Gardner is considered an "outer ring" suburb, even though it is 153 years old, it is considered a "new suburb." The recent failing economy has had a definite local impact. The city’s demographics consist of 71% living in Gardner ten years or less with 86% being 20 years or less. 83% are under age 55, 75% under age 45, 54% under age 25 and 38% school age. 87% own their own home, with median price being $168,000.

Gardner has taken on debt for its growth. Water and sewer major factors. Wal-Mart development in city. Building of single units saw downturn from 500 to 70. Losses in home evaluations and sales tax. General Fund was reduced by 20%. Consolidated fire and police. A 7.5 mil increase in the bond fund.

In 2010 Gardner welcomed the Coleman Distribution Center and the Eastern Kansas League sponsored the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Celebration Park where 30,000 attended where the population of Gardner is only 18,000; this is some justification for the tax dollars used for parks and recreation.

Moody’s rating for Gardner is AA3, the same as it is for Mission, Kansas. Received Measure and Report Award. The border with Edgerton on the BNSF Railroad issue discussed.

Roeland Park is 1.1 square miles, known as the City of Trees, and landlocked with 7000 residents. Median income $62,000. 10% rentals. Three public schools and a Catholic school within St. Agnes Church. Biggest "claim to fame" in local metroplex is their "Mexican Price Chopper" which brings in shoppers from surrounding areas. A Lowe’s and a Wal-Mart store also are beneficial to Roeland Park economy. Roeland Park other "fame claim" is having the first electric car system in Kansas. Foster uses as a "marketing tool."

City population demographics often referred to as "Newlywed and Almost Dead."

Foster believes in leading the city by "being creative." Meets with seven other local area mayors once a month to share ideas and how they can share services, especially in this failing economy. Also seeks County help when possible. Working to improve transit system especially for "gray-collar"workers.

Stipend pay is $500 per month, working about thirty hours per week.

Michael Copeland

Olathe is 155 years old, the Shawnee Indian name means "Beautiful." The city is the County Chair. Population of 130,000, 60 square miles, a "young" community. Kansas State School for the Deaf landmark.

Three school districts: Olathe (the second largest behind Wichita), Blue Valley, and DeSoto. School excellence #1 "tool" in marketing for residents into the area.

Revenue has been decreasing, same as other cities, with failing economy, but no mil levy increase in eighteen years. Has consolidated departments to save tax dollars.

Much citizen engagement. Annual Citizen Satisfaction Surveys show very high satisfaction.

Olathe has its own water and sewer, independent trash collection. Open to opportunities to consolidate and collaborate with others for saving money. Has partnered with the County.

Stipend pay is $700 per month.

Announcements:

1) Jacob Swisher reported on the County Charter Commission ten-year review. Participants include:

The Board of County Commissioners – 8

Legislative – 6

Mayors – 3

Republican Party – 2

Democrat Party – 2

Charter Commission – 2

Johnson County Planning – 2

www.JoCoGov.org/home rule

2) Mareal Denning for the Johnson County Republican Party Office announcements:

a) Clean Sweep Final, cleaning the office needed help on January 17th

b) Kansas Days the last weekend of this month, JCRP hospitality suite, Alex Abramowitz band, and silent auction

c) First Elephant Club meeting of the year, February 15th

d) Kansas Days the last weekend of this month, JCRP hospitality suite, Alex Abramowitz band, and silent auction

e) First Elephant Club meeting of the year, February 15th

3) Jim Mullen from Americans For Prosperity announced free movie, Cartel, about the education system/unions, on January 25th.

4) Clay Barker announced special reception of Republican leaders January 27th, details will follow.

Opening:

Invocation by Nancy Hanahan

Pledge of Allegiance.

Submitted by Yvonne Starks