The Topeka City Council reconvenes on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, following an extended break. Among several key agenda items, Action Item 6E stands out for its potential to significantly change the city’s anti-discrimination policies, prompting concern among advocates and community members.
Below is a clean and structured breakdown of the meeting agenda.
Mayoral Proclamations
- National Bike Month
- Mental Health Awareness Month
Appointments
Item 3A – NOTO Business Improvement District Advisory Board
Appointment of Miranda Chavez-Hazim to represent District 4, with a term ending May 6, 2027.
Presentations
- City of Topeka Quarterly Financial Report
Consent Agenda
These routine items are typically approved with little to no discussion.
5A – Sacred Heart Brat Trot 5K Noise Exception
May 31, 2025, 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at 1500 NE Division
Requested by Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala (District 2)
5B – Kaw Valley Bank Party Noise Exception
June 6, 2025, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at 1110 N. Kansas Ave and 1101 NE Quincy
Requested by Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala (District 2)
5C – Contract Amendment: WSP USA Inc.
NW Lyman Road Sidewalk Design
Contract not to exceed $158,438.79
5D – Contract Amendment: JEO Consulting Group
Topeka Levee Outfall Rehabilitation
Contract not to exceed $155,105.00
5E – Approval of Minutes
Meetings from April 1, April 8, and April 15, 2025
5F – Applications
None
Action Items
6A – Ordinance: Downtown Parking Code Update
Amends multiple Topeka Municipal Code sections regarding parking and pricing
Requires 5 council votes; subject to mayoral veto
6B – Resolution: Free Parking Extension
Extends free parking through 2025; resumes metered parking in 2026
Requires 6 council votes
6C – Resolution: Automatic Vehicle Location System Upgrade
Adds project to Capital Improvement Plans
Budget: $225,000
6D – Resolution: Road Scanning and LiDAR Project
Adds project to CIP
Budget: $250,000
6E – Ordinance: Anti-Discrimination Policy Overhaul
Amends and repeals multiple sections of the city’s DEI and civil rights provisions
Critics say the ordinance eliminates protections for sexual orientation and minority-owned business funding
Proposed changes follow a contested federal executive order and could jeopardize access to $45 million in funding
Requires 5 votes; mayor may veto
Link to full proposal: Topeka Agenda Portal
6F – Ordinance: South Topeka CID Funding (911 Walnut, Inc.)
Re-establishes Community Improvement District tax redirection for a $16.6 million retail and restaurant project at SW 32nd Terrace & SW Topeka Blvd
Redirects 25% of the city’s 1% sales tax and 100% of the 0.5% streets sales tax from within the district
CID tax ends in 2029 unless voters approve an extension
Non-Action Items
7A – Discussion: 2026–2035 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and 2026–2028 Capital Improvement Budget (CIB)
Ongoing review and development through April and May
Public Comment
Public comment is available in-person or via Zoom.
Participants must register with the City Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 785-368-3940
Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office or emailed in advance for inclusion in the meeting record.
Watch live at:
Executive Session
Executive Sessions may be scheduled as needed to discuss:
- Personnel matters
- Pending litigation
- Property acquisition
- Labor negotiations
As provided by K.S.A. 75-4319
Adjournment
For full agenda documents and supporting files, visit:
Topeka Agenda Portal
