Bonner Springs council approves 12‑month special use permit renewal for APAC quarry amid resident concerns

The Bonner Springs City Council on March 24 adopted an ordinance approving a 12‑month special use permit for APAC Kansas Inc.’s Bonner Springs rock quarry, a temporary renewal the city said will allow additional conditions to be negotiated after a public hearing next month.

Mayor Tom Stevens opened the discussion by outlining legal limits and options for the council, noting that because the matter is quasi‑judicial the body must base its action on findings forwarded by the Planning Commission. Community Development Director Mark Lee told council the quarry has operated since 1907 and that APAC has agreed to several operational changes, including contracting a local weather‑service to time blasting, ending Saturday blasting, and increasing setbacks so blasting occurs at least 600 feet from dwellings.

The measure moved on the floor as a motion to "adopt an ordinance to approve the special use permit for APAC Kansas Incorporated" for a 12‑month term (mover: Reeves; second: Shannon). The clerk recorded roll‑call responses from councilmembers and the motion carried. A councilmember had earlier announced a recusal because of a potential conflict tied to chamber sponsorship connections.

Why it matters: Neighbors north of the quarry turned in a protest petition signed by 14 of 22 notified property owners, and residents raised complaints at prior hearings about vibration, dust, and reported structural damage to older homes. Council and staff repeatedly emphasized that federal and state rules govern blasting and air‑quality monitoring, but council asked for greater transparency about monitoring data and clearer ways for residents to report issues.

Council members asked staff whether APAC would accept further stipulations at a follow‑up public hearing; Lee said APAC has already begun drafting conditions and staff will publish notice for the Planning Commission meeting and subsequent council hearing. Lee said annual reports and the company’s monitoring submissions are filed with the city and state, but those reports are generally obtainable only via records requests; he offered to expand direct notification (from the state‑minimum 200 feet to 1,000 feet) to reach more residents.

Residents and council members pressed the city about enforcement and recourse should damage or health effects occur. Lee said revocation of a SUP may occur for violations of the Unified Development Ordinance or failure to meet SUP conditions but acknowledged that proving causation for property damage is a legal matter and could require additional processes. The council emphasized the 12‑month term was chosen to ensure a faster return to the public hearing process rather than committing to a 20‑year term.

What happens next: The Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing in April; staff said notices will be mailed and the meeting will be advertised. The 12‑month SUP will give APAC operational continuity while the city and residents negotiate additional stipulations and monitor compliance.