The Overland Park City Council convened on September 8, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including a proclamation recognizing Co-Responder and Crisis Responder Week and updates on the city flag design.

The meeting commenced with a motion that passed unanimously, concluding discussions on a previous agenda item. Mayor Kurt Schoog expressed gratitude to attendees for their participation and encouraged community members to engage with their council representatives and stay informed about upcoming public hearings.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the proclamation declaring the week of September 14, 2025, as Co-Responder and Crisis Responder Week in Overland Park. This proclamation acknowledges the vital contributions of co-responders, including law enforcement and mental health professionals, who assist individuals facing mental health crises and substance abuse challenges. Mayor Schoog emphasized the importance of supporting these responders and the resources necessary for their mission.

Rob McDougall, Director of Emergency Services at Johnson County Health Center, expressed appreciation for the proclamation, highlighting the dedication and resilience of crisis response teams. He noted the inclusion of a case management position in the city’s budget, which aims to enhance the effectiveness of these teams in serving the community.

Following the proclamation, Council President Holly Grumert announced the cancellation of an informal committee meeting scheduled for October 17, 2025, and mentioned that strategic goals would be discussed at a later meeting on November 14, 2025.

The council then moved to discuss the design of the new city flag. The committee of the whole had reviewed three finalist designs and selected one submitted by Justin Rigari as the official flag. The design process involved community engagement, receiving 143 design submissions, and refining these through feedback from the branding team and the National American Vexillological Association.

The meeting concluded with a brief overview of the flag design process, emphasizing the goal of modernizing the city flag to align with Overland Park's new branding. The council's commitment to community involvement and effective governance was evident throughout the discussions.