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.

Due to an HVAC issue, the Holliday Building, located at 620 SE Madison, will close today, Friday, June 27, at 12:00 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to residents and visitors. Staff is working with contractors to get this resolved as quickly as possible.

If you need to make a payment, the City of Topeka encourages the use of its convenient online portal, PayOnline, which allows users to pay a variety of bills under a single account. Pay Online | City of Topeka

Through PayOnline, you can manage your City of Topeka utilities account and pay your monthly bill using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
Please note:
• If your account is past due or your water service has been disconnected, please contact Customer Service directly at 785-368-3111 for assistance.
• Customer Service Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m

We appreciate your understanding as we work to resolve this issue.

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 8^th Ave.

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 invites all residents to join in on the fun at this year’s National Night Out celebration, hosted by the Office of Inclusive Communities and City of Topeka staff, on Saturday, August 9, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Agriculture Hall, 1 Expocentre Drive.

This free community event brings neighbors together for a day of connection, entertainment, and family fun. The celebration will feature Touch-a-Trucks, a talent show, resource fair, face painting, and so much more!

“National Night Out is a great opportunity for our city to come together and celebrate what makes Topeka strong, our people,” said City Manager Dr. Robert Perez. “It’s about building safer neighborhoods through community partnerships, and I encourage everyone to stop by and enjoy the day with us.”

Hosted each year in cities across the nation, National Night Out promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer, more caring places to live.

“This event is truly about inclusion, connection, and joy,” said Monique Glaudé, Director of the Office of Inclusive Communities. “Whether you’re new to your neighborhood or have lived in Topeka your whole life, National Night Out is a chance to meet your neighbors, learn about local resources, and celebrate the strength of our community.”

All ages are welcome, and no registration is required. Join us for a day filled with activities, music, food, and community spirit!

The City of Topeka and the American Red Cross are getting ready to host the 9th Annual Topeka Battle of the Badges Blood Drive!
For the last eight years, the Topeka Fire Department and the Topeka Police Department have gone head-to-head to see who’s supporters can garner the most blood donations. While one winner will receive the trophy, the Topeka Public Safety team, and the community as a whole,
will walk away as winners!

The 2025 Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will take place Monday, May 19 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
at the Cyrus K. Holliday Building, 620 SE Madison St., 1st Floor Conference Room. To make your
life-saving appointment, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give (Use Sponsor Code: Topeka),
or call 1-800-RED-CROSS

TOPEKA, Kan. – The City of Topeka has issued a precautionary Boil Water Advisory for customers in Topeka and Shawnee County. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

• If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
• Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

City of Topeka officials issued the advisory as a precaution after discovering chlorine residual levels at the water treatment plant did not meet the minimum standard required by regulation. Low water levels and extreme weather have stressed the City’s water system and out of range chemical doses may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination. City staff is currently working to resolve the issue. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice and residents will be notified once it is lifted. The City will provide further updates as they become available and will provide an update at 5 p.m. today. For consumer questions, please contact the City of Topeka at citycommunications@topeka.org, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Consumer-Information-Regarding-a-Disrupt?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at kda.fsl@ks.gov or call 785-564-6767.

Today, the League of American Bicyclists honored the efforts of the City of Topeka to build better places for people to bike with a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) award. Topeka joins 459 communities across the country in the movement for safer streets and better bicycling for everyone. The award recognizes Topeka for its commitment to creating transportation and recreational resources that benefit its residents of all ages and abilities while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation choices. 

“Bicycling is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a powerful tool for building healthier communities, fostering sustainability, and connecting people,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “The cities and towns recognized in this round of Bicycle Friendly Community awards are leading the way by investing in infrastructure and programs that make biking an easier, safer, and more accessible choice. Their leadership demonstrates that supporting bicycling is an investment in a healthier future for everyone.” 

The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly America program sets the standard for how communities build and benchmark progress toward making biking better. The League strives to provide continual updates to the application as part of our commitment to help communities raise their standards for safety, equity, and accessibility. 

This round of awards includes 91 new and renewing awardees, joining a total of 460 current Bicycle Friendly Communities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The bronze-level BFC award recognizes Topeka’s commitment to improving conditions for all people who bike through investments in bike education programs, regular bike events that promote and encourage people to choose biking, pro-bike policies, and bike infrastructure. 

“We are excited to be recognized again as a bike-friendly city,” said Braxton Copley, Assistant City Manager. “We understand that many people in Topeka use bikes for recreation or as their main form of transportation. We will continue working to provide safe opportunities to bike throughout the city.” 

Nearly 900 communities have applied for recognition by the Bicycle Friendly Community program, which provides a roadmap to making biking better for communities of all shapes and sizes. While the award process considers very visible elements such as bike infrastructure, other essential elements include efforts around adult and youth bike education, encouragement through events like Bike to Work Day, evaluation mechanisms, and enforcement all through the lens of equity. The rigorous application process is an educational tool in itself, and includes an opportunity for local bicyclists and active transportation advocates to provide input on their experiences and perceptions of bicycling in their community.   

The five levels of the BFC award – diamond, platinum, gold, silver and bronze, plus an honorable mention category – provide a clear incentive for communities to continue to improve. Awarded communities must renew their status every four years to ensure that they not only maintain existing efforts, but also keep up with changing technology, national safety standards, and community-driven best practices. 

To learn more about the BFC program, visit bikeleague.org/community. 

  About the League of American Bicyclists 

The League of American Bicyclists leads the national movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. With a history dating to 1880, the League is committed to engaging diverse communities and building a powerful, unified voice for change around protecting and promoting bicyclists’ rights. Learn more at www.bikeleague.org. 

Edited:

The City of Topeka is offering a new Property Tax Rebate Program to help lessen the property tax burden for qualifying Topeka residents who are 65 or older.

The program, which is now live, was approved by Topeka’s Governing Body in September of 2023 and is being administered by the city’s Administrative and Financial Services Department. The city’s program is similar to, but separate from the State of Kansas Homestead Refund Program.

“This City has lowered the mill levy for consecutive years, and the City Council is committed to working on property tax reduction for citizens. Most importantly, ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens can remain in their homes without worrying about their tax bill is a priority for all of us in City Hall. This program is one more step in that direction,” said Councilman Spencer Duncan.

The program allows for a rebate, or refund, of a portion of the property taxes paid on a Topeka resident’s home. The rebate will come from and cannot exceed the property tax amount that was originally paid to the City of Topeka.

The city’s rebate program is not available to renters. Applicants must own and occupy their primary home within Topeka city limits and meet all necessary eligibility qualifications to receive a property tax rebate. All rebates will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

Residents who are interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to visit https://www.topeka.org/finance/property-tax-rebate-program/. Eligibility and sign up information is included online. Additionally, hard copies of applications are available in person in the document holders in the lobbies of City Hall and the Holliday Building. No electronic applications will be accepted.