Governing Body

Governing Body Minutes – April 15, 2025 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, Topeka, Kansas, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The Governing Body members of the City of Topeka met in regular session at 6:00 P.M. with the following Councilmembers present: Councilmembers Hiller, Valdivia-Alcala, Ortiz, Banks, Kell, Miller, Dobler, Duncan and Hoferer - 9. Mayor Padilla presided –1. Public comment for the meeting was available via Zoom or in-person. Individuals were required to contact the City Clerk's Office at 785-368-3940 or via email at cclerk@topeka.org by no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 15, 2025, after which the City Clerk's Office provided the Zoom link information and protocols prior to the meeting start time. Written public comment was also considered to the extent it was personally submitted at the meeting or to the City Clerk's Office located at 215 SE 7th Street, Room 166, Topeka, Kansas, 66603 or via email at cclerk@topeka.org on or before April 15, 2025 for attachment to the meeting minutes. AFTER THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER, the Invocation was provided by Pastor Joelle stokes and Pastor George Murray, East 8th Missionary Baptist Church. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by meeting participants. BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the reappointment of Jim Ramos to the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library Board of Trustees for a term ending April 30, 2029, was presented. (Council District No. 1) BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Margaret Dunlap to the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library Board of Trustees for a term ending April 30, 2029, was presented. (Council District No. 6) 4-15-25 137  Councilmember Dobler moved to approve the appointments. The motion seconded by Councilmember Miller carried unanimously on voice vote. The Mayor does not vote. (9-0-0) The 2024 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Annual REPORT was provided by Joe Cheray, ADA Advisory Council Chair. Councilmember Hiller inquired about the type of complaints being received and how they are processed. Monique Glaude, City ADA Coordinator, reported complaints are received in various aspects and/or forms that may come from Council members or the public; however, if the scope of the complaint falls outside the City’s purview, the complainant is provided with information on how file at the State or Federal level. Joe Cheray explained majority of complaints received were related to the need for clearly marked handicap accessible parking spots. Councilmember Duncan requested that a citywide ADA audit be conducted and suggested engaging Shawnee County to include parks. Steve Groen, Public Works Director, reported they are in the process of developing a Request for Proposal for ADA audit services of all City facilities. The 2024 Topeka Sustainability Advisory Board (TSAB) Annual REPORT was provided by Michela Saunders, TSAB Chair. She highlighted the following key recommendations: • Hiring or appointing a full-time Sustainability Coordinator - TSAB found it would be very effective to bring together government agencies, stakeholders, and community partners to formulate a unified sustainability policy. (Lawrence, Salina and Kansas City currently have full-time sustainability advisors) • Hold monthly interdepartmental Sustainability Committee meetings with representatives of each city department. • Encourage the interdepartmental Sustainability Committee to formulate a plan for re- engaging with the goals set in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, and 4-15-25 138  to set new realistic targets. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala thanked Ms. Sanders and Board members for their commitment to their work and stated she plans to meet with TSAB to help with the initiative. Councilmember Hiller referenced the 2010 ADA Report and suggested working with Staff on a quarterly basis to move forward on initiatives. Michela Sanders provided context of why they need improved policy support from the Governing Body. Councilmember Duncan spoke about the importance of the City becoming reengaged in the Topeka Sustainability Process and recommended scheduling interdepartmental meetings. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala spoke of the annual reports the TSAB has provided. She stated the reports have provided very detailed information, and their recommendations have continued to be put by the wayside. CONSENT AGENDA was presented as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 20558 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M Perez, allowing and approving City expenditures for the period March 1, 2025, to March 28, 2025, and enumerating said expenditures therein, was presented. APPROVAL of CONTRACT NO. 52824 a professional service contract between the City of Topeka and Stormont-Vail Healthcare, Inc., for providing occupational health care and other related services for the City of Topeka, Department of Human Resources, was presented. RESOLUTION NO. 9650 introduced by Councilmember Christina Valdivia-Alcala, approving a special event known as the Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish Germanfest 2025, was presented. (Council District No. 2) 4-15-25 139  RESOLUTION NO. 9651 introduced by Councilmember Christina Valdivia-Alcala, granting Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish an exception to the provisions of City of Topeka Code Section 9.45.150, et seq., concerning noise prohibitions, was presented. (Council District No. 2) Councilmember Kell moved to approve the consent agenda. The motion seconded by Councilmember Banks carried unanimously on roll call vote. (10-0-0) RESOLUTION NO. 9652 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez regarding additional funding for operations and maintenance of Hotel Topeka in the amount of $168,297, was presented. Braxton Copley, Assistant City Manager, reported approval would authorize payment from the General Fund Hotel Non-Departmental expenses to operate and maintain Hotel Topeka. He stated under the terms of the operating agreement the City must maintain a minimum fund balance of $150,000 and the current fund balance was approximately $80,000. Councilmember Dobler moved to approve the resolution. The motion seconded by Councilmember Miller carried on roll call vote. Councilmembers Valdivia-Alcala, Ortiz and Banks voted “no.” (7-3-0) RESOLUTION NO. 9653 introduced by Councilmembers Christina Valdivia-Alcala and Neil Dobler concerning homelessness discussions, was presented. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala thanked Councilmembers Dobler and Duncan for their support. She reported approval would require all discussions regarding homelessness to occur with the entire governing body and would support transparency through the Committee of the Whole process. Councilmember Dobler spoke in support of the resolution due to homelessness tending to be the most fractious and expensive issue the City continues to struggle with; and he would 4-15-25 140 prefer to discuss the issues at the Governing Body level instead of at the Committee level. He spoke about the importance of every aspect of the issue being addressed. Councilmember Kell expressed concern with the initiative being stalled and the Governing Body level and spoke of the importance of moving forward with the homelessness initiative. Councilmember Ortiz spoke in support of the resolution. She confirmed the intent of the resolution was to ensure the entire Governing Body was involved in the process and the public was engaged in the process and solution. Amanda Stanley, City Attorney, reported there are more opportunities to provide public input through Governing Body meeting protocols as opposed to Committee meeting protocols. Councilmember Miller encouraged the public to be involved in the process and be part of the solution. Councilmember Hiller expressed concern with the overall process of tackling the homelessness issue and questioned how the new process will work regarding dealing with associated topics. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala stated the intent of the purposed resolution was to simply address the issue with the entire Governing Body. Councilmember Dobler stated not only does the overall issue need to be addressed by the entire Governing Body so does the associated cost to get the initiative moving forward. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala moved to approve the resolution. The motion seconded by Councilmember Dobler carried unanimously on roll vote. (10-0-0) DISCUSSION concerning parking in the downtown central business district was presented. (On March 25, 2025, the Policy and Finance Committee moved to proceed to the 4-15-25 141 Governing Body with no recommendation.) Jason Tryon, Deputy Public Works Director, stated approval would continue free parking through 2025 and commence or resume metered parking on certain downtown streets. He reported on the following: • Current Issues with Downtown Parking: Confusion related to parking zones and policies, on-street reserved spaces as it relates to vendors, and rate structure does not meet annual expenses. • Engagement with Downtown Stakeholders: In January they held engagement meetings with the DTI Board, Downtown Merchants Association, major stakeholders, merchants and employers. In general, the feedback was positive. Staff presented the following Recommendations: 1. Increase garage monthly rate from $67.75 to $74.00 - Effective at earliest convenience at Centre City, Crosby Place and Townsite Garage (Effective at other garages upon completion of structural repairs, Uptowner upon re-opening, Park N Shop, and 512 Jackson estimated fall 2025, Coronado garage no later than 2026, 9th St Garage from $47.43 to $51.00 upon Coronado completion.) 2. Increase 10-hour meter price from $0.50 to $1.00 per hour 3. Increase 10-hour meter monthly permit price from $44.00 to $74.00 4. Add Code language from Kansas Avenue block zone to all Central Business District 5. Add Language allowing reserved spaces to include downtown business seeking for profit sales 6. Introduce designated and signed 15-minute pick up spaces on KS Avenue (Replaces Cones) 7. Relax restrictions North of 6th Street and remove metered spaces West of Topeka Boulevard. 8. Remove yellow hoods on 100 blocks East and West of KS Avenue and charge $1.00 per hour; Institute paid parking on KS Avenue of $1.25 per hour, both effective January 1, 2026. Councilmember Ortiz stated she received a request from an elderly constituent who attends the mid-day concerts and asked if Staff would consider allowing parking free of charge during that time. Councilmember Kell inquired if there were plans to install additional ADA parking stalls. 4-15-25 142  Councilmember Miller asked Staff to address how the new policy would eliminate the “Leap Frog” concept for downtown parking. Deputy Director Tryon explained, currently there was not an ordinance in place that prohibits parking in different zones; however, he would recommend if a person planned to park for long periods of time to use the parking garages to eliminate the possibility of receiving a parking ticket. Councilmember Dobler asked Staff to comment on the pro forma of the downtown parking garages including the debt service. He reminded the Governing Body their options were to raise fees, raise the mill levy or reduce City services elsewhere. Councilmember Hiller stated that in order for the downtown to thrive they need to establish a strategy that supports a full-service parking plan. Councilmember Duncan requested a plan be created for street parking separate from the parking garages to help them determine what plan would be sustainable. He spoke in support of 4-hour meter parking as he does not see the need for 10-hour meter parking. He recommended talking with the State of Kansas push for garage parking permits for state employees; improving wayfinding signs for parking garages; adjusting the hours of operation to encourage increased activity; and the possibility of selling two of the parking garages. Deputy Director Tryon reported under State law if a person has a valid ADA Placard free of charge at any on-street parking stall as well as after 6:00 p.m. and on weekends, and there are no plans to increase the number of ADA Parking stalls due to the additional specification requirements. In regard to accessing Evergy Plaza, he would recommend utilizing Park N’ Shop Garage located at 7th and Quincy which has a pedestrian exit that faces the Plaza allowing much easier access. 4-15-25 143  Mayor Padilla stated he concurs with comments made by Councilmember Duncan as well as Councilmember Hiller. Councilmember Hiller spoke to the importance of understanding all the moving parts to successfully implement the new parking initiative by January 2025, including equipment installation and public education. Councilmember Ortiz asked Staff to consider providing affordable or free parking for elderly residents in the downtown area. Deputy Director Tryon reported there are currently two types of parking signage displayed downtown including MUTCD and Wayfinding signage which advertises public parking and directs people to parking garages. He noted Staff continues to look at ways to improve parking garage access and remains open to recommendations. DISCUSSION concerning metered parking on certain downtown streets was presented. (On March 25, 2025, the Policy and Finance Committee moved to proceed to the Governing Body with no recommendation.) Jason Tryon, Deputy Public Works Director, stated the proposed resolution was a companion document to the previous discussion. Approval would continue free parking through 2025 and would commence or resume metered parking on certain downtown streets. DISCUSSION of the proposed 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and 2026- 2028 Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) were presented. Josh McAnarney, Budget and Finance Division Director, stated discussion would continue on the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) and Non-Citywide Half- Cent Sales Tax Programs and Projects. He anticipated the JEDO Project List would need to be reduced due to funding constraints. He provided an overview of the JEDO Fund Balance 4-15-25 144 Schedule; funding sources based on resources and program qualifications to include General Obligation Bonds, Federal Funds Exchange and Operating Funds. Steve Groen, Public Works Director, highlighted SW Huntoon Street from Gage Boulevard to Harrison Street Project; the Traffic Signal Replacement Program; Facilities Improvement Replacement and Maintenance (FIRM) Program; Bridge Maintenance Program; Citywide Infill Sidewalk Program; Traffic Safety Program; Fleet Replacement Program; NW Lyman Road from Vail Avenue to Tyler Street Sidewalk; SE Adams Street from 37th Street to 45th Street; and Fire Station Replacement. Councilmember Kell spoke in opposition of proposed Complete Streets Bike Paths and suggested using those funds for other street improvements. He reported many constituents have spoken in opposition of proposed bike paths. Councilmember Ortiz stated she understands the need for improvements to Fire Station 10; however, there was also a need to construct a new Fire Station in District No. 9. Councilmember Kell spoke in support of making improvements to Fire Station 10. Dr. Robert M. Perez, City Manager, stated the importance of maintaining the fire stations was understood and noted fire station improvement projects have been moved up in the CIP. Councilmember Dobler explained the need to meet bond expenses annually and to service the debt cap. He recommended limiting the overall bonded indebtedness instead of setting a certain cap to allow Staff to prioritize numbers. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala asked the City Manager if he plans to create a Special Fire Commission to determine how to best move forward with an overall plan for the fire stations. City Manager Perez stated he would be open to the idea of possibly creating a Special 4-15-25 145 Fire Commission; however, the first step would be to determine through discussions with the Fire Chief what was needed for the Fire Department overall. Councilmember Hiller requested an update on the Facility Improvements, Repair and Maintenance (FIRM) Program. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER, MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL: Brenda Younger, City Clerk, announced a Citizen Government Review Committee meeting will be held on April 23, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Cyrus K. Holliday Building First Floor Conference Room, 620 SE Madison Street, Topeka. City Manager, Dr. Robert M. Perez announced the Contracts & Procurement Division would host a How to Workshop on City of Topeka goods and services on April 23, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Topeka Performing Arts Center (TPAC) Martin Auditorium, 214 SE 8th Street, Topeka, Kansas. Councilmember Ortiz requested Animal Control policy changes be presented to the Public Health Safety Committee for review specifically as it relates to backlog of calls concerning vicious dogs. She also recommended Staff review the job duties of the Public Information Officer for Police and Fire as it relates to allowing for time off. Councilmember Kell concurred with Councilmember Ortiz and requested the City Manager speak with Animal Control about the changes. He spoke to the positive impact First Tee-Greater Topeka and Shawnee County 4-H Club have on community youth. Councilmember Dobler expressed his appreciation and spoke to the positive impact Washburn University has on the community. Councilmember Duncan announced he attended the Topeka JUMP Nehemiah Event 4-15-25 146 where he had very important conversations about affordable housing with local community leaders; and Reser’s Fine Foods will host a Jingle Competition offering a prize of $25,000. He also announced the 2025 Kansas Legislative Session has concluded and he thanked City Staff for their testimonies that made a difference. Councilmember Hoferer referenced the Topeka Community Foundation Scholarship event and the great things they are doing in the community. She encouraged those that are able to donate to do so. Councilmember Hiller referenced the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience (ICSC), a global network of historic sites, museums, and memory initiatives that actively engage the public with the past to foster a deeper understanding of history and inspire action on human rights challenges for historic sites such as the Brown v. Board of Education sites. She provided an update on the Heartland Flyer Passenger Rail Service. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala stated she concurs with Councilmember Duncan and thanked Staff for assisting with City’s Legislative Agenda. She offered her condolences to the Dr. Ken Kott Family. Mayor Padilla commented on the positive impact Washburn University has had on the community. Councilmember Miller moved to recess into executive session not to exceed 60 minutes to give legal advice on multiple cases in litigation and other claims deemed privileged under the Attorney-Client Privilege as allowed under K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). The open meeting will resume in the Governing Body Chambers. The following staff will be necessary to assist the Governing Body in its deliberations, City Attorney Stanley and other staff members as needed. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kell. 4-15-25 147  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 unanimously. Councilmember Ortiz voted “no.” (9-1-0) At the conclusion of the executive session, the meeting was reconvened into open session and Mayor Padilla announced no action was taken during the executive session. Councilmember Miller moved to recess into executive session not to exceed 25 minutes to continue the discussion concerning legal advice on multiple cases in litigation and other claims deemed privileged under the Attorney-Client Privilege as allowed under K.S.A. 75- 4319(b)(2). The open meeting will resume in the Governing Body Chambers. The following staff will be necessary to assist the Governing Body in its deliberations, City Attorney Stanley and other staff members as needed. 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 unanimously. Councilmembers Dobler and Ortiz voted “no.” (8-2-0) NO FURTHER BUSINESS appearing the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. (SEAL) Brenda Younger City Clerk 4-15-25 148