Shawnee City Council — March 23, 2026
Generated from the 252-page agenda packet • 6 action items • 3 consent items
Lakecrest Drive Railroad Crossing Closure Infrastructure
Council to approve an ordinance and agreement with BNSF Railway to permanently close the at-grade railroad crossing on Lakecrest Drive (DOT No. 005806U). The crossing is approximately 300 feet from the nearest homes in northwestern Shawnee.
Historical context from city records
This is the latest step in Shawnee's 13-year quiet zone program along the BNSF Emporia Subdivision line. Previous closures: 71st St (2013), 59th St (2016), 75th St (2017), and 55th St (2018). In 2013, KDOT installed flashing lights and gates at Lakecrest. Resident concerns about noise and truck traffic led to a detailed staff presentation in February 2026, and in July 2024, Council closed 43rd Street to through-traffic near Lakecrest in response to those same concerns. This closure is the culmination of years of resident advocacy.
Sources: City Council Minutes 06-24-2013, 01-11-2016, 08-28-2017, 02-12-2018, 07-08-2024, 02-23-2026
Stump Park Trail Emergency Relocation Parks
Emergency contract with Mike Dusselier Concrete Company for removal and relocation of a trail section near Okun Fieldhouse, not to exceed $133,056. The trail was severely eroded by heavy rain and flooding in July 2025.
Historical context from city records
The Stump Park trail dates to 2001, when Council approved a KDOT-funded project ($710,000, 80% federal) to connect Stump Park to the Johnson County Mill Creek Streamway Trail. Construction was awarded to Mega Industries in 2002 for $302,000. Streambank stabilization was completed in 2017 as part of a $343,000 combined project. The Achieve Shawnee Comprehensive Plan envisions Stump Park as part of the "Valley of Champions" — a recreation destination along the Mill Creek corridor with expanded sports complexes, cycling paths, and kayak facilities.
Sources: City Council Minutes 05-22-2000, 01-08-2001, 08-26-2002, 05-08-2017, 07-24-2017; Achieve Shawnee Comprehensive Plan Section 5
Soetaert Aquatic Center Pool Deck Replacement Infrastructure
Award engineering contract to Waters Edge Aquatic Design for $181,000 for the pool deck replacement project. The deck from the 2002 renovation is deteriorating and affecting the lazy river walls, electrical conduits, and deck drainage.
Historical context from city records
The Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center was named in 2001 after former Mayor Tony Soetaert, who served 12 years as mayor and established the city's park system. Originally built in 1986-87 and renovated in 2002 ($3.3M), drawing over 2,400 visitors on its first weekend. The facility has required ongoing investment: pool repairs in 2009 ($449,000), backwash system compliance upgrades in 2014-15 ($74,000), and a complete filter and chemical feed system replacement in 2018 ($249,000). The 2026 Full Budget allocates funds for this deck replacement with construction from August to December 2026.
Sources: City Council Minutes 09-24-2001, 07-08-2002, 04-27-2009, 08-10-2009, 05-14-2018; Full Budget 2026 p.335
WR Properties Industrial Revenue Bonds Public Hearing
Public hearing and Resolution of Intent to issue IRBs not to exceed $4,500,000 for WR Properties LLC. The bonds finance two flex/industrial buildings totaling 12,000 sq ft at 20509 W. 67th Street near Martindale Road.
Historical context from city records
The site sits at the SE corner of 67th Street and Martindale Road in the former town of Zarah, Kansas (annexed to Shawnee in 1988). Originally platted in 1920, the property was replatted as Harris Industrial Park in 2021. WR Properties demolished a non-conforming single-family home on the site in August 2022 and received a setback variance in December 2025. The Planning Commission reviewed the site plan in February 2026 — the site is bordered by industrial uses on three sides with the BNSF railroad to the east. The Martindale corridor has been zoned Planned Industrial since the 1990s.
Sources: Planning Commission Minutes 08-19-2024; Planning Commission Agenda 02-02-2026, 11-18-2024; Monthly Report August 2022
Monticello Rd & Johnson Dr Stormwater Pipe Replacement Infrastructure
Engineering services agreement with GBA for inspection and material testing, not to exceed $141,597. Plans are complete and staff is ready to proceed to construction on this corrugated metal pipe replacement project.
Historical context from city records
Part of Shawnee's city-wide stormwater pipe replacement program, a 50/50 cost share with the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program. This project replaces approximately 2,842 linear feet of aging pipe across 9 locations, with a total budget of $2.78 million. The design contract ($305,000 with GBA) was approved in October 2024. This is one of roughly 10 active pipe replacement projects across Shawnee, reflecting decades of aging infrastructure. The broader Monticello Road area recently completed a $19.85M road reconstruction from Shawnee Mission Parkway to the 7900 block (2022-2023).
Sources: City Council Agenda 10-14-2024; City Council Minutes 10-14-2024; Quarterly Reports Q2-Q4 2024, Q2-Q4 2025
New TIF District — Public Hearing Date Set Economic Dev
Resolution setting May 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM as the date for a public hearing on the creation of a new Redevelopment District (Tax Increment Financing).
Historical context from city records
Shawnee currently has 7 TIF districts: Hodgdon (2010, I-435/SM Parkway — no projects to date), Shawnee Plaza (2013, south of SM Parkway), Prairie Pines (2013, 55th & K-7 — 222 townhomes), Westbrooke Green (2017, 75th & Quivira), Bellmont (2018, SM Parkway/Maurer — currently dormant), Stag's Spring (2019, Roger Rd — completed), and Hickok-Zarah (2022, the largest at 1,648 acres in western Shawnee). TIF districts capture incremental property tax revenue to reimburse developers for eligible infrastructure costs. A recent Planning Commission discussion (April 2025) noted that TIF criteria require a "but-for" test — proving development wouldn't occur without the incentive.
Sources: Full Budget 2026 (TIF fund sections); Planning Commission Minutes 04-21-2025; City Council Minutes 04-28-2025
Source: City Council Agenda, March 23, 2026. 252 pages. Consent agenda includes 3 special use permit extensions (all recommended 8-0 by Planning Commission), CityWorks software renewal ($74,928), Monticello Center plat dedication, and $3.59M in semi-monthly claims.