Overland Park Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
Public Works Budget for 2027 Proposed, Highlighting Infrastructure Investments
The committee reviewed the proposed 2027 budget for the Public Works Department, covering multiple funds including the General Fund, Infrastructure Sales Tax Fund, Stormwater Utility Fund, and Special Street and Highway Fund. Key highlights include a projected 7% increase in the General Fund budget, driven by personnel costs, and a $20 million allocation to Public Works within the General Fund. The Stormwater Utility Fund proposes a $3 increase per ERU and a mill levy adjustment to 1 mil, with expenditures for operations, maintenance, and capital projects. The Infrastructure Sales Tax Fund shows a 14% increase, largely due to sales tax growth and capital project funding. The Special Street and Highway Fund maintains a substantial capital reserve. The total Public Works operating budget across all funds is $25.6 million, with an increase primarily due to personnel costs. Several budget expansions related to infrastructure and mobility goals were discussed, including a new construction inspector and investments in traffic data analytics. The committee recommended approval of the proposed 2027 operating budget and the 2027-2031 Capital Improvements and Maintenance Programs.
Stormwater Utility Fee Set to Increase by $3 per ERU
The committee discussed and recommended approval of an ordinance to amend the Stormwater Utility Fee from $41 to $44 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU). The committee also considered a potential $6 ERU increase, but ultimately recommended the $3 increase to align with the proposed budget and ongoing project readiness. The Stormwater Utility, established in 2001, utilizes both a property tax component (proposed to remain at 1 mil) and a user fee. The ERU calculation is based on average impervious area. The fee has seen gradual increases since 2017 to keep pace with inflation and program needs. The proposed $3 increase aims to fund operations, maintenance, and capital projects, including pond dredging and BMP maintenance, which were not fully anticipated in initial assessments. While a $6 increase could provide more flexibility, the committee favored the $3 increase, citing staff's current readiness to execute projects and a desire to keep immediate costs lower for residents.
Multiple Contracts Approved for Roadway Improvements, Bridge Maintenance, and Retaining Wall Repair
The committee recommended City Council approval for selecting Shaner Appraisals (dba Valbridge Property Advisors) for appraisal and acquisition services for the 175th Street project. The firm was chosen from two respondents to an RFQ and negotiated an agreement for $184,400. Additionally, a third supplemental agreement with HNTB Corporation for engineering design services for the same project was recommended, adding scope for waterline and sanitary sewer relocation, landscaping, intersection design, and property owner engagement. This supplemental agreement amounts to $289,235, bringing the total not to exceed $2,990,987. For the Schweitzer Road project, Call Valley Engineering was selected for construction material testing at a cost of $175,420, despite being the sole respondent out of nine RFQ submissions. For the Sykes Lady Retaining Wall Repair Project, VF Anderson Builders LLC was awarded the bid at $578,184.95, which was 15.9% higher than the engineer's estimate due to project complexities. PCI Roads LLC was awarded the bid for the 2026 Bridge Maintenance Program at $465,436.50, and Alfred Binish and Company was selected for construction observation services for the same program at $187,603. Finally, HGR Engineering Inc. was selected for construction observation services for the 82nd Street Realignment Project at $268,366.
Neighborhood Street Reconstruction Program to Allow for Pilot Projects Within Existing Budgets
The committee reviewed proposed changes to the Neighborhood Street Reconstruction Program (NSRP) resolution, including allowing flexibility for pilot programs within existing budgets. Staff presented a recommendation to encourage staff to pursue advisable pilot projects within the established budget, with a requirement to present proposals exceeding the project budget to the Public Works Committee for direction. This aims to foster innovation and allow for experimentation with new initiatives, such as traffic calming measures. Councilmembers expressed support for codifying the allowance of pilot projects to provide flexibility and encourage new ideas from staff on the ground. The committee agreed that pilot projects should be allowed, with staff returning to the committee if additional budget is required.
Proposed Updates to Neighborhood Street Reconstruction Program Emphasize Flexibility and Tree Canopy Preservation
The committee discussed proposed updates to the Neighborhood Street Reconstruction Program (NSRP) resolution, Resolution 4223. Key proposed changes include: allowing flexibility on street width to maintain existing width unless it exceeds city standards or falls below 26 feet; prioritizing street selection based on additional factors like stormwater system condition, neighborhood indicators, and traffic safety; ensuring tree removal occurs only out of necessity; planting street trees to maintain or increase canopy; and allowing discretion for pilot programs aligning with strategic goals and budgets. The committee also discussed potential future initiatives such as incorporating traffic calming measures into reconstruction projects and considering broader neighborhood reinvestment strategies. Feedback was provided on various aspects, including street width standards, selection criteria, tree impacts, and pilot programs. Staff will review feedback to develop red-line resolutions for future consideration.
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