[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6560710,"mediaKeyId","3310302-d54321b2727b6aa484e1d6825ebf0a8c","parentId",3310302,"title","Committee directs staff to draft animal‑control ordinance revisions on permits, licensing and fosters","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",1796000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310302-d54321b2727b6aa484e1d6825ebf0a8c&start=1796&end=1796","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310302-d54321b2727b6aa484e1d6825ebf0a8c/thumbnail_1796000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6560710/Overland-Park/Johnson-County/Kansas/Committee-directs-staff-to-draft-animalcontrol-ordinance-revisions-on-permits-licensing-and-fosters","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560710-8c429d9f171c61dee368125aae9f5116/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155798&Signature=MNqeHdBsFEv2FPU2C~MdcGemGwu96Ko2a5rnthAdgWkNRIejRSlXpHD2nnnB28qnZT09bWowPG~GUYls-6N9KntTNTQk~FioBClsSGjbM45eeSOGiLEjsWEO8K6m1k6yxd2nJDZg2L3c0JL~WDNilkhi9OgIZxACeCRguoWZZvNxP9ILlVDK2i7FTCaigVhKNowgLE2TCjN6fdz7qrVUPqgaoay2g7vRTJNd2T1RxBKiXr-o1bqtHFMjSVM52ZT6NjIM2uWAb~AKxwv0uqfnZ8JtSD71NQcQi9NLaAZSHNsdvwLMVas0X2HUjb~XPbrP1fkZ~aaTKbYvY-n8k05P6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Overland Park","date","2025-05-14T00:00:00Z","article","The Overland Park Public Safety Committee on May 14 reviewed a package of proposed revisions to the city’s animal‑control ordinances — including changes to special animal permits (SAPs), the pet licensing schedule, foster‑animal rules and breeder permits — and gave staff direction to prepare ordinance language for a future Council vote.

Chief Animal Control Officer Emily Riddle presented the proposals, which staff said were developed after conversations with Great Plains SPCA and internal departmental review. Riddle said the city’s current SAP structure allows two animals of a species without a permit but requires a permit for a third animal of that species. Staff proposed eliminating the species‑specific rule and allowing a total of four pets of any mix (for example, three cats and one dog) before an SAP would be required. “We’re looking to get rid of that species specific language, and just allow owners to have a total of 4 pets regardless,” Riddle said.

Riddle said the SAP process would remain in place for households that exceed four pets, including a required home visit, current licensing and a review for substantiated complaints (neglect, cruelty, continuous barking, running at large). Licensing would continue to require proof of rabies vaccination; staff proposed adding two‑ and three‑year licensing options to align city licensing terms with multi‑year rabies certifications.

On foster animals, staff proposed removing the separate foster permit and instead allowing foster animals to remain in a home for up to 180 days without city licensing, provided there is documentation that the animal is a legitimate foster. After 180 days the animal must be licensed or returned; Riddle noted the 180‑day window accommodates puppies that cannot be vaccinated until 4–6 months of age.

For breeders, staff proposed moving from household permits tied to numbers of litters to a permit tied to the individual animal, maintaining a one‑year permit term and adding a home visit for approval. Riddle said the current rules can allow many animals in a household without a permit (for example, multiple adult dogs each producing litters); changing to per‑animal permitting aims to reduce overall animal counts and pressure on the shelter.

Committee members asked questions about enforcement, the value of city licensing for microchipped indoor pets and how staff would verify foster arrangements when paperwork is not presented. Riddle said licensing helps verify rabies vaccination and encourages microchipping; she also reminded the committee that state law prohibits ownership of raccoons. Council members indicated general support for staff drafting ordinance language and for examining longer‑term questions about the licensing program’s role and relevance. Staff said final ordinance language could come back to the committee for action in June or, at the earliest, July.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Overland Park - Public Safety Committee - May 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its May 14 meeting the Overland Park Public Safety Committee reviewed proposed changes to special animal permits, multi‑year licensing, foster rules and breeder permits and gave staff direction to draft ordinance language for future council consideration (anticipated June or July).","taxTitle","Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas","taxId",4679,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6560715,"Public Safety Committee backs purchase of two explosive‑ordnance robots, waives bid",527,1332000,1859000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310302-d54321b2727b6aa484e1d6825ebf0a8c&start=1332&end=1859","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310302-d54321b2727b6aa484e1d6825ebf0a8c/thumbnail_1332000.jpg","/articles/6560715/Overland-Park/Johnson-County/Kansas/Public-Safety-Committee-backs-purchase-of-two-explosiveordnance-robots-waives-bid","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560715-325c7ec757ca21d99a788f4615ca3133/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155798&Signature=eS8-kaWIEMidngppeGCvKFa1vtT4YZgT8I8oRNE6g7aQJBCBLaCS40otHAf9eou1uL6TpBzIKEHBimO5hoYSVogQ91-6QHpkaZmjA~xfMoMb4TuHcZnW0P3YhguoNcqEy4tSlaSZ4XAPVizkh9lPkZfNdO7sVdj641xD9lWmAZjdgkqF1bCwv4SvIyjFPsn-X82SdQDfWkA3iAAHyQTaR~vTzt4mcWctPhidV47Un2fWH8UemEiBTuqMmRmZiLFPOPHtd9XPPSEJSP5FIhsvaVsodceKCIAUZ7vUdYMHmCV~e4VvEOq71gh48qbMkx9Y927zH5q7WBFOxRkKm5GDTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Overland Park Public Safety Committee voted on May 14 to recommend that the City Council waive the bid process and approve the purchase of two explosive‑ordnance disposal (EOD) robots from ICor Technology in an amount not to exceed $344,975, to be procured via a GSA cooperative purchasing contract.

Captain Kelly Haas told the committee the department’s oldest large robot — purchased in 2019 — has substantial wear, particularly in the manipulator arm and track stability. Haas described two models proposed for purchase: a larger, more stable unit with outriggers and integrated disruptors and a smaller, more portable unit used often on tactical calls.

Haas said the larger robot can carry an x‑ray unit, operate on multiple cameras and audio feeds, and remotely employ two firing/disruption devices when necessary. The smaller robot offers greater portability for entry‑level tactical operations and can act as a mesh repeater, extending the larger robot’s range. “They can use the manipulator arm to take an x‑ray machine down and put it beside the suspicious package so that they can try to see what's inside that package,” Haas said.

Pricing presented in committee materials and discussion identified the smaller unit at about $76,000 and the larger unit at about $268,000; staff summarized the combined not‑to‑exceed amount as $344,975. Haas said a key factor in recommending ICor was interoperability: seven regional bomb teams use ICor robots and shared equipment and personnel may be required during larger events (staff cited the upcoming World Cup as an example of an event that could require shared resources).

A committee member asked why the city should waive bidding; Haas said the market for these devices is limited, the vendor has provided strong after‑warranty support and commonality with regional partners improves operational effectiveness.

A motion to recommend the waiver and purchase was made and seconded; the committee voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously. The item will now proceed to the full City Council for final approval under the recommended GSA cooperative contract.","The Overland Park Public Safety Committee voted unanimously May 14 to recommend the city council waive competitive bidding and approve purchase of two explosive‑ordnance disposal robots from ICor Technology for up to $344,975 using a GSA cooperative contract, citing interoperability with regional teams and wear on existing equipment.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6560720,"Overland Park fire chiefs warn of rising lithium‑battery and EV fire risks",988,24000,1012000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310302-d54321b2727b6aa484e1d6825ebf0a8c&start=24&end=1012","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310302-d54321b2727b6aa484e1d6825ebf0a8c/thumbnail_24000.jpg","/articles/6560720/Overland-Park/Johnson-County/Kansas/Overland-Park-fire-chiefs-warn-of-rising-lithiumbattery-and-EV-fire-risks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560720-a600ea74c5d29a028a87b087f7148841/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155798&Signature=lKb4ag7cPCW8MonLePMvVxjDj7LjPwpKx4q6iGTXq4wgndCQTQYKvMmhYHeciY05yuDUSSdwV0-9qpDkY6wGIxLDOC-kQRGfFyFQa57Y-23URUg1sCRc7m1NtmlgLohENDC9Q7FoIV2HyFI8whVRTosltuibXmu-lPK~Rwnvqb2TKNjy77RFKQ8ilLacDU4IQ2Zf90yQAQPTjUaRtBZpjKZbsR4eUTu6PSkLDQ0RQKIge7FCBygMzsazbbGKQB97zPG-zJ0E2RlxjBe3Qgnh5rSuZPojpfjc5E6E8UuDFmE65qgvbr1YFWf3RTHy9soRTQm6-r2cIjmhFPXCOGa5Bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a May 14 meeting of the Overland Park Public Safety Committee, the city’s fire officials described an emerging local trend of fast‑moving fires caused by lithium‑ion batteries in devices ranging from hoverboards and scooters to electric vehicles and home “power walls.” Fire Chief Alan Moore and Chief Andrew Froe said the incidents create new hazards for first responders and residents and urged changes in how batteries and charging devices are stored and charged.

The discussion followed a May 11 structure fire at 117th and Craig that Moore said investigators determined was caused by “a lithium ion battery and a charger that was in a charging state with a hoverboard.” Moore told the committee that the department also assisted neighboring agencies on several multi‑alarm and support calls in the region.

Chief Andrew Froe framed the presentation as an “emerging trend in the fire service” and described how lithium‑ion cells can enter thermal runaway — a cascading failure in which one overheated cell causes adjacent cells to ignite. “Once 1 goes, multiple go, more go, it is a domino effect that just … cascades into a very bad incident,” Froe said.

Froe outlined specific hazards and responses: electric vehicles can carry high voltages (commonly 400–800 volts, and sometimes higher), creating shock and arc‑flash risks; batteries can fail from mechanical damage, aging or improper charging; and fires involving EVs or battery banks can burn for hours despite continuous water application. He showed an EV safety plug the department uses to stop vehicle movement by making the vehicle’s charging system report a charging state, and described large fire blankets used to protect parking structures and neighboring vehicles.

The department is also using a bead‑based containment system (described in the meeting as “cellbot” glass beads) and transport canisters to move thermally damaged batteries safely to a staging or disposal site. Froe said the department is working with EPA regional hazmat teams and other agencies to develop best practices after learning from incidents on the West Coast and cited a Johnson County household hazardous waste program that accepts damaged batteries for proper disposal.

Froe urged residents to prefer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) batteries and recommended chargers, to avoid storing charging mobility devices inside sleeping areas, and to place large battery devices in garages or other fire‑rated areas when possible. “These lithium batteries do not store them in your house,” Froe said, urging, “have your smoke detectors that are working and that you check twice a year.”

Committee members asked whether older homes and garages provide the same protection as newer construction; Froe responded that codes and construction have changed over time but reiterated the practical advice to keep charging devices away from primary living and egress paths. The committee encouraged the fire department to expand public communications about safe charging and storage practices; Froe said the department recently gave a media interview and planned additional outreach.

The department also noted training and equipment changes: high‑rise ventilation training at a local campus this month and procurement of blankets, containment beads and EV safety plugs for rescue engines and battalion vehicles. Froe described a recent regional incident in Kansas City, Kansas, that involved more than 3,000 small lithium cells at a home battery‑building operation and said the department is collaborating with regional partners to adapt protocols.

The presentation was an information item; no formal committee vote was taken on the subject. Committee members directed staff to pursue public‑education efforts and continue regional coordination on response protocols.","At the May 14 Public Safety Committee meeting, Fire Department leaders described a rise in fast‑moving fires tied to lithium‑ion batteries in scooters, mobility devices, power walls and electric vehicles and urged residents to change charging and storage habits; officials described new tools and regional coordination to respond.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee directs staff to draft animal‑control ordinance revisions on permits, licensing and fosters

Public Safety Committee backs purchase of two explosive‑ordnance robots, waives bid

Overland Park fire chiefs warn of rising lithium‑battery and EV fire risks