The Olathe Planning Commission met on April 28, 2025, at their temporary location. Seven of nine commissioners were present (Commissioners Corcoran and Lynn absent). The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call. The commission approved a consent agenda (five items) by a 7–0 voice vote, then held a public hearing and voted on one item to vacate a public alley for a downtown restaurant outdoor dining area. The meeting concluded with announcements about upcoming comprehensive plan open houses.
Like to call tonight's meeting to order. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation. Under God. Indivisible with the Liberty and Justice for all. Good evening and welcome to the City of Olatha Planning Commission's April 28th meeting. We're still meeting in our temporary location. We plan for our next meeting on June 9th to occur in Olatha City Hall. Keep your fingers crossed. I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge that we have a quorum of planning commissioners present with seven of nine of our commissioners in attendance. Commissioners Corcoran and Commissioner Lynn are absent this evening. Planning commission meetings are an important part of the process for interpreting and applying the city's comprehensive plan and unified development ordinance. It's important that our meetings are conducted with dignity and respect, and that applies to every person in attendance. We strive to provide an atmosphere where the ideas and opinions of all participants are held in the highest regard. Finally, the actions on the issues we discuss are ultimately under the responsibility of the City Council. As a planning commission, we're here to help the council, as our elected representatives, to be fully informed to make the best choices for our city. By statute, the planning commission strives not to engage with any party on the issues on our agenda prior to this meeting. Should that interaction take place as a result of a business relationship or any other interaction referred to as ex parte communication? Commissioners will report that interaction when we reach that item on the agenda. We'll now move on to the consent agenda. This evening we have five items on our consent agenda. Commissioners, do you need to pull any items for additional information or questions from staff? Seeing none, I will call for a motion on the item. Do I have a motion on the consent agenda? Mr. Chair, I'll move to approve the consent agenda. Thank you, Commissioner Breen. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you, Commissioner Bergida. We'll take a voice voice vote. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed nay. And that does pass 7-0. This evening we have one scheduled public hearing. The first public hearing is a request for approval to vacate a public alley in the right-of-way between 125 and 135 South Kansas Avenue. Ms. Corillo will present the case. Welcome. Thank you. Emily Carillo, senior planner. As introduced, this is a request to vacate a portion of public alley right-away, which requires a public hearing before the Planning Commission. The alley as shown here, highlighted in yellow, is located between two existing commercial buildings at 125 and 135 South Kansas Avenue. So just a little bit north of Lula Street, the intersection of Lula and Kansas Avenue. This proposed vacation is necessary to facilitate the development of an outdoor dining area associated with the new restaurant planned for 135 South Kansas Avenue. All public notification requirements have been met, and neither staff nor the applicant have received any correspondence regarding the proposed vacation. It is also noteworthy that the adjacent property owner to the north of the green highlighted area there at 125 South Kansas Avenue has been actively involved and supportive throughout this process, working collaboratively with city staff and the future restaurant tenant.