For a complete overview of the Topeka City Council meeting held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, visit the city’s website. Clicking on an agenda item will provide additional details, including PDFs of supporting documents and presentations.
Appointments: Approved
- NOTO Business Improvement District Advisory Board
The council approved the appointment of Pedro Concepcion to the NOTO Business Improvement District Advisory Board for a term ending March 11, 2027 (Council District No. 2).
Presentations
Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority Annual Update
- The MTAA announced ongoing discussions with airlines to reestablish a terminal in Topeka. Research identified Orlando, Las Vegas, and Phoenix as the top three destinations for Topekans.
- Previously, a direct flight to Las Vegas had strong usage but ultimately failed due to lenient contract terms.
- Negotiators express confidence that a new agreement will be more successful.
Parks and Recreation Update
- A council member requested a review of the Parks & Recreation consolidation, which was finalized in 2012 to eliminate operational redundancies.
- Ownership & Responsibilities:
- City retains ownership of the land and handles law enforcement & ordinance enforcement.
- County oversees administration and maintenance.
- An advisory board includes 9 city-appointed and 6 county-appointed members.
- No major changes or ordinances have been enacted since the initial transition.
Consent Agenda: Approved
- Minutes from the regular meeting of March 4, 2025
- Applications: None
Action Items
Ordinance – University Liquor Exemption (Approved)
- Ordinance introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, exempting certain state requirements prohibiting retail liquor stores within 200 feet of schools, colleges, or churches.
- Approval allows the operation of a liquor store at 1700 SW Washburn Avenue near Washburn University.
- Public opposition cited concerns over Shawnee County’s high liquor store density and links to neighborhood crime.
- Council Vote:
Yes: Duncan (D8), Hoferer (D9), Dobler (D7), Kell (D5), Banks (D4), Padilla (M), Hiller (D1)
No: Ortiz (D3), Valdivia-Alcala (D2), Miller (D6)
Traffic and Infrastructure Resolutions (All Approved)
- SW 21st St & Randolph Ave Traffic Signal Replacement
- Project No. 141037.02
- Budget: $443,029
- NW Menninger Rd from NW Green Hills Rd to NW Rochester Rd
- Project Nos. 841097.06 & 501105.16
- Budget: $845,000
- SW Roosevelt St from 8th Ave to 6th Ave
- Project Nos. 841097.16 & 501105.09
- Budget: $654,371
- SE Greenfield Ct Street Improvements
- Project No. 841097.11
- Budget: $258,000
Non-Action Items
Discussion – LB Lots, LLC – Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) Application
- Concerns over financial transparency: Council debated how much developer Jim Klausman owes the city and the financial losses related to the Lauren’s Bay development.
- Key issues:
- Klausman’s $8 million debt to the city sets a risky precedent for future developer negotiations.
- The RHID could lead to further tax breaks for higher-end housing developments, potentially exhausting incentives better suited for low-income and workforce housing.
- Public comment raised concerns over misleading financial data and a lack of necessity for public funding.
Public Comment
- No public comment was made, as the speaker was not present when called.
Executive Session
The council conducted an executive session per the Kansas Open Meetings Act, covering topics such as personnel matters, property acquisitions, litigation, and negotiations.
Announcements & Upcoming Elections
- City elections are approaching for odd-numbered council districts (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) and the Mayor.
- Find your city council representative using the Topeka District Map Lookup Tool.
For additional details, visit the Topeka City Council Agenda Portal.
Report by: Danielle Twemlow, Consultant
Host of Kansas TRUE Podcast
Topeka City Council Lookup Tool
