Despite icy and snow-packed roads, over 350 people turned out for the Friday evening, January 18, informational meeting on Stilwell incorporation. The meeting place, Stilwell Methodist Church, at 193rd and Metcalf, was nearly filled to its 398-person capacity.

The meeting, to provide information about Stilwell incorporation, was led by Dave Webb and Chris Iliff. Mr. Webb described himself and Chris Iliff as longtime Stilwell residents and community leaders. Both he and Iliff were on the 15-member Aubry/Oxford Township Planning Committee, commissioned by Johnson County, which spent almost two years to study the "future planning, growth, and development within the unincorporated areas of Aubry and Oxford Townships." This plan produced two competing options or spheres of influence: one for Overland Park, one for Stilwell. (By the way, this report entitled "Report of the Aubry/Oxford Township Planning Committee to the Board of County Commissioners of Johnson County, Kansas, July 12, 2001" can be sent to you by calling Johnson County Planning Dept. at phone number: 715-2200.)

The present meeting was prompted by Overland Park's recent, January 7, Resolution to annex a nearly 5-square mile area south of 159th street to 183rd street. (A map of this proposed area is on Overland Park's annexation web site. This annexation would take some of the proposed area originally sought in the Stilwell sphere of influence plan. Overland Park cannot go ahead with its annexation attempt until the matter is heard before the Johnson County Planning Commission (Feb. 26), with the final and most important hearing before the Johnson County Board of Commissioners (March 26).

Webb and Iliff spent nearly two hours describing a vision for a "softer, gentler side of government," with development that would highlight conservation without destroying the topography of the land. Development would occur, they said, but it would be development much more in tune with the wishes of the people.

Incorporation Costs Reasonable

Webb said that extensive analysis showed that a Stilwell incorporation was very viable and that basic services were very reasonably priced: For example, a homeowner with a $200,000 home would pay roughly $414 a year with a mil levy of 18. Webb said that although Overland Park keeps saying it would cost about $50 less per year if they had jurisdiction, Overland Park figures do not take into account simple fees like the $20 per pet license fees. License two pets, Webb said, and the Overland Park advantage is gone. Also, the Overland Park mil levy is slated to go up by a half mil a year over the next five years according to Webb. Webb said the 18 mil levy would apply for the first year as the initial expenses for incorporation were incurred. After that the mil levy would drop.

Webb relayed how incorporation costs were disputed--Overland Park had asked the County to hire an expert from KU to study Stilwell incorporation costs. The consultant's results showed the costs would be 50 to 60 mils. After protests, the County subsequently hired two additional outside consultants--one from Michigan, the other from New York--who consulted with Johnson County's own budget office to determine the costs of incorporation to be only 20 mils--much closer to what the Stilwell planners had calculated and only off by 2 mils.

Chris Iliff questioned why Overland Park was in such a rush to push its annexation of nearly 5 square miles. "We worked with Overland Park to come up with conditions for annexation and conditions for incorporation, " Iliff said. "We worked in good faith and now Overland Park just ignores this."

Questions and comments from the crowd seemed to indicate that most of those in attendance felt favorable towards a Stilwell incorporation--at least they were very leery of Overland Park. One lady pleaded, "What can we do?" Webb said it was critical that the crowds turn out in force for the Feb. 26 Johnson County Planning Commission Hearing, but especially for the March 26, Johnson County Board of Commissioners hearing.

Webb said that if there are hopes and dreams for Stilwell, voices must be known now. If the present annexation (by Overland Park) of the 5 square miles happens then it will be less likely there will ever be a city of Stilwell--and every intersection in the future will look like every other intersection in Overland Park.

Reported by Shirley Phillips
who attended the meeting and spoke
with Mr. Webb in person and via phone.
Mr. Webb can be reached at: 913-681-8600

Additional Information: What Can You Do?

1. Check these web sites to keep up with current information:

• Overland Park: www.opkansas.org has an extensive overview of the annexation.
• Johnson County: www.jocoks.com note listing of all County Commissioners to contact.
• NeighborhoodNet: www.nbrhd.net will post important news on annexation relayed to it.

2. Attend these important meetings:

• February 5, Blue Valley High School, 7-9 P.M. Overland Park will have information booths set up which will highlight benefits of Overland Park annexation. (This will certainly present Overland Park's view!)

• February 26, Meeting of the Johnson County Planning Commission (they hear the annexation request first and make recommendations to the County Board). at 5:45 p.m? (double check for time) County Administration Building, 111 South Cherry, Suite 1054, Olathe, KS

• March 26 (The most important meeting!) Meeting of the Johnson County Board of Commissioners , 7 P.M. at Blue Valley High School Gymnasium. Meeting to hear a petition filed by Overland Park to annex about 5 square miles to its south into its city limits. PEOPLE MUST SHOW UP TO VOICE THEIR CONCERNS. THIS MEETING COULD DETERMINE THE FUTURE OF THOSE LIVING IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE COUNTY!!!!

3. Write to the Johnson County Board of Commissioners and let them know what your thoughts are: consult http://bocc.jocoks.com/ - individual email addresses are given on this web site.