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Topeka staff detail multi‑department encampment cleanup costs and scope, council urges sustained outreach
Summary
A multi‑department presentation outlined encampment cleanup efforts, interdepartmental roles and costs: public works blight crew costs ~$121,933 (Jan 2025–Mar 2026), utilities cleanup ~$87,562 in 2025 (landfill fees >$33,000), and PMU reported 65 camp abatements in 2025 removing ~190 tons of debris; council members urged a sustained, multi‑year approach to outreach and funding.
City staff on June 16 described coordinated efforts among utilities, public works, housing and code compliance to abate unsheltered camps and clean rights of way.
Public Works director Jason Tryan described the blight crew's regular duties and said an audit of work‑order hours estimated about 30% of that crew's time was devoted to trash cleanup; staff presented a total budgeted cost of about $121,933 for the service between January 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026. Utilities director Sylvia Davis said utilities assisted with heavy equipment for stream/levee cleanup and that utilities' 2025 costs were roughly $87,562 with landfill fees exceeding $33,000. Property maintenance/PMU staff reported abating 65 unsheltered camps in 2025 removing roughly 190 tons of waste, and 16 abatements in 2026 removing about 44 tons so far.
Carrie Higgins (housing services) explained outreach efforts and intake processes used to connect individuals to housing lists and services. Staff emphasized that outreach and offer of services occurs prior to abatements and that abatements are usually preceded by inspection and notification.
Councilmembers thanked staff for the collaborative presentation and pressed for a sustained funding and staffing approach. Several councilmembers observed that camps often reappear in different locations and urged investments in outreach and long‑term housing solutions rather than one‑off cleanups.
Outcome and follow‑up: Council discussion signaled interest in multi‑year funding for outreach and continued cross‑department coordination; staff did not propose a vote on funding that night.
