Topeka City Council Meeting – September 3, 2025: Night Out Report, Infrastructure Approvals, Budget Debate, and Public Concerns

The Topeka Governing Body met on September 3, 2025, to consider appointments, consent agenda items, infrastructure project approvals, a utility lien discussion, and the 2026 budget. The meeting featured a presentation on the 2025 National Night Out, approval of water and street improvements totaling over $4.8 million, and a public comment period that highlighted concerns about fairness in debt collection, the city manager's conduct, and the need for affordable housing funding.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of a resolution granting the Celtic Fox an exception to noise prohibitions.
• Approval of a special event resolution for the 2025 Tap That Brew Festival.
• Approval of a joint memorandum of agreement on group health care cost sharing with labor unions for 2026–2028.
• Approval of a professional engineering contract amendment for boiler system upgrades at the North Topeka Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Approval of a professional engineering contract amendment for the Southwest 21st Street Water Main Replacement Project.
• Approval of minutes from the special meeting of August 26, 2025. All items were approved unanimously (10-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Danielle Twemlow (on deferred item 5D and utility liens): Spoke against forgiving penalties for developers, noting that previous forgiveness for Crossman cost the city $3.22 million in lost value and $7.95 million still owed. She argued that the city should focus on collecting large debts rather than placing liens on small residential accounts. She also requested a clear process for debt forgiveness equal to that offered to developers.
• Sandra Lasseter: Criticized City Manager for being dismissive in a recent meeting and questioned high salaries (manager $256,000 plus $700 addendum, five attorneys over $100,000). She suggested a hiring freeze on top positions and redirecting funds to help seniors struggling with property taxes. She stated the city manager refused further meetings with community leaders.
• Steve Schiffelbein (Topeka JUMP – Justice Unity and Ministry Project): Urged the council to support $2 million in public funding for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in the 2026 budget, citing commitments from the city manager and council members at previous forums.
• Henry McClure: Called for a public forum on the Lawrence Bay development deal with Jim Crossman, criticized the city for not enforcing payment of special assessments, and claimed Crossman “owns the city.” He argued that the city should stop doing business with delinquent developers.

Discussion Items

• 2025 National Night Out Update: Presented by Bianca Burnett. Nine neighborhood-led events and a citywide event at the Expocentre attracted over 2,200 residents (1,500 at the citywide event). The total cost was $12,950.73, under the $15,000 budget. Highlights included a talent show, touch-a-truck, car show, and senior participation (busloads from East Topeka Senior Center). Plans for 2026 include improved signage, senior transportation, and expanded sponsorship.
• Utility Lien Ordinance Process (Non-action item 6A): Staff reported sending letters to 146 property owners with delinquent utility accounts totaling nearly $112,000. As of meeting day, 96 accounts remained unpaid ($87,000). Most (94) were outside city limits (wastewater customers). Last year, 175 letters were sent with $130,000 outstanding; 98% of liens are eventually paid. Council members Hiller and Dobler clarified that no residential water customers were included in this batch.
• 2026 Budget Discussion (Non-action item 6B): Budget Director Josh Mackinar noted the public hearing will occur September 9, with a tentative vote September 16. Councilman Duncan proposed an amendment to restore two code compliance officers by reallocating $130,000 from e-ticket citations funding. Councilwoman Hiller pressed for a plan to address the projected $15 million deficit in 2027. City Manager acknowledged the need for tough choices, including possible cuts of 10 police, 7 firefighter positions, and a battalion chief. Public comments urged investment in affordable housing and criticized high executive salaries.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment Approved: Monique Popey reappointed to the ADA Advisory Council (voice vote, unanimous).
• Consent Agenda Approved: All six items passed 10-0.
• Infrastructure Projects Approved:
  • 5A: Water line improvements on 21st Street (Buchanan to Washburn) – $2.2 million (approved 10-0).
  • 5B: Water line improvements on Stony Brook Drive – $2.1 million (approved 10-0).
  • 5C: Street and stormwater improvements on SW Martin Drive (41st to 42nd) – under $560,000 (approved 10-0).
• Item 5D Deferred: Resolution regarding penalties/properties was moved to September 16, 2025, with no objection.
• Social Service Grants Approved: $491,904 allocated for 2026 (approved 10-0).
• Next Meeting: September 9, 2025, will include a public hearing on the 2026 operating budget and several zoning ordinances. The utility lien ordinance will be brought back for a vote.
• Council Announcements: Councilwoman Valdivia Aquala read emails from developer Chuck Doltmeyer alleging unfair treatment favoring developer Jim Crossman and criticized the city manager's conduct. Councilman Miller offered condolences for the death of Connie Gould in a traffic accident. Councilman Dobler urged the public to engage constructively.