The City of Topeka announced Friday that the Governing Body will vote during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 14 to formally name Dr. Robert Perez to serve as Topeka’s next city manager. Perez comes to the city after serving as an Assistant City Manager for the City of Dallas, Texas.
“The Governing Body invested considerable time and effort into their selection process, and we’re excited that Dr. Perez has been selected,” said Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla. “I have full confidence in his ability to lead the City of Topeka and guide us toward our strategic goals.”
With over 20 years of municipal government experience, Perez holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a concentration in organizational leadership, a Master of Public Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in political science.
His background is in Public Works, and he has published numerous academic articles covering diverse topics such as the nexus between data and infrastructure, as well as innovation in local government. During a vast majority of his most recent role, Perez provided executive leadership to the City of Dallas’ Department of Public Works, Transportation, Bond and Construction Management, Equipment and Fleet Services and Building Services. Through a reorganization, Perez was recently assigned to oversee the Department of Sanitation, Code Compliance, Animal Care Services, Homeless Solution, and 311 Customer Service.
“I’m extremely honored and excited to begin leading the City of Topeka as its next city manager,” Perez said. “Public service is important to me, and I look forward to getting to know and serving the community in the near future.”
Topeka’s Governing Body is expected to formally approve Perez’s contract during the May 14th City Council Meeting. The one-year contract includes Perez’s base salary, which will be $255,000.
While Perez’s start date is still being finalized, it is anticipated to be sometime between late June and early July. Perez will be moving to Topeka from Dallas with his wife, Harim Perez, and their miniature schnauzer, Sebastian.
On April 8, five City Manager finalists participated in interview panels with the Governing Body and community stakeholders. Following those interviews, the Governing Body conducted follow-up interviews with Perez and another candidate. Initially, more than 40 applicants applied for the position.
The City of Topeka Public Safety Team is thrilled to unveil a new scholarship initiative aimed at providing enriching theatrical experiences for low-to-moderate income children in the community.
Through a partnership with the Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy (TCT), the Public Safety Scholarship offers an exciting opportunity for children of all ages from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to engage in the transformative world of theatre.
“I wanted to give kids in the Capital City a platform to explore their creative side through the performing arts,” said Chief Wheeles. “Summer camp experiences have the power to forge lasting memories, foster positive relationships and build self-confidence in children, all while ensuring their safety and enjoyment.”
The scholarship is awarded to cover a substantial part of the entire cost for one of TCT’s summer camps, based on federal income guidelines for free or reduced lunches, and will benefit seven eligible children. TCT offers a range of camp options including week-long, three-week-long, and technical camps tailored to children aged 4 through 17.
“The Topeka Civic Theatre has been a cornerstone of our community since it opened in 1936, enriching the lives of residents,” said Fire Chief Randy Phillips. “I have seen first-hand the impact summer camps have and I’m excited to establish this scholarship and empower kids in our community for years to come.”
Established in 1936, the Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy has been a vibrant hub for theatrical arts in the Topeka community. With a mission to share the joy of live theatre, TCT offers a diverse range of performances, educational programs and outreach initiatives.
For more information about the scholarship, eligibility guidelines, and available camps, visit https://topekacivictheatre.com/scholarships.
If you are interested in learning more about the scholarship, getting to know the staff, and visiting their facility, TCT will host an open house with the Public Safety Team on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at TCT, located at 3028 SW 8th Ave.
The City of Topeka is proud to announce it has been awarded a United States Department of Justice (DOJ) grant to provide a batterers intervention treatment program to Topeka residents.
The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has awarded the Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Reform (ICJR) totaling $488,045 to facilitate batterers intervention treatment through local service providers Halley Counseling Services and the Family Peace Initiative.
In 2022, the City Prosecutor’s Office assumed responsibility for handling misdemeanor domestic battery cases, aiming to offer a more personalized approach at helping victims and their families in domestic violence situations. The ICJR will enable the prosecutor’s office to extend assistance to eligible offenders who lack the financial means to participate in intervention programs, ensuring accountability in their sentencing.
“This grant represents a significant step forward in our efforts to address domestic violence in our community,” said Chief of Prosecution Kelly Trussell. “By providing access to intervention programs, we are better equipped to support both victims and offenders, fostering safer and healthier environments for residents and stopping the cycle of violence.”
The OVW, a division of the DOJ, administers grant programs aimed to develop the nation’s ability to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking by strengthening services to victims and holding offenders accountable.
Read more about the OVW’s Grants to Improve Criminal Justice Response here: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/improving-criminal-justice-responses-program
In recognition of Arbor Day, staff from the City of Topeka’s Forestry Division, will plant a tree at the statehouse grounds on Friday, April 26, 2024.
Arbor Day is an annual holiday dedicated to the planting, care, and preservation of trees, observed on the last Friday of April each year.
On Friday at around 10 a.m., city staff will plant a Black Cherry tree in the northeast corner of the Kansas State Capitol Building grounds.
“We’re proud to continue the tradition of Arbor Day by planting a tree on the capitol grounds and a proclamation signing,” said Travis Tenbrink, Forester at the City of Topeka. “Our hope is that by celebrating Arbor Day, we’ll inspire others to join us in planting trees for the benefit of our community.”
Following the tree planting, Governor Laura Kelly will sign a proclamation designating Friday, April 26 as Kansas Arbor Day. The Governor will be joined by city staff, members of the Kansas Arborist Association board, representatives from the Kansas Forest Service, and the winner of the Kansas Arbor Day Poster Contest.
In addition to Arbor Day festivities, the City of Topeka is celebrating its 38th year as a proud member of Tree City USA. This membership underscores the city’s dedication to urban forestry, and recognizes the significant role trees play in enhancing our community.
The City of Topeka invites community participation in our Language Access Community Survey.
This survey aims to assess how residents access information about city services and identify opportunities for improvement. The insights gathered will inform the development of the City of Topeka’s Language Access Plan.
Language access refers to the availability of language assistance and resources to individuals who have limited English proficiency (LEP) and could include translation, interpretation, multilingual staff, language access plans, language access training, outreach, and education. By prioritizing language access, we uphold legal obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and strive to overcome language barriers that may hinder access to vital services, including public safety and emergency assistance.
Effective communication with our diverse community is crucial for engagement and collaboration on city initiatives. Additionally, language access promotes economic growth by facilitating communication between businesses and residents of different language backgrounds. By fostering multilingual communication, we create a more inclusive and vibrant city that attracts diverse talent and businesses, enhancing our economic vitality.
“Overall, language access aims to promote linguistic and cultural inclusivity, enhance access to essential services, and ensure that all residents, regardless of their background, can fully participate in society and access the resources they need,” said Interim Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion Monique Glaudeˊ. “This survey is critical as we deepen our commitment to language access initiatives.”
The Language Access Community Survey is available in English and in Spanish at the links below.
English Language Access Community Survey: https://us.openforms.com/Form/13b5181b-92d6-4bc7-b303-569e0c58094a
Encuesta Comunitaria acerca del acceso lingüístico: https://us.openforms.com/Form/12dabae8-78e5-422b-9f6f-2eb06aa4b375
The City of Topeka is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Hart as the Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective Tuesday, April 16. With over 25 years of experience in the public sector, Hart brings extensive expertise to the role. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), he previously served as a Director with Baker Tilly and held key positions in resource management for large municipalities in the Kansas City Metropolitan area.
Hart’s dedication to public service is evident through his active involvement in the Kansas and Missouri Society of CPAs, where he contributes to the governmental accounting committee and the Government Financial Officers Association at both national and local levels.
Interim City Manager Richard U. Nienstedt expressed enthusiasm about Hart’s appointment stating, “Mr. Hart’s experience and dedication to public service will serve Topeka well as the city transitions into new leadership with the next city manager.”
Hart’s tenure as Interim CFO will continue until a permanent replacement is found.
The City of Topeka announced today it’s successful bid for funding as part of the city’s participation in the City Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE) program, through the National League of Cities (NLC). The City of Topeka recently joined the CIE program, making commitments to anchor procurement as well as Hispanic and Latino businesses.
The city was awarded $30,000 from the NLC, with $15,000 to go towards each commitment. The first commitment is to encourage minority business owners to explore opportunities to contract with anchors, or large institutions like the city, state agencies, hospitals, and universities. The second is to encourage members of the Hispanic and Latin American community to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in Topeka.
The goal of the CIE program is to encourage cities to create the right policies, programs and practices that drive inclusive, entrepreneurship-led economic growth in their respective communities. By making these two public commitments, the City of Topeka is creating a shared vision for local stakeholders to rally around, positioning itself as an active leader in the innovation economy in Topeka, and highlighting the opportunity for partners to connect with us to help everyone reach a shared goal.
The CIE program is a network of over 250 municipalities across the country, which gives city staff access to hands-on assistance from NLC and program experts, peer learning opportunities, recognition of our work and financial support to implement new programs.
As part of the commitment to encourage anchor procurement amongst minority business owners, the city is planning to partner with community organizations which offer educational resources to small and diverse business owners and entrepreneurs about how to do business with the city. In order to encourage more Hispanic community members to explore entrepreneurship opportunities, the city will work towards reducing barriers and promoting opportunities to create a more vibrant and diverse business community in Topeka.
To learn more about the CIE program, visit www.nlc.org/initiative/city-inclusive-entrepreneurship/.
The Topeka City Council will convene a Special Meeting on Friday, April 12, to conduct follow-up interviews and discuss two final candidates for Topeka’s next city manager.
On April 8, 2024, the City Council held a series of interviews with five finalists for the city manager position. That included an interview by a Community Panel selected by Mayor Padilla, which included Laura Burton, Susan Duffy, Kerry Pancoast, Daniellé Twemlow, and Keith Warta.
Subsequently, candidates participated in a public Meet and Greet event at Hotel Topeka, where citizens had an opportunity to interact with each candidate and provide feedback to the Council.
On Tuesday, April 9, after the City Council meeting, Councilmembers held an Executive Session to discuss the five finalists and their interviews the prior day. Following the Executive Session, Mayor Padilla called for a Special Meeting to take place on Friday, April 12, to further discuss and consider the two finalists for the city manager position.
Stay tuned for additional updates expected next week.
In December 2023, the City of Topeka Governing Body voted to approve the establishment of two Common Consumption Areas (CCA) in Downtown Topeka and the NOTO Arts District. The adjustment of city rules around drinking in public creates regulated “social drinking zones” where patrons can drink within the designated boundaries of the area outside of a licensed bar, restaurant, or other eligible establishment that is permitted to sell alcoholic beverages by the State of Kansas and the City of Topeka.
The Downtown Common Consumption Area encompasses 4th Street on the north; 10th Avenue on the south; Quincy Street on the east; and Jackson Street on the west. The NOTO Common Consumption Area encompasses Fairchild Street on the north; Norris Street on the South; Quincy Street on the east; and Jackson Street on the west.
Boundaries of the CCA will be clearly marked with the below signage and pavement markings. Designated areas are operational between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., seven days a week.
Individuals are not permitted to bring their own alcoholic beverages into the CCA for consumption and must purchase alcoholic beverages from a licensed, participating establishment within the boundaries of the designated CCA. Alcoholic beverages must be sold in non-glass containers with the logo or identifying imagery of the participating business visible on the container.
Both CCAs will go into effect on April 15. Businesses located within the designated area can elect not to participate in the CCA, but if they wish to do so they will need to submit the proper paperwork to the State of Kansas ABC and the City of Topeka Clerk’s Office.
“Common Consumption is a natural evolution of our continued development efforts to support businesses while providing exciting environments for Topekans,” said Councilman Spencer Duncan. “Topeka isn’t just putting this in place here but also led the effort at the state level that is now bringing it to all Kansans, as other communities implement it. It continues our commitment to listening to our citizens and businesses and working with them to be a premier Capital City.”
To learn more about the Downtown Topeka and NOTO Arts District Common Consumption Areas, please visit https://www.topeka.org/cityclerk/common-consumption-areas/.