Janee' Hanzlick County Commission

Although we are almost at the end of Pride Month, I am proud of our LGBTQ residents year-round. They enrich my life and the life of our community.

Thank you to Johnson County Community College for hosting Friday’s Pride@JCCC Social and Program. Chair Kelly presented a copy of the county’s Pride Month proclamation.

It was fun to mingle with lots of friends - old and new - and hear inspiring words from our elected officials.

Congratulations to the City of Overland Park, Kansas Government on the completion of new Fire Station 41 at 75th and Conser. This rebuilt station houses both fire services and Johnson County MED-ACT, providing residents with fast, dependable response to emergencies. It is also produces most of its own electricity through solar panels on the roof!

Homelessness is expensive for cities and counties. By some estimates, a person who is chronically unhoused can cost taxpayers over $35,000 per year for medical treatment, emergency room visits, incarceration, and police intervention.

Yesterday, the Johnson County Board of Commissioners, by a vote of 4-3 approved the next step to bring a homeless service center to reality.

To solve this community-wide problem, we need support from all sectors of our county. Please encourage your local cities to step up and join the county to get this project over the finish line.

Johnson County wants and needs a homeless shelter. But who will pay $500K a year? Johnson County is working on purchasing a $6 million hotel to convert into a needed homeless shelter. But how to fund the shelter each year is causing tension.

RecycleSpot.org has a new and easy-to-use website to answer all of your recycling questions!

RecycleSpot.org, a program of the Mid-America Regional Council, is Kansas City Metro Area’s one-stop spot for recycling, reuse and waste reduction information. RecycleSpot connects you to hundreds of area services and providers and gives you information on what’s available in your community.

Recycle More. Recycle Better. Your Resource for Recycling in the Kansas City Area Where Can I Recycle, Donate, or Dispose of This? Locations Search material: Computers, Plastics, etc Search location and radius: Distance

Thank you to Advocacy and Awareness Group: Johnson County for Saturday’s inspiring 5th Annual Peace March & Rally: A Juneteenth Celebration!

Juneteenth is a national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is a celebration of freedom, and a call to continue working for racial justice and equity.

I appreciated the opportunity to say a few words to kick off our march from the Overland Park City Hall to Thompson Park. Special thanks to the Overland Park Police Department for serving as our es**rt and to Mayor Curt Skoog and Drew Mitrisin for Overland Park, Ward 2, for marching with us.

But wait - there’s more! Johnson County, KS Government will hold its third annual Juneteenth celebration on Wednesday, June 19, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the Lenexa Civic Campus Commons (17101 W. 87th St, Lenexa). Please join us!

Thank you to the over 600 people who joined us today for the Mid-America Regional Council’s annual Regional Assembly and Leadership Awards!

As this year’s MARC Board Chair, I was excited to help highlight the success of our innovative regional partnerships over the past year in transportation, sustainability, emergency response, public safety, and much more.

Congratulations to the 2024 MARC Regional Leadership Award honorees!

Gloria Ortiz-Fisher
Executive Director
Westside Housing Organization

The KCMO Aviation Department for successful completion of the Kansas City International Airport

Carolyn Wells
Trauma and Emergency Preparedness Manager
Liberty Hospital

Julie Lorenz
Former Secretary of Transportation State of Kansas

Today is Flag Day! This day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

Let’s celebrate the flag as an enduring reminder of our unity and commitment to our republic.

Once again, I succumbed to the lure of a beautiful painting at the JCDS Emerging Artists program. I couldn’t resist this gorgeous interior scene painted by artist Ryan Sikes.

Ryan’s works feature bright neon colors and bold black lines. There is something Picasso-esque about this striking painting.

I loved being able to get a photo with the artist! The Emerging Artist studio is located in the Johnson County KS Arts and Heritage Center - stop by sometime!

Did you know that some of your favorite plant-based spreads are made right here in Johnson County?

Upfield, located at New Century, KS, (near Gardner) makes “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter”, “Country Crock”, and my favorite “Brummell and Brown”!

Now Upfield is partnering with another company to reduce their CO2 emissions. Way to go, Upfield!

New Century project cuts CO2 emissions, churns out thousands of plant-based butter spreads Upfield is expanding their New Century plant to reduce their carbon footprint while increasing their production and the Kansas City area workforce.

Seen today in the restroom at a Johnson County Library - KS. What a great way to help people find info on difficult subjects when they might be reluctant to ask for help!

Don’t miss your second chance to learn about the Proposed 2025 Johnson County Budget!

WHAT: County Budget Open House

WHERE: Monticello Library (22435 W. 66th St., Shawnee, KS)

WHEN: Monday, June 10. 10 a.m.-noon and 5-7 p.m.

This is an open house style format for the public to come learn about the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget, ask questions and provide informal feedback. The event doesn’t include a formal presentation nor public comment session.

As County Commissioner for District 4, I take seriously my responsibility to approve a county budget that responsibly and appropriately funds county services, including public safety.

Recent accusations that the Board of County Commissioners is "de-funding" the Sheriff's Department are not true.

The Sheriff's budget has steadily and significantly increased over the last ten years by almost $109 million (see graph below). The proposed budget for 2025 will increase the Sheriff's budget by another $5 million.

The Sheriff's Office is the largest taxpayer funded department in the county's budget. Asking questions about how this budget is spent does not mean that the BOCC does not support the work of the Sheriff's Department. We are fulfilling our duty to provide transparency and accountability.

See also: https://johnsoncountypost.com/2024/06/03/johnson-county-sheriff-budget-2025-234928/

Want to know more about how your county services are funded? Please attend a Johnson County, KS Government Budget Open House on either June 3 or June 10. I look forward to seeing you there.

Today from 1 - 5 pm, the Board of County Commissioners will hear presentations from the following county departments regarding their proposed 2025 budgets:

– Public Safety & Judiciary
• Sheriff
• Emergency Services
• Corrections
• District Attorney
• District Court

Over the next four weeks, the Board of County will receive budget info as follows:

June 6 (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm)
– Health & Human Services
• Mental Health
• Developmental Supports
• Health & Environment
• Aging & Human Service
– Planning/Contractor Licensing

June 13 (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm)
– Infrastructure
• Wastewater
• Airport
• Public Works
• Stormwater
• Transit

June 20 (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm)
– Culture & Recreation
• Library
• Park & Recreation
– Records & Taxation
– Support Services

The public is welcome to observe the presentations in person or online.

For more info on accessing these,and other county commission meetings, go to

Board of County Commissioner Meetings The Board of County Commissioners meets in regular session every Thursday beginning at 9:30 a.m. Meetings are conducted in the board's hearing room on the third floor of the County Administration Building at 111 S. Cherry St., in downtown Olathe.

Looking for affordable housing in Gardner? Check out these beautiful brand-new townhomes. I was pleased to support using county COVID funds to help make this development a reality.

Please join me at this important annual community discussion!

Join us for our 2024 Human Service Summit!
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/UCSSummit2024

SEVERE WEATHER ALERT from Johnson County, KS Emergency Management

In coordination with city partners, Johnson County Emergency Management (JCEM) assisted the US National Weather Service Kansas City Missouri with their damage assessment survey in Johnson County today. The preliminary results of the NWS survey have confirmed two EF-1 tornadoes impacted Johnson County last night, Sunday, May 19th. Assessments are ongoing, however, the following information has been provided by the NWS:

• 𝐄𝐅-𝟏 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲: The NWS states the tornado began shortly after 10:31pm, south of Mill Valley High School and tracked north across the High School property, continuing north-northeast toward Johnson Drive after crossing Monticello Rd. The tornado ended around 10:36pm.

• 𝐄𝐅-𝟏 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲: The NWS states much of the path of this tornado was EF-0 damage, with a pocket of EF-1 damage with max winds around 90 mph. The tornado began near the western edge of Prairie Village, near 79th and Lamar Avenue around 10:39pm. It continued northeast through Prairie Village toward Fairway and ending around 10:50pm on the western edge of Mission Hils.

More information and a detailed track of these tornadoes will be made available in the coming days.

The NWS expects isolated to scattered storms across the region today and tonight. There could be some strong storms with wind gusts up to 60mph and up to quarter-sized hail. Isolated thunderstorms may impact the region throughout the night, however tomorrow is the biggest concern.

Please stay weather aware, have multiple ways to be notified, and know your plan should you need to seek shelter.

Congratulations to this year’s class of outstanding graduates of Project Search Johnson County Developmental Supports - JCDS! It was a privilege to attend your graduation ceremony!

Project SEARCH is an education and employment program managed by JCDS for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are age 18 or older and interested in community employment.

Special thanks to the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel, and all the businesses that provide job experience for Project Search students.

Gorgeous day for the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Master Gardener Public Garden Tour! The gardens are stunning!

Thank you to the Master Gardeners who opened their gardens to the community, as well as all the volunteers and staff.

I was very encouraged by yesterday’s update on the status of the Housing Resources Center (aka, shelter).

Highlights include:
- reStart Inc. is the recommended operator
- Hotel is in moderate condition, Denny’s in poor shape
- Goal to submit application for Special Use Permit to City of Lenexa by July 1
- Deed restriction will give Johnson County government oversight responsibility for 10 years
- Staff will come back to BOCC in June to confirm reStart as owner/operator, estimated renovation costs, and reStart’s plans for operating revenue.

Proposed shelter could cost $1.5 million each year to operate The KC nonprofit recommended to operate a proposed shelter in Lenexa would need about $1.5 million a year to operate it.

This Thursday (May 16), the Board of County Commissioners will meet in a study session to receive an update on the status of the Johnson County Homeless Services Center.

The meeting is scheduled for 1 pm in the Lower Level of the County Admin Building in Olathe. The meeting is for info only - the Board will not be taking any action at the study session.

For more info: https://boccmeetings.jocogov.org/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=6873&doctype=1

Johnson County, KS Government is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month by going green!

Move over, pickleball! Art Nine Disc Golf is the new kid in town!

It was a perfect day to cut the ribbon on the new “Art Nine Disc Golf Course” at Shawnee Mission Park. This one of a kind project by Johnson County Park and Recreation District - JCPRD features 10 nature-inspired sculptures by 4 incredible artists. The sculptures are tucked into the woods - offering a whimsical surprise and delight around each bend in the disc golf course.

Located near the Inclusive Playground, Johnson County’s newest park project has to be seen to be believed!

Your Board of County Commissioners was working hard for you at today's meeting!

Here is a recap of the BOCC agenda for May 9, 2024

Appointments to Library Board
Approved the appointments of Jennifer Hrabe, Sixth District representative, and Chrysalyn Huff, Seventh District representative, to the Library Board through April 30, 2028.
Consent agenda vote: 6-0, passed (Chair Kelly was absent)

Contract for bad debt collection services
Authorized a contract with Account Resolution Corporation for bad debt collection services in an amount not to exceed $350,000 for a period of one year with the option to renew for four additional 1-year periods. (Johnson County Wastewater)
Voted 6 – 0, passed

Contracts for on-call electrical services
Authorized contracts with Alpha Energy and Electric Inc., Core Electric, P1 Service Inc., Teague Electric Construction Inc. and Vazquez Commercial Contracting, LLC for on-call electrical services in an amount not to exceed $600,000. (Facilities Management)
Voted 6 – 0, passed

Funding for video courts capital project
Approved and authorized an increase of $2,250,000 for the New Century Adult Detention Center remodel for video courts capital project bringing the new total project authorization to an amount not to exceed $3,250,000 for design and construction services. (Sheriff's Office)
Voted 6 – 0, passed

Funding for remodel of wastewater suite
Adopted Resolution No. 039-24 to amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program to include the Sunset Drive Office Building Wastewater Suite Remodel capital project and to authorize the use of Wastewater SRCFP (Sewer Repair and Construction Finance Plan) fund reserves in an amount not to exceed $2,200,000. (Johnson County Wastewater)
Voted 6 – 0, passed

Questions? Contact me at [email protected]

Congratulations to AdventHealth Shawnee Mission on the completion of their new Cancer Institute. I appreciated tonight’s reception and opportunity to tour this amazing facility.

With a top notch team of cancer experts, a patient-centered “one stop shop” model of care, and leading-edge technology, the Cancer Institute is a valuable addition to our community.

Another important step forward toward the reality of a homeless services center in Johnson County.

A homeless center in Johnson County is a key piece in addressing countywide housing needs.

Kansas City’s reStart Inc. recommended to operate a homeless services center in Johnson County An evaluation committee convened by United Community Services of Johnson County unanimously recommended the proposal submitted by reStart, Inc. to serve as the center’s owner and operator.

I am honored to serve with this esteemed group of elected officials. I look forward to working with them to strengthen regional collaboration, including transportation, public safety, and sustainability.

It is a beautiful morning to cut the ribbon on Johnson County’s newest Johnson County MED-ACT facility!

Located in the City of Shawnee, KS Government, near I-435 and Midland Drive, this new facility helps ensure timely and dependable life-saving emergency services to this fast-growing part of Johnson County.

I was glad to support funding for this investment in our county’s public safety.

This week, Johnson County’s Green Business Program honored our most recent certified partners!

A special shout-out to TACONACO KC in Commission District 4 for being among the awardees!

Through the Green Business Program, staff of the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment provides free assistance to businesses, schools, places of worship, etc. to start or improve waste diversion, recycling, composting, and overall sustainability.

Find more info at: https://www.jocogov.org/department/environment/green-business-program