Topeka City Council Meeting - May 13, 2026

The Topeka City Council convened on May 13, 2026, with eight members present initially, later joined by Councilmember Ortiz for a total of nine. The meeting featured a proclamation for Community Action Month, a presentation on the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) annual report, approval of a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for Johnson Betts Meadows, discussions on the Southeast 29th Street-KTA interchange CIP amendment, and extensive public comment on sidewalks, utility rates, and housing trust funding.

Consent Calendar

• Approved an amended consent agenda (motion by Councilmember Kell, second by Councilmember Banks, 8-0) including: a resolution granting Celtic Fox a noise exception; a utilities department contract amendment with Bartland and West Inc. (not to exceed $72,950); approval of May 1, 2026 special meeting minutes (deferring May 5 regular meeting minutes to May 19); and 22 cereal malt beverage off-premise applications (all renewals except one new for QuickTrip).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Donna Lacey opposed a proposed sidewalk on McAllister Street between 13th and Drury Lane, citing loss of flower beds, snow removal burden, and a safety hazard from a nearby culvert. She questioned the 16-foot-10-inch setback (exceeding the 12-foot easement she researched).
• Rochelle King (Eastern Topeka Quarter Initiative) advocated for placing a quarter-cent sales tax for the Eastern Topeka Corridor initiative on the August 2026 ballot, calling it a "lifetime opportunity" for the east side.
• Diosha Nove Groves (youth representative) supported the Eastern Corridor sales tax, emphasizing the need for recreational opportunities and belonging for youth.
• Christopher Diley (homeless resident) challenged the effectiveness of subsidized housing programs, stating he has been homeless for 27 years and pays $140/month in taxes on motel stays yet cannot access housing. He also raised concerns about the religious nature of 12-step meetings, arguing they may pose safety risks when court-ordered.
• Joseph Ledbetter (brother of Donna Lacey) opposed the McAllister Street sidewalk, citing maintenance issues, a taking of property, and the need for prior council vetting.
• James Bolton spoke about confronting hatred and evil in the city, calling for a forensic audit and urging love and responsibility.
• Danielle Twemlow demanded a full independent audit of the utility department before any rate increases, alleging the "readiness to serve" charge was a new revenue-generating strategy (citing a 2023 Capital-Journal article) and questioning the use of funds for development incentives. She noted a 200% increase in delinquent utility accounts (269 in 2020 to ~792 in 2025).
• Paul Byrne (economist) suggested using Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs) from nonprofit organizations (e.g., churches supporting Topeka Jump) to fund the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, estimating $400,000–$840,000 in potential city property taxes from 31 churches with $90 million in appraised value.

Discussion Items

• Community Action Month Proclamation: Mayor Duncan proclaimed May 2026 as Community Action Month, recognizing the local agency's 50+ years of work. Alicia Walker (executive director) and Dr. Sarah Barrett (board chair) accepted.
• Topeka Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Annual Report: Kurt Young (Topeka Lodging Association) presented the 2027 proposed budget and services, highlighting $244,355.70 contributed in 2025 for Evergy Plaza operations and $3,124.98 for plaza fountain/fire pit repairs. The Kansas Kids Wrestling Tournament (2,800 wrestlers in 2025) and a new second tournament (1,800 wrestlers in May 2026) were cited as key economic drivers. TLA provides $10,000 annually to the wrestling organization and funds barbecues (~$6,000/year). The TBID experienced a $50,411 shortfall in 2025 due to lower occupancy, but Heartland Park's reopening is expected to help. A groundbreaking for an ice rink near Evergy Plaza was teased.
• Johnson Betts Meadows RHID – Public Hearing and Ordinance (Action 5A): Director of Economic Development Leah Bowling presented the proposed 176-unit low-income housing development (40% AMI or below: 61 units at 30% AMI, 27 units at 30% AMI, 88 units at 60% AMI). The RHID maximum reimbursement is $4.6 million over 25 years on a pay-as-you-go basis. The development team includes Mesner Hoppe JV Development, THA, and U.S. Bank. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala questioned the complexity, the RHID committee composition, and the developer exit clause. City Manager clarified that THA's right to buy out the developer after fee payment prevents over-incentivization. Public hearing opened; Christopher Diley testified about lack of access to affordable housing. After closing the hearing, the council voted 8-0 (with Ortiz later added, making it 9-0) to approve the ordinance establishing the RHID.
• Johnson Betts Meadows Development Agreement (Action 5B): Approved by a vote of 9-0 (Councilmember Kell motion, Miller second, Ortiz joined online).
• Southeast 29th Street – KTA Interchange CIP Amendment (Non-Action 6A): Jason (staff) explained that KTA has agreed to provide 20% funding ($3.6 million) if the city moves the project from 2030 to 2026 (design) and 2028 (construction). Total cost: $18.45 million; city share: $14.85 million. Council debate: Valdivia-Alcala opposed, citing budget deficit and lack of an audit; Kell and Banks supported, noting the project has been in the CIP for 12 years and KTA funding is a limited opportunity. Hiller raised concerns about lack of development plans for the interchange and utility costs. Ortiz supported. Public comment: Joseph Ledbetter spoke in favor, noting traffic and growth benefits. No vote was taken; the matter will return for action on May 19.
• 2027-2036 CIP and 2027-2029 CIB Discussion (Non-Action 6B): Deputy Director Josh McEnarney presented the CIP as a flexible document; council can propose changes before the May 19 vote. Hiller expressed concerns about the debt service fund and the need to shift some projects to cash to avoid excessive bonding. No action taken.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved as amended (8-0).
• RHID ordinance for Johnson Betts Meadows approved (8-0 initially, then 9-0 with Ortiz).
• Development agreement for Johnson Betts Meadows approved (9-0).
• Discussion on KTA interchange continued; final vote scheduled for May 19, 2026.
• CIP discussion continued; amendments due before May 19 vote.
• Three executive sessions were held (non-elected employees, real property acquisition, and legal advice/litigation), with no action taken.