Olathe City Council Meeting – September 2, 2025

The Olathe City Council convened on September 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for Deaf Cultural Month, public hearings on three community improvement districts (CIDs) and the FY 2026 budget, approval of a property tax levy exceeding the revenue neutral rate, approval of the consent agenda with two items pulled, a new animal ordinance, public comments on stormwater flooding and the proposed Lineage Logistics development, reports on industrial revenue bonds, a discussion on neighborhood parks, and an executive session regarding the City Manager position.

Consent Calendar

• Approved routine items including minutes, license renewals, appointments, intent to issue IRBs for Olathe Station North, consent calendar, change order, and various professional services agreements and contracts. (Items A-D, F, G, I-L; all passed unanimously.)

Public Hearings

• Lone Elm & 175th Street CID (Item A): Mayor Bacon opened the public hearing. Douglas Doerfler spoke, expressing concerns about the CID, tax abatements, truck traffic, and the lack of road improvements on Lone Elm Road. The public hearing was closed on a 7-0 vote. No ordinance was voted on at this meeting.
• Olathe Station North CID (Item B): Public hearing opened with no public comments. Closed 7-0. Subsequently, Ordinance No. 25-30 creating the CID was approved 7-0.
• FY 2026 Budget and Revenue Neutral Rate (Item C): Budget Analyst Ashley Wooten presented the proposed $626 million budget, noting a stable mill levy, a 5.6% increase in general fund operating budget, and a 6.5% increase in utility rates. Seven residents spoke: Maryl Janson, John Smith, Dr. James Lucas, Doug Doerfler, Nancy Halpin-Sadick, Dan Naden, and Janice Walters. They raised concerns about the property tax increase (12-13% overall), lack of budget detail, impact on seniors, affordability, and requested that the city's property tax increase be limited to the rate of Social Security or wage increases. The public hearing was closed 7-0.
• Resolution 25-1075 – Authorizing Levy Exceeding Revenue Neutral Rate (Item D): No public comments. Approved 7-0. This resolution sets the maximum levy; the final budget vote will occur on September 16, 2025.

Discussion Items

• Olathe Animal Care Campus Final Plat (Item E – pulled from consent): Councilmember Schoonover proposed exploring whether Johnson County could take over animal control, citing potential cost savings. Councilmember Vogt noted the county was not interested in the past. Councilmember Felter expressed inability to support the $25 million facility. Councilmember Felter clarified that the plat vote does not indicate support for the facility. The final plat easement was approved 7-0.
• Safety Action Plan (Item H – pulled from consent): City Engineer Nate Baldwin presented an update, including a map showing completed and planned projects. Councilmember Vogt thanked staff for including recent projects. Councilmember Felter asked about stakeholder engagement; Mr. Baldwin confirmed stakeholders had reviewed and approved the plan. The plan will be posted on the city website. Approved 7-0.
• Ordinance 25-31 – Amending Animal Codes (New Business): Approved 7-0 without discussion.
• Neighborhood Parks Update (Planning Session): Parks Superintendent Johnny Brockus presented a plan focusing on revitalization, expansion, and unified signage. Key points: 27 neighborhood parks, $450,000 annual CIP for parks, prioritization of playgrounds over 20 years old, plans for an inclusive playground (fenced, all-abilities), future dog park, and new signage pilot at Frontier Park. Councilmembers discussed the difference between accessible and inclusive playgrounds. The report was accepted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Stormwater Flooding: Kate Guimbellot, Max Cook, David Silverstein, and Julie Brundies (all residents of College Meadows) testified about repeated flooding of their homes due to the city's stormwater system. They described systemic design failures, pointed to a consultant's report (HNTB) that identified flaws, and accused the city of failing to take responsibility despite approving the development. They requested accountability and remediation.
• Lineage Logistics Development: Bryan Sweetman, Wayne Perzee, and Jeff Walters (residents of Nottingham Creek) opposed the proposed Lineage cold storage facility at 175th and Lone Elm. They argued that the industrial park is inappropriate for the location, that truck traffic (up to 1,000 round trips per day) would overwhelm the roads, and that the city's cost-benefit study omitted road improvement costs. They alleged that the city had a pre-existing agreement that allowed de-annexation if the project was not approved, and that Commissioner Essex had discussed a $200,000 donation from Lineage to facilitate approval. The speakers urged the council to vote no on the rezoning and related approvals.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Proclamation for Deaf Cultural Month.
• Closed public hearings for Lone Elm CID and Olathe Station North CID.
• Approved Ordinance 25-30 creating the Olathe Station North CID (7-0).
• Approved Resolution 25-1075 authorizing property tax levy exceeding revenue neutral rate (7-0).
• Approved consent agenda with exceptions (7-0).
• Approved final plat easement for Olathe Animal Care Campus (7-0).
• Approved Safety Action Plan (Resolution 25-1078) (7-0).
• Approved Ordinance 25-31 amending animal codes (7-0).
• Accepted reports on IRB requests for Commercial Reposition Partners and Lineage Logistics (no action).
• Accepted Neighborhood Parks Update.
• Held executive session (15 minutes) on City Manager personnel matters; authorized staff to proceed with strategies discussed.
• Councilmembers noted citizen engagement and committed to improving budget transparency. Councilmember Vakas suggested adding senior property tax relief to the state legislative agenda.