Council Overview

In 1986, Olathe voters selected a modified mayor-council-manager form of government.  Under Charter Ordinance No. 28, this form of government calls for:

• A mayor and two councilmembers elected by the city as a whole
• Four councilmembers elected by wards.
• All members are elected to four-year staggered terms.

As the policy makers, the City Council passes resolutions and ordinances, approves the budget, appoints citizens to advisory boards and hires the city manager who serves at the pleasure of the Council. The city manager is responsible for administering the affairs of the city. Much like the executive branch of the federal government, the city manager sees that the laws and ordinances are enforced.

Meetings

• Regular Session - the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe.
• Study Session - second and fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
• The public is welcome to attend any meeting.

All regular session Council meetings are broadcast live on City Cable Channel 7 and rebroadcast the same week on Wednesday at 6 p.m., Friday at noon, Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at noon.  Sessions also are webcast live and archived for viewing any time.

Special Accommodations

Should you need special accommodations, please contact the City Clerk's Office, (913) 971-8521, prior to the meeting to arrange for adaptive procedures.  An interpreter for persons hard of hearing is provided at all regular sessions of City Council meetings. 

Meeting Agenda

Call to Order - the meeting is called to order by the mayor, or if not present, the mayor pro-tem.

Pledge of Allegiance - the audience is asked to join Councilmembers in the Pledge of Allegiance. This allows Councilmembers, citizens, city employees and others present to reflect upon the values and premises on which this nation is built.

Special Business - during this time, presentations for guests, awards, board appointments or proclamations are made. For those receiving awards, it may be appropriate to make some comments. In such case, the podium microphone may be used. Please contact staff if special accommodations are needed.

Public Hearing - by law, some issues require citizen input before the grant, bid development or programs can move forward. Citizens are encouraged to state their concerns for or against an issue. To do so, please step up to the podium, state your name and address and follow with your brief comments.

Consent Agenda - these items are considered routine and are considered and approved under one motion unless removed for separate action at the request of the City Council. Items on the consent agenda generally include the following: the renewal of commercial licenses, acceptance of bids for equipment purchase, approval of development plans, awarding of contracts and approval of agreements.

New Business - this consists of items not previously considered by the Council. Each item is discussed, if needed, and voted on separately. New Business may exist in three categories, including planning, municipal services (public works) and administration.

Executive Session - under exemptions to the Kansas Open Meetings Act, the Council can recess into Executive Session. This gives the City Council an opportunity to meet with staff and the parties involved to discuss the city's options resolving pending legal action against the city, land acquisition issues or personnel matters.

Reconvene

New City Council Business - each Councilmember and the city manager are given an opportunity to voice additional concerns and issues. Please contact your ward Councilmember if an item needs to be brought to the attention of the Council and general public.

General Issues and Concerns of Citizens - this is a time for citizens whose items are not on the formal agenda to voice their concerns. To properly address the Council, citizens are asked to stand at the podium, state their name and address and then relate the issue.

City Council and City Manager Calendar and Review Items

Questions or Comments?

Please call 913-971-8600.