 contract with Treanor Architects for design services for the Juvenile Services Complex that will be constructed at the county’s juvenile corrections site in west Olathe. The cost of the project is estimated at $17.75 million.

Construction of the Juvenile Services Complex building is scheduled to start in mid-2009 with completion of the new construction and minor remodeling to the existing Juvenile Detention Center by early 2011.

back to top

County names Criminal Justice Advisory Council members, coordinator

With a goal of looking for alternatives to incarceration without compromising public safety, Johnson County has appointed members to the Johnson County Criminal Justice Advisory Council.

The appointments by Annabeth Surbaugh, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, were approved Thursday, October 2, by the Board by unanimous vote. Approval of the membership fulfills the chairman’s plans announced in her State of the County Address to form the Criminal Justice Advisory Council.

Chairman Surbaugh appointed Bob Stephan, former Kansas Attorney General (1979-1995) and representative of the Johnson County Bar Association, as chairman of the Criminal Justice Advisory Council. She selected Dolores Furtado, former Fourth District county commissioner (2002-2006) and representative of the League of Women Voters, as vice chairman.

“The work ahead for the Criminal Justice Advisory Council is important and presents many challenges. The council will looking at cost-effective measures and streamlining the criminal justice process with a goal of better results for the community and offenders in the court system,” she said.

“We must begin with preventative measures that reduce the number of juvenile offenders. We must also help offenders get back on track while they’re in our custody. And finally, we must provide adequate support for all offenders—both juvenile and adult—after they’ve paid their debts and have been released so they can return as productive, healthy members of our community.”

On the heels of naming the membership to the Criminal Justice Advisory Council, County Manager Michael B. Press announced that Rise Haneberg, Court Services administrative officer for almost 13 years, the county’s first-ever criminal justice coordinator.

In her new role, Haneberg will serve as the county’s main liaison to the Criminal Justice Advisory Council. The advisory body to the Board of County Commissioners was established on March 27, 2008, to support and enhance collaborative efforts and participation between key justice officials, agencies, and departments with respect to improvements to the criminal justice system.

Haneberg will assume her new duties on October 20. Her office will be in the County Manager’s Office in the Johnson County Administration Building, 111 South Cherry Street, in downtown Olathe.

“Rise’s expertise, background, and unique knowledge will bridge all the many aspects involved in the criminal justice system. She has earned her stripes and has done an outstanding job at Court Services. She becomes a tremendous asset to the Criminal Justice Advisory Council and remains an excellent public servant to the Johnson County community,” County Manager Press said.

Chairman Surbaugh agreed.

“Rise has an excellent reputation and well-earned respect in both the courthouse and in the community through her work at Court Services. I think she will do a great job,” she said.

A resident of Lenexa, Haneberg has worked at Court Services for more than 29 years and has served as the department’s administrator since January 1996. Prior to becoming administrative officer, she was a case officer in the Adult and Juvenile Services units for more than 17 years.

Court Services works directly with Johnson County District Courts by providing supervision and investigations for the criminal courts along with mediation and evaluations for the civil courts. The department, with offices at 18505 West 119th Street, Olathe, has a daily client population of approximately 3,500 being served by more than 60 employees through its Adult, Juvenile, and Domestic Relations Services units.

“I look forward to this incredible opportunity to work closely with the newly created Criminal Justice Advisory Council,” Haneberg said. “Chairman Surbaugh and Johnson County Government have taken a huge step towards bringing a solid system of criminal justice service to the next level with all the key players coming together in this effort.”

Other members of the council include Sheriff Frank Denning; Johnson County District Court Judge Stephen Tatum, who serves as chief judge for the court system; District Attorney Phill Kline; Mission Mayor Laura McConwell as the representative from the Council of Mayors; and Bart Goering, superintendent of the Spring Hill School District.

Three members will come from faith-based organizations in Johnson County. They are Rabbi Mark Levin, the Rev. Russell Brown, and the Rev. Richard Warsnak.

Three community leaders also were selected, including Pat Colloton, District 28 incumbent to the Kansas House of Representatives; Joanne Katz, J.D.; and David Phillips.

Other members are:

• Michael McCulloch from the Public Defender’s Office;
  
• Ellen Hanson, Lenexa police chief;
  
• Marilyn Scafe from the Kansas Re-entry Policy Council;
  
• Karen Arnold-Burger from the Community Corrections Advisory Board;
  
• Mark Kessler from the Juvenile Correction Advisory Board;
  
• Michael McLain from the District Court Administration; and,
  
• Elizabeth Gillespie, director of the Department of Corrections; David Wiebe, executive director of the Mental Health Center; and County Manager Press.

Tony Taylor, ex-offender, also will serve on the council. He received the “2006 Volunteer of the Year Award” by the Department of Corrections and has been recognized throughout the community for successfully turning his life around as a seven times convicted felon.

Creation of the Criminal Justice Advisory Council capped a more than year-long effort by Chairman Surbaugh, who announced her plans to form the advisory group in her 2007 State of the Council Address.

The council’s goals include:

• Study and evaluate the county’s criminal justice system;
  
• Oversee the collection of criminal justice data for use by the council and, as required, the Board or other council officials, agencies, departments, and operating units;
  
• Identify causes for past and current increases in the county’s jail populations, analyze the flow of processes in the criminal justice system, especially those directly impacting the county’s jail populations, and make recommendation for process improvements that will directly impact the jail population;
  
• Identify gaps or deficiencies in the criminal justice system and make recommendations that will eliminate duplication of services and fill service gaps;
  
• Evaluate and recommend crime prevention programs and early intervention and prevention programs or other initiatives/programs that will reduce recidivism; and,
  
• Increase community support for the criminal justice system, strategies for reducing the need for jail beds, and the overall goals established by the Board of County Commissioners.

The Criminal Justice Advisory Council will meet at least bi-monthly and file a biannual report about its activities and progress.

back to top

County Powers Down Computers to Save Money and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The government of Johnson County, Kansas, has launched a new initiative that will reduce the amount of electricity consumed by employees’ computers. The effort will save the county approximately $64,000 annually in utility costs and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 679 tons per year.

Effective October 6, more than 1500 county computers are being placed in a low-power state automatically between the hours of 6:15 p.m. and 5:50 a.m. Monday through Friday and throughout the weekend. The average desktop computer uses 180 watts or more of power when processing and only about 20 percent less when at idle. In a low-power state, however, computers use less than 10 watts of power.

Information Technology Services Director Jack Clegg said that the initiative would reduce the county’s operating costs without impacting the quality of service it provides to residents. “The automatic power down will occur at night, so most employees will hardly notice the change. Those who need to work late will be able to do so without interruption.” Clegg noted that certain departments whose operations extend into evening and nighttime hours have been exempted from the effort.

The computer power management initiative moves the county one step closer to meeting the greenhouse gas reduction targets set by the Board of County Commissioners in December 2007. Sustainability Program Director James Joerke said the initiative is an example of an operational change that will generate multiple benefits at little or no cost. “Our Board has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from county government 33 percent by 2020. The good work of our information technology staff gets us closer to achieving that goal and saves taxpayers money in the process.”

Reducing computer energy use is part of a comprehensive effort to make Johnson County government operations more sustainable. County departments are implementing a paper reduction campaign, increasing the use of recycled paper and environmentally preferable cleaning products, and buying more fuel efficient gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles. The county is also undertaking an aggressive effort to increase the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings through lighting retrofits, heating and cooling system upgrades, and green building techniques.

back to top

County approves 2009 Stormwater Management Plan totaling $19.75 million

The 2009 Stormwater Management Program approved Thursday, October 16, by the Johnson County Board of Commissioners includes more than $12 million for capital projects and almost $7 million for flood mitigation and proactive efforts.

Vote to approve the plan was unanimous by the Board.

Kent Lage, manager of the Urban Services Division of the Johnson County Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, said the 2009 Stormwater Management Program has budgeted $19,750,000 next year, including $12.2 million for 14 design/construction projects in eight cities.

The plan also is setting aside $6.9 million for supplementary projects/efforts to support the Stormwater Management Program and other countywide stormwater initiatives. According to Lage, the projects are necessary for the cities to continue with flood mitigation efforts and creation of several proactive efforts. Other initiatives funded by the program will focus on several proactive stormwater management efforts.

“These efforts will continue to migrate the program focus from the traditional reactive focus only to include a leading-edge proactive focus necessary for the program,” he advised the Board in a briefing sheet.

Lage said the goal of the Stormwater Management Program is to continue a partnership by the county and cities to provide “a positive impact” on efforts prevent future flooding problems, protect the public, minimize the impacts to the environment, comply with unfunded federal mandates, and to be a good neighbor to surrounding cities and counties.

In the 2009 plan, three stormwater management capital projects are located in the city of Overland Park; two projects are in the cities of Shawnee and Lenexa; with single projects in the cities of Mission, Fairway, Olathe, Spring Hill, and Mission Hills.

Two continuation projects will receive 2009 funding. One was stormwater improvements at 71st and Glenwood streets in Overland Park ($550,000); other was $400,000 for a storm drainage project in the area of 70th and Flint streets to Yager Road in Shawnee.

The largest single stormwater project, will be the Rock Creek project in Mission. The stormwater program will provide $2.1 million in 2009 for improvements from Woodson Street to Roe Avenue.

Five other stormwater projects top the $1 million mark in funding under the 2009 Stormwater Management Program, including:

• Replacement of a bridge and elevation of the roadway by 3 feet at 18500 Lackman Road in unincorporated Johnson County ($1,786,000);
  
• Improvements to Lewis Channel ($1,257,000) and upper Clear Creek ($1,973,500), both in Lenexa;
  
• Wilson/Race streets stormwater improvements in Spring Hill ($1,237,000); and,
  
• Stormwater improvements in Mission Hills between Mission and Oakwood drives ($1,668,425).

Two projects in Overland Park will receive a total of more than $1.1 million in funding, including $607,900 for stormwater improvements to the Crestview Neighborhood and $532,500 for improvements to Arrowhead Trails.

Other projects include:

• $280,000 to Fairway for improvements at 48th and Mohawk streets to 53rd and Reinhardt streets;
  
• $350,700 to Shawnee for a project between 52nd Terrace and Barton Drive to Neiman Road;
  
• $378,400 to the Heritage Glen area of Olathe; and,
  
• $852,1000 to Lenexa for a project from 96th Street to Penny Cross Road;

Another key component in the 2009 Stormwater Management Program are six supplementary projects to support the county’s stormwater program and regional and countywide initiatives, requiring approximately $6.9 million in funding.

Regional and support projects include maintenance of the county’s stream and rain gauge network that’s part of a flood-warning system; updating of floodplain mapping information as part of the countywide watershed studies; and $1.5 million in studies.

The county’s annual stormwater program is funded by a 1/10-cent sales tax authorized by the Kansas Legislature in 1988 and approved by the Board of County Commissioners for the purpose of funding stormwater projects. Johnson County was the only county to implement the tax. These funds, dedicated to stormwater management, allow Johnson County’s Stormwater Management Program (SMP) to create a yearly stormwater management plan and provide 75 percent of funding for eligible design and construction projects in Johnson County and the cities.

The Johnson County Board of Commissioners created the SMP and the Stormwater Management Advisory Council (SMAC) in the early 1990s. SMAC helps coordinate stormwater efforts and advises the Board on stormwater management related issues.

Since its creation, the Stormwater Management Program has provided more than $100 million for stormwater improvements and capital projects in Johnson County in partnership with all cities of the county and in cooperation with other cities in the Kansas City region as part of the regional stormwater system.

back to top

County approves $15.4 million CARS program for 2009 involving 19 projects

Road improvements, totaling $15.4 million for 2009, were unanimously approved Thursday, October 16, by the Johnson County Board of Commissioners.

The 19 projects, involving 15 cities, were part of the new County Assistance Road System (CARS) program for next year. Slightly more than $6.2 million will go to 14 new roadway projects in 12 cities. Almost $7.2 million has been earmarked for continuation projects in the cities of Olathe, Shawnee, Overland Park, and Gardner.

The 2009 CARS program also will provide $2 million for the start of improvements to 191st Street to accommodate the Intermodal Facility proposed by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railways and Logistics Park being developed by The Allen Group. The project is located at 191st Street between Waverly and Four Corners roads.

On September 25, the Board approved a Public Infrastructure Financing Plan that included a commitment to improve 191st Street at an estimated cost of $14 million. With the Board’s approval Thursday, the 2009 CARS program will transfer $2 million that was designated for the continued improvement of 199th Street in southern Johnson County to the 191st Street project. The 199th Street project, which started three years ago, will receive no CARS funds in 2009, placing the project on hold.

Construction of the 191st Street improvements and the Intermodal Facility is expected to start in early 2009, weather permitting, with the road project being completed in time for the opening of the rail-truck hub by late 2010.

Improvements to Antioch Road from 151st to 167th streets in Overland Park will receive $2,682,000 in the 2009 CARS program. CARS provided $2.6 million to the $17.7 million project in 2008.

CARS will provide almost $1,657,000 for the new interchange over I-35 at 159th Street and Lone Elm Road in Olathe. The new interchange, with a total cost of $63.3 million, involves construction of bridges with on/off ramps. CARS has provided a total of $3.7 million for the project in the past two years. Olathe’s share of the project cost has been estimated at slightly more than $33 million with the federal government contributing $24.6 million.

Another Gardner project, the Moonlight Road intersection, was awarded almost $2.5 million in 2009 CARS funding for improvements from 166th to Warren streets. The project, with a total cost of $13.2 million, is scheduled for completion in mid-2009. The CARS program has provided a total of slightly more than $2 million toward the project in 2007 and 2008. Gardner’s share of the cost is placed at almost $9.5 million.

The final continuation project will be improvements to 87th Street Parkway from Renner Boulevard to Lennox Drive in Lenexa. CARS continued $1.4 million for the almost $22 million project in 2008. It, too, is targeted for completion in mid-2009.

Three new projects in the cities of Prairie Village and Leawood will each receive CARS funding.

The Prairie Village projects include improving Roe Avenue from 83rd Street to Somerset Avenue ($263,000); 83rd Street from Roe Avenue to Somerset Drive ($131,000); and Roe Avenue from the north city limits to 63rd Street ($38,000).

Leawood plans to use its CARS funding to improve Mission Road from 127th to 135th streets ($337,000); State Line Road from 92nd to 103rd streets ($76,000); and Roe Avenue from 135th to 141st streets ($272,000).

Overland Park will receive $1 million for improvements to 95th Street from Quivira Road to Lowell Avenue.

Shawnee was granted slightly more than $1.7 million to improve Monticello Road from Johnson Drive to 66th Street.

A project, along Rainbow Avenue from Shawnee Mission Parkway to 47th Street, includes the cities of Westwood, Westwood Hills, and Mission Woods. CARS will provide $290,000 for the improvements.

Other new 2009 CARS projects include:

• $672,000 to Merriam for 47th Street from Antioch to Switzer roads;
  
• $428,000 to Mission Hills for State Line Road from Shawnee Mission Parkway to 70th Terrace;
  
• $426,000 to Mission for Roe Avenue from Shawnee Mission Parkway to 63rd Street;
  
• $141,000 to Roeland Park for 51st Street from Nall Avenue to Cedar Street; and,
  
• $417,000 to De Soto for 83rd Street from Kill Creek Road to the east city limits.

The 2009 CARS program is part of the Johnson County Public Works Department budget. The $15.4 million program is encompassed into the county’s FY 2009 Budget of $736.3 million that was approved in August by the Board.

Since its creation in 1984, the CARS program has provided more than $235 million in funding for road improvements in Johnson County in partnership with all cities of the county.

back to top

County continues to receive triple-A ratings in latest bond issues

In light of an uneasy national economy and Wall Street jitters, Johnson County has maintained its dual triple-A bond ratings from two of the largest bond-rating agencies in the nation in the county’s latest bond sales totaling more than $21 million.

Both Moody's Investors Service and Standard and Poor’s Rating Services have given Johnson County a thumps up in confirmation of the coveted “Triple-A” designation.

“S&P said it’s too bad there isn’t a higher rating,” David MacGillivray of Springstead, Inc., the county’s financial adviser, said Thursday, October 23, to the Johnson County Board of Commissioners in announcing the county’s latest bond ratings.

The ratings were in regards to the issuance of $10,425,000 in internal improvement bonds for wastewater projects and $10,750,000 in lease purchase revenue bonds for the expansion of the Adult Detention Center at the New Century AirCenter.

In its report, Moody’s believes the county’s financial operations remain sound due to “well-managed financial operations characterized by revenue diversity and ample reserves, and affordable debt levels.”

Moody’s acknowledged that the county’s mortgage registration activity “has moderated from past years but remains sound, and foreclosures continue to comprise a very modest portion of the county’s total housing stock.”

The Standard and Poor’s report revealed that its decision was based on the fact that Johnson County’s diverse and expanding local economy had:

• Above-average wealth levels;
  
• Strong financial operations, supported by conservative management and established fiscal policies; and,
  
• Moderate debt levels that should remain manageable.

Johnson County remains one of approximately three dozen counties among 3,141 counties in the nation to receive the highest possible bond ratings for a local government from both agencies.

Chairman Annabeth Surbaugh said the bond-rating assessments were good news for the community since it means that over the long term, Johnson County and its taxpayers could save millions because the county will be able to get lower interest rates on the bonds it sells. It also means the county’s bonds will be more attractive to buyers.

“The triple-A ratings reaffirm that Johnson County’s core financial fundamentals are solid and secure. It means the county will be able to face the challenges of our economy,” she said.

County Manager Michael B. Press agreed.

“To get a triple-A in this climate, I think, is tough, quite frankly,” he said. “Credit ratings are especially important during economic downturns because investors who buy bonds get skittish and demand higher interest rates, and may not do business at all with agencies with weak ratings. Johnson County’s ratings are further evidence that that our prudent fiscal planning is paying off.”

On Thursday, the Board approved both bond issues, including:

• $10,750,000 in Lease Purchase Revenue bonds to provide the remainder of the funding for the current $60.3 million expansion of the Adult Detention Center. Three previous bond issues, totaling $48,625,000, were approved in October 2005, January 2007, and April 2008.; and,
  
• $10,425,000 in Internal Improvement Bonds for twenty projects involving wastewater improvements.

The Board also accepted the best bid of 4.906 percent from Morgan Keegan & Co., Inc. for the purchase of the wastewater bonds. The firm submitted the lowest bid among six bidders.

In its role at the Public Building Commission, the Board authorized the issuance, sale, and delivery of bonds for the jail expansion project and then accepted the best proposal for the purchase of the $10.75 million in bonds. The bid of 4.875 percent was submitted by Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. The firm submitted the lowest bid among five bidders.

back to top

2009 Action Plan for HUD funding approved

Johnson County gave the green light on Thursday, October 23, for use of an anticipated $2.1 million in federal funding to assist in housing rehabilitation, helping to purchase homes, improving public facilities, and funding a wide assortment of other public services.

On Thursday, the Johnson County Board of Commissioners, after a public hearing, unanimously approved the county’s 2009 Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships programs. The Board heard six representatives from local cities and charities speak in favor of the new Action Plan.

Drafting of the annual use of federal funding involves two Johnson County departments. One is the Community Development Office, under the direction of Viki Schmidt. It is a division of the Department of Budget and Financial Planning.

The other link to the plan comes from the Johnson County Housing Services Office, a division of the Johnson County Human Services and Aging Department. The housing director is Stacy Copeland.

The 2009 Action Plan expects to receive $1.1 million in federal funding and slightly more than $37,000 in unused 2008 funding for the CDBG program, totaling $1,137,076. The funding involves three general areas: Accessibility, affordability, and sustainability.

Accessibility funding includes $27,000 to Johnson County Developmental Supports in Lenexa for assistive technology to serve its clients; $5,000 to El Centro in Olathe for rent and utility assistance; $20,900 to the Friends of the Johnson County Nursing Home in Olathe for new electric nursing home beds; and $10,000 to the YMCA of Greater Kansas City for scholarship assistance for before and after school child care.

Affordability funding will go to Home Repair Program ($35,729) and Renters Accessibility Modification Program ($20,000) by the county’s Department of Human Services and Aging.

Funds for sustainability efforts include:

• $53,700 for mill and overlay of 84th Street from Shawnee to Jaycee streets in De Soto;
  
• $100,000 for new sidewalks in Edgerton;
  
• $100,000 for new sidewalks, lighting, and drainage improvements along Noland Road in Lenexa;
  
• $77,171 for new street lighting along 50th Terrace Street in Merriam;
  
• $88,443 to eliminate bootleg sewers in the older neighborhoods in Olathe;
  
• $31,763 to Olathe for a code enforcement inspector;
  
• $7,500 to Safehome, Inc. to purchase air conditioning/heating units; and,
  
• $100,000 for manhole rehabilitation and sewer pipe lining in Spring Hill.

The 2009 Action Plan anticipates an allocation of $1 million for the local HOME Investment Partnerships program, with most funding ($700,000) earmarked for housing rehabilitation. The plan also expects a $10,000 award for the American Dream Downpayment Initiative, which assists eligible first-time homebuyers by providing downpayment funding in financing of their homes.

Funding of the programs and projects in Johnson County will come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Submission of an Action Plan is required by HUD annually in order for the county to continue receiving federal funding.

Seventeen cities in Johnson County have cooperative agreements with the county to participate in the annual CDBG program. The cities of Overland Park and Shawnee receive their own CBDG entitlement from HUD.

All cities in the county, including Overland Park and Shawnee, have cooperative agreements with the county to participate in the HOME program through the Johnson County HOME Consortium.

With the Board’s approval Thursday, the 2009 Action Plan will be submitted by November 15 to HUD for final review and federal funding authorization.

back to top

County seeks $6.6 million in federal funding to assist with housing crisis

Johnson County, in partnership with the cities of Olathe and Overland Park, is applying for $6.6 million in federal funding to stabilize neighborhoods and assist with the housing crisis as it relates to foreclosures and subprime mortgage issues.

The funding is being made available through the U.S. Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) Neighborhood Stabilization Program at no cost to the county or cities. The act was approved by Congress on July 24 and signed by President George W. Bush on July 30. The program began October 1.

On Thursday, October 23, the Johnson County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a request from the Department of Human Services and Aging to apply for the grant funding. The application involves collaboration with the two cities along with the department’s Housing Services Program, which will serve as a pass-through entity for the cities in the funding process. The application must be submitted to the state of Kansas by October 28.

Use of the grant funding includes homebuyer assistance; purchases of foreclosed or abandoned homes to sell, rent, or redevelop; demolition of blighted structures and redevelopment of the property, and housing rehabilitation.

Olathe is requesting $3,691,500, and Overland Park is applying for $1,968,800. The Housing Services Program is seeking $963,000 to purchase up to five foreclosed homes, rehabilitate them as needed, and sell them to low-income families.

“Preference for the sale of these homes would be given to individuals who are current Housing Choice Voucher recipients and have completed their five-year Family Self-Sufficiency program or who are clients of the American Dream Downpayment Initiative,” Copeland advised the Board in a letter outlining the application for funding.

“We strongly believe that this new funding source will greatly enhance our community’s ability to provide affordable housing to low-income families.”

Deputy County Manager Hannes Zacharias agreed, noting that an application for $6.6 million is subject to change.

“I’m hopeful we can get that much, but we don’t know for sure,” he said.

The state of Kansas has been awarded almost $21 million from HERA for use throughout Kansas. The federal grant funding will be administered through the state’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation.

Kansas will provide a statewide action plan by December 1 to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for final review and federal grant funding authorization, which is expected by the end of the year or early 2009.

back to top