OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Olathe City Council Meeting June 16, 2026: New Judge, Champions, Zoning, Parking Garage, and Pilot Project

City Council — Tuesday, June 16, 2026
BodyOlathe, Kansas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, June 16, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:45:56

Transcript — Verbatim
2:57

Lively bunch tonight.

2:59

Welcome to the regular meeting of the Olatha City Council for Tuesday, June sixteenth, twenty twenty six.

3:16

So uh at this time I'd like to ask everyone to stand for the national anthem to be sung by high school student high school student Amelia Maddox.

5:02

To the Republic for which it stands.

5:05

One nation under God.

5:17

So at this time, would Matt Franzenberg please join me up front, and you're welcome to bring any of your guests that you would like to.

5:40

So I'm pleased here tonight to for the swearing in of our new municipal court judge, Matt Franzenberg.

5:46

He's been with the city since 2019 working in our prosecutor's office.

5:51

He's been an important part of our team and knows our organization well.

5:55

We look forward to him extending that experience into his new role and continuing to serve the residents of Olatha with the highest standard of excellence.

6:03

So it's my honor at this time to do the oath with you.

6:09

So I'll administer the oath.

6:10

So if you'll raise your right hand and repeat after me, I'm Matt Fraunzenberg.

6:16

I'm Matt Franzenberg.

6:18

Do solemnly swearly swear.

6:20

That I will support the Constitution of the United States.

6:23

That I will support the Constitution of the United States.

6:26

And the Constitution of the State of Kansas.

6:28

And the Constitution of the State of Kansas.

6:30

And faithfully discharge the duties of municipal court judge.

6:34

And faithfully discharge the duties of municipal court judge.

6:37

Of the City of Olatha.

6:39

Of the City of Olatha.

6:40

So help me God.

6:40

So help me God.

6:41

Congratulations.

6:42

Thank you.

6:47

I'm going to invite Judge Kenny up here.

6:50

She's got some familiar chance to stay for Christmas.

6:56

You can stay right there.

7:00

It's yours.

7:00

It's yours.

7:02

Good evening.

7:03

I'm Judge Jill Kenney, and I'm excited that Judge Franzenberg is joining us.

7:07

So I'm presenting you this robe.

7:16

It's very large sleeves, yes.

7:18

And your very first capital.

7:19

Thank you.

7:20

Thank you.

7:20

Why don't you get to the cup and for the picture?

7:26

I'd say that the picture.

7:28

Yeah.

7:31

That's okay.

7:32

You're doing great.

7:37

Sorry.

7:39

Thank you.

7:40

Thank you.

7:48

If you'd like to say a few words here.

7:54

I know that uh most of you are here for other reasons, but uh I want to thank uh I want to thank some people real quick.

8:01

My wife Kelly uh for love, support, guidance, um, uh our daughter Addison, my son Braden, uh my parents, Dean and Tracy, who have made their fourth trip down here from Iowa this month to be here with us.

8:15

I want to thank Judge Kenny, Judge Macalaney, um, had the chance to watch them over the last six and a half years.

8:20

I've learned an awful lot from them.

8:23

Look forward to learning from and working with you, especially Judge Kenny.

8:27

Um I know uh a number of my colleagues are here, uh, my bosses, and I want to thank all of them.

8:32

And it's cliche to say that the people are what makes a difference, but it's true.

8:37

Uh I've enjoyed what I do, but I enjoy the people that I work with, and I'm very happy that I get to keep working with them in another capacity.

8:45

And I want to thank uh the mayor and the council for the opportunity for this role to continue to serve the city of Olatha.

8:53

Um I appreciate the trust that you've all placed in me, and I'll do everything that I can to make sure that that trust is well placed.

9:00

Thank you.

9:42

All right, so now we'll get to the special business that everyone else is here for.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████████████████25%
Procedural█████████████████17%
Youth Programs█████████████████17%
Public Engagement███████████11%
Technology and Innovation█████5%
Parks and Recreation████4%
Economic Development████4%
Public Safety████4%
Affordable Housing███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Olathe City Council Meeting – June 16, 2026

The Olathe City Council convened on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included the installation of a new municipal judge, recognition of student state champions, public hearings on an industrial park, consideration of several ordinances and resolutions, a citizen comment on police policy, a planning session discussion of the Santa Fe Corridor project, and two executive sessions. Key actions included approval of a contract amendment for the City Hall parking garage, ordinances for a downtown redevelopment bond and a rezoning, and a resolution authorizing a Super Critical Water Oxidation pilot project.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (6-0) the Consent Agenda, which included: minutes from prior meetings; renewal of licenses; expense reports for travel to Washington, DC; Resolution No. 26-1054 authorizing public sale of General Obligation Temporary Notes, Series 2026-A, and Improvement Bonds, Series 2026A; renewal of contract with Qualtrics; Resolution 26-1055 for sale of Neighborhood Stabilization Program rental properties; the Consent Calendar; an agreement with Johnson County for Stormwater CCTV Inspection Project; a professional services agreement with TREKK Design Group; a relocation agreement with Atmos Energy for the Santa Fe, Ridgeview to Mur-Len project; and renewal of contract with Crossland Heavy Contractors for Environmental Services maintenance and emergency repairs.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Al Heger, an Olathe resident, spoke regarding a City of Olathe Police Department traffic stop. He expressed full support for Officer Boyer, who he said contacted ICE after stopping an individual without a driver's license, leading to deportation. He criticized the Police Department's policy that required a sergeant to contact ICE, stating the officer received an undisclosed discretionary action. Mr. Heger argued the city should cooperate 100% with ICE and said if the police chief will not fully cooperate, the city needs a new police chief.

Discussion Items

  • Special Business
    • Installation of Municipal Judge Matt Franzenburg: Mayor Bacon administered the oath of office. Judge Jill Kenney presented a robe and gavel. Judge Franzenburg thanked family, colleagues, and the council for the opportunity.
    • City of Champion Awards: Mayor Bacon recognized Matt Johnson, retiring Olathe School District Director of Athletics and Activities. Students from Olathe high schools were recognized for state championships in various sports and academic/technical competitions (e.g., ProStart, Skills USA, track and field, tennis, TSA). Each school representative introduced the student champions.
  • Public Hearings
    • G26-5812: Resolutions No. 26-1051 and 26-1052 on behalf of 175 Commerce Center Land, LLC to amend and assign master resolutions for the 175 Commerce Center and Industrial Park. Approved 6-0.
    • G26-5811: Resolution No. 26-1053 for issuance of industrial revenue bonds and tax phase-in for a 1,102,793 sq ft industrial facility on 61.113 acres at northeast corner of 175th Street and Hedge Lane. A public hearing was opened, no comments, closed unanimously. Resolution approved 5-1 (Councilmember Schoonover voted no).
  • New Business
    • Ordinance No. 26-29 (Lone Elm Townhomes): Rezoning from NC to R-3 on 7.7 acres at W. 119th and S. Lone Elm Road. Senior Planner Nathan Jurey presented that stipulations on density, architecture, landscape buffering, and road access were included. Councilmember Creighton noted he previously opposed but would support the council's direction. Councilmember Essex voted no. Approved 5-1.
    • Ordinance No. 26-30: Repealing three land use plans (Coffee Creek Master Plan, Lone Elm Vicinity Plan, K-7 Corridor Study) to align with the Elevate Olathe Comprehensive Plan. Approved 6-0.
    • Ordinance No. 26-31: Amending Chapter 15.04 of the Municipal Code to allow use of the 2018 International Residential Code for smaller single-family homes per Kansas Senate Bill 418. Approved 6-0.
    • Ordinance No. 26-32: Authorizing issuance of taxable industrial revenue bonds up to $6,600,000 for Cherry Santa Fe, LLC for a 10,859 sq ft multi-tenant restaurant/retail project at 114-126 N. Cherry Street. This will house Austin's among others. Approved 6-0.
    • Ordinance No. 26-33: Amending Ordinance 24-50 to delay the CID sales tax commencement date to April 1, 2029, to align with project completion. Mayor Bacon explained this maximizes the 22-year collection period. Approved 6-0.
    • Contract Amendment No. 1 with Nabholz Construction for City Hall Parking Garage: Project manager Laura Gagliano, architect Kimball Hales, and contractor Aaron Keady presented renderings and details. The garage will have approximately 400 spaces (more than double the current 179), with elevators, wayfinding system, and security features. Solar was deemed not cost-effective. Budget is $22.5 million total (city $11.5M, county $11M). Construction starts late June 2026, completion by fall 2027. Council discussion included shuttle options (employees preferred walking), covered walkway could be added later if funds available. Approved 6-0.
    • Resolution No. 26-1056 and Ordinance No. 26-34 (Super Critical Water Oxidation Pilot Project): City Engineer Nate Baldwin explained the technology uses hot water and air to treat biosolids, reducing waste from 4.5 wet tons/day to 0.15 dry tons/day. Pilot treats 25% of waste stream. State loan of nearly $5.8 million is 100% forgivable. Total project cost $8.9 million. The resolution increases project authorization by $17,000 due to additional state funds. Ordinance approves the loan amendment with KDHE. Councilmember Essex expressed excitement and pride in Olathe's leadership. Both approved 6-0.
  • General Issues and Concerns of Citizens: One speaker, Al Heger, spoke (see Public Comments above).
  • Planning Session
    • Quarterly Procurement Report: Accepted.
    • Report on proposed amendments to Chapter 3.50 (Procurement Policies): Mayor Bacon confirmed changes align with state statute. Report accepted.
    • Discussion on Santa Fe, Ridgeview to Mur-Len Improvements Project: Assistant City Engineer Theresa Vink provided an overview. The I-35 Santa Fe Forward project includes two separate projects: I-35 capacity improvements by KDOT ($200M construction) and Santa Fe corridor/interchange by city. Total combined construction cost ~$195-200M with $98M federal funding. I-35 work starts late 2026, complete by end 2028. City interchange work starts late 2027, complete mid-2030. Utility relocation starts summer 2026. Councilmember Creighton asked about aesthetics after demolition; Ms. Vink said grading and temporary seed will be done, and police will enforce no parking on vacant properties. Mayor Bacon emphasized keeping businesses open during construction.
  • Executive Sessions
    • 11A: Consultation with City Attorney on pending legal matters (KSA 75-4316(b)(2)) for up to 30 minutes.
    • 11B: Personnel matters of non-elected personnel regarding a municipal judge (KSA 75-4319(b)(1)) for up to 15 minutes.
    • After reconvening, council authorized the City Attorney and Human Resources Director to proceed with strategies discussed.
  • Additional Items
    • Councilmember Creighton congratulated student award winners, noted Juneteenth on Friday (City offices closed, trash service continues), and announced he and Councilmember Schoonover won Mahaffie's wicket tournament.
    • Councilmember Schoonover thanked Parks and Mahaffie staff, and thanked staff for a miniature plastic bag recycling container.
    • Councilmember Vakas mentioned laying a wreath at Olathe Memorial Cemetery with Congresswoman Sharice Davids, noting over 1,100 veterans buried there.
    • Councilmember Essex wished America a happy 250th birthday.
    • Councilmember Deneault reminded that the postponed summer kickoff is July 2 at Lake Olathe at 5:30 PM.
    • City Manager Susan Sherman introduced new Senior Management Analyst Alex Freeman.
    • Mayor Bacon reminded of Go Olathe celebration/4th Friday on June 26 (FIFA watch party), Teen Council applications due July 1, and Olathe Mayor's Children's Fund grants open July 1. He also asked staff to check the water fountain on 119th Street.

Key Outcomes

  • Installation of Municipal Judge: Matt Franzenburg sworn in.
  • City of Champion Awards: Recognized numerous student state champions.
  • Industrial Park Resolutions: Resolutions 26-1051 and 26-1052 approved 6-0. Resolution 26-1053 approved 5-1.
  • Lone Elm Townhomes Rezoning: Ordinance 26-29 approved 5-1.
  • Repeal of Land Use Plans: Ordinance 26-30 approved 6-0.
  • Residential Building Code Amendment: Ordinance 26-31 approved 6-0.
  • Downtown Restaurant/Retail Bonds: Ordinance 26-32 approved 6-0.
  • CID Sales Tax Date Change: Ordinance 26-33 approved 6-0.
  • City Hall Parking Garage: Contract Amendment No. 1 with Nabholz Construction approved 6-0. Construction to begin late June 2026.
  • Super Critical Water Oxidation Pilot: Resolution 26-1056 approved 6-0; Ordinance 26-34 approved 6-0.
  • Executive Sessions: Council authorized legal and personnel strategies as discussed.
  • Santa Fe Project: Update accepted; communication plan with businesses to be developed.
  • Future Meetings: Next regular meeting July 7, 2026. Teen Council applications due July 1. Children's Fund grants open July 1.

Meeting Transcript

Lively bunch tonight. Welcome to the regular meeting of the Olatha City Council for Tuesday, June sixteenth, twenty twenty six. So uh at this time I'd like to ask everyone to stand for the national anthem to be sung by high school student high school student Amelia Maddox. To the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God. So at this time, would Matt Franzenberg please join me up front, and you're welcome to bring any of your guests that you would like to. So I'm pleased here tonight to for the swearing in of our new municipal court judge, Matt Franzenberg. He's been with the city since 2019 working in our prosecutor's office. He's been an important part of our team and knows our organization well. We look forward to him extending that experience into his new role and continuing to serve the residents of Olatha with the highest standard of excellence. So it's my honor at this time to do the oath with you. So I'll administer the oath. So if you'll raise your right hand and repeat after me, I'm Matt Fraunzenberg. I'm Matt Franzenberg. Do solemnly swearly swear. That I will support the Constitution of the United States. That I will support the Constitution of the United States. And the Constitution of the State of Kansas. And the Constitution of the State of Kansas. And faithfully discharge the duties of municipal court judge. And faithfully discharge the duties of municipal court judge. Of the City of Olatha. Of the City of Olatha. So help me God. So help me God. Congratulations. Thank you. I'm going to invite Judge Kenny up here. She's got some familiar chance to stay for Christmas. You can stay right there. It's yours. It's yours. Good evening. I'm Judge Jill Kenney, and I'm excited that Judge Franzenberg is joining us. So I'm presenting you this robe. It's very large sleeves, yes. And your very first capital. Thank you. Thank you. Why don't you get to the cup and for the picture? I'd say that the picture. Yeah. That's okay. You're doing great. Sorry. Thank you. Thank you. If you'd like to say a few words here. I know that uh most of you are here for other reasons, but uh I want to thank uh I want to thank some people real quick. My wife Kelly uh for love, support, guidance, um, uh our daughter Addison, my son Braden, uh my parents, Dean and Tracy, who have made their fourth trip down here from Iowa this month to be here with us.

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