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Council approves multiple property disposals, ratifies land bank budgets and extends land bank pilot
Summary
The council approved three city property disposals (including two adjacent‑owner sales) and adopted land bank budgets for 2024–2026 plus ordinance updates that add two trustee seats, stagger terms and extend the pilot through 2029.
The Topeka City Council approved a set of property disposals, ratified land bank budgets spanning 2024–2026 and adopted amendments to the land bank ordinance that extend the pilot program.
Leah Bowling, director of economic development, presented three separate conveyance items: a reappointment and appointment item earlier in the agenda, a parcel on Southwest 7th Street (0.13 acres, largely unbuildable, adjacent owner offered $1,250) and a 1.01‑acre parcel at Southeast 2nd Street listed as largely unbuildable (adjacent owner offered $1,500). For both adjacent‑owner disposals the council required staff to commission surveys to identify and reserve easements (sanitary sewer, drainage, flood plain and right-of-way) before final conveyance. Each of the two adjacent‑owner disposals passed (votes recorded as unanimous where indicated).
Quinn Cole presented the land bank budgets for years 2024 (retroactive), 2025 (actuals) and 2026 (prospective). The 2026 prospective budget included $1,000 in projected revenue, $3,000 for maintenance, $6,600 for special assessments, up to $100,000 set aside for land acquisition and up to $30,000 for demolition to address unsafe structures; staff said one $150 sale approved by the land bank should close within 60 days. The governing body approved the budgets.
Council also adopted proposed ordinance changes to the Land Bank Board of Trustees. The amendments add two trustee seats (one from the construction industry and one from real estate), require staggered 1‑ and 2‑year terms starting in 2027, make goal‑setting and performance metrics an ordinance responsibility and extend the pilot sunset from 12/31/2026 to 12/31/2029. Councilmembers discussed safeguards against conflicts of interest and staff said ordinance language prevents trustee participation in matters that would benefit them personally.
Council approved the land bank ordinance amendments and budgets by recorded votes during the May 19 meeting.
