The Board of County Commissioners met on Thursday, April 17 in the Hearing Room at the Johnson County Administration Building.

Commissioner Janeé Hanzlick was absent.

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.

Permit for concrete plant operations at AirCenter

Approved a request from Penny’s Concrete, Inc., applicant, and Johnson County Airport, landowner, for a conditional use permit to allow the continued use of the concrete plant operations, related exterior storage and two over-height buildings, on 6.85 acres, on property zoned PEC-3, Planned Light Industrial Park District, located at 16741 Conestoga St. at the New Century AirCenter.

Contract for EV charging station project

Authorized a contract with Olsson Associates for electric vehicle charging station pre-construction engineering in the amount of $233,947.53, pending Kansas Department of Transportation process review and funding approval.

Revised HR policies for certain employee benefits

Adopted revised Human Resource Policies 504 and 505 pertaining to certain employee benefits to be effective April 17, 2025.

Reappointment to REACH’s Board

Reappointed Justin Richter to REACH’s Board.

Consent Agenda Vote: Passed 6-0.

Contract for utility locating services

Authorized a contract with USIC Locating Services, LLC, for utility locating services within the Consolidated Main Sewer District at a cost not to exceed $2 million for a 1-year term with the option to renew annually for four additional 1-year terms. Vote: Passed 5-1.

• Yes: Brewer, Meyers, Allenbrand, Fast, Kelly
• No: Ashcraft

County 911 dispatchers receive MARC honors for providing life-saving services

At its annual celebration on April 11, the Mid-America Regional Council’s Public Safety Communications Program recognized six Johnson County employees with outstanding performance awards at the 2025 Telecommunicators Appreciation Celebration. The event kicked off National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week that honors 911 dispatchers and call takers for their commitment, service and sacrifice. The 2025 honorees included the following employees from the Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Communications Center:

• Everyday Hero: Joe Hunninghake, Sheriff’s Office
• Outstanding Training Performance: Ryan Reschke, ECC
• Lifetime Achievement: Heather Beabout and Eric Boettcher, both from the Sheriff’s Office; and Marlynda Dixon and Gale Wash, both from the ECC.

AHS employee featured on Mi Cafecito Mananero show

Brandy Hodge, communication, administration and outreach manager at the Aging and Human Services Department, was a guest on the Mi Cafecito Mananero (morning) show on La Nueva 92.7 FM on April 11. Brandy provided information on the various services available through AHS and other county departments with Hispanic residents who may not be familiar with the county services. She answered several questions that came in during the live broadcast and furnished many resources and materials for the station to share.

Corporate Challenge involves 231 county participants

Johnson County Government employees kicked off their participation in the 2025 Kansas City Corporate Challenge season with a Kick-off Party and Walk on Friday, April 11, at the Truman Sports Complex. This event marked the start of the multi-month competition, which promotes fitness and recreation through Olympic-style games and involves roughly 19,439 participants from 156 organizations in the Kansas City area. For this kick-off event, Johnson County partnered with JCPRD. Throughout the 2025 challenge, 231 individuals will represent Johnson County in the competition.

Reports:

• Erin Winn presented a legislative update.
• Rebecca Hodge, senior management and budget analyst from Budget and Financial Planning, provided a preliminary CIP report in drafting the 2026 Budget.
• Becky Jones, deputy director of Financial Management and Administration, presented an update on State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funding.

During a Committee of the Whole meeting, the Board received a presentation on current and recommended paratransit services by Johnson County Transit.

Board directed staff to proceed with three recommendations to provide Federal ADA complementary paratransit service; standardize, refine and improve eligibility process Federal ADA eligibility requirements for all JCT provided services; and continue to provide non-ADA paratransit countywide in development of a draft Johnson County Transit Strategic Plan for final review and action by the Board. Vote: Passed 6-0.

After meeting in executive session, a motion was made to authorize the Chair to enter into a settlement agreement and provide testimony in Docket No. 23-EKCE-775-RTS, before the Kansas Corporation Commission. Vote: Passed 6-0.

After meeting in a separate executive session, a motion was made to authorize the Chief Counsel to file a civil lawsuit on behalf of the County to recover expenses paid by the County to two former employees. Vote: Passed 6-0.

Agreement for storm sewer inspection project

Consider authorizing an agreement with the city of Olathe for a storm sewer inspection project at a cost to the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program of $248,897.

Staff for 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Consider authorizing the Johnson County Mental Health Center to add 3.0 FTE case manager positions for the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and authorize the reallocation and expenditure of fund balance (reserves) for FY 2025 in an amount not to exceed $222,000.

Staff for Adult Crisis Stabilization Center

Consider authorizing the Johnson County Mental Health Center to add 18.0 FTE positions for establishment of an Adult Crisis Stabilization Center and authorize the reallocation and expenditure of Mental Health fund balance (reserve authority) for FY 2025 in the amount of $1,243,000.

Easements for road project

Resolution No. 033-25. Consider authorizing the acquisition, by condemnation, of the rights-of-way and easements necessary for the Mission Road Safety Improvement Project between Orchard Lane and 179th Terrace.

Funding increase for engineering services

Resolution No. WD 25-017. Consider authorizing an increase, in the amount of $4 million to the term and supply contract authority with Black & Veatch Corporation; Burns & McDonnell; Carollo Engineers, Inc.; CDM Smith; George Butler Associates, Inc.; Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.; and Olsson Associates for engineering services for Johnson County Wastewater treatment and pumping asset renewal projects, RFP 2021- 029, for the current contract year. The increased contract authority will not exceed $14 million for the current contract year.

Funds for wastewater project

Resolution No. WD 25-005. Conduct a public hearing and consider authorizing funds for the construction phase of the Blue River Main Wastewater Treatment Facility Phase 2 Improvements Project (BRM1-Contract 13) in an amount not to exceed $15,613,500, increasing the total project authorization to $18,279,000.

Contract for wastewater project

Invitation for Bid No. 2025-001. Consider authorizing a contract with Crossland Heavy Contractors, Inc. to construct the Blue River Main Wastewater Treatment Facility Phase 2 Improvements Project (BRM1-Contract 13) in the amount of $12,363,750.