OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Topeka City Council Meeting - November 12, 2025: TIF District, Demolition Process, and Rental Registration

Governing Body — Thursday, November 13, 2025
BodyTopeka, Kansas
SessionGoverning Body
DateThursday, November 13, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:46:21

Transcript — Verbatim
0:10

Good evening and welcome to the November 12th meeting of the governing body.

0:13

I call this meeting to order.

0:16

If you'll stand if able for the invitation from Councilwoman Hiller and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance.

0:26

Thank you all.

0:28

Um present some thoughts today just from me.

0:34

Um overall, thank you everyone for all that you do for the city and for each other.

0:40

It really matters.

0:43

That said, my thoughts leaned into the fact that it's been a tumultuous time here nationally and down to locally and and out as far as globally.

0:55

A pastor that I reached out to for today was so overwhelmed with issues already on his heart and schedule that he regretfully declined for the invocation for this evening.

1:07

That tells a lot.

1:09

So let me touch base on some recent experience of mine with Topeka United and the immortal words of characters from Charles Dickens' The Christmas Carol.

1:21

Let us together review our proud heritage here in Topeka as a crossroads to freedom.

1:28

But remind ourselves and others that we all know we are not where we want to be yet.

1:34

To take a step, let's encourage everyone to gather friends or family, or go solo and explore at least one unfamiliar holiday experience this season.

1:46

And then share those thoughts about how that went with at least someone.

1:51

Consider the commitment made by Scrooge after the ghosts had shared with him insights on his own experiences and those of others.

2:00

He was inspired to say, I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all year.

2:07

I will live in the past, the present, and the future.

2:12

The spirits of all three shall strive within me.

2:15

I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.

2:21

If someone says something harsh or hateful, maybe inside your head instead of out loud, feel free to let it go with famous words from Scrooge, also from Scrooge.

2:32

Bah, humbug.

2:35

And last, in the immortal words of Tiny Tim, for the entire season.

2:42

God bless us, everyone.

2:45

Thank you.

3:00

Undergog.

3:12

Madam Clerk, please call roll.

3:16

Mayor Padilla.

3:19

Deputy Mayor Kell.

3:21

Here.

3:22

Council members Hiller.

3:24

Here about Divia Aquila.

3:27

Here.

3:28

Ortiz.

3:29

Here.

3:30

Thanks.

3:31

Here.

3:32

Miller.

3:32

Here.

3:33

Doubler.

3:34

Here.

3:35

Duncan.

3:37

Here.

3:38

All right.

3:39

We have a nine presence.

3:43

Oh, I'm so sorry, Councilmember Hilfer.

3:46

Apologize.

3:47

Thank you.

3:48

I apologize.

3:49

We have nine present guys.

3:50

Thank you.

3:51

Agenda item number two, consent agenda agenda.

3:55

Madam Clerk.

3:57

A is an approval of a public works department contract amendment for professional engineering and design services between the City of Topeka and SBB Engineering LLC for an updated contract amount not to exceed 74,435.

4:12

B is a resolution introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee comprised of Councilmember Sylvia Ortiz, David Banks, and Neil Dobler recommending approval of project number 841099 phase two for street improvements of Southeast 30th Street, Southeast Powell Street, and Southeast Turnpike Avenue, as further described in Exhibit A.

4:32

C is a resolution introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee comprised of Councilmembers Sylvia Ortiz, David Banks, and Neil Dobler recommending approval of project numbers 841098 phase eight and 50 1125 phase one for street and sewer improvements at Southwest Mound View Drive from Southwest 19th Street to Southwest 21st Street as further described in Exhibit A.

5:00

D is a resolution introduced by the public infrastructure committee comprised of council members Sylvia Ortiz, David Banks, and Neil Dobler recommending approval of project numbers 841099 phase three and 501107 phase seven for street and suit storm sewer improvements for Southwest Gerald Lane, Southwest Bit Road, and Southwest 11th Street as further described and exhibit A.

5:18

E are the minutes of the regular meeting of November 5th, 2025, and we have no applications.

5:32

Move by uh Councilman Hofer and second by uh Councilwoman Ortiz.

5:37

Uh vote, please.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Landlord Tenant Relations█████████████████████████████29%
Property Maintenance███████████████████19%
Procedural██████████████14%
Economic Development██████████10%
Legal████████8%
Housing And Development████4%
Community Engagement████4%
Public Health███3%
Public Safety███3%
Summary of Proceedings

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.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the November 12th meeting of the governing body. I call this meeting to order. If you'll stand if able for the invitation from Councilwoman Hiller and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. Thank you all. Um present some thoughts today just from me. Um overall, thank you everyone for all that you do for the city and for each other. It really matters. That said, my thoughts leaned into the fact that it's been a tumultuous time here nationally and down to locally and and out as far as globally. A pastor that I reached out to for today was so overwhelmed with issues already on his heart and schedule that he regretfully declined for the invocation for this evening. That tells a lot. So let me touch base on some recent experience of mine with Topeka United and the immortal words of characters from Charles Dickens' The Christmas Carol. Let us together review our proud heritage here in Topeka as a crossroads to freedom. But remind ourselves and others that we all know we are not where we want to be yet. To take a step, let's encourage everyone to gather friends or family, or go solo and explore at least one unfamiliar holiday experience this season. And then share those thoughts about how that went with at least someone. Consider the commitment made by Scrooge after the ghosts had shared with him insights on his own experiences and those of others. He was inspired to say, I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all year. I will live in the past, the present, and the future. The spirits of all three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. If someone says something harsh or hateful, maybe inside your head instead of out loud, feel free to let it go with famous words from Scrooge, also from Scrooge. Bah, humbug. And last, in the immortal words of Tiny Tim, for the entire season. God bless us, everyone. Thank you. Undergog. Madam Clerk, please call roll. Mayor Padilla. Deputy Mayor Kell. Here. Council members Hiller. Here about Divia Aquila. Here. Ortiz. Here. Thanks. Here. Miller. Here. Doubler. Here. Duncan. Here. All right. We have a nine presence. Oh, I'm so sorry, Councilmember Hilfer. Apologize. Thank you. I apologize. We have nine present guys.

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