Olathe City Council Meeting - February 17, 2026: Appointments, Presentations, and Ordinances

The Olathe City Council met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included special business presentations, unanimous approval of a consent agenda, and one new business ordinance. Councilmembers Bacon, Schoonover, Felter, Vakas, Creighton, and Deneault were present; Essex was absent. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (6-0) the following routine items:
  • Minutes of the February 3, 2026 meeting.
  • Renewal license(s) as recommended by the City Clerk.
  • Renewal of contract with Strategos International LLC for Municipal Court security screening.
  • Resolution No. 26-1021 nominating 126 S. Cherry Street to the Olathe Register of Historic Places (Planning Commission recommended 8-0).
  • Consent Calendar items.
  • Engineer’s Estimate, bid acceptance, and contract award to Redford Construction, Inc. for the Lone Elm Park Sanitary Sewer Extension Project (PN 1-C-008-25).
  • Renewal of contract with Core and Main for water meters and supplies.
  • Contract amendment with PlayCore Wisconsin, Inc. dba GameTime for Mahaffie Pond Park Playground Equipment installation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kate Guimbellot (Olathe resident, 11236 South Race Street) expressed deep gratitude for the city’s leadership, schools, safety, and vision, and thanked the Council for their service.
• Charlotte O'Hara (Olathe business owner, 15712 Windsor) raised concerns about the STAR Bond financing package for the Chiefs project, noting public discontent and the removal of the Central Bridge financing from the state budget. She urged transparency and public involvement in future development processes.
• Andrea Smith (Olathe resident, 1430 East Orleans Drive) spoke on behalf of neighbors requesting the city review construction and intended use of 1424 East Meadow Lane, citing potential zoning, occupancy, and permitting violations. She asked for compliance verification before occupancy.

Special Business

• Resolution No. 26-1020 – Appointments to Citizens Police Advisory Council (CPAC): Kyle Kneale, CPAC Chair, introduced new appointees Ashley Reese (attorney, lifelong Olathe resident) and Pauly Rolofson (representing the deaf community). The motion carried 6-0.
• Presentation on Olathe Mayor's Children's Fund 2025 Campaign: Board Chair Kathy Hutchinson and Vice Chair Bev Flores reported that the 2025 campaign raised over $229,000, the most in the fund's 19-year history, distributed to 16 beneficiaries. Total raised over 19 years exceeds $2.4 million. Key events included the Extravaganza (over $21,000) and a pickleball tournament (over $6,000). The Pennies for Shoes campaign raised $36,156.14. Top donor schools: Manchester Park Elementary, Chisholm Trail Middle School, and Olathe East High School. The 2026 campaign marks the 20th year.
• Presentation on K-State Olathe Annual Report: Dean Dr. Ben Wolfe provided an update. Key points: enrollment of 225+ students (target 500 by 2030); 2,500 non-credit learners; applied research revenue reached $3 million in 2025; a $5 million federal appropriation secured (announced January 23, 2026) for advanced manufacturing equipment; new bachelor’s degree completion programs in applied/interdisciplinary studies, engineering technology, and nutrition/health starting fall 2026; and Kansas Department of Transportation will locate staff on campus in late spring 2026.

New Business

• Ordinance No. 26-09 – Industrial Revenue Bonds for Cedar Creek Development VIII, LLC: Approved 6-0. Authorizes issuance of up to $15,355,272 in bonds (sales tax exemption only) for the expansion of the Atmos Energy Regional Headquarters. The Council had expressed intent in 2014.

Planning Session Reports

• Quarterly Procurement Report: Accepted as presented; no discussion.
• Report on Proposed Amendments to Title 10 (Olathe Traffic Ordinance): Assistant City Attorney Bob Gallimore presented proposed changes for e-bikes, e-scooters, and micromobility devices. Key provisions: new definitions, helmet requirement for users under 18, combining e-scooters into a “micromobility devices” class, and allowing signage for pedestrian-only trails. Council discussion focused on education (police chief confirmed extensive campaign), enforcement (starting on complaint basis), insurance availability, and pedestrian-only trail locations. Mayor Bacon asked for a simplified information sheet for the public. Staff will refine and return to Council for adoption.

Discussion Items

• 2026 Olathe Outdoor Sculpture Series: Public Art Committee Chair Chelsy Walker presented seven selected sculptures (record 125 submissions from 70 artists). $15,000 from the general fund allocated for stipends; one sculpture sponsored by Azura Credit Union. Selected pieces: “Blues” (near stagecoach park stage), “Stars on Parade” (for 250th anniversary and FIFA World Cup), “Tween” (figurative), “Misery Gestorium” (16 ft tall for Northgate), “Reader” (bench at libraries), “Prairie Wind Tussocks” (kinetic, ode to prairie grasses), and “Butterflies” (sponsored). Alternates also named. Locations subject to infrastructure review. Councilmember Creighton asked about prioritizing local artists; Walker noted limited local sculptor submissions and outdoor durability requirements. Mayor Bacon inquired about permanent purchases and business purchase options; Rush said QR codes provide map and info.

Key Outcomes

• All votes were unanimous 6-0: consent agenda, Resolution 26-1020, Ordinance 26-09.
• Reports accepted without further action.
• Traffic Ordinance amendments to be revised and brought back for adoption; no timeline specified.
• Councilmember Felter requested an update on the eminent domain process for a school district easement (authorized in November 2025). City Attorney Ron Shaver reported ongoing negotiations with the landowner, with a meeting later that week. Felter expressed frustration and suggested a 30-day deadline for Council action.
• Additional announcements: Olathe Civic Academy begins February 20 (largest class ever); Property Tax Rebate Program applications open March 2 (income-qualified, up to $750 rebate); Neighborhood Leadership Summit on March 28 (8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. at Olathe Community Center); and Olathe Teen Council’s successful Student Government Day (over 50 participants).
• Councilmember Deneault acknowledged community concerns and encouraged kindness week actions. Councilmember Schoonover noted recent public reports of ICE activity, confirmed police department non-involvement, and directed residents to ACLU resources. Councilmember Creighton thanked the Olathe Fire Department for assisting with wildfires in western Kansas.