Topeka Governing Body Meeting - June 3, 2026

The governing body met on June 3, 2026, to discuss major infrastructure updates, police mental health response reforms, a new housing incentive district, and proposed utility rate increases. The meeting included two presentations, a consent agenda, four action items, and a non-action discussion on utility rates.

Consent Calendar

• Approved ordinances and resolutions for city expenditures (Feb 28 - May 1, 2026) and various street improvement projects (SW 45th St, alleys, SE 37th St).
• Approved CIP amendments for bridge deck repairs and fire department fleet replacement.
• Approved minutes of May 19, 2026 meeting and cereal malt beverage applications.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joe Ludbetter spoke in favor of the Windward Estates RHID, citing the developer's track record and the need for housing in that area.
• Henry McClure opposed the "but-for" test requirement and the cap on developer profit, calling them unnecessary regulations, but later praised utilities director Sylvia Davis for responsive customer service.
• Christopher Deal urged the city to support federal wildlife crossing legislation (HR 6078) and emphasized safety for both people and wildlife on roadways.
• During the utility rate discussion, several residents raised concerns about notification of public meetings and the burden on fixed-income residents.

Discussion Items

Polk-Quincy Viaduct Update

• Representatives from Bartlett West and KDOT presented upcoming closures: I-70 from Topeka Blvd to 6th/8th Sts will close starting June 8, 2026, for viaduct demolition and reconstruction. Kansas Ave and Topeka Blvd will have periodic closures in June. The main detour will use I-470 and the Kansas Turnpike.
• Councilmembers asked about response times, construction timeline (slightly behind but on schedule), and public safety during closures. Emergency coordination meetings are ongoing.

Police Mobile Crisis & Astra Update

• Police Chief and Assistant Chief Cross presented a new red-yellow-green model for mental health crisis response, diverting low-level calls to mobile crisis teams from Astra Mental Health. Calls to Astra increased 209%.
• Councilmember Valdivia Alcala emphasized the need for a culture shift and long-term funding for alternatives to policing. Councilmember Ortiz highlighted gaps in children's mental health services, including lack of beds and follow-up.
• The department is working on direct radio communication with mobile crisis and planning a tabletop exercise to address system gaps.

Windward Estates RHID (Action Items A & B)

• A public hearing was held to establish a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for 40 duplex units (20 buildings) at SE 45th and California Ave. Total project cost $9.8 million, with maximum RHID reimbursement of $2.6 million over 25 years. Units are market-rate rentals ($1,500-$1,750/month).
• Debate centered on affordability and the size of the incentive. Councilmembers Kell and Valdivia Alcala voted no, concerned about cost to residents. Others supported it as necessary for workforce housing.
• The ordinance and development agreement were approved 8-2.

Utility Rate Discussion

• Utilities Director Sylvia Davis presented two rate increase scenarios for 2027-2030 to support a $775 million capital investment plan (reduced from an ideal $1.2 billion). Option 1: across-the-board increases (6-4-4-4% for water/wastewater). Option 2: reduced residential impact by shifting more cost to commercial/industrial users and eliminating customer class distinctions.
• Councilmembers expressed varying views. Kell supported increases to avoid deferred maintenance; Valdivia Alcala opposed any increase and called for a forensic audit; Bradbury asked for more time and data; Hofer inquired about commercial rates and the impact on apartment dwellers.
• The discussion will continue at the June 9, 2026 meeting.

Class B License Repeal (Action Item C)

• The council repealed a rarely-used license for facilities to have in-house plumbing/electrical/mechanical staff. Staff noted no licenses had been issued since at least 1996. Approved 9-0.

Special Events Ordinance Amendments (Action Item D)

• The council approved amendments to update the special events code, including adding Juneteenth as a recognized holiday, setting a 30-business-day deadline for police escort requests, and clarifying volunteer and vendor regulations. Approved 9-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda (unanimous, 10-0).
• Approved Windward Estates RHID ordinance and development agreement (8-2; Valdivia Alcala and Kell no).
• Approved repeal of Class B license ordinance (9-0).
• Approved special events ordinance amendments (9-0).
• Continued discussion on utility rates will be held June 9, 2026; no action taken.
• Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM after two executive sessions (no action taken).