Here is what to expect at the upcoming Topeka City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. For a complete overview, visit the city website here. Clicking on an agenda item will open a page with more details, including supporting documents and presentations.
Appointments: Approved
- Board Appointment – Jennifer Goetz has been appointed to the Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board to fill an unexpired term ending October 31, 2026 (Council District No. 6).
Presentations
Legislative Mid-Session Update
- House Bill No. 2099 – This bill allows periodic inspections of private residential rental housing where landlords receive government rental subsidies. It is now in the Senate committee and will be voted on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
- House Bill No. 2164 – Would allow individuals aged 20 or older to apply for law enforcement certification under the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Act. This bill faces resistance and requires additional statutory changes.
- Public Funds Bill – Kansas Bankers Association – Credit unions want access to funds at a lower rate to loan at a reduced rate of 0.5%. The city opposes this as it would cost $1.7 million annually. Negotiations led by the city attorney removed the rate reduction.
- Topeka’s Lobbyist Activity – Opposed 20 bills and remained neutral on 30 others.
- Proposed Train System – A train system connecting Topeka to Newton and Texas is under discussion but unlikely to be resolved this session.
2025 Strategic Goals and Priorities
City Manager compiled goals based on feedback from the governing body, community, and department heads. These initiatives are included in the FY 2025 budget:
- Quality of Life
- Strengthen Code Compliance team and inspection process
- Improve customer service through a consolidated 311 Call Center
- Implement a new AVL system with a public interface
- Support increased inspections of residential properties receiving public funding
- Inclusive Communities
- Establish the Department of Inclusive Communities
- Plan for Inclusive Communities to lead National Night Out 2025
- Strengthen community partnerships for inclusivity and engagement
- Housing & Economic Development
- Activate the Affordable Housing Trust Fund ($1M) and Economic Development Funds ($500K)
- Sell Hotel Topeka
- Develop a Digital Kiosk Program
- Review rehabilitation and financial housing programs
- Homelessness
- Advance one homelessness initiative: One-stop Shop, Low-Barrier Shelter, or Tiny Home Community
- Collaborate with Built for Zero and All Hands on Deck (AHOD) initiatives
- Budget
- Develop a sustainable FY 2026 budget
- Evaluate options to strengthen the city’s financial position
- Assess the cost of services with department heads
- Public Safety
- Develop a Violent Crime Reduction Plan with public engagement
- Strengthen law enforcement partnerships and research collaborations
- Expand the EmpowerHER self-defense program in high schools
- Enhance the Mental Health Court in collaboration with Valeo, county, and state probation offices
- Convert to digital ticketing
- Certify additional personnel for ALS delivery across the city
- Infrastructure
- Continue annual Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects
- Improve community communication about CIP programs
- Enhance fire apparatus through CIP to improve reliability
Consent Agenda: Approved
- Minutes from the regular meetings of February 11 and February 18, 2025.
- Applications: None.
The City Manager emphasized transparency and public communication as a priority. Recently, a press conference updated residents on road projects. Council members noted that the approved projects total $25 million, addressing concerns about road conditions. Google Maps now provides real-time road closure updates.
Action Items
Approved Resolutions
- 2023 Bridge Maintenance Program (Project No. 121019.00) – Budget: $1.25M
- Branner Street Bridge Repair (Project No. 121019.04) – Budget: $824,463 Note: This project coincides with the Topeka Blvd Bridge closure—plan accordingly!
- Topeka Blvd Improvements (Project Nos. 701049.00 & 281300.05) – Budget: $7.97M Update: The 21st intersection should open this month with no additional road closures.
- SE 6th Ave Improvements (Project Nos. 841098.04, 501106.10, & 121022.01) – Budget: $5.33M
- SE 29th St Improvements (Project Nos. 701039.00, 141037.01, etc.) – Budget: $7.85M
Non-Action Items
- 2025 Topeka DREAMS Program Funding – Discussion on allocating $3.36M for neighborhood improvement projects (2025-2027).
- University Liquor Exemption – Discussion on exempting distance restrictions for a retail liquor store at 1700 SW Washburn Ave (within 200 feet of Washburn University).
Public Comment
Two community members raised concerns regarding city legal decisions:
- A community leader noted the city paid over $1M in discrimination lawsuit settlements (excluding legal fees) in 2023-2024. Five additional lawsuits are ongoing.
- Concerns were raised about retaliatory lawsuits filed by the city attorney at taxpayer expense.
- The release of footage related to the Taylor Lowery police shooting and the city’s response drew national attention, including coverage on Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey.
Announcements
- Councilmember Neil Dobler (D7) announced he will not seek re-election. Interested candidates for city council, school board, or mayor should visit the Shawnee County Elections Office website for more information.
Executive Session
- None
Adjournment
Reminder
Find your city council representative by entering your address here. District boundaries are redrawn every 10 years following the census.
Danielle Twemlow, Consultant
Host of Kansas TRUE Podcast
