Lauren Grashoff

The council approved engineering services and property acquisition for a new trail project connecting Shawnee and Merriam. Additionally, the council authorized engineering services for the Shawnee Mission Parkway mill and overlay project and awarded a contract for the Mac and Nanny Drive street improvement project. Financial support was granted to the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce for the upcoming Americana and Ales Festival. Finally, the council reviewed proposed 2027 budgets for the community development and public works departments, noting a significant increase in the public works budget due to additional planned street improvement projects.

The council meeting addressed several proclamations and administrative actions, including the designation of May as poppy month and June 5th as gun violence awareness day. The council unanimously approved a slate of appointments to various boards and commissions. Mutual aid agreements were authorized for the local police department to assist neighboring jurisdictions in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Furthermore, the council initiated the budget process for the upcoming fiscal year, featuring department presentations on personnel additions and proposed spending adjustments across several municipal departments.

The meeting featured a presentation on current public and private construction projects across the city, including residential subdivisions, townhome developments, and multifamily apartment complexes. Staff demonstrated how to access project information via the city's interactive online map. Commissioners discussed the status of stalled or delayed projects, potential new commercial developments, and the regulatory requirements and expiration timelines for approved planning and subdivision plats.

The council approved the creation of the Midland Entertainment District Tax Increment Finance District after identifying criteria for blight in the area. Additionally, the council granted a special use permit for the construction and operation of a wireless communication tower and authorized the purchase of a side-by-side utility task vehicle for the Fire Department. The council committee also reviewed 2027 budget requests from various organizations, including Old Shawnee Days, United Community Services, the Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Shawnee.

The council approved three public works projects: a final payment for the Johnson Drive streetscape, a construction contract for the Monaceel and Johnson Drive stormwater project, and the acceptance of funding from Johnson County for storm water pipe renewal. Additionally, the annual budget process for the upcoming fiscal year was initiated with a financial overview. Information was also presented regarding the city's 10-year capital improvement program, which includes various projects across administration, fire, police, parks and recreation, and public works departments.