Topeka City Manager Stephen Wade announced Tuesday that he is taking an extended leave of absence for an undisclosed amount of time.
At Tuesday’s City Council Meeting, the City of Topeka’s Governing Body took action to temporarily name Richard U. Nienstedt of Ottawa as acting City Manager. Nienstedt, a tenured City Manager and City Administrator, retired from the City of Ottawa in March.
“I want to assure the Topeka community and the city’s dedicated staff, that I will honorably serve the city during this time. It is my priority to ensure the continuity of operations of the city, and I’m honored the Governing Body selected me for this temporary role,” said Nienstedt.
Nienstedt is married to his wife Rita, and together they have three grown children who live in Olpe, Garnett, and Columbia, Missouri. They are proud grandparents to nine grandchildren.
Nienstedt assumed the role as Acting City Manager Tuesday night, and will begin working in Topeka later this week.
The Governing Body wants to assure the community that the business of the city will not be interrupted during this time. As this relates to a personnel matter, the city will not be commenting further.
