OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Olathe City Council Meeting: May 5, 2026 – Rezonings, Bonds, and Civic Recognition

City Council — Tuesday, May 5, 2026
BodyOlathe, Kansas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, May 5, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:33:00

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

Good evening.

0:04

Welcome to the regular meeting of the Olatha City Council for Tuesday, May 5th, Cinco do Mayo, 2026.

0:11

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:16

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the Republic for which it stands.

0:24

One nation under God indivisible with liberty.

0:35

Just a real quick note on the agenda tonight.

0:38

New business item D will be held for a later date as we further review the proposed ordinance, and that's regarding uh drone flying in the city limits.

0:49

We'll now move to special business.

0:50

Item A is a proclamation recognizing May 3rd through the 9th, 2026's public service recognition week.

0:57

This week we pause to thank the more than 1,000 City of Olathe employees who serve our community, from our first responders to our engineers, budget analysts, to our special events team, and so much more.

1:10

These public service employees commit their time, talent, and expertise to make Olatha a community that we are all proud to call home.

1:19

Joining us to accept this proclamation tonight is financial strategy manager Kate Messer.

1:25

Kate was the parti uh was the recipient last year of our leadership philosophy award.

1:30

She was recognized for her ability to collaborate and innovate for being a true problem solver and for a presence and attitude that inspire those around her.

1:40

Kate, would you please come forward?

2:00

So I'll read the practice.

2:05

Okay.

2:06

I'll read the proclamation.

2:07

It reads whereas public employees at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels deserve recognition and high praise for the work they do to keep our communities running and thriving.

2:18

And whereas Public Service Recognition Week provides us the opportunity to celebrate these workers and to educate communities about the wide variety of the ways Olatha employees make our community a better place.

2:31

And whereas city staff set this set the standard for excellence in public service and are committed to serving our community with respect, accountability, initiative, and integrity.

2:42

And whereas the dedication and commitment of Olathe, our city employees extend into the community through volunteer activities, being good neighbors and setting a positive example as exemplary citizens.

2:55

And whereas the City of Olatha is pleased and proud to join other local governments across the nation in observing public service recognition week and celebrating the many vital contributions of city employees to our organization and community.

3:09

Now, therefore, I John Bacon, mayor of the City of Olatha, do hereby proclaim May 3rd through the 9th, 2026 as Public Service Recognition Week in Olathe, urging all citizens to join in honoring our city employees and recognizing their achievements and contributions to the quality of life for all Olathians.

3:34

All right.

3:34

Thank you so much, City Council Mayor.

3:37

On behalf of staff, thank you for continuously supporting us and giving this meaningful proclamation that we look forward to every every year.

3:44

Public service recognition week is a reminder of the purpose behind the work we do every day, serving our community community with dedication, integrity, and care.

3:55

So it's a privilege to show up to work every day with these fine folks and committed to serving the residents of Olatha.

4:04

So thank you so much.

4:15

Thank you.

4:16

Appreciate that.

4:23

So thank you, Kate, for being here tonight, accepting that proclamation, and thank you to each and every one of our staff members for your passion and public service.

4:31

This incredible work you do makes it clear how much you care about Olathan and makes uh council look good too.

4:37

So we appreciate that.

4:38

So thank you for your dedication.

4:41

We'll now move to the next item on our agenda, item B is recognition of 2026 uh Olathe Civic Academy graduates.

4:49

Tonight, we are celebrating the graduation of our 19th Civic Academy class.

5:02

Um what we do and why we do it.

5:04

Volunteer coordinator Mimi O'Hare is here to present the certificates.

5:09

Mimi, thank you, Mayor.

5:21

Um I've had the pleasure of coordinating this class, which happens to be our largest class with 36 graduates.

5:28

So that is a great, great thing to celebrate and be proud of.

5:32

Um they have learned how the city operates, how their tax dollars are spent, and how to become more involved in the city.

5:41

Um a program like this allows city staff to really showcase our passion for serving the community.

5:48

I first want to thank the 36 participants we had in our group.

5:52

What a great class.

5:54

You all had fun, laughed, became friends, and enjoyed each other's company and asked a lot of great questions.

6:01

Thank you to our city manager, Susan Sherman, for her investment in community engagement and allowing us to continue this program annually.

6:10

Um I'd like to thank the staff that helped us put this together and putting in so much effort in doing so.

6:17

We had fire station tours, canine demonstrations, and they even got to ride in a stagecoach.

6:23

So I you all rolled out the red carpet for them, and it's much appreciated.

6:28

Uh we even got to video our uh one of our newest engines in just engine 51 backing in from a call.

6:36

So that really made that that one exciting.

6:39

Um I'd also like to extend a thank you to council for generously uh making time to speak to them to show them your why and to help understand what your role is in in our city.

6:54

And I know each of you said feel free to reach out and contact me, and I know you meant it, and I really appreciate that.

7:01

Um tonight we do have two graduates that want to um speak a little bit more about their experience.

7:08

So Kate Gimbelow and Mary Verrett, if you'd like to come up and say a few words.

7:19

You can make it a can break things too.

7:27

Okay.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████████████████████27%
Community Engagement█████████████████████21%
Economic Development██████████████████18%
Public Engagement████████8%
Procedural███████7%
Public Safety██████6%
Water And Wastewater Management████4%
Transportation Safety███3%
Fiscal Sustainability██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Olathe City Council Meeting: May 5, 2026 – Rezonings, Bonds, and Civic Recognition

The Olathe City Council convened on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting featured a proclamation for Public Service Recognition Week, recognition of the 19th Civic Academy class, public hearings on industrial revenue bonds, three major industrial rezonings, and a planning session on the 2026 Federal Legislative Program. Mayor John Bacon presided, and all seven council members were present: Bacon, Schoonover, Felter, Vakas, Essex, Creighton, and Deneault. The meeting adjourned at 8:33 PM.

Special Business

  • Proclamation for Public Service Recognition Week (May 3–9, 2026): Mayor Bacon read and presented the proclamation to Kate Messer, Financial Strategy Manager and 2025 recipient of the Leadership Philosophy Award. Messer thanked the council on behalf of staff, emphasizing the purpose of public service.
  • Recognition of 2026 Olathe Civic Academy Graduates: Volunteer Coordinator Mimi O’Hare introduced the 36 graduates—the largest class in the program’s history. Graduates Kate Guimbellot and Mary Verett delivered remarks celebrating the city’s transparency, fiscal responsibility (e.g., Olathe’s natural gas main saving $500,000 per year), cross-functional teamwork, and a 40% recycling diversion rate (vs. 30% national average). They noted Olathe was named the healthiest employer by the Kansas City Business Journal from 2015 to 2025.

Public Hearings

  • Resolution No. 26-1037 (Aspen Industrial Land Fund I, LLC – Phase One): The council held a public hearing for a 215,575 sq ft industrial facility on 12.87 acres near the northwest corner of 171st Street and Lone Elm Road. No public comments were made. The public hearing was closed (7-0) and the resolution was approved 6-1 (Schoonover dissenting).
  • Resolution No. 26-1038 (Aspen Industrial Land Fund I, LLC – Master Resolution): Considered for approximately 1,340,615 sq ft of warehouse and industrial facilities on 80.45 acres at the same location. Approved 6-1 (Schoonover dissenting).

Consent Calendar

  • Items A through G and I through L were approved unanimously as routine. Item H was pulled by Councilmember Schoonover for separate discussion.
  • Item H – Professional Services Agreement with HNTB Corporation for K-10 at Lone Elm 24-Inch Watermain Relocation (PN 5-C-014-26): City Engineer Nate Baldwin explained that KDOT is designing a full interchange; the city’s 24-inch water main conflicts with the planned bridge. Relocation design costs will be reimbursed by KDOT, though construction is contingent on Lenexa securing matching funds. Approved 7-0.

New Business (Rezonings & Site Development Plans)

All three items were approved 7-0.

  • Ordinance No. 26-17 (RZ26-0001) – Hedge Industrial Park East: Rezoning 80.47 acres from CTY-RUR to M-2 for five speculative warehouse buildings (total ~1,340+ sq ft), southwest of 167th & Lone Elm. A traffic study was completed; developer will construct 171st Street. Councilmember Felter raised concerns about infrastructure and public safety funding amid rapid growth.
  • Ordinance No. 26-18 (RZ26-0002) – DRG Olathe: Rezoning 37.63 acres from CTY RUR to M-2 for two industrial buildings (~250,000 and ~290,000 sq ft), southwest of 167th & Lone Elm. Shared access with adjacent properties to the south required.
  • Ordinance No. 26-19 (RZ26-0003) – Lone Elm Commerce Center: Rezoning 60.5 acres from CTY PRN2 to M-2 for three industrial buildings (~355,000 sq ft total). The applicant requested a waiver to reduce glass percentage on facades (to 6% and 11% vs. 15% required), which staff supported for design continuity. The site preserves over 40% open space and 80% of existing trees.

General Issues and Concerns of Citizens

  • Kate Guimbellot (11236 S. Race Street): Expressed strong praise for city leadership, citing the positive culture observed during the Civic Academy. She noted that leaders such as Mary Jaeger, Chief Bo Tad, and Liz Rubek “lead without ego” and that the city’s culture is a deliberate choice.
  • James Van Booven (18342 W. 155th Street): Opposed the proposed drone ordinance, arguing it would harm responsible commercial users (Part 107 pilots) and not deter illegal behavior. He highlighted FAA preemption and recommended banning reckless acts instead of flights. He noted an FAA rulemaking (published that day) that may establish local critical infrastructure restrictions.

Planning Session Reports & Discussion

  • Report on DRG Holdings LLC – Industrial Revenue Bonds: Approved for a 251,160 sq ft warehouse (17.55 acres) and a master resolution for 558,960 sq ft total. Reports accepted without objection.
  • Report on Title 7 Amendments for 2026 FIFA World Cup: Mayor Bacon queried about alcohol license regulations and downtown common consumption areas; City Manager Sherman said staff would investigate.
  • Discussion of 2026 Federal Legislative Program: Deputy City Attorney Amanda Stanley presented a focused agenda prioritizing three projects: downtown post office redevelopment (federal appropriation request), real-time information program for police, and infrastructure (I-35, Santa Fe, K-10, US 169, 167th Street). Council feedback included: Councilmember Vakas requested adding a fixed-rail transit vision for Johnson County; Councilmember Schoonover asked about prescription drug costs (state-level) and the impact of tariffs; Councilmember Felter requested a summary of federal dollars received; Councilmember Deneault asked for stronger language on housing.

Key Outcomes

  • Appropriations Approved: Resolution No. 26-1037 (6-1), Resolution No. 26-1038 (6-1)
  • Consent Agenda Approved: All items except H (H approved 7-0)
  • Rezonings Approved: Ordinance No. 26-17 (7-0), Ordinance No. 26-18 (7-0), Ordinance No. 26-19 (7-0)
  • Item D (Drone ordinance) Removed: Tabled for further review
  • Reports Accepted: All four planning session reports accepted without formal vote
  • Next Steps: Federal delegation meetings scheduled for the following week; staff to provide council with specifics on federal funding received.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. Welcome to the regular meeting of the Olatha City Council for Tuesday, May 5th, Cinco do Mayo, 2026. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God indivisible with liberty. Just a real quick note on the agenda tonight. New business item D will be held for a later date as we further review the proposed ordinance, and that's regarding uh drone flying in the city limits. We'll now move to special business. Item A is a proclamation recognizing May 3rd through the 9th, 2026's public service recognition week. This week we pause to thank the more than 1,000 City of Olathe employees who serve our community, from our first responders to our engineers, budget analysts, to our special events team, and so much more. These public service employees commit their time, talent, and expertise to make Olatha a community that we are all proud to call home. Joining us to accept this proclamation tonight is financial strategy manager Kate Messer. Kate was the parti uh was the recipient last year of our leadership philosophy award. She was recognized for her ability to collaborate and innovate for being a true problem solver and for a presence and attitude that inspire those around her. Kate, would you please come forward? So I'll read the practice. Okay. I'll read the proclamation. It reads whereas public employees at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels deserve recognition and high praise for the work they do to keep our communities running and thriving. And whereas Public Service Recognition Week provides us the opportunity to celebrate these workers and to educate communities about the wide variety of the ways Olatha employees make our community a better place. And whereas city staff set this set the standard for excellence in public service and are committed to serving our community with respect, accountability, initiative, and integrity. And whereas the dedication and commitment of Olathe, our city employees extend into the community through volunteer activities, being good neighbors and setting a positive example as exemplary citizens. And whereas the City of Olatha is pleased and proud to join other local governments across the nation in observing public service recognition week and celebrating the many vital contributions of city employees to our organization and community. Now, therefore, I John Bacon, mayor of the City of Olatha, do hereby proclaim May 3rd through the 9th, 2026 as Public Service Recognition Week in Olathe, urging all citizens to join in honoring our city employees and recognizing their achievements and contributions to the quality of life for all Olathians. All right. Thank you so much, City Council Mayor. On behalf of staff, thank you for continuously supporting us and giving this meaningful proclamation that we look forward to every every year. Public service recognition week is a reminder of the purpose behind the work we do every day, serving our community community with dedication, integrity, and care. So it's a privilege to show up to work every day with these fine folks and committed to serving the residents of Olatha. So thank you so much. Thank you. Appreciate that. So thank you, Kate, for being here tonight, accepting that proclamation, and thank you to each and every one of our staff members for your passion and public service. This incredible work you do makes it clear how much you care about Olathan and makes uh council look good too. So we appreciate that. So thank you for your dedication. We'll now move to the next item on our agenda, item B is recognition of 2026 uh Olathe Civic Academy graduates. Tonight, we are celebrating the graduation of our 19th Civic Academy class. Um what we do and why we do it. Volunteer coordinator Mimi O'Hare is here to present the certificates. Mimi, thank you, Mayor. Um I've had the pleasure of coordinating this class, which happens to be our largest class with 36 graduates. So that is a great, great thing to celebrate and be proud of. Um they have learned how the city operates, how their tax dollars are spent, and how to become more involved in the city. Um a program like this allows city staff to really showcase our passion for serving the community. I first want to thank the 36 participants we had in our group. What a great class. You all had fun, laughed, became friends, and enjoyed each other's company and asked a lot of great questions. Thank you to our city manager, Susan Sherman, for her investment in community engagement and allowing us to continue this program annually. Um I'd like to thank the staff that helped us put this together and putting in so much effort in doing so.

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