Overland Park council approves city manager pay increase, confirms appointments; consent agenda passes

The Overland Park City Council on Aug. 18 approved an amendment to City Manager Lori Curtis Luther’s employment agreement that provides a 2.4% base salary increase for cost-of-living adjustment and a 2.5% base salary increase as a merit adjustment.

Council President Holly Grammer said the Committee of the Whole had conducted an annual performance review and unanimously recommended the amendment. Grammer moved the council direct the city attorney to prepare the amendment and authorize the mayor to execute it; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

The council also approved two appointments — one to the Legacy of Greenery Committee and one to the Planning Commission — on a motion moved and seconded and approved by voice vote.

The consent agenda, offered without separate discussion, was approved by roll call 10-0. The clerk called the roll for the consent vote; members registered in favor included Reiss, Newland, Cheatham, Eunice, Kite, Grammert, Matrician, Mosher, Passer and Orlaza.

Mayor Curt Skoog thanked the city manager after the pay amendment passed, saying, “Laurie, thank you for your strong leadership.” The council provided no additional detail in the meeting about effective dates for the amendment; the motion directed the city attorney to prepare the necessary documents.

No public hearing or contested debate was recorded on the employment agreement at the Aug. 18 meeting. The council also noted it will formally adopt a new city flag design at a later meeting after staff returns with final materials (see separate item on flag selection).