Staff presented Resolution 159-25 to delegate authority to the county manager or her designee to execute temporary construction easements and other temporary access agreements on behalf of Johnson County. Presenters said temporary construction easements grant only temporary access and do not transfer permanent property rights; the change is intended to reduce delays on routine projects such as a City of Olathe waterline rehabilitation.

Chief counsel told the board legal reviewed the form of the resolution and finds delegation legally permissible. Commissioners asked for clarity on the underlying legal authority, the appeal process if one party disagrees, and whether there will be notification to district commissioners when easements affect their areas. Legal counsel and staff said the county performs a memo and legal review before manager sign-off, will notify district commissioners, and that items with unresolved disagreement would come to the board.

Commissioners asked that briefing materials make the vetting process clearer; staff agreed to revise the briefing sheet. The resolution was on the consent/action list for the Dec. 11 meeting.