Olathe City Council Meeting: August 18, 2026 - Starfish SUP, Budget, and Ordinances

The Olathe City Council met on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting lasted until 10:38 PM and covered multiple public hearings, new business items including a controversial special use permit for Starfish Project Foundation, amendments to the city's public offense and traffic codes, and a planning session on the 2027 proposed budgets and capital improvement plan. All seven council members were present: Bacon, Schoonover, Felter, Vakas, Essex, Creighton, and Deneault.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (7-0) the consent agenda containing 13 routine items, including: approval of the August 4, 2026 minutes; new and renewal licenses; appointments to the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board; final plats for Parkside Reserve Eighth and Ninth Plats; acceptance of bids and award of contracts for Mill Creek Pool & Splashpad Improvements (Royal Construction Services, LLC), Fire Station No. 4 Replacement (Centric Projects, LLC), purchase of one Fire Safety Simulator (JHB Group Inc); Resolution 26-1074 allowing deer hunting with bow and arrow for the 2026-2027 season; 2026-2027 School Resource Officer Agreement with USD 233; renewal of crossing guard contract with All City Management Services.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were heard on any of the public hearing items. For the Starfish Project Foundation special use permit, staff noted that approximately 215 letters were received, and a valid protest petition (42% of eligible land area within 200 feet) was filed, requiring six votes for approval. The applicant, Laverne Fields (Vice President of Starfish Board), spoke in favor, emphasizing the organization's history, the inadequacy of prior locations, and the suitability of the proposed site with 130+ parking spaces and a loading dock. He stated that less than 5% of clients are homeless and committed to being a good neighbor.

Discussion Items

• Industrial Revenue Bonds for Manufacturing Facilities (Resolutions 26-1070, 26-1071, 26-1072): The council considered three resolutions for the issuance of industrial revenue bonds and tax phase-in for the construction of three manufacturing buildings totaling 1,500,000 square feet on 118.08 acres at the southwest corner of 167th Street and Lone Elm Road. The master resolution (26-1070) covered the overall project; separate resolutions covered Building 2 (500,000 sq ft, 40.23 acres) and Building 1 (500,000 sq ft, 37.63 acres). All three resolutions passed unanimously (7-0).
• Special Use Permit for Starfish Project Foundation (Resolution 26-1075): The council debated a request for a special use permit to operate a community food and personal support services (nonresidential) at 16175 W. 135th Street, southwest of W. 135th Street and S. Brougham Drive. The Planning Commission had recommended denial (5-3). Key discussion points: land use compatibility, traffic, public safety, and homelessness. Councilmember Felter proposed additional stipulations, including a traffic and parking management plan, security cameras, a complaint log, six-month and one-year staff reviews, and a Good Neighbor Committee. After amending the motion, the council approved the permit with the additional conditions by a vote of 6-1 (Mayor Bacon dissenting). Bacon cited his business experience with needy individuals and concern for neighboring homeowners.
• Ordinance 26-43 (Amending Title 9 - Public Offense Code): This ordinance adds a new section (9.08.235) creating a local offense for interference with a first responder, including a 25-foot separation distance under specific conditions. The discussion focused on First Amendment concerns, enforcement, and the benefits of local control (municipal court vs. state court). Councilmembers Schoonover and Deneault opposed, citing constitutional ambiguity. The ordinance passed 5-2.
• Ordinance 26-44 (Amending Title 10 - Traffic Ordinance): This routine annual update to the traffic ordinance passed unanimously (7-0).
• Planning Session - 2027 Budgets, CIP, and Fees: The council reviewed the proposed 2027 budgets for Recreation, Park Sales Tax, Street Maintenance Sales Tax, Tourism & Development Fund, the 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and fees. Highlights included: a 2.5% sales tax growth assumption; a $1.5 million general fund transfer to the recreation fund to achieve 92% cost recovery; street maintenance funding of $18.1 million in 2027, with every dollar spent on preservation saving an estimated $8 in future reconstruction; the city's Overall Condition Index (OCI) for streets targeted at 80, with the county average around 70.1; a $32.5 million five-year park CIP focusing on renovations (55%) and trails (26%); and a $200,000 increase in the chamber contract for EDC and CVB, including a new downtown-focused position. Tim McKee, Chamber CEO, highlighted recent successes including FIFA World Cup viewing events and the Faith Technologies development.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 26-1070 (Master IRB Resolution): Approved (7-0).
• Resolution 26-1071 (Building 2 IRB): Approved (7-0).
• Resolution 26-1072 (Building 1 IRB): Approved (7-0).
• Ordinance 26-42 (IRBs for CB Olathe Holdings - Char Bar): Approved (7-0).
• Resolution 26-1075 (Starfish Project Foundation SUP): Approved (6-1, Bacon dissenting) with additional stipulations including: site-management and security plan; traffic and parking management plan; restricted truck deliveries to hours of operation; functioning exterior lighting and security cameras; designated local manager; complaint and incident log; staff review after six months and one year; public SUP renewal hearing at end of two-year term; and establishment of a Good Neighbor Committee.
• Ordinance 26-43 (Interference with First Responders): Approved (5-2, Schoonover and Deneault dissenting).
• Ordinance 26-44 (Traffic Code Amendments): Approved (7-0).
• Budget and CIP Overview: The discussion was informational; the public hearing on the revenue-neutral rate and budget adoption is scheduled for September 8, 2026, with final adoption on September 15, 2026.