Governing Body — Topeka, KS
Date: 2026-03-04

Governing Body Minutes – February 17, 2026

 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, Topeka, Kansas, Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The

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

 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 February 17, 2026, after which the City Clerk's Office provided the

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

was also considered to the extent it was personally submitted at the meeting or to the City Clerk's

Office located at 215 SE 7th Street, Room 166, Topeka, Kansas, 66603 or via email at

cclerk@topeka.org on or before February 17, 2026, for attachment to the meeting minutes.

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

Pastor Gregory Durant, True Light Ministries.

 THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by meeting participants.

 SWEARING IN CEREMONY for Murray McGee, newly appointed Council District No.

8 representative was conducted by Karan Thadani, Administrative Court Judge.

 ROLL CALL commenced with the following Governing Body members present:

Councilmembers Hiller, Ortiz, Banks, Kell, Bradberry, McGee and Hoferer - 7. Mayor Duncan

presided -1. Absent Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala and Marcus Miller -2.

 2025 City of Topeka Land Bank 2025 ANNUAL REPORT was presented by Quinn

Cole, Senior Management Analyst.

 CONSENT AGENDA was presented as follows:




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 ORDINANCE NO. 20637 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M Perez, allowing and

approving City expenditures for the period December 27, 2025, to January 30, 2026, and

enumerating said expenditures therein, was presented.

 APPROVAL of the MINUTES of the February 10, 2026, regular Governing Body

meeting, was presented.

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

Councilmember Ortiz carried unanimously. (8-0-0)

 PUBLIC HEARING

 A Public Hearing regarding the petition by JJH Properties, LLC to vacate the public alley
 between 2nd Street, 3rd Street, Kansas Avenue, and Jackson Street, was presented.

 ORDINANCE NO. 20638 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, relating to

the vacation of the public alley lying between 2nd Street on the North, 3rd Street on the South,

Kansas Avenue on the East, and Jackson Street on the West, City of Topeka, Shawnee County,

Kansas, was presented. (V25A/01) (Council District No. 1)

 Dan Warner, Planning Director, reported property owners JJH Properties, LLC and TFI,

LLC requested a vacation of the public alley to facilitate its reconstruction and use by the owner

as part of a parking lot. The purpose of the vacation is to allow for reconstruction of the

pavement with the adjacent parking lot. The property owners own all properties adjoining the

alley right of way. All County and City agencies have had the opportunity to review the

requested vacation and expressed no objection. The City of Topeka Utilities and Public Works

Department do not object to the proposed vacation, provided a utility easement is retained. Staff

recommend the Governing Body conduct the public hearing and adopt the ordinance.



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

Councilmember Bradberry carried unanimously. (8-0-0)

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

Ortiz, Banks, Kell, Bradberry, McGee, Hoferer and Mayor Duncan - 8.

 ORDINANCE NO. 20639 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez concerning

Home Occupations, amending Section 18.210.035 of the Topeka Municipal Code and repealing

original section, was presented. (ACZR26/02)

 Dan Warner, Planning Director, reported the home occupation regulations are due for an

update with the last revision of the home occupation regulations occurring in 2010. He stated

home based businesses and the nature of work have evolved over the past 15 years, and changes

in technology have facilitated a large growth in home offices and e-commerce. Many of these

home-based businesses have little or no negative impact on residential neighborhoods. He

explained the proposed amendment to home occupation regulations will exempt home

occupations that have no customers or clients coming to or conducting business in the dwelling,

or that do not have employees working at or parking vehicles on the property associated with the

dwelling, from being required to meet standards applicable to other home occupations and from

being required to obtain a home occupation permit. The Planning Commission considered the

proposed text amendments (ACZR26/02) at their regular monthly meeting on January 26, 2026,

and unanimously approved the text amendment.


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 Mayor Duncan explained due to the Kansas Legislature proposing House Bill 2343 which

will create a no-impact home-based business fairness act, to support the development and growth

of such businesses, the City decided to make the proposed amendment to Code.

 Councilmember Hiller referenced the regulation of signs for home-based businesses and

if the regulations were considered with this amendment.

 Director Warner stated to date the City has not conducted a comprehensive review of the

home occupation ordinance with this proposed amendment; however, it was possible Staff would

review the ordinance in its entirety at a later date.

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

Councilmember Bradberry carried unanimously. (8-0-0)

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

Ortiz, Banks, Kell, Bradberry, McGee, Hoferer and Mayor Duncan - 8.

 ORDINANCE NO. 20640 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, concerning

use standards and special use standards for two-family and multiple family residential uses, and

dwellings on the main floor, amending sections 18.60.020 and 18.225.010 of the Topeka

Municipal Code and repealing original sections, was presented. (ACZR26/01)

 Dan Warner, Planning Director, reported current zoning regulations allow dwellings

above the ground floor or in a basement in all “C” Commercial, “D” Downtown, and “X” Mixed

Use zoning districts with few restrictions. Dwellings on the main floor are limited and must meet

the special use requirements in section 18.225.010 of the zoning code in all of these districts,

with the exception of zoning districts D-2 and D-3. The current standards in section 18.225.010

are described in the proposed ordinance and Staff memo. He explained the proposed amendment

retains ground floor residential restrictions for segments of Kansas Avenue in the downtown core
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(from 6th Avenue to 10th Avenue) and in North Topeka (from Gordon Street to Norris Street)

because of their importance as community gathering places and destinations for retail, dining,

and entertainment. Ground floor residential use on those segments of Kansas Avenue could

undermine the function of those districts. Additionally, it is proposed that duplexes be allowed by

conditional use permit in C-3 and C-4 districts. Duplexes are currently prohibited in C-3 and D-4

districts. He stated the Planning Commission considered the proposed amendment on January 26,

2026, and voted unanimously to recommend approval.

 Mayor Duncan asked Director Warner to explain a conditional use permit.

 Councilmember Hiller questioned if a conditional use permit could be used for one-time

residential needs on Kansas Avenue.

 Director Warner stated a conditional use permit would be similar to a rezoning permit;

however, the conditional use permit only approves one additional use on the property in

question. He confirmed a conditional use permit may be used for a one-time residential request

on Kansas Avenue.

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

Councilmember Hiller carried unanimously. (8-0-0)

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

Ortiz, Banks, Kell, Bradberry, McGee, Hoferer and Mayor Duncan - 8.

 RESOLUTION NO. 9763 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, setting the

public hearing to consider the advisability of establishing a Community Improvement District

(CID) at 17th and Topeka Boulevard for the Hotel Topeka property, pursuant to K.S.A. 12-6a26

et seq, was presented.


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 Braxton Copley, Deputy City Manager, stated approval of the proposed resolution would

set a public hearing on March 10, 2026, to consider public comment and provide the required

notice. He stated the proposed boundaries for the CID will include the entire lot occupied by

Hotel Topeka including the parking lot and real property with a total project cost estimated at

approximately $6 million. The Hotel would have an established 2% CID sales tax for 22 years

generating an estimated revenue of $3.2 million. He stated Roy Arnold, Endeavor Hotel Group,

LLC Chief Executive Officer, understands and agrees to the proposal along with the proposed

budget scope for the hotel which includes the following repairs:

 • Building Envelope
 • Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing System
 • Roof and Windows
 • Civil Site Improvements
 • ADA Accessibility, Lighting, Fire/Safety, HVAC Systems, Elevator Repair, and
 General Maintenance

 Councilmember Ortiz noted the CID was located in District 3 and asked if area

neighborhoods as well as the Maner Conference Center would be included in the proposed CID.

 Councilmember Hiller asked for further clarification on whether the City of Topeka or

Shawnee County has established a CID from 17th and Topeka Boulevard to 21st and Topeka

Boulevard.

 Deputy City Manager Copley stated Shawnee County has already established a 2% CID

sales tax for the Expo Centre plat that encompasses the area referenced by Councilmember

Hiller, and the hotel and hotel parking lot would be included in the proposed CID – not area

neighborhoods.

 Councilmember Hoferer questioned if the CID area matches the legal description of the

area being purchased by the Endeavor Hotel Group, LLC.

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 Deputy City Manager Copley confirmed the legal description was acquired from the deed

to ensure the proposed CID area matched and CEO Roy Arnold was fully aware of the proposed

CID and agrees with the proposal.

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

Duncan carried unanimously. (8-0-0)

 RESOLUTION NO. 9764 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert Perez recommending

approval to authorize the disposal of real property located at 1335 SE 21st Street as described in

Exhibit A for Land Bank consideration, was presented.

 Quinn Cole, Senior Management Analyst, reported the real property located at 1335 SE

21st Street has been identified as surplus property owned by the City. She stated approval would

authorize the City Manager to donate and transfer the property to the Topeka Land Bank where

the use of the property will be used solely for public benefit, including, but not limited to,

affordable housing.

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

Councilmember Bradberry carried unanimously. (8-0-0)

 DISCUSSION on the FY 2027 Proposed Budget. (Continued discussion from the Special

Meeting Budget Work Session of January 27, 2026.)

 Josh McAnarney, Finance Director, reported on January 27, 2026, a special budget work

session was conducted to begin discussions on how to address the anticipated $15 million budget

deficit. He provided an overview of Historical Budget Trends (Personnel and Non-Personnel),

Fiscal Year 2027 Reduction Scenarios – General Fund, Policy Considerations, Sales Tax

Initiative Timing Scenarios and Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget Calendar. He provided

additional information on the following items:
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 • The 2026 projected Budget was being proposed fully staffed which includes base
 wages and benefits.
 • Areas of highest growth in department budgets includes 791 full-time staff members
 in 2026, with the full-time employee (FTE) positions including 10 unfunded police
 officer positions, 7 unfunded firefighter positions, 1 unfunded Battalion Chief
 position as well as 1 unfunded emergency preparedness Manager.
 • Areas of highest growth in departmental budgets for non-personnel with expenses for
 Macro-level items, which included Shawnee County inmate charges, property
 insurance charges, health insurance claims, prescription drug charges, and the ERP
 Software cycle.
 • Department specific expenses included Dell/SHI licenses, the public defender
 contract, axon body cameras, on-call traffic engineering services, department-wide
 vehicles, and project commodity increases (concrete, copper, asphalt, etc.)
 • A table of the FY 2027 reduction scenarios was provided showing a range of
 scenarios from 2.5% to 10% that could decrease the projected deficit of $15 million.
 Councilmember Bradberry inquired about the contributing factors for the increases within

the department budgets for health insurance as well as the Shawnee County Inmate charges.

 Director McAnarney stated the City chose to have more coverage on certain health

insurance plans that were being provided which resulted in a claim cost increase, and due to the

city providing more services with no revenue to cover those costs, the City and its employees

unfortunately had to pay higher premiums to the Insurance Fund.

 Karan Thadani, Municipal Court Judge, explained in 2023 the City of Topeka Municipal

Court began prosecuting domestic violence cases and this has been one of the main contributors

to the increase in Shawnee County Inmate charges as well as many mental health and drug cases.

In 2025, negotiations took place that ultimately resulted in the Inmate charges increasing from

$4.00 to $4.17 which calculated to approximately $60,000 per year for Municipal Court Inmates.

 Danielle Twemlow shared her appreciation for the Special Budget Work Session that

took place on January 27, 2026, as well as the request for the sales tax survey to gather public




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input on where the increased tax dollars should be spent. She spoke about her concerns with

several departmental budget increases as it relates to inflation.

 Councilmember Hiller recommended referencing all sources of income in the Budget not

only the General Fund to find the sources of funds for each department that would ultimately

provide a full comparison of how much staffing is in each department as well as the flow of

staffing and the programming. She recommended reviewing certain expenses that could

potentially be eligible for funding from multiple sources. She shared her concern about the

renewal for the Citywide Half-Cent Sales Tax sunsetting in two years as it relates to rebuilding

the streets and requested a master plan to provide an idea of timelines for projects to ensure they

will be finished prior to the renewal process. She thought it would be best suited to have an audit

performed to look at billing projections to calculate billable hours and to find whether or not the

City was underbilling whether it was on a regular basis or in a time of emergency. She spoke of

the importance of utilizing employee talents as opposed to paying for contracting services.

 Dr. Robert M. Perez, City Manager, stated in the first Budget Work Session, Staff

provided an all-funds schedule that showed a full picture of the sources of funds and where they

are regularly being used. He reiterated the sole purpose of the discussion was to receive feedback

from the Governing Body and focus on certain priorities they may have. He stated there is a large

inventory of streets that currently need a mill and overlay or full reconstruction and that exceeds

the number of resources the City currently has and spoke of his idea to pay a salary to City

employees rather than paying the salaries of contractors to complete the street projects.

 Mayor Duncan questioned whether Staff plans to prioritize what positions need to be

filled and inquired when the Governing Body could expect to receive the Capital Improvement

Project List.
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 City Manager Perez acknowledged the request from Mayor Duncan concerning staffing

and noted, much consideration will be given to filling executive vacancies as well as Staff plans

to investigate where it may seem feasible to freeze or cut positions and include those findings in

the proposed 2027 FY budget recommendations.

 Director McAnarney stated CIP discussions are planned to begin in March and tentatively

be adopted the second meeting in May 2026.

 Mayor Duncan recommended that each department be responsible for their own

Information Technology costs as opposed to having an overall City consolidated IT Budget. He

noted this would allow each department to closely monitor their own expenses while working in

conjunction with the IT Department.

 Councilmember Bradberry asked what the City could do now to help with the savings for

2027.

 City Manager Perez provided examples of how Staff has worked to find areas to save

resources including:

 • Recently consolidating the Procurement and Finance Department, leaving a division
 director’s position vacant that will ultimately be cut; and
 • Mandated turnover of multiple full-time positions including, 10 unfunded police
 officer positions, seven unfunded firefighter positions, one unfunded Battalion Chief
 position as well as one unfunded emergency preparedness Manager.

 Councilmember Kell shared concerns of overworking Staff by cutting certain positions,

specifically within the Topeka Police Department and Topeka Fire Department. He understands

position cuts are a large part of the budget; however, he believes these positions are very

important and necessary.




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 Mayor Duncan reminded the Council that they must be prepared to make difficult budget

decisions to help address the budget gap.

 PUBLIC COMMENT was provided by the following individuals:

 Ron Desch spoke about a Topeka Police search that took place at his stepdaughter’s

condo in October of 2025. He spoke of his disappointment with how the search was performed

and the destruction of their property that ensued during the search. He provided before and after

photos from the search. (Attachment A)

 Martha Boatwright referenced a proposal for Data Centers to be built downtown, that was

presented by Go Topeka at the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) Board

Meeting on February 11, 2026. She shared her concerns that the project would increase noise

pollution, air pollution and energy costs in the community.

 Lloyd Schroeder spoke of his disappointment with the City of Topeka Government. He

shared he will no longer be living in Topeka due to financial instability and public safety

concerns.

 Henry McClure shared his irritation with the Link Innovation Labs and advised the

Governing Body to think about where the sales tax revenue goes that should be going to street

projects.

 ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER, MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE

COUNCIL:

 Councilmember Banks thanked Pastor Gregory Durant for providing the invocation.




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 Councilmember Kell shared his experience at the “Bee Mine Bingo” event that took

place at the Topeka Zoo on February 14, 2026. He encouraged Citizens to attend the many

community events that take place year-round.

 Councilmember Bradberry spoke highly of her experience attending the Topeka

Performing Arts Center (TPAC) Valentines Day Fundraising dinner on February 14, 2026.

 Councilmember McGee expressed his gratitude to the Governing Body for their

understanding upon his delay to be sworn in. He spoke highly of all the Staff who assisted with

his onboarding process.

 Councilmember Hiller offered her condolences to the family of the late Reverend Jesse

Jackson, a local civil rights leader, who passed away on February 17, 2026.

 Mayor Duncan expressed his excitement for Councilmember McGee joining the Council.

He recognized local high school sports team members for qualifying for state competitions.

 NO FURTHER BUSINESS appearing the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.


 (SEAL)

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




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Attachment A