Topeka council approves Apple developer signing authority, CID and development assignments, and pavement projects
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Summary
The Topeka governing body on Feb. 10 approved (1) an ordinance authorizing up to three IT employees to sign the Apple Developer Agreement, (2) a partial CID assignment to Kwik Trip capped at $532,000, (3) a partial assignment for the Wanamaker shopping center purchaser, and (4) a $5 million CIP increase for 2026 pavement-management mill-and-overlay projects; each measure passed by an 8-0 recorded vote.
The Topeka governing body unanimously approved several action items during its Feb. 10 meeting, including an IT-authority ordinance, two partial development-assignment consents and an amendment adding funding for pavement management projects.
Apple developer authority (ordinance): The council approved an ordinance introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert Perez to authorize up to three specified information-technology staff to sign on behalf of the City for the Apple Developer Program, citing Topeka Municipal Code language requiring authorization. Interim CIO Patty Biggs told the council the change is necessary because Apple requires named developers to agree to terms and receive technical bulletins; staff said nontechnical purchasing limits and normal procurement controls would remain in place. A proposed sunset/review amendment to revisit the ordinance after 18 months and to expire at 24 months failed for lack of a second. Motion to approve by Council Member Hiller, second by Council Member Miller; recorded vote 8-0.
CID partial assignment for Sunflower Crossing (Kwik Trip): Deputy City Manager Braxton Conkley described a partial assignment under the Sunflower Crossing development agreement where BHI Development Inc. will assign the right to receive up to $532,000 of CID sales-tax proceeds to Kwik Trip as a condition of the sale and construction of a Kwik Trip store. Staff noted BHI remains the party of record and obligated to the city; Ben Bigham of Polsinelli was present for questions. Motion from Council Member Bradbury, second from Council Member Banks; recorded vote 8-0.
Partial assignment for Wanamaker shopping center (EIG Wanamaker): Deputy City Manager Braxton Copley presented a consent to a partial assignment and assumption of development obligations to a purchaser of the remainder of the shopping center, with EIG remaining responsible for Phase 2 improvements until the city accepts completion via certificates of occupancy. The city's financial adviser reviewed the assignee's financials and experience under a nondisclosure agreement and reported sufficiency for staff's consent. Motion from Council Member Bradbury, second from Council Member Banks; recorded vote 8-0.
Pavement-management CIP amendment: Council considered an amendment to increase the 2026 CIP by $5 million to fund multiple mill-and-overlay projects identified as candidates where substructure appears sound. Public Works staff (Jason) said coring and utility coordination will follow before construction; staff estimated a mill-and-overlay provides about seven to ten years of service depending on traffic. Motion to approve by Council Member Cal (as recorded), second from Council Member Hiller; recorded vote 8-0.
Each of these items passed on unanimous recorded votes; where staff described further investigatory steps (utility checks, coring, or financial reviews), council directed staff to return to relevant committees or provide additional details before construction or final agreements.
