OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Olathe City Council Meeting on September 17, 2024: STAR Bond District, Redevelopment, Facility Renovations, and Police Firing Range Partnership

City Council — Tuesday, September 17, 2024
BodyOlathe, Kansas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 17, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Welcome to the regular session of the Olatha City Council for Tuesday, September 17th, 2024.

0:05

The next item on our agenda is the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:08

Would you please stand with me for the pledge?

0:12

I Pledge Allegiance of the United States of America.

0:20

Under God and Mystical Liberty and Justice Roll.

0:32

We'll now move to special business.

0:35

Item A is a proclamation recognizing September 22 through the 28th as Family Week.

0:41

We know a strong family unit makes a big difference in the lives of young people.

0:46

What we may not realize is that the simple thing we can do every day to strengthen those family bonds is to sit down and eat dinner together.

0:54

That's part of the message the Olatha Communities That Care Coalition is sharing for Family Week.

1:00

So to accept this proclamation, I'd like to welcome forward CTC member and Johnson County Community Prevention Coordinator, Jamie Shapp.

1:07

Jamie.

1:29

Testing.

1:30

We're on.

1:30

We're hot.

1:31

So the proclamation reads whereas the Olatha Communities That Care Coalition established in 2008 is a collaborative effort by the City of Olatha, Olatha Public Schools, the Olatha Police Department, the Olatha Public Library, Johnson County Mental Health, and Johnson County to enhance community prevention efforts of underage drinking and drug use and to and to promote healthy choices for all.

1:55

And whereas studies show that children in strong families who have frequent dinners together have a decreased risk of smoking, drinking, and drug use.

2:05

And whereas CTC consistently encourages families to participate in important conversations about the risks associated with underage drug and alcohol abuse as a protective factor for young people in our community.

2:18

And whereas coming together as a family, participating in fun activities together, and discussing the events of the day can foster open communication, provide opportunities to share concerns, and help guide children toward healthy decision making.

2:33

Now, therefore, I, John Bacon, mayor of the City of Olatha do hereby proclaim September 22nd to the 28th, 2024 is Family Week in Olatha, encouraging all residents to dedicate time to their family during this time to strengthen bonds and engage in meaningful conversations.

2:54

Thank you so much for having me.

2:56

Thank you.

2:56

And it's a privilege to get to work with Olatha CTC and so many amazing community partners that really work hard to help support our mission of connecting people to keep Olatha safe and healthy.

3:08

So a part of that is, as he said, family meals.

3:11

And so we actually have an event next week during Family Week.

3:14

It's called Connected Conversations.

3:16

We do that with Olatha Public Schools and Johnson County Mental Health, where we invite families to come in, have a meal together, we talk about the importance of having a meal together, and then we'll be talking about fentanyl awareness at this one.

3:29

So that is on Wednesday, the 25th, from 6 to 8 at Olatha North.

3:35

So I'm going to leave some things at the back for you guys that you can register for that.

3:40

And then we also have our big family day, September 28th from 10 to 1 at the Indian Creek Library.

3:46

It's a new location this year, so we're very excited about that.

3:49

The library has done an amazing job helping us with this.

3:52

We're going to have story time.

3:54

There's going to be pumpkin painting, games, treats, everything to make a very fun day for the family.

4:00

So come on out and see us next Saturday.

4:02

Thank you.

4:03

Thanks.

4:14

Thank you so much.

4:24

So thanks, Jamie, for being here and for you for what you do.

4:27

And the and the story is it's just not next week.

4:30

Let's do it the week after that, the week after that.

4:32

So it's not just one week a year that we have family week and dinners together.

4:37

We'll now move to item uh B under Special Business, a proclamation recognizing September 15th through October 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month.

4:47

Each fall, we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Olatha's Hispanic community.

4:53

From our businesses to our schools and churches, our Hispanic community is a big part of what makes Olatha such an exceptional place to live and work.

5:02

Accepting the proclamation tonight is Dr.

5:04

Marta Silva, a Spanish language teacher at Olatha North and sponsor of the Latina Leadership Club.

5:10

Dr.

5:10

Silva has previously been named the best world language teacher by the Kansas World Language Association and the teacher of the year at North Olatha North.

5:20

She received the Educator's Award from the Olatha Public Schools Foundation and the Human Civil Rights Award from the Kansas National Education Association.

5:29

Dr.

5:30

Silva Silva has been teaching for more than 20 years.

5:33

She started the Latina Leadership Club at Olatha North in 2018.

5:37

So Dr.

5:37

Silva, would you please come up?

5:51

So this proclamation reads whereas since 1988, our nation has observed a month-long celebration to honor our nation's Hispanic heritage.

5:59

And whereas Olatha is fortunate to have such rich rich diversity and recognizes the immeasurable value of the contributions of our Hispanic community.

6:08

And whereas Hispanic Americans have enriched the American way of life and their commitment to family and community have helped unite us as a people.

6:17

And whereas we are proud of the many Hispanic Americans whose active involvement in our businesses, schools, churches, civic clubs, and local government helps us make Olatha great.

6:29

Now, therefore, I John Bacon, mayor of the City of Olatha, do hereby proclaim September 15th through October 15th, 2024 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Olatha, Kansas, encouraging all Olathians to help celebrate our rich Hispanic heritage and culture and recognize the important role of Hispanic people in creating and building our community and great nation.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Tourism And Development███████████████15%
Accessibility Planning██████████████14%
Procedural█████████████13%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████12%
Public Safety████████████12%
Economic Development███████████11%
Land Use Planning████████8%
Youth Programs█████5%
Public Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Olathe City Council Meeting on September 17, 2024: STAR Bond District, Redevelopment, Facility Renovations, and Police Firing Range Partnership

The Olathe City Council met on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 6:45 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting opened with an executive session regarding the acquisition of real property for the Animal Shelter Project, followed by the live-streamed session at 7:00 PM. Major actions included the creation of a STAR Bond Project District for an ultra-accessible amusement park and arena, the establishment of a redevelopment district for Indian Creek Crossing, approval of facility renovations and a lease for temporary city department space, issuance of industrial revenue bonds for a truck maintenance facility, and a memorandum of understanding with the FBI for a new police firing range. All votes were 6-0, with Councilmember Schoonover absent.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes of September 3, 2024.
  • Approved renewal licenses as recommended by the City Clerk.
  • Approved business expense statements for travel to San Antonio, Texas (August 22–23).
  • Accepted dedication of land for public easements and street right-of-way for Woodland Hills, Seventh Plat (56 lots on 17.06 acres).
  • Approved Consent Calendar items G–K: Consent Calendar approval, Agreement with Johnson County for Stream Rehabilitation Near 125th Terrace (PN 2-R-001-24), Price agreement with Grapevine Designs for clothing/promotional items, Renewal of contract with XentIT for Trend Micro licenses, and Marathon Health contract addendum for on-site physical therapy.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No citizens spoke during the public hearings for the STAR Bond district or the redevelopment district.
  • During General Issues and Concerns of Citizens, Melissa Precht, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, spoke about National Constitution Day.

Discussion Items

Special Business: Proclamations

  • Mayor Bacon proclaimed September 22–28 as Family Week. Johnson County Community Prevention Coordinator Jaymi Schap accepted and highlighted events, including "Connected Conversations" on fentanyl awareness (Sept. 25) and Family Day at Indian Creek Library (Sept. 28).
  • Mayor Bacon proclaimed September 15–October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. Dr. Marta Silva, Spanish teacher and Latina Leadership Club sponsor at Olathe North, accepted and shared the club's work.

Public Hearing: STAR Bond Project District (Ordinance 24-35)

  • City Attorney Ron Shaver and Todd LaSala (Stinson LLP) presented the proposed district at 119th Street and Renner Boulevard. The project, led by Loreto Properties (James R. Kell), includes:
    • A 5,000-seat arena with two sheets of ice (for hockey, skating, tournaments).
    • "Mikey's Wonder World," an ultra-accessible amusement park inspired by Morgan's Wonderland (San Antonio). Rides designed for zero wheelchair transfer.
    • A 150-room ultra-accessible hotel, 120,000 sq. ft. of retail, and a multi-assistance center (MAC) for special needs medical care.
    • Total capital investment over $300 million; projected annual sales of $145 million; over 725,000 annual visitors.
  • Councilmembers expressed strong support after a site visit to San Antonio, emphasizing inclusivity and economic development. No public comments.
  • Motion to close hearing and approve ordinance passed 6-0. Next steps: negotiate project plan and development agreement by year-end.

Public Hearing: Redevelopment District (Ordinance 24-36) – Indian Creek Crossing

  • City Attorney Shaver and Sandra Watts (Rouse Frets) presented a TIF district at northeast corner of Santa Fe Street and Mur Len Road. Developer David Christie (Christie Development Associates) plans to redevelop the former Hobby Lobby/Goodwill shopping center (vacant since 2018).
  • Proposed uses: Crunch Fitness, indoor pickleball facility, Quick Trip, and a regional hardware store. Also includes conveyance of land for Fire Station expansion and road improvements.
  • Total project costs ~$26.4 million; requested TIF and CID capped at $7 million (pay-as-you-go, no bonds). Conservation area finding due to structures over 35 years old.
  • Councilmember Gilmore clarified the $7 million cap covers both TIF and CID. No public comments.
  • Motion to close hearing and approve ordinance passed 6-0. Next steps: TIF project plan and CID approval by year-end.

Consent Agenda Removals: Facility Renovations and Lease

  • Item E – Resolution 24-1051 (Facility Renovations and Improvements): Deputy Director Zach Hardy presented scope: remodeling City Hall, Fire Administration, Robinson Administration, and Olathe Community Center. Original budget $3.27 million plus $1 million from insurance settlements/well-being center funds. Increase to include $2 million for a three-year lease at 119th and Renner (temporary space for IT and displaced staff due to sale of IT building on Kansas Ave). Total project now ~$6.27 million. Councilmember Gilmore questioned the increase; staff explained bonding lease costs. Motion approved 6-0.
  • Item F – Lease Agreement with Karbank Holdings LLC: Director Mike Sirna explained the temporary lease at $19/sq. ft. (full service), below market subcomp rates of $22–$23. Three-year term for IT relocation and other departments during renovations. Motion approved 6-0.

New Business: Industrial Revenue Bonds (Ordinance 24-37)

  • Authorized up to $4 million in taxable industrial revenue bonds for a 12,525 sq. ft. truck maintenance and storage facility at Dennis Avenue and Pine Street. Originally approved in February 2022. Motion passed 6-0.

New Business: Police Firing Range Partnership

  • Item B – MOU with FBI: Police Chief Mike Butaud presented a partnership for a new firearms range on 96 acres at 167th Street and I-35. The facility will include a 100-yard precision rifle range, 20-lane linear range (50 yards), a scenario-based combat range, and a live-fire shoot house for the FBI. Total project cost $15.15 million ($13.15 million from CIP, $2 million federal funds). MOU is for 20 years, renewable. Councilmember inquiries about other jurisdictions and renewals; Chief confirmed limited availability and likely renewal. Motion approved 6-0.
  • Item C – Turner Construction Agreement: Approved design-build services for the firing range. Motion passed 6-0. Next steps: geotechnical borings, design through early 2025, construction to complete by February 2026.

Key Outcomes

  • Executive Session (pre–live stream): Authorized acquisition of real property for the Animal Shelter Project (PN 6-C-007-23) by a 6-0 vote.
  • STAR Bond District (Ord. 24-35): Created district; project plan and development agreement to be brought back by end of 2024.
  • Redevelopment District (Ord. 24-36): Created TIF district; TIF project plan and CID action expected before end of 2024.
  • Facility Renovations (Res. 24-1051): Amended to include lease costs; renovations to begin mid-October 2024 through summer 2025.
  • Lease with Karbank Holdings: Approved three-year lease for temporary city department space.
  • Industrial Revenue Bonds (Ord. 24-37): Issued up to $4 million for truck maintenance facility.
  • FBI MOU: Approved; firing range design to proceed with Turner Construction; completion targeted for February 2026.
  • New City Council Business: Councilmember Felter thanked staff for Old Settlers Day and expressed condolences for a KCFD firefighter lost during training; Councilmember Vogt reminded citizens of Elevate Olathe kickoff; Mayor Bacon announced $2,000 raised at Olathe Live concert for Mayor's Children's Fund and upcoming pickleball tournament on October 12.

Meeting Transcript

Welcome to the regular session of the Olatha City Council for Tuesday, September 17th, 2024. The next item on our agenda is the Pledge of Allegiance. Would you please stand with me for the pledge? I Pledge Allegiance of the United States of America. Under God and Mystical Liberty and Justice Roll. We'll now move to special business. Item A is a proclamation recognizing September 22 through the 28th as Family Week. We know a strong family unit makes a big difference in the lives of young people. What we may not realize is that the simple thing we can do every day to strengthen those family bonds is to sit down and eat dinner together. That's part of the message the Olatha Communities That Care Coalition is sharing for Family Week. So to accept this proclamation, I'd like to welcome forward CTC member and Johnson County Community Prevention Coordinator, Jamie Shapp. Jamie. Testing. We're on. We're hot. So the proclamation reads whereas the Olatha Communities That Care Coalition established in 2008 is a collaborative effort by the City of Olatha, Olatha Public Schools, the Olatha Police Department, the Olatha Public Library, Johnson County Mental Health, and Johnson County to enhance community prevention efforts of underage drinking and drug use and to and to promote healthy choices for all. And whereas studies show that children in strong families who have frequent dinners together have a decreased risk of smoking, drinking, and drug use. And whereas CTC consistently encourages families to participate in important conversations about the risks associated with underage drug and alcohol abuse as a protective factor for young people in our community. And whereas coming together as a family, participating in fun activities together, and discussing the events of the day can foster open communication, provide opportunities to share concerns, and help guide children toward healthy decision making. Now, therefore, I, John Bacon, mayor of the City of Olatha do hereby proclaim September 22nd to the 28th, 2024 is Family Week in Olatha, encouraging all residents to dedicate time to their family during this time to strengthen bonds and engage in meaningful conversations. Thank you so much for having me. Thank you. And it's a privilege to get to work with Olatha CTC and so many amazing community partners that really work hard to help support our mission of connecting people to keep Olatha safe and healthy. So a part of that is, as he said, family meals. And so we actually have an event next week during Family Week. It's called Connected Conversations. We do that with Olatha Public Schools and Johnson County Mental Health, where we invite families to come in, have a meal together, we talk about the importance of having a meal together, and then we'll be talking about fentanyl awareness at this one. So that is on Wednesday, the 25th, from 6 to 8 at Olatha North. So I'm going to leave some things at the back for you guys that you can register for that. And then we also have our big family day, September 28th from 10 to 1 at the Indian Creek Library. It's a new location this year, so we're very excited about that. The library has done an amazing job helping us with this. We're going to have story time. There's going to be pumpkin painting, games, treats, everything to make a very fun day for the family. So come on out and see us next Saturday. Thank you. Thanks. Thank you so much. So thanks, Jamie, for being here and for you for what you do. And the and the story is it's just not next week. Let's do it the week after that, the week after that. So it's not just one week a year that we have family week and dinners together. We'll now move to item uh B under Special Business, a proclamation recognizing September 15th through October 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month. Each fall, we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Olatha's Hispanic community. From our businesses to our schools and churches, our Hispanic community is a big part of what makes Olatha such an exceptional place to live and work. Accepting the proclamation tonight is Dr. Marta Silva, a Spanish language teacher at Olatha North and sponsor of the Latina Leadership Club. Dr. Silva has previously been named the best world language teacher by the Kansas World Language Association and the teacher of the year at North Olatha North. She received the Educator's Award from the Olatha Public Schools Foundation and the Human Civil Rights Award from the Kansas National Education Association.

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