Boards & Commissions

Description

Purpose: The City of Topeka Affordable Housing Trust Fund Review Committee (AHTF) is responsible for reviewing and administering the manner in which funds held in the Housing Trust Fund are accepted and allocated. The AHTF will make recommendations to the City Manager regarding funding allocations and will prepare an annual report. The AHTF does not have the authority to waive the requirements of the Housing Trust Fund.

Membership: This is a City-created committee where the Mayor appoints and Council approves. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Review Committee will consist of eleven members and include the following individuals: (1) Director of Administrative and Financial Services, or his/her designee; (2) Director of Planning and Development or designee; (3) City Manager, or designee; (4) Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. (HCCI) representative; (5) Kansas Housing Resource Corporation (KHRC) representative; (6) Local Financial Institution representative; (7) Citizen Advisory Council Chairperson, or designee from the CAC; (8) an affordable housing provider appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council; (9) a poverty advocate appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council; and (10) two residents of the City appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council.

Meetings

Meetings are scheduled as needed.

Current Members

Contact
Rhiannon Friedman, Planning & Development Department Director , City of Topeka
Email: rmfriedman@topeka.org
Phone: 785-368-3728

Description

City-created board requiring council nominations, Mayor appoints, Council approves.

Purpose: To support the civil rights of and full integration into Topeka community life for all people with disabilities. The ADA Council seeks to enhance the community by the efforts of persons with disabilities; to make a positive difference in their relationship with the community by working toward providing full access to facilities, programs, services, activities and employment; and to enable persons with disabilities to equally participate in the social and economic life of the city.

Membership: In accordance with City Code 2.250.010, the ADA Council shall be comprised of ten (10) members. At least six (6) members will be individuals with disabilities, with each of the six (6) major life functions represented by these members, for example, speaking, learning, walking or breathing. Walking and vision disabilities are currently represented on the board. All efforts will be made to ensure cross-disability representation in the selection of ADA council members.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 2^nd Wednesday of each month at 1:00pm on the 2^nd floor of the Cyrus K. Holliday Office Building – 620  SE Madison St., Topeka, KS 66607 Sunflower Conference Room – Sunflower Conference Room. Contact us at the email or phone number below prior to a meeting to request the zoom link.

Current Members

Contact

Zaynah Afada, DEI Program Coordinator
Email: zafada@topeka.org
Phone: 785-368-3797

Description

City-created board requiring council nominations, Mayor appoints, Council approves.

Purpose: To determine the suitability of alternate materials, methods and types of construction. The board has the power to permit exceptions, variances or waivers from the Code that meet the intent of the adopted code and will not endanger life, limb, health, property or public welfare. The board of building and fire appeals shall conduct business in accordance with City of Topeka Code.

Membership: In accordance with City Code 2.40.010, the Board of Building and Fire Appeals shall consist of seven members appointed by the mayor and approved by council. Members shall be currently licensed, or engaged in, or have substantial past experience in the following areas: licensed professional engineer, licensed architect, licensed commercial contractor, or other experience or professional work in a field related to building construction. The appointed members shall always include at least two licensed engineers, two licensed architects and one general contractor. Members shall serve two-year terms. Members shall not serve beyond the end of their appointed terms. Upon expiration of a term the position shall remain vacant until a successor is appointed. Ex officio nonvoting members shall include the city attorney, fire marshal, building code enforcement director, or their designees.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 3rd Thursday of each month at 11:00am–12:30pm on Zoom unless scheduled specifically. For links to the meetings, email the Board of Building and Fire Appeals fhug@topeka.org or call 785-368-1613.

The BBFA currently has monthly scheduled meetings excluding the month of December. If no appeal requests are submitted and if there is no business agenda for that month meetings are canceled. The current scheduled meeting dates, time and location may change by the business action to be taken in January.

Current Members

Contact

Fran Hug, City of Topeka
Email: fhug@topeka.org
Phone: 785-368-1613

Description

City-created board requiring council nominations, Mayor appoints, Council approves.

Purpose: To review applications and approve the issuance of licenses in accordance with the Code of the City of Topeka. The board shall be empowered to hear and determine interpretations of applicable codes and to permit exceptions, variances, or waivers there from, provided such exceptions, variances, or waivers meet the intent of the adopted code and do not endanger life, limb, property or public welfare.

Membership: The board shall be comprised of two licensed electrical masters two licensed journeymen, and an engineer practicing in the trade, however, the two positions designated to be filled by journeymen may be filled by licensed journeymen, licensed masters, or engineers practicing in the electrical trade. Members shall be appointed by the mayor and serve two year terms. Members shall not serve beyond the end of their appointed terms. Upon expiration of a term the position shall remain vacant until a successor is appointed.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:00pm, only if there is business for the board on the third floor of the Cyrus K. Holliday Office Building – 620 SE Madison St., Topeka, KS 66607

Current Members

Contact

Robert Scott, City of Topeka, Development Services
Email: rfscott@topeka.org
Phone: 785-368-1615

Description

City-created board requiring council nominations, Mayor appoints, Council approves.

Purpose: To review applications and approve the issuance of licenses in accordance with City Code. The board shall be empowered to hear and determine interpretations of applicable codes and to permit exceptions, variances, or waivers therefrom, provided such exceptions, variances, or waivers meet the intent of the adopted code and do not endanger life, limb, property or public welfare.

Membership: The board shall be comprised of five members; two masters licensed in the particular trade, one engineer or equivalent practicing in the particular trade, and two persons who shall be a licensed journeyman, licensed master, or an engineer practicing in the particular trade. Members shall be appointed by the mayor and serve two year terms. Members shall not serve beyond the end of their appointed terms. Upon expiration of a term the position shall remain vacant until a successor is appointed.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 1st Wednesday of each month at 5:00pm, only if there is business for the board on the third floor of the Cyrus K. Holliday Office Building – 620 SE Madison St., Topeka, KS 66607

Current Members

Contact

Robert Scott, City of Topeka, Development Services
Email: rfscott@topeka.org
Phone: 785-368-1615

Description

City-created board requiring council nominations, Mayor appoints, Council approves.

Purpose: To review applications and approve the issuance of licenses in accordance with City Code. In addition, the board shall be empowered to hear and determine interpretations of applicable codes and to permit exceptions, variances, or waivers there from, provided such exceptions, variances, or waivers meet the intent of the adopted code and do not endanger life, limb, property or public welfare.

Membership: The board shall be comprised of five members; two licensed master plumbers, two licensed journeymen, and an engineer practicing in the trade, however, the two positions designated to be filled by journeymen may be filled by licensed journeymen, licensed masters, or engineers practicing in the plumbing trade. Members shall be appointed by the mayor and serve two year terms. Members shall not serve beyond the end of their appointed terms. Upon expiration of a term the position shall remain vacant until a successor is appointed.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 3rd Wednesday of each month at 5:00pm, only if there is business for the board on the third floor of the Cyrus K. Holliday Office Building – 620 SE Madison St., Topeka, KS 66607

Current Members

Contact

Robert Scott, City of Topeka, Development Services
Email: rfscott@topeka.org
Phone: 785-368-1615

Description

City-created board requiring council nominations, Mayor appoints, Council approves.

Purpose: To administer the details of appeals from or other matters referred to it regarding the application of the zoning regulations of the city. The Topeka Board of Zoning Appeals shall have the power to hear and determine appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administration official in the enforcement of the zoning regulations. The Topeka Board of Zoning Appeals may grant exceptions to the zoning regulations or variances in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Comprehensive Zoning Regulations as codified at City of Topeka Code. The Topeka Board of Zoning Appeals may also hear appeals of the sign ordinances. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall conduct business in accordance with the Comprehensive Zoning Regulations as codified in the Topeka City Code.

Membership: The Topeka Board of Zoning Appeals shall consist of seven (7) members appointed by the mayor and approved by council. None of the members shall hold any other public office by the city except that two (2) members may be members of the Topeka Planning Commission. The members shall reside inside the corporate area of the City of Topeka in accordance with Ordinance No. 20206 and without compensation.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 2nd Monday of each month as necessary at the Cyrus K. Holliday Office Building – 620 SE Madison St., Topeka, KS 66607

Current Members

Contact

Amanda Tituana-Feijoo, City of Topeka
Email: atituana-feijoo@topeka.org
Phone: 785-368-3728

Description

City-created board requiring council nominations, Mayor appoints, Council approves.

Purpose: The Advisory Council makes recommendations to the City Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development on issues described in the advisory council by-laws. The Citizen/Community Advisory Council, because they work closely with housing and neighborhood development programs, require backgrounds in construction trades, architecture, appraising, real estate and real estate development, property management, engineering, neighborhood planning and other areas relevant to neighborhood development.

Membership: In accordance with TMC 2.25.040 (2) At-Large Members. The three at-large members of the CAC shall be appointed by the Mayor, with confirmation by the City Council. At-large members shall not serve beyond the end of their appointed three-year term and, upon expiration of such term, the position shall remain vacant until a successor is appointed.

One at-large member must come from a low to moderate income (LMI) area not represented by a certified NIA or be an LMI resident of Topeka who does not reside within the boundaries of a certified NIA or hold office in a certified NIA.

Two at-large members must come from disciplines such as construction trades, architecture, appraising, real estate sales, public finance, mortgage lending, legal, real estate development, residential property management, commercial banking, construction material suppliers, fundraising, neighborhood planning, zoning, engineering, health or education.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm on the first floor of the Cyrus K. Holliday Office Building – 620 SE Madison St., Topeka, KS 66607 – 1st Floor Conference Room

Current Members

Contact

Bianca Burnett-Martinez, Department of Neighborhood Relations
Email: lburnett@topeka.org
Phone: 785-368-3663

Description

Purpose:

The Governing Body of the City of Topeka is seeking five civically minded individuals who shall be as representative of the City as possible to serve on the Citizen Government Review Committee. This Committee is tasked with studying and reviewing the City of Topeka’s form of government and making recommendations to the Governing Body for amendments and modifications.

Required Qualifications

-Be a registered voter who lives within the City of Topeka
-Be available between January and June of 2025 for a substantial time commitment to meet and complete the required report for the Governing Body

Preferred Qualifications

-Basic understanding of the City of Topeka’s current form of government
-Demonstrated ability to be impartial and objective
-Possess sound communication and listening skills
-Lead and function well in a group

Meetings

Will be determined once committee is formed

Current Members

Description

City-created board requiring council nominations, Mayor appoints, Council approves.
Purpose: The commission shall conduct examinations of Police and Fire applicants and certify lists of eligible applicants. The Commission also hears charges against individual officers alleging misconduct, failure to perform duties, offenses of a criminal nature or violations of the Rules and Regulations of the Police and Fire Departments.
Membership: In accordance with City Code 2.120.030, seven commissioners are appointed by the mayor to four-year terms. One non-voting member designated by the City Manager to be the city representative who shall serve as technical advisor to the commission. To be eligible for appointment as a commissioner, a nominee may not be a city employee, and shall have at least three years of experience in a responsible position requiring knowledge of the legal issues involved in the hiring, or disciplining of employees, and shall be residents of the City.

Meetings

Meetings are held Quarterly, locations will vary.

Current Members

Contact

Joy Renee Simpson, HR Generalist, City of Topeka
Email: JRSimpson@topeka.org
Phone: 785-368-2576

Description

Purpose: Community Action’s 18-member board of directors represents our community across the public, private, and low-income sectors. Board members provide agency oversight including managing the Executive Director, financial responsibility and oversight of agency policies. Standing committees include the Family and Community Outcomes Committee, the Affordable Housing Committee, and the Financial Development and Sustainability Committee.

Meetings

Meetings occur on the 2nd Thursday of odd numbered months from 5:30 pm to 7pm via Zoom and at the Community Resources Council Building in room 118, located at 455 SE Golf Park Blvd, Topeka KS, 66605. Our Board meets for the annual meeting during October.

Current Members

Contact

Mallory Keeffee, Executive Director, Community Action, Inc.
Email: mkeeffe@wefightpoverty.org
Phone: 785-836-4545

Description

Purpose. The purpose of the downtown business improvement district advisory board (BID) shall be to monitor and oversee services provided pursuant to the business improvement district act. The board shall conduct its business in accordance with City Code.

Membership. The downtown business improvement district advisory board shall consist of nine members, appointed by the mayor with the consent of the city council. Members shall serve in accordance with Topeka City Code 3.40.040 and without compensation. Members appointed shall be representatives of the businesses located in the district.

Meetings

Meetings are held every month; time and location varies.

Current Members

Contact

Elizabeth Miller, Downtown Topeka, Inc.
Email: elizabeth@visittopeka.com
Phone: 785-383-0910

Description
Purpose: The Gage Park Improvement Authority is responsible for administering, distributing and expending the proceeds from a countywide sales tax to benefit Gage Park, the Topeka Zoo, and the Children’s Discovery Center.

Membership: Pursuant to L. 2022, Ch. 63, §§ 20-27, the Authority shall consist of seven (7) members; One (1) shall be the Director of the Zoo or designee; One (1) shall be the Director of the Children’s Discovery Center or designee; One (1) shall be the Director of Shawnee County Parks & Recreation or designee; Two (2) appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and Two (2) appointed by the Mayor, with City Council consent. Members shall be appointed for a term of three years (3), reside in Shawnee County; and be a registered voter. A financial background and an understanding of the City’s management agreement with the Friends of the Topeka Zoo is helpful.

Meetings

The Board shall meet at least quarterly.

Current Members

Contact

James Crowl, Shawnee County Counselor
Email: counselors@snco.us
Phone: 785-251-4042

Description

City-created board requiring council nominations, Mayor appoints, Council approves.

Purpose: The mission of the Human Relations Commission (HRC) is to conduct outreach and educational activities that promote justice and cultural understanding, and improve relationships among all citizens of the City of Topeka. For additional information click here: https://www.topeka.org/government/boards-commissions/human-relations-commission/.

Membership: The Topeka Human Relations Commission shall consist of nine members to be drawn from individuals with disabilities and from diverse gender, racial, ethnic, commercial, and industrial segments of the community. The commissioners shall reside within the corporate limits of the city. The commissioners shall be appointed by the mayor from council nominations, and such appointments shall be confirmed by the council.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 2nd Monday of each month at 5:30pm on the first floor of City Hall – 215 SE 7th St., Topeka, KS 66603 – 1st Floor Conference Room

Current Members

Contact

Zaynah Afada, DEI Program Coordinator
Email: zafada@topeka.org
Phone: 785-368-3797

Description

Purpose: The JAAA Advisory Council advises the JAAA Board of Directors concerning policies and programs that affect older persons in Shawnee, Douglas and Jefferson counties.
Membership: It consists of nine members, of which the mayor appoints two. Terms are three years, and there are no term limits. All appointments are effective October 1 of each year. The Mayor may appoint without Council consent.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 1st Tuesday of each month at 10:00am; Location of the meetings are moved monthly to area provider locations.

Current Members

Contact

Susan Harris, Executive Director, Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, Inc.
Email: sharris@jhawkaaa.org
Phone: 785-235-1367

Description

Purpose: The JAAA Board of Directors is the governing board for the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, Inc. It is responsible for ensuring that the agency operates within federal, state and local laws.
Membership: The board consists of 14 members. The Mayor will appoint 1 member. Terms are three years and a director may serve no more than two consecutive terms. No council nominations are required and the Mayor may appoint without Council consent.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 2nd Thursday of each month at 10:00am; Location of meetings are moved monthly to area provider locations.

Current Members

Contact

Susan Harris, Executive Director, Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, Inc.
Email: sharris@jhawkaaa.org
Phone: 785-235-1367

Description

Statutory Board
Purpose: The Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority has responsibility for development, improvement, operation and maintenance of public airport facilities in the city of Topeka and Shawnee County.

Membership: The board of directors shall consist of five members. Three members shall be registered voters and city residents who are appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city council. Two members shall be Shawnee County residents residing outside the Topeka city limits and appointed by the county commission. Members shall serve three-year terms, but no more than three consecutive terms. Council nominations not required.

Meetings
Meetings are held every 3rd Tuesday of each month at 3pm at the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority Administrative Offices, 6510 SE Forbes Ave., Topeka, Kansas.

Please visit MTAA website for complete schedule: http://www.mtaa-topeka.org/about/board-of-directors

Current Members

Contact

Eric Johnson, President, Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority
Email: ejohnson@mtaa-topeka.org
Phone: 785-862-2362

Description

Purpose: The purpose of the NOTO Business Improvement District Advisory Board (BID) shall be to monitor and oversee services provided pursuant to the business improvement district act.

Membership: The NOTO Business Improvement District Advisory Board shall consist of five members, three members shall be appointed for a term of two years and two shall be appointed for a term of one year, after which all terms shall be for a two year period. Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the mayor with the consent of the city council. Members shall serve in the accordance with Ordinance No. 20350 and without compensation. Members appointed shall be representative of the businesses located in the district.

Meetings
Meetings are held as needed; time and location varies

Current Members

Contact

Pedro Concepcion, NOTO Executive Consultant
Email: pedro.concepcion@notoartsdistrict.org
Phone: 785-408-8996

Description

Purpose: Members shall participate in the formulation of the comprehensive plan for the development, implementation, and operation of the correctional services within the County. Board makes formal recommendation to the County Commission concerning the plan and its implementation and operation during the ensuring year.

Membership: Statute provides for “governing body appointment” (3 members.) KSA 75-5297(a)(7). Practice is for Mayor to appoint and Council to approve. Council nominations not required. There are 12 members with appointing authorities defined by statute.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 3rd Thursday of each month from 3:30-5:00pm – 712 S Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66603 – 3rd Floor

Contact

Steve Willis – Director, Shawnee County Community Corrections Operation
Email: steve.willis@snco.us
Phone: 785-251-7812

Description

Purpose: Actively participates in the formulation of the comprehensive plan for the development, implementation, and operation of the juvenile correctional services in the county and shall make a formal recommendation to the board of county commissioners at least annually. Reviews funding applications and makes recommendations to the commissioners. Board establishes policies for juvenile services in the County.

Membership: There are twelve members with appointing authorities defined by Statute. Statute provides for Topeka “governing body appointment” (3 members.) KSA 75-7044(a)(8){C}. Practice is for Mayor to appoint and Council to approve. Council nominations not required.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 3rd Wednesday of each month from 9:00-10:30am – 712 S Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66603 – 3rd Floor

Current Members

Contact

Steve Willis – Director, Shawnee County Community Corrections Operation
Email: steve.willis@snco.us
Phone: 785-251-7812

Description

Purpose: To plan and study the public housing needs of the city and to make recommendations to city officials. The governing body of the Topeka Housing Authority shall be known as the Topeka Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.

Membership: The board shall consist of five members appointed by the mayor; one of which must be a resident of the authority. Members shall serve four year terms or until a successor is appointed. Members shall serve without compensation. Statutory: Mayor appoints with Council approval; Council nominations not required.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 4th Tuesday of each month at 12:15pm at Eco Ridge Community Center – 2021 SE Market St., Topeka, KS 66607

Current Members

Contact

Trey George, Executive Director, Topeka Housing Authority
Email: tgeorge@tha.gov
Phone: 785-357-8842

Description

Purpose: The land bank shall serve the public purpose of providing for the orderly, planned and reutilization of abandoned, tax foreclosed or otherwise underutilized properties.

Membership: The Board shall consist of five members who reside within the boundaries of the City or Shawnee County. One member shall be a member of a neighborhood improvement association established pursuant to TMC 2.25.050; one member shall be an employee of the City designated by the city manager; one member shall be a City Council member; and two members shall be At-Large members. Board members shall be appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council.Terms of office shall be as follows’ (1) From date appointee was appointed to December 31, 2024; (2) January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025; (3) January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

Current Members

Contact

Rhiannon Friedman, Interim Planning & Development Division, City of Topeka
Email: rmfriedman@topeka.org
Phone: 785-368-3728

Description

This is a city-created board but council nominations are not required. The Mayor appoints. Council approves.

Purpose: The purpose of the Landmarks Commission is to advise the city council on historic assets and to safeguard the architectural and cultural heritage of the community through the preservation of historic resources, historic landmarks and districts. The commission may carry out these duties through the identification, documentation and designation of historic assets; development and implementation of a historic preservation plan; administration of ordinances governing the designation, alteration and removal of historic assets; assistance with educational and incentive programs, economic development and tourism, and coordination of public and private historic preservation activities.

Membership: The Commission shall be comprised of people who have demonstrated interest in historic preservation through their community and/or professional involvements. The members of the commission shall be drawn from such backgrounds as architecture, history, landscape architecture, architectural history, planning, archaeology, urban design, neighborhood and community development, geography, real estate, law finance, building trades or related areas. A minimum of four members shall be preservation related professionals. There are no term limits as of January 2014.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 2nd Thursday of each month at 5:30pm on Zoom. For links to the meetings, email the Topeka Planning Division (planning@topeka.org) or call 785-368-3728.

Current Members

Contact

Amanda Tituana-Feijoo, City of Topeka
Email: atituana-feijoo@topeka.org
Phone: 785-368-3728

Description

Purpose: Board members provide assistance in establishing policy and legislative direction for the agency to maintain and operate public transportation within city limits.

Membership: The board shall consist of seven members who are registered voters, residents of the metropolitan area and recognized for business ability. Statute 12-2802 amended the definition of “Metropolitan Area”, to be defined as within a 90-mile radius of the city limits of Topeka (extended from within 3-mile radius). Members shall be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the council and shall serve a four-year term. Statutory board; Mayor appoints. Council approves. Council nominations required.

Meetings

The Topeka Metro Board meetings monthly; dates and times vary

Current Members

Contact

Robert Nugent, Executive Director, Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority
Email: rnugent@topekametro.org
Phone: 785-233-2011

Description

Purpose: The Board oversees and manages the affairs, funds and property of the Topeka Performing Arts Center (TPAC), establishes policy, disburses funds, hires staff and executes contracts.

Membership: The Mayor appoints four members to serve out of the 10-20 member board. Council approval is not required for these appointments.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 4th Wednesday of each month from 12:00-1:30pm at TPAC – 214 SE 8th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603

Current Members

Contact

Shane Hillmer, TPAC Board President
Email: hillmer@swpks.com
Phone: 785-380-8602

Description

Purpose: The Topeka Planning Commission has the responsibility for the adoption and recommendation to the City Council of the Comprehensive Metropolitan Plan to guide the orderly growth and harmonious development of the Topeka metropolitan area. The Comprehensive Metropolitan Plan shall consist of, but not be limited to, the elements described in TMC 18.05.020. The Topeka Planning Commission shall recommend appropriate legislative, administrative or budgetary actions necessary for the governing body to implement the Comprehensive Metropolitan Plan on or before May 1st of each year.

Membership: City-created board requiring council nominations, Mayor appoints, Council approves.

Meetings
Meetings are held every 3rd Monday of each month at 6:00pm; Location is subject to change.

Current Members

Contact

Amanda Tituana-Feijoo, City of Topeka
Email: atituana-feijoo@topeka.org
Phone: 785-368-3728

Description

Membership: Mayor appoints. Council approves. In accordance with City Code 2.70.020, the commission shall be comprised of seven members. The commission shall be appointed as follows:
(1) One member shall be appointed by the mayor of the city with the approval of the city council. Such member shall serve at the pleasure of the mayor and shall be the chairperson of the commission;

(2) Six members shall be appointed by the mayor of the city with the approval of the city council for terms of four years. Members shall not serve beyond the end of their appointed terms. Upon expiration of a term the position shall remain vacant until a successor is appointed. Of the members appointed under this provision, one shall be a representative of the secretary of administration of the State of Kansas, one shall be a representative of the governing body of Shawnee County, and one shall be a representative of the governing body of Unified School District No. 501. The member who is the representative of the secretary of administration shall be appointed from three nominations submitted by the secretary of administration. The member who is the representative of the governing body of Shawnee County shall be appointed from three nominations submitted by the governing body of Shawnee County. The member who is the representative of Unified School District No. 501 shall be appointed from three nominations submitted by the governing body of Unified School District No. 501. The four members appointed directly by the mayor shall be residents of the city. In the case of the death, incapacity, resignation or disqualification of any member of the commission, the mayor of the city shall appoint with the approval of the city council a new member for the unexpired term of the deceased, incapacitated, resigned or disqualified member in accordance with the provisions of this section.

Meetings

Meetings are scheduled as needed

Current Members

Contact

Susan Mauch, Cosgrove, Webb and Oman
Email: slmauch@gseplaw.com
Phone: 785-233-0593

Description

Purpose: The board shall administer the Topeka and Shawnee County library and shall have the powers and duties as set forth in K.S.A. 12-1266 and amendments thereto. Additional information can be located at https://tscpl.org/about/board-of-trustees

Membership. There is hereby established a library board of trustees in accordance with K.S.A. 12-1260 et seq. and any amendments thereto. The board shall consist of ten members in accordance with City Code 2.05.040, seven members shall be appointed by the mayor with consent of the council and shall be residents of the city. Three members shall be appointed by the county commissioners and shall be residents of the library district, who reside outside the corporate limits of the city and each in a different commissioner district. Members shall be registered voters and shall serve four-year terms. Members shall serve without compensation. Council nominations not required.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 3rd Thursday of each month at 4:00pm at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library – 1515 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604 – The Menninger Conference Room

Current Members

Contact

Aubrey Conner, Executive Assistant
Email: aconner@tscpl.org
Phone: 785-580-4484

Description

Purpose: The purpose of the authority is to promote the general welfare and encourage private capital investment by fostering the creation of recreational, retails, entertainment, economic development and housing with the river district.

Membership: The Authority shall consist of six (6) members; Three appointed by Shawnee County Commission and three appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Council. K.S.A. Sec. 12-5611{c}. (Council nominations not required.)

Meetings

Meetings are held monthly; Location, date and times vary.

Current Members

Contact

Greg Schwerdt, Schwerdt Design
Email: ges@sdgarch.com
Phone: 785-273-7540

Description

Purpose: Purpose is to promote environmental awareness and advocate for policies which support sustainability specifically including, but not limited to, environmental awareness, waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation and natural resource conservation in the City of Topeka, and to enhance the quality of life by improving the City’s efforts in these areas.

Membership: In accordance with City Code 2.95.020, the Sustainability Advisory Board shall consist of nine members and be residents of the City of Topeka. After the initial appointment of the board, all members shall serve two (2) year terms unless appointed to fill out an unexpired term. At least five (5) of the nine (9) board members shall be currently licensed, have a degree in, be engaged in, or have substantial past experience in the fields of environmental awareness, waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation and/or natural resource conservation or a similar field relating to the environment or conservation. Council nominates, Mayor appoints. Council approves.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 1st Friday of each month at 4:00pm on the first floor of the Cyrus K. Holiday Office Building – 620 SE Madison St., Topeka, KS 66607 – First Floor Conference Room

Current Members

Contact

Sylvan Coles, Utilities Department, City of Topeka
Email: scoles@topeka.org
Phone: 785-368-4236

Description

Membership:
(a) The initial advisory board shall be comprised of seven members appointed by the Topeka Lodging Association and consisting of five representatives from hotels and two individuals who represent the travel and tourism industry. The members shall serve a term of office commencing on the date of appointment and expiring on December 31, 2017.
(b) On and after January 1, 2018, the advisory board shall be comprised of seven members to be appointed by the mayor with the consent of the council. Five members shall be representatives from hotels that are current in the payment of their service fees. Two members shall be representatives from the travel and tourism industry.
(c) The Topeka Lodging Association may submit a list of nominees to the mayor. If a nominee is not appointed by the mayor, with consent of the council, the Association may submit additional name(s) for consideration. If the Association fails to provide a nominee(s), the mayor may appoint, with the consent of the council, a person who meets the requirements in subsection (b) of this section.
(d) Of the members appointed to the advisory board, four shall be appointed for a term of two years commencing on January 1, 2018, and three shall be appointed for a term of one year commencing on January 1, 2018. Members shall not serve beyond the end of their appointed terms. Upon expiration of a term, the position shall remain vacant until a successor is appointed. On the expiration of the term of each board member, subsequent terms shall be for a period of two years. Any vacancy occurring in the membership of the advisory board shall be filled by nominations from the Topeka Lodging Association pursuant to subsection (c) of this section and appointment of the mayor with the consent of the city council for the unexpired term. Ordinance 3.65.040 Business Improvement District Advisory Board.

Meetings

Meetings are scheduled as needed.

Current Members

Contact

Kurt Young, Chair
Email: kurt.young8440@gmail.com
Phone: 785-379-9475

Description

Purpose: The management and control of the municipal university shall be vested in a board to be known as the board of regents of Washburn University of Topeka. By such name the municipal university may sue and be sued, issue contracts, and hold such real and personal property as it may acquire. Such university shall possess the usual powers of a corporation for public purposes.
Membership. Council nominations not required. In accordance with City Code 2.05.050, the Board of Regents of Washburn University shall consist of nine members appointed as follows:

◦Three members shall be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the council and shall hold office as provided in K.S.A. 13-3a05 and amendments thereto. Members appointed under this subsection shall be registered voters and residents of the city, one from each of the three districts from which state senators are elected by residents of the city. (Senate districts: 18, 19, 20)

◦Three members shall be appointed by the governor and shall hold office as provided in K.S.A. 13-13a06 and amendments thereto. Members appointed under this subsection shall be residents of the state.

◦One member shall be appointed by the Board of County Commissioners of Shawnee County and shall hold office as provided in K.S.A. 13-13a06 and amendments thereto; such member shall reside in Shawnee County, but outside the city.

◦One member shall be the mayor or another member of the council who is selected by the mayor.

◦One member shall be a member of the state board of regents selected by the state board at its regular meeting in September of each year, to serve as a member of the board of regents for the ensuing year.

Meetings

For meeting dates, please visit: http://www.washburn.edu/about/leadership/board-regents/meeting-dates.html

Current Members

Contact

Jackie Askren, Executive Assistant – President’s Office
Email: Jackie.askren@washburn.edu
Phone: 785-670-1556