September 2008
City Council Agenda: Joint Council Planning Commission Meeting
Released 9/29/08
The Olathe City Council and the Olathe Planning Commission will hold a joint meeting on Tuesday, September 30th at 6:00pm with the primary focus on the City's Comprehensive Plan update process. The meeting is in lieu of the regularly planned City Council meeting.
The Comprehensive Plan is the adopted official statement of the City setting forth goals, policies, and guidelines to direct the growth and development of the community. The City's existing Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1997. Since that time, the City has grown significantly, both in population and land area.
An update to the Comprehensive Plan is currently underway, and includes a high level of interaction and participation by the public. Over the next several months, citizens will be able to participate through outreach at other community events, visioning workshops, meetings with local groups and organizations, and questionnaires and comments through an interactive plan website. The public is asked and encouraged to take part in this important process to help shape Olathe's future.
For more information, contact the Olathe Development Services, 913-971-8750.
Old Settlers Parade Broadcast Schedule
Released 9/29/08
Again this year, Olathe Government Television (Channel 7 on Comcast, Channel 99 on AT&T) will be rebroadcasting its coverage of the Johnson County Old Settlers Parade. Broadcast times are as follows: 1:00 pm Mondays and Wednesdays; 7:00 pm Fridays, 10:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays, and Sunday evenings at 6:00. Rebroadcasts will continue through December 31st.
The City's annual parade coverage continues generating tremendous interest from thousands of families. For additional questions about the parade or other Olathe Government Television programming, contact Thad Vessar at 971-8700.
Employee Leadership Group to Say "No" to the Status Quo
Released 9/29/08
Earlier this year, the City of Olathe's senior leadership team identified an opportunity but realized they would need leadership from throughout the organization to take advantage of it. With that in mind, the Olathe Service Excellence Team was created as a leadership, learning and innovation team comprised of not only executive level staff but employees from throughout the all levels and departments within the city.
Originally created to focus on employee development and innovation, the team's current focus is evaluating City programs, breaking down departmental silos to identify duplicate services or resources, and working to focus limited resources on priorities. The group sent representatives to a conference focusing on innovation and will be using their citywide perspectives and knowledge to ultimately help provide better services for customers.
Park and Trail Construction Update
Released 9/29/08
With the help of Olathe Park Sales tax and other park funding sources, several park and trail projects are planned, underway or nearing completion. Those projects include:
Trail projects:
-Eastbrooke Trail connecting Indian Creek trail to California Trail Junior High School is roughly 80% complete and is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
-Heritage Trail connecting Black Bob Park and Heritage Park is underway and expected to be completed in early 2009.
-Rolling Ridge Trail connecting Oregon Trail Park to Prairie Center Park and Ernie Miller Nature Center is well underway and is expected to be completed later this year.
Park Projects:
-Oregon Trail Park renovations including four new ball fields, a large fishing pond and dock, new playground and picnic facilities, sand volleyball courts and a walking loop around the park with fitness stations. The project is well underway and substantial completion in expected in November of 2009, but the park is expected to reopen earlier in the spring. The park will also feature the largest pervious pavement parking area in the metropolitan area designed to clean and reduce storm water runoff. The park and pond's environmental design features will be highlighted on signs in the area.
-Mill Creek Park renovations including a new shelter, playground, benches, drinking fountain, new sidewalk access and restroom renovation was completed this summer.
-New park projects to begin in 2009 and 2010 include: Manor Park, Quailwood Park, Arbor Landing Park followed by construction of a yet to be named park on the southwest corner of Harold and Iowa.
-Lone Elm Park Sculpture, through a partnership with the Olathe Noon Rotary Club, will be dedicated later this year.
Olathe to Invest in Saving Money
Released 9/29/08
The City of Olathe is in the process of reviewing proposals for a contracted position to better manage its energy use. This contracted position will focus on evaluating city practices in energy management including: thoroughly evaluating usage, opportunities for cost savings, overall management of assets, and tracking cost savings. As a result of this effort, the City anticipates significant costs savings and new practices to better manage future energy use practices. The program will be funded through a portion of identified cost savings.
Education Effort Underway for Parking Enforcement
Released 9/29/08
Earlier this year, the Olathe City Council approved an ordinance allowing the Olathe Police Department to immobilize vehicles registered to individuals with a significant number of unpaid parking tickets. In an effort to encourage payment and avoid using immobilization devices (parking boots), the Olathe Police Department is distributing fliers to downtown parkers notifying them that enforcement will begin in October. For an electronic copy of the flier or more information about the program, contact Sgt. John Rowland at 971-6728.
Released 9/22/08
City Council Agenda
The Olathe City Council will meet for their regularly scheduled study session on September 23, 2008 at 7:00p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. To see the agenda for this meeting, click here.
Wild West Show and Bullwhacker Days September 27th and 28th.
Experience Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site's annual Wild West Show and Bullwhacker Days on Saturday, September 27, from 10a.m.-4p.m. and on Sunday, September 28, from 11a.m.-4p.m. The event features performances and activities for the entire family. For more information and a schedule of events click here.
Olathe Public Library to Host United Way Benefit
Olathe Public Library staff will be grillin' outside the library - cookin' up lunch to benefit United Way. Come have lunch between 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at the Indian Creek Branch Library, 12990 S. Black Bob Road and/or Thursday, Oct. 2 at the Olathe Public Library, 201 E. Park. Menu consists of hot dogs, $1.50; brats, $2.50; chips, treats and sodas, 50 cents each. Wear your favorite school colors or Chiefs' red and join us for a tailgate lunch. All proceeds benefit United Way. For more information, call Diane Majerle, 971-6877 or @ dmajerle@olatheks.org
Video Kiosks Make it Easier for Customers in City Hall
With many pressing needs, staff and resources are being applied to vital and necessary citizen priorities, but the City continues its strong emphasis on customer service.
Recently, the City installed video kiosks to help customers easily locate services within City Hall as well as meeting rooms rather than dedicating staff. Numerous residents visit City Hall for services or to use one of several meeting rooms. The kiosks are a cost effective means to ensure customers can easily find the room or service they need.
Stretching Tax Dollars with a Healthy Workforce?
According to a 2007 study by Watson Wyatt, a healthy workforce not only saves money, but increases productivity and efficiency.
The study reports employers with effective health and productivity programs achieve: 3.5 times lower health coverage cost, 5 times lower sick leave use and 4.5 times lower long-term disability costs.
The City continues looking for every opportunity for costs savings and efficiencies, including the city's wellness program. As part of that program, the City is offering a health and safety fair and wellness assessment screening for all employees. Wellness is not only good for employees and their families, it's also good for the City's bottom line. To learn more about the City's wellness efforts contact Mary Miller at (913) 971-8700.
Popular SmartCarts are a Smart Way to Save Money
When the City of Olathe implemented its automated trash collection program using SmartCarts, cost savings were anticipated based on efficiency and lower workers compensation claims. The results continue to be positive. Before SmartCarts, one Olathe solid waste employee would lift some 12 tons of trash each day, causing serious lower back strain and other health related problems.
Since going to the new system, those injuries have all but been eliminated. Prior to automation in 2004, workers compensation claims by those employees injured were averaging over $400,000. After automation in 2007, those claims dropped to $70,000, and the City anticipates the trend to continue.
Wild West Show and Bullwhacker Days September 27 and 28
Released 9/15/08
Olathe, KS-Experience Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site's annual Wild West Show and Bullwhacker Days on Saturday, September 27, from 10am-4pm and on Sunday, September 28, from 11am-4pm.
Just where do the words buckaroo, rodeo, and lariat come from? Discover the origins of the American Cowboy from Charro Jerry Diaz, a fourth generation skilled horseman, when he brings his equestrian skills, his family, and five magnificent horses to the Mahaffie Wild West Show for the first time! Jerry will perform in the arena each day at 2:15. Jerry performs at the American Royal among many other venues and is known across the country for his considerable talent. Visit his website at www.charrojerrydiaz.com to learn more Jerry, his family, and his horses. On Saturday, the celebrated Mariachi Habanero from Topeka will perform with Jerry Diaz and then remain on the grounds to serenade visitors.
Plan to spend the entire day with expanded entertainment all day long in the arena. The day begins with Mutton Busting at 11:00 for young children. The first 50 children weighing 50 pounds or less (for the safety of the sheep) may register each day as soon as the gates open. Typically held at county fairs, Mutton Busting is great fun to watch. Children stay on the back of a sheep as long as they can, as their trusty steed runs across the arena. The Prairie Moon 4-H Club once again will assist with the mutton-busting, and with other games for children later in the day. Parents or guardians must be present to register their children and sign a liability waiver for the Mutton Busting.
Returning favorite entertainers include Annie Oakley and Frank Butler, Chris Camp, aka "The Whip Guy" (Chris debuted at the Wild West Show last year, and he has appeared on both The Tonight Show and The Late Show with David Letterman), and the fire-eating exploits of the Amazing Zeno. On Sunday, Rose Marie's Fiesta Mexicana Youth Dancers perform at 1:00pm. Kick up your heels when the Tallgrass Express from Emporia, Kansas provides music - thanks to our sponsor, Olathe Ford - for our popular barn dance on Sunday at 1:30. No experience is necessary to join the fun! Tallgrass Express will offer a concert after the dance. Gunsmoke and Petticoats return with their Old West town to perform gunfights and skits each day, and the Santa Fe Desperadoes are with us as always. They just might decide to rob the stagecoach while visitors are on board... and this year, thanks to the sponsorship of the Olathe Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Mahaffie stagecoaches will offer FREE rides all weekend.
The whole family will enjoy other activities celebrating the west in fact and fiction and discovering the heritage of western trails. Interact with 19th Century demonstrators, like Professor Phineus Fairhead, Phrenologist Extraordinarie, who can tell you about your good (and maybe not so good) traits just by the shape of your head! Meet buffalo hunters, cowboys, Buffalo Soldiers, mountain men, and other western characters in their camps - thanks to LaPetite Academy for helping us bring those camps back to the show this year. And, thanks to the Olathe 150th Committee, two chuckwagons will square off in a duel on Saturday to see which one can prepare the best cowboy fare for our judges - and visitors get to try samples: as least as long the samples last!
The littlest tumbleweeds will enjoy our rubber band gun shooting gallery, while older tumbleweeds can try their hand at the air gun gallery. Other activities include panning for REAL gold, pony rides, and the old time photo booth. Please note that additional fees are charged for some of these activities. A variety of food will be available on the grounds, and merchandise vendors will offer western-themed merchandise.
All festivities take place on the Mahaffie Historic Site and Heritage Center grounds at 1200 Kansas City Road, Olathe, Kansas. All public parking is at Olathe North High School, approximately ¼ mile west of the site on Kansas City Road, where a FREE shuttle will drop you off at the Heritage Center! Seniors and handicap parking only at the Heritage Center. Admission for the Wild West Show is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 5-11 (4 and under are free.)
There is an additional fee for some activities, like panning for real gold. On Saturday, September 27 from 8:00am-10:00am, the Santa Fe Trail Rotary Club will present their 11th annual Omelet Fest. A $5 donation includes Saturday admission.
A special thanks goes to all our to our ‘pardners', the Olathe Chamber of Commerce/Convention & Visitors Bureau, Olathe Ford, Dos Mundos Newspaper, La Petite Academy, PepsiAmericas, The Olathe News, the Kansas City Star, Comcast, Mr. Goodcents and Pastas on Kansas City Road, Johnson's County Gazette, Tractor Supply Company of Olathe, and Comfort Suites of Olathe.
The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site is operated by the City of Olathe. Open hours, stagecoach operations, living history activities, special events and programs vary seasonally. Access is limited in the winter months and the site is closed all major holidays. Please call or visit our website for current times and dates, www.olatheks.org/Mahaffie/About, (913) 971-5111.
City Council Agenda
Released 9/15/08
The Olathe City Council will meet for their regularly scheduled study session on September 16, 2008 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall. To see the agenda for this meeting, click here.
Highlights include: Public Hearing for Island/Enclave Annexations
Enclave Annexation Public Hearing
Released 9/15/08
The Olathe City Council will conduct a formal public hearing for property owners in areas under consideration for annexation at the regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 16. These areas are either entirely or primarily surrounded by the City of Olathe and currently utilize city services. Prior to the public hearing, city staff will provide a comprehensive presentation of the plan for providing city services. The City Council will not take formal and binding action until a later meeting.
Olathe Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board to Host Workshop
The City of Olathe's Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board (PDAB), in cooperation with the Greater Kansas City Disability Mentoring Day Committee, will host the 2008 Greater Kansas City Disability Mentoring Day and Job Fair in Olathe for area residents with disabilities on October 20th. For more information, including how to register (both as a participant and employer), please visit the City's website at www.olatheks.org.
Volunteers Make a Difference
Released 9/15/08
Each year, hundreds of volunteers donate their time and talent to making Olathe a better place. Several volunteer groups will be undertaking projects in the city through the City's Parks and Recreation Department.
• September 13, Johnson County Court Services will be picking up trash and re-applying mulch to nature trail adjacent to Indian Creek Greenways Trail.
• September 28, Indian Creek Community Church will have 250-300 people working on a number of projects in the city.
• September 30, Embarq employees will be picking up trash and debris at Lake Olathe
• Oct 2, Brougham Elementary School will be picking up trash, weeding and mulching at Brougham Park.
• Oct 7, Olathe South High School will have their big work day for their junior class with more than 50 students. The group will either be painting at Ensor Museum or planting bulbs, mulching and picking up trash at Southdowns Park.
• California Trail JHS plans to have a work day either in their adopted park (Eastbrooke) or another park; number of kids and date yet to be determined.
To learn more about City of Olathe Parks and Recreation volunteer opportunities, please visit the City's website.
Congress Restores Highway Bill Funding Impacting the Lone Elm Interchange
Released 9/15/08
Due to a number of factors including lower fuel tax collection, federal funding for local projects has been at risk. As a result, projects relying on designated federal funding could have been impacted, including Olathe's Lone Elm Interchange. Recently, Congress approved a supplemental funding package designed to ensure this funding is available. The bill awaits the President's signature.
City Council Agenda
The Olathe City Council will meet for their regularly scheduled study session on September 9, 2008 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall. To see the agenda for this meeting, click here.
Lone Elm Interchange Project Update
Released 9/8
The contractor has decided to delay this project by one week. In order to hang the steel girders for the Lone Elm Rd bridges over I-35, the Interstate will be closed 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. New times for detours
Wednesday Sept 24 10:00 pm to 5:00 am
Thursday Sept 25 10:00 pm to 5:00 am
Friday Sept 26 10:00 pm to 5:00 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.
Sebelius appoints Olathe City Council member to transportation task force
Released 9/8
Governor Kathleen Sebelius announced the addition of four state legislators and a city leader to the task force charged with crafting a new strategic transportation approach. Olathe's Marge Vogt, Councilmember representing Ward Four, was among those with this honor.
"Our state has enjoyed twenty years of success in transportation because of legislators from both parties from across the state working together," Sebelius said. "I've asked the task force to create a vision that keeps our infrastructure in good shape and puts Kansas in a position for future
economic growth. I appreciate the willingness of these leaders to serve in this effort."
New members to the task force, Transportation-Leveraging Investments in Kansas (T-LINK), include:
• Senator Les Donovan, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Wichita
• Senator Greta Goodwin, Member of Senate Transportation Committee and the Senate Ways and Means Committee, Winfield
• Representative Margaret Long, Ranking Minority Member of the House Transportation Committee, Kansas City
• Representative Don Schroeder, Member of the House Taxation Committee and the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Inman
• Marge Vogt, Olathe City Councilmember, Olathe
With the state's 10-year transportation program coming to an end, T-LINK is charged with developing a set of recommendations for a new strategic transportation approach. More information about the task force can be found at http://www.kansastlink.com.
Olathe Police Department offers training to keep churches safe
Released 9/8
On Tuesday, August 26th, Olathe PD Patrol Staff held a Church Safety Workshop at OPD Headquarters. Representatives from twenty churches attended the workshop.
The City's Human Relations Manager made a short presentation, discussing diversity in the community and providing information concerning his office and what it can do for residents or visitors. Patrol staff presented a PowerPoint on violence against the faith community in the United States during the past decade and facilitated a discussion of active shooters in the church environment, focusing on information churches can use to conduct their own critical planning for emergencies. A Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) presentation was also made, focusing on church buildings and campuses. The workshop ended with a question and answer session regarding general safety issues for churches and their congregations.
For more information on this session and future sessions planned, contact Capt. Clark Morrow at clarkm@olatheks.org or (913) 971-6101.
Olathe Teen Council seeks to tackle childhood obesity through KidFit program
Released 9/8
The Olathe Teen Council will be facilitating a program in five Olathe elementary schools beginning this fall. The program, KidFit, encourages young students to be active by awarding points for time spent exercising. Elementary students may then redeem their points for incentives that also help the cause such as exercise equipment, time with their PE teacher or a high school athlete, healthy snacks, and many more. This program is sponsored by the City of Olathe, Olathe District Schools, and area businesses. It will be implemented in Central, Heatherstone, Northview, Ridgeview, and Westview Elementary Schools this fall with the hope of expanding to the rest of Olathe Elementary Schools in the near future. Olathe Teen Council members chose to take on this project as part of the National League of Cities initiative to fight childhood obesity across the country.
For more information regarding this program, contact Olathe Teen Council staff advisor Jenny Hesseltine at jhesseltine@olatheks.org or (913) 971-8913.
Keep busy in September with Olathe Parks and Recreation
Released 9/8
Farmers' Market (Poplar and Kansas)
- Saturdays (open through October 11; 7am until sold)
- Wednesdays (open through September 24; 3pm until sold)
Swim Lessons (Youth and Adult)
- Begin the week of September 15
Tennis Lessons (Youth and Adult)
- Begin Saturday, September 13
Golf Lessons (Youth)
- Begin the week of September 8
City Council Agenda
Released 9/1
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 9/1
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 9/1
All Olathe city swimming pools will close for the season on September 2nd.
Project Updates: Several major city projects are in various stages
Released 9/1
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.
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