August 2008

 City Council Agenda
Released 8/29
The Olathe City Council will meet for their regular session on September 2, 2008 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall. This meeting's highlights include:
• Consideration of a new office development and incentives for a new office development on the northeast corner of College Boulevard and Ridgeview Road
• Consideration for a new hotel on Kansas City Road
• Consideration of a resolution setting city fees and charges for 2009
• A proclamation designating Deaf Awareness Week.
• For the complete agenda, click here.

Residential Solid Waste Collection NOT Impacted by Holiday-City Office to Close
Released 8/29
Though City offices will be closed Monday, September 1st to observe the Labor Day holiday, solid waste (trash) collection will not be impacted. Olathe crews collect solid waste during all holidays with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day.

City Pools to Close After Labor Day
Released 8/29
All Olathe city swimming pools will close for the season on September 2nd.

Project Updates: Several major city projects are in various stages.
Released 8/29
Quiet Zone
The city council approved the agreement with BNSF to begin the design and construction for the creation of the Downtown Olathe Quiet Zone. BNSF will design the project, order the materials and provide the signal and crossing work. The city will provide the street and fence construction in coordination with the railroad's work. The hope is that the work will be completed by the end of 2009.

Lone Elm Interchange
The contractor is preparing to hang the steel girders for the Lone Elm Rd bridges over I-35. To do this will require closing I-35 to all traffic for periods of time. Traffic will be detoured between the 151st St Interchange and the 175th St interchange to US 169 and 175th St. The closures will be

done at night, and the highway will reopen the following morning. The detour will be marked in accordance with Kansas Department of Transportation requirements. The detour will be the same one used in June for the demolition of the old Lone Elm Bridge.

Times for detours

Monday Sept 15 10:00 pm to 5:00 am
Tuesday Sept 16 10:00 pm to 5:00 am
Wednesday Sept 17 10:00 pm to 5:00 am
Thursday Sept 18 10:00 pm to 5:00 am
Friday Sept 19 10:00 pm to 8:00 am
Saturday Sept 20 10:00 pm to 8:00 am

To allow construction of several bridges, Cedar Lake will be lowered approximately two feet for about thirty days beginning next week. The park and lake will remain open to the public during this period. For more information on the highway closings, contact Kimberly Qualls with KDOT at (785) 296-3881.

BNSF Elevated Structure
The lowering of the city streets under the new elevated bridges of BNSF is nearing completion. Park St is now open to traffic and Loula St is very near completion. Santa Fe westbound lanes should be completed next week when construction will move to the eastbound lanes with traffic relocated to the new westbound lanes. Ridgeview will also be reduced to the two southbound lanes while the northbound lanes are reconstructed. This work should begin in about two weeks.

Dennis Ave at Lake Olathe
Dennis Ave over Lake Olathe is now open to traffic. Additional construction on sidewalks and curbs as well as landscaping will continue for a several weeks.

City Council Agenda
Released 8/25/08
The complete Olathe City Council agenda for Tuesday, August 26 can be accessed on the city's website at www.olatheks.org or by simply clicking here.

Illegal Sign Sweep Success
Released 8/25/08
When Olathe conducted its first DirectionFinder citizen survey, a surprising finding arose. One of residents' highest priorities was addressing illegally placed yard signs. Since that time, the City has been proactive in enforcing its sign ordinance and removing illegally placed signs that not only create on eyesore, but can cause public safety issues for pedestrians and obstruct motorists' views.
Last Friday, the City conducted a "mini sweep" using volunteers from a number of departments. In total, over 320 signs were removed from City right-of-way along arterial streets. Larger sign sweeps are conducted every four months, and the City's zoning enforcement officer removes signs across the city throughout the year and responds to citizen and business complaints regarding non-conforming signs on private property. To learn more about the City's sign ordinance click here.

Old Settlers Parade to be Broadcast Live on Ch. 7 and Web
Released 8/25/08
Once again, Olathe City Channel 7 will broadcast the annual Old Settlers Parade live on Comcast Channel 7 and on AT&T Channel 99. In addition, this year's parade will be broadcast live online through the City's website at www.olatheks.org. Among other local and national programming, Cannel 7 airs live broadcasts of all regular Olathe City Council meetings and Planning Commission meetings. To learn more about Channel 7 programming, click here.

Automatically Receive City News Electronically
Released 8/25/08
Subscribers can sign-up to automatically receive Olathe news briefs, releases and an electronic copy of the City's newsletter, "The Olathe Link". Simply click here and subscribe by following the quick instructions in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

Enclave Annexation Public Hearing Set for September 16th
Released 8/25/08
The Olathe City Council will be holding the official public hearing regarding proposed annexation of unincorporated enclaves or islands within or primarily surrounded by the city. These unincorporated pockets typically already receive city services such as police and fire protection, and they lay in areas that are being surrounded by urban level development. The public hearing will take place at the September 16 Olathe City Council meeting. Look for more details to follow as the date nears.

Keeping Busy in September with Olathe Parks and Recreation!
Released 8/25/08

Farmers' Market (Poplar and Kansas)
- Saturdays (open through October 11; 7am until sold)
- Wednesdays (open through September 24; 3pm until sold)
- Market closed September 6
- http://www.olatheks.org/ParksRec/Quicklinks/Farmers

5th Annual Doggy Dippin!
- Sunday, September 7
- http://www.olatheks.org/ParksRec/Programs/Aquatics/Events

Swim Lessons (Youth and Adult)
- Begin the week of September 15
- http://www.olatheks.org/ParksRec/Programs/Aquatics/Classes

Tennis Lessons (Youth and Adult)
- Begin Saturday, September 13
- http://www.olatheks.org/ParksRec/Tennis

Golf Lessons (Youth)
- Begin the week of September 8
- http://www.olatheks.org/ParksRec/Golf

Sailing Classes (Youth and Adult)
- Begin September 3
- http://activelife.olatheks.org/Activities/ActivitiesCourseDetails.asp?cid=17029

Pump it Up Fitness Classes (Youth)
- Begin September 3
- http://www.olatheks.org/ParksRec/PumpItUp

City Council Agenda Highlights
Released 8/18/08
The Olathe City Council will meet for their regular session on August 19, 2008 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall. This meeting's highlights include:
• Adoption of the 2009 Budget
• Consideration of an agreement with BNSF Railroad for the West Track Quiet Zone
• For the complete agenda, click here.

Traffic Improvement to intersection of Santa Fe and Brougham to Begin Today
Released 8/18/08
Improvements made to the intersection of Santa Fe and Brougham will consist of the addition of a left turn lane from eastbound Santa Fe to northbound Brougham. Crews will also be updating the pedestrian facilities in the area as well as modifying a few of the median noses.
This construction, beginning Monday, August 18, will require lane closures and some traffic delays. There will be a period of time when northbound Brougham will be closed on the South side of Santa Fe; residents are encouraged to consider alternate routes. This closure will be temporary and only for periods of a few hours while certain activities are being completed. Construction is scheduled to last two (2) months with the intersection being back at full capacity by the middle of October.

Council Scheduled to Adopt 2009 Budget
Released 8/18/08
The Olathe City Council is scheduled to adopt the proposed 2009 budget at Tuesday's City Council Meeting. The budget proposes a 4.3% decrease in general fund (basic city operations) expenditures from 2008 to reflect the challenging economic times and to ensure long-term financial sustainability. The budget focuses on critical and necessary services while scaling back on programs that are important, but can no longer be offered or performed at the same level.

OPUS to Receive Community Pride Award Tuesday
Released 8/18/08
OPUS will be presented with a Community Pride Award at the City Council meeting Tuesday evening in recognition of their contributions to Olathe and the tremendous investment they have made in our community.
OPUS Northwest was honored by the Olathe Chamber of Commerce this year as Olathe's Corporate Citizen of the Year in recognition of their outstanding vision and significant contributions to the City, including the Corporate Ridge Office Park and Kansas City Road Business Park.
Accepting the award for OPUS Tuesday night will be Dave Harrison, Vice President of OPUS Northwest, and other OPUS representatives.

Olathe Teen Council Kicks Off the School Year with Enthusiasm
Released 8/18/08
The Olathe Teen Council, a City / School District sponsored youth board whose members are teens in Olathe junior and senior high schools selected to participate through an application process, held their first meeting of the 2008-2009 school year last Tuesday. The twenty-four member council starts the year with high hopes of tackling childhood obesity in five of Olathe's elementary schools through its KidFit program as well as volunteering for various community and school district events.
At Tuesday's meeting officers were elected to serve for a one-year term. Those elected are as follows:
Co-Chairs: Aalok Patel & Karla Ferron
Secretary: Elaina Smith
Treasurer: Sam Talley
Public Relations Officer: Kirby Appollis
Time Keeper: Jessica Kruger
The Olathe Teem Council meets regularly on the third Tuesday of every month from 3:30 - 5:30pm at Olathe City Hall. For more information or for application information, visit Teen Council's Webpage or contact staff advisor, Jenny Hesseltine at jhesseltine@olatheks.org or (913) 971-8913.

End of Summer Pool Schedule Begins
Released 8/18/08
Schedules for all City pools are as follows through Labor Day Weekend:
August 18th thru 22nd (Monday - Friday)
Frontier & Oregon Trail
4 pm - 7 pm

August 23rd - 24th (Saturday & Sunday)
Frontier & Oregon Trail
12:30 pm - 8 pm

August 25th - 29th (Monday - Friday)
Frontier & Oregon Trail: closed for the week

August 30, 31st, September 1 (Labor Day week-end)
Frontier & Oregon Trail
12:30 pm - 8 pm

Keeping Busy in September with Olathe Parks and Recreation!!!
Released 8/18/08

Farmers' Market (Poplar and Kansas)
- Saturdays (open through October 11; 7am until sold)
- Wednesdays (open through September 24; 3pm until sold)
- Market closed September 6
- http://www.olatheks.org/ParksRec/Quicklinks/Farmers 5th Annual Doggy Dippin!
- Sunday, September 7
- http://www.olatheks.org/ParksRec/Programs/Aquatics/Events

Swim Lessons (Youth and Adult)
- Begin the week of September 15
- http://www.olatheks.org/ParksRec/Programs/Aquatics/Classes

Tennis Lessons (Youth and Adult)
- Begin Saturday, September 13
- http://www.olatheks.org/ParksRec/Tennis

Golf Lessons (Youth)
- Begin the week of September 8
- http://www.olatheks.org/ParksRec/Golf

Sailing Classes (Youth and Adult)
- Begin September 3
- http://activelife.olatheks.org/Activities/ActivitiesCourseDetails.asp?cid=17029

Pump it Up Fitness Classes (Youth)
- Begin September 3
- http://www.olatheks.org/ParksRec/PumpItUp

AquaFest Brings Outs Hundreds of Residents to Cedar Lake Park on Aug. 16
Released 8/18/08
Saturday's AquaFest was a huge success with hundreds of Olathe residents coming out to enjoy the 7th Annual Water Celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cedar Lake Park, 15500 S. Lone Elm Rd, Olathe.
It was the perfect day for AquaFest - the sky was clear, blue, and sunny and a breeze was blowing throughout the day.
Youth and adults enjoyed canoeing, sailing, and fishing on Cedar Lake as well as wildlife exhibits featuring an owl and a colorful parrot. The Kickback Junior BASS Club held a casting contest for kids ages 7 -14, the Heart of America Fly-fishers gave classes on fly-fishing, and the Johnson County Sailing Society provided sailboats and taught classes.
There were also several displays that covered everything from the wastewater treatment process to water conservation practices.
Among the busiest activities of the day - two giant water slides packed with lines of kids waiting to slide.
There was also interest by attendees at the watercolor classes provided by the Olathe Visual Artists and lawn & garden how-to classes provided by the Johnson County K-State Research & Extension Master Gardeners.
Attendees received free t-shirts courtesy of Kansas Wildscapes and a chance to win prizes throughout the day. Mmusic was provided by Blue Root.
The Olathe Noon Optimists sold food at the event with proceeds to benefit Olathe youth.
AquaFest is sponsored by the City of Olathe's Municipal Services, Parks & Recreation, and Public Works Departments.

City Council Agenda Highlights
Released 8/11/08
The Olathe City Council will meet for their regularly scheduled study session on August 12, 2008 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall. This meeting's highlights include:
-Report on downtown Olathe railroad quiet zone with project update
-Discussion of 2009 fee structure.
For the complete agenda, click here.

City Park Hailed Among the Best in KC Metro Area
Released 8/11/08
Olathe's Black Bob Park was recently named a finalist in the 2008 Family Favorites Poll conducted by KC Parent Magazine. Submittals for the best of what the KC metro area has to offer were solicited through the July issue of KC Parent Magazine and Summer Kansas City Baby Magazine as well as through the organization's website. Residents then submitted their favorites in several categories of places in the metro. Three hundred ballots were received totaling 8,000 votes in the poll.
Black Bob Park, which includes a castle-themed playground, was selected as a finalist for Favorite Playground/Park. The 80 acre park has been located on 151st St between Black Bob Rd and Pflumm Rd since 1974. Other features of the park include:

• 2 Soccer Fields
• 8 Baseball/Softball Fields
• 1 Basketball Court
• 1 Swimming Pool
• Mini Golf
• Batting Cage
• Reservable Picnic Shelter
• 1.4 mile walking trail with exercise stations
• 1 acre stocked fishing pond
• Modern Restrooms

City Encourages Participation in Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area Survey
Released 8/11/08
The City of Olathe lies within the forty-one county region that comprises the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA), which was designated as a national heritage area by Congress in 2006. Community leaders from all over the area have been working hard to establish FFNHA for several months, and are asking for the public's participation in determining the role of education and the priorities for interpreting the region's stories. The survey, available now, can be accessed online via www.ffnha-hosting.com. Survey responses will help FFNHA establish priorities, address specific issues, and develop a proactive plan to accurately and appropriately tell the region's important stories. Residents have until Sunday, August 17, to complete the survey.
The public is welcome to attend monthly meetings. Documents including the FFNHA's draft vision,
mission, and statement of national significance as well as meeting information can be found at
www.freedomsfrontier.org.

Free Children's Concert at Olathe East High School
Released 8/11/08
Olathe children and families are welcome to attend a free children's concert featuring Craig Toungate at Olathe's annual End-of-Summer Reading Celebration at Olathe East High School on Saturday, August 16. Magician Devin Henderson will also perform as part of the celebration, which is scheduled in the Olathe East gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

The End-of Summer Reading Celebration is Olathe's Summer Reading Finale and rewards those children who have participated in the Olathe Public Library's Summer Reading Club. The concert is sponsored by OLATHE READS, a literacy partnership of the City of Olathe, Olathe District Schools, and the Olathe Public Library. Through the efforts of OLATHE READS, the Olathe Library saw a record number of children enrolled in this year's Summer Reading Club.
For more details on the celebration, please view the event flyer.

End of Summer Pool Schedule Begins
Released 8/11/08
Beginning this week, Black Bob Pool will close for the season joining Mill Creek Pool. Schedules for all other city pools are as follows through Labor Day Weekend:
August 11th - 13th (Monday - Wednesday)
Frontier & Oregon Trail
12:30 pm - 8 pm
August 14th - 15th (Thursday & Friday)
Frontier & Oregon Trail
4 pm - 7 pm
August 16th - 17th (Saturday & Sunday)
Frontier & Oregon Trail
12:30 pm - 8 pm
August 18th thru 22nd (Monday - Friday)
Frontier & Oregon Trail
4 pm - 7 pm
August 23rd - 24th (Saturday & Sunday)
Frontier & Oregon Trail
12:30 pm - 8 pm
August 25th - 29th (Monday - Friday)
Frontier & Oregon Trail: closed for the week
August 30, 31st, September 1 (Labor Day week-end)
Frontier & Oregon Trail
12:30 pm - 8 pm

Drivers Reminded to Be Cautious as School Resumes
Released 8/11/08
With the 2008/2009 school year beginning, drivers are once again reminded to be cautious in and around school zones and to take extra care at school crossings. There are over 33 grade schools, eight junior high schools and five high schools in Olathe with thousands of children traveling to and from school. Once school resumes, school zone speed limits will be enforced.

National Night Out a Success
Released 8/11/08
Twenty neighborhoods and hundreds of families participated in this year's National Night Out in Olathe. Hundreds of families took part in the event that not only brings neighbors together, but heightens local crime prevention efforts. National Night Out was created the National Association of Town Watch.

Annual AquaFest Family Event Set for August 16
Released 8/11/08
Great water fun awaits you at AquaFest 2008, an annual event to celebrate water as a precious resource as well as a never-ending source for fun. The City of Olathe will hold its annual AquaFest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, August 16 at Cedar Lake Park, 15500 S. Lone Elm Rd., located just north of 159th St. on Lone Elm Rd.
This free family event will feature a fun mix of educational opportunities and water-related activities that appeal to all ages.
Among the activities:
• Canoeing and fishing
• Kids Activities
• Water slides and games
• Wildlife exhibits and interactive watershed displays
• And much, much more!
There will also be several classes offered throughout the day, including watercolor and lawn & garden how-tos.
The first 2,000 attendees will receive a free t-shirt.
The Olathe Noon Optimists will have food available for purchase.
Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. In case of rain, the event will be Saturday, Aug 23.
AquaFest is sponsored by the City of Olathe's Municipal Services, Parks & Recreation and Public Works Departments. For more information, call (913) 971-9311 or go to the City website.

City of Olathe Unveils New Option for Yard Waste Collection Aug. 16 at AquaFest
Released 8/11/08
The City of Olathe will debut the latest option for yard waste collection at the community's annual water celebration event, AquaFest, at 11 a.m. Aug. 16 at Cedar Lake Park, 15500 S. Lone Elm Rd.
The new 95-gallon mobile YardCart is similar to the City's popular SmartCart, but this new "green color" cart is only used for yard waste. The YardCart is specifically designed with vents on the sides and on top to prevent the build-up overtime of strong odors from stored grass and hedge clippings, leaves and other yard materials.
The YardCart is said to be the perfect choice for individuals who dislike storing bags of grass clippings and leaves in their yard days before trash pick-up and individuals who no longer want to purchase yard waste bags. YardCarts will not replace other options in the City's yard waste collection program. Residents will still be able to place yard waste at the curb in yard waste bags and the City will still sell yard waste bags to residents.

Among the YardCart's benefits:
 Capacity to store up to 330 lbs. of yard waste or six to seven yard waste bags per cart
 Wide opening makes it easy to fill
 Unlike paper bags, YardCarts do not break down in the rain
 Easy to move around the yard as you mow
 Keeps the yard neat
 Makes yard waste collection safer, easier and more efficient using the cart lifters

In July, some residents experienced the benefits of using the YardCart by participating in a pilot program. Olathe Municipal Services will consider the comments and suggestions of these residents to improve the program for residential trash customers.
Residents can obtain a YardCart from the City for a one-time lease fee of $75, which will be added to their solid waste bill upon delivery of the cart. The lease fee of the cart is the equivalent of purchasing 150 City of Olathe yard waste bags - $75. The carts are City property and are assigned to an individual address for the one-time lease fee.
Residents are responsible for taking care of the cart, including cleaning, and for preventing damage to the cart. The City will replace small damaged/broken parts, such as wheels, if necessary.
Beginning, Aug. 18, residents can sign-up for a YardCart by:
 Calling Olathe Customer Service at (913) 971-9311
 Visiting the Olathe Customer Service Division, 1385 S. Robinson, open M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 Going on-line to www.olatheks.org - select Municipal Services from the drop-down menu
For more information about the YardCart, call Olathe Municipal Services at (913) 971-9311.

Transmission Main Improvement Project Underway
Released 8/11/08
The City of Olathe's Municipal Service's Department started the construction phase of a Transmission Main Improvement project that will help keep pace with the city's growing water demands as the population increases.
By the year 2020, the City of Olathe's projected water demands will be more than 25 percent higher than daily requirements today.
Approximately 34,000 feet of new 42-inch transmission main will be installed during the construction phase of the design/build project. Beginning at Water Plant No. 2, the main will connect to an existing 30-inch transmission main, located at 119th St. and Lone Elm Rd.
The project will be completed in two phases:
• Phase I - Installation of pipe along Lone Elm Rd. from 111th St. to 119th St. This phase began in late July 2008 and will be completed in the fall 2008
• Phase II - Installation of pipe beginning at Water Plant No. 2 and passing through portions of the City of Lenexa, crossing K-7 Highway (north of 95th St.), continuing east to Lone Elm Rd., crossing K-10 Highway and proceeding south along Lone Elm Rd. to connect with Phase I. This phase will begin this month (August 2008) and will be completed in July 2009.
The entire project will be completed in summer 2009.
The designers for the project are Burns & McDonnell and the construction company is Garney Construction.
The cost of the project is approximately $16,000,000.
For more information about the project, contact Olathe Municipal Services Project Coordinator Randy Freeman at (913) 971-9065.

City Council Agenda Highlights
Released 8/4/08
The Olathe City Council will meet for their regularly scheduled meeting on August 5, 2008 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall. At this meeting they are scheduled to consider:

Budget
• A public hearing will be held to hear resident comments on the 2009 Operating Budget

Economic Development:
• 117,000 square foot expansion of Garmin International's manufacturing facility on 151st Street abatement request

• New 134 room Hilton Garden Inn at 119th and Renner Road in the Olathe Gateway project

Flooding Issues:
• Consideration of agreement with Camp, Dresser & McKee for flood study and engineering alternatives for areas in Olathe impacted by Indian Creek and Mill Creek flooding.

New Trail:
• Agreement for engineering and construction of the Heritage Pedestrian/Bicycle trail connecting Black Bob Park to Heritage Park

For the complete agenda and details on each item, please click here.

City Council to Host Public Hearing on City Operating Budget
Released 8/4/08
Olathe residents are encouraged to provide comments about the City's 2009 operating budget at the Tuesday, August 5 City Council meeting. Public input is a critical part of the budget process. A previous public hearing was held at the June 17 Council meeting. Comments also can be made at any time by e-mailing budgetcomments@olatheks.org or calling 913-971-8000.
The proposed 2009 budget focuses on maintaining essential services at levels residents expect with continued emphasis on residents' high priorities, transportation and public safety.

City Encourages Participation in Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area Survey
Released 8/4/08
The City of Olathe lies within the forty-one county region that comprises the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA), which was designated as a national heritage area by Congress in 2006. Community leaders from all over the area have been working hard to establish FFNHA for several months, and are asking for the public's participation in determining the role of education and the priorities for interpreting the region's stories. The survey, available now, can be accessed online via http://www.ffnha-hosting.com/. Survey responses will help FFNHA establish priorities, address specific issues, and develop a proactive plan to accurately and appropriately tell the region's important stories. Residents have until Sunday, August 17, to complete the survey.
The public is welcome to attend monthly meetings. Documents including the FFNHA's draft vision,
mission, and statement of national significance as well as meeting information can be found at
www.freedomsfrontier.org.