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

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.

Cancellation of outstanding county-issued checks

Approved Resolution No. 094-24 authorizing the cancellation of outstanding county-issued checks that are at least two years old.

Amended consent order regarding wastewater’s integrated plan

Directed the Wastewater General Manager to enter into an amended consent order with the State of Kansas Department of Health and Environment related to Johnson County Wastewater’s Phase 2 Integrated Plan.

Revision to 2025 CARS expenditures

Authorized a revision to 2025 County Assistance Road System Program expenditures by replacing the Midland Drive, I-435 to Shawnee Mission Parkway project, with the Shawnee Mission Parkway, I-435 to K-7 project, at no additional cost to the county.

Contract extension with UMB Bank

Authorized a contract authority increase with UMB Bank, N.A. in the amount of $80,000, for a total contract authority of $220,000 through Dec. 31, 2024 and a contract extension in the amount not to exceed $120,000 through June 30, 2025.

Reorganizing compliance structure of protected health information

Adopted Resolution No. 065-24, which repeals Resolution No. 011-03 and reorganizes the county’s compliance structure for the confidentiality and security of protected health information to ensure compliance with federal healthcare laws.

Reorganizing compliance structure under ADA

Consider adopting Resolution No. 095-24, reorganizing the Johnson County’s Compliance Structure under the Americans with Disabilities Act and to Repeal Resolution No. 120-92.

Amendment was made to move consideration of Resolution No. 095-24 to action agenda. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Consent agenda, as amended. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Reorganizing compliance structure under ADA

Adopted Resolution No. 095-24, reorganizing the Johnson County’s Compliance Structure under the Americans with Disabilities Act and to Repeal Resolution No. 120-92. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Contract for purchase of transit buses

Authorized a contract with Gillig LLC, for the purchase of eight wheelchair accessible low-floor 29-foot clean diesel transit buses, including the requisite ancillary equipment, with $4,287,523 of Federal Section 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities funding and a county match of $756,621 from the Transit Vehicle Replacement set-aside project for a total cost not to exceed $5,044,144. Vote: Passed 6-1.

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

Contract renewal for transit services

Authorized a 2-year contract renewal with TransDev, doing business as First Transit, WHC Worldwide and EcoLane for transit services and scheduling, at a total cost not to exceed $26,586,597 with a contract term of Jan. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2026 with the option to renew one 2-year period and assign the agreement with First Transit to TransDev per the acquisition on March 7, 2023. Vote: Passed 4-1-1.

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

Commissioner Fast was absent for vote

Joint funding agreement for stream health assessment

Approved a 3-year joint funding agreement with United States Geological Survey for a stream health assessment in Johnson County in an amount not to exceed $314,550. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Reallocation and expenditure of reserves

Authorized the reallocation and expenditure of fund balance (reserves) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 for the following funds: General Fund in an amount not to exceed $2.5 million; the Developmental Supports Fund in an amount not to exceed $1.4 million; and the Park and Recreation Employee Benefits Fund in an amount not to exceed $1.4 million. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Salaries of Chairman and members of the BOCC

Approved and adopted Resolution No. 093-24 modifying certain provisions of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget Resolution No. 056-24 related to salaries for the positions of Board Chairman and County Commissioner and adopting procedures for annual consideration of Board Chairman and County Commissioner salaries. Vote: Passed 5-2.

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

Eviction Mediation Program contributors receive Excellence in Community Service Award

The Johnson County Eviction Mediation Program, along with its key contributors—Becky Fast (Johnson County Commissioner), Judge John McEntee (10th Judicial District Court), Laura Brewer (10th Judicial District Court administrator), Michele Zahradnik (10th Judicial District Court resource navigator), Elizabeth Lawlor (director of epidemiology, Johnson County Department of Health and Environment), Jennifer Lowe (Johnson County Department of Health and Environment epidemiologist), and Becky Jones (Johnson County deputy director of Financial Management and Administration)—has been honored with the 2024 UCS Excellence in Community Service Award. This prestigious award recognizes organizations that have significantly improved the lives of Johnson County residents. The program's success is attributed to its innovative approach, cross-collaboration among agencies and stakeholders and cost-effective engagement. The program has established an upstream model that helps keep vulnerable residents housed. A ceremony to celebrate this achievement will be held on Dec. 13 at the UCS annual meeting.

County representatives attend KAC and KACM conferences

Johnson County was represented this past week at two different conferences. The Kansas Association of Counties Conference was held in Wichita on Dec. 3-5. The same week, the Kansas Association of City/County Managers Conference was held in Olathe and Johnson County Government was a co-sponsor of the conference. The city and county were able to highlight our strong partnership. Attendees had a chance to attend a Library driving tour that visited Johnson County and Olathe library locations. A networking event was held at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center as well. Joe Connor received a career achievement award at the conference recognizing his contribution to public service in Kansas.

Assistant County Manager Joe Connor to retire Dec. 20

After a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, Joe Connor, assistant county manager for Johnson County, is retiring effective Dec. 20. Joe, a seasoned leader with 35 years of experience in Wyandotte County, joined Johnson County in 2019. His tenure has been marked by significant accomplishments, including helping guide the county through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. He spearheaded the establishment of a crucial vaccination clinic and led the effort to develop a vital year-round homeless services center. He has played a pivotal role in supporting rural fire districts, overseeing the planning of the future Health Services Building and driving innovation within the county. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for Joe's exceptional service. "Joe's focus on building strong relationships, his deep understanding of county government, and his unwavering commitment to serving our community have been invaluable." A retirement reception is scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, in Room 201 of the Johnson County Administration Building Lower Level.

The Board will interview finalists for Johnson County auditor from noon to 5 p.m.

Agenda for COW joint meeting of fire district boards

On Dec. 10, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners (sitting as the governing board of Fire District No. 2) met as a Committee of the Whole in a joint meeting with the governing board of District No. 1 in the Hearing Room at the Johnson County Administration Building to discuss a proposal to consolidate the fire districts.

Motion was made to direct staff to prepare a resolution of the intent for Fire District No 2 to consolidate with Fire District No 1 and bring back the resolution for consideration in the first quarter of 2025.

BOCC as governing board for Fire District No 2. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Motion was made to direct staff to prepare a resolution of the intent for Fire District No 1 to consolidate with Fire District No 2 and bring back the resolution for consideration in the first quarter of 2025.

Governing board for Fire District No 1. Vote: Passed 5-0.

The BOCC did not have an agenda review because the Board will not meet for the remainder of 2024 due to the holiday season. The next BOCC meeting will be Jan. 9, 2025.