Topeka infrastructure committee backs sewer lining, equipment and street projects, approves CIP amendment

The City of Topeka Public Infrastructure Committee on Jan. 20 recommended approval of several capital projects and equipment purchases intended to repair aging sewer and street infrastructure and update inspection equipment.

Director Davis asked the committee to recommend a trenchless lining project (cured-in-place pipe, or CIPP) to rehabilitate roughly 6,500 linear feet of gravity sewer serving the Huntoon Street corridor, and to abandon and install six manholes to accommodate the street reconstruction. "I would ask for consideration of approval of approximately $1,750,000 to do this rehab project, and that is planned to be cash funded," Davis said. The committee heard that the project is planned for the current construction season and has not yet been bid. The motion to recommend the sewer lining carried 3-0.

In a separate request, Davis told the committee the sanitary sewer collection unit needs to replace two aging CCTV inspection trucks and associated camera and software equipment. He said the units date from 2012 and 2016 and that the replacement cost is estimated at $800,000, to be cash funded. "This equipment is very, very important," Davis said, adding that higher-resolution cameras would help staff determine whether sections of pipe can be lined or require excavation. The committee approved the equipment replacement 3-0.

Director Tryon presented vehicle and street projects. Tryon said the city seeks approval to replace four dump trucks used primarily for snow removal; those replacements are part of an ongoing fleet cycle and are bond funded. The committee also approved a mill-and-overlay, patching and curb-replacement project on Southwest Huntoon Boulevard from Gage to McAllister, and a slate of additional mill-and-overlay projects proposed as part of an amended pavement-management CIP. The CIP amendment would allow the city to spend down a fund balance collected through a half-cent citywide sales tax; staff said the projects will draw on already collected funds and that approving the CIP amendment (agenda item 4e) and the individual projects are both required for council recommendation. Each motion passed 3-0.

Tryon also described a proposed cost-share with the Kansas Department of Transportation for the California Avenue bridge replacement. The city requested upgraded decorative fencing and pedestrian lighting; staff estimated a total upgrade cost of about $385,000, with KDOT contributing 25% and the city 75%, and proposed using federal funds exchange dollars pending eligibility discussions. "We are proposing that we would use the federal funds exchange money," Tryon said. The committee recommended the cost-share 3-0.

Votes at a glance - Election of chair (David Banks): motion carried 3-0 - Approval of Dec. 15 minutes: motion carried 3-0 - Action A (Huntoon Street CIPP rehab, ~6,500 ft; ~$1,750,000 cash): recommended 3-0 - Action B (replace 2 CCTV trucks and equipment; ~$800,000 cash): recommended 3-0 - Action C (replace 4 dump trucks; bond-funded): recommended 3-0 - Action D (mill/overlay Huntoon Blvd): recommended 3-0 - Action E (amend CIP to add projects): recommended 3-0 - Action F (California Ave bridge cost-share; ~$385,000; city 75% / KDOT 25%): recommended 3-0 - Action G (list of individual mill/overlay projects under amended CIP): recommended 3-0

The committee discussion covered timing and neighborhood coordination for street projects, the city’s intent to keep local traffic open during mill-and-overlay work, and the desire to prioritize high-traffic corridors. Several members said they had attended neighborhood meetings or received constituent calls supporting repairs. The committee will forward recommendations to the full City Council for final action.

The meeting adjourned with the next committee meeting scheduled for Feb. 17, 2026.