GLA Fall Residents Meeting - 10/18/25

Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mike Rankin.
Location: Olathe Health JCCC Education Center, with Zoom participation viewing available.
Guest Speaker: Dan Jones, Environmental Manager with APAC, presented first.

Present:
Mike Rankin, Ryan Mueller, Leslie Hind, Blair Honeyman
Absent:
Sandy Adams, Mike Stappert, Amy Heaven

Presenter: Dan Jones, Environmental Manager, APAC.

Quarry Operations: APAC will resume intermittent mining operations south of the lake to supply materials for the intermodal and data center projects.
Activities Include:
- Controlled blasting (anticipated 1–2 times per month).
- Truck traffic primarily via the northwest entrance using Gardner Road.
- Reclamation areas to remain vegetated with 150-foot buffers to prevent runoff into the creek flowing toward the lake.
Environmental Controls:
- Dust controlled by watering haul roads and maintaining air permits through Johnson County Environmental.
- Weekly road sweeping planned.
- Blasting vibrations monitored by Vibratech; limits regulated under federal and state law.
Resident Protections:
- Pre-blast home inspections completed for nearby properties; APAC carries insurance for potential damage.
- Residents may sign up for blast notifications via QR code (posted to GLA Facebook).
Future Coordination:
- APAC open to collaborating on lake dredging disposal using their retired pits.
- Quarry activity expected to begin late March 2026 depending on weather.
- Truck volumes projected around 25 loads per day at peak.

Presented by: Ryan Mueller

Submitted by: Leslie Hind

4th of July: Budget $500; spent $490.38.
Trash Days: $1,460 for two dumpsters; 5.2 tons of waste removed plus 8 truckloads of scrap metal.
Kayak Race: Grossed $524.27; expenses ≈ $300 → net profit ~$224.
Apparel Sales: $516.81 collected.
New Resident Welcome Bags: $385.92 spent on supplies and materials.
Current Account Balance: $28,922.84.
Motion to approve Treasurer’s report: Moved, seconded, and approved.

Retirements:
- Melinda Broward retired due to family health reasons; long-time organizer of community events.
- Greta Jahraus stepping down after 5 years but will continue volunteering.
New Board Member: Blair Honeyman welcomed, will assist with social events.
Open Position: Seeking additional volunteers for activity coordination.

Each new homeowner receives a welcome bag containing GLA information, applications, directories, and a donated signed copy of Amy Heaven’s book.
11 bags distributed in 6 months. Program has increased engagement and improved directory accuracy.

Annual lake calendar to continue; distribution in January 2026 by road reps.
Advertising funds fully offset production costs (~$100 per ad).
Sandy Adams recognized for design and coordination.
Residents encouraged to submit photos for the 2026 edition.

Presented by: Ryan Mueller

Background: City of Gardner reaffirmed intent to divest ownership of Gardner Lake; uninterested in long-term maintenance or capital investment.
Task Force Goals: Explore options for community ownership or partnership models (e.g., Community Improvement District – CID).
Survey Results: ~75% resident support for CID concept; discussion ongoing to ensure equitable participation.
Funding Status:
- State Grant: $500,000 secured.
- Johnson County Wastewater: committed $300,000.
- City of Gardner: responsible for remaining ~$200,000 (potentially from sale of surplus parcels).
Timeline:
- Bidding for spillway repair to occur winter 2025–26.
- Construction planned spring 2026, completion required by 2027.
- Dam and boat ramp would close temporarily during construction.

Presented by: Leslie Hind

State Oversight: KDHE and county monitoring sediment control from nearby developments.
Silt Control: Recent violations investigated; additional silt fencing now required.
Zebra Mussels: Confirmed active infestation; entering 3–5 year “boom and bloom” phase. Residents reminded to wash boats and avoid transporting species.
Fish Stocking 2025:
- 3,000 channel catfish
- 12,000 redear sunfish fingerlings
- Ongoing blue catfish population monitoring (30+ lb specimens reported).
- Next stocking/sampling: June 2026 (blue catfish, largemouth bass, gizzard shad).
Algae Monitoring: KDHE testing throughout summer 2025 found low/non-detect toxin levels.
- Residents reminded to avoid disturbing algae mats and rinse hands after fishing.
Bryozoans: Presence indicates high water quality; residents asked to leave them undisturbed.
Invasive Aquarium Species:
- “Water weed” and Asian snails likely introduced from aquariums—residents urged not to dump tank contents.
Golf Cart Reminder: City prohibits golf carts and ATVs on public streets; fines may be issued. Major streets affected would be around Lake Road 3 and 152nd Street.

Discussion of city retention of water rights if lake ownership transfers; city holds a 100-year state-granted withdrawal right.
Review of storm and flood resilience following 2025 summer storms.
- Spillway performed as designed; handled approximately 10 inches of rainfall in 12 hours.
- 1993 flood referenced for comparison.
- Historical blockage from fish netting noted as cause in prior flood events.

Fall Chili Cook-Off:
- Held evening of October 18, 2025 (same day as meeting).
- Nine chili entries confirmed.
- $10 per adult, $5 per child; includes raffle and s’mores bar.
- Event proceeds benefit GLA community fund.