The City of Topeka governing body approved three public-infrastructure projects at its Sept. 2 meeting: a 24-inch transmission waterline replacement on 20th Street, a waterline replacement along Stony Brook Drive, and a street/stormwater reconstruction of Southwest Martin Drive.

Why it matters: These projects are part of the city’s continued water-system and street maintenance program and were presented to the Public Infrastructure Committee before council action. Each project exceeded staff authority thresholds for construction authorization and therefore required council approval.

Project details and votes:
- 20th Street transmission line (Project numbers 28 12 93 phase 3): Director of Utilities Sylvia Davis asked the council to approve replacement of approximately 1,200 linear feet of 24‑inch line from Buchanan to Washburn, plus associated distribution piping, service lines and hydrants. The project was budgeted at $2,200,000. Motion to approve by Councilman David Banks, second by Councilman Neil Dobler; vote: 10 yes, motion carries.
- Stony Brook Drive waterline (Project numbers 28 12 50 phase 1, 28 13 00 phase 9, 50 11 06 phase 11): Davis described approximately 6,700 linear feet of 8‑inch PVC waterline replacement budgeted at just over $2,100,000. Motion to approve by Councilman Neil Dobler, second by Councilman David Banks; vote: 10 yes, motion carries.
- Southwest Martin Drive reconstruction (Project numbers 84 10 98 phase 7, 84 10 74 phase 15, 50 11 07 phase 8): Steve Groener, director of public works, described reconstruction of concrete pavement in an industrial area, with a project cost just under $560,000 and a small portion funded from stormwater funds to replace an inlet. Motion to approve by Councilman Neil Dobler, second by Councilman David Banks; vote: 10 yes, motion carries.

Each item was presented as committee recommendations from the Public Infrastructure Committee, which the transcript identified as comprised of Councilmembers Sylvia Ortiz, David Banks and Neil Dobler. Council approved all three projects during the meeting’s action-item portion; staff will proceed to construction scheduling and contractor procurement as the projects move forward.