Here’s your recap of the Topeka City Council meeting from Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
For the full agenda, supporting documents, and presentations, visit the city website here.
RECOGNITION
MacVicar Crosswalk Update
Students from Randolph Elementary successfully advocated for a blinking crosswalk sign at 15th and MacVicar. These young activists spoke out after feeling unsafe walking to school and bravely presented their concerns to the governing body.
Way to go, little friends! We’re proud of you.
APPOINTMENTS: All Approved
- Civil Service Commission: Artie Gonzales
- Sustainability Advisory Board: Mary Monzyk
- Affordable Housing Trust Fund Review Committee:
- Vanessa Evans
- Walker Bassett
- Trey George
PRESENTATIONS
Human Relations Commission (HRC) Annual Report
- Helped Topeka receive the “Age Friendly” designation in 2024.
- Now conducting a short survey in partnership with AARP to improve housing, transportation, and health services. Take the 3–5 minute survey here.
- Advocated for adding the CROWN Act (anti-hair-type discrimination) to legislative priorities, though city legal staff claimed it can’t be implemented without removing other protections. More follow-up is expected.
- There are current HRC vacancies. Apply here.
Topeka Metro Transit Authority (TMTA) Annual Report
- No city funding for TMTA, though the city sets the mill levy.
- TMTA budget hasn’t increased in 15 years.
- 50% of riders use the service for work.
- High school students ride free with ID.
- WRMS funds rides for their students; USD 501 no longer does.
- MOD service is subsidized but may soon face changes.
- Over 600 bus stops, only 150 have shelters.
This is an area ripe for community advocacy.
CONSENT AGENDA: All Approved unless noted
- Noise Exception: Sigma Phi Epsilon Country Music Concert
- Watkins Calcara Law Firm Contract: Moved to Action Item 5G
- Minutes: March 18, 2025
- Applications: None
ACTION ITEMS
A. Union at Tower District RHID
- Public hearing, development agreement, and ordinance adoption
- Over 260 affordable housing units with fixed rents averaging $788/mo
- Some units will serve residents at 30% of area median income (AMI)
- All units include washer and dryer
This discussion went on for over an hour. Confusing presentation. But these are the kinds of incentives we need for affordable housing. Contract terms tightened to protect the city.
B. 2025 Consolidated Action Plan
- Public hearing only (no vote)
- Will help secure $2.5 million in HUD funds for housing and neighborhood improvements
C. 1600 Block Alley Repair (Polk to Tyler)
- Project cost: $448,868
- Approved
D. 45th Street Shared-Use Path (Gage to Cambridge)
- Project cost: $4,000,000
- Questions raised over cost (double the 29th St. project at half the distance)
- Inflation and trail tie-in cited
- Still approved, despite concern about developer accountability and road priorities
E. SW Fairlawn (23rd–28th)
- Project cost: $8,139,961
- Street, utility, and bridge improvements
- Approved
F. Safe Streets Program (PARS Agreement)
- New contract: $45,750 (25% reduction from previous)
- Approved
G. Watkins Calcara Law Firm – Police Shooting Case
- Additional funds approved for external legal representation in Duncan et al v. City of Topeka (Taylor Lowery case)
Multiple council members voiced concern about taxpayer spending, lack of internal accountability, and contract protections in FOP agreements.
- Councilmembers Banks and Valdivia-Alcala voted NO
NON-ACTION ITEMS
A. Kansas Homeland Security Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Regional collaboration (Shawnee and nearby counties)
- Plan needed for FEMA grant eligibility
- Full Plan PDF here
B. Capital Improvement Plan (2026–2035)
- Preview of long-term infrastructure plans
- Documents and slides: View here
PUBLIC COMMENT
- A resident questioned repetitive property tax breaks and funds going to the same developers.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Way to Work Program: Summer jobs for youth (ages 14–16) + professional development. Register here
- Hotel Negotiations: 3 potential buyers
- Kids Wrestling KS: 5-year renewal = ~$1M/day revenue
- Oakland Community Garden: Check them out on Facebook
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None held.
ADJOURNMENT
Next Agenda Preview Coming Soon
Find your City Council rep: Look up here
Elections for Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and Mayor are coming up. Election details here
Prepared by:
Danielle Twemlow, Consultant
Host of the Kansas TRUE Podcast
