Governing Body — Topeka, KS
Date: 2025-11-18

Governing Body Minutes – November 18, 2025

 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, Topeka, Kansas, Tuesday, November 18, 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, Ortiz, Banks, Kell, Miller, Dobler,

Duncan and Hoferer - 8. Presiding: Mayor Padilla -1. Absent: Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala -

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 November 18, 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 November 18, 2025, for attachment to the meeting minutes.

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

Terry Mize, Shawnee County Correctional Facility Chaplain.

 THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by meeting participants.

 BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the reappointment of Samuel Sutton to the

Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority Board for a term ending November 30, 2028, was

presented. (Council District No. 6)

 BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the reappointment of Carly Feldhausen to the

Shawnee County Community Corrections Advisory Board for a term ending November 30,

2027, was presented. (Outside City Limits)


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 BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the reappointment of Keith Warta to the Gage

Park Improvement Authority to fill a term ending December 13, 2028, was presented. (Council

District No. 5)

 BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Samantha Raugewitz to

the Topeka Sustainability Advisory Board for a term ending November 18, 2027, was presented.

(Council District No. 6)

 BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the reappointment of Laurie Niehaus to the

Topeka Board of Zoning Appeals to fill a term ending December 31, 2028, was presented.

(Council District No. 9)

 BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Travis Williams to the

Topeka Housing Authority Advisory Board to fill an unexpired term ending on December 31,

2027, was presented. (Outside City Limits)

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

Councilmember Hoferer carried unanimously. The mayor does not vote. (8-0-0)

 AN UPDATE on the Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance Initiatives was

provided by Councilmember Karen Hiller, John Schardine, Property Maintenance Unit Director,

and Nicole Stoval, Property Maintenance Unit Program Administrator. The following initiatives

were highlighted:

 • Creation of a Renter Safety Net to include a referral system created and established
 with Housing Services; a prioritization standard created for PMU for Life and Safety
 Violations; and the Community Navigator position was reinstated in August of 2025

 • Creation of a Homeowner Safety Net to include the establishment of a mowing
 referral program; established the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Grant in
 collaboration with City funding; and the Community Navigator position was
 reinstated in August of 2025

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 • Cross Department Collaboration to include joint inspections of all multi-family
 buildings with eight or more units by Fire and Property Maintenance; Property
 Maintenance along with multiple other departments have begun the transition of
 software from the current software (MyGov) to Tyler Technologies; and a data
 sharing platform has been established between Police, Fire and Property Maintenance

 • Education Materials to include a refresh of the Changing our Culture of Property
 Maintenance website page with the new launch of the website to include links
 to highlighted code references and education material; conducting Coffee with Code
 events; Tenant and landlord training classes; all education material coming out of
 Property Maintenance has been refreshed; Property Maintenance Code will continue
 to be available in print and online; and expanded programming was being considered
 including more education on the use of Small Claims Court

 • Improved Standards to include adding of vegetation, pest control and tree nuisances
 in mobile home parks; the 2024 IPMC is currently under review and scheduled for
 adoption in 2026; all Standard Operating Procedures are being reviewed and
 evaluated

 • Improved Policy and Procedures to include the prosecution of Limited Liability
 Corporations (LLC); City’s Retaliatory Eviction ordinance has been strengthened;
 established a Land Bank; considering a language addition that will allow for an
 enhanced penalty to non-owner-occupied properties which are repeat offenders or the
 issue is particularly egregious; and continue to work towards adding small developer
 roundtables, with Shawnee County on tax sales, and with Lank Bank and others for
 simple incentives for redevelopment

 • Data initiatives include the collection of comprehensive documents (2021-24 Yearly
 Data and 2025 data through 3rd Quarter are available); a top offenders list was
 generated for 2024 with the worst offenders being placed on an internal document
 with verified contact information for faster connection time; gathering of Census and
 ACS (American Community Survey) data; other data resources to include the
 Shawnee County Appraiser's website and Google/AI searches for "ghost properties”

 In conclusion, Councilmember Hiller encouraged Governing Body members to contact

her with any ideas they may have regarding the Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance

initiatives.

 CONSENT AGENDA was presented as follows:


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 APPROVAL of a SETTLEMENT in the amount of up to $49,000 to resolve lawsuit with

Brently Dorsey arising out of or relating in any way from employment with the City on a full and

final basis, was presented.

 APPROVAL of the MINUTES of the regular meeting of November 12, 2025, was

presented.

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

Councilmember Duncan carried unanimously. (9-0-0)

 ORDINANCE NO. 20609 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 rezone properties located at 3825 SW 29th Street and

3835 SW 29th Street from “PUD” Planned Unit Development (C-4 Commercial uses) and “M-1”

Two Family Dwelling District ALL TO “PUD” Planned Unit Development (C-2 Commercial

uses), was presented. (PUD25/12) (Council District No. 7)

 Dan Warner, Planning Division Director, stated the request to rezone was to allow the

proposed convenience store with fuel pumps to use an existing driveway on SW Atwood

currently crossing residentially zoned property to be permitted. He reported that the applicant

conducted a neighborhood information meeting on October 1, 2025, with concerns expressed

about traffic congestion, stormwater detention and the potential for crime. The Planning

Commission and Planning Staff recommend approval.

 Councilmember Kell asked if the applicant would be agreeable to just having access

points at SW Atwood and SW Gage.

 Director Warner stated the applicant prefers full access from SW 29th Street.


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 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

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

public comments made during the Planning Commission hearing and similar relevant

information related to the matter.

 Ex parte communication was declared by Councilmember Kell.

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

Councilmember Dobler carried unanimously. (9-0-0)

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

Ortiz, Banks, Kell, Miller, Dobler, Duncan, Hoferer and Mayor Padilla -9.

 ORDINANCE NO. 20610 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 planned unit development at the southeast

corner of NW Tyler Street and NW Lyman Road, known as the Shorey Estates Subdivision from

“PUD” Planned Unit Development “M-2” Multiple-Family (Day Care use only) and “R-1

Single-Family (open space use only)” to “PUD” Planned Unit Development (“R-2” Single-

Family residential uses), was presented. (PUD25/11) (Council District No. 2)

 Dan Warner, Planning Division Director, stated the request by Topeka Habitat for

Humanity Inc., was to allow for the creation of up to 23 new residential lots for detached single-

family dwellings. He reported that the applicant conducted a neighborhood information meeting
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on September 24, 2025, with concerns expressed about the proposed small lot sizes and resulting

density. He noted although the proposed lots are substantially smaller than the existing

residential lots in Shorey Estates, the lot sizes are consistent with minimum lot dimension for R-

2 single family residential zoning. The Planning Commission and Planning Staff recommend

approval.

 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

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

public comments made during the Planning Commission hearing and similar relevant

information related to the matter.

 No ex parte communication was declared by Governing Body members.

 Councilmember Hiller spoke in support of the development.

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

Councilmember Duncan carried unanimously. (9-0-0)

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

Ortiz, Banks, Kell, Miller, Dobler, Duncan, Hoferer and Mayor Padilla -9.

 ACCEPTANCE of land dedications in the FINAL Plat for Misty Harbor Estates

Subdivision No. 6 located halfway between SW Gage and SW Burlingame, approximately 1/4

mile north of SW 45th Street. SW 42nd Street and SW 41st Street currently terminate into the

property's west boundary and being extended as a part of the subdivision plat, was presented.
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 Dan Warner, Planning Division Director, stated the Misty Harbor Estates Subdivision

No. 6 was a 72-lot residential subdivision intended for the development of 72 new residences

and the purpose of the plat was to subdivide a 30.5-acre tract of land for 72 lots, public streets,

and stormwater detention to be constructed in three phases. He reported the applicant conducted

a neighborhood information meeting resulting in questions about stormwater drainage, phasing

of the development and the effect of new special assessments on existing developed lots. The

Planning Commission and Planning staff recommend approval.

 Councilmember Duncan moved to accept the land dedications in the Final Plat. The

motion seconded by Councilmember Kell carried unanimously. (9-0-0)

 ORDINANCE NO. 20611 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez, annexing

land to the City of Topeka, Kansas, in accordance with K.S.A. 12-520, halfway between SW

Gage and SW Burlingame approximately ¼-mile north of SW 45th Street, was presented.

(A25/6) (Council District No. 7)

 Dan Warner, Planning Division Director, stated F&L Enterprises, Inc., has provided

consent for annexation associated with an application for a subdivision plat of 72 lots for single

family dwellings associated with the final plat previously approved on the agenda. He reported

property lies within Tier 2 of the Urban Growth Area of the Land Use Growth Management Plan

2040 and are contiguous to the fringe of the city and are the next priority for Topeka’s future

urban growth. He also reported following the review by the Topeka Planning Commission, they

found the annexation to be consistent with the City's Land Use and Growth Management Plan.

He noted while state law does not require that annexation be reviewed by the Planning

Commission, the City's adopted Comprehensive Land Use and Growth Management Plan 2040


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requires that the Planning Commission make the determination that annexations of 10 acres or

more are consistent with the plan.

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

Councilmember Duncan carried unanimously. (9-0-0)

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

Ortiz, Banks, Kell, Miller, Dobler, Duncan, Hoferer and Mayor Padilla -9.

 AUTHORIZING a public hearing date of December 9, 2025, for the purpose of hearing

and answering objections of taxpayers relating to the proposed amendments to the 2025

Operating Budget, was presented.

 Josh McAnarney, Budget and Finance Division Director, stated approval would set a

public hearing date of December 9, 2025, to consider 2025 Budget Amendments that would be

discussed in detail at the public hearing.

 Councilmember Duncan moved to approve the public hearing date of December 9, 2025,

and authorize publication. The motion seconded by Councilmember Hiller carried unanimously.

(9-0-0)

 DISCUSSION regarding the 2026 City of Topeka Legislative Agenda, was presented.

(Policy and Finance Committee recommended approval on November 12, 2025.)

 Councilmember Duncan, Policy and Finance Committee Chair, reported that the Policy

and Finance Committee discussed proposals to be considered for the City's 2026 Legislative

Agenda at its November 12, 2025, Committee meeting and recommended consideration of the

following priorities:

 • Support legislation that respects constitutional home rule authority.


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 • Finance and Taxation priorities concerning Business Competition; Sales Tax;
 Unfunded Mandates; Property Tax Valuation; and the Revenue Neutral Process.
 • Public Safety Welfare priorities concerning Housing, Mental Health, Medicaid
 Expansion, Homelessness, Firefighter Helmet Cameras, Law Enforcement Officer
 Age Requirement and Minimum Wage.
 • Community and Economic Development priorities concerning Broadband,
 Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA), Local Government Employment
 Grants and Rights-of-Way Control.
 • Support the League of Kansas Municipalities 2026 Statement of Municipal Policy to
 the extent the Policy is consistent with the City’s priorities and agenda, including
 opposing legislation limiting the City’s Home Rule authority.

 Braxton Copley, Deputy City Manager, reported additionally it has been suggested to

include legalization of medical cannabis in Kansas; however, this was not a topic that was

discussed by the Committee.

 Councilmember Kell spoke to the importance of addressing sexual crimes against

children and suggested this topic be included in the City’s 2026 legislative priority.

 Councilmember Miller stated he concurs with Councilmember Kell and would support

addressing sexual crimes against children as part of the City’s 2026 legislative priorities. He

reported that he suggested including the legalization of medical cannabis and referenced the

medical benefits along with the possible $275 to $400 million of annual revenue that could be

generated from medical cannabis as it is in the state of Colorado.

 Councilmember Hiller suggested adding language to eliminate the “zeroing-out” of

property tax values if the structure could be rehabbed as well as establish a standard to receive

payment in lieu of taxes for just vacant properties with the goal of helping the City deal with

vacant properties. She spoke in support of the “Housing” priority examples listed in the

resolution language; however, in the long-term she does not see the City duplicating the

government’s process of mandatory inspections of properties that are subsidized by government


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funding and noted, the City has their own affirmative program where the Fire Department and

the Property Maintenance Unit reach out to problem and/or challenged multi-family properties of

over eight units. She reported that there was a responsibility by government subsidized units to

document inspections and if the City monitored this data more closely it would put the City in a

much stronger position, sooner, to address difficult properties. She reported all states

surrounding the Kansas have now legalized medical cannabis; therefore, she would support

legalizing medical cannabis if part of the revenue could be distributed to local government to

address homelessness, mental health and affordable housing issues as well as increasing the

liquor tax for the same purpose. She also spoke in support of using drones as it relates to public

safety as whole where appropriate. She suggested they include language to address temporary

signs in city right-of-way through home rule regulation instead of State law.

 Councilmember Kell spoke in opposition to increasing the special alcohol tax because of

the impact it would have on small businesses. He spoke in support of legalizing medical

cannabis.

 Mayor Padilla spoke in support of addressing child crimes with stricter penalties. He also

spoke in support of seriously considering the legalization of medical cannabis.

 Councilmember Duncan stated the City’s 2026 Legislative Agenda would be presented to

the Shawnee County Delegation on December 8, 2025.

 Mayor Padilla encouraged Governing Body members to show their support by attending

the December 8, 2025, Shawnee County Delegation meeting.

 PUBLIC COMMENT was provided by the following individuals:

 Sandra Lassiter distributed a copy of email related to a KORA request submitted by

Carrie Bell (Attachment A) and expressed concern with the absence of signature by the City’s
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Legal Department and the citing of a forty-year-old case while disregarding more recent and

relevant case law. She referenced the continued denial by the City to release body-camera

footage and the identify of officers who appear in officer involved shooting body-camera

footage. She spoke on behalf of the community and the expectation that Governing Body

members should put an end to the misuse of tax dollars as is relates to public safety and public

trust.

 Carrie Bell read a statement posted by her late son Dylan Walstrom. She urged the

Governing Body to help her find out the names of the police officers who shot her son. She

expressed her disappointment with the Governing Body and City Leadership as it relates to how

the Police Department operates.

 Henry McClure expressed his disappointment in City leadership as it relates to the

amount of City Debt, the purchase of Hotel Topeka and the allocation of JEDO funds for the

purchase of the AT&T Building. He stated it was his hope that all City employee whistleblowers

would report their concerns to the Department of Labor. He suggested reallocating $750,000

from the General Fund and $750,000 from the special liquor tax to address homelessness and

mental health issues.

 ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER, MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE

COUNCIL:

 Councilmember Hiller thanked all those that made the effort to encourage citizens to

vote.

 Councilmember Kell recognized Mayor Padilla and Councilmember Dobler for their

service and guidance.


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 Councilmember Duncan thanked Staff for assisting the Breadbasket Food Pantry in

continuing service to the community until they recover from a recent fire. He announced they

need to reappoint representatives on the Land Bank Commission for 2026 and one of those

individuals needs to be a member of a neighborhood improvement association.

 Councilmember Hoferer announced the first two girder beams were erected for the Polk-

Quincy Viaduct project. She also announced the Topeka Zoo lights would be open from

November 21, 2025 to December 31, 2025.

 Mayor Padilla thanked Principal Kelli Hoffman, French Middle School Principal, for

allowing him to serve as “Principal for Day” on November 18, 2025, and stated he enjoyed the

experience very much.

 NO FURTHER BUSINESS appearing the meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.


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




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Attachment A