Governing Body — Topeka, KS
Date: 2026-06-10

Governing Body Minutes – June 2, 2026

 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, Topeka, Kansas, Tuesday, June 2, 2026. The

 Governing Body members of the City of Topeka met in regular session at 6:00 P.M. with the

 following Councilmembers present: Councilmembers Hiller, Valdivia-Alcala, Ortiz, Banks,

 Kell, Miller, Bradberry, McGee and Hoferer -9. Presided: Mayor Duncan -1.

 Public comment for the meeting was available via Zoom or in-person. Individuals were

 required to contact the City Clerk's Office at 785-368-3940 or via email at cclerk@topeka.org

 by no later than 5:00 p.m. on June 2, 2026, after which the City Clerk's Office provided the

 Zoom link information and protocols prior to the meeting start time. Written public comment

 was also considered to the extent it was 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

 cclerk@topeka.org on or before June 2, 2026, for attachment to the meeting minutes.

 AFTER THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER, the invocation was provided by

 Major Marcos Pina, Salvation Army.

 THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by meeting participants.

 AN UPDATE on the construction of the I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct West Project was

provided by Brian Armstrong, Kansas Transportation Regional Manager, Bartlett & West

Engineers, Inc., and Steve Baalman, P.E. Metro Engineer, Kansas Department of Transportation

(KDOT).

 Councilmember Hiller expressed her appreciation for the presentation and commended

KDOT for the project being on schedule.

 Councilmember Hoferer requested they remain mindful of emergency services access near

the Kansas River during closures and to make certain appropriate signage for street closures are in
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place specifically as it relates to the detour of large vehicles such as semi-trailer trucks.

 Councilmember Ortiz thanked KDOT for their expedient work on the demolition of the SE

California Avenue Bridge and for keeping the flow of traffic moving locally as well as on the

interstate.

 Councilmember Bradberry thanked KDOT for the presentation and asked Topeka Fire

Chief Longstaff for an update on how the City of Topeka Fire Department plans to deal with street

closures.

 Topeka Fire Chief Chad Longstaff reported that Fire crews review street closures daily and

plan accordingly.

 AN UPDATE on the Topeka Police Departments Astra Mental Health & Mobile Crisis Unit

was provided by Topeka Police Chief Chris Vallejo and Assistant Topeka Police Chief Jennifer

Cross. Astra Mental Health & Recovery was formerly Valeo Behavioral Health Care and Family

Service and Guidance Center (FSGC) which provides comprehensive emergency mental health and

substance abuse services.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala thanked Staff for the presentation. She stated she believes

this may be a positive first step in partnerships to address the serious mental health crisis taking

place in the community. She spoke to the importance of moving past the old ways in handling

people in crisis. She questioned if Shawnee County Emergency Dispatch Center employees have

been involved in the initiative and if they are receiving additional training. She asked how these

types of initiatives are contributing to the ultra-shift in addressing the mental health crisis in the

community.

 Councilmember Kell questioned if the Topeka Police Department participates in the Safety

on the Spectrum First Responder Initiative, a national program led by the Autism Society to

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improve safety and equity in interactions between first responders and people with autism. He

spoke about the importance of being proactive instead of reactive in addressing the mental health

crisis in the community.

 Councilmember Ortiz spoke to the need to conduct more assessments on families of

children in crisis along with providing those children with more crisis resources. She spoke to the

importance of specialized training in trauma for police officers and local school system employees.

 Councilmember Hiller commended Staff for creating a direct contact Radio Model that

allows immediate contact with the appropriate resources in crisis situations. She commented on the

many successful collaboration efforts that have taken place in the community that have resulted in

positive outcomes.

 Chief Vallejo stated that he believes the 209% increase of patient calls to Astra

demonstrates that their efforts are contributing to an ultra-shift in addressing the mental health

crisis.

 In response, Assistant Chief Cross reported Shawnee County Dispatch Staff have been a

part of many conversations and have assisted in initiating the direct contact Radio Model with

Astra which provides an opportunity for a combined assessment instead of a single approach. She

stated the ultimate goal would be to place a designated mental health professional in the dispatch

center that can provide phone triage. TPD is currently in the stages of considering several programs

and training to better equip police officers and help them understand the situation reported to

address system gaps, collaborate and then close the gaps.

 CONSENT AGENDA was presented as follows:

 ORDINANCE NO. 20658 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, allowing and

approving City expenditures for the period of February 28, 2026, to April 3, 2026, and enumerating

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 said expenditures therein, was presented.

 ORDINANCE NO. 20659 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, allowing and

approving City expenditures for the period of April 4, 2026, to May 1, 2026, and enumerating said

expenditures therein, was presented.

 RESOLUTION NO. 9811 introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee

recommending approval of Project No. 701070.00 for street improvements to SW 45th Street from

Gage Boulevard to Cambridge Avenue, was presented. (Public Infrastructure Committee

recommended approval on May 19, 2026)

 RESOLUTION NO. 9812 introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee

recommending approval of Project Nos. 841201.02, 281250.18 and 291128.10 for Alley Repair

between Woodlawn Avenue and Greenwood Avenue south of 2nd Street, was presented. (Public

Infrastructure Committee recommended approval on May 19, 2026)

 RESOLUTION NO. 9813 introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee

recommending approval of Project Nos. 841099.11, 501125.02 and 281300.12 for street

improvements and utility improvements to SE 37th Street from Adams to Indiana, was presented.

(Public Infrastructure Committee recommended approval on May 19, 2026)

 RESOLUTION NO. 9814 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, amending the

2026-2035 CIP and the 2026-2028 CIB to add Project No. 121052.00 for bridge deck repairs at

three locations throughout the City, was presented. (Public Infrastructure Committee recommended

approval on May 19, 2026)

 RESOLUTION NO. 9815 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, amending the

2026-2035 CIP and the 2026-2028 CIB to revise the budget and years for Project No. 900035.00

for Fire Department Fleet Replacement and providing final approval for the project, was presented.

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(The Public Infrastructure Committee recommended by a vote of 3-0-0 on May 19, 2026.)

 APPROVAL of the MINUTES of the regular Governing Body meeting of May 19, 2026,

was presented.

 APPROVAL of the following Cereal Malt Beverage (Off-Premise) license applications,

were presented:

 Business: Location:
 Aldi #9 2320 NW Clay St
 Aldi #54 1530 SW Arvonia Pl
 Aldi #83 105 SW 29th St
 Discount Smokes 1221 SW 21st St
 Dollar General #1171 1001 SW Fairlawn Rd
 Dollar General # 2703 2500 SE California Ave
 Dollar General #3085 2042 NW Topeka Blvd
 Dollar General #3618 3401 SW Topeka Blvd
 Dollar General #4046 1920 SW 10th Av
 Dollar General #12745 2515 SE 6th St
 Dollar General #13381 3410 SE 29th St
 Dollar General #15245 4500 SE California Ave
 Fast Track 2 1401 SW Huntoon St
 Low Cost 1 3101 SE 6th, Ste A
 Murphy Express #8599 1531 SW Wanamaker Rd
 Quick Stop 5 3335 SW Gage Blvd
 Tilton’s Oakland Market 1905 Seward Ave

 Councilmember Kell moved to approve the consent agenda. The motion seconded by

Councilmember Banks carried unanimously. (10-0-0)

 PUBLIC HEARING

 A Public Hearing to consider the establishment of the Windward Estates Reinvestment
 Housing Incentive District (RHID) and the adoption of the housing and public facilities
 development plan, was presented.

 ORDINANCE NO. 20660 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, establishing a

Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the Windward Estates District; and adopting a

plan for the development of housing and public facilities in the RHID, was presented.


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 Leigha Boling, Economic Development Director, reported that the Kansas Secretary of

Commerce has authorized the City to proceed with considering the establishment of the RHID and

adopting a plan for housing facilities. The Windward Estates RHID is located at the southwest

corner of SE 45th Street and SE California Avenue. Following the public hearing, Staff is

recommending the Governing Body adopt the ordinance and approve the development agreement.

Dave Watson and Craig Vasquez, applicants, were present to answer questions. She highlighted the

following information:

 • Project Details: Estimated total project cost will be $9.8 million consisting of 40 units
 across 20 buildings proposing a market-rate rental housing range of $1,500 - $1,750.
 • RHID Policy Requirements: Applicant covers costs of RHID incentive, including City
 advisors/counsel. The developer and affiliated entities have no delinquent taxes, special
 assessments, or outstanding utility bills, zoning, or property maintenance, or other code
 cases pending. Development project meets the but-for standard that the project cannot
 proceed without RHID incentive. Developer will provide contractual and financial
 guarantees to ensure project completion.
 • Development Agreement Terms: Total project cost of $9,855,822. Maximum RHID
 Reimbursable expenses would be approximately $2,655,822. The project meets the “but-
 for” test and will be a pay-as-you-go project with reimbursement of RHID eligible expenses
 over 25 years.
 Mayor Duncan opened the public hearing and asked if there was anyone present who would

like to speak about the matter.

 Joseph Ledbetter spoke in support of the development. He spoke about the applicants’

success in building several quality-built homes across the city and commended them for expanding

the tax base.

 Henry McClure spoke in support of the project; however, he opposes the “but-for”

requirement and believes the City of Topeka needs to improve the economic development process.

 Upon no one else appearing, Mayor Duncan announced the public hearing was closed.

 Councilmember Kell stated it will be difficult to support because he believes the rent will


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be too high for most Topeka residents when the project is completed.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala stated she concurs with statements made by

Councilmember Kell and expressed concern with the amount of reimbursable expenses that will be

approximately $3 million. She stated she would oppose the project.

 Councilmember Banks stated if these were considered for moderate-income residents he

would support the project.

 Councilmember Hiller stated there was a need to provide housing at different levels and she

thanked the applicant for his housing efforts in the community. She asked what the applicant’s plan

was to keep the rent level over the next 20 years.

 David Watson, applicant, stated that he must keep rent affordable in order for the proposal

to succeed.

 Councilmember Miller stated he believes the proposed rate was affordable for the area and

commended the developer for his desire to keep homes rented and not allow them to sit empty.

 Mayor Duncan commented on the cost of building and the importance of balancing that

aspect of the proposal with economic development incentives.

 Councilmember Bradberry moved to adopt the ordinance. The motion seconded by

Councilmember Banks carried. Councilmembers Valdivia-Alcala and Kell voted “no.” (8-2-0)

 The ordinance was adopted on roll call vote as follows: Ayes: Hiller, Ortiz, Banks, Miller,

Bradberry, McGee, Hoferer and Mayor Ducan -8. Naes: Valdiva-Alcala and Kell -2.

 APPROVAL OF CONTRACT NO. 53679 a DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT between

Windward Estates, LLC, a Kansas limited liability company, and the City of Topeka for the

Windward Estates Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) project, was presented.

 Leigha Boling, Economic Development Director, stated Staff recommends approval of the

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development agreement as previously discussed.

 Councilmember Miller moved to approve the development agreement. The motion

seconded by Councilmember Bradberry carried. Councilmembers Valdivia-Alcala and Kell voted

“no.” (8-2-0)

 Mayor Duncan left the room.

 ORDINANCE NO. 20661 introduced City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, concerning class

B licenses, amending and repealing sections 14.15.010 through 14.15.080, was presented. (Policy

and Finance Committee recommended approval May 7, 2026)

 Mayor Duncan entered the room.

 Richard Faulkner, Development Services Division Director, reported that when Staff

updated the city-wide fee schedule, it was determined that a Class B license had not been issued

since 1996 and could be removed from the City’s code. He stated class B licenses were issued to

companies that had skilled trades people on staff that could perform the work needed on their

facilities; however, this is no longer the case as companies now hire other companies to perform

the work needed.

 Councilmember Banks moved to adopt the ordinance. The motion seconded by

Councilmember Kell carried unanimously. The mayor does not vote. The proposed ordinance

involves a matter of home rule on which the mayor has veto authority. (9-0-0)

 The ordinance was adopted on roll call vote as follows: Ayes: Hiller, Valdiva-Alcala, Ortiz,

Banks, Kell, Miller, Bradberry, McGee and Hoferer -9.

 ORDINANCE NO. 20662 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, concerning

special events, amending Sections 12.70.010, 12.70.040, 12.70.050, 5.115.020, 5.115.030,

5115.070, 5.115.080, 5.115.180, 5.115.190 and 10.50.040 of the Topeka Municipal Code and

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repealing original sections, was presented. (Policy and Finance Committee recommended approval

May 7, 2026)

 Megan Brunson, Special Events Coordinator, reported the City of Topeka Special Events

Policy was adopted in 2016. Since that time, events management has evolved requiring

amendments to the approval process. Police and Fire departments manage crowd control, security,

barricade placement and emergency medical response. Street, Traffic, and Parking divisions handle

road closures and traffic control plans. Legal and City Clerk offices manage permits, contracts, and

regulatory compliance. She stated the Policy and Finance Committee recommended approval of the

proposed amendments on May 7, 2026, and Staff recommends approval of the following key

policy updates:

 • New Holiday: "Juneteenth" is a recognized city holiday and has been added to the list of
 Holidays. (Line 22)
 • Police Escorts: A formal definition has been added for events that require a mandatory
 police escort. (Line 39-41); and a formal application deadline of 30 business days has
 been added for events requesting a police escort. (Lines 78-79)
 • Event Deposits: New language requires deposits to cover street barricade management
 in addition to site debris removal. (Lines 55; 61-65)
 • Late Fees: Applications submitted past the deadline now incur late fees pursuant to the
 citywide fee schedule adopted by the Governing Body in January 2026. (Lines 86-87)
 • Volunteer Guidelines: New language specifically governs the use and management of
 event volunteers. (Lines 128-140)
 • Vendor Licensing: Exceptions for Transient, Peddler, Solicitor (Lines 151-153)
 Sidewalk (221-225) and Mobile Food (264-265) Vendors have been removed; all
 vendors must now hold a valid city license to operate within event boundaries.
 • Parking: This revision expands TPD Authority to block parking in areas around the
 parade route or special event for staging or other event needs. (Lines 303-304)

 Councilmember Ortiz asked how Staff would address a request for a police escort that was

submitted after the 30-business day deadline.

 Event Coordinator Brunson reported that TPD would work with the applicant to determine

options that are available to the applicant.

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 Mayor Duncan stated the ordinance gives the City Manager authority to waive the

application deadline when necessary.

 Councilmember Hiller spoke in support of the proposed amendments and thanked Staff for

their work on reviewing the policy and adjusting as needed.

 Councilmember Bradberry moved to adopt the ordinance. The motion seconded by

Councilmember Hiller carried unanimously. The mayor does not vote. The proposed ordinance

involves a matter of home rule on which the mayor has veto authority. (9-0-0)

 The ordinance was adopted on roll call vote as follows: Ayes: Hiller, Valdiva-Alcala, Ortiz,

Banks, Kell, Miller, Bradberry, McGee and Hoferer -9.

 DISCUSSION regarding proposed Utility Rates, was presented.

 Sylvia Davis, Director of Utilities Department, reported Ordinance 20416, was approved in

2023 and established Utility rates for 2024, 2025 and 2026. Currently, the future rates need to be

addressed in 2026 to ensure customers have time to provide input and businesses have sufficient

time to budget for 2027 and beyond. Staff will be seeking input from the Governing Body on June

2, 2026, and June 9, 2026, with potential action on June 16, 2026. The following information was

provided:

 • Proposed Timeline: Began in January and will extend to July 2026. Rate Model Review
 and Update (January) Internal Rate Discussion & Review (February) Lien Discussion,
 CIP Preparation, Budget Kickoff (March) Governing Body Individual Meetings (April)
 Public Engagement Meetings (May) Governing Body Rate Discussion (June) and
 Operating Budget Presentation & Discussion (July)
 • Current Utility Rates: $120 million from the Operating Budget and $40.6 million from
 the Capital Budget
 • Topeka’s $6.3 billion in infrastructure needs will include $2.7 billion for water; $2.6
 billion for wastewater and $1 billion for stormwater
 • Infrastructure Pressures include many assets at or beyond useful life and current
 replacement rates are below industry standard replacement benchmarks
 • Capital Investment Planning for current and future rehabilitation and replacement
 schedule for years 2027-2031.
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 • Phased, Reduced Investment would address immediate needs, support other
 infrastructure improvement efforts, advances efforts towards ideal rehab & replacement
 schedules and maintain days cash on hand and required debt service coverage. Requires
 an initial 4-year investment of $51 million ($28 million for water, $20 million for
 wastewater and $3 million for stormwater)
 • Overview of current rate structure
 • Potential considerations to include across the board, uniform increases across all
 customer classes of Elimination of customer classes and implementing standard
 consumption rate.
 • Alternate 1 – Across the Board (Attachment A) is consistent increases to base, volume
 and ERU rates
 • Alternate 2 – Reduced Residential Impact (Attachment B)
 • Additional considerations include (1) Eliminate base charge on inactive accounts (2)
 Increase outside city customer multiplier and (3) Additional increase to wholesale rate.
 In closing Director Davis stated additional information was being compiled by Staff from

the public input sessions and would be provided to the City Clerk to be included in the June 9,

2026, and June 16, 2026, agenda meeting packets. She reiterated that Staff was not pushing the

Governing Body to act by a certain date; however, they are seeking directives on making a final

decision on rates.

 Joseph Ledbetter distributed handouts (Attachment C) concerning Utility statistics. He

stated he believes that the public input sessions were not notified appropriately making it difficult

to attend. He stated he would oppose a sales tax initiative to cover cost of infrastructure

improvements. He referenced a recent KORA request he made and stated he looks forward to

reviewing the documents and forwarding to the Governing Body for review.

 Councilmember Kell expressed concern with differed funding/maintenance because it will

cost more in repair than replacement in the long term. He spoke in support of deciding sooner than

later.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala stated she would not support any increase in rates at this

time and believes there is a deep distrust of the Utility Department by the community. She stated


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she plans to push for a forensic audit of the department.

 Councilmember McGee requested comparison rates of neighboring cities, current

delinquency rates in categories mentioned in the presentations and current balance in each of those

categories.

 Councilmember Hoferer inquired if larger commercial properties are charged by a

contractual agreement.

 Deputy Director Malott stated the larger commercial properties are charged by the standard

rate of water usage.

 Mayor Duncan announced the time was 8:30 p.m. and they would take a 10-minute break.

 Following a 10-minute break, the utility rate discussion continued.

 Councilmember Bradberry stated she would not support acting on proposed rates on June

16, 2026. She spoke in opposition to families subsidizing larger consumption customers, and

recommended Staff consider a level pay option. She questioned if there are other municipality

utility services in Kansas that offer voluntary level payment.

 Councilmember Hiller referenced the Capital Investment Funding Model. She asked if

those proposed budgets included debt service. She referenced the comment made by

Councilmember Kell regarding cost effectiveness on a complete replacement to help avoid overall

utility emergency and repair costs and questioned if the utility fee rate model was shown without

the “Base Charge/Readiness To Serve” fee.

 Deputy Director Malott explained the project budgets themselves included a debt service

component, with the debt service payments being paid annually, 25% by cash capital investment

and 75% by bonding, to ensure the rates are lower. She referenced the “Increased Investment and

Reduced Schedule Plan” proposing an increase in water/wastewater to 6% in the year 2027 and 4%

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for the years 2028-2030, this plan will also include a stormwater increase beginning at 2% in the

years 2027-2028, 3% in 2029 and lastly, 4% in 2030. She stated removal of the “Readiness to

Serve” fee was not included in the utility fee rate model; however, it is an additional consideration.

 PUBLIC COMMENT was provided by the following individuals:

 Joseph Ledbetter stated his sister opposes a sidewalk running through her front yard that

will destroy her flower garden and urged the Governing Body to focus on fixing streets instead.

 Henry McClure stated he was trying to figure out how to develop land at $70,000 per lot

with a stream buffer located behind the lots. He thanked Utilities Director Sylvia Davis for

providing information on how he can achieve building on the lots. He suggested a forensic audit be

conducted on the Growth Organization of Topeka.

 Christopher Deile spoke to proposed Congressional Bill H.R. 6078 which amends the

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to reauthorize the wildlife crossings program, a competitive

grant program for state departments of transportation and other entities with the goal of reducing

Wildlife Vehicle Collisions (WVCs) while improving habitat connectivity for terrestrial and

aquatic species.

 ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER, MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE

COUNCIL:

 Brenda Younger, City Clerk, announced there will be a Topeka Development Corporation

Meeting held on June 9, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. She provided an

overview of the June 9, 2026, Governing Body meeting agenda.

 Councilmember Hoferer announced completion of the rehabilitation of Topeka Fire Station

No. 9. She congratulated Jennifer Cross on her promotion to Assistant Chief of Police as well as

Donna Eubaks on her promotion to Topeka Police Commander. She expressed her condolences to

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the family of Michelle Neiswinder.

 Councilmember Hiller announced the 5th Annual Kaw River Float will take place on June

21, 2026, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

 Mayor Duncan moved to recess into executive session not to exceed 15 minutes to discuss

matters deemed privileged, concerning current litigation and potential litigation, as allowed under

KSA 75-4319(b)(2). The open meeting will resume in the City Council Chambers. The following

staff will be necessary to assist the Governing Body in its deliberations, Deputy City Manager

Braxton Copley, City Attorney Nick Jefferson, Chief of Litigation Geoffery Lydick, and other staff

members as needed. The motion seconded by Councilmember Banks carried.

 Mayor Duncan asked all those in favor of recessing into executive session to indicate so by

verbally saying “yea” and those opposing to indicate so verbally by saying “no.” The motion

carried. Councilmembers Ortiz voted “no.” (9-1-0)

 At the conclusion of the executive session, the meeting reconvened into an open session and

Mayor Duncan announced no action was taken during the executive session.

 Mayor Duncan to recess into executive session not to exceed 15 minutes to discuss

contractual matters deemed privileged, concerning potential litigation, as allowed under KSA 75-

4319(b)(2), including confidential financial data supplied by third party, as allowed under KSA 75-

1319(b)(4). The open meeting will resume in the City Council Chambers. The following staff will

be necessary to assist the Governing Body in its deliberations, Administrative Court Judge Karan

Thadani, City Attorney Nick Jefferson, and other staff members as needed. The motion seconded

by Councilmember Banks carried.

 Mayor Duncan asked all those in favor of recessing into executive session to indicate so by

verbally saying “yea” and those opposing to indicate so verbally by saying “no.” The motion

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carried. Councilmember Ortiz voted “no.” (9-1-0)

 At the conclusion of the executive session, the meeting reconvened into an open session and

Mayor Duncan announced no action was taken during the executive session.

 NO FURTHER BUSINESS appearing the meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.


 (SEAL)


 _____________________________
 Brenda Younger, City Clerk, M.M.C.




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Attachment A
Attachment B
Attachment C