Olathe City Council Meeting on August 6, 2024: Homeless Shelter Proposal, Budget Overview, and Approvals

The Olathe City Council met on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 9:47 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting began with two executive sessions (personnel and property acquisition), followed by a live-streamed session at 7:00 PM that included the Pledge of Allegiance, consent agenda, new business, and council announcements. The latter part of the meeting featured public comments on the Johnson County Homeless Services Center and a planning session with a presentation on the homeless shelter proposal and a review of proposed 2025 budgets. Councilmember Schoonover was absent.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved 6–0, including approval of July 16, 2024 minutes, license renewals and new licenses, reappointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals, travel requests for the City Manager, three public hearing resolutions (redevelopment district, STAR Bond project district, community improvement district), an interlocal agreement with USD #233 for facility rentals, acceptance of a final plat for Boulder Creek C-Store, engineer's estimate and bid award for sidewalk improvements, authorization for fire station modernization, a price agreement for emergency equipment, supplemental agreements with KDOT and HNTB, renewal of contracts for truck rental, operations management software, centrifuge spare parts, laboratory products, and crossing guard services.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Five Olathe residents—Hannah Jeffrey, Kevin Coriden, Doug Magden, Tim Suttle, and Neal Heckman—spoke in favor of supporting the Homeless Services Center proposed by Johnson County.

Discussion Items

1. Johnson County Homeless Services Center Proposal

• Johnson County Chairman Mike Kelly and Stephanie Boyer from ReStart (the proposed operator) presented a proposal for a Homeless Services Center and requested the City of Olathe to partner on the project.
  • Chairman Kelly described success as reducing homelessness and noted that while the project alone would not end homelessness, it would be a crucial piece.
  • Ms. Boyer explained that the center would provide case management for 30–90 days, with an exit plan if needed. The facility would have security cameras, hourly walk-throughs, and secured access. Annual reports and an advisory board would be established.
• Council questions and positions:
  • Councilmember Vakas asked about expansion options and point-in-time homeless count statistics. Ms. Boyer stated there were options to increase capacity.
  • Mayor Bacon expressed concern about short stays and potential return to homelessness; he asked about the 2029 functional zero goal. Chairman Kelly acknowledged the project alone would not end homelessness but is critical.
  • Councilmember Gilmore stated the issue should be addressed at the county level, not city. He asked about property assignment and the difference between indirect and direct funding. Ms. Boyer explained that if the county purchases the building, it could be assigned to ReStart; indirect funding is through ReStart rather than direct city funding. He also asked about the 90-day process—an exit plan is developed if case management fails.
  • Councilmember Felter expressed gladness that Johnson County is acknowledging homelessness; she asked what if a city chooses not to support. Chairman Kelly said they would not seek additional funds from supporting cities, shifting responsibility to ReStart to raise funds privately.
  • Councilmember Essex asked about the 66% sheltered statistic—Ms. Boyer explained it includes those from Project 10/20 and Salvation Army. She also asked if homeless individuals from Johnson County get priority—yes, all assessments in Johnson County, and those from elsewhere are connected to resources in their own area. She also asked about security measures, which were explained.
  • Councilmember Vogt emphasized the need for county leadership; she suggested additional conversations, financial review, and possibly a task force. She also asked about communication frequency—annual reports and an advisory board.
  • Mayor Bacon asked if the Special Use Permit is similar to other ReStart facilities—Ms. Boyer confirmed yes.

2. Proposed 2025 Budgets and Capital Improvement Plan

• Budget Manager Jarrod Stewart presented an overview of the proposed 2025 Solid Waste, Stormwater, Street Maintenance Sales Tax, Park Sales Tax, and Recreation Fund budgets, along with the 2025–2029 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and fees.
  • Councilmember Vakas asked about HAMM's role (solid waste manager explained), commercial customers and diversion rates (Infrastructure Director Mary Jaeger provided details).
  • Councilmember Gilmore asked about customer base expansion and profitability.
  • Councilmember Vakas asked if the SMST committee had been dissolved—City Engineer Nate Baldwin confirmed it had not.
  • Councilmember Gilmore requested clarification on the $350,000 annual use in Parks and Recreation Fund—Mr. Stewart said it is used to renovate and modernize existing park facilities/historical sites.
  • Mayor Bacon asked about neighborhood parks and land acquisition—Deputy Director Beth Wright said the city is evaluating current needs.
  • Councilmember Vogt noted most park projects are improvements to existing parks and questioned alignment with park sales tax promises—Quality of Life Director Mike Sirna cited citizen feedback favoring maintenance of existing infrastructure.
  • Councilmember Vakas asked number of parks—staff confirmed 45.
  • Mayor Bacon requested comparison of private club rates (e.g., Genesis) with city services—staff will collect data.
  • Councilmember Vogt asked about Recreation Fund reserves—Budget Analyst Kathryn Messer explained.
  • Councilmember Gilmore asked about COVID-19 rebound—Mr. Sirna noted fewer family memberships.
  • Councilmember Vakas emphasized avoiding groupthink in utility rates and seeking lowest possible increase.
  • Councilmember Vogt asked about lowering the mill levy by at least 1/8 mill—City Manager Michael Wilkes said staff does not recommend it; if decreased, staff would look at CIP projects to cut.

Council Member Announcements

• Councilmember Essex noted the groundbreaking for Midland Care PACE Adult Care, which will provide care for the elderly.
• Councilmember Felter thanked Heather Schoonover and Olathe Public Schools for a back-to-school event serving 250 students from McKinney-Vento families with 190 volunteers.
• Councilmember Vakas announced Fire Chief Jeff DeGraffenreid's selection for the Center for Homeland Defense and Security Executive Leaders Program; also mentioned the Olathe Live concert series and a plastic bag recycling initiative with TREX.
• Mayor Bacon highlighted the comprehensive plan update and encouraged citizen feedback via the Elevate Olathe website.

Key Outcomes

• The council approved the consent agenda (6–0) and Ordinance No. 24-30 levying assessments for weed mowing and debris removal (6–0).
• In executive session prior to the public meeting, the council authorized staff to proceed with strategies regarding the City Auditor position (vote 6–0) and authorized acquisition of real property and easements for the Santa Fe Street Improvements Project (vote 6–0).
• No formal votes were taken on the homeless shelter proposal or budget overview; these items were informational and for discussion.
• Next steps include further conversations on the homeless shelter, potential task force formation, and continued budget deliberations ahead of adoption.