[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6298257,"mediaKeyId","2505050-d14786ce2afda7795db4e435310e4ad2","parentId",2505050,"title","City lobbyist briefs governing body on mid‑session state legislation including housing inspection bill and airport funding","audioSeconds",570,"startMs",285000,"endMs",855000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505050-d14786ce2afda7795db4e435310e4ad2&start=285&end=855","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505050-d14786ce2afda7795db4e435310e4ad2/thumbnail_285000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6298257/Topeka-City/Shawnee-County/Kansas/City-lobbyist-briefs-governing-body-on-midsession-state-legislation-including-housing-inspection-bill-and-airport-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298257-6c7e3d0f547b8eae09b410a13df05c9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193838&Signature=VB8ip1ri15lP-OIHg7xSn9kTM3DBZTc37xcrIt61nDvPwfOR9VqEh1h7b~yXCYXBe6LBRUT-uEjULG9owmeTsamwQIEPkJjvP6ScKwnpZwI8CDpG09BL8qDi0vqjq1e1EHlqwrBIn7fYUFoLpbwlJViHIQaKDkV5cmnyJFVWnkeEf69cX97ICKpdrwXFPbx5HeT~zoH320tlmktGITFXCh55p1IWOGo80RiacGNi9sH5YV9txqfk3MU8Huq7xubmBJoSEDuasEdTaZJ~pNHe5mV6Rzg2YWvfvkIsKcMAlCjMtDyj956y5z3k4wLkshyMP~2SLoWZ2uElawRNFj-Emw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Topeka, KS","date","2025-03-05T20:42:17.58Z","article","Whitney Damron, the city of Topeka’s contract lobbyist, briefed the governing body March 4 on the state Legislature’s mid‑session status and several bills on the city’s legislative agenda.

Damron said the city’s housing inspection bill — amended to apply specifically to Topeka and to include a five‑year sunset and HUD properties — passed the Kansas House 111–12 and had a Senate local government committee hearing scheduled for later in the week. \"It, the way it's drafted now, it would have a 5 year sunset, and apply to HUD properties,\" Damron said.

She described another local priority, a bill to allow someone age 20 to enter police training while remaining ineligible for full commission until age 21. The measure advanced out of the House 97–24 but Damron said it faced technical complexity and committee challenges in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

On municipal finance, Damron said discussions among the State Treasurer, municipal representatives, bankers and the League of Kansas Municipalities led to a negotiated public‑funds bill that removed an initial controversial interest‑rate cut and added protections for municipalities. \"They put together a bill that I think everyone can live with that advanced out of committee,\" she said.

Damron also reported a Senate Commerce Committee amendment adding $15.5 million to the commerce budget for the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority. She described the amendment, led by the Shawnee County delegation members on the committee, as progress but cautioned that the budget year remained challenging.

Other topics Damron said staff tracked included economic development bills, a Heartland Flyer passenger rail funding proposal, home‑business rules, open‑records measures, planning and zoning authority and housing tax credits. She closed by noting the legislative calendar: first adjournment expected March 28 and a veto session scheduled for April 10.

Council members asked about potential impacts of a faculty tenure bill on Washburn University and the status of the Heartland Flyer rail funding. Damron said tenure legislation appeared targeted at Regents institutions and that Heartland funding had persistent questions about long‑term multi‑state commitments.

Ending: Damron said the session remained compressed by scheduling changes and that city staff and council members had been active in hearings; she invited questions and said staff would continue tracking bills and negotiations.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting March 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Whitney Damron, the city of Topeka’s contract lobbyist, briefed the governing body March 4 on the state Legislature’s mid‑session status and bills on the city’s legislative agenda.","taxTitle","Topeka City, Shawnee County, Kansas","taxId",4988,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6298262,"Council approves $25 million-plus in street, bridge and utility projects; appoints downtown BID member",709,2043000,2752000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505050-d14786ce2afda7795db4e435310e4ad2&start=2043&end=2752","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505050-d14786ce2afda7795db4e435310e4ad2/thumbnail_2043000.jpg","/articles/6298262/Topeka-City/Shawnee-County/Kansas/Council-approves-25-million-plus-in-street-bridge-and-utility-projects-appoints-downtown-BID-member","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298262-c50b68eeec36ad959f62eb75e1f75c4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193838&Signature=kw3NGog55K-cxG77xzE4Zf570vjzZvC2BatSvCbC6AgP~WlFGCO0REvXCs34dqHsjfZa~-ZKdqDlX-Pego8J6rRUYONKcZMagvfnUA4TQsoL6xcrQ2BUQpqe0kT3ANqRKBrvmf3E3QHPe7BgUHfzuIIYFMLlep~NfmFaTSsteGXFSmLCBouGUzfqtBcYWveAYrhNPkfADlLeSGF5CBMXRGmp8exiNKMWIQdUGsK9CqKKtVfP9fNW0ElgUHSS3IyT-Z9PjZBFXoqAYyzUhNYhr4H1GsVnRcn56ewrUjfnMdCYoXlgFwDfdZJhj6ZeDeV-gx59oy7wfB8PY8U2DZxEJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Topeka governing body on March 4 approved a package of street, bridge and utility projects totaling roughly $25 million and confirmed an appointment to the Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board.

The projects approved include a CIP amendment to reallocate 2023 bridge maintenance funds, repairs to the Branner Street trafficway bridge, the next phase of Topeka Boulevard reconstruction, utility and street work on Southeast Sixth Avenue and a group of street, utility and bridge repairs on Southeast 29th Street and adjacent corridors. Council also approved the appointment of Jennifer Getz to the Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board to fill an unexpired term ending Oct. 31, 2026.

Why it matters: Council members said the investments respond to long-standing infrastructure needs across Oakland, Southeast and East Topeka neighborhoods and will fund both immediate repairs (bridge panels, box culverts) and multi-year reconstruction projects with anticipated completion dates in 2026–2027.

Key approvals and details
- CIP amendment (project 12-10-19, 2023 bridge and maintenance program): Public Works Director Steve Braun told the council the 2023 bridge funds had been used for biannual bridge inspections and were originally intended for Branner Bridge repairs, but the Branner project was delayed to 2025 because of the River Road project. The council approved the amendment to use those dollars for this year’s work.

- Branner Street trafficway bridge repairs (project 12-10-19, phase 4): Steve Gaughan described concrete roadway panel replacements and related repairs; staff scheduled a public open house March 17 at the Oakland Community Center to discuss the project.

- Topeka Boulevard reconstruction (projects 70-10-49 and 20-8-13, phase 5): The next reconstruction phase will include road work and water-main replacement. Project start was targeted for June with completion in December 2026; staff said there would be no full road closures but single-lane traffic in each direction during work.

- Southeast Sixth Avenue (projects 84-10-98 phase 4, 50-11-06 phase 10, 12-10-22 phase 1): Work will include milling and overlay, patching, storm-sewer repairs and bridge repairs; a public open house was scheduled for March 13 at Victory City Church.

- Southeast 29th Street and related corridors (multiple project phases): Staff said the scope includes replacing a box culvert over Butcher Creek, water-main work, mill-and-overlay work and installation of a traffic signal at Fremont Avenue. Start contingent on railroad permitting was slated for May/June with final work next summer.

Council action and votes: Each motion carried on roll call. The appointment of Jennifer Getz carried (9 yes). All infrastructure motions carried, with roll-call tallies recorded by the clerk. (See actions[] for recorded motions and vote records.)

Quotes: \"The 2023 bridge maintenance funds were used to pay for the biannual bridge inspections and were to fund the Brannar [Branner] Bridge repairs in the spring of last year, but this project was delayed to 2025 due to the River Road project,\" Steve Braun said.

Timing and next steps: Several projects have public open houses this month and are scheduled to begin construction between May and June, with many final completions forecast for late 2026 or 2027. Council members and staff said they will increase public outreach and publish maps of work to help residents navigate closures and detours.

Ending: Council members praised the public infrastructure committee for advancing the package through committee so it arrived at the full governing body ready for votes; no motions failed.","The Topeka governing body on March 4 approved a package of capital-improvement projects covering bridge repairs, street reconstruction and utility work across multiple neighborhoods and confirmed an appointment to the Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6298243,"Speakers at council meeting criticize legal spending, urge rescinding sanctions tied to police video release",596,5248000,5844000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505050-d14786ce2afda7795db4e435310e4ad2&start=5248&end=5844","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505050-d14786ce2afda7795db4e435310e4ad2/thumbnail_5248000.jpg","/articles/6298243/Topeka-City/Shawnee-County/Kansas/Speakers-at-council-meeting-criticize-legal-spending-urge-rescinding-sanctions-tied-to-police-video-release","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298243-c24138815337817ef7c43fed7e83b5b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193838&Signature=dVEEUq1srYP2YmUfYKSC7--rXvbaVU-HX0Vaog9cFxrW24SrGhMFU~eOXB2-X4fRB0PxqCvXij6J~rkdIaSpNChZGlYbZ~~RauTDbk7l9L-4usaWxl0lENsGQOoeqtK-y29cGlLvY-L6ywpiQtyoYsas57~mQLsMpMUUAKVoZzkTjIEUmfbalP2DuaFAH9UUTFH6kd0TIq-o~OfeCo7dSs5eHMkuUH1hs1eYW5tzts21rWdV4s7QvwuuXplOQssne7~L0~2VLQRY4csiTxr73Dd-czzAZ8FOvjUv8lNECpiwEXyMNnek1a9RHDoze26lZRpG-OT4v9agTZVv-cO7Ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During public comment at the March 4 meeting, two speakers urged the governing body to review city legal spending and to rescind sanctions tied to litigation over a police video.

Cynthia O'Neil and another speaker, identified by the clerk as Lassiter/Saunders' supporter, said recent legal actions — including denials to release a police video, subsequent court petitions and motions for sanctions — had cost the city substantial legal fees. O'Neil said a member of the public died after a police encounter and that the video shows the incident; she asked why the city had not released the recording earlier and criticized the city attorney’s legal decisions as wasting taxpayer dollars.

Another commenter urged that the protective order and sanctions pursued in court be rescinded, calling the actions \"an unnecessary attack\" that forced family members into litigation and could be seen as retaliatory. Both urged council oversight and asked the council to review the city attorney’s handling of the matter.

Council did not take immediate action during the meeting on those requests. The comments were recorded in public comment; council members did not add motions for immediate review but the speakers asked the governing body to consider re‑examining the legal posture and the use of public funds for litigation.

Ending: The speakers asked council to review filings, consider rescinding sanctions and evaluate city legal strategy; the matter may be raised again in future meetings or through formal agenda items.","Two public commenters urged the council to review legal spending related to discrimination suits and seek removal or review of the city attorney after litigation and sanctions tied to a police‑involved death and subsequent video release.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6298248,"Owner seeks waiver of 200‑foot liquor‑store distance near Washburn; some councilmembers and public raise objections",750,4278000,5028000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505050-d14786ce2afda7795db4e435310e4ad2&start=4278&end=5028","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505050-d14786ce2afda7795db4e435310e4ad2/thumbnail_4278000.jpg","/articles/6298248/Topeka-City/Shawnee-County/Kansas/Owner-seeks-waiver-of-200foot-liquorstore-distance-near-Washburn-some-councilmembers-and-public-raise-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298248-065732571434c00243420d13292ef613/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193838&Signature=bzAzviEWah-5Ts3IfpEjJDuib5zDD4fE4S9nlTgKOJmHH0Szg7iPYSBrCgeFCURAEBNdQdascaqN5rI59OGW~uMgiHpNnkDyGGoBExLjojqtxtlykZkJQaZoBRbO5TlGSxL5SwW7yCd8FHKJNMGubDzpdDPohQyxUOJaODsuKnS3MqU6bwgROnu2WLWu6zuFVaFvKtFVh2WlVwOCJI~mBzgNh40SwGqFMG1Aro~VtFTJNL5-C8kIaWPqKginlmC5W~cukZxu-gwPfONkqFjUgjm80ECOO4e297eCNG84aDDxcMor1m9z1VuNxEfqjHt77ziFwQ~5n7agp48oZ1~ozw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A request to waive the statutory 200‑foot distance between a retail liquor store and a school (KSA 41‑7‑10) drew discussion on March 4 after the Alcoholic Beverage Control unit flagged a proposed location near Washburn University and returned the matter to the city for a local waiver.

Rod Schneider, attorney for the applicant, said owner Mr. Butler sought to open a small liquor store in a commercially zoned property previously occupied by a florist and described the area as a growing commercial corridor. \"We are just looking to thrive in that neighborhood... I think it'd be a great place to start a business,\" Mr. Butler said.

City Attorney Amanda Stanley explained that state law gives the city a mechanism to waive the 200‑foot restriction in designated commercial core areas and that ABC flagged the site because it sits within the statutory distance. She said staff brought the request to council because council authorization is required under state procedure.

Public comment and council reactions: Danielle Twemlow, a community health advocate, urged denial and cited local data tying alcohol outlet density to higher rates of violence and related harms. \"Our community has double the national average of liquor stores... Shawnee County's violent crime rate is 75% higher than the national average,\" she said, urging the council to consider social‑determinants and proximity to addiction services.

Council members split: Councilman Miller said he would not support the waiver because he did not want additional concentration of retail‑liquor outlets in the area. Councilwoman Valdivia Alcala also opposed the request, citing perceived saturation. Councilwoman Hiller said she would support the waiver, observing that the nearest dorms and campus buildings are substantially farther than the flagged 200‑foot mark and noting the neighborhood historically had a liquor store at the location.

Staff noted that Casey's — a convenience store across the street — will hold a different license type and the mix of license types affects how the statute applies. No final council vote on the waiver was recorded during the March 4 meeting; the item was presented for discussion and public input.

Ending: Council members asked staff for clarification on license types and local saturation; the city will return the item for formal action or next steps as required by state ABC procedures.","An applicant seeking a waiver to KSA 41‑7‑10 to allow a liquor store within 200 feet of Washburn University presented a request to the council; council members split and public health advocates warned about outlet density and nearby addiction services.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6298252,"Citizen advisory council recommends Topeka DREAMS neighborhood allocations; council to weigh sidewalk consent requirement",790,2972000,3762000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505050-d14786ce2afda7795db4e435310e4ad2&start=2972&end=3762","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505050-d14786ce2afda7795db4e435310e4ad2/thumbnail_2972000.jpg","/articles/6298252/Topeka-City/Shawnee-County/Kansas/Citizen-advisory-council-recommends-Topeka-DREAMS-neighborhood-allocations-council-to-weigh-sidewalk-consent-requirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298252-5142dbcf2a0c1069a48811f325249c24/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193838&Signature=Mbno-HSbsvwP7HSZKATZ3aqXOaVYy7PzXynw~GCdNYdNUz2cs13wADTtRLht6-46jBG8JuLQggXOKQV5Stgjcndq05vMuBb3WKX9LCaXszni8TMVD~V0FLC0khjflBgu52GBO7kFCIJicVED~eJPawh5JieE2f2JoWl79IlaIUQEU2evgz70e7PYfw8Admb6m88A3tdPKhydSGmk7~Rvd3ZIIrtQN8mbiUEZ3J4JBNUqO6HsSi9pzJjZwwQTOZHTaYz~N4c0S~qtIuATJInBCEWe~K3EuQMXIjjJwUCInkqkohOPXQT09FSYYE1sxh-0~t4-zXxv92j-w2G8ALKI4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented the citizen advisory council’s recommended funding for the 2025 Topeka DREAMS Neighborhood Investment Partnership program on March 4, outlining allocations and a contested requirement that property owners consent to sidewalk projects where the city lacks public right of way.

Bianca Burnett, senior community engagement coordinator, said the DREAMS program channels capital and HUD CDBG priorities to Neighborhood Improvement Associations (NIAs) through three tracks: DREAMS 1 (biennial infrastructure for one active NIA, up to $1.5 million), DREAMS 2 (housing rehabilitation and larger infrastructure projects), and DREAMS 3 (annual mini‑grants from $1,000 to $50,000).

The citizen advisory council recommended Historic Old Town receive the DREAMS 1 allocation (up to $1,500,000 infrastructure, $150,000 utilities and up to $330,000 for housing investments). Highcrest was the only applicant for the DREAMS 2 housing‑rehab pot and would receive up to $330,000.

For DREAMS 2 major infrastructure, the CAC reviewed $2.4 million in requests and proposed two options to fit the $1.5 million available:
- Option 1 (CAC recommendation): fund sidewalk projects in Highcrest, Historic Holiday Park and North Topeka West (contingent on property‑owner consent where the city lacks right of way), and fully fund East Topeka North Street and Valley Park Chunga Drive mill/overlay projects.
- Option 2: if sidewalk projects are not approved, direct funds to East Topeka North Street and three Valley Park street projects.

Burnett explained that the city’s public‑works review found some sidewalk replacements sit in public right of way (Holiday Park) while others will require permanent public easements or owner consent (Highcrest, North Topeka West). The Historic Holiday Park NIA proposed a third option to waive preliminary owner signatures on the grounds that the sidewalks are public‑safety and community improvements.

Council members and CAC volunteers discussed the practicalities. Councilwoman Hiller said she supported allowing staff and neighborhoods to proceed where sidewalks are public‑right‑of‑way and favored the Holiday Park waiver for brick‑to‑concrete replacements if the city will take on replacement in the public interest. Burnett clarified that property owner consent remains required for brick‑sidewalk replacements and where permanent easements are needed.

Timeline: DREAMS 1 is planned for design in 2025 with funding beginning in 2026 and final completion expected by 2028. DREAMS 2 design begins 2025 with final completion by 2027. DREAMS 3 mini‑grant funding starts in 2025 and completes in 2026.

Ending: The CAC’s recommendations will return to the governing body for final action; council members asked staff to continue outreach and clarified the consent process for sidewalk easements.","The city’s citizen advisory council recommended funding allocations for the 2025 Topeka DREAMS neighborhood initiative, including $1.5 million for Historic Old Town infrastructure and a contested proposal to require property‑owner consent for new sidewalks in several neighborhoods.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City lobbyist briefs governing body on mid‑session state legislation including housing inspection bill and airport funding

Council approves $25 million-plus in street, bridge and utility projects; appoints downtown BID member

Speakers at council meeting criticize legal spending, urge rescinding sanctions tied to police video release

Owner seeks waiver of 200‑foot liquor‑store distance near Washburn; some councilmembers and public raise objections

Citizen advisory council recommends Topeka DREAMS neighborhood allocations; council to weigh sidewalk consent requirement