Public Meetings - Olathe, Kansas

The City Council of Olathe, Kansas held a regularly scheduled meeting on May 7, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included recognition of Teen Council seniors, a proclamation for Public Service Recognition Week, a public hearing for the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, approval of a consent agenda, discussion and approval of a comprehensive plan update agreement, extensive debate and approval of a rezoning and site plan for the Cedar Ridge Mixed Use Community, approval of two charter ordinances, acceptance of several reports, and an executive session. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved by a 7-0 vote (Bacon, Vogt, Gilmore, Schoonover, Felter, Vakas, Essex). Items included: - Approval of April 16, 2024 meeting minutes - New and renewal licenses - Travel request for City Manager and Councilmembers to Washington, DC (May 14-16) - Business expense statements - Cyber liability insurance renewal - Resolution for Modernization of Fire Stations project (PN 6-C-031-24) - Construction management agreement with Newkirk Novak Construction Partners, Inc. - Design services agreement with Finkle + Williams, Inc. - Fleet purchase of one Pierce Enforcer HazMat fire apparatus - Agreement with Johnson County for Ridgeview Road Arterial Mill and Overlay project - Construction contract for JCW Doghouse Manhole project - Contract for Olathe WTP2 chemical feed and electrical modifications - Professional services agreements with HNTB Corporation and Olsson, Inc. for various design projects - Supplemental agreement with Olsson, Inc. for Black Bob Road improvements - Renewals of contracts for directional drilling, traffic signal supplies, electrical lighting maintenance, sound/lighting equipment, and outdoor warning siren maintenance Public Comments & Testimony - CDBG Public Hearing: No public comments were heard. The hearing was closed by a 7-0 vote. - Cedar Ridge Mixed Use Community (New Business C): Three speakers addressed the council. - Scott Beeler (representing PON LLC) spoke against the proposal, arguing the plan was illegal, inconsistent with the Cedar Creek overlay, and would harm the community's character. - Craig Eymann (former Cedard Creek developer) spoke in favor, providing historical context and stating the proposed mixed-use development was the best use for the site. - Ron Mather (board member and resident) spoke in favor, citing the developer's good faith negotiations and belief that the Cedar Creek zoning would provide better control. - General Issues and Concerns of Citizens: Bridgette Moore spoke in favor of the council issuing a Pride proclamation in June. Discussion Items - Special Business: - Mayor Bacon presented certificates to senior Teen Council members, who shared their future plans. The teens contributed 550 hours of community service this year. - Mayor Bacon read a proclamation declaring May 6-10, 2024 as Public Service Recognition Week, accepted by Digital Program Manager Scott Meyer. - New Business A – Comprehensive Plan Update: Council approved an agreement with Houseal Lavigne Associates to update the Olathe Comprehensive Plan (CPA24-0001). The firm presented an 18-month timeline with six steering committee touchpoints, public engagement via website, community events, and a Map Social tool. Councilmembers asked about developer engagement, affordable housing, plan flexibility, and representation across the city. The motion by Vogt, seconded by Gilmore, passed 7-0. - New Business C – Cedar Ridge Mixed Use Community (RZ24-0003): This was the most debated item. Staff (Kim Hollingsworth and Charlie Love) presented the proposal to rezone 14.37 acres from C-2 to CC (Cedar Creek) District and approve a preliminary site development plan for a mixed-use community with 310 dwelling units, 28,500 sq ft of commercial space, a parking garage, and 551 parking stalls. The property is southeast of W. Valley Parkway and S. Cedar Creek Parkway. Staff noted that a valid protest petition had been withdrawn, so only a simple majority (4 votes) was required. The Planning Commission had recommended approval 4-3. - Key issues raised during council discussion: building height and visibility from Cedar Creek Parkway, compliance with the Cedar Creek Overlay District and the "Green Book," traffic impacts (study showed all intersections remained at level of service A), environmental impacts, and the definition of a "town center." - Councilmember Vakas expressed strong concerns about the site plan, arguing the building mass dominated the entrance and that the Golden Criteria had been misapplied. He made a motion to hold the application at council level and send the site plan back to staff for revision within 90 days, with specific guidance to reduce visible height, improve public spaces, and accelerate commercial phasing. That motion failed 1-6 (Vakas in favor; Schoonover, Felter, Essex, Bacon, Vogt, Gilmore opposed). - Councilmember Vogt then moved to approve the rezoning and preliminary site plan. The motion passed 5-2 (Bacon, Vogt, Gilmore, Felter, Essex in favor; Schoonover and Vakas opposed). Stipulations included a drive-through restriction, density cap, sign standards, phasing requiring at least one commercial building permit before occupancy, maximum height limits, and tree preservation. - New Business D – Charter Ordinance No. 81: Concerning city officers and employees. Approved 7-0. - New Business E – Charter Ordinance No. 82: Redesignating and repealing Charter Ordinance No. 24. Approved 7-0. - Reports (from Planning Session): - Report on annexation of approx. 27.25 acres (ANX24-0001) accepted. - Report on a request for industrial revenue bonds and tax phase-in (submitted by PDC STL/INDY LPIV, LLC) was withdrawn by the applicant. - Report on annexation of approx. 306.71 acres (ANX24-0002) accepted. - Report on council budget priorities accepted. - Report on 2024-2025 Audit Plan proposal accepted. - Executive Session: Council recessed into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel (K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1)). Upon reconvening, they voted 7-0 to accept the resignation of Internal City Auditor Mary Ann Vasor. Key Outcomes - Approval of Comprehensive Plan Update Agreement with Houseal Lavigne Associates: Passed 7-0. - Approval of Cedar Ridge Mixed Use Community Rezoning and Preliminary Site Plan: Passed 5-2 (Bacon, Vogt, Gilmore, Felter, Essex yes; Schoonover, Vakas no). - Approval of Charter Ordinance No. 81: Passed 7-0. - Approval of Charter Ordinance No. 82: Passed 7-0. - Motion to Hold Cedar Ridge Application and Send Back to Staff: Failed 1-6. - Acceptance of Internal City Auditor Resignation: Passed 7-0. - Consent Agenda and CDBG Public Hearing Closure: Both passed 7-0. - Reports were accepted as presented; one report withdrawn. - The meeting adjourned at 10:52 PM.

The Olathe Planning Commission met on April 29, 2024, at 7:00 PM with seven of nine members present. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, two continuances, and two public hearings on rezoning and preliminary site development plans. The commission approved both rezoning applications with modifications and will forward them to the city council for final consideration on May 21, 2024. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda, containing two items, was approved unanimously (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Item RZ23-0013 (Caribou Coffee): Bill Siler, president of the Villas of Asbury HOA (speaking individually, not on behalf of the HOA), stated that residents generally welcome the coffee shop but requested that any approval include restrictions on operating hours (to avoid early morning/evening headlight glare) and that the final site plan address headlight screening. He expressed no strong opposition overall. Discussion Items - Item SU23-0007 (Verizon compound expansion) and Item RZ24-0007 (rezoning at Asbury Center): Both were continued to a future meeting at the applicants' request. The public hearings were not opened, and the continuances were approved unanimously (7-0 each). - Item RZ23-0011 (New Creation Community Center): Senior Planner Emily Carillo presented a request to rezone 0.26 acres at 504 East Kansas City Road from M-2 (General Industrial) to C-2 (Community Center) to allow a nonprofit social services facility for substance abuse recovery. The site has an existing 3,200 sq. ft. building. Staff recommended approval of the rezoning (with one land-use restriction) and the preliminary site development plan (with several stipulations). One neighborhood resident expressed general support. No public comments were received. The commission voted 7-0 to approve both the rezoning and the preliminary plan subject to all staff recommendations. - Item RZ23-0013 (Caribou Coffee): Ms. Carillo presented a request to rezone 1.10 acres at the northeast corner of West 159th Street and Brentwood from RP-1 (Planned Single-Family Residential) to C-1 (Neighborhood Center) for a 605 sq. ft. fast-food coffee shop with a drive-thru (categorized as “fast food” per the UDO) plus a future commercial building. Staff supported the C-1 district but recommended prohibiting fast food at this location due to proximity to residential areas. They offered an alternative (Section 13 of the staff report) allowing fast food only on lot one with a 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily hours restriction. Commissioners discussed precedent, traffic circulation, and the difference between fast food and fast casual. The applicant, Joe Campbell (original developer), and Rob Bars (Mint Development) were present. One resident email expressing concerns was received that morning. The public hearing included one speaker, Bill Siler, who echoed resident concerns about hours and headlights but did not oppose the use. After deliberation, Commissioner Creighton clarified a motion to approve the rezoning under the alternative (Section 13, items A1 and A2: allow fast food only on lot one, with hours restriction). That motion passed 7-0. A second motion to approve the preliminary site development plan under the same alternative (including all five stipulated conditions) also passed 7-0. Key Outcomes - SU23-0007: Continuance granted (7-0). - RZ24-0007: Continuance granted (7-0). - RZ23-0011 (New Creation Community Center): Rezoning to C-2 and preliminary site development plan approved (7-0). Will go to city council on May 21, 2024. - RZ23-0013 (Caribou Coffee): Two motions approved (both 7-0): 1. Rezoning to C-1 with land-use restrictions allowing fast food only on lot one and limiting hours to 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily. 2. Preliminary site development plan for the coffee shop and future lot two (with stipulations including traffic circulation review, landscape screening for headlights, and additional design waivers). Both will be considered by the city council on May 21, 2024. - The meeting also included an announcement congratulating Commissioner Breen on being selected for the 2024 class of “40 Under 40.”

Olathe City Council Meeting - April 16, 2024\n\nThe Olathe City Council met on April 16, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included special recognitions, adoption of the consent agenda with several items pulled for separate discussion, and approval of key projects including signage and wayfinding for parks and natatorium renovations. Council also received updates on city initiatives, recognized student champions, and held an executive session to evaluate the City Auditor. All votes were unanimous (7–0).\n\n Special Business\n- Arbor Week Proclamation: Mayor Bacon proclaimed April 22–26, 2024, as Arbor Week. City Arborist Jared Doren reported that the Parks Department planted over 1,000 trees in 2023 and urged community participation.\n- Recognition of Olathe High School Student Champions: Matt Johnson (Olathe Public Schools) and other athletic directors presented state champions: Brett Carroll (Olathe East, 285-lb wrestling, 45–0 record, 137 career pins), Joseph Wollette (bowling, not present), Kaylin Hitchcock (wrestling, 135 lbs, not present), Jacob Vasquez (Olathe North, 175-lb wrestling), and Nicole Redman (Olathe South, four-time girls' state wrestling champion, first female wrestler from Olathe to earn a Division I scholarship). The Olathe Northwest dance team was recognized for winning national championships in large varsity team performance, pom, and game day, and securing the grand national title—their fifth grand national title and 29th overall.\n\n Consent Calendar\nThe consent agenda was approved by a 7–0 vote with items G, H, J, K, and P removed. Items approved under consent included: meeting minutes of April 2, 2024; renewal of licenses; acceptance of final plats for Heritage Ranch (two plats, totaling 122 lots) and Boulder Creek (25 lots); several contracts and bids for water and sewer projects, fire hydrant purchases, valve/fire hydrant testing, door repair, demolition of city-owned buildings, laboratory equipment services, and police ammunition purchase. Item P (vehicle GPS services contract) was withdrawn for later consideration.\n\n Discussion Items\n- Items G and H – Signage & Wayfinding for Parks, Trails, and Unique Places: Nate Baldwin, City Engineer, explained that Resolution No. 24-1015 authorizes a project to develop updated wayfinding signs for parks, trails, and downtown, as a top priority from the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The current signage is outdated. Councilmember Felter clarified this is only the plan, not the final design. Councilmember Vakas suggested including GPS coordinates on signs for trail users, which staff said they would explore. Item H is the agreement with Tangram Design, LLC for the project. Both items were approved 7–0.\n- Items J and K – Olathe Community Center Natatorium Renovations: Dustin Fergen (Project Manager II) detailed the replacement of pool basin plaster (J) and spa basin plaster, stair tower finish, and mechanical room flooring (K). The work requires a six-week closure from June 3 to August 9, 2024, during which the facility will be fully shut down. Chief Communications Officer Cody Kennedy outlined the communication plan, including newsletters, social media, and signage. Deputy Infrastructure Director Zach Hardy confirmed that Community Center members will receive passes to access outdoor pools and Lake Olathe during the closure. Councilmember Schoonover asked about extending outdoor pool hours; Hardy noted staffing limitations after school starts. Both items were approved 7–0.\n\n New City Council Business\n- Councilmember Essex reported on MidAmerica Nazarene University's President's Honors fundraiser, which raised over $800,000 (totaling $7.5 million over 12 years), and highlighted a new agreement offering free tuition for children of Olathe firefighters or police officers killed in the line of duty.\n- Councilmember Vogt praised the youth recognitions, thanked the fire chief for safety updates, and noted compliments from out-of-town conference attendees on Olathe's beauty.\n- Councilmember Felter proposed that staff develop a policy for handling state legislative testimony on behalf of the city, particularly for municipal judges, when issues arise between council meetings. She also announced National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week, the May 3 Olathe Cultural Fest, and the May 24 Fourth Friday event.\n- City Manager Michael Wilkes announced the completion of the Cedar Creek Trail connecting Cedar Lake and Lake Olathe, with a ribbon-cutting on April 24.\n\n Executive Session and Reconvene\nThe council recessed into executive session to evaluate the City Auditor (Mary Ann Vasser) under K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). After three sessions totaling 55 minutes, the council reconvened and stated it was pleased with the Auditor's performance and intended to continue her employment.\n\n Key Outcomes\n- All votes on consent agenda (with exceptions) and pulled items passed 7–0.\n- Project authorization and design contract for signage/wayfinding approved.\n- Contracts awarded for natatorium renovations (pool basin and spa/surface work).\n- Staff directed to explore adding GPS coordinates to wayfinding signs and to develop a policy for municipal judge testimony on legislative matters.\n- Outdoor pool passes will be provided to Community Center members during the six-week closure.\n- The council expressed satisfaction with the City Auditor and affirmed her continued role.

The Olathe Planning Commission met on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. All nine commissioners were present. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, and the chair provided procedural remarks about the commission's role in interpreting the comprehensive plan and unified development ordinance. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the consent agenda, which contained five items, by a unanimous 9‑0 vote. Public Hearing – Continuance - A public hearing was scheduled for case RZ 24‑0005, but a continuance was requested. In accordance with procedure, the public hearing was not opened. The commission voted unanimously (9‑0) to continue the case to a future planning commission meeting. Announcements - Chet Velcher, Chief Community and Development Officer, announced that the consultant for the comprehensive plan update will be in town on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Public meetings and joint sessions with the Planning Commission and City Council are being planned. Commissioners interested in meeting the consultant in advance were asked to notify staff. - The chair noted that he would be attending the American Planning Association National Planning Conference later that week. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda adopted 9‑0. - Case RZ 24‑0005 continued to a future meeting on a 9‑0 roll‑call vote. - No other business was discussed, and the meeting was adjourned.