Olathe City Council Meeting – March 3, 2026

The Olathe City Council met on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included a moment of silence for Kansas State Representative John Resman, appointments to advisory boards, a presentation of the 2025 DirectionFinder Survey results, consent agenda actions, a rezoning approval, and a closed executive session on security measures.

Special Business – Appointments

• Resolution No. 26-1022 (Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board): Appointed Magna Samantha Carlos-Trevino, introduced by board chair Mark Gash. Approved 7-0.
• Resolution No. 26-1023 (Olathe Historic Preservation Board): Appointed Emma Plankers and John Sorensen, and reappointed Tom Kearney (chair). Approved 7-0.

Special Business – 2025 DirectionFinder Survey Presentation

Chris Tatham, CEO of ETC Institute, presented results from the annual survey of 2,100 Olathe residents (margin of error ±2.1%, 95% confidence). Key findings:

• Overall satisfaction with city services remained at 92%, while the national average dropped to 43% – making Olathe 49% above the U.S. average, the highest relative position ever.
• Perceived value for taxes: 68% (more than double the national average).
• Top-rated categories: trash/yard waste/curbside recycling (96% positive), water pressure, emergency medical services, fire services.
• Notable year-over-year increases: stormwater runoff management, household hazardous waste disposal, adaptive recreation programs.
• Notable decreases: snow removal on neighborhood streets (-11%), public transportation perceptions (-10%), level of public involvement (-7%), city codes/ordinances enforcement (-6%), traffic congestion (-5% to 66% positive).
• Top priority for residents: traffic flow (65% rated as most important), followed by maintenance of streets/sidewalks, and police/emergency services.
• Councilmember Essex inquired about apparent low response in Ward 1; Tatham clarified each ward had approximately 100 responses, and map dots may reflect multifamily housing clusters.

Consent Calendar

Most items approved together on a motion by Vakas, seconded by Felter (carried 7-0), except item K pulled for separate discussion.

• Routine approvals included: minutes of February 17, 2026 meeting; new licenses; final plats for Parkside Reserve Seventh Plat, Hedge Industrial Park North First, Corporate Ridge Apartments; multiple mill and overlay contracts (McAnany Construction for 2026 Local/Collector Group A, 135th Street, Kansas Avenue, 119th Street; Freeman Concrete for Group B); Grant Street Waterline Improvements (Leath & Sons); Johnson County agreement for stormwater asset management; design contract for Kansas City Road mill and overlay (Walter P. Moore); master agreement with TREKK Design Group; biosolids disposal contract with Waste Management; lease-to-purchase for lab equipment with Agilent; fund transfer for Transfer Station Expansion; contract with Haren Companies for general construction; 2026 Outdoor Sculpture Series.

Consent Agenda – Item K (Separate Discussion)

Councilmember Creighton requested item K be considered separately. Nate Baldwin, City Engineer, provided a timeline update for three related projects in the Black Bob Road area:

• Black Bob South (159th to 167th) – Under construction, widening to four-lane divided arterial; roundabout at 167th/Black Bob open; anticipated completion early summer 2026.
• Black Bob North (153rd Terrace to 159th Street) – Mill and overlay at north end, plus widening to four-lane divided with turn lanes, sidewalks, and a new bridge (replacing a significant culvert). Construction begins spring 2026, continuing through summer 2027. A virtual public meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2026 (5:30–6:30 PM).
• 159th Street (Brome to Black Bob) – Widening, sidewalk improvements, storm sewers, and a traffic signal at Brome/Black Bob. Utility relocations may push construction to 2028. Motion to approve item K (contract to Superior Bowen Asphalt Company, LLC) carried 7-0.

New Business – Rezoning

Ordinance No. 26-10 (RZ25-0019) – Rezoning of approximately 4.7 acres from RUR (County Rural) to M-2 (General Industrial) for the 175th Lone Elm Center, located northeast of W. 175th Street and Lone Elm Road. The Planning Commission recommended approval 7-0. The council approved the ordinance 7-0 on a motion by Vakas, seconded by Felter.

Executive Session

The council recessed into a closed executive session to discuss security measures of the city’s information system (pursuant to K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(12)) for 30 minutes, starting at 7:35 PM. An additional 10-minute extension was approved. After reconvening at approximately 8:05 PM, the council voted 7-0 to authorize staff to proceed with the strategies discussed.

Additional Items – Councilmember Comments

• Councilmember Creighton thanked prior councils for traffic improvement investments and staff for engaging citizens about the upcoming I-35/Santa Fe Street project.
• Councilmember Schoonover echoed appreciation for staff and noted that traffic congestion will worsen before it improves.
• Councilmember Felter thanked residents for supporting the USD 233 school bond (approximately 63% approval, $389 million) and expressed excitement about Santa Fe/I-35 demolition progress.
• Councilmember Vakas praised staff professionalism and competence.
• Councilmember Essex expressed surprise at the snow removal rating drop, as she receives positive comments during storms, and offered condolences to Representative Resman’s family.
• Councilmember Deneault thanked IT staff (specifically Barrett) for keeping the organization safe and secure.
• City Manager Susan Sherman thanked the council for their support and budget confidence.
• Mayor Bacon thanked attendees of the joint planning commission meeting on the draft comprehensive plan “Elevate Olathe” (expected adoption this spring) and adjourned the meeting at 8:24 PM.