Ryan Eckroat

The Board of Zoning Appeals meeting addressed several new cases, all requiring exceptions. The primary focus was on Case 07-2026 concerning a request for an exception regarding the placement of a 6-ft wood privacy fence on a through lot at 3904 West 128th Street, requiring an 18 ft setback exception to accommodate landscaping. This was followed by Case 08-2026 for the same property, requesting a fence height exception to install a 6-ft fence immediately, primarily due to the presence of a dog and future plans for a pool installation. Finally, Case 09-2026 involved a request for an exception to the maximum allowable square footage for an addition at 3705 West 119th Terrace, where the applicant sought to finish an attic space, adding a window and dormer to create a finished bedroom, which constituted a 12.8% increase over the maximum allowed square footage.

The meeting commenced with the formal call to order, presentation of colors, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Following this, members of Scotsroom troop 792 introduced themselves. The agenda was approved after a minor revision regarding an item under committee recommendations (removing item 12A related to the public works committee recommendation). Public comments focused heavily on safety concerns along Lee Boulevard. Key topics included the necessity of tracking golf rounds played by Leewood residents at Iron Horse to justify capital project expenditures, and calls for amending the recently passed helmet ordinance to include conventional bikes due to safety risks. Speakers expressed concern over speeding on Lee Boulevard, citing studies showing higher injury rates at increased speeds, and advocated for establishing speed limits appropriate for a residential area rather than based on ease of enforcement. Further discussion involved the appropriate design metrics for the road, considering it is a residential corridor used heavily by pedestrians, cyclists, and children accessing bus stops, especially in light of anticipated increased traffic from the World Cup.

The meeting included a review of the police department's monthly report, showing significant year-over-year reductions in burglaries (down 25%), theft from vehicles (down 40%), stolen autos (down 40%), and shoplifting (down 28%). Key mayoral activities included attending the Leewood Chamber of Commerce legislative breakfast where legislative delegation shared insights on the 2026 Kansas Legislative Session, noting potential property tax relief, and attending the Chamber's annual meeting. A discussion was held regarding a helmet ordinance requiring helmets for children on scooters and bicycles, which was referred to the city attorney for review. Committee recommendations included the approval of a rezoning case (Planning Commission Case Number 106-25) for a parcel within Regent's Park from RP3 to RP2 to accommodate the construction of seven detached single-family homes instead of the previously approved seven attached twin villa units, thereby changing the unit count from 14 living units to 7 single-family homes.

The meeting addressed the agenda approval and acknowledged the resignation of Commissioner Scott Carlberg, noting his unique perspective on the energy sector and contributions to the commission. Key agenda item involved Case 124-25, the Leewood Fire Station 1 and Park project, which was continued to the May 26, 2026 meeting to allow new governing body members time to get up to speed after a work session. Old business focused on Case 4725, Villas of Chadwick rezoning request, which involved reducing the proposed unit count from 62 to 50 total units, specifically reducing twin villas while maintaining or slightly increasing green space percentages above the 30% requirement. Discussions also covered the alignment of future street connections with an adjacent project, Regent's Park, pending the sale of an intervening agricultural parcel. The applicant presented details on the revised proposal, including unit configurations (twin villas and detached single-family homes) and amenities like a dog park and park space, noting the community will be maintenance-provided. The commission also discussed the inclusion of an extensive soil study in the packet, which staff clarified was not required for planning review.

The Leewood City Land Bank meeting included the approval of the agenda, which was later amended to move the public comment section forward. Discussions during the land bank portion centered on the requirement for an annual meeting, the uneventful activity of the land bank in the previous year (no acquisitions, disposals, or expenses), and the nomination and election of new leadership, including a president, vice chair, and treasurer, following departures from the board. There was also discussion regarding budget amendments for potential property acquisition and follow-up research requested regarding local city examples of land bank usage. Following adjournment of the land bank meeting, the session transitioned to the Leewood Governing Body meeting, which opened with the presentation of colors and the pledge of allegiance by Boy Scout Troop 92 members, followed by introductions of the scouts. The governing body agenda included the addition of a Dr. Martin Luther King proclamation. A candidate for Board of County Commissioner Chair addressed the body during public comment, expressing concerns about rising property taxes and their impact on seniors, urging the body to review the budget with fiscal conservatism, noting an example calculation where a $880,000 home value could see a 27% tax increase by 2030 if current budget projections held. The body also began presentations and recognition, starting with recognition for services provided by the Cloysters Homeowners Association.