OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Olathe City Council Meeting - July 21, 2026: Proclamations, Public Hearings, and Major Infrastructure Decisions

City Council — Tuesday, July 21, 2026
BodyOlathe, Kansas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, July 21, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:15:57

Transcript — Verbatim
4:43

Good evening.

4:44

Welcome to City Hall for the Tuesday, July twenty first regular meeting of the Olatha City Council.

4:51

The first item on our agenda is the Pledge of Allegiance.

4:53

Would you please stand with me for the pledge?

5:00

I pledge allegiance to the United States of America.

5:05

One nation under God.

5:17

We'll uh now move to special business.

5:19

We have a couple of items under special business tonight.

5:21

Item A is a proclamation recognizing the Olatha Noon Optimus Club on their 80th year.

5:27

Here in Olatha, we're fortunate to be home of some exceptional civic clubs full of passionate volunteers who dedicate their time to making our community a better place for everyone.

5:37

Tonight we're celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Olatha Noon Optimus Club.

5:42

So would Club President Bob Quartz please come forward?

5:46

Did I say Barb?

5:47

I it sounded like Bob, but it's actually Barb.

5:50

I call a large family, so I answered my mom's doing the animation.

6:04

Thank you.

6:05

All right.

6:05

So let me read the proclamation, and then if you want to introduce the folks that are here and say whatever you'd like.

6:13

So I'll read the proclamation.

6:14

It says, whereas for eight decades, the Olatha Noon Optimus Club has demonstrated a strong commitment to the principles of optimism, fellowship, and civic engagement.

6:24

And whereas the club has contributed meaningful meaningfully to the quality of life in Olatha through charitable efforts, volunteer service, scholarships, and programs that encourage and support young people, including the Olatha Mayor's Children's Fund.

6:39

And whereas the City of Olatha recognizes the lasting impact of organizations such as the Olatha Noon Optimus Club, whose members have given generously of their time, talents, and resources to benefit others.

6:52

And whereas the 80th anniversary of the Olatha Noon Optimus Club is an opportunity to honor its history, celebrate its accomplishments, and express appreciation for its continued contributions to the community.

7:04

Now, therefore, I John Bacon, Mayor of the City of Olatha, do hereby proclaim July 21, 2026 as Olatha Noon Optimus Day, and encourage all Olathians to join in recognizing and celebrating the Olatha Noon Optimus Club for its many years of outstanding service to our community.

7:21

Thank you so much.

7:24

Okay, we we do have a few um people from our club that have um are here as well for this um exciting moment.

7:34

Um I would like to, on behalf of the Olatha Noon Optimist Club, I'd like to thank Mayor Bacon, the City Council, as well as you, the citizens of Olatha, um, for supporting us.

7:48

And um we certainly enjoy serving the youth of Olatha, and you may be familiar with some of the ways we we um serve the youth.

7:57

Um, in addition to the aforementioned scholarships, we also encourage youth that are um interested in the arts with Olatha's Got Talent.

8:07

We encourage them to participate, they get scholarships to go to more of an artistic kind of college that furthers their education.

8:16

And um, a few of our winners are actually in the entertainment uh field.

8:22

Um I think one of them is actually at the dinner theater in a performance right now.

8:28

Um we also um sponsor some essay and oratorical contests, which help youth to uh further enhance their speaking um skills and their writing skills, uh, which I don't have because I'm looking at my notes here.

8:45

Um recently the Olatha Noon Optimus Club uh supported Olatha Northwest High School Sources of Strength students and the videography students, who successfully produced a public service announcement on the 988 crisis line.

9:02

It is entitled Five Minutes That Matter and is currently being used by various suicide prevention groups in the Olatha community and beyond.

9:12

Um it's available on YouTube for anyone who wants to use it.

9:16

I've got one a little off script here.

9:18

Um as a club, we also participate in hosting a Kansas District Optimist Golf Tournament, which will be on August 3rd, and all the proceeds from that event, um, and we've been doing it for many years, um, are donated for the purpose of sending youth who are battling cancer to camp for one week.

9:39

It pays for their expenses, and a medical team accompanies them so that their treatment cannot uh or is not interrupted.

9:47

This offers them a nice opportunity to go camping and um offers their parents some respite from the um stress of caregiving.

10:00

We always welcome participation in these events as well as new members, and more information can be found on our website, Olatha New and Optimist.org.

10:08

And once again, we thank Olatha for recognizing our 80 years of service to the youth of our community.

10:15

Again, thank you.

10:38

So thank you, Bob.

10:39

Barb.

10:40

I don't know what it's kidding grief.

10:44

Okay.

10:45

And and also the Optimus Club for all the work that you do in our community.

10:50

Um it's amazing, and we wanted that to continue.

10:53

So when I get I get to come and address your uh group once in a while, a year uh once a year, I guess, and I get some really good questions from that group.

11:01

So very active.

11:02

We'll now move on to um item B, which is a proclamation recognizing August 4th, 2026 as national night out.

11:11

This event is a great opportunity to highlight some of the strengths of the Olatha Police Department, our public outreach, relationship building, and community policing.

11:20

Here to accept the proclamation tonight is resident Ashley Squires and community outreach outreach specialist Bethle Wendell.

11:42

So I'll read this about National Night Out.

11:46

So I'll read the proclamation.

11:47

It says, Whereas since 1984, National Night Out has been providing neighborhoods an opportunity to connect with each other and local law enforcement to come together with a shared vision of safer communities.

11:59

And whereas the city of Ulata, along with thousands of communities across the country, will host National Night Out on August 4th to promote to promote community policing and the and to emphasize the importance of relationships in maintaining safe neighborhoods.

12:16

And whereas this gather gathering strengthens the connections between officers and residents, allowing for improved communication, understanding and a more caring and safer Olatha.

12:27

And whereas it is essential that all citizens of Olatha understand the importance of crime prevention programs and the impact their participation can have on reducing crime, drug abuse, and violence in our city.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Personnel Matters████████████████████20%
Procedural███████████████15%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████████14%
Public Safety██████████10%
Parks and Recreation█████████9%
Transportation Safety████████8%
Fiscal Sustainability███████7%
Community Engagement██████6%
Youth Programs████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Olathe City Council Meeting - July 21, 2026

The Olathe City Council met on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included proclamations, public hearings on unsafe structures, a consent agenda with numerous routine items (several pulled for discussion), new business covering annexation, bond issuances, and an eminent domain award, and public comments on a proposed special use permit for Starfish and concerns about automated license plate readers. The meeting adjourned at 8:41 PM.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved as presented (items I, L, M, N were pulled and considered separately):
    • Minutes of July 7 and July 14, 2026 council meetings.
    • Renewal and new licenses as recommended by the City Clerk.
    • Resolution No. 26-1060 reappointing members to the SMST Finance Oversight Committee.
    • Resolution No. 26-1061 (SU26-0002) special use permit renewal for Car City (Planning Commission approved 6-0).
    • Resolution No. 26-1062 (SU26-0003) special use permit for Rivian on 2.13 acres (Planning Commission recommended 6-0).
    • Final plat for Villas at Deer Cove (39 lots, 8 tracts, ~34.69 acres) – Planning Commission approved 6-0.
    • Resolution No. 26-1063 selecting appointing authority for criminal history review of a mayoral member of the Kansas Sports Facilities Authority.
    • Resolution No. 26-1065 authorizing sale of Stormwater System Improvement Bonds, Series 2026.
    • Resolution No. 26-1066 authorizing sale of Water and Sewer System Improvement Bonds, Series 2026.
    • Supplemental Agreement No. 1 with Affinis Corp for Woodside Neighborhood Improvements Project.
    • Engineer’s Estimate and award of contract to Sands Construction, LLC for 2026 Sidewalk Construction Project.
    • Amendment No. 2 with Garney Companies for long-lead equipment for Cedar Creek WWTP Expansion Phase II and Solids Handling.
    • Emergency purchase request for pumps from JCI Industries.
    • Renewal of contract with Arcwood Environmental for household hazardous waste disposal.
    • Contract with Empire Netting and Fence for eight new baseball backstops at Blackbob Park.
    • Renewal of cybersecurity software from ConvergeOne.
    • 2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding recommendations.
    • Contract with Doxim Inc. for utility bill printing, mailing, and online services.
    • Renewal agreement with Lineage for citywide mailing and courier services.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • David Miller, Olathe resident (Briarwood neighborhood), spoke against proposed special use permit for Starfish organization at the former Aldi property (SU26-0006). He argued the location is unsuitable due to traffic congestion (near school, single entrance/exit), proximity to residential homes, the Olathe Public Library, and Indian Creek Trail. He stated Starfish plans to serve more than 1,000 people per day, whereas Aldi served 400–600 customers daily. He expressed concerns about loitering, litter, and unauthorized camping based on prior experiences. He requested denial of the permit.
  • Jennie Steele, Olathe resident (Briarwood), also spoke against the Starfish proposal. She acknowledged Starfish's mission but argued the location is not a high-need zone per city demographic data and that placing a high-traffic distribution center in a residential area undermines stability and risks property value decline. She asked the council to deny the special use permit.
  • Robert Aslin, Olathe resident, spoke against automated license plate readers (ALPRs), citing Fourth Amendment concerns and Supreme Court cases (Riley v. California, Carpenter v. United States, Chetry v. United States). He argued that mass surveillance without a warrant is unconstitutional and that there is no substantial evidence that ALPRs directly reduce crime in Olathe. He referenced potential abuse of data and urged caution.

Discussion Items

  • Special Business (Proclamations):
    • Proclamation recognizing the Olathe Noon Optimist Club on their 80th year. Barb Cordts, Club President, accepted and highlighted club activities: scholarships, Olathe’s Got Talent, essay/oratorical contests, 988 crisis line PSA, and golf tournament supporting youth with cancer.
    • Proclamation recognizing August 4, 2026 as National Night Out. Beth Windel, Police Community Outreach Specialist, accepted and noted police, fire, and Med-Act visits to neighborhood events from 6:30 to 8:30 PM on that date.
  • Public Hearings (Item 5A & 5B):
    • Resolution 26-1058: Declared structure at 617 N. Water Street unsafe and dangerous. Chief Building Official Ryan Arter reported property owner deceased, no next of kin taking responsibility, property abandoned for ~10 years. Public hearing opened, no comments. Motion to close passed 7-0. Motion to approve resolution passed 7-0.
    • Resolution 26-1059: Declared structure at 414 E. Cedar Street (converted to 8 units) unsafe and dangerous. Arter noted citations over years, search warrant served April 2026. Public hearing opened, no comments. Motion to close passed 7-0. Motion to approve resolution passed 7-0.
  • Consent Agenda Pulled Items:
    • Item I (Resolution 26-1064): Repealing old bidding requirements policy (PI-1A) effective same date as new ordinance. Assistant City Attorney Bob Gallimore explained it prevents conflicting policies. Approved 7-0.
    • Items L & M (Dennis Avenue Improvements Project): Councilmember Vakas pulled for discussion. City Engineer Nate Baldwin presented: project to improve Dennis Avenue from Hedge Lane to Parker Street with three-lane roadway, medians, roundabouts (dogbone connecting Montclair and Robinson), signalized intersection at Hedge Lane, and sidewalks. Projected cost ~$17 million, with $6 million federal grant (largest ever for a local road). Crash index is 4.3 (highest in city). Concerns about school traffic and lack of parking addressed – city will partner with school district. Councilmember Schoonover expressed strong support. L and M approved together 7-0.
    • Item N (Olathe Girls Softball Complex Concession/Restroom): Award to Vazquez Commercial Contracting LLC. Baldwin presented a facility that more than doubles restroom capacity, aligning with parks master plan. Councilmember Schoonover abstained. Councilmember Felter asked about shade structures; Parks Superintendent John Brockus confirmed plans for shade covers over bleachers and an eight-foot covered area at concession stand. Approved 6-0 (Schoonover abstained).
  • New Business:
    • Item A: Ordinance 26-37 annexing ~70.99 acres north of W. 175th St and US 169 Highway to eliminate an unincorporated enclave for future industrial development. Approved 7-0.
    • Item B: Ordinance 26-38 and Resolution 26-1067 authorizing General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2026A. Financial Strategy Manager Kate Messer reported bids received: FHN Financial lowest bidder, true interest cost 3.17% (lowest since 2021). Ratings affirmed at AA+ for GO bonds, S&P 1+ for temporary notes. Major projects include 135th Street retaining wall, street reconstruction, fire station modernization, and others. Approved 7-0.
    • Item C: Resolution 26-1068 authorizing General Obligation Temporary Notes, Series 2026-A. BofA Securities lowest bidder, true interest cost 2.726% (lowest since 2022). Funds legacy projects like Santa Fe, 119th, City Hall parking garage, Fire Station 9. Approved 7-0.
    • Item D: Ordinance 26-39 authorizing payment of eminent domain award and appraiser's fees for Santa Fe, Ridgeview to Mur Len Improvements Project (case JO-2026-CV-000808). Approved 7-0.
  • Planning Session Report:
    • Proposed amendments to OMC 6.09.040 definitions for noxious weeds. Mayor Bacon asked about difference between Virginia Creeper and Poison Ivy; Brockus clarified Virginia Creeper has five leaves and is generally harmless, while Poison Ivy has three leaves and causes rash. Report accepted.

Key Outcomes

  • Proclamations: Unanimously recognized and presented.
  • Public Hearings: Both unsafe structure resolutions (26-1058 and 26-1059) passed unanimously (7-0) with deadlines for repairs/demolition by August 20, 2026.
  • Consent Agenda (less pulled items): Approved unanimously.
  • Item I (Resolution 26-1064): Approved 7-0.
  • Items L & M (Dennis Avenue Project): Approved 7-0 after discussion and presentation.
  • Item N (Softball Complex): Approved 6-0 (Councilmember Schoonover abstained).
  • Annexation (Ordinance 26-37): Approved 7-0.
  • Bond issuances (Items B & C): Approved 7-0.
  • Eminent domain (Ordinance 26-39): Approved 7-0.
  • Executive Session: Council recessed into closed session to discuss mid-year review of City Manager Susan Sherman (25 min, then extended 15 min). Reconvened at 8:35 PM; Mayor Bacon expressed council's excitement about her leadership.
  • Next Steps: Budget workshop scheduled for August 4, 2026. Citizens Police Academy applications close end of July. Public input on budget available at olatheks.gov/budget.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. Welcome to City Hall for the Tuesday, July twenty first regular meeting of the Olatha City Council. The first item on our agenda is the Pledge of Allegiance. Would you please stand with me for the pledge? I pledge allegiance to the United States of America. One nation under God. We'll uh now move to special business. We have a couple of items under special business tonight. Item A is a proclamation recognizing the Olatha Noon Optimus Club on their 80th year. Here in Olatha, we're fortunate to be home of some exceptional civic clubs full of passionate volunteers who dedicate their time to making our community a better place for everyone. Tonight we're celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Olatha Noon Optimus Club. So would Club President Bob Quartz please come forward? Did I say Barb? I it sounded like Bob, but it's actually Barb. I call a large family, so I answered my mom's doing the animation. Thank you. All right. So let me read the proclamation, and then if you want to introduce the folks that are here and say whatever you'd like. So I'll read the proclamation. It says, whereas for eight decades, the Olatha Noon Optimus Club has demonstrated a strong commitment to the principles of optimism, fellowship, and civic engagement. And whereas the club has contributed meaningful meaningfully to the quality of life in Olatha through charitable efforts, volunteer service, scholarships, and programs that encourage and support young people, including the Olatha Mayor's Children's Fund. And whereas the City of Olatha recognizes the lasting impact of organizations such as the Olatha Noon Optimus Club, whose members have given generously of their time, talents, and resources to benefit others. And whereas the 80th anniversary of the Olatha Noon Optimus Club is an opportunity to honor its history, celebrate its accomplishments, and express appreciation for its continued contributions to the community. Now, therefore, I John Bacon, Mayor of the City of Olatha, do hereby proclaim July 21, 2026 as Olatha Noon Optimus Day, and encourage all Olathians to join in recognizing and celebrating the Olatha Noon Optimus Club for its many years of outstanding service to our community. Thank you so much. Okay, we we do have a few um people from our club that have um are here as well for this um exciting moment. Um I would like to, on behalf of the Olatha Noon Optimist Club, I'd like to thank Mayor Bacon, the City Council, as well as you, the citizens of Olatha, um, for supporting us. And um we certainly enjoy serving the youth of Olatha, and you may be familiar with some of the ways we we um serve the youth. Um, in addition to the aforementioned scholarships, we also encourage youth that are um interested in the arts with Olatha's Got Talent. We encourage them to participate, they get scholarships to go to more of an artistic kind of college that furthers their education. And um, a few of our winners are actually in the entertainment uh field. Um I think one of them is actually at the dinner theater in a performance right now. Um we also um sponsor some essay and oratorical contests, which help youth to uh further enhance their speaking um skills and their writing skills, uh, which I don't have because I'm looking at my notes here. Um recently the Olatha Noon Optimus Club uh supported Olatha Northwest High School Sources of Strength students and the videography students, who successfully produced a public service announcement on the 988 crisis line. It is entitled Five Minutes That Matter and is currently being used by various suicide prevention groups in the Olatha community and beyond. Um it's available on YouTube for anyone who wants to use it. I've got one a little off script here. Um as a club, we also participate in hosting a Kansas District Optimist Golf Tournament, which will be on August 3rd, and all the proceeds from that event, um, and we've been doing it for many years, um, are donated for the purpose of sending youth who are battling cancer to camp for one week. It pays for their expenses, and a medical team accompanies them so that their treatment cannot uh or is not interrupted. This offers them a nice opportunity to go camping and um offers their parents some respite from the um stress of caregiving. We always welcome participation in these events as well as new members, and more information can be found on our website, Olatha New and Optimist.org. And once again, we thank Olatha for recognizing our 80 years of service to the youth of our community. Again, thank you. So thank you, Bob. Barb. I don't know what it's kidding grief. Okay. And and also the Optimus Club for all the work that you do in our community. Um it's amazing, and we wanted that to continue. So when I get I get to come and address your uh group once in a while, a year uh once a year, I guess, and I get some really good questions from that group.

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