Governing Body — Topeka, KS
Date: 2025-04-01

Governing Body Minutes – April 1, 2025

 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, Topeka, Kansas, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. 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,

Dobler, Duncan and Hoferer - 9. Mayor Padilla presided –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 April 1, 2025, 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 April 1, 2025 for attachment to the meeting minutes.

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

Jill Rice, Executive Pastor of Fellowship Hi-Crest Church.

 THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by meeting participants.

 RECOGNITION of the Macvicar Crosswalk was provided by Councilmember Miller.

Eliza S. and Ava, Randolph Elementary students spoke in support of the increased safety the

crosswalk will provide students and pedestrians.

 BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Artie Gonzales to the Civil

Service Commission to fill a term ending April 1, 2029, was presented. (Council District No. 1)

 BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Mary Monzyk to the

Topeka Sustainability Advisory Board for a term ending February 7, 2027, was



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 presented. (Council District No. 5)

 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Vanessa Evans to

 the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Review Committee for a term ending April 2, 2027, was

 presented. (Council District No. 6)

 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Walker Bassett to

 the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Review Committee for a term ending April 2, 2027, was

 presented. (Council District No. 4)

 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Trey George to the

 Affordable Housing Review Committee for a term ending April 2, 2027, was

 presented. (Outside City Limits)

 Councilmember Kell moved to approve the appointments. The motion seconded by

 Councilmember Miller carried unanimously on roll call vote. The Mayor does not vote. (9-0-0)

 The City of Topeka Human Relations Commission (HRC) 2024 Annual REPORT was

provided by Zachary Surritt, Human Relations Commission Chair, and Carmen Nichols, Human

Relations Commission Vice Chair. They announced the Commission was seeking two members

to join the Human Relations Commission.

 Councilmember Miller inquired about what a member could expect from joining the

Commission.

 Mayor Padilla encouraged people interested to submit their application.

 Councilmember Hiller commended the Commission for their service. She asked for

clarification on what other engagements members would be expected to attend in addition to the

monthly meeting.

 Chair Surritt expressed the importance of having the dedication to making Topeka better.

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 Vice Chair Nichols expressed the importance of attending events and networking with the

Community.

 Mayor Padilla commended Zachary Surritt and Carmen Nichols for their work as well as

the work of all Commission members.

 The Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority (TMTA) 2024 Annual REPORT was

provided by Tom Summons, TMTA Board Chair. He highlighted the Fixed Routes, Lift Service,

Metro on Demand (MOD) Service, financial state of transit service across the state of Kansas, as

well as current and potential service issues.

 Councilmember Kell expressed concern with the condition of bus stops during inclement

weather.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala referenced staffing levels and stated she believes TMTA

did the best they could in dealing with inclement weather conditions with the resources available.

She recommended creating a dialogue with the City to assist the elderly and disabled who rely on

their transportation.

 Mayor Padilla inquired about a breakdown of ridership demographics.

 In response, Chair Summons reported the following:

 • There are 600 stops in total. 300 have amenities and 150 have shelters. Due to the
 amount of snow cleared from the streets, bus stops and surrounding areas were
 blocked and impossible to keep clear. They are currently working on a plan to avoid
 these issues in the future.
 • They do not track demographics; however, ridership comes from all areas of the city
 with certain routes having more passengers than others. It was noted that a large
 portion of ridership utilizes transportation to their workplace as well as High School
 students ride free of charge with their Student ID.

 Councilmember Ortiz recommended the MOD Service area be expanded. She stated she

has many low-to-moderate income constituents residing at Echo Ridge that would benefit from


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the service even if they have to pay a higher rate.

 Councilmember Hiller recommended TMTA network with the City as well as Downtown

Topeka, Inc., to assist with future inclement weather events. She also suggested as they get

closer to finishing the City’s downtown parking plan that TMTA co-promote with the City to

establish parking lots and garages where people could leave their vehicles and shuttle to work on

TMTA buses.

 CONSENT AGENDA was presented as follows:

 RESOLUTION NO. 9644 introduced by Councilmember Marcus Miller granting Sigma

Phi Epsilon Fraternity Kansas Delta Chapter an exception to the provisions of City of Topeka

Code Section 9.45.150, et seq., concerning noise prohibitions, was presented (Council District

No. 6)

 APPROVAL of a professional services contract between the City and Watkins Calara

Law Firm to represent the city in a civil lawsuit matter, was presented.

 APPROVAL of the MINUTES of the regular meeting of March 18, 2025, was presented.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala requested to remove Item 4B, a professional services

contract between the City and Watkins Calara Law Firm from the Consent Agenda for further

discussion.

 Upon hearing no objections, Mayor Padilla announced the contract would be placed on

the agenda as Action Item 5G.

 Councilmember Ortiz moved to approve the consent agenda as amended. The motion

seconded by Councilmember Banks carried unanimously on roll call vote. (10-0-0)


 PUBLIC HEARING


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 A PUBLIC HEARING to consider the establishment of the Union at Tower District
 Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) and adoption of the Plan.

 APPROVAL of CONTRACT NO. 52797 for the Union at Tower District Subdivision

RHID between the City of Topeka and Union at Tower District, LP, an Indiana limited

partnership, was presented. (Memorandum of Understanding Contract No. 52803)

 ORDINANCE NO. 20555 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez establishing

a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (“RHID”) for Union at Tower District and adopting a

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

 Rhiannon Friedman, Planning and Development Director, reported the proposal would

add 250 apartments to the downtown area that are income qualified based on either 10% discount

to fair market rents or 30%, 50%, or 60% Area Median Income (AMI) limits set for the project.

She stated the project would be located between SE 11th and SE 12th Streets between Quincy and

Monroe Streets with Building A and B on Project Site No.1 and Building C on Project Site No.

2. She reported the Housing Development Plan has been submitted outlining $7.6 million of

applicable RHID reimbursement costs for land acquisition, infrastructure, and a portion of the

construction cost as well as soft costs. The total estimated project cost would be $58 million. The

project received a 2024 Low Income Tax Credit (LIHTC) Award from Kansas Housing

Resources Corp. (KHRC) as well as an Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB) sales tax exemption from

Shawnee County on construction materials and supplies. She continued to report on the RHID

Committee review process, recommendations and the findings of the updated analysis which

showed clarification of the vacancy rate being utilized, developer fee/deal equity, details of land

acquisition vs. a land lease, appropriate use of capitalization rate, and the Internal Rate of Return

(IRR) calculations of a 10-year analysis. She stated it was determined by Columbia Capital


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Management that the project warranted a maximum of $900,000 in RHID reimbursement costs

with an 8.0% Market Rate of Return. The RHID Committee supported a compromise based on

the need for affordable housing in the downtown area of a $4.8 million RHID incentive equaling

a 7.76% Market Rate of Return using 8.5% Cap Rate.

 Braxton Copley, Assistant City Manager, clarified $7.6 million was the present net value

with the gross amount being closer to $15 million. He stated the $4.8 million the Committee

recommended was a gross amount resulting in a substantial delta between $4.8 million and $15

million.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala asked what the total estimated dollar amount of

incentives the developer would receive if the development was approved.

 Assistant City Manager Copley reported the developer would receive approximately $15

million in RHID incentives from the City; $27.7 million in State LIHTC; and $19.3 million of

IRB sales tax incentives granted by Shawnee County.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala asked if the incentive proposal being offered was

common in other cities with similar housing needs.

 Assistant City Manager Copley stated developers typically ask for what they need to

make a project work.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala stated she understands the need for affordable housing;

however, she remains concerned with the City being taken advantage of and setting precedence

for future developments.

 Mayor Padilla opened the public hearing and asked if there was anyone present who

would like to speak about the matter.

 Danielle Twemlow stated there was a similar housing project located in the City of

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Lawrence, Kansas, and suggested the City reach out to inquire if the project has been successful.

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

 Kurt Peterson, Polsinelli Law Firm, appeared on behalf of the applicant. He provided an

overview of The Annex Group, a detailed background on the proposed project, and the

importance of the incentives being requested as it relates to the success of the project.

 Councilmember Banks asked if the project was reliant on the RHID incentive.

 Kurt Peterson confirmed the project was reliant on the RHID incentive being offered.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala expressed concern with comments made by the

developer as it relates to an attempt to negotiate a different incentive amount than what was

recommended by the City Staff.

 Councilmember Kell inquired about the existing house located near the proposed project

area.

 Kurt Peterson reported the owner was not willing to sell so it was excluded from the

project.

 Councilmember Ortiz asked if there would be parking garages and outdoor storage units

for residents.

 Councilmember Hiller asked if the applicant was asking for a fixed percent rate for a

fixed number of years that could end up being a different amount of funding depending on the

appraisal or are they requesting a fixed cap. She noted the City collects approximately $10,000 in

property tax revenue annually on the property.

 Kurt Peterson stated parking garages and outdoor storage units were not included in the

project because funds will be used on other amenities; and in reference to what the applicant was

seeking in terms of financials – they are seeking an 85% tax abatement with a cap.

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 Councilmember Duncan reminded the Governing Body they do not have to settle on the

options presented for the project.

 Councilmember Dobler asked if a claw back provision prohibiting the sale of the

property could be incorporated in the contract.

 Assistant City Manager Copley reported the City has included a provision in the contract

prohibiting the sale of the property for 30 years and in addition to that provision, they could

incorporate a land use restriction on the property - also prohibiting sale.

 Councilmember Dobler spoke to the importance of working with developers that are

willing to build much needed affordable housing. He reminded the Governing Body that the

developer was taking the total risk of associated upfront costs.

 Councilmember Dobler moved to approve the development agreement and the ordinance

with the provision that if the developer sells the property before the end of the 20 years the RHID

will expire and authorize a net present value of $6.6 million in RHID incentives. The motion was

seconded by Councilmember Kell.

 Councilmember Kell stated he concurs with Councilmember Dobler.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala spoke in support of the motion made by

Councilmember Dobler and expressed her appreciation to Staff for their hard work on the

proposal.

 Assistant City Manager Copley clarified the amendments to the development agreement

and the ordinance would be conceptual. He stated there was already a provision in the

development agreement that basically prohibits the selling of the property for 30 years and

Councilmember Dobler would like to include a claw back provision that would stop the RHID if

the property was sold. The second amendment would limit the dollar amount of the RHID to $12

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million a net present value of $6.6 million with a 20-year limitation.

 Kurt Peterson on behalf of the developer verbally agreed to the conceptual provisions as

proposed.

 Mayor Padilla spoke about the opportunity the affordable housing units will provide for

the area. He thanked Staff members and the developer for working to find a solution.

 The motion to approve the development agreement and the ordinance with the provision

that if the developer sells the property before the RHID expires the incentives would end; the

RHID expires in 20 years, and to authorize a net present value of $6.6 million in RHID

incentives carried unanimously on roll call vote. (10-0-0)

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

Ortiz, Banks, Kell, Miller, Dobler, Duncan, Hoferer and Mayor Padilla -10.

 PUBLIC HEARING

 A PUBLIC HEARING to obtain citizen input on the City of Topeka's Fiscal Year 2025
 Consolidated Annual Action Plan.

 Rhiannon Friedman, Planning and Development Director, stated the process began in

October 2024 and consisted of a series of public input sessions to compile feedback from

citizens, social service agencies and Neighborhood Improvement Associations (NIAs).

 Carrie Higgins, Housing Division Director, reported the Consolidated Action Plan was a

comprehensive plan of how the City’s Housing Services will use Housing and Urban

Development (HUD) entitlement grants to include Community Development Block Grants

(CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and Hearth Emergency Solutions Grants

(HESG). She stated at this time, the Governing Body would be reviewing and considering the

Annual 2025 Consolidated Action Plan; however, next year a new 5-year plan would need to be


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approved and would require a Needs Analysis along with an updated Housing Study. She stated

the plan allows framework for community dialogue to identify priorities that align and focus

funding from HUD as follows:

 • Housing Services Funding in the amount of $9.1 million consisting of $1.3 million of
 CoC Grants, $487,145 of Private Grants, $1.8 million Housing General Funds and
 $1.2 million in Federal Grants.
 • CDBG Grant Funding in the amount of $1.8 million
 • HOME Grant Funding in the amount of $489,315
 • HESG Grant Funding in the amount of $162,223

 Councilmember Kell asked if Staff was aware of any Federal funding cuts to Housing

Services.

 Director Friedman reported Staff was monitoring the situation closely.

 Mayor Padilla opened the public hearing and asked if there was anyone present who

would like to speak about the matter.

 Upon no one appearing the public hearing was closed.

 Councilmember Dobler left the meeting.

 RESOLUTION NO. 9645 introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee comprised

of Councilmembers Sylvia Ortiz, David Banks and Neil Dobler recommending approval of

Project Nos. 841201.04 and 291147.01 for alley repair in the 1600 block between Polk Street and

Tyler Street, was presented. (Public Infrastructure Committee recommended approval on March

18, 2025.)

 Steve Groen, Public Works Director, reported the project was part of the 2025 Alley

Repair program and would include complete concrete pavement removal and replacement as

well as replacing sanitary sewers due to age and condition. He explained the concrete work will




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cost approximately $208,118 paid from Citywide Half-Cent Sales Tax, and the sewer

replacement will cost approximately $240,750 paid from the Wastewater Operating Fund.

 Councilmember Banks moved to approve the resolution. The motion seconded by

Councilmember Ortiz carried unanimously on roll call vote. (9-0-0)

 Councilmember Dobler joined the meeting remotely.

 RESOLUTION NO. 9646 introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee comprised

of Councilmembers Sylvia Ortiz, David Banks and Neil Dobler amending the 2025-2034 CIP

and the 2025-2027 CIB to add Project No. 701070.00 for street improvement and construction of

a shared-use path on 45th Street from Gage to Cambridge, was presented. (Public Infrastructure

Committee recommended approval on March 18, 2025.)

 Steve Groen, Public Works Director, reported the project will require an amendment to

the CIP and CIB for street improvements and construction of a shared use path. He stated upon

approval, a shared use path would be constructed in 2026, utility relocation in 2027, and

construction in 2028, with a total project budget of $4 million funded by the Citywide Half-Cent

Sales Tax and General Obligation Bonds.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala referenced an email she received from Jonathan Smith

(Attachment A) asking for clarity on the price differential compared to the CIP project that was

completed on 29th Street from Adams Street to California Avenue.

 Director Groen reported that the 29th Street Project was a mill and overlay project with

some curb and pavement replacement compared to the 45th Street Project from Gage Boulevard

to Cambridge Avenue which will require full reconstruction of the section. He explained the

price increase was in preparation for inflation and other unknown costs such as tariffs in

upcoming years.

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 Councilmember Kell spoke in opposition to the project. He stated he believes there are

many other areas in the city that could use a shared use path.

 Councilmember Hiller expressed concern with adding the project to the CIP due to the

financial state of the City.

 Director Groen reported the project was being proposed as a result of a request to extend

the trail.

 Councilmember Kell moved to defer the resolution until April 8, 2025. The motion was

seconded by Councilmember Hiller.

 Braxton Copley, Assistant City Manager, reported the City is required to provide safe

streets and sidewalks and a shared use path supports the Complete Streets Concept approved by

the Governing Body.

 Councilmember Dobler spoke in support of the project due to the public safety issues

associated with the area. He asked if there are plans to develop the property located east of 45th

Street, and if the project could be completed in phases starting with the sidewalk project.

 Assistant City Manager Copley confirmed there are plans to construct 20 housing units

on the east side of 45th Street.

 Councilmember Kell stated he believes the traffic flow does not guarantee the proposed

project.

 Councilmember Miller spoke about the need for the sidewalk improvement due to the

high volume of pedestrian traffic as well as much needed street improvements. He spoke in

support of completing the project in phases by starting with the sidewalk.

 The motion to defer the resolution until April 8, 2025, failed on roll call vote.

Councilmembers Valdivia-Alcala, Ortiz, Banks, Dobler, Duncan, Hoferer and Mayor Padilla

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voted “no.” (3-7-0)

 Councilmember Ortiz moved to approve the resolution. The motion seconded by

Councilmember Banks carried on roll call vote. Councilmember Kell voted “no.” (9-1-0)

 Following a 5-minute recess, the meeting was reconvened into open session.

 RESOLUTION NO. 9647 introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee comprised

of Councilmembers Sylvia Ortiz, David Banks and Neil Dobler recommending approval of

Project Nos. 701040.00, 281250.17, 291143.04, 502730.00, 502730.01 and 281250.17 for street

rehabilitation, utility improvements and bridge maintenance for SW Fairlawn Road from 23rd

Street to 28th Street, was presented. (Public Infrastructure Committee recommended approval on

March 18, 2025.)

 Councilmember Duncan left the meeting.

 Steve Groen, Public Works Director, reported the project was approved by the Governing

Body on February 11, 2025, however, the City’s Utility Department raised concerns based on the

scope of the watermain project hydraulic design as it relates to clearance of the existing

watermain as well as frost concerns based on the proximity of the watermain. He stated the

project would complete the waterline system from 23rd Street to 23rd Terrace where no waterline

currently exists.

 Councilmember Miller moved to approve the resolution. The motion seconded by

Councilmember Banks carried unanimously on roll call vote. (9-0-0)

 APPROVAL of CONTRACT NO. 52793 an Agreement between the City of Topeka and

Prevention and Resiliency Services Inc., (PARS) for the operation of the Safe Streets Program,

was presented.

 Josh McAnarney, Budget and Finance Director, reported there was a need to revise the

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contract because PARS who operates the Safe Streets Program, will no longer provide services

for the National Night Out initiative. He stated the City of Topeka will coordinate the event;

therefore, the contract amount has been reduced from $61,000 to $45,750.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala moved to approve the contract. The motion seconded by

Councilmember Banks carried unanimously on roll call vote. (9-0-0)

 Councilmember Dobler left the meeting.

 APPROVAL of CONTRACT NO. 52794 a professional services contract between the

City and Watkins Calara Law Firm to represent the City in a civil lawsuit matter, was presented.

 Nick Jefferson, Chief of Litigation, reported Staff was requesting approval of

continuation of the contract representing City employees for a Federal lawsuit. To further

explain, the City of Topeka has a statutory obligation to represent employees in civil action that

relates to the scope of their employment as well as a contractual obligation under the applicable

Union agreement. He reported he could not provide details about the case because it is in active

litigation; however, the City’s Litigation Division would be representing the City in the lawsuit

and the Watkins Calara Law Firm would be defending City employees.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala asked if the contract involves the case related to the

death of Taylor Lowery.

 Chief of Litigation Jefferson confirmed it involves Mr. Lowery’s case.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala spoke in opposition to the contract. She stated she

believes the City has a number of cases they are losing; however, the City has serious issues that

need to be reviewed because the City continues to pay for these cases. She requested information

for the past 10 years concerning how much the City has paid for these cases, how much has been

paid out by the City for third-party contract lawyers, and if this was a normal business practice

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used by other cities. She stated there must be more transparency in the process of releasing the

bodycam and updating the community on the use of de-escalation and use of force especially in

cases when there has been a brutal killing of a black male. She stated that sometimes the City

will have to negotiate instead of continuing to pay defense fees.

 Councilmember Duncan joined the meeting remotely.

 Councilmember Banks asked if the city defends employees even if they are aware

wrongful actions have taken place.

 Chief of Litigation Jefferson confirmed the City has an ethical, contractual and statutory

obligation to reach the best possible outcome for the City and its employees; however, it depends

on the case. He noted there are many steps that are taken in these types of cases including

negotiations.

 Councilmember Ortiz commented on the contractual obligation by the City to defend its

employees and the fact that if they do not, then employees could sue the City.

 Mayor Padilla commented on the City’s duty to represent all City employees in active-

duty status not just Union employees.

 Councilmember Hiller stated she understands the concerns raised; however, it would not

preclude the City from internally addressing policy or issues that have surfaced due to certain

situations.

 Chief of Litigation Jefferson confirmed the City has the right to employment action in

these situations.

 Councilmember Kell moved to approve the contract. The motion seconded by

Councilmember Ortiz carried on roll call vote. Councilmembers Valdivia-Alcala and Banks

voted “no.” (7-2-0)

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 DISCUSSION concerning the Kansas Homeland Security Region Hazard Mitigation

Plan, was presented.

 Jason Tryon, Deputy Public Works Director, reported the code of Federal Regulations

requires local governments to have a mitigation plan in place in order to receive funding through

the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management

Agency (FEMA). He stated the Shawnee County Emergency Management was the party

responsible for making sure municipalities in the Region have adopted the plan. He confirmed by

adopting the plan it would make the City eligible to apply for grants; however, it would place no

funding obligations or liability on the City.

 Councilmember Duncan spoke in support of adopting the plan. He stated Topeka serves

as the emergency hub for FEMA for Region VII. He encouraged Governing Body members to

contact State and Congressional officials and stress the importance of receiving financial

assistance to help with the cost of making sure emergency initiatives are in place.

 Councilmember Hiller asked if there were any changes made to the plan and if there was

a summary document to review.

 Deputy Director Tryon confirmed no changes were made to the plan from when it was

previously adopted, and he would reach Shawnee County to ask for a summary document and

forward it to the Governing Body if available.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala stated she concurs with Councilmember Duncan and

believes the City should receive State and Federal funding assistance due to the expectations of

the City assisting with crisis management and natural disaster situations. She suggested including

the initiative in the next legislative agenda.

 DISCUSSION of the proposed 2025-2035 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and 2026-

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2028 Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) was presented.

 Josh McAnarney, Budget and Finance Director, provided an overview of the CIP and its

Policy, Funding Sources as well as the constraints and challenges in developing the CIP. He

announced presentations would be provided through May 2025 and provided a short synopsis on

how to better understand the format of project pages in the CIP.

 Councilmember Hiller referenced the $27 million General Obligation (GO) bond cap for

every 3-year CIP. She stated the Citywide Half-Cent Sales Tax was intended to repair streets to

standard and the proposal in the CIP has $3 million for annual maintenance which was not the

intent of the passage of the Sales Tax. She requested a version of the CIP be presented to the

Governing Body that reserves the Citywide Half-Cent Sales Tax funds for the street projects as it

was intended while remaining at or under the $27 million GO Bond cap for the 3-year plan.

 Director McAnarney confirmed staff would provide the requested information to the

Governing Body.

 PUBLIC COMMENT was provided by the following individuals:

 Henry McClure distributed a handout (Attachment B). He referenced the Countywide

Half-Cent Sales Tax and its purpose to be used for street improvements and economic

development; however, he believes funds should only be used for street improvements, not

economic development due to what he believes was poor management of Sales Tax funding by

GO Topeka. He expressed concern with the answer he received from the Shawnee County

Counselor regarding a recent KORA request. He also expressed concern with GO Topeka Board

members making decisions about the AT&T building as well as who owns the building. He

asked the City not to sign the lease on the building.

 ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER, MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF

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THE COUNCIL:

 Megan Brunson, Assistant City Clerk, provided an overview of the April 8, 2025,

Governing Body meeting agenda.

 Councilmember Ortiz announced on Aril 6, 2025, the Topeka Way to Work Orientation

will be held for students 14-16 years old. She urged adults to talk with our youth and provide

encouragement during these difficult times.

 Councilmember Kell spoke to the positive influence the late Bob Davis had on his

childhood. He commended Councilmember Miller for pushing him to install the Macvicar

Crosswalk and encouraged citizens to contact him if there is a need for other crosswalks in the

city. He urged citizens to think about ways they can give back to the community.

 Councilmember Duncan spoke to the positive influence the late Bob Davis had on his

childhood. He stated he will be traveling with his job over the next couple weeks across the state

and looking at the ways other cities solve similar problems as Topeka.

 Councilmember Hoferer announced the Zoo will build a new enclosure for the Samarian

Tigers along with a new addition for Vultures.

 Councilmember Hiller spoke to the success of the Central Park Neighborhood Cleanup

and thanked Omni Circle and the 150 volunteers for their assistance. She stated she appreciates

the work Staff is doing to help sell Hotel Topeka and noted, the Kansas Youth Wrestling

Association State Tournament has been secured for the next 5 years.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala thank PARS for assisting with the Central Park

Neighborhood Cleanup and commended the group for finding creative solutions to address

community needs. She announced on April 5, 2025, the Oakland Community Garden opened and

thanked volunteers for their work.

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 Mayor Padilla thanked the Governing Body for having constructive discussions as it

relates to making tough decisions and moving forward with important initiatives.

 NO FURTHER BUSINESS appearing the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.



 (SEAL)
 Brenda Younger City Clerk




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Attachment A
Attachment B