Topeka City Council Meeting – October 22, 2025

The governing body convened on October 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM (after a recess) to address a full agenda including a presentation on the domestic violence task force, approval of the capital improvement plan (CIP) with multiple amendments, a change to uniform rules for private security, and other routine items. The meeting lasted approximately three hours and featured extensive debate on fiscal policy and long-term infrastructure planning.

Consent Calendar

• Approved appointments of Lori Peney to the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library Board of Trustees (unexpired term ending April 30, 2027) and Kyle Wilk to the City of Topeka Board of Electrical Appeals (term ending October 21, 2027).
• Approved consent agenda items: ordinance allowing city expenditures (August 30 – September 26, 2025), a $60,000 contract with Bean Consulting Group for lobbying services, and minutes of October 14, 2025.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Henry McClure (speaking on alcohol/drug funding): Argued that liquor tax revenues are being diverted from their intended use (domestic violence programs) to parks and the general fund. Urged the council to follow the original law. Also criticized the city's handling of the ATT building deal and Go Topeka, claiming the council is disconnected from citizens.
• Sandra Rasseter (speaking on the uniform ordinance and general city matters): Urged the city to resolve claims without lawsuits, called for a citizens review team, and requested a meeting with the interim city attorney. She also referenced the Lowry case and emphasized the need for council to stay connected to the community.

Discussion Items

Domestic Violence Task Force Presentation

• Becca Spielman (YWCA Program Director) presented annual statistics for 2024: 2,195 domestic violence calls, 1,407 arrests, 993 high-lethality assessments (indicating high risk of homicide), 261 repeat offenders, 1,117 cases prosecuted. She reported that 854 victims received advocacy services, and 369 patients at Stormont Vail Health said they felt unsafe at home.
• Key barriers: Lack of affordable housing and limited public transportation were cited as major obstacles for survivors leaving violent relationships.
• Council discussion: Council members emphasized the impact on children and the need for youth prevention programs. The task force uses a hybrid meeting format (in-person and Zoom) and meets at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library.

Uniform Requirements for Merchant/Private Security (Item 5B)

• Proposed amendment: Allow off-duty law enforcement officers to wear their police uniforms while working extra duty security for private businesses, with approval from the Chief of Police. Current ordinance restricts uniform use to officers employed by a state agency.
• Supporters argued: Increases visibility, deters crime, reduces call load, and ensures body-worn camera accountability. Chief of Staff Jamie Haltham and Chief Alejo supported the change.
• Opponents (Deputy Mayor Kell, Councilman Miller?) questioned: Added cost to city for equipment/training, potential liability, and public perception. Kell noted that common practice elsewhere does not make it right.
• Vote: Passed 8-2 (two no votes: Councilmembers Kell and Miller? – actual transcript lists “council members kill or” which likely refers to Kell and Miller; Miller had spoken in favor but may have voted no? The transcript shows Miller speaking in favor, but vote tally says “eight yes with council members kill or voting no.” Possibly a typo; we report as 8-2 with two dissenting.)

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) (Item 5C)

• Councilwoman Hiller proposed a package of amendments to reduce debt service and shift funding toward cash. The package included:
  • 10-year bonding for fleet replacement and fire trucks (passed 10-0).
  • Reduction of citywide infill sidewalk program funding (failed 6-4? Actually motion failed with 6 no, 4 yes? The transcript says “Okay, we have six. No, the motion fails.” So 6 no, 4 yes.)
  • Shift the Dreams program from a boom-and-bust cycle to a steady $850,000 per year (passed 9-1, Duncan no).
  • Remove Polk Quincy Viaduct East from the CIP (initially passed 7-3, but later a motion to add it back with “other” funding passed 10-0, so it remains in CIP).
  • Remove Southeast 29th Street KTA interchange from bond schedule but keep in CIP (failed twice, first vote 5-5, second vote after reconsideration also failed).
  • Remove fire station replacement from bond list (failed 7-3).
  • Remove heavy-duty fleet garage from bond list (passed 8-2, Ortiz and Kell no).
  • Add Polk Quincy West to CIP with K DOT funding (passed 10-0).
  • A motion to set 15-year bond terms did not receive a second.
• Final approval of the CIB and CIP as amended passed 9-1 (Hiller no).

Revenue Bonds for Lead Service Line Replacement (Item 5D)

• Resolution of intent to issue revenue bonds for lead service line replacement, as required by state statute. This is a preliminary step; no bonds are sold yet. The project is not part of the new CIP but was previously approved. Councilwoman Hiller asked about a separate grant for lead remediation inside homes, which is handled by the planning department.
• Vote: Passed unanimously (10-0).

Key Outcomes

• Domestic violence task force data will continue to be collected and presented annually. Council encouraged outreach to USD 501 schools and youth-serving agencies.
• Uniform amendment approved 8-2, allowing off-duty officers to wear police uniforms for private security with chief approval.
• CIP/CIB adopted with multiple amendments: 10-year bonding for fleet vehicles, Dreams program shift, heavy-duty fleet garage removed from bond list, and Polk Quincy West added to CIP. Polk Quincy East remains in CIP with funding to be determined. Southeast 29th and fire station replacement remain on the bond schedule.
• Notice of intent for revenue bonds for lead service line replacement approved.
• Next meetings: November 5 and November 12, 2025 (due to election and Veterans Day).