Topeka Governing Body Meeting - October 15, 2025

The Topeka Governing Body met on October 15, 2025 (meeting began on October 14 and continued past midnight) for a regular meeting that included a presentation on a downtown digital kiosk pilot program, action on an abandoned vehicle citation ordinance, discussions on alcohol and drug funding and merchant security uniforms, and public comments addressing landlord licensing and police accountability. The meeting concluded with an executive session on personnel matters.

Consent Calendar

• Settlement approval: The body approved a settlement of up to $292,500 to resolve a lawsuit filed by Barbara Hack related to her employment with the city, on a full and final basis.
• Minutes: The minutes of the regular meeting of October 7, 2025 were approved.
• The consent agenda passed unanimously (9-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Greg DeBacker (landlord) opposed the proposed rental registration ordinance, arguing it would burden tenants with increased rent and landlords with fees. He questioned the cost, inspection requirements, and whether short-term rentals would be exempt.
• Steve Vogel (president of Shawnee County Landlords Association) questioned the effectiveness of landlord licensing, citing that the worst U.S. rental cities have such requirements. He urged the city to enforce existing property maintenance codes instead.
• Sandra Lassiter made brief religious remarks and referenced discrimination settlements.
• Unnamed speaker (Ms. Duncan, family of Taylor Lowry) requested the city review the abandoned vehicle ordinance to avoid penalizing low-income residents who cannot afford registration. She also submitted claims on behalf of three families whose loved ones were killed by police in 2022 (Taylor Lowry, Christopher Kelly, Dylan Wallstrom), asking for accountability, transparency, and release of video footage.
• Demonbrius Duncan (family of Taylor Lowry) recounted the emotional toll and asked for truth and transparency, stating that one officer expressed regret. She noted she had to fight to view video footage and questioned why officers were not given drug/alcohol tests after the shooting.
• Courtland Davis (community activist) reiterated demands for truth and transparency regarding police shootings, urging the council to address systemic issues.
• Henry McClure criticized the city's economic development incentives (e.g., Go Topeka contracts, hotel purchase) and suggested increasing the local alcohol tax to fund homelessness and addiction programs.

Discussion Items

• Downtown Digital Kiosk Pilot Program: Public Works Director Steve Gron and Analyst Alley Williams presented a two-year pilot program for four digital kiosks in downtown Topeka. The kiosks will promote events, provide wayfinding, emergency alerts, parking payment, and multilingual support (English and Spanish). The city will receive a minimum of $7,500 per year plus 12% of screen time for city content. The vendor covers maintenance and replacement. The program is a FY2025 strategic goal. Installation is expected by February 2026.
• Abandoned Vehicle Citation Ordinance: Police Commander Colleen Stewart proposed expanding citation authority to property maintenance inspectors for abandoned vehicles. Currently only police can cite; property maintenance staff work consistent areas and can improve efficiency. The ordinance does not change the underlying procedure (48-hour rule, towing). Council discussion included concerns about penalizing residents with legitimate reasons (e.g., medical issues) and liability. A motion to defer the vote for one week failed (4-5). The original motion to approve passed 7-2 (Councilmembers Kel and Miller dissenting).
• 2026 Special Alcohol and Drug Funding Recommendations: Housing Division Director Carrie Higgins presented the grant review committee's recommendation to allocate $720,206 to agencies at full ask. One new agency (Mere – justice-involved recovery services) is included. The funding comes from Kansas liquor tax. No appeals were filed. The item will return for approval at the next meeting.
• Merchant Private Security Uniform Ordinance: Police Chief Chris Vallejo proposed allowing off-duty law enforcement officers (TPD, county, KHP) to wear their uniform while working private security at businesses, with approval from the TPD chief. Discussion focused on liability, accountability, and worker's compensation. Council requested a legal memorandum on liability before taking action. No vote was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Abandoned Vehicle Citation Ordinance: Approved 7-2 (Kel and Miller voting no). The ordinance allows property maintenance inspectors to issue citations for abandoned vehicles on public streets, effective immediately.
• Deferral motion failed: A substitute motion to defer the abandoned vehicle vote to October 21, 2025 failed 4-5.
• Next steps: The special alcohol and drug funding allocations and the merchant uniform ordinance will be considered at the October 21 meeting. The digital kiosk contract is expected to be finalized in coming weeks, with installation targeted for February 2026.
• Executive session: The body recessed into a 30-minute executive session to discuss personnel matters involving an individual employee. No action was taken.