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

The Board proclaimed Aug. 19 as National Aviation Day in Johnson County.

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.

Staffing for disability services

Approved two FTE positions for the Johnson County Community Developmental Disabilities Organization utilizing increased funding from the contract with Kansas Department on Aging and Disability Services and authorize the reallocation and expenditure of fund balance (reserves) for FY 2025 in an amount not to exceed $325,000. The funding increase is expected to be maintained in future fiscal years.

Permit for accessory dwelling unit

Approved an application for an accessory dwelling unit permit for an existing 948-square-foot home at 36265 W. 151st St.

Replacing immunization program

Approved the Johnson County Direct Patient Care and Client Contact Employee Immunization Program to replace the existing program.

Consent Agenda Vote: Passed 7-0.

Appointment to Board of Code Review

Appointed the Fourth District Commissioner nominee, Dr. Michael A Panethiere, Ph.D., P.E., to the Board of Code Review. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Appointment to Commission on Aging Advisory Board

Declared a vacancy of the First District Commissioner’s appointee and appointed First District Commissioner’s nominee, Richard Hellman, MD, to the Johnson County Commission on Aging Advisory Board. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Appointments to the East Consolidated Zoning Board

Appointed the Third District Commissioner’s nominees; Scott Balentine, Dennis Bollin and Fred Wingert to the East Consolidated Zoning Board. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Appointments to the Museum Advisory Council

Appointed the Sixth District Commissioner nominee, Courtney Craig, and the Chair’s nominee, Jean Hughes, to the Johnson County Museum Advisory Council. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Contract amendment in management of records

Approved a contract amendment to separate the Electronic Health Record system provided by Welligent for the Johnson County Community Developmental Disabilities Organization from JCDS direct service provision and authorized the reallocation and expenditure of Developmental Supports Fund balance (reserves) for FY 2025 in an amount not to exceed $250,000 and to delegate authority to the JCDS Governing Board to manage this contract within approved budget and policy parameters. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Funding for additional rental housing units

Approved the conditional award of HOME-ARP Rental Housing, operating and capacity building funding of $2,686,777.26 to Metro Lutheran Ministry, authorized the reallocation and expenditure of General Fund balances (reserves) for FY 2025 in an amount not to exceed $2,686,778 and delegated authority to execute agreements with MLM to the director or Planning, Housing and Community Development. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Contract for improvements to detention center

Authorized a contract with Icon Structures, Inc., for the New Century Adult Detention Center Interior Improvements Project located at 27745 W. 159th St., New Century, in the amount not to exceed $1,898,000. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Contract for audiovisual equipment

Authorized a contract with Midwest Presentations Inc (dba CCS Presentation Systems, KC), for the purchase of audiovisual equipment and services for the Johnson County Commission Board and Control Room in the amount of $434,708.58. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Drowning prevention communications campaign makes a big impact

In the wake of a tragic increase in drowning incidents, including one fatality, the Communications and Engagement department teamed up with MED-ACT, the Johnson County Park and Recreation District and the Department of Health and Environment to launch a drowning prevention initiative. The campaign's centerpiece was a comprehensive social media effort. A series of educational posts, including graphics and a video, linking back to a dedicated resource webpage, were deployed across various platforms to educate the public on essential water safety. Surrounding cities and emergency services' social media accounts re-shared the information to their respective pages, reaching an even wider audience across our county. Local media quickly picked up the story, featuring articles and video interviews with MED-ACT employees. In total, this initiative was viewed 50K times on social media and reached 22.4K people. It led to four media stories. We plan to continue sharing this crucial information throughout the summer and summers to come to maximize its reach and impact.

JCW begins customer newsletter to provide key information

Wastewater launched its first ever customer newsletter recently. The newsletter provides stories and links to the payment portal, projects and other key information. The newsletter is planned to be shared with customers two to four times per year.

The Board received 2026 budget presentations from Consolidated Fire District No. 2; Northwest Consolidated Fire District; and Fire District No. 1, Fire District No. 2 and Consolidated Fire District No. 1.

Dissolution of advisory board

Resolution No. 077-25. Consider adopting Resolution No 077-25, for the dissolution of the Johnson County Emergency Communications Center Advisory Board.

Agreement to improve 199th Street

Consider approving an agreement with the City of Spring Hill for the improvement of 199th Street from Ridgeview Road to Renner Road with CARS Reserve and Federal Fund Exchange accounts, in an amount not to exceed $150,000.

Acceptance of grant funding

Consider acceptance of the MCR FY 26 Grant in the amount of $245,000 and authorize the Mental Health Department to add a 1.0 FTE case manager to the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) and a 1.0 FTE clinician to the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), and authorize the reallocation and expenditure of Mental Health fund balance (reserves) for FY 2025 in the amount of $87,900.

Bonds to construct industrial facility

Resolution No. 092-25. Consider adopting Resolution No. 092-25 and authorizing Johnson County to issue Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2025, in the principal amount not to exceed $75 million for the purpose of financing the construction of an industrial facility located at New Century; and to grant an ad valorem tax abatement on the constructed improvements for 10 years starting at $0.46 a square foot and escalating at 2% annually thereafter; and entering into a payment in lieu of tax (PILOT) agreement; and certain other documents in connection with the issuance of the bonds.

Contract for wastewater services

Request for Proposal No. 2025-011. Consider authorizing a contract with Denali Water Solutions, LLC, for Biosolids Land Application from Johnson County Wastewater facilities at a cost not to exceed $1 million per year for a three-year contract period with the option to renew for an additional three-year period.

Contract for wastewater sewer main project

Invitation for Bid No. 2025-010. Consider authorizing a contract with Site Rite Construction Co. to construct the Blue River No. 28, Contract District 1 Sewer Main Extension Project in an amount not to exceed $3,046,422.