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Record of Proceedings

Topeka City Council Meeting – June 16, 2026: Proclamations, Housing Fund, Utility Rates, and Public Concerns

Governing Body — Wednesday, June 17, 2026
BodyTopeka, Kansas
SessionGoverning Body
DateWednesday, June 17, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:03:10

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:18

Welcome to the July or June 16th 2026 meeting of the City Council.

0:27

We are going to start with our invitation.

0:30

And Marie, it is your turn.

0:34

Thank you.

0:36

Our invocation.

0:38

We have Father Dan Coronado, the pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church here in Topeka.

0:46

He's originally from Costa Rica, was ordained in the U.S.

0:50

for the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, previously served in three different parishes.

0:58

Good shepherd in Kansas City, Saint Joseph, Saint Catherine and Emporia, now here in Topeka.

1:06

He's done bilingual ministry since he was in seminary.

1:11

And tonight he's here to provide our invocation.

1:20

Heavenly Father, we place ourselves in your presence today.

1:24

We give you thanks for all the blessings that you bestow each day and each moment on us.

1:30

Loving God, you who are the source of all wisdom and knowledge, we ask you to bestow your graces upon this council.

1:37

Help them to be attentive to your will so that they can be always true to you.

1:42

We ask you to guide their actions, decisions, so that in the midst of the different opinions, they can always find the best ways to serve you and one another.

1:54

May they always strive for justice and peace to foster the dignity and respect for every person, to seek the common good, and look for prosperity and peace for the whole community.

2:09

We ask all this through Christ our Lord.

2:12

Amen.

2:14

Thank you, Father.

2:18

I thank you.

2:40

Okay, let's call the role.

2:45

Mayor Duncan.

2:48

Council members Heller.

2:50

Here.

2:50

Baldivia Alcla.

2:52

Here.

2:53

Ortiz.

2:55

Banks.

2:56

Here.

2:57

Kel.

2:58

Miller.

2:59

Here.

3:00

Bradbury.

3:03

McGee.

3:04

Here.

3:05

And Deputy Mayor Hilford.

3:07

Here.

3:09

Okay.

3:10

We have seven present with Mayor Duncan, Councilmembers Cal and Bradbury both being out.

3:18

Okay.

3:19

Tonight we have two mayoral proclamations.

3:24

So we're going to start with Topeka Day of Play.

3:27

So if you want to come on up and read the recording.

3:45

Thank you.

4:07

Back here.

4:08

Okay.

4:12

Okay.

4:15

Okay.

4:18

Let's get started.

4:21

Whereas play is essential to the healthy development of children, supporting cognitive growth, physical health, creativity, resilience, and emotional well-being.

4:32

That prepare children for success in school and life.

4:36

And whereas play strengthens families by building connections across generations, contributing to a more connected and vibrant community where families choose to live, work, and visit.

4:49

And whereas ensuring access to safe, inclusive, and welcoming opportunities for play is essential to that of all children and families in Topeka can learn, grow, and thrive.

5:04

Whereas for the Kansas Children's Discovery Center, Topeka's nonprofit children's museum celebrates its 15th year of operation this month, and in that time has served as a champion of play, creative joyful play, and hands on learning for local families.

5:23

And whereas the Kansas Children's Discovery Center proudly works alongside educators, child care providers, caregivers, and community organizations across Topeka in supporting play and creating enriching experiences for children and families, and whereas Topeka joins communities around the world in recognizing the importance of play in alignment with children's or in alignment with International Day of Play.

5:51

And now therefore, Spencer L.

5:53

Duncan, mayor of the City of Topeka, Kansas, does hereby proclaim July 17th, 2026 as Topeka Day of Play.

6:04

In the City of Topeka, Kansas, I urge all children and former children within the city of Topeka to seek opportunities for joyful play.

6:14

And a witness thereof, Spencer L.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Utility Management███████████████████████23%
Affordable Housing██████████████████18%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Procedural█████████9%
Homelessness████████8%
Housing And Development██████6%
Water And Wastewater Management██████6%
Public Safety█████5%
Community Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Topeka City Council Meeting – June 16, 2026

The Topeka City Council met on June 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the city council chambers. Seven council members were present (Heller, Valdivia Alcala, Ortiz, Banks, Miller, Bradbury, McGee, and Deputy Mayor Hilford) with Mayor Duncan present but not voting on appointments. Councilmembers Cal and Bradbury were absent. The meeting included proclamations, appointments, presentations on merged housing counseling services and homeless encampment cleanup, a non-action discussion of Affordable Housing Trust Fund recommendations, a utility rate proposal discussion, public comments, and an executive session.

Proclamations

  • Topeka Day of Play (July 17, 2026): The mayor proclaimed July 17, 2026, as Topeka Day of Play, celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Kansas Children's Discovery Center. Dene Mosher, from the Discovery Center, thanked the council and invited all “children and former children” to visit.
  • Community Resources Council Centennial (June 2026): The mayor recognized June 2026 as the 100th anniversary of the Community Resources Council (CRC). Mary Thomas, representing CRC, thanked the community for its partnership and highlighted CRC's three care centers and ongoing work.

Appointments

  • The council approved four board reappointments/appointments unanimously (9-0, mayor not voting):
    • Nick Zadis to Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board (term ending June 30, 2028).
    • Stephen Smith to Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board (term ending June 30, 2028).
    • Isabel Hawkins to Citizens Advisory Council (term ending June 23, 2029).
    • Michaela Saunders to Sustainability Advisory Board (term ending June 30, 2028).

Presentations

  • Money Management International (MMI) – HCCI Merger Update: Andrea Clements (Development Director) and Jackie Boyes (Senior Director of Housing Operations) presented MMI's services after merging with HCCI. MMI handled 1.2 million calls/texts/chats and 242,000 counseling sessions in 2025 nationally. In Kansas (including Topeka), 617 clients received counseling in 2026 year-to-date. The city has three contracts with MMI totaling $134,793. Councilmember McGee expressed concerns about an out-of-state entity replacing HCCI and asked about community outreach. Councilmember Hiller asked about phone number continuity; the old HCCI number now routes to MMI. The city manager confirmed contracts are up for renewal.
  • Homeless Encampment and Right-of-Way Cleanup: Multi-departmental presentation by Sylvia Davis (Utilities), Jason Tryon (Public Works), Carrie Higgins (Housing and Homelessness), and John Chardine (Code Compliance). Key statistics:
    • Public Works blight crew (6 staff) spent 30% of time on trash cleanup, costing $121,933 from Jan 2025 to Mar 2026.
    • Housing Services averaged 248 hours of outreach (cost under $6,000) in 2025 and early 2026.
    • Utilities spent $87,562 in 2025 and $24,000 in Q1 2026 on camp cleanups (including $33,000 in landfill fees in 2025).
    • Code Compliance abated 65 unsheltered camps in 2025 (removing >190 tons of waste) and 16 camps in 2026 (removing >44 tons). Topeka Police spent 1,560 hours on camp abatement in 2025 and 384 hours in 2026 to date. Councilwoman Valdivia Alcala thanked workers for their difficult job. Councilman Banks asked about reduction in camps; John Chardine noted camps are relocating and occupants often coming from out of town. Councilwoman Ortiz questioned why some housed individuals return to homelessness; Carrie Higgins estimated 90-95% want housing, but systemic barriers cause relapses.

Consent Calendar

  • Items A through G (noise exceptions, property removals, expenditure approval, litigation authorization, minutes) plus off-premise alcohol applications were approved unanimously (10-0).

Discussion Items

  • Affordable Housing Trust Fund Recommendations (Non-Action): Kerry Higgins presented the committee's recommendations to award $931,947.50 to three projects:
    1. SENT Inc. – Five infill homes ($181,750 for buyer subsidies; units at 50%-120% AMI).
    2. Weible Property Development – Old Town Cooperative ($365,197.50 for 24-unit cooperative at 80%-120% AMI; full repayment within 12 months).
    3. Highland Park REO – Highland Park Town Homes ($385,000 for preservation of affordable housing; hard construction costs only). Total: 229 housing units created/preserved/rehabilitated. Jane Williams (Topeka JUMP) urged the council to secure dedicated annual public funding, such as a one-tenth of one penny sales tax for affordable housing and homelessness. Council members expressed support. Councilwoman Ortiz questioned affordability of cooperative deposits; Tyler Weible explained share-based equity. Councilman Hiller supported including homeless services in any future funding. Councilwoman Heller suggested a mechanism for private donations. The item will return for a vote on July 7, 2026.
  • Proposed Utility Rate Adjustments (Non-Action): Sylvia Davis and Nicole Mullat presented a four-year rate proposal. Key elements:
    • Water: 3.5% increase on single-family consumption in 2027; base charges flat for meters under 2 inches; larger meters and commercial/industrial see steeper increases to equalize unit costs.
    • Wastewater: 8% increase in 2027, then 6%, 5%, 5%.
    • Stormwater: 2% in 2027 and 2028, 3% in 2029, 4% in 2030 (residential impact: ~9-10 cents/month).
    • Wholesale rates: 12% in 2027. The proposal aims to meet debt coverage (target >200%) and days cash on hand (target >185 days). Public comment: Joe Ledbetter criticized rushing the process and questioned past bond spending. Councilman McGee asked for dollar impacts on average customers; Davis noted a 27-cent increase in water in 2027 then 4-cent increments. The item will continue at future meetings, with a vote expected by end of July 2026.

Public Comments

  • Joe Ledbetter (second appearance): Urged 90-day notice and council approval for sidewalk projects; suggested auditing past bond prospectuses to track spending.
  • Carla Brooks (High Crest neighborhood): Described repeated flooding (5 feet of water in her home), loss of personal belongings including her son's ashes, and lack of support. She requested a large dumpster and creek maintenance. Council members responded with sympathy and promises to investigate.
  • Henry McClure: Promoted Build Force as an economic development opportunity; criticized lack of progress in Topeka compared to Wyandotte County.
  • Danielle Twemla: Challenged the city's use of data (e.g., autotrader.com ranking for air quality vs. county health rankings) and urged council to demand accurate information on poverty rates and affordability.

Key Outcomes

  • Appointments and consent calendar approved unanimously.
  • Rezoning (6A) and short-term rental conditional use permit (6B) approved 10-0.
  • Council directed staff to prepare a formal vote on Affordable Housing Trust Fund awards for July 7, 2026.
  • Council will continue utility rate discussions; staff will provide additional details and meet with large commercial/industrial customers before a July vote.
  • City manager and council members announced upcoming events (Juneteenth, second tire take-back event July 11, storm response updates) and pledged to follow up on flooding concerns in the High Crest area.
  • The meeting recessed into executive session at 9:07 PM for 60 minutes to discuss personnel evaluations; nothing was decided, and the meeting adjourned at approximately 10:07 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Welcome to the July or June 16th 2026 meeting of the City Council. We are going to start with our invitation. And Marie, it is your turn. Thank you. Our invocation. We have Father Dan Coronado, the pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church here in Topeka. He's originally from Costa Rica, was ordained in the U.S. for the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, previously served in three different parishes. Good shepherd in Kansas City, Saint Joseph, Saint Catherine and Emporia, now here in Topeka. He's done bilingual ministry since he was in seminary. And tonight he's here to provide our invocation. Heavenly Father, we place ourselves in your presence today. We give you thanks for all the blessings that you bestow each day and each moment on us. Loving God, you who are the source of all wisdom and knowledge, we ask you to bestow your graces upon this council. Help them to be attentive to your will so that they can be always true to you. We ask you to guide their actions, decisions, so that in the midst of the different opinions, they can always find the best ways to serve you and one another. May they always strive for justice and peace to foster the dignity and respect for every person, to seek the common good, and look for prosperity and peace for the whole community. We ask all this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Thank you, Father. I thank you. Okay, let's call the role. Mayor Duncan. Council members Heller. Here. Baldivia Alcla. Here. Ortiz. Banks. Here. Kel. Miller. Here. Bradbury. McGee. Here. And Deputy Mayor Hilford. Here. Okay. We have seven present with Mayor Duncan, Councilmembers Cal and Bradbury both being out. Okay. Tonight we have two mayoral proclamations. So we're going to start with Topeka Day of Play. So if you want to come on up and read the recording. Thank you. Back here. Okay. Okay. Okay. Let's get started.

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