The City of Topeka’s Property Maintenance, Community Outreach Bureau, and Water Pollution Control will begin abatement of the next section of the unsheltered camp on Monday, March 3, 2025. Crews will clear sanitation and health hazards in the section of land along the river between the Sardou Bridge and Soldier Creek. 

As cleanup is expected to impact unsheltered individuals that have been camping in the area, the Behavioral Health Unit and the city’s partners have been in routine contact with the individuals to help them prepare. City staff establish connections with the individuals to refer them to a range of community resources regularly, that address each individual’s unique situation. 

“Equity Access Shelter will complete an assessment with each impacted individual and ensure they are on the housing waitlist if they aren’t already,” said Housing Services Director Carrie Higgins. “We will talk through what options are available based on their specific needs and circumstances and connect them to those resources. We also work closely with the Capital City Outreach Teams to ensure consistent engagement with our unsheltered neighbors.”   

Planning for this phase of the abatement began in 2024, and is not a result of the ordinance change in February 2025. As is standard procedure, city staff posted notice of abatement in the area during the week of February 24. 

 “Our goal with abatements is to take a people first approach. While official notices are going out this week, we always make sure the unhoused impacted individuals were aware of what was going on way in advance, so they knew what options they have,” said Major Mike Cross. “We care about these individuals and want to make sure they are getting the services they need.” 

The city values the work partner organizations to serve our unsheltered neighbors, and will continue to prioritize the safety of all residents and enforce health and safety ordinances as needed. A complete list of city resources can be found here: https://www.topeka.org/housing-services/#gsc.tab=0 

The City of Topeka’s Office of Inclusive Communities is proud to host a Back-to-School Supply Event to support income-qualified families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. This initiative, funded in part by the City of Topeka and community sponsors to be announced later this week, aims to ensure every child starts the year with the tools they need to succeed.

Families must be pre-approved to receive school supplies and are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. To apply, families should complete the eligibility form at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2K6JLQG
Deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 30.

Once approved, families will receive additional details about the school supply hand-out event, which will take place on Saturday, August 2.

“This is about helping families in Topeka start the school year on the right foot,” said City Manager Dr. Robert Perez. “We’re proud to partner with local organizations to provide meaningful support that directly impacts students in our community.”

“We want every child in Topeka to feel confident and prepared when they walk into the classroom,” said Monique Glaude’, Director of the Office of Inclusive Communities. “This effort is about equity, dignity, and ensuring access to resources for those who need them most.”

Families must meet income eligibility requirements to qualify. Anyone with questions can contact the City of Topeka Office of Inclusive Communities at oic@topeka.org.

The City of Topeka invites the public to a special ceremony on Monday, May 5 at 5:00 p.m. at the Cyrus K. Holliday parking lot, where members of the USS Topeka namesake committee will present the city with memorabilia from the recently decommissioned USS Topeka submarine. These
historic items will be displayed at City Hall.

The event will include a celebration featuring performances and recognitions:

• The Topeka West High School Band will perform Armed Forces on Parade.
• The Topeka West Color Guard will present the colors, accompanied by a performance from the
Drill Team.
• Mayor Mike Padilla will read a Proclamation recognizing Military Appreciation Month
acknowledging the multiple branches of Armed Forces.
• The mayor will also present certificates of appreciation to high school students who are planning
on entering the military. The Topeka West drill team will also be receiving a certificate of
achievement and a special recognition.

“These events are a powerful reminder of Topeka’s deep respect for those who serve and have served,” said Mayor Mike Padilla. “Whether through honoring the legacy of the USS Topeka or recognizing local students entering the military, our community continues to show its gratitude and commitment.”

Following the City Hall ceremony, community members are encouraged to attend a free concert by the U.S. Air Force Band at 7:30 p.m. at the Topeka Performing Arts Center (TPAC).

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 25. Arbor Day is an annual holiday dedicated to the planting, care, and preservation of trees, observed on the last Friday of April each year.

“Planting this tree at the Statehouse not only honors the spirit of Arbor Day but also represents our continued commitment to growing a healthier, greener Topeka,” said Travis Tenbrink, Forester at the City of Topeka. “With each Arbor Day planting, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for our environment and beautifying our community.”

On Friday at around 10:00 a.m., staff from the city’s Forestry Department will plant a tree on the south side of the Capitol grounds, weather permitting. Following the tree planting, Governor Laura Kelly will sign a proclamation designating Friday, April 25, 2025, as Kansas Arbor Day. The Governor will be joined by City of Topeka 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 39th 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.

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 is joining national efforts to better protect communities from exposure to lead in drinking water.

The City of Topeka’s Utilities Department will be conducting surveys to complete an inventory identifying the type of materials that make up all water service lines, including public and private lines. The city expects to roll out surveys in February of 2024.

Compiling data into a comprehensive service line inventory is a requirement created for all U.S. water utilities as part of the Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR) and Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Utilities Director Sylvia Davis will present more information to the Governing Body at the February 6, 2024 Topeka City Council Meeting. Listen in person or watch live on Cox Local Channel 4, Facebook or the City4 Livestream. Community members are encouraged to tune in to learn more about the city’s survey plans.

About the LCRI

The EPA first established the Lead and Copper Rule in 1991 to reduce exposure to lead and copper in water. These contaminants primarily enter drinking water through corrosion of service lines, fixtures, or plumbing. EPA published Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) on January 15, 2021 and proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) in 2023 to strengthen key elements of the LCRR.

The proposed rule includes many new requirements for all water utilities, including expanding consumer awareness of lead, developing service line inventories, communicating about public health, and testing at schools and child-care facilities.

Under the proposed LCRI, water utilities must identify and make public whether they have lead service lines or not by October 16, 2024.

Water safety

The city publishes its Water Quality Report each year, which includes details about where our water comes from, what it contains and how it compares to EPA and state standards. While the city’s water mains do not contain lead, some connecting parts might. There are known lead service lines on both the city side and the private side. The City of Topeka’s water treatment system complies with the EPA’s drinking water regulations and the Safe Water Drinking Act.

As part of the LCRI proposals, the city may have to replace lead service lines over the course of the next several years. But before that could happen, the city must identify those lines.

Next steps

The next step in this process is to notify homeowners whose service line material is unknown. The City of Topeka plans to mail surveys in February to those homeowners along with instructions on how to determine their type of service line and how to report that information to the city.

In addition to the mailed survey, the city will be in contact with schools and child care providers to assist in identifying their service lines and to conduct water testing.

The information will be compiled, provided to the EPA and made publicly available. The EPA has not yet indicated when this must occur.

Resources

The City of Topeka will continue to update topeka.org/utilities with information regarding these efforts. Learn more about lead in drinking water and how to limit your exposure at, https://www.epa.gov/…/basic-information-about-lead… and in this short video, https://youtu.be/PqFHrae92OM?si=txpIH9q8MT4c63s3.

The City of Topeka Utilities Department has completed the Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) required by U.S. EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) for its water systems.

Under the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), water systems are required to make their initial inventories publicly accessible. The inventory map is available on the City of Topeka Utilities webpage under “Topeka’s LCRI Compliance”.

Through completing a historical records review, conducting surveys and performing field checks, the City determined there are 291 lead service lines in its distribution system, 810 galvanized lines requiring replacement (GRR), and 3,112 lines that are made of unknown material. These numbers include both
city-owned and customer-owned service lines. The remaining 53,592 service lines in the distribution system are identified as non-lead.

“We are proud to be part of the national effort to better protect communities from exposure to lead in drinking water,” said Utilities Director Sylvia Davis.

City of Topeka Utilities prepared the LSLI for submittal to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Over the next three years, Utilities plans to continue work to identify the remaining unknown service lines. Simultaneously, plans will begin to replace the City’s lead service lines and the GRR.

About the LCRI The EPA first established the Lead and Copper Rule in 1991 to reduce exposure to lead and copper in water. These contaminants primarily enter drinking water through corrosion of service lines, fixtures, or plumbing. EPA published Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) in 2021 and proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) in 2023 to strengthen key elements of the LCRR. The final rule was approved on October 8, 2024.

This month the Metropolitan Topeka Planning Organization (MTPO), in coordination with the City of Topeka, will host its second community open house and presentation on the Update of the City’s 2016 Pedestrian Plan. The plan’s goal is to continue creating safe and connected walkways between schools, parks, shopping districts, workplaces, and other popular destinations. Anyone interested in the walkability and connectivity of Topeka is encouraged to attend this open house and presentation from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Ave, Marvin Auditorium, Room B. The presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m.

In this second public meeting, City staff and project professionals from JEO Consulting Group will share the results of an analysis that produced a transparent, objective, and data-driven approach to prioritizing sidewalk improvement projects, ensuring that future investments align with local goals and needs. The meeting will be an open house, with attendees visiting stations sequentially. A presentation will also be included, and seating will be arranged for attendees.

“This plan is just one piece of a more considerable effort to improve the quality of life through vibrant neighborhoods and better transportation choices for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and motorists,” says Carlton Scroggins, Transportation Planning Manager.
For more information, visit the MTPO website at https://topekampo.org/pedestrian-master-plan/ or contact the City of Topeka Planning Department at (785) 368-3728.

SE Monroe St. will soon be open for traffic as the City of Topeka Utilities Department finishes work on Utilities Relocation Project 6. This is one of six relocation projects the city began in 2024 in preparation for the larger Kansas Department of Transportation
(KDOT) Polk-Quincy Viaduct (PQV) Reconstruction Project.

On Friday, December 20, the one-way SE Monroe St. will reopen to traffic from SE 3rd St. to SE6th Ave. The eastbound I-70 on-ramp at SE 4th St. will also reopen Friday. Project 6 consisted of necessary sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water line relocations. While current traffic control
will be removed on Friday, the outer right lane of Monroe St. between 3rd St. and 6th Ave. will be closed until Friday, January 3.

“We are happy to see roads downtown reopening as these utility relocation projects begin to wrap up,” said Utilities Director Sylvia Davis. “We understand maneuvering through detours has been a frustration for drivers, but we appreciate their patience and look forward to completing
city work so KDOT can begin their efforts to replace the aging Polk-Quincy Viaduct.”

About the COT Utility Relocation Project
The City of Topeka’s utility relocations began in early 2024 in order to relocate sanitary sewer,
storm sewer and water utilities before KDOT begins reconstruction of the viaduct in the spring
of 2025.

The city’s utility relocations include six total projects in the general area of the viaduct, titled
Project 2-7. The viaduct spans I-70 from MacVicar Ave. to 6th Ave. Project 2 and Project 7 were
completed earlier this year. Projects 4 and 5 are planned to be complete in early 2025.