On Wednesday, the City of Topeka launched an online portal for customers to establish a new utility service, or to upgrade an existing service. City utility services include water and sewer.
The portal is intended to be used by all City customers, including residents and contractors.
To view the new portal, visit https://www.topeka.org/utilities/, and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Before accessing the portal, customers will need to create an account.
For questions, email utilityaccounts@topeka.org, or call 785-368-3111.
The Topeka Police Department is accepting applications for its 46th Citizens Police Academy. The TPD is happy to offer the academy once again after being shut down during the COVID pandemic. This is the 26th year the department has offered this popular bi-annual program!
Classes will be held Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., beginning August 25, 2022, and running through November 3, 2022.
Citizens attending will be exposed to the challenges faced by law enforcement, and learn how TPD meets those challenges. Participants will learn about various aspects of the Police Department including field operations, criminal investigations, community outreach, crisis negotiations, bomb disposal, crime scene investigations, and much more!
If you or anyone you know, who is over 18 years of age is interested in attending, an application must be filled out and submitted at https://www.topeka.org/tpd/opportunities-for-citizens/citizens-academy/. You can also contact Cpt. Colleen Stuart at 785-368-9451 with questions. There is limited space available, and seats fill quickly, so turn your applications in soon!
The Topeka City Council’s Police & Community Special Committee met Friday, June 3, and a draft document was presented, summarizing proposed recommendations pertaining to the Topeka Police Department.
The draft is a working document, and further revisions by the Committee are possible. Members of the community can view the draft document online at https://www.topeka.org/citycouncil/police-community/. The direct link can be found here.
The Policy & Community Special Committee will meet again on Friday, June 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the Holliday Building to review the draft document, and make any revisions as a group. Members of the public can listen to the meeting in person, or watch the meeting live on Facebook, the City4 Livestream, or on Cox Local Channel 4.
The Committee will then host a Public Input Session on Friday, June 17 at 2:00 p.m. at the Holliday Building. Members of the community wishing to make public comment can do so in person, via Zoom, or by submitting an email or letter in advance of the meeting. To sign up to speak, or to learn more about the public comment process, visit https://www.topeka.org/cityclerk/sign-up-to-speak-at-a-governing-body-meeting/.
To learn more about the Police & Community Special Committee, visit https://www.topeka.org/citycouncil/police-community/.
The City of Topeka’s Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance Initiative is beginning its first community outreach phase, focusing on mowing, through a new mowing program.
Currently, the City of Topeka is seeking proposals from qualified businesses, organizations, or individuals, to develop and run a community mowing service pilot program. The pilot program will provide mowing services for underserved neighborhoods, by developing a fixed, and affordable rate model. The pilot program will primarily serve the City’s low and moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods, and those living in Neighborhood Improvement Association (NIA) areas. The City will provide up to $25,000 to help develop the pilot program. Once up and running, the goal is for the program to become self-sustaining, and independent from City financial support.
The City will host a pre-proposal meeting on Thursday, May 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the Holliday Building for potential bidders to learn about the program initiative, and to ask questions.
“This summer, mowing will be our first action initiative. The goal is to get as many properties as possible mowed, not just one time, but for the season and with a sustainable future plan,” said Councilwoman Karen Hiller. “Watch for further developments with the initiative, including volunteer opportunities for neighbors, families, churches, businesses, organizations, and more to get engaged with helping residents with mowing!”
The Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance Initiative is a five-year plan, created by the Topeka City Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee. The initiative is a collective effort by City of Topeka departments, the Topeka City Council, and the community to improve property condition, reduce substandard housing, motivate property owners to care for their properties, and encourage investment in vacant and deteriorated properties. The Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance Initiative is championed by Councilwoman Karen Hiller and Councilwoman Christina Valdivia-Alcala.
“We are so encouraged with the possibilities of the initiative for both the City of Topeka and our neighbors across the city. It’s vital we all lean in towards each other to help re-create neighborhoods and community – this is the time,” said Councilwoman Valdivia-Alcala.
Visit https://www.topeka.org/citycouncil/changing-our-culture-of-property-maintenance/ for more information about the initiative.
The City of Topeka is excited to announce the commencement of the recruitment campaign for the City Manager position. The job posting and position description can be found at https://www.topeka.org/careers.
The posting comes after a public input survey, where nearly 200 responses from community members were received.
The City of Topeka and Kansas Personnel Services, Inc., doing business as Premier Employment Solutions and Key Staffing, the Executive Recruitment Firm the City hired to assist with the recruitment process, are launching a broad City Manager recruitment search.
The search includes a recruitment video featuring Mayor Michael Padilla, Councilwoman Karen Hiller and Councilwoman Hannah Naeger, who share their thoughts about the ideal candidate. You can watch the video at https://youtu.be/lf86vgXBgOg.
The initial recruitment campaign is expected to last 45 days. After the job posting closes, Topeka’s Governing Body will review applications from qualified candidates. Interviews are expected to occur in August with the Governing Body, City of Topeka leadership staff, and community members who are selected by the Governing Body. There will also be a public meet and greet with the final candidates.
The Metropolitan Topeka Planning Organization (MTPO) is pleased to announce the completion of the Futures2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan draft document.
The draft document is available for review and public comment May 13, 2022, through June 12, 2022. The draft document can be viewed online at https://arcg.is/0jHOqX1. The Topeka community and surrounding residents are encouraged to review the document and provide feedback on the site.
The City of Topeka and JEO Consulting Group will host a public open house event to solicit community feedback and comments regarding the Futures2045 draft plan document. The event will take place Wednesday, May 25, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the rotunda of the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library located at 1515 SW 10th Ave. All are invited to attend. No formal presentation is planned, and attendees may drop in at any time.
The Futures2045 update is a continuation of the Futures2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and will expand on the evolution of the plan’s goals and objectives, with a focus on active transportation projects and preservation of existing systems. The goals of the plan update include maintaining existing infrastructure, improving mobility and access, increasing safety for all modes of transportation, enhancing quality of life, and promoting economic development.
To learn more about MTPO or the Futures2045 MTP draft, visit https://topekampo.org/ or contact Carlton Scroggins, Transportation Planning Manager/MTPO at cscroggins@topeka.org or 785-368-3728.
The City of Topeka’s new digital equity program, TSC – Get Digital, is giving out 1,200 desktop computers to qualifying applicants.
The desktop computers are available for 60 and older residents living within the City of Topeka city limits. To qualify, residents must receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension Benefit Program, or have a household income that is less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines on an annual basis.
“As we are living longer, our world is becoming increasingly digital. Information and communication can enable healthy and active aging by facilitating access to information, health and healthcare, socio-economic participation and other factors that promote full engagement and participation as we age,” said Monique Glaudeˊ, Director of Community Engagement and Ombudsman for the City of Topeka. “Although many older adults are frequent users of information and communication technologies, many still lack access, and the pace of digital innovation is yet to be inclusive of their needs. We are appreciative of the donation from the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging which will assist us in providing desktop computers to 1,200 of our 60 and older low-to-moderate income neighbors.”
The funding for the computers was made possible thanks to a $140,000 donation from the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging (JAAA).
“Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging is pleased to be a part of the TSC – Get Digital Coalition and able to help support the efforts of Get Digital and extremely pleased that we will be able to assist such a large number of older adults gain access to technology that will enhance their lives in many ways from helping them stay connected socially with friends and family, to allowing for telemedicine visits, and much more,” said Susan Harris, Executive Director, Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging.
Qualifying applicants should call 785-368-3098 to pre-qualify for a free desktop computer.
The TSC – Get Digital is a coalition made up of community members and stakeholders who want to help close the digital divide in Topeka. The TSC – Get Digital Coalition was made possible through a $250,000 grant the City received from the Kansas Health Foundation.
View the program flyer here.
The City of Topeka will plant a tree on Friday, April 29 at the Kansas Statehouse grounds in honor of Arbor Day.
Arbor Day is a holiday that celebrates the planting, upkeep, and preservation of trees, and is recognized annually on the last Friday in April.
On Friday at around 10:00 a.m., staff from the City’s Forestry Department will plant a tree on the southwest side of the Statehouse grounds.
“This is a great opportunity to celebrate Arbor Day, and the important role that tree’s play in our lives and community,” said Travis Tenbrink, City of Topeka Forester. “Hopefully we will inspire a few people to get out there and plant a tree of their own.”
After the tree planting, Governor Laura Kelly will sign a proclamation at 11:30 a.m. designating Friday, April 29 as Kansas Arbor Day. The Governor will be joined by members of the Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Arborist Association board members, and City Forestry Department staff. Attendees will also be joined by the Kansas Arbor Day Poster Contest winner, Evelyn Stidham. Stidham is a 5th grade student at Highlands Elementary School in Mission, Kansas.
Additionally, the City of Topeka is celebrating its 36th year as a Tree City USA member. The membership demonstrates the City’s commitment to urban forestry, and recognizing the importance trees play in our community.
In order to be recognized as a Tree City USA member, the City must meet four requirements: form a tree board or department, create a tree-care ordinance, have an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and host an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
City of Topeka staff, the Topeka City Council and Key Staffing, the local Executive Recruitment Firm who’s assisting with the City Manager recruitment process, released a public input survey today.
“It’s important for the Governing Body to take citizen input as to what is important in the next City Manager into consideration as we begin our search,” said Topeka Mayor Mike Padilla.
Citizens are encouraged to take the survey at https://www.topeka.org/citymanager/city-manager-position-public-input/. At this link, community members can also view the position description for the City Manager.
Survey responses will be reviewed by the Governing Body beginning on Friday, May 6, 2022. The survey will close on Friday, May 13, 2022.
The City of Topeka and PC’s for People, an area technology refurbishing company, are partnering together to host a free digital e-cycle event. The event will take place on Saturday, April 16, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Stormont Vail Events Center, in Parking Lot #1.
During the event, area residents will have the opportunity to dispose of unused household electronic devices, while making a difference in the community.
Devices that are being accepted include desktop computers, laptops, monitors, and tablets. The devices can be in working or non-working condition. After collection, PC’s for People will reset and repair the devices. They will then be provided to individuals in Topeka who are in need of digital devices.
“This is event is a terrific opportunity to help connect our low to moderate income neighbors, and work towards the City’s digital equity goals,” said Monique Glaude’, Director of Community Engagement and Ombudsman.
This event is a part of the City’s new digital equity program, TSC – Get Digital. TSC – Get Digital is a coalition made up of community members and stakeholders who want to help close the digital divide in Topeka.
“Recycling, refurbishing and getting quality unused computers into the homes of our lower income neighborhoods, is clearly one of the most effective ways of increasing internet adoption and bridging the digital divide,” said Lazone Grays, TSC – Get Digital Coalition Member. “This event highlights the continued commitment by the TSC – Get Digital Coalition to our Topeka community, and I look forward to even greater accomplishments ahead.”
“TSC – Get Digital is collecting as many laptops and desktops as possible in order for these to be refurbished and provided to qualifying members of our community,” said Scott Gowan, TSC – Get Digital Coalition Member. “Digital Equity is a necessary tool for success in learning, socializing, and seeking support in today’s digital world. Our neighbors who do not have these resources need your support to help them bridge that digital divide.”
The TSC – Get Digital Coalition was made possible through a $250,000 grant the City received from the Kansas Health Foundation.
Other electronic items can be disposed of at the Shawnee County Household Hazardous Waste Facility located at 131 NE 46th St. There is no charge for disposal with the exception of CRT TVs and monitors. For additional information, please contact the County at 785-286-4381.