Topeka City Council Meeting - November 12, 2025

The Topeka City Council, with nine members present, convened on November 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM (estimated) to address a consent calendar, a public hearing on a tax increment financing (TIF) district, and a detailed discussion on demolition and condemnation processes, proposed ordinance amendments for non-owner occupied properties, and a rental registration program. The meeting included public comments from landlords, tenants, and a state representative, and concluded with three executive sessions.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (9-0) the following items:
  • A contract amendment with SBB Engineering LLC for professional engineering services (not to exceed $74,435).
  • Resolutions for street and sewer improvements on Southeast 30th Street, Southeast Powell Street, Southeast Turnpike Avenue, Southwest Mound View Drive, Southwest Gerald Lane, and related areas.
  • Minutes of the November 5, 2025, regular meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Steve Vogel (President, Shawnee County Landlords Association) opposed the proposed rental licensing ordinance, arguing that the city should enforce existing codes instead of creating new ones. He cited potential lawsuits and tenant displacement concerns.
• Martha Bowright (Topeka Tenants) supported the ordinance, highlighting the prevalence of out-of-state landlords like Lumaguinness and the need for transparency and accountability. She acknowledged the risk of displacement but urged the city to consider cooperative ownership or municipalization.
• Alex Bazicki (Topeka Tenants) supported the ordinance changes, describing human suffering from mold, sewage, and water damage in apartments owned by shell LLCs. He emphasized the need for landlord accountability.
• Pat the Laptop (unspecified affiliation) opposed the changes, claiming the city already has strong penalties (up to $499/day and 145 days in jail) and that code enforcement is overreaching into aesthetics. He alleged improper use of water department to gain entry for inspections.
• Greg DeBacker (landlord for 47 years) opposed the rental registry, citing a Kansas statute (K.S.A. 12-16,138) that prohibits cities from requiring interior inspections. He argued that tenant behavior is a major issue and that landlords should not be penalized for tenant-caused violations.
• Representative Alexis Simmons (first time before council) supported the registry, citing constituent concerns about landlord accountability from her campaign. She offered to help with state-level changes if needed.

Discussion Items

• Sunflower Crossing TIF Redevelopment District (Action Item):

  • The city manager stated the property meets 7 of 9 statutory blight factors. Developer Jerry Roush presented the vision: a mixed-use project with a major chain (QuickTrip), housing, restaurant/retail, and a stoplight. He emphasized the project's potential to attract traffic from I-470 and revitalize the South Topeka Boulevard gateway. Council members expressed excitement, noting the removal of blighted structures. The public hearing was opened and closed with no opposition. Council voted unanimously (9-0) to approve the ordinance establishing the district.

• Demolition and Condemnation Process Update (Non-Action):

  • John Sardine (Property Maintenance Director) explained the difference between condemnation (legal status, reversible) and demolition (physical action, permanent). He presented data: in 2023, 180 investigations led to 16 demolitions (avg. cost $2,394/case); in 2024, 121 investigations led to 15 demolitions (avg. cost $3,694/case, skewed by a $200,000 demolition). He noted that selective demolition prioritizes the most dangerous properties due to limited funds. Council members asked about tracking condemned properties, tenant displacement, and cost recovery. Sardine acknowledged poor collection rates for demolition costs.

• Proposed Ordinance Amendments for Non-Owner Occupied Properties (Non-Action):

  • Chief Prosecutor Kelly Trussell proposed amending TMC 8.60.070 to remove prosecutor discretion to dismiss fines for non-owner occupied properties that come into compliance after prosecution begins. The goal is to motivate faster compliance. Council members expressed support for stronger enforcement.

• Rental Registration Program (Non-Action):

  • Senior Attorney Matt Mullen presented a potential rental license program, citing examples from other cities. Key points: license per building under common ownership, exceptions for hotels/motels/nursing homes, fees (possibly $6-$40/unit), and no interior inspections (per state law). Implementation could take until 2027 or later. Council members discussed the need for emergency contact info, ADA compliance, and education for good landlords. Some favored a registry to target slumlords like Lumaguinness. Councilwoman Hiller noted that Wichita recently tabled a similar ordinance. The city manager clarified that state law prohibits mandatory interior inspections.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (9-0): Ordinance establishing the Sunflower Crossing TIF Redevelopment District.
• Direction Given: Council indicated support for proceeding with the proposed amendments to enhance prosecution for non-owner occupied properties and to develop a rental registration program. Staff will seek further input from committees (likely Public Health and Safety) and refine the proposals.
• No Action Taken: The three executive sessions (legal advice, personnel matters) resulted in no action.
• Next Steps: The November 18, 2025, agenda includes board appointments, ordinances for a QuickTrip PUD, North Topeka Townhouses, and a Habitat for Humanity PUD, as well as a public hearing date for budget amendments and discussion of the 2026 legislative agenda.