Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Projects Update topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City staff update committee on law enforcement center fence, fire station windows and major street projects
Summary
City staff reported progress on multiple capital projects July 21: the law enforcement center fence is up and expected to be complete by Labor Day, window replacement plans vary by station with Fire Station 12 at roughly $15,000 and Fire Station 4 estimated at $252,000 pending historic review, and Topeka Boulevard reconstruction is delayed to spring 2027 due to unexpected underground pipes.
City staff updated the Infrastructure Committee July 21 on a range of non-action capital items, from fences and fire-station windows to multi-phase street reconstructions.
Director Tryon said the fence at the law enforcement center is erected; remaining work is electrical and card-reader installation and staff expect the project to be complete by Labor Day. "The remaining work that needs to be done is collecting the electrical, which will power the badge readers and the gate operators," Tryon said.
On fire stations, Tryon said staff will replace windows at Fire Station 12 with a straightforward remove-and-replace approach (estimated at about $15,000). Fire Station 4, a historic facility, has a higher projected cost (approximately $252,000) because windows must meet State Historical Preservation Organization standards; staff are working with consultants to find more cost-effective options that satisfy the preservation review.
Large street projects reported include Topeka Boulevard (15th to 21st) — a full reconstruction of pavement, curb, gutter, sidewalks and a 12-inch waterline — which staff now expect to complete in spring 2027 after encountering unrecorded underground pipes that required redesign. Staff also reviewed progress on Fairlawn storm-sewer work (major below-grade pipeline replacements) and described upcoming projects on Southeast 29th Street and Southwest Topeka Boulevard, noting some work will begin this fall with waterline and sewer first and pavement later.
Council members asked for periodic updates on schedules and closures so they can answer constituent questions about lane changes and school travel. Staff agreed to provide targeted status updates to the committee on request.
