Topeka City Council Regular Meeting - December 17, 2025

Note: The meeting was called to order on December 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. (transcript) but the official record date is December 17, 2025 (03:40:37 UTC) due to extended duration. All nine members were present.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the consent agenda (contract amendment with IAFF Local 83 and minutes of December 2 and 9, 2025) passed 9-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tamika Coffee (parent): Expressed strong opposition to the way a first-degree murder search warrant was executed at Topeka High School on December 8. She stated that 20 students' personal information was listed on a single warrant, that children were pulled from class without parent notification, and that the detective described it as “easier this way” and a “cattle call.” She called the process sloppy and disrespectful.
• Keighley Addington: Accused the city of police misconduct and cover-ups regarding the fatal shooting of Dylan Wallstrom. She claimed the city is failing to hold officers accountable and cited Kansas statutes on accessory to murder and forfeiture of office, calling on all council members to resign.
• Pastor (representing Topeka JUMP): Expressed support for the recommended 0.01% sales tax to fund affordable housing and homelessness services, but urged that at least 50% be specifically allocated to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, similar to Lawrence’s model. He stated that the city manager had committed to a funding proposal at a Nehemiah Action event.
• Marshal (first name not given, real estate agent): Called for eliminating presumptive probation to deter property crime and proposed a “one strike and you’re out” policy. Suggested a positive reinforcement litter reduction campaign like “Don’t Trash Topeka.”
• Speaker (name not given, on incentive districts): Noted that Kansas City school districts are suing over lost tax revenue from incentive districts. Urged the city to adopt requirements similar to Kansas City (e.g., community benefit allocations, reporting, minimum property owner signatures) and to reconsider using a sales tax for affordable housing when incentive districts could be reformed to generate revenue.
• Dr. Justin Spees: Detailed an unlawful arrest at the Topeka Police Station on September 8, 2025, for recording police activity, and alleged abusive treatment at the Shawnee County jail (forced suicide watch, non-compliance punishment). He stated he faces a criminal charge and has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit.
• Sarah McClure: Stated that the city should own and enforce its own ordinances, not rely solely on citizen reports, and should set an example in property maintenance.
• Zone Grace (community advocate): Urged the city to develop a digital equity strategic plan and playbook, noting that federal Digital Equity Act funds are no longer available. He submitted a draft plan but received no response.
• Gretchen Eichmann (District 1 resident): Raised concerns about voting accessibility, vacant buildings and litter, alcohol-promoted downtown events, lack of trauma-informed training, and difficulty accessing assistance. She urged promotion of family-friendly activities and clearer leadership.

Discussion Items

• Service Recognition Ceremony: Honored outgoing Mayor Michael A. Padilla, Deputy Mayor Brett D. Kell, and Councilmember Neil Dobler for their service. Each received gifts and proclamations; personal remarks were exchanged.
• Affordable Housing Trust Fund Presentation: Deputy City Manager Copley presented the committee’s recommendations: an RFP process for developers starting January 2026, scoring criteria including bonus points for land bank activation and workforce housing, and a proposed 0.01% sales tax (estimated $3.78 million/year) as an ongoing funding source. Councilwoman Hiller asked about rehab and vacant property eligibility; she was told the guidelines are broad.
• De-Annexation (SW Watermaker & 53rd): Staff recommended approval because the property (school district owned) provides no tax revenue and is served by rural water/sewer. Councilman Dobler supported it, noting future re-annexation is possible if development occurs. Approved 9-0.
• Ardmore Walk Subdivision & Annexation: Plats for 42 lots on 45th Street approved 9-0; associated annexation also approved 9-0.
• Street Name Change (NW 8th St to NW Waldo Way): Approved 9-0 after all affected owners consented.
• Project View RHID (Resolution for Public Hearing): First step for a market-rate 192-unit apartment complex between 6th/7th and Van Buren/Jackson. Set public hearing for February 3, 2026. Approved 9-0.
• California Crossing CID (Resolution): Community improvement district at 29th & California to redevelop a shopping center (1.5% CID). Approved 8-1 (Councilman Duncan opposed).
• 3D Homes RHID (First Resolution): Step one for three non-contiguous sites for workforce housing (about 80 units) using spin-cast concrete technology. Approved 9-0.
• 2026 Facility Improvements/Repair Program (Resolution): Councilwoman Hiller raised concerns about bonding small maintenance projects (e.g., $22,000 emergency repairs) and the cumulative impact on debt policy. She proposed an alternative funding plan. Her motion failed for lack of a second. The original resolution passed 8-1 (Councilman Duncan voted no).
• 2024 International Property Maintenance Code Adoption: John Shardine (Property Maintenance Director) presented the update, including new definitions (rubbish, tenant, pool covers, concealed wiring, carbon monoxide alarms). Public comment from Pat DeLap criticized the code as not fully cooked, suggested using NSPIRE instead, and cited concerns about excessive fines. Deputy Mayor Kell and others supported the code to improve landlord accountability. Approved 7-2? (Transcript says seven yes – exact breakdown not fully clear; Councilman Duncan voted yes, but vote tally shows seven yes, motion carried.)
• Annual Declaration of City Boundaries: Approved 9-0.
• Appropriation Ordinance (Budget Amendments): Approved 8-0 (Councilmember Miller did not vote).

Key Outcomes

• Board Appointments (6 items) and Land Bank Board – Approved 9-0.
• De-Annexation (SW Watermaker/53rd) – Approved 9-0.
• Ardmore Walk Plat & Annexation – Approved 9-0.
• Street Name Change – Approved 9-0.
• Project View RHID Public Hearing Set for Feb 3, 2026 – Approved 9-0.
• California Crossing CID – Approved 8-1 (Duncan opposed).
• 3D Homes RHID First Step – Approved 9-0.
• 2026 Facility Improvements Program – Approved (8-1; Duncan opposed).
• 2024 Property Maintenance Code Adoption – Approved (7 yes, motion carried; specific dissenting votes not recorded).
• Boundary Declaration & Budget Amendments – Approved.
• Next City Council Meeting: Scheduled for January 6, 2026.

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned after announcements and farewells to outgoing Mayor Padilla and Councilman Dobler.