Governing Body — Topeka, KS
Date: 2025-07-01

Governing Body Minutes – July 1, 2025

 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, Topeka, Kansas, Tuesday, July 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 July 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 July 1, 2025, for attachment to the meeting minutes.

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

 Councilmember Miller.

 THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by meeting participants.

 CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION was presented to Adrian Lehman, Topeka West

High School, for his athletic achievement of breaking a long-standing track and field record at

Topeka West High School.

 BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the reappointment of Travis Gooden to the

City of Topeka Board of Electrical Appeals for a term ending July 6, 2027, was

presented. (Council District No. 6)




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 Councilmember Dobler moved to approve the appointment. The motion seconded by

Councilmember Duncan carried unanimously. The Mayor does not vote. (9-0-0)

 AN UPDATE on the TMTA Metro On-Demand (MOD) Service was provided by Robert

Nugent, Topeka Metro Transit Authority General Manager.

 A PRESENTATION on the City of Topeka Mid-Year Financial Report was provided by

Josh McAnarney, Budget & Finance Division Director.

 CONSENT AGENDA was presented as follows:

 APPROVAL of CONTRACT NO. 52988 a professional engineering contract between the

City of Topeka and JEO Consulting Group, Inc., for providing professional engineering services

for the SW Prairie Road Drainage Improvement project, was presented. (Project No. 501131.00)

 ORDINANCE NO. 20569 introduced by City Manager, Robert M Perez, allowing and

approving City expenditures for the period April 26, 2025, to May 30, 2025, and enumerating

said expenditures therein, was presented.

 APPROVAL of the Minutes of the regular meeting of June 10, 2025, and June 17, 2025,

were presented.

 APPROVAL of Cereal Malt Beverage Off-Premise license application for Dillions #67,

2010 SE 29th Street, Topeka, was presented.

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

Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala carried unanimously. (10-0-0)

 ORDINANCE NO. 20570 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, adopting the

2024 Uniform Plumbing Code to replace the 2018 edition, amending and repealing sections of




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Chapter 14.35 of the Topeka Municipal Code, was presented. (Policy and Finance Committee

recommended approval on May 14, 2025.)

 Richard Faulkner, Development Services Division Director, provided an overview of the

requested changes and stated approval would replace the 2018 edition of the Uniform Plumbing

Code used to guide the installation and repair of plumbing systems within the City of Topeka.

 Councilmember Duncan thanked Staff for their continued work to update codes.

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

Councilmember Miller carried. The Mayor did 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.

 RESOLUTION NO. 9682 introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee comprised

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

Project Nos. 291149.05 and 291150.03 for the North Topeka Wastewater Treatment Plant

(NTWWTP) Boiler System Replacement, was presented. (Public Infrastructure Committee

recommended approval on June 17, 2025.)

 Sylvia Davis, Utilities Director, reported approval would authorize a total project budget

of $593,000 for the replacement of an outdated system and related accessories at the North

Topeka Wastewater Treatment Plant (NTWWTP.)

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

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




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 RESOLUTION NO. 9683 introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee comprised

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

of Project Nos. 281300.03, 281301.03 and 281331.03, for the Montara Northway Waterline

Project, was presented. (Public Infrastructure Committee recommended approval on June 17,

2025.)

 Sylvia Davis, Utilities Director, reported approval would provide a total project budget of

$5,731,840 for the Montara Northway Waterline Project; the project would replace

approximately 12,000 linear feet of pipe along Montara Northway from SW Crestwood Drive to

SW Windwood Lane and along SW Windsong Drive SW Rockpost Road, SW Greencastle

Drive, SW Briarmeade Lane, and SW Windwood Lane. She explained the water lines identified

in this area have a notable break history and high business risk exposure based on results from

the current FRACTA distribution system COF/ROF model.

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

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

 RESOLUTION NO. 9684 introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee comprised

of Councilmembers David Banks, Sylvia Ortiz and Neil Dobler, amending the 2023-2025

CIB/2023-2032 CIP to provide additional funding for Project No. 841091.02, the 2023 Pavement

Management Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program, was presented. (Public Infrastructure

Committee recommended approval on June 17, 2025.)

 Steve Groen, Public Works Director, reported approval would provide a total project

budget of $8,050,000 for the 2023 Pavement Management Program. He stated the program was a

continuation of the pavement management program developed using MicroPaver and involves


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the rehabilitation and reconstruction of street work. He noted the program was funded with

Citywide Half-Cent Sales Tax funds.

 Councilmember Hiller asked for an explanation for the failing streets and expressed

concern with the age of the Summerfield Neighborhood.

 Director Groen explained the neighborhood was established in 1988 and the pavement

failed due to increased traffic from several improvement projects in the area, including a large

storm sewer replacement project.

 Councilmember Banks, Public Infrastructure Committee Chair, stated the Committee

works to be proactive with infrastructure problems in all districts of the city.

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

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

 RESOLUTION NO. 9685 introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee comprised

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

Project No. 841091.02 for street improvements in the Summerfield Neighborhood. (Public

Infrastructure Committee recommended approval on June 17, 2025.)

 Steve Groen, Public Works Director, reported approval would provide a total project

budget of $1,949,000 for street improvements in the Summerfield Neighborhood. He stated the

program involves the rehabilitation and reconstruction of street work and was funded with

Citywide Half-Cent Sales Tax funds.

 Councilmember Dobler commended Staff for all their hard work and reminded citizens

and Governing Body members that the City did not have the financial resources that the

Citywide Half-Cent Sales Tax funding provides for pavement rehabilitation and maintenance.


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

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

 RESOLUTION NO. 9686 introduced by Public Infrastructure Committee comprised of

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

Nos. 601160.02 and 501107.04 for the Historic Holliday Park Neighborhood DREAMS 1

Project, was presented. (Public Infrastructure Committee recommended approval on June 17,

2025.)

 Steve Groen, Public Works Director, reported approval would authorize a total project

budget of $1,686,673 for the Historic Holliday Park Neighborhood DREAMS 1 Project. He

stated the project would include mill and overlay with full-depth patching, in addition to curb,

gutter and sidewalk replacement, storm sewer infrastructure repairs, and a stormwater

conveyance system rehabilitation program.

 Councilmember Dobler inquired if the project would be part of the Huntoon Project. He

questioned if the design for 8th Street included the Complete Streets Concept design and if the

City will have enough money to finish all Citywide Half-Cent Sales Tax funded projects.

 Director Groen stated the Historic Holliday Park project was independent from the

Huntoon Project, and the cost to include the Complete Streets Concept portion of the design was

estimated to be between $750,0000 and $1 million. He announced on August 13, 2025, a public

open house would be conducted at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library to discuss the

proposed design, and it was his understanding there will be enough City-wide Half-Cent Sales

Tax funds to finish the planned projects; however, he would confirm and report back to the

Governing Body.


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

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

 Mayor Padilla thanked the Public Infrastructure Committee for their hard work and

dedication.

 RESOLUTION NO. 9687 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, authorizing

the use of $34,216.74 from the Unassigned Reserve Fund for repair of the York chiller at Hotel

Topeka and rescinding Resolution No. 9549, was presented.

 Braxton Copley, Deputy City Manager, stated the York chiller system serves as a backup

unit to the primary air conditioning system; however, it was approximately 30 years old and in

need of minimal repair. He reported approval of the proposed resolution would rescind

Resolution No. 9549 which authorized $125,662 in civil site improvements from the Unassigned

Reserves and authorize $34, 216.74 of repairs to the York Chiller which will result in the return

of $91,445.26 to Unassigned Reserves.

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

Councilmember Dobler carried. Councilmembers Valdivia-Alcala, Ortiz and Banks voted “no.”

(7-3-0)

 AN ORDINANCE introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez amending the

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

Topeka Municipal Code in order to amend the Master Planned Unit Development Plan for

Fairlawn Acres Development (C-2 and M-3 uses) located at 605 SW Fairlawn to increase the

size of the allowable “C-2” commercial tract and rezone the parcel located at 601 SW Fairlawn




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from “C-4” Commercial District in order to add this parcel to the PUD Master Plan for Fairlawn

Acres Development, was presented. (PUD25/06) (Council District 9)

 Dan Warner, Planning Division Director, reported approval of the proposal will facilitate

development of an approximate 6,000 square foot convenience store, fuel islands for passenger

vehicles, semi-trucks and a semi-truck scale. He stated the Planning Commission recommended

approval by a vote of 7-0-0 at its May 19, 2025, meeting and Staff recommends approval. He

announced the City received a valid protest petition on the proposal increasing the required

voting threshold for consideration of the project.

 Mayor Padilla asked City Attorney Stanley to explain the voting requirements due to a

valid protest petition being filed.

 Amanda Stanley, City Attorney, stated when a valid protest petition has been filed all 10

members of the Governing Body must be present in person or electronically in order to vote, or

the vote cannot occur pursuant to the Topeka Municipal Code. She stated in making the decision,

the Governing Body was acting in a judicial capacity as a key distinction based on evidence

rather than legislators or policy makers. The appellate courts require that governing bodies make

zoning decisions based only upon the evidence presented to the body and what was included in

the agenda packet. Pursuant to City code public comment was not allowed at the Governing

Body level. The evidence consists of Planning Commission minutes, public hearing comments

from the Planning Commission and other documents that are part of the agenda item. The

Governing Body may ask staff questions. When weighing the decision, the Governing Body

must consider the “Golden Factors” also replicated in the Topeka Municipal Code. The Factors

to considered are as follows:


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 Golden Factors

 1. The character of the neighborhood.
 2. The zoning and use of nearby properties.
 3. The suitability of the property for the requested zoning change.
 4. The extent to which removal of the current zoning will detrimentally affect nearby
 property.
 5. The length of time, if any, the property has remained vacant as currently zoned.
 6. The relative gain to the public health, safety, and welfare from maintaining the
 present zoning, as compared to the hardship imposed on the landowner/rezoning
 applicant (e.g. decrease in property value).
 7. Recommendation of Planning staff.
 8. Conformance of the requested change to the City’s comprehensive plan.

 City Attorney Stanley continued to report that because a valid protest petition has been

filed, all Governing Body members must be present for the vote and remain present until a

decision is reached. She stated per recent caselaw, “Austin Properties, LLC v. City of Shawnee,

2025, 2025 WL 731911” if the City, fails to gain a supermajority approval of the zoning

amendment subject to protest petition, the City is required either to vote on denial or return the

application to the Planning Commission with an explanation of why the application was not

approved or denied. The voting options are as follows:

 • Eight (8) votes are required to approve the ordinance.
 • Seven (7) votes are required to amend the ordinance, but ultimately eight (8) votes are
 required to approve the ordinance as amended.
 • Seven (7) votes are required to Override the Planning Commission and Reject the
 Amendment.
 • Six (6) votes are required to remand the ordinance back to the Planning Commission.

 Mayor Padilla stated 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

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record includes the Staff Report, Commission Minutes, the Testimony provided at the May

Planning Commission Meeting and similar relevant information related to the matter.

 Ex parte communication was declared by Councilmembers Hoferer, Dobler, Valdivia-

Alcala, Banks, Miller, Duncan, Ortiz, Kell and Mayor Padilla.

 Councilmember Dobler inquired about the traffic impact study and questioned if the

project proceeds how common it was to have four traffic light signals within a half mile on an

arterial street. He referenced the character of the neighborhood and asked what type of business

was previously located on the site and if semi-truck parking was allowed; if there were other gas

station type businesses located in the area equipped to serve semi-trucks; and if there was a

school located in the area.

 Braxton Copley, Deputy City Manager, stated it was not common to have several signals

in a row on an arterial street, therefore, they would work to coordinate the lights to ensure

smooth traffic flow and increase safety. He noted the traffic signal at 7th Street would be installed

to help with the vehicle sight line for large trucks making a left turn. He reported the initial

traffic study and supplement report added additional information related to pavement markings

and lane configuration. He explained the primary recommendation was a "right turn in and right

turn out" traffic management strategy from Fairlawn Road onto the site, as well as traffic signals

and signage. He stated he agrees with the recommendations and review, and believes the study

was thorough.

 Director Warner reported the site was previously a hotel and semi-truck parking was

likely allowed; a gas station was located directly across the street and was not equipped to serve

semi-trucks; and Landon Middle School was located at 731 SW Fairlawn Road.


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 Councilmember Hoferer explained the property has been vacant since 2017 and spoke to

the issues that were associated with the vacant hotel demolished in 2024, resulting in a vacant

lot. She reported she has spoken with businesses along 7th Street and area residents and

referenced the low attendance of area residents at the May 19, 2025, Planning Commission

meeting. She provided a brief history on the family-owned business with 400 locations across the

nation. She stated the community-based company was proposing to include the Topeka location

as part of the I-70 connection generating approximately 25 new area jobs. She stated she believes

the company would be a good fit in the community; however, the location was not appropriate

based on the traffic impact on the roads and the school as well as property values need to be

considered. She noted she plans to work with the applicant to find the right location for the city.

 Councilmember Miller stated he was most concerned with the safety of the school

children (pedestrian traffic) and if the safety of those nearby school children has been considered

as a factor in the study of traffic. He referenced the need to base his decision on the “Golden

Factors” and questioned if No. 6 has been addressed adequately. He would like to have

assurances from the Planning Commission that the developer truly understands his concerns.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala stated there were a number of issues based on the

criteria of the “Golden Factors” that she has concerns with and will not support approval of the

proposal.

 Councilmember Kell expressed concern with the traffic safety issues associated with

semi-trucks entering and exiting from I-70 along with increased overall traffic flow. He stated he

would not support the proposal.




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 Councilmember Banks shared his struggles in making his decision and expressed concern

with the small business located adjacent to the proposed development.

 Director Warner stated the auto repair business located at the SW corner of 6th Street and

SW Fairlawn Road will be sold as part of the development.

 Councilmember Hiller stated she was overwhelmed with the amount of input received by

the public and material to review in the packet where she learned overnight semi-truck parking

would not be allowed. She asked if City Staff and the Planning Commission were familiar with

the content received by the Governing Body and if there were elements or concerns raised that

may not have been considered by the Planning Commission.

 Director Warner stated three residents attended the May 19, 2025, Planning Commission

meeting; therefore, he was unsure if the Planning Commission understood the feedback that has

been received by the Governing Body since that time.

 Councilmember Duncan asked what the process would be for the applicant if the

proposal was rejected.

 City Attorney Stanley stated the applicant would have the ability to appeal in district

court to override the decision to reject if it was not based on reasonable “Golden Factors” as

well as if the proposal was approved by the Governing Body the property owners would have the

right to appeal by filing a protest petition in district court.

 Councilmember Miller stated he would support to remand the ordinance back to the

Planning Commission, so they are fully aware of the impact not just from a Governing Body

standpoint but from the community at large.




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 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala stated based on her past experience she will not support

approving the proposal or remanding back to the Planning Commission.

 Councilmember Dobler asked the City Attorney to confirm if the ordinance was

remanded back to the Planning Commission if the Governing Body would have to include

instructions as to what they would like the Commission to reconsider.

 City Attorney Stanley confirmed the motion to remand must include specific instructions

on what they want the Planning Commission to review at their next meeting and following

recommendation, the proposal will come back before the Governing Body for review. A second

protest petition was not required (pursuant to “Austin Properties, LLC v. City of Shawnee, 2025,

2025 WL 731911”) and certain action would still require eight (8) votes from the Governing

Body.

 Councilmember Ortiz spoke in opposition to remanding the ordinance back to the

Planning Commission, and stated there has been an overwhelming response from area residents

opposing the development because they believe it does not fit the character of the neighborhood.

She referenced the traffic issues already associated with Landon Middle School that need to be

resolved and spoke in opposition to the proposal because she believes it does not fit the character

of the neighborhood.

 Councilmember Miller moved to remand the ordinance to the Planning Commission to

consider further public engagement and to work with the developer in addressing the highest

priority concern, the safety of the school children; and if the applicant would be willing to work

with the City to allow the development to be in existence with Landon Middle School. The




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motion was seconded by Councilmember Duncan with the following list of addendums based on

the “Golden Factors” to be considered by the Planning Commission:

 1. If 7th Street is widened, who will be responsible for the work along 7th Street.
 2. Further examination on the need for four (4) consecutive traffic signal lights on four
 (4) consecutive streets. A unique situation that could create traffic flow disruptions.
 3. In regard to the traffic study, provide a full account of increased traffic flow - as
 stated would happen from the applicant as a result of the development.
 4. He referenced the note in the traffic study stating that the bridge needs to be widened
 for safety. He asked when KDOT plans to widen the bridge.
 5. Impact of allowing “right turns on red” from 7th street.
 6. Clarify if there will be a traffic outlet allowed for 6th Street and if so, who will be
 responsible for it.
 7. Allow additional public input at the Planning Commission level.

 Councilmember Dobler questioned if the applicant could file a revised and/or new plan to

address some of the issues raised if the proposal was rejected.

 City Attorney Stanley confirmed the applicant would have the option to file a new or

revised plan.

 Councilmember Hiller requested Staff work with the Planning Commission to ensure all

information related to the various concerns received by the Governing Body have also been

received and considered by the Planning Commission. She requested to add an area of concern

to the list of addendums related to the volume of traffic entering and exiting I-70 and the

requirement to change lanes because of the US-75 Intersection. She stated this same area has

been flagged by KDOT as a high traffic safety issue due to the potential flow of traffic related to

the reconfiguration of the new Polk-Quincy Viaduct project. She reminded the Governing Body

they need to base their decision on data as outlined in the “Golden Factors.”

 City Attorney Stanley recognized the role of the Planning Commission and stated they

could try to take all of these issues into account; however, they are not traffic engineers so they


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will be relying on some of the reporting. She stated it was her understanding, the Governing

Body would like the Planning Commission to have additional public commentary, but to make

sure based off the traffic concerns listed by Councilmember Miller, Councilmember Duncan and

Councilmember Hiller to be considered under the context of Golden Factor 6: The relative gain

to the public health, safety, and welfare from maintaining the present zoning, as compared to the

hardship imposed on the landowner/rezoning applicant (e.g. decrease in property value) as well

as Golden Factor 1: The character of the neighborhood, and Golden Factor 3: The suitability of

the property for the uses allowed under the current zoning.

 The motion to remand the ordinance back to the Planning Commission for the purpose of

considering additional public commentary, but to make sure based off the traffic concerns listed

by Councilmember Miller, Councilmember Duncan and Councilmember Hiller to be considered

under the context of Golden Factor 6: The relative gain to the public health, safety, and welfare

from maintaining the present zoning, as compared to the hardship imposed on the

landowner/rezoning applicant (e.g. decrease in property value) as well as Golden Factor 1: The

character of the neighborhood, and Golden Factor 3: The suitability of the property for the uses

allowed under the current zoning, carried. Councilmembers Valdivia-Alcala and Kell voted “no.”

(8-2-0)

 RESOLUTION NO. 9688 introduced by Mayor Michael A. Padilla acknowledging the

City Manager’s successful completion of performance objectives, was presented.

 Mayor Padilla stated approval will formalize that the City Manager meets expectations

and authorizes a 3% salary increase.




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 Mayor Padilla moved to approve the resolution. The motion seconded by Councilmember

Miller carried unanimously. (10-0-0)

 DISCUSSION regarding de-annexing of a certain tract of land within the City of Topeka,

Kansas pursuant to K.S.A. 12-504(b), was presented.

 Dan Warner, Planning Division Director, reported the de-annexation of a tract of land on

the north side of NW 25th Street has been requested by the Shawnee County Election Office to

correct a voting precinct issue created by the original annexation in July 2024. He stated moving

forward, Staff will include Shawnee County in comments related to annexation and location of

voting precincts. Andrew Howel, Shawnee County Election Commissioner was present to

answer questions.

 Mayor Padilla stated the ordinance would be considered for action at the July 8, 2025,

Governing Body Meeting.

 DISCUSSION concerning the City's intent to consider adopting a 2026 budget that would

include exceeding the TMTA's Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR), was presented.

 Josh McAnarney, Budget & Finance Division Director, reported the City is responsible

for levying a tax on behalf of the TMTA in the amount of 4.2 mills, the proceeds of which are

used by the TMTA for transit services. The levy is included as part of the City's budget. Approval

would notify the County Clerk that the City, as the entity responsible for levying a tax on behalf

of the TMTA, is considering adopting a 2026 budget that would include exceeding the TMTA's

revenue neutral rate (RNR).

 DISCUSSION concerning the City's intent to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR)

for the City of Topeka’s 2026 budget, was presented.


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 Josh McAnarney, Budget & Finance Division Director, reported that the first procedural

step is to notify the County Clerk of the Governing Body's intent, identify a proposed tax rate,

and indicate the date, time and location of the public hearing. Passing the resolution to be

considered on July 8, 2025, does not mean that the Governing Body is obligated to adopt a

budget that exceeds the RNR.

 Councilmember Duncan stated he would not support raising the mill levy or a budget that

exceeds the current mill levy of 37.96 mills.

 PUBLIC COMMENT was received via email from Donald Lee and Marie Mick

(Attachment A) and provided by the following individuals:

 Henry McClure expressed concern with recessing into executive session to discuss the

sale of Hotel Topeka instead of open session because its owned by taxpayers. He also stated he

believes denial of the Fairlawn Acres agenda should have been easy based on associated traffic

issues. He referenced traffic light issues associated with the South Topeka TIF District that he

has been working with City Staff to resolve over the past 18 months. He stated he believes the

economic development policies for the City and Go Topeka need to change.

 Rodney Harmon expressed concern with the proposed Fairlawn Acres development as it

relates to traffic flow increases during peak hours in the morning and evening. He referenced the

traffic study and how much land would be lost for property owners living along 7th Street.

 Councilmember Kell left the meeting

 ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER, MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE

COUNCIL:




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 Brenda Younger, City Clerk, provided an overview of the July 8, 2025, Governing Body

Meeting.

 Councilmember Miller highlighted City of Topeka 2025 Fireworks regulations.

 Councilmember Duncan thanked Staff for conducting the 2026 Budget Public Input

Sessions.

 Councilmember Hoferer announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the Tiger Trails

Exhibit on July 2, 2025, and noted they are close to receiving enough funding to move forward

with the exhibit scheduled to open in June 2026. She also announced the Topeka Zoo has

recently welcomed several new animals including cheetahs, African Cape porcupines, golden

lion tamarins.

 Councilmember Hiller requested the Fire Department resume the annual update of City

Fireworks regulations to the Governing Body starting in 2026.

 Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala thanked the Salvation Army for allowing the Three

Shields Boxing Academy to use their vans to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, to participate in

national competition. She thanked Assistant City Manager Avery Moore for visiting the Three

Shields Boxing Academy and stated they look forward to working with him. She announced she

would be working with Councilmember Duncan on the amendments to the Diversity Equity and

Inclusion ordinance.

 Councilmember Ortiz spoke to the $93 million reduction of Federal funding that will

have a huge impact on the elderly population. She thanked City Communications in integrating

the new voting system. She thanked Shane Wilson, City Housing Division, for going above and




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beyond. She expressed condolences to the family of Linda L. Kinney. She encouraged everyone

to check on neighbors and family during these difficult times.

 NO FURTHER BUSINESS appearing the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.



 (SEAL) ______________________________
 Brenda Younger, City Clerk, M.M.C.




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Attachment A