Public Meetings - Topeka, Kansas

Note: The meeting transcript indicates a commencement date of March 3, 2026; however, the provided timestamp for the summary is March 4, 2026. The Topeka City Council convened on March 4, 2026, with Mayor Duncan presiding. Eight council members were present (Kell, Hillard, Banks, Miller, Bradbury, McGee, Hofer) and two absent (Aldevi/Aqua and Ortiz). The meeting included an invocation, a presentation from the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA), approval of the consent agenda, two action items, public comments, announcements, and two executive sessions. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the February 17, 2026 governing body meeting. No applications. Motion carried 9-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Henry McClure: Expressed support for the JETO resolution but cautioned against dual membership on the JETO and Go Topeka boards. Raised concerns about city employee morale and retribution. Also discussed his own apartment development project and lack of city response. - Lazone Grays: Urged the council to direct negotiators to require developers to commit to local hiring, registered apprenticeship programs, and subcontracting goals for Topeka/Shawnee County businesses. Requested a formal response from the city to his earlier presentation. - Matthew Shreve: Questioned the AMI smart meter program's $14 million cost, reported failures/inaccuracy, and requested a public audit. Also asked about data security and firewalls for municipal and school data. Discussion Items - MTAA Annual Update: Sam Sutton (board chairman), Eric Johnson (president), and Curtis Sneedon (economic development director) presented. Key points: commercial air service history (United failure due to airline issues, not community support); new maintenance hangar project under construction (operational by end of 2027, projected to create hundreds of high-paying jobs); $6 million federal appropriation for north apron rehabilitation; development at Billard Airport including flight academy expansion, road improvements, and fuel system upgrades. Council members expressed support and asked about available land. - Action Item 4A – JETO Voting Member Procedure: Resolution to move election of JETO board members to the first January meeting and allow voice or paper ballot. Amended to include voice vote option. Approved as amended 9-0. - Action Item 4B – MTPO Policy Board Appointment: Similar resolution to align election timing and voting method. Amended similarly. Approved as amended 9-0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved (9-0) - Resolution 4A and 4B approved as amended (9-0 each) - Two executive sessions held: first on personnel matters (30 min), second on legal advice and litigation (30 min). No action taken. - Councilmember announced upcoming events: Fire Station 6 open house (March 7), Poquincy Viaduct informational meeting (March 6).

The Topeka City Council held its regular governing body meeting on March 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM (approximate) in the City Council Chambers. Eight council members were present; Councilmembers Valdivia Aqua and Ortiz were absent. The meeting included a presentation from the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA), approval of the consent agenda, two action items, public comments, and announcements. The meeting recessed into executive session for personnel matters. Consent Calendar - Minutes of February 17, 2026: Approved unanimously (9-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Henry McClure: Spoke during Action Item 4A and during general public comment. He expressed support for the resolution but raised concerns about the duality of serving on both JEDO and Go Topeka, arguing that Go Topeka is no longer an NGO and that the city manager's role becomes political. He also mentioned his company's efforts to build apartments in Topeka, seeking a railhead and free land, and criticized the lack of response from the city. - Lazone Grays: Urged the council to direct city negotiators to ask developers specific questions about using local workforce, registered apprenticeships, subcontracting with local businesses, and partnerships with training providers. He argued that without asking, the council lacks information to make good decisions on large development projects. - Matthew Shreve: Raised five issues: (1) the AMI water meter program's performance and fee; (2) data security and cloud networks for municipal and school data; (3) the Hotel Topeka sale for $1 million cash despite a $12 million investment and projected $1.75 million operating loss; (4) AI monitoring in schools and potential data harvesting; (5) oversight of Foreign Trade Zone 161. He requested answers in the minutes. Discussion Items - Action Item 4A – JEDO Voting Member Selection Procedure: Resolution to move the election of two JEDO voting board members to the first meeting in January and allow voice votes. An amendment to permit voice vote was approved. Councilmember Hiller made a motion to approve as amended; seconded. Passed 9-0. - Action Item 4B – MTPO Policy Board Appointment Procedure: Resolution to move the election of three MTPO voting members to the first meeting in January and allow voice votes. An amendment to permit voice vote was approved. Motion to approve as amended by Councilmember Kell, seconded. Passed 9-0. Presentations - Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA) Annual Update: Presenters: Sam Sutton (chairman), Eric Johnson (president), Curtis Sneaton (director of economic development). Highlights: - Staffing: 50-55 full-time employees covering police, fire, operations, maintenance. - Commercial service: Airlines have cut about 1,500 seats daily; per-passenger cost for airlines is over $16, but MTAA offers incentives to keep costs under $1. A revenue guarantee is in place to attract new airlines. - Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar: Lease signed in January 2026 for a spec-built hangar at Forbes Field, expected operational by end of 2027, creating several hundred high-paying jobs. - Federal appropriation of $6 million from Senator Moran to rehabilitate the dilapidated North Apron. - Billard Airport: Flight academy building completed; road resurfacing and new access roads planned; perimeter fence project ongoing. - Land available: 170-200 acres in the industrial park (shovel-ready), plus 300 acres on the south end of Forbes (suitable for cargo operations). - Councilmember Hiller clarified that the previous United Air Service failure was due to the airline, not lack of community support, and that 1,300 people from Topeka go to Kansas City daily, indicating demand. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda minutes (9-0). - Approved resolution 4A as amended (9-0). - Approved resolution 4B as amended (9-0). - The council recessed into executive session for 30 minutes to discuss personnel matters (KSA 75-4319(b)(1)), with the deputy city manager, human resources director, and city attorney present. The meeting reconvened with no action taken, but a second executive session was requested. Announcements - March 10, 2026 agenda: Presentation from Topeka Housing Authority; action items including a real estate lien with Kansas National Guard, zoning change at SW Eurish Road and 21st Street, Urish Center Reinvestment Housing Incentive District, public hearings for Capital City Town Homes TIF District, AIM strategies easement vacations, and Hotel Topeka Community Improvement District. - Deputy Mayor Hofer: Announced an open house at Fire Station 6 (Friday, March 7, 4-7 PM) and an informational meeting on the Pole Quincy Viaduct (Thursday, March 5, 5-7 PM at the Holiday Building) covering California Avenue Bridge demolition, Topeka Boulevard reopening, and I-70 closures. - Mayor: Noted that Heartland Park is reopening with its first event in October 2026, and the city received a $200,000 grant from KDHE for accessibility and energy efficiency improvements. - Councilmember Banks: Mentioned attending an economic summit on Black efforts in Kansas with Councilmember Miller.

Note: The official transcript begins by stating “February 17, 2026,” but per instruction this summary uses the provided meeting date of February 18, 2026. The meeting opened with an invocation, swearing-in of a new council member, a recognition award, the annual Land Bank report, and several action items, followed by a detailed discussion of the FY2027 budget and public comments. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved: City expenditures for Dec 27, 2025 – Jan 30, 2026, and minutes of the Feb 10, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Dan Warner (Planning Director) presented on home occupation ordinance changes and multi-family dwelling amendments. - Daniel Twemlow (public comment on budget) urged the council to prioritize prevention/intervention programs, citing a 50.95% increase in police spending (2021–2025), a 55.87% increase in the utilities fund balance, while median household income rose only 2.19% and cost of living increased 18%. He called for a full audit and tiered water rates. - Ron Desch (stepfather of Lisa Gregson) described extensive damage to his stepdaughter’s home during a police search, alleging officers broke doors, spilled liquids, and broke items. He stated no attorney will take the case and asked the council to inspect homes after such searches. The mayor’s office offered follow-up. - Martha Boatwright (online) opposed proposed data center developments, citing noise, air pollution, water use, and high energy demands, and urged the council to reject such projects. - Lloyd Schroeder criticized city spending, tax burden, and police conduct; suggested a 10% budget cut across the board for five years; questioned fire department schedules and jail food. - Henry McClure criticized $9.5M spent on the AT&T building, urged cutting funding to Go Topeka and investing in roads, and questioned the hotel deal, noting a $554,000 consultant fee with no accountability. Discussion Items - Land Bank 2025 Annual Report (Quinn Cole): One sale ($150); expenditures total $7,938 (property maintenance $1,369.50, special assessments $6,568.50); three property transfers in 2025 (one returned, one sold to Cent with development deadlines); inventory includes 10 properties (seven in Central Topeka, three in Lawrence Bay). Council discussed how properties are acquired and qualifications for purchase. - Action Items (5A – 5E): All passed unanimously. - 5A: Vacation of public alley near Kansas Ave and Jackson St (no public objections). - 5B: Home occupation ordinance amendment – permits no longer required for businesses without employees/customers on-site. - 5C: Multi-family dwellings allowed on main floor in certain zoning districts (except core downtown/NOTO areas); conditional use permit option added. - 5D: Set public hearing for March 10, 2026 on Community Improvement District (CID) for Hotel Topeka (2% sales tax, max 22 years, estimated $3.2M revenue). - 5E: Authorized disposal of city-owned property at 1335 SE 21st St to the Land Bank. - FY2027 Proposed Budget Work Session (Josh, Budget Director): Presented historical trends (general fund personnel up, key cost drivers: inmate charges up $1M, property insurance up $1.4M, health insurance claims up $5.3M from 2021–2025). Projected $15M structural deficit. Policy considerations: using half-cent sales tax fund balance for operations, increasing planning/permit fees, potential sales tax initiative (0.4% for public safety/fire stations, 0.1% for housing/homelessness). Council discussed staffing levels (1,174 budgeted, 1,070 filled), capital project deferrals, and efficiency measures. Councilmember Hiller stressed seeing all funds together; Councilmember Kell warned against cutting public safety staffing. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (8-0). - Action Items 5A–5E: All approved unanimously (8-0). - Next Steps: The public hearing for the Hotel Topeka CID is set for March 10, 2026. Staff will continue FY2027 budget discussions, with a work session on the CIP planned for late March/early April. A memo on position prioritization and a cost/benefit analysis of staffing vs. contract work will be provided to the council. - Other: The mayor’s office will follow up with Mr. Desch regarding the police search complaint.

Introductory paragraph summarizing the overall meeting. The Topeka Planning Commission met on February 17, 2026, to consider a conditional use permit for events at a short-term rental, a rezoning for duplex development, and received updates on the housing committee's work on a text amendment for duplexes, quads, and triplexes. Both action items were approved unanimously with specific conditions. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from previous meeting (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - Wayne Roberts, former president of the Holiday Park Neighborhood Improvement Association, spoke in support of the short-term rental property (CU2507), stating it has been a major improvement to the neighborhood. - No public testimony was offered for the rezoning case (Z2601). Discussion Items - CU2507 – Conditional Use Permit for Events at Short-Term Rental – 1200 SW Taylor Street. Staff recommended approval with conditions: limit of four events per month, quiet hours 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and parking arrangements including use of a Blue Cross Blue Shield lot on weekends. Applicant Don Philippi answered questions and noted their rules already prohibit parties. Commissioners discussed capping attendees at 50 persons and concerns about parking if the property changes hands. An amendment was proposed to cap attendees at 50 and to require staff to evaluate parking if ownership changes. The motion passed unanimously. - Z2601 – Rezoning from PUD to M2 Multiple Family Dwelling District – 5.78 acres near SW Urish Road. Staff recommended approval, noting consistency with the comprehensive plan. Applicant Kevin Holland (Cook Flatt & Strobel Engineers) presented plans for 18 duplexes. No public comment. The commission approved unanimously. - Special Committee on Housing Report – Commissioner provided update: first committee meeting scheduled for the following Wednesday. The duplex project (text amendment to allow duplexes, quads, and triplexes in single-family zones) had a public comment at the Policy and Finance Committee in January. The committee directed staff to hold another public meeting within 4–6 weeks before further action. Commissioners discussed the need for broad public notice and the process after the meeting. Key Outcomes - Approval of CU2507 – Unanimous (6–0). Conditions: maximum 50 attendees per event; if property changes hands, staff will evaluate whether off-site parking arrangements are adequate. - Approval of Z2601 – Unanimous (6–0). Rezoning to M2 for duplex development. - Duplex Text Amendment – Additional public meeting to be scheduled; timeline uncertain. Next steps: return to Policy and Finance Committee, then potentially to City Council. - Next Meeting – Staff noted three to four cases scheduled for the next month, including an updated report on the duplex project.

The Topeka governing body convened on February 11, 2026, with eight council members present. The meeting opened with a presentation from the Topeka Performing Arts Center (TPAC), followed by action items including consent agenda approvals, IT authorization, partial assignment of development agreements, and a pavement management resolution. Public comments addressed rent control, a civil rights lawsuit against the city, and local hiring in affordable housing projects. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda with items 3A through 3J, except item J was pulled for separate discussion. - Item 3A: Engineering contract with JEO Consulting Group (not to exceed $11,500). - Item 3B: Engineering contract with SBB Engineering LLC (not to exceed $23,759). - Item 3C: Engineering contract with Cook, Flat, and Strobel Engineering's PA (not to exceed $63,691.03). - Items 3D through 3I: Resolutions for fleet replacement, sanitary sewer rehab, CCTV inspection units, budget amendments, and pavement management. Public Comments & Testimony - James Bolton urged the council to adopt rent control, arguing it provides stability for tenants and can be designed to coexist with a healthy rental market. He acknowledged criticisms but emphasized rent control as one tool in a broader affordable housing strategy. - Dr. Justin Spees detailed a series of incidents involving the Topeka Police Department, including an unlawful arrest in September 2025. He announced he had filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against multiple officers and the City of Topeka, listing counts under the First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendments. He also indicated a forthcoming lawsuit against the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. - Lazone Grayson criticized the city's approach to affordable housing development, questioning why developers are not required to hire local labor, use local contractors, or provide apprenticeship opportunities. He asked the council to mandate that city negotiators ask developers specific questions about local economic impact and job creation. Discussion Items - Topeka Performing Arts Center (TPAC) Annual Report: Executive Director Daniel Case presented TPAC's year-end financials, showing a deficit larger than budgeted. He outlined plans to increase fundraising, pursue a naming rights partner by 2027, and take direct booking risks (e.g., Alice Cooper) to improve revenue. TPAC reported 75% community and nonprofit use. Council members noted improved marketing and programming diversity, including younger acts. - Action Item A – IT Authorization for Apple Developer Program: The council considered an ordinance authorizing three IT employees to sign agreements on behalf of the city for Apple app development. A proposed amendment to sunset the authority after two years failed for lack of a second. The ordinance passed 8-0. - Action Item B – Partial Assignment of Development Agreement (QuickTrip): Staff explained that the assignment transfers up to $532,000 in CID proceeds from the developer to QuickTrip for the Sunflower Crossing project. Public commenter Danielle Twemla noted the developer's business had forfeited its Kansas registration and questioned accountability. The motion passed 8-0. - Action Item C – Partial Assignment of Development Agreement (Shopping Center): Similar to item B, this assigns remaining development rights from EIG Wanamaker LLC to B33 Wanamaker 3 LLC for the remainder of a shopping center. Public commenter Danielle Twemla repeated concerns about lack of reporting requirements and business registration. The motion passed 8-0. - Action Item D – 2026 Pavement Management Program (Pulled from Consent): Councilmember Hiller requested discussion to ensure projects like 10th Street mill-and-overlay would be appropriate. Staff confirmed additional investigation (utility checks, coring) would precede construction, with some projects potentially deferred to 2027. The resolution passed 8-0. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda (with item J moved to action) – unanimous. - Approved ordinance authorizing IT employees to sign Apple Developer agreements – 8-0. - Approved partial assignment of CID proceeds to QuickTrip – 8-0. - Approved partial assignment of shopping center development agreement – 8-0. - Approved pavement management resolution for 2026 – 8-0. - Council directed city attorney to provide a memo on legal options regarding rent control. - Council held an executive session (15 minutes) for litigation and attorney-client privileged matters; no action was taken. - Upcoming meeting (February 17) agenda announced: swearing-in of Councilmember Murray McGee, public hearings on alley vacation, home occupation code amendments, and more. City Manager & Council Announcements - City Manager noted National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, announced an RFP for Affordable Housing Trust Fund projects, and a new summer youth employment program, "Topeka Way to Work." - Councilmember Kell condemned the posting of personal information of city staff online, calling it harassment. - Councilmember Ortiz highlighted free tax preparation services, LIEAP applications, and digital workshops for seniors. - Mayor Duncan emphasized the importance of the VA hospital and encouraged citizens to apply for the Citizens Police Academy.

The governing body of Topeka, Kansas, convened on February 4, 2026 (the official date; the transcript references February 3rd). The meeting included multiple action items: establishing a Community Improvement District (CID) for California Crossing, approving related development agreements, amending parking ordinances, leasing parking spaces for the Project View development, approving a real estate purchase for the Project View RHID, and selecting a new council member for District 8. Public testimony was heard on the CID and parking issues. The council voted unanimously on several items, with some divided votes on parking leases. The meeting concluded with the selection of Murray McGee to fill the vacant District 8 seat. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of January 20, 2026, passed unanimously (8-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Henry McClure (real estate professional) spoke on the California Crossing CID, arguing for a 2% sales tax rate (instead of the proposed 1.5%) and no cap on reimbursable costs. He compared the project to the Wheatfield CID and urged equitable treatment. - Danielle Twimlow (District 8 resident) expressed support for the California Crossing CID but called on the council to revisit the city’s incentive policies to better benefit the community (e.g., requiring local hiring, directing funds to affordable housing). - Matt Goff (attorney for California Crossing LLC) presented the project’s history, vacancy rate (42%), and alignment with adopted neighborhood plans. He noted the CID would not decrease city taxes and urged approval. - Henry McClure (again) spoke on the parking lease agreement (item D), suggesting the city sell its parking garages and lease them back to generate revenue and put properties on the tax roll. - David Wingerson, Robert Flaherty, Brandon Bogan, and Kevin Berman (developers and architect for Project View) presented the “The Hutch” project: 192 market-rate units, amenities, and 2,500 sq ft of commercial space. They emphasized the project’s role in downtown revitalization and answered council questions about retail tenants. - Andrew Holt (registered speaker) declined to speak on item G. - Henry McClure (final public comment) criticized Go Topeka and the city manager’s role on its board, calling for transparency and removal of the city manager from the board. Discussion Items - California Crossing CID (Item A) – Braxton Copley (Deputy City Manager) presented the proposed 1.5% CID for a 12‑tenant shopping center anchored by a new supermarket. Total eligible costs capped at $1 million for Phase 1, with potential to increase to $6 million. Councilmember Kel opposed raising the rate to 2% due to the burden on low‑income residents. Councilmember Banks supported the project as a long‑overdue investment in District 4. The public hearing was held and closed. Motion to approve the ordinance passed 8-0. - California Crossing Development Agreement (Item B) – Approved the development agreement setting the $1 million cap. Motion passed 8-0. - Parking Ordinance Amendment (Item C) – Amended city code to allow the governing body to set parking rates outside the existing $40–$120 range, needed for the upcoming parking leases. Motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Kel voted no). - Parking Lease – Jayhawk Towers (Item D) – 150 parking spaces for 25 years; first 10 years free, then $40/stall/month with 3% increases every 5 years. Projected revenue $1.1 million (vs. $2.2 million foregone at market rate). Councilmember Kel argued the deal harmed the parking fund and favored one group. Councilmember Hiller supported it as necessary for downtown housing. Motion passed 7-1 (Kel opposed). - Parking Lease – Topeka FC1 (Item E) – 192 spaces for 35 years; first 5 years free, then $40/stall/month with 3% increases every 5 years. Projected revenue $2.98 million (vs. $2.9 million foregone). Motion passed 6-1 (Kel opposed). - Real Estate Purchase Agreement (Item F) – Authorized purchase of nine parcels (four from Jayhawk Towers, five from third parties) for $1.15 million. The city will own the land for 25 years under the RHID, then convey it back to the developer. Motion passed 7-1 (Kel opposed). - Project View RHID (Item G) – Public hearing and two votes: (1) ordinance establishing the RHID and adopting the project plan, and (2) approval of the development agreement. The RHID covers 192 dwelling units, with a $5.8 million RHID cap, $1.5 million city economic development grant (repaid), and $5.7 million state grant. Council supported the project as a game‑changer for downtown. Both votes passed 8-0. Key Outcomes - California Crossing CID – Approved with 1.5% sales tax and $1 million cap for Phase 1 (8-0). - California Crossing Development Agreement – Approved (8-0). - Parking Ordinance Amendment – Passed (6-1), allowing the council to set parking rates outside the previous range. - Jayhawk Towers Parking Lease – Approved (7-1), with 150 stalls for 25 years. - Topeka FC1 Parking Lease – Approved (6-1), with 192 stalls for 35 years. - Real Estate Purchase for Project View – Approved (7-1), authorizing the $1.15 million acquisition. - Project View RHID and Development Agreement – Both approved (8-0), enabling a 192‑unit market‑rate apartment project. - District 8 Council Appointment – After interviews with three candidates (Chris Phelps, Jeff Cohen, Murray McGee), the council voted unanimously (8-0) to appoint Murray McGee. He will be sworn in at the February 17, 2026 meeting.

Mayor Duncan called the special budget work session to order at an unscheduled time, with seven council members present. The session was held to kick off the FY2027 proposed budget process, review FY2026 adopted expenses and revenues, discuss a high-level FY2027 forecast, and gather initial feedback on policy considerations from the governing body. Discussion Items - General Fund Overview: Josh McInarney, deputy director of budget and finance, presented that the FY2026 general fund budget of $133 million is balanced using built-up reserves. Recurring revenues are $6 million less than recurring expenses. The main revenue sources are sales tax, property tax, and franchise fees; 81% of expenses go to public safety personnel. - Fund Balances and Structural Deficit: Post-COVID fund balances have declined. The general fund balance is projected to fall below the 15% policy threshold in FY2027 without structural changes. Other funds (special highway, health insurance, parking) also face deficits or require subsidization. - Parking Fund: Recurring revenue does not cover expenses; options include rate increases or using non-parking revenue (e.g., property-tax-backed debt service fund) to cover bond payments. - Special Highway Fund: State gas tax revenue insufficient to cover street operations; may require general fund or half-cent sales tax subsidies. - Sales Tax Initiative Options: Staff proposed potential ballot measures: 0.1% for fire station replacement, 0.1% for affordable housing/homelessness, or 0.3% for general public safety. Each tenth of a percent generates $4 million annually. Councilmembers debated the need to first fix streets, finish the fire master plan, and demonstrate fiscal responsibility before asking voters. - Early Retirement: Council consider an early retirement incentive; staff noted parameters need careful design to avoid backfilling positions and costly packages. Council requested data on eligible employees and potential savings. - Permitting and Planning Fees: Currently run a $600,000 deficit; could be adjusted to revenue-neutral over 1-3 years, but significant increases may affect development. - Union Contracts: Water/wastewater contracts up this year; police, fire, teamsters, and AFT contracts expire next year, affecting future budgets. - Council Member Requests: - Councilmember Kell: Provide descriptions and spending parameters for all funds, especially the opioid fund; improve website transparency for budget information. - Councilmember Hiller: Urged a management review beyond budget, inventory of major street repairs, and completion of the fire master plan before spending. Opposed repurposing half-cent street sales tax for operations. - Councilmember Bradbury: Requested list of vacant FTE positions (currently 98 vacancies), and savings from delaying hires; suggested a public survey on priorities. - Councilmember Banks: Asked for total impact of funds not covering expenses. - Councilmember Hofer: Inquired about new electric vehicle fees and whether expiring tax exemptions (e.g., Mars) are factored into property tax projections (they are not). Key Outcomes - Staff will compile and provide requested data: fund descriptions, five-year cost increases by department, vacancy lists, street repair inventory, cash vs. bond modeling implications, and early retirement analysis. - No formal votes were taken. The governing body directed staff to continue refining the FY2027 budget based on initial feedback, with a follow-up work session planned in approximately 30 days. - The city manager emphasized the need for the council to make decisions on long-standing policy items (e.g., fire station plan) to free up budget assumptions.

The Topeka Planning Commission met on January 27, 2026, to approve the December 2025 minutes, elect officers for 2026, and consider three action items: a zoning text amendment to allow more residential uses in commercial and mixed-use districts, an update to home occupation regulations, and a revision to the commission's bylaws regarding public comment procedures. All action items passed unanimously. The commission also received a report from the special committee on housing regarding ongoing work on parking requirements and a future meeting with the Kansas Association of Realtors. Consent Calendar - Approval of the December 2025 meeting minutes – motion and second, unanimous vote (8-0). - Election of 2026 Chair: Commissioner Heron nominated and elected unanimously. - Election of 2026 Vice Chair: Commissioner Nelson nominated and elected unanimously. - Special committee housing appointments: Commissioners Brooks, Bowling, and Heron (as chair) volunteered; former Commissioner Kalk proposed as at-large member (subject to his acceptance). No formal vote needed; appointments left to the chair’s discretion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received during the meeting. Discussion Items Text Amendment ACZR2601 – Zoning Code Changes for Residential Uses in Commercial and Mixed-Use Districts - Staff presented proposed amendments to allow duplexes by conditional use permit in C3 and C4 commercial zones, and to permit three- and four-family dwellings, as well as multifamily on the ground floor, by right in C3, C4, and X1 districts. Currently, ground-floor residential is restricted in these zones. - The proposal also modifies special use requirements for ground-floor dwellings in D1, X3, and other downtown areas, limiting the restriction to a core retail area (Kansas Avenue between 6th and 10th, and between Gordon and North streets) while allowing conditional use permits elsewhere. - Staff noted that the change responds to limited retail demand and underutilized commercial properties, citing examples like the Arvonia land north of Lowe’s (zoned C4) which recently required a rezone for multifamily development. - Commissioners discussed the effect on historic districts (landmark review still applies), dimensional standards (unchanged), and financing opportunities (opening access to residential mortgages). There was no opposition; the motion passed unanimously (8-0). Text Amendment ACZR2602 – Home Occupation Code Update - Staff proposed exempting home occupations that involve no visitors (employees or customers) from needing a permit, clarifying that home offices and internet-based businesses without client visits are not regulated. In-home daycare and short-term rentals remain separate permit types. - Discussion centered on enforcement criteria and the line between occasional visitors and regular business activity. Staff explained that enforcement is complaint-driven, and the update aligns with state-level considerations. The motion passed unanimously (8-0). Planning Commission Bylaws Update (Second Reading) - The commission voted to adopt revised bylaws that require members of the public to sign up (via Topeka Speaks or by contacting staff by 3:00 p.m. on the meeting day) to speak on non-public-hearing agenda items. Public hearings for zoning cases are unaffected. - The change mirrors city council rules and was approved unanimously (8-0). Key Outcomes - All three text amendments and the bylaws update were approved unanimously by the commission (8-0). - The special committee on housing reported that it is considering reductions in parking requirements for multifamily dwellings and enhancing administrative authority; a meeting with the Kansas Association of Realtors is scheduled for February 18, 2026. - The next regular planning commission meeting will occur in February 2026, with zoning items and additional reviews on the agenda.

The Topeka City Council met on January 21, 2026, with Mayor Duncan presiding and eight council members present. The meeting included a proclamation, approval of the consent agenda, elections to two boards, public comments, and executive sessions. The meeting adjourned after no action was taken in the closed sessions. Consent Calendar - Approved city expenditures for the period November 29, 2025 to December 26, 2025. - Approved a professional services contract exceeding $50,000 with Henson, Hutton, Mudrick, Gragson, and Vogelsburg LLP for continued representation in a civil lawsuit. - Approved the minutes of the January 13, 2026 governing body meeting. The consent agenda was approved by a vote of 8-0. Proclamations - Mayor Duncan proclaimed February 2, 2026 as Young Professionals Day. Zach Sorrett of Forge Young Talent accepted the proclamation, noting the organization's 27th year and emphasizing the importance of young professionals and intergenerational collaboration. Public Comments & Testimony - Lorana Lasseter Saunders (speaking via Zoom) requested the release of the officer's name involved in the fatal shooting of Carrie Bill's son, and reimbursement for the cost of reviewing footage. She reported that a CORA request for the officer's identity was denied and the response was unsigned. She urged the council to view the video carefully and not rely on the initial narrative. - Daniel Twemlow spoke about the fragility of trust in institutions, urging the council to practice transparency and accountability. He emphasized that local government must take responsibility and not defer decisions, and that accountability is an act of care. Action Items - Election to the Metropolitan Topeka Planning Organization (MTPO) Policy Board: Councilmembers Miller and Bradbury were elected to two-year terms. The vote was unanimous (8-0) for both nominees. - Election to the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) Board: Councilmembers Banks (7 votes) and Hiller (6 votes) were elected to one-year terms, following a paper ballot among three nominees (Banks, Hiller, and Kell). Announcements - A special budget work session was announced for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the city council chambers. - Councilmember Kell reminded residents to check on neighbors and pets during the upcoming cold weather. - Mayor Duncan requested that staff compile and disseminate a list of warming centers and reminded that applications for the District 8 council vacancy are due in one week. Executive Sessions - Two executive sessions were held, each not to exceed 30 minutes, to discuss legal advice and potential litigation under KSA 75-4319(b)(2). The first session included the city attorney, deputy city manager, and other staff; the second included the city attorney and chief of police. The first session was extended by an additional 30 minutes. No action was taken in either session. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - MTPO representatives: Councilmembers Miller and Bradbury. - JEDO representatives: Councilmembers Banks and Hiller. - No action taken on public comment requests or during executive sessions.