The next Topeka City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025. Below is a snapshot of the
agenda. For a complete overview you can go to the city website by clicking here. If you click on an agenda
item it will open a page with more details about that item along with pdf’s of supporting documents or
presentations.
The meeting begins after the Mayor calls the meeting to order at 6:00pm, a council member who was
previously designated to be in charge of the invocation will introduce their guest. This is then followed by the
pledge of allegiance and roll call of present council members (this can include present by Zoom).
One notable item missing from the agenda that was expected to be voted on is the 1⁄2 Cent Sales Tax Initiative.
Last week’s city council meeting had numerous community members present supporting those who spoke
during public comment about concerns with the wording of the ballot initiative. You can read a recap here. The
timeline to get an approval from council to have the ballot initiative occur at the end of April due to various
election laws is near. There would also be an opportunity for this to come up again for the November ballot,
which was suggested as a possibility during council.
- APPOINTMENTS:
A. Board Appointment – Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board recommending the
appointment of Robert Bergquist to the Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board to fill
a term ending February 11, 2027.
B. Board Appointment – Topeka Sustainability Advisory Board recommending the appointment of
Adebanke Adebayo to the Topeka Sustainability Advisory Board for a term ending February 11, 2027.
(Council District No. 7) - CONSENT AGENDA: These items are things that the council has had information about to review prior to
the council meeting and usually require very little to no discussion before voting on.
A. Ordinance – Expenditures – October 26, 2024 to November 29, 2024
“AN ORDINANCE introduced by City Manager, Robert M Perez, allowing and approving City expenditures for
the period October 26, 2024 to November 29, 2024 and enumerating said expenditures therein. (Approving
City expenditures in the amount of $27,017,777.64)”
*There are certain payments that are made as a part of the daily functions of the government. The council then
reviews and approves those expenditures each month.
B. Resolution – Bank Depositories and Signatures
“A RESOLUTION introduced by City Manager Robert M. Perez naming banks and savings institutions that are
designated as depositories for all City of Topeka accounts and authorizing signatories and rescinding City of
Topeka Resolution No. 9555. (Approval would name banks and savings institutions designated to be
depositories which can accept deposits from any and all accounts of the City.)”
C. Resolution – Kansas Pooled Money Investment Board
“A RESOLUTION introduced by City Manager Robert M. Perez concerning the City of Topeka’s participation in
the State of Kansas Municipal Investment Pool and rescinding City of Topeka Resolution No. 9556.
(Approval would approve the City of Topeka’s participation in the investment pool and authorizing signatories.)”
D. Professional Consulting Contract – United Way of Kaw Valley, Inc. – Social Services Grant Program
Administration
“APPROVAL of a professional consulting contract between the City of Topeka and United Way of Kaw Valley,
Inc., for providing administration of the City’s social services grant program for the Division of Housing
Services. (Approval will authorize the City Manager to sign and execute the contract for a total not-to-exceed
amount of $65,000.00.)”
*According to the city’s website: The City of Topeka’s Social Services Grant Program is designed to provide
essential funding to local nonprofit organizations and service providers that deliver critical support services to
underserved populations. These services aim to improve housing stability, health outcomes, and overall quality
of life for low-income and at-risk residents.
This can include emergency housing assistance, homelessness prevention and intervention services, job
training and employment assistance, health and mental health services, and support for families and
individuals facing economic hardship.Grants are primarily funded through a combination of city funds and
federal funding sources such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) which have specific
compliance requirements.
Topeka’s Social Services Grant Program is one of the items that has been brought up during budget
discussions for potentially being cut or eliminated to reduce the expected deficit.
E. MINUTES of the regular meeting of February 4, 2025
F. APPLICATIONS: None to discuss.
- ACTION ITEMS:
A. Public Hearing and Ordinance – Establishment of Sherwood Professional Park RHID
PUBLIC HEARING to consider the establishment of the Sherwood Professional Park Reinvestment Housing
Incentive District (RHID) and adoption of the Plan.
“ORDINANCE introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez establishing a Reinvestment Housing Incentive
District (“RHID”) for Sherwood Professional Park and adopting a plan for the development of housing and
public facilities in the RHID. Voting Requirement: Action requires at least six (6) votes of the Governing Body.
(Approval would establish Sherwood Professional Park reinvestment housing incentive district (“RHID”) and
adopt a development plan for housing and public infrastructure.)”
*A Public Hearing is when it is required by law/ordinance to allow open time for the public to address any
concerns or support to the item. The Mayor will call for any public comment when appropriate and you do not
need to sign up ahead of time for this. A RHID application requires explanation of how their project meets the
demands outlined in the city’s 2020 Housing Study which clearly outlines the dire need for affordable housing
in Topeka. The study provides recommendations in 3 priority phases. The first is to activate the Housing Trust
Fund and then use incentives to offset building costs for affordable housing. The RHID ordinance also states
that the city will prioritize projects that have the highest public benefit and are equitably distributed across the
city. Affordable housing by definition means that housing and utilities do not exceed 30% of the household
income. According to the Housing Study, nearly half of all renters in Topeka are not able to afford their housing.
The development brought for the public hearing and vote would be located west of 29th and Wanamker and
include 10 rental duplexes (20 total units). The target rent would be approximately $1,900/ month. It is
estimated that there will be a reimbursement of $1,003,425. Gen III Construction recently received an RHID for
15 new houses with purchase prices that will range from $260,000 to $325,000 located on the northwest
corner of N.W. Lyman Road and N.W. Veil Avenue. They will receive up to $385,000 back from the city after
building as part of that incentive.
B. Resolution – Hotel Topeka Funding Request – Operations and Maintenance
“RESOLUTION introduced by City Manager Robert M. Perez, regarding additional funding for operations and
maintenance for Hotel Topeka. Voting Requirement: Action requires at least six (6) votes of the Governing
Body. (Approval would allow the transfer of $71,499 to the Topeka Development Corporation for operation and
maintenance of Hotel Topeka.)”
*The Hotel has been a MAJOR source of frustration for seemingly everyone. It was a failure from the start
when the city’s max purchase limit was announced before the auction. It was no surprise that bids were driven
up and ultimately the city “won” the sale just under their ceiling amount-more than double what the appraisal
value of the hotel was. Since, it has become beyond apparent that we will need to cut ties and take a loss. In
December, more than 27 bids came through making various offers to the city, ranging from flat out ridiculous to
some very viable options. In the meantime, the city must keep it functioning which has also been costly.
Operation requests have come before the council many times; $500,000 in February of 2024 and another
$72,000 in December 2024. Structure costs of $201,000 were approved in October 2024.
C. Resolution – JEDO Board Member Selection Procedure
“RESOLUTION introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez amending the procedure for the selection of
council members to serve as voting members of the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) and
amending Resolution No. 8823. Voting Requirement: Action requires at least six (6) votes of the Governing
Body. (Approval will modify when the governing body selects the voting members of JEDO.)”
*At the beginning of the year, council members vote on a new deputy mayor who would preside over council
meetings in the mayor’s absence. The longest serving council member who has not served in that role
previously is automatically nominated and then council members can nominate any other member as well. This
year, Brett Kell (D5) is Deputy Mayor. The council then elects two voting members to the JEDO board. JEDO
stands for Joint Economic Development Organization, which is an interlocal agreement between the city and
the county for economic development. This is funded by a county-wide 1⁄2 cent sales tax the community
approved via a ballot in 2001. All three county commissioners, the mayor, and deputy mayor have a vote. After
the council votes 2 additional council members as voting members, the other 6 council members are
non-voting members of the board. JEDO has their own meetings and bylaws which can be found at their
website. JEDO then funds GO Topeka, a subgroup of the Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP) to facilitate how
the money will be used for the community. The GO Topeka board had developer Jim Klausman listed as the
“Immediate Past Chair” until recently where his role on the board now states “Director At-Large.” Klausman has
been at the center of several discussions recently, especially involving the budget, because he owes the city
roughly $8 million in taxes and specials surrounding a failed housing development west of 47th and Wanamker.
Lauren’s Bay is another example of being a failure from the start, with Klasman owning over 170 lots that the
city upfronted infrastructure for (sewer lines, some fire hydrants, some sidewalks, streets, and maintenance for
the pond and dam). Klausman has sat on these properties for nearly 10 years and recently when 16 of those
lots were to go to tax sale for non-payment, council members swooped in to pass an ordinance that would
forgive him for the money owed on those lots if he paid the county their property taxes. The ordinance also
suspended the law for these properties that states if you owe the city money, we won’t do business with you
and has also allowed him to be the developer of those properties. The catch was that they would continue
negotiating the details until a date set for December 2024 and if no agreement was made, Klausman would
donate those properties to the Land Bank. The council members touted this as being a win-win. EXCEPT, the
December date came and Klausman threatened the city that he would not donate the land unless they agreed
to a better deal that ultimately had the goal of being used for all 170+ properties. Instead of the city putting their
foot down, they caved and granted an extension to negotiate.
Meanwhile, he owns 10 vacant or nearly vacant buildings downtown since the 2012-2017 timeframe,
purchased the property of the old movie theaters at the north end of Wanamaker Rd., and the Menninger Clock
Tower. And still owes roughly $8 million-half of the anticipated budget deficit. And sits on the board deciding
where our sales tax revenue will go for economic development.
Back to this vote. This is another technicality that would move the council voting on moving this vote to
coincide when the council votes for deputy mayor.
*Agenda items D-H are Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects. A CIP is the city’s long-term projection of
infrastructure needs, their cost, and anticipated timeline so that the goals and the budget can align. Projects
can be included in the plan for several budget cycles. If the cost exceeds $250,000, a vote to begin is required
by the council.
D. Resolution – 21st Street and Belle Avenue – Project No. 141037.03
“A RESOLUTION introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee comprised of Councilmembers Sylvia
Ortiz, David Banks and Neil Dobler recommending approval of Project No. 141037.03 for Traffic Signal
Replacement at 21st Street and Belle Avenue. (Public Infrastructure Committee recommended approval on
January 31, 2025.) Voting Requirement: Action requires at least six (6) votes of the Governing Body. (Total
project budget of $528,475 for traffic signal replacement at 21st Street and Belle Avenue.)”
E. Resolution – Southwest Fairlawn 23rd Street to 28th Street – Project No. 701040.00, 281250.17,
291143.04, 502730.00, 502730.01
“A RESOLUTION introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee comprised of Councilmembers Sylvia
Ortiz, David Banks and Neil Dobler recommending approval of Project Nos. 701040.00, 281250.17, 291143.04,
502730.00 and 502730.01 for SW Fairlawn Road Rehabilitation from 23rd Street to 28th Street. (Public
Infrastructure Committee recommended approval on January 31, 2025.) Voting Requirement: Action requires
at least six (6) votes of the Governing Body. (Total project budget of $7,253,865 for various projects on SW
Fairlawn Road Rehabilitation from 23rd Street to 28th Street.)”
F. Resolution – Branner Street Bridge Repair – Project No. 121019.00
“A RESOLUTION introduced by Public Infrastructure Committee comprised of Councilmembers Sylvia Ortiz,
David Banks and Neil Dobler recommending approval of Project No. 121019.00 for the 2023 Bridge
Maintenance Program improving Branner Bridge. (Public Infrastructure Committee recommended approval on
January 31, 2025.) Voting Requirement: Action requires at least six (6) votes of the Governing Body. (The total
project budget is $1,250,000 for the 2023 Bridge Maintenance Program.)”
G. Resolution – Branner Street Bridge Repair – Project No. 121019.04
“A RESOLUTION introduced by Public Infrastructure Committee comprised of Councilmembers Sylvia Ortiz,
David Banks and Neil Dobler recommending approval of Project No. 121019.04 for repairs to the Branner
Street Trafficway Bridge. (Public Infrastructure Committee recommended approval on January 31, 2025.)
Voting Requirements: Action requires at least six (6) votes of the Governing Body. (Total project budget of
$824,463 for repair work on the Branner Street Trafficway Bridge (No. E12A)”
H. Resolution – Topeka Performing Arts Center Improvements – Project No. 861411.00
“A RESOLUTION introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee comprised of Councilmembers Sylvia
Ortiz, David Banks and Neil Dobler, amending the 2025-2034 CIP and the 2025-2027 CIB to revise the funding
allocations for Project No. 861411.00 for TPAC building improvements. (Public Infrastructure Committee
recommended approval on January 31, 2025.) Voting Requirement: Action requires at least six (6) votes of the
Governing Body. (Total project budget is $1,670,000. Approval would revise funding allocations for TPAC
building improvements.)”
I. Professional Consulting Contract – SW Huntoon Street Reconstruction Project Design 701028.00
APPROVAL of a Contract Amendment for the SW Huntoon Street, Street Design Project from Gage Boulevard
to Harrison Street. (Project No. 701028.00) Voting Requirement: Action requires at least six (6) votes of the
Governing Body. (Staff is seeking direction from the Governing Body on scope of consulting services set forth
in the design contract amendment for the SW Huntoon Street Improvement Project.) BUDGETARY IMPACT:
Maximum increase of $2,988,860 for a total not to exceed amount of $3,337,340.
*This was a project that was presented at last week’s city council meeting, but has been a part of the 2019
“Topeka and Shawnee County Complete Streets Design Project.” While the Governing Body approved the
original design, this amended contract includes full reconstruction of the road including reduction to one travel
lane, inclusion of appropriate complete street items and replacement/repair of water, storm and sanitary utilities
based on public comment.
- PUBLIC COMMENT:
“Public comment for the meeting will be available via Zoom or in-person. Individuals must contact the City
Clerk’s Office at 785-368-3940 or via email at [email protected] by no later than 5:00 p.m. on the date of the
meeting, after which the City Clerk’s Office will provide Zoom link information and protocols prior to the
meeting. Written public comment may also be considered to the extent it is personally submitted at the meeting
or to the City Clerk’s Office located at 215 SE 7th Street, Room 166, Topeka, Kansas, 66603 or via email at
[email protected] on or before the date of the meeting for attachment to the meeting minutes. View the
meeting online at https://www.topeka.org/communications/live-stream/ or at
https://www.facebook.com/cityoftopeka/. - ANNOUNCEMENTS: Any updates or comments by the Governing Body.
- EXECUTIVE SESSION:
“Executive Sessions are closed meetings held in accordance with the provisions of the Kansas Open Meetings
Act. “Executive sessions will be scheduled as needed and may include topics such as personnel matters,
considerations of acquisition of property for public purposes, potential or pending litigation in which the city has
an interest, employer-employee negotiations and any other matter provided for in K.S.A. 75-4319.”
Danielle Twemlow, Consultant
Host of Kansas TRUE
