Governing Body — Topeka, KS
Date: 2024-07-30

Governing Body Minutes – July 30, 2024

 CYRUS K. HOLLIDAY BUILDING, Topeka, Kansas, Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The

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

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

 Duncan, and Hoferer -7. Mayor Padilla presided -1. Absent: Councilmembers Miller and Dobler

 -2.

 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 July 30, 2024, 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 012B, Topeka, Kansas, 66603 or via email at

 cclerk@topeka.org on or before July 30, 2024, for attachment to the meeting minutes.

 AFTER THE MEETING was called to order, Councilmember Ortiz provided the

 invocation.

 THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by meeting participants.

 ADVISORY COUNCIL APPOINTMENT of Anthony Fadale to the City of Topeka

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Advisory Council for a term ending July 31, 2026, was

presented. (Council District No. 7)

 BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Kris Carlson to the Board of

Plumbing Examiners for a term ending July 31, 2026, was presented. (Business is in Council

District No. 3)

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

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Councilmember Kell carried unanimously on roll call vote. The Mayor did not vote. (7-0-0)

 CONSENT AGENDA was presented as follows:

 RESOLUTION NO. 9560 introduced by Councilmember Karen Hiller, granting Arab

Shriners an exception to the provisions of City of Topeka Code Section 9.45.150, et seq.,

concerning noise prohibitions, was presented. (Council District No. 8)

 RESOLUTION NO. 9561 introduced by Councilmember Karen Hiller granting Topeka

Foundry & Iron Works an exception to the provisions of City of Topeka Code Section 9.45.150, et

seq., concerning noise prohibitions, was presented. (Council District No. 1)

 RESOLUTION NO. 9562 introduced by Councilmember Karen Hiller, approving a special

event known as the Topeka Foundry & Iron Works Family Day, was presented. (Council District

No. 1)

 ORDINANCE NO. 20499 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, allowing and

approving City expenditures for the period April 27, 2024 to May 31, 2024 and enumerating said

expenditures therein, was presented.

 APPROVAL of CONTRACT NO. 52267 an amendment to City of Topeka Contract No.

52221 a Public Works Engineering Contract between the City of Topeka and KBS Constructors,

Inc., in an amount not to exceed $398,736 for pre-construction design-build services for the design

and reconstruction of a new fleet services maintenance facility, was presented.

 APPROVAL of CONTRACT NO. 52268 a Consultant Contract for Information

Technology between the City of Topeka and BlueAlly Technology Solutions, in an amount not to

exceed $681,378.02 for replacing the information technology Juniper switches for maintaining the

system's network, was presented.

 MINUTES of the regular meeting of July 9, 2024, was presented.

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

Councilmember Banks carried unanimously on roll call vote. (8-0-0)

 APPROVAL of CONTRACT NO. 52269 a three-year Labor Agreement between the City

of Topeka and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 3, was presented

 Matt Blassingame, FOP Lodge No. 3 Chief Steward, spoke in support of the proposed

contract and the impact it will have on the Department now and in the future.

 Ben Heusted, FOP Lodge No. 3 President, spoke in support of the proposed contract and

thanked all those involved with the negotiation process.

 Councilmembers Miller and Dobler joined the meeting remotely.

 Jamey Haltom, Interim Police Chief, thanked the Union members and Staff for a fair

negotiation process reaching a tentative agreement for a 3-year contract ratified by the FOP on July

12, 2024. He spoke to how the contract will impact position vacancies and employee morale by

remaining competitive with surrounding law enforcement agencies. He provided a brief overview

of contract language changes to include a 17% salary increase for year one and 5% salary increase

for year two and year three.

 Councilmember Banks stated in light of recent incidents he will struggle to vote in favor of

approving a 17% salary increase for the first year and questions how it truly compares to other

comparable law enforcement agencies.

 Councilmember Miller expressed the importance of citizens understanding the importance

of offering fair wages to help ensure position vacancies are filled and police offers are not

overworked. He spoke to the need of having the right resources in place to support positive

interactions between citizens and police officers.



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 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala expressed concern with the City of Topeka Police

Department (Attachment A) and spoke to the importance of making the Police Department the

best it can be. She stated she would support the contract as proposed and will continue to work

towards addressing the issues she has raised.

 Councilmember Kell spoke to the importance of successful recruitment and the filling of

vacancies. He stated he concurs with portions of the statements made by Councilmember Valdivia-

Alcala; however, vacancies must be filled before they can truly advocate for efficiencies and

training in the Police Department.

 Councilmember Duncan encouraged citizens to fully understand the cost of the core

function of public safety to tax payers and the importance of what has to be done to remain

competitive with comparable cities. He reported Staff has made positive steps towards improved

evaluation processes and discipline of Topeka police officers.

 Councilmember Ortiz stated she would support the contract; however, she encouraged

Police Department employees to respect each other as well as citizens and work to change the

culture of the Police Department to ensure a safe and equitable working environment.

 Councilmember Miller stated he concurs with Councilmember Ortiz.

 Mayor Padilla spoke to his 45 years of experience in law enforcement and the importance

of respect from citizens and police officers alike.

 Councilmember Duncan moved to approve the agreement. The motion seconded by

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

 ORDINANCE NO. 20500 introduced by City Manager Robert M. Perez, concerning

accessory dwelling units, amending Sections 18.55.010, 18.55.040, 18.60.010 and 18.225.010 of

the Topeka Municipal Code and repealing original sections, was presented.

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 Dan Warner, Planning Division Director, reported the proposed text amendment would

permit, with standards, accessory dwelling units in single-family districts, with a broad purpose of

the amendment to increase the supply of missing middle housing and to increase affordability of

housing units. He provided an overview of the Stakeholder Process and stated the Planning

Commission reviewed and discussed the accessory dwelling unit proposal at their meetings on

April 15, 2024 and May 20, 2024; and the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the

proposal and unanimously approved the text amendment on June 17, 2024.

 Councilmember Hiller moved to adopt the ordinance. The motion was seconded by

Councilmember Duncan.

 Councilmember Hiller stated should would like to propose an amendment to lines 1094 and

1095 of the ordinance to strike the words “of the zoning district shall apply” and replace the words

with “in 18.60.020 and 18.230 of the Zoning Code” The sentence would read as follows:

 (9) ADUs shall comply with applicable building codes, and dimensional standards of the
 zoning district shall apply in 18.60.020 and 18.230 of the Zoning Code unless stated
 otherwise in these standards.

 Division Director Warner spoke in support of the amendment.

 Councilmember Hiller moved to amend the ordinance as previously stated. The motion

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

 Councilmember Hiller moved to adopt the ordinance as amended. The motion seconded by

Councilmember Duncan carried unanimously. The Mayor does not vote. The proposed ordinance

involves a matter of home rule on which the Mayor has veto authority.

 The ordinance was adopted on roll call vote as follows: Ayes: Councilmembers Hiller,

Valdivia-Alcala, Ortiz, Banks, Kell, Miller, Dobler, Duncan and Hoferer -9.

 ORDINANCE NO. 20501 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, amending

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the "District Map" referred to and made a part of the Zoning Ordinances by Section 18.50.050 of

the Topeka Municipal Code on property located at 1220 SW Executive Drive rezoning from "O

and I-2" Office and Institutional District to "PUD" Planned Unit Development District with "O and

I-2" Office and Institutional Uses with limited "C-2" Commercial uses including body art

service/tattooing, body-piercing and coffee shop (cafe), was presented. (PUD 24/08) (Council

District No. 9)

 Dan Warner, Planning Division Director, reported a master plan was not associated with

the request; however, a body art service/tattooing, body-piercing and coffee shop are allowed uses

in the "C-2" Commercial Zoning District, and to ensure compatibility with the surrounding zoning

and land use, the PUD zoning restricts allowed uses described in the ordinance recommended for

adoption. He stated additional restrictions limit the size and nature of the cafe, prohibit alcohol

sales, prohibit drive-through operation and limit allowed signage. He noted the recommended PUD

zoning was consistent with the land Use and Growth Management Plan 2040 and the plan's Future

Land Use Map designation of the area as "Mixed-Use.” He reported the applicant conducted a

Neighborhood Information Meeting on May 29, 2024, and a representative from owner of adjacent

property (Bartlett & West) and Councilmember Hoferer (District 9) attended the meeting and all

concerns are addressed in the attached staff report.

 Mayor Padilla announced prior to proceeding with the vote, each member of the Governing

Body who has engaged in ex parte communication with any individual either in favor of, or

against, the matter being considered, must state that the communication occurred and indicate that

even in light of having engaged in the communication they were able to fairly, objectively, and

impartially consider the measure based only upon the evidence provided on the record. The record

includes the Planning Commission minutes, the Staff report and its attachments, the public

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comments made during the Planning Commission hearing and similar relevant information related

to the matter.

 Ex parte communication was declared by Councilmember Dobler.

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

Councilmember Kell carried unanimously.

 The ordinance was adopted on roll call vote as follows: Ayes: Councilmembers Hiller,

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

 ORDINANCE NO. 20502 introduced by Deputy Mayor Christina Valdivia-Alcala

concerning trees in mobile home parks, creating a new sub article (14.65.410) in Chapter 14.65 of

the Topeka Municipal Code, was presented.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala reported the ordinance was discussed at the July 9, 2024,

Governing Body meeting and approval would require an owner of a mobile home park to remove

any dangerous tree or to prune it so it is no longer a danger to persons or property in the vicinity of

the tree. She noted she believes this change in code will work well with the City of Topeka

Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance initiative.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala moved to adopt the ordinance. The motion seconded by

Councilmember Banks carried unanimously. The Mayor does not vote. The proposed ordinance

involves a matter of home rule on which the Mayor has veto authority.

 The ordinance was adopted on roll call vote as follows: Ayes: Councilmembers Hiller,

Valdivia-Alcala, Ortiz, Banks, Kell, Miller, Dobler, Duncan and Hoferer -9.

 ORDINANCE NO. 20503 granting to Kansas Gas Service, a Division of ONE Gas, Inc.,

and its successors and assigns, a natural gas franchise, prescribing the terms thereof and relating

thereto, providing definitions of terms, prescribing a franchise fee, providing terms and conditions

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for the use of public rights-of-way, requiring advance notice of work and duty to repair, providing

for indemnification and a hold harmless agreement, providing for rules and regulations,

prescribing insurance requirements, reserving certain rights, providing for revocation and

termination, providing for an acceptance of the terms of the franchise, providing for a reopener,

providing for notice of annexations, prescribing relevant governing law, providing for transfer and

assignment of the franchise, providing for points of contact and notifications, providing for an

agreement to renegotiate, and repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with or in

conflict with the terms hereof, was presented.

 Amanda Stanley, City Attorney, stated approval would set the franchise fee and provides

the terms and conditions for the use of public rights-of-way.

 Councilmember Duncan moved to adopt the ordinance. The motion seconded by Mayor

Padilla carried unanimously.

 The ordinance was adopted on roll call vote as follows: Ayes: Councilmembers Hiller,

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

 RESOLUTION NO. 9563 introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee comprised of

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

2025-2027 CIB to include Project Nos. 291058.00, 291110.00, 291061.00 and 291144.00 and to

modify Project Nos. 291131.00, 291132.00 and 291192.00, was presented. (The Public

Infrastructure Committee recommended approval on July 16, 2024.)

 Nicole Malott, Utilities Deputy Director, reported the Public Infrastructure Committee

approved the improvements to the Grant Jefferson and Shunga Pump Stations and force mains on

July 16, 2024.



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

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

 RESOLUTION NO. 9464 introduced by Public Infrastructure Committee comprised of

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

Nos. 291105.01 and 291144.00 for the Grant Jefferson Force Main rehabilitation and/or

replacement as further described in Exhibit A, was presented. (Public Infrastructure Committee

recommended approval on July 16, 2024.)

 Nicole Malott, Utilities Deputy Director, reported Public Infrastructure Committee

recommended approval of the improvements to the Grant Jefferson Force Main rehabilitation

and/or replacement on July 16, 2024.

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

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

 RESOLUTION NO. 9565 introduced by Public Infrastructure Committee comprised of

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

No. 291061.00 for the Grant Jefferson Pump Station rehabilitation and/or replacement as further

described in Exhibit A, was presented. (Public Infrastructure Committee recommended approval

on July 16, 2024.)

 Nicole Malott, Utilities Deputy Director, reported the Public Infrastructure Committee

recommended approval of the improvements to the Grant Jefferson Pump Station rehabilitation

and/or replacement on July 16, 2024.

 Councilmember Hiller requested moving forward, the original project scope including the

proposed changes be included with each Public Infrastructure Committee agenda item.



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

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

 RESOLUTION 9566 introduced by Public Infrastructure Committee comprised of

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

Nos. 291105.02 and 291110.00 for the Shunga Force Main rehabilitation and replacement as

further described in Exhibit A, was presented. (Public Infrastructure Committee recommended

approval on July 16, 2024.)

 Nicole Malott, Utilities Deputy Director, reported the Public Infrastructure Committee

recommended approval of the improvements to the Shunga Force Main rehabilitation and

replacement on July 16, 2024.

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

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

 RESOLUTION NO. 9567 introduced by Public Infrastructure Committee comprised of

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

No. 291058.00 for the Shunga Pump Station rehabilitation and/or replacement, was presented.

(Public Infrastructure Committee recommended approval on July 16, 2024.)

 Nicole Malott, Utilities Deputy Director, reported the Public Infrastructure Committee

recommended approval of project no. 291058.00 for the Shunga Pump Station rehabilitation and/or

replacement.

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

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




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 APPROVAL of the 2025 Social Services Grant (SSG) Committee allocation

recommendations in the amount of $493,810, was presented. (The SSG Committee recommended

approval by a vote of 3-0-0 on July 9, 2024.)

 Brett Martin, United Way, explained the process and stated the SSG Committee met on

June 24, 2024 to review the scoring recommendations presented by United Way's Grant Review

Committee of all social service grant applications for 2025. He reported a total allocation of

$426,810 in General Funds and $67,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds was

recommended.

 Councilmember Hiller referenced the grant review process that has been in place for

several years and questioned why the Committee took action to amend the scoring and funding

award amounts for Shawnee County Medical Society's HealthAccess and Community Action. She

expressed concern with setting future precedence.

 Brett Martin reported the Social Service Grants Committee met July 9, 2024 to hear

appeals from agencies regarding their application scores including the Shawnee County Medical

Society's HealthAccess, Community Action and East Topeka Senior Center.

 Councilmember Kell spoke in support of the organizations and the positive impact they

make on the community.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala expressed concern with low scoring applicants receiving

funding as it will have a huge impact on a process that has taken many years to implement.

 Councilmember Ortiz, SSG Committee Chair, stated the additional funding could be

removed from the recommendation if that was what was preferred by the Governing Body.

 Mayor Padilla state he would support the recommendation; however, he remains concerned

with setting precedence for the process moving forward.

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 Councilmember Kell moved to approve the 2025 Social Services Grant Committee

allocation recommendations in the amount of $493,810. The motion seconded by Councilmember

Banks carried. Councilmember Duncan voted “no.” Councilmember Miller abstained. (8-1-1)

 RESOLUTION NO 9568 introduced by Councilmembers Kell, Miller, and Hoferer sitting

as the Transient Guest Tax Committee, to reallocate remaining transient guest tax funding from the

Evel Knievel Museum to the Downtown Topeka Foundation Ice Rink, and DEVELOPMENT

AGREEMENT CONTRACT NO. 52270 between the City of Topeka and Downtown Topeka

Foundation specifying the rights and responsibilities relating to the ice rink project, were

presented.

 Ty Dragoo spoke in support of constructing a full size ice rink promoting economic

development and supporting the needs of the community. He thanked the Governing Body for

advocating for any type of ice rink.

 Devan Headworth spoke in support of a full size ice rink and encouraged the Governing

Body to approve the ice rink proposal from Downtown Topeka Foundation.

 Kurt Young, Downtown Topeka Foundation, provided the history of how the ice-rink

proposal has evolved dating back to 2021. He stated they have learned a great deal about the

operation of an ice-rink and level of support and enthusiasm shared by the community for a

permanent ice-rink.

 Don Heiland, DTF Board Treasurer, provided an overview of the Evergy Plaza Public Ice

Skating Rink Proposal with an initial installation total acquisition cost of $585,973 in 2024, and a

final installation cost $173,016 in 2025.

 Councilmember Kell spoke in support of the proposal and encouraged DTF to generate as

much revenue as possible through sponsorships.

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 Councilmember Hoferer stated the Transient Guest Tax Committee has been discussing

what action to take with the undistributed transient guest tax dollars due to the departure of the

Evel Knievel Museum. She reported the Committee recommends dedicating current and future

undistributed TGT funds that would have allocated to the Evel Knievel Museum to be allocated to

the Downtown Topeka Foundation for building an ice-skating rink directly north of Evergy Plaza,

contingent upon an agreed-upon development agreement between the City and the Downtown

Topeka Foundation.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala spoke in opposition of the proposal because it was part of

an area that consumes 70% of the TGT funding allocation. She expressed concern with the lack of

TGT funds being allocated to the NOTO Arts District.

 Councilmember Ortiz inquired on the process of advertising the TGT funding allocations

that have become available.

 Councilmember Duncan stated the Committee made the decision in 2023 to not utilize a

competitive bidding process but instead, seek input from the community and project managers that

had already received TGT funding.

 Councilmember Miller spoke in support of the proposal.

 Councilmember Hiller provided the history of the TGT grant funding process. She stated

NOTO would have an opportunity to receive funding for a large project in 2027 when the Evel

Knievel Museum funding sunsets.

 Councilmember Duncan stated he looks forward to reopening the development agreements

that were initially negotiated several years ago. He asked the Foundation to consider increasing the

amount of public restroom facilities as the level of downtown activities increase.



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 Thomas Underwood, NOTO Arts District Executive District, stated he only recently found

out about the TGT funds that were made available and spoke to the impact NOTO has on the

Topeka community. He questioned how NOTO can receive these funds in the future.

 Pedro Concepcion spoke to the impact the NOTO Arts Districts has on the cultural aspect

of the Topeka community. He stated the TGT funds would help the district tremendously and spoke

to the importance of a fair and equitable process in receiving the money.

 Mayor Padilla referenced the late hour and the two discussions still remaining on the

agenda and requested Public Comment be considered next on the agenda.

 Councilmember Duncan moved to consider public comment as the next item on the

agenda. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hiller.

 Mayor Padilla asked all those in favor of considering Public Comment as the next item on

the agenda to indicate so by verbally by saying “yea” and those opposing to indicate so verbally by

saying “no.” The motion carried unanimously on voice vote. (10-0-0)

 PUBLIC COMMENT was provided by the following individuals and written public

comment was received by Dave Cobler (Attachment B):

 Tyler Jaggers recommended the City of Topeka prohibit homeless encampments within

2,000 feet adjacent to all critical infrastructure as deemed so by the Governing Body.

 Brian Cole, Director of Shawnee County Corrections Facility, invited Governing Body

members to attend the ground breaking ceremony in mid-August 2024 of the Shawnee County

Correction Behavioral Health Unit. He provided an overview of the facility programs and required

training certifications of employees - all actions supporting the enhancement of public safety.




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 Heather Souther, downtown business owner, expressed concern with the safety of her

customers and employees as it relates to the unsheltered population. She asked the Governing

Body for assistance in resolving the issue.

 Henry McClure references recent constructive evictions forced by eliminating water

service to buildings. He encouraged the City to help small businesses and expressed concern with

the lack of ability to generate economic development due to the difficult processes in place for

securing funding assistance in Topeka and Shawnee County.

 Councilmember Dobler left the meeting.

 Following a 15-minute recess, the meeting reconvened into open session.

 Councilmember Hiller moved to extend the meeting past 10:00 p.m. The motion seconded

by Mayor Padilla carried. Councilmember Ortiz voted “no.” (8-1-0)

 DISCUSSION related to the 2025 Operating Budget, was presented.

 Dr. Robert M. Perez, City Manager, provided opening comments and thanked citizens for

participating in the public input sessions where their budget priorities were highlighted and

discussed. He also thanked City staff members for their input and noted he has met with each

department director who will provide budget presentations in upcoming weeks. Lastly, he thanked

Mayor Padilla and City Councilmembers for their time and guidance in building the 2025

Operating Budget.

 Josh McAnarney, City Budget Manager, provided an overview of the following budget

topics:

  Tentative budget presentation schedule with a special meeting being called on August
 27, 2024 and public listening sessions;
  2025 Revenue Scenarios for the Operating Budget
  Taxing Entities in Topeka
  The City’s Portion of Property Tax
  Projected 2025 General Fund Expenses
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  Scenarios for the General Fund Deficit
  General Fund Reserve Balance Projections
  General Fund Operating Expense Categories
  General Fund Expense Increases from FY24 to FY25 Expense Budget
  Forecasting General Fund Projections for FY 2025 – FY 2027
  Quantifying Reductions
  Future Budget Policy Considerations for FY 2026 and Beyond
  Implementing Proposed Sales Tax Initiatives
  Mill Levy Scenarios FY 2025 Budget

 City Manager Perez spoke to the seriousness of the process and the decisions that had to be

made to present the 2025 Operating Budget.

 Councilmember Duncan asked how Governing Body members should communicate

suggested budget amendments.

 City Manager Perez requested all budget amendments be routed through the Budget Office

to be vetted and then considered by the Governing Body as a whole.

 Councilmember Hoferer spoke in support of reasonable increases to general fees.

 Councilmember Duncan requested a complete review of all fees to ensure the purpose and

necessity of each fee being charged by the City. He noted there may be fees that need to be

eliminated.

 Councilmember Hiller expressed concern with the forecasted $17 million deficit. She

suggested they seriously consider big ticket items that will make a difference in regards to budget

cuts. She stated the City of Topeka budget was not sustainable and suggested the City of Topeka

implement outcome based budgeting practices.

 Ben Hart, Interim Chief Financial Officer, reported the finalized comprehensive fee list

should be reviewed annually.

 Councilmember Ortiz spoke to the importance of grants and the potential to offset the

operating budget.
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 DISCUSSION related to a resolution introduced by Councilmember Spencer Duncan

urging all taxing entities, including the State of Kansas and City of Topeka, to keep mill levies at

the lowest possible rates, was presented.

 Councilmember Duncan reported the resolution was non-binding and would not force the

Governing Bod to take action on any specific plan. He stated he would like to the Governing Body

to consider the proposed the resolution to inform citizens that the impact of property tax rates are

taken seriously by the Governing and will be part of their 2025 budget discussions. He stated the

resolution also recognizes the complicated taxing system they must follow (8 different entities in

Shawnee County) and helps citizens understand the role they must play. He noted for far too long,

these 8 entities have not recognized that they are all one taxing unit and all should make the effort

to reduce taxes.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala spoke in support of the resolution.

 ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CITY MANAGER, MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE

COUNCIL;

 Brenda Younger, City Clerk, announced the August 6, 2024 Governing Body Meeting has

been cancelled pursuant to Resolution No. 9481 due to primary elections; and the City Manager is

calling a Special Budget Meeting of the Governing Body on August 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Cyrus

K. Holliday Building First Floor Conference Room, Topeka, Kansas.

 Dr. Robert M. Perez, City Manager, reminded citizens to participate in the City of Topeka

Police Chief recruitment survey and public input sessions. He stated detailed information can be

found online at https://www.topeka.org/news/city-of-topeka-announces-public-input-sessions-for-

police-chief-selection/#gsc.tab=0 and input will be considered as it relates to the crafting of the

Topeka Police Chief’s job description.
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 Councilmember Ortiz reminded citizens to participate in the August 6, 2024 Primary

Election.

 Councilmember Kell recognized Army Specialist Kyle G. Thomas, killed in the line of duty

on September 25, 2023.

 Councilmember Hoferer encouraged citizens to participate in National Night Out events the

week of August 5-9, 2024.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala thanked Liz Toyne for her service to the City, and

welcomed Tonya Bailey and Tara Jefferies as the new City Council Assistants. She announced the

City of Topeka Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance would be offering education

material regarding retaliatory evictions and more information could be found online at

https://www.topeka.org/citycouncil/changing-our-culture-of-property-maintenance/#gsc.tab=0.

 Mayor Padilla encouraged citizens to slow down and drive safe to avoid fatalities. He also

asked citizens to participate in the August 6, 2024 Primary Election.

 Mayor Padilla moved to recess into executive session for a period time not to exceed 45

minutes to discuss personnel matters involving one or more individual employees as justified by

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Cyrus K. Holliday Building. The

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

Perez and any other staff he deems necessary. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kell.

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

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

carried on voice vote. Councilmember Ortiz vote “no.” (8-1-0)

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

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

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 Councilmember Kell moved to recess into executive session for a period of time not to

exceed 20 minutes to discuss acquisition of real property for various purposes as justified by

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(6). The open meeting will resume in the Cyrus K. Holliday Building. The

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

Perez and any other staff he deems necessary. The motion was seconded by Mayor Padilla.

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

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

carried on voice vote. Councilmember Ortiz vote “no.” (8-1-0)

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

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

 Mayor Padilla moved to recess into executive session for a period of time not to exceed 10

minutes to discuss matters deemed privileged under attorney-client privilege as justified by K.S.A.

75-4319(b)(2). The open meeting will resume in the Cyrus K. Holliday Building. The following

staff will be necessary to assist the Governing Body in its deliberations, City Attorney Stanley and

any other staff the Governing Body deems necessary. The motion was seconded by

Councilmember Kell.

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

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

carried on voice vote. Councilmember Ortiz vote “no.” (8-1-0)

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

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




 07-30-24
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NO FURTHER BUSINESS appearing the meeting adjourned at 11:25 p.m.



 (SEAL)
 Brenda Younger City Clerk




 07-30-24
 179
 ATTACHMENT A
These comments are in reference to the fraternal order of police contract along with the Topeka
Police Department overall. For a city of 125,000 residents the best practices for the number of
police officers per 1000 people very slightly depending on the specific needs and crime rates of
the city. Generally the average range is between 1.8 to 2.5 officers per 1000 inhabitants. For
Topeka KS the recommended range aligns closely with the average of 2.0 officers per 1000
residents being a typical benchmark. These stats are from the FBI uniform crime reporting. This
means that Topeka should ideally have about 250 police officers for a population of 125,000 to
ensure adequate law enforcement presence and community safety. And we are already over that
250 police officers. I'm stating once again we need to seriously reimagine, re envision along with
needed efficiencies our Topeka Police Department. Rather than put the burden of mental health
calls on their shoulders and the close to $500,000 per year into the behavioral health unit and CT
unit we need to consider hiring and contracting out with the third party the needed mental health
professionals these mental health professionals would be white mental health professionals,
black mental health professionals and brown mental health professionals. This will then place
less stress on Topeka police officers in the realm they are not adequately trained nor should they
have to pick up the pieces in this broken mental health system that we are trying to come to
terms with and find answers to. We also need groups outside of the Topeka Police Department
that have serious track records of helping reduce crime. I'm excited about seeing what the
possibilities are curious to see what the possibilities are with the upcoming visit of cities united
with their proven methodology in helping align neighborhoods with what the neighborhoods
believe that they need along with the proven track record in reducing crimes in these
neighborhoods as well.

I also believe that we need a serious review of efficiencies that being time studies needed looking
at the various positions of those officers that are not on the street. We need better deployment.
We have a little over 40 sergeants on staff that Topeka PD is currently pain over $2,000,000 for.
We have 4 captains currently on the police force and their annual pay tops over $496,000. I have
received all of this information from the finance department. We have 4 majors and their pay
tops out at over half a million dollars. And we have 14 lieutenants and their combined annual pay
is over 1.5 million. I have repeatedly heard over the past several years that Topeka Police
Department is top heavy period and I'm being very vocal on this because I think our new chief of
police needs to take a look at this seriously. The budget woes that we are in always fall on the
back of our taxpayers and we need to keep in mind that this is a shared burden for all of us we
must start looking at efficiencies more than how much can be made through advancement. We
must look stridently at performance measures, moving past the mindset that there is no need for a
meet expectations on annual evaluations by our police officers when if anywhere across our
departments in the city, meets expectations should be a priority for our police officers before
they are given any step increase. Because of the level of responsibility that comes with their job.
And I want to be very clear as well that I see many fine officers out on the streets of Topeka
Police Department and I will say it once again how much my district appreciates and depends on
the community police officers. We need more community police officers deeply involved in our
neighborhoods working hand in hand with neighborhood groups. And there has been continued
comments that there are moves to defund the police and I would say this vibe is not in existence
that I am aware of on this governing body and I would challenge that defund the police dialogue.
Because there has been a lot of support for law enforcement.



Attachment A. C. Valdivia-Alcala Statement
What I will continue to work on with community, with activists and advocates is for the needed
training of police and the injustices that have occurred at times with police towards community.
There is still work to be done for more transparency within the Police Department along with our
continued dialogue with the Department of Justice over concerns with the Topeka Police
Department. All of these efforts are about making Topeka the best it can be and those that work
for the city of Topeka the best that they can be. The shortages that we continue to hear of within
the Police Department are also realities within the realms of social work, firefighters, teachers,
manufacturing workers and the list could go on and on. I am also heartened to report that there
were small changes pushed forward in the contract negotiations that the FOP has approved. And
that is a good thing. With all of this said I will be supporting this FOP contract.

Christina Valdivia-Alcala, Deputy Mayor
District 2 Representative
(785) 233-7110
cvaldivia-alcala@topeka.org




Attachment A. C. Valdivia-Alcala Statement
ATTACHMENT B