Board approves roughly $16,300 to repair Hotel Topeka York chiller; at least one dissent recorded

The Topeka Development Corporation on June 9 approved an expenditure of $16,289.25 from hotel departmental funds to replace or retrofit the oil filter on the backup York chiller at Hotel Topeka.

Project Manager Copley reviewed the hotel’s mechanical history: the city purchased the hotel in October 2023 after it had operated under receivership, the main chiller had been rehabilitated for roughly $217,000, and the backup York chiller (about 30 years old) was recently rendered inoperable because an oil filter is no longer available and requires a retrofit estimated at approximately $16,300. Copley recommended the modest expenditure to ensure a functional backup chiller ahead of summer occupancy and the pending closing.

Director Ortiz asked whether two chillers are usually run at once; Copley said both are used only under extreme heat or exceptionally high occupancy. Director Banks moved approval and the motion was seconded. The clerk read roll-call votes individually; the president declared the motion carried. The transcript records Director Banks voting no; the clerk’s roll-call readings include several "yes" votes as well as at least one recorded "no." The meeting record states there were no public commenters and the board adjourned.

Why it matters: Replacing the unavailable oil filter is intended to keep a backup chiller operable during hot weather and ahead of the hotel’s expected transfer; the item asks the governing body to approve a transfer of funds to the Topeka Development Corporation before the expense is charged.

The board’s approval was noted as contingent upon the governing body’s passage of a fund-transfer resolution at a subsequent meeting.