Alatha City Council Special Meeting January 6, 2026

This special meeting marked the beginning of the 2026 term for the Alatha City Council, featuring a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected members and a re-elected incumbent, alongside updates on the Kansas City Chiefs training facility project and various zoning and funding approvals.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the December 12, 2025 City Council minutes and Resolution 26-1001 (5-0 vote).
• Approved Resolution 26-1002 establishing terms for incoming council members (5-0 vote).
• Item E: Removed and approved separately Resolution 26-1003 for lease/bond document assignments in an expansion project (7-0 vote).
• Item I: Removed and approved separately Resolution 26-1006 for a special use permit for McCoy Custom Carts (7-0 vote).
  • Councilmember Schoonover expressed support noting the project, but highlighted the need to address the definition of "golf cart" and "utility vehicles" in the city code, with a draft expected in spring.
• Item Q: Removed and approved separately an agreement with Johnson County for $7 million in leveraged funding for the Quivera Road (143rd to 151st) improvement project (7-0 vote).
  • Councilmember Felter highlighted the project's importance to Ward 3, noting it completes the last stretch of unimproved Quivera Road with federal and county leverage.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Shaquille Heather (Garmin/Human Relations Commission): Accepted a proclamation for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, noting Garmin's sponsorship and a $711,000 donation to community causes during the previous year's celebrations.
• Charlotte O'Hara: Expressed strong opposition and concern regarding the proposed Chiefs training facility and Starbond financing. Position: Argued that the $950 million Starbond project and associated tax incentives would increase the tax burden on existing businesses and risk creating a财政 void due to the expiring public safety sales tax.
• Arthur Reinhart & Thomas Bart (Neighbors): Expressed opposition to the Lone Elm Townhomes rezoning (Item Q in consent originally, later item C). Position: Cited concerns that 71 rental units would strain HOA amenities (pool, trails) not accessible to them, increase traffic on private streets, and lower property values; argued against mixing rental density with the predominantly owner-occupied neighborhood.

Discussion Items

• New Council Installation: Councilmembers Jeff Creighton (At-Large), Dr. Leah Felter (Ward 3), and Kevin Denult (Ward 4) were sworn in.
  • Councilmember Creighton position: Expressed commitment to serve with integrity despite potential disagreements.
  • Councilmember Felter position: Expressed honor in representing Ward 3 and enthusiasm for the community.
  • Councilmember Denult position: Expressed excitement for future conversations with residents.
• Election of Mayor Pro Tem: Dean Bacchus was elected Mayor Pro Tem for two years (7-0 vote) and subsequently sworn in.
• Chiefs Training Facility Update: Mayor Bacon and City Manager Michael Wilkes provided a status update.
  • Mayor Bacon stated that details remain under negotiation and that staff will present specifics in an executive session on January 20, 2026, followed by public action on the Starbond district in late February.
• Ordinance 26-01 (Item A): Approved the survey and land acquisition for the I-35 and Santa Fe Interchange reconstruction. (7-0 vote).
• Ordinance 26-02 (Item B): Approved the zoning amendment for the 151st and Merlin mixed-use development (131st, R25-0014).
  • Councilmember Felter expressed opposition (1 no vote) citing traffic and infrastructure concerns on 151st and Merlin.
  • Councilmembers Essex and Schoonover clarified the vote was procedural to align with current code, noting the residential/commercial mix was already permitted in the zone.
• Rezoning RZ25-0009 (Item C) - Lone Elm Townhomes:
  • Staff Position: Recommended denial of the proposed downzoning from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) to R3 (Low Density Multifamily) for failure to meet comprehensive plan conformance and suitability criteria, citing the site's historical commercial zoning and increasing traffic viability from the upcoming 119th Street extension.
  • Applicant Position (Curtis Holland, Pulsanelli): Expressed that the site is unsuitable for retail due to insufficient traffic volumes (projected 13,000 vehicles/day vs. the 41,000+ needed for retail viability) and argued that the property has been held hostage by unrealistic commercial expectations for 20 years.
    • Applicant stated they have no interest in retail and view the site as a housing opportunity to address the county's housing shortage.
  • Council Deliberation:
    • Councilmembers Schoonover and Denult expressed support for the housing component, noting the need for "missing middle" affordable housing and expressing skepticism about the commercial viability.
    • Councilmembers Felter and Essex expressed concern over the loss of commercial zoning on a major arterial corner and traffic impacts.
    • Councilmember Vacus expressed a desire to explore a path forward that preserves some commercial opportunity while acknowledging the residential need.
  • Outcome: The council voted to remand the item back to city staff (5-2 vote) to work with the applicant and neighborhood to explore options for limited commercial, density adjustments, and improved neighborhood coordination, rather than approving the rezoning or issuing a denial outright.

Key Outcomes

• Swearing-in: Jeff Creighton, Kevin Denult, and Dr. Leah Felter installed as City Council members.
• Leadership: Dean Bacchus elected and sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem.
• Votes Passed:
  • Consent agenda items E, I, and Q approved (7-0 each).
  • Ordinance 26-01 approved (7-0).
  • Ordinance 26-02 approved (6-1).
• Votes Pending: Rezoning RZ25-0009 remanded to staff for further negotiation (5-2).
• Upcoming Events:
  • Executive session on Chiefs facility details: January 20, 2026.
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration: January 17, 2026.
  • Comprehensive Plan "Elevate Olatha" public meetings: January 13, 21, and 27.