Press Releases

Topeka, KS- On Friday, August 30, 2019, the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center will observe one of the last wishes of its Director Emeritus Gary K. Clarke by opening the zoo for free to the Northeast Kansas community. The wish penned by Gary reads as follows:

“I DO NOT, however, wish to have a public memorial service of any type.  If anything, I would prefer a CELEBRATION OF LIFE symbolized by a Free Day at the Topeka Zoological Park with – and this is important – NO speeches, NO tributes, NO eulogy of any kind!  This is to be an enjoyable day for families (especially children) at Topeka’s living treasure.”

“This Friday marks the first anniversary of the grand opening of Camp Cowabunga here at the zoo,” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley.  “It’s the perfect day to grant Gary’s wish.” Camp Cowabunga is a safari themed animal exhibit at the Topeka Zoo. “It’s almost an autobiographical story of Gary’s professional life.”

The entire zoo will be open Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Admission will be free for all.  A seven minute documentary video will be playing throughout the day in Gary’s Tent at Camp Cowabunga.  The video can also be found at www.topekazoo.org . The video describes Gary’s professional careers of a zoo director and safari leader and how those two careers intersected resulting in the Camp Cowabunga experience.

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 10^th 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.

 

Our Dear Citizens,

 

Your City of Topeka Governing Body wants to issue a joint statement of support for the work City of Topeka, State and Shawnee County teams are doing to keep our community safe.  On our behalf, our Mayor and City Manager are in constant communication with the Shawnee County Health Department and Emergency Management.

The COVID-19/Coronavirus situation is of critical concern for our community. Your joint governing bodies are working to mitigate and predict every need of our community, such as ensuring your water is not disconnected during this situation.  Each of us wants to ensure your safety and comfort at home as we ask all individuals to self-quarantine and stay in place and everyone to constantly wash hands.  We ask for your grace as this is an unprecedented time with new challenges.

Through this pandemic, know that your city will not stop working for you. Essential personnel are active and departments are taking measures to work from home securely and effectively. Road crews, water treatment staff and public safety officials are all working to take care of you and will continue to do so until this is behind us.

This is a time of difficult decisions. What we consider normal and routine will not be so for some time. We are all going through the same concerns, discomfort and adjustments you are.

Now, more than ever, it is the time for us to come together and support each other. This is a time we all must adhere to what our local and state officials are asking of us.

Stay home and practice social distancing to protect others.

Did you travel and recently returned?   Call SNCO Health at 785-806-6297.

Do you have COVID-19 Symptoms?   CALL BEFORE YOU GO to any hospital or care provider.

If you go out?  Keep social distance – stay at least 6 feet from others, no touching.

Best ways to not transfer germs?   Wash hands frequently, don’t touch your face, catch coughs with tissues and throw them away.

Need ideas for educating kids or communicating with people who are in isolation?  Check social media and with education and nursing home sources.  Great ideas are emerging daily.

Have questions? – Watch local media for updates.

We are working to ensure that through this time your needs are met. There are so many questions. We understand.  We will work to provide on time, accurate information as more information becomes available.

We look forward to the day this is all behind us. In the meantime, rest assured we are here, we are together and we are supporting the needs of our community during this difficult time.

Thank you for the privilege of serving you,

 

Your Governing Body

 

Mayor Michelle De La Isla

Karen Hiller- District 1

Christina Valdivia-Alcala- District 2

Sylvia Ortiz- District 3

Tony Emerson- District 4

Michael Padilla- District 5

Hannah Naeger- District 6

Neil Dobler- District 7

Spencer Duncan- District 8

Michael Lesser- District 9

The March 17^th Governing Body meeting will be cancelled due to increased efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The Governing Body supports City Manager Trout’s administrative decision to establish moratorium on water shut-offs effective immediately. The City of Topeka Utilities Department will evaluate future plans again on April 15th. Customers must work in conjunction with the Utilities Department to develop a payment plan five days prior to their payment due date.

In increased efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus the City of Topeka Utilities Department encourages all customers to pay online or by phone and to set up payment plans. The customer service call center is open from Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. you can contact them by phone at 785-368-3111 or by email at utilityaccounts@topeka.org. Bills can be paid online at https://www.topeka.org/payonline/.

Please go to the City of Topeka website for more information on COVID-19 related policies enacted by city departments:  https://www.topeka.org/news/category/press-releases/

Five finalists have been selected to interview for the Topeka City Manager position.

The City of Topeka’s Governing Body has worked with Strategic Government Resources (SGR) for the last several months on the search for a new City Manager. SGR led the recruitment campaign for the Topeka City Manager position. 42 candidates applied for the position. In February, the Governing Body narrowed that list down to a group of 14 semi-finalists for closer examination. After an in-depth review and follow-up with the 14 semi-finalists, SGR will be bringing in five finalists to interview with the Governing Body. None of the finalists are internal candidates.

The finalists will participate in two interview panels on Monday, April 8. One interview panel will be with the Governing Body, and the other will be with a panel of community stakeholders selected by the Mayor. The interview panels will not be open to the public, but the finalists will also attend a public meet and greet where community members are invited to attend. The meet and greet will take place on Monday, April 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hotel Topeka Emerald Ballroom located at 1717 SW Topeka Blvd. Light refreshments will be provided at the event.

Attendees will be able to provide feedback on the candidates to the Governing Body by filling out comment cards at the meet and greet.

Background information about the finalists will be provided next week.

 

February 26^th, 2018 – The City of Topeka water system has levels of haloacetic acids (HAA) above drinking water standards.

Q:  What does this mean?

A:  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has adopted National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for 87 different drinking water contaminants. The City of Topeka water system is out of compliance for one contaminant, which was haloacetic acids.

Q:  What are Haloacetic Acids (HAA)?

A:  HAA are disinfection byproducts that are formed when disinfectants used in our water treatment system, such as chlorine, react with naturally-occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water.

Q:  What is the level of HAA in Topeka’s water?

A:  The locational running annual average (LRAA), a four-quarter average of HAA sample results, has exceeded the maximum contaminant level (MCL) set by the Environmental Protection Agency at one of the eight (8) locations in the city. The MCL is 60 micrograms/liter. The one location that exceeded the MCL was 60.6 micrograms/liter.

Q:  How much is 0.6 micrograms/liter?

A:  Compared to the volume in an Olympic-size swimming pool (660,000 gallons), the volume of 0.6 micrograms/liter would less than 1/3 teaspoon.

Q:  What do I need to do?

A:  There is nothing you need to do. You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. No alternative (e.g., bottled) water supply is needed.

Q:  Can I shower or wash my hands with tap water?

A:  Yes, there is not a significant risk of haloacetic acids present in water being absorbed through the skin.

Q:  Can I get sick from drinking the water? What are the health concerns?

A:  If you have any specific health concerns, please consult your doctor.  People who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Q:  How long has the City of Topeka water had high levels of HAAs?

A:  The City of Topeka has not been out of compliance with the maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for HAA since the MCL was implemented in 1998. Test results from February 7^th caused the four-quarter average HAA concentrations to exceed the MCL established by the EPA. The HAA levels exceeded the MCL of 60 micrograms/liter at only one test location.

Q: Where was the test location that exceeded the maximum contaminant level?

A: Northeast of 29^th and Urish – 6650 SW Mission Valley Dr.

Q:  What caused the City of Topeka to go out of compliance?

A:  Given the configuration of our treatment facilities, the high organic load in the Kansas River and upstream reservoirs has resulted in an increase in disinfection byproducts.

Q:  How long will the tap water have high levels of HAA?

A:  We cannot give a definite timeline. The City of Topeka is working with an engineering consultant to evaluate and make modifications to the water treatment process to ensure compliance in the future. We anticipate resolving this issue within 180 days.

Q: What is being done to correct the violation?

A:  The City of Topeka is working with an engineering consultant to evaluate the water treatment process to correct the issue and maintain the delivery of high-quality water.

Q:  Can I buy a home treatment device to remove HAAs?

A:  The City of Topeka cannot recommend a specific device, however to make a well informed decision we suggest you consider identifying a device that has been independently certified to remove haloacetic acids. NSF International, the Water Quality Association, Underwriters Laboratories and CSA International all certify home treatment products for removal of contaminants. The relevant haloacetic acid removal standards are NSF/ANSI Standards 42 & 53. If you choose to use a home treatment device, it is very important to follow the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance instructions carefully to make sure the device works properly.

Q:  Will the City be supplying bottled water to drink?

A:  No, this is not an immediate health risk. You do not need to use an alternative water supply at this time.

 

Timeline:

February 7^th – Results received from laboratory

February 8^th – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) contacted

February 16^th – Official notice of violation from KDHE

February 26^th – Press release and press conference

February 27^th – Mailing of notice to public

 

*Per Kansas Department of Health & Environment – This is a Tier 2 violation for which public notice must be issued within thirty (30) days of receipt of violation notice from KDHE.

References / Additional Resources

United States Environmental Protection Agency. Revised Public Notification Handbook. 2^nd Revision of Document. (March 2010)

The City of Topeka water treatment plant has been noticing higher than normal levels of chloride in the Kansas River. An excess of chloride in the water means that there is higher levels of salt than normal in the water at this time. The water is in compliance with all standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act. It has been determined that the water with high levels
of chloride is coming out of the Smokey Hill River which feeds into the Kansas River west of Topeka. The source of the chloride in the Smokey Hill River is unknown at this time.

The City has received inquiries about contaminated water at the Goodyear and Frito-Lay plant on the morning on June 14th. After speaking with a Goodyear representative it was determined that the contamination that they are experiencing is high levels of Chloride (salt) which they cannot use for their production.

There is no primary drinking water maximum contaminant level for chloride. However there is a secondary drinking water standard of 250 mg/L which is a guideline and not enforceable by the EPA. These secondary standards regulate contaminants that may cause cosmetic or aesthetic effects. We have been in contact with Region 7 of the EPA which has confirmed that we are in compliance with all drinking water regulations.

Currently the chloride level in the Kansas River is at 286 mg/L. We did record a reading of 316 mg/L on June 12th, 2018. The previous high level which had been recorded was 300 mg/L in October of 1994.

The elevated levels of chloride in the water is not an emergency and customers do not need to seek an alternative water source. The water leaving the treatment plant complies with all requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Due to the high level of salt contentcustomers that are on a restricted salt diet may want to consult with their physician.

The two technologies currently available to remove chloride are reverse osmosis and electro-dialysis. Currently the City of Topeka treatment process is not designed for desalination given the fact that we draw our water from the Kansas River.

The City of Topeka Utilities Department is dedicated to providing clean and safe water to every customer. We will continue to keep you, the customer, informed as we move forward.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Topeka Development Corporation officially retained ownership of Hotel Topeka at City Center. The hotel was purchased for just over $7.6 million.

The hotel remains open for business, and all services are expected to continue as normal.

The Topeka Development Corporation was formed mid-October to take ownership of the hotel, obtain the necessary licenses and insurance, and to contract with a management company to oversee day to day hotel operations.

The corporation has contracted with GF Hotels & Resorts to operate the hotel. GF Hotels & Resorts currently operates the hotel, which allows for continuity of hotel operations.

In recent weeks, the corporation awarded contracts to an asset manager and for a facilities assessment. The asset manager is helping the corporation identify an appropriate brand for the hotel, and will work to identify and help select a long-term private operator. The facilities assessment is underway and ongoing.

“We are excited about the purchase being finalized, and steadfast in our desire to see the hotel re-developed and eventually brought back to private ownership,” said Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla, who also serves as president of the corporation’s board of directors. “In the coming months, the corporation, board of directors, and staff will be working closely with our asset manager and partners to develop a long-term plan for the hotel so that it can be a staple in our community for many years to come.”

To read more about the Topeka Development Corporation, visit www.topekadevelopmentcorporation.com.

 

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is working to help people struggling to keep up with FHA insured mortgage payments due to COVID-19 until July 31^st, 2021. Currently, there are 194 FHA borrowers in Topeka. Anyone with a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured mortgage who can’t pay their mortgage because of financial struggles due to COVID-19, can ask for mortgage payment relief (forbearance). Mortgage forbearance is when you have worked with your mortgage servicer to temporarily pause or reduce your monthly mortgage payments.

Until July 31^st, 2021, individuals with a FHA mortgage can ask their mortgage servicer to temporarily pause or reduce their monthly mortgage payments. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all homeowners with FHA insured loans can ask for forbearance without any penalty. When working with your mortgage servicer:

• State that you are having a hardship related to COVID-19. You are not required to provide documentation of this hardship.
• Request COVID-19 forbearance for your mortgage payments.
• Ask your servicer to confirm the details of your forbearance agreement in writing.

You are eligible for FHA’s COVID-19 forbearance (mortgage relief) if:

• Your mortgage is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
• You can’t make your payments because you were affected by COVID-19.

If you have a reverse mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, you should contact your mortgage servicer for options available to you.

If you are unsure if your loan is insured by FHA? You can find this information on your mortgage statement or you can call the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-CALL FHA (1-800-225-5342) or email answers@hud.gov.

You can find more information on FHA mortgage relief on the HUD website at https://www.hud.gov/coronavirus/resources_for_homeowners

It is currently estimated that there are between 750 to 1,000 homeless students in Topeka and Shawnee County schools. Impact Avenues is a new program that has been created to assist students and their families with obtaining stable housing. The City of Topeka and our numerous partners are working together to provide wrap around services for our student population to help significantly reduce homelessness in our community.

Over the next three years, Advisors Excel will be providing up to $500,000 to support the Impact Avenues program. The Topeka Community Foundation will administer the Impact Avenues funding on behalf of Advisors Excel through an existing partnership with the Topeka Community Foundation to support their charitable work in the Topeka community.
“No child should have to worry about where they are sleeping at night,” said Advisors Excel Co-Founder David Callanan. “Studies show social and emotional development is threatened and a child’s ability to concentrate is impacted without the stability and support a permanent home provides. When the opportunity to get involved in the Impact Avenues program presented itself, we felt strongly that we had to help tackle the issue of student homelessness in Topeka.”

About Impact Avenues:
Impact Avenues is a program that aims to significantly reduce student homelessness in our community by assisting students and their families obtain stable housing through graduation. “Topeka has stepped up to the plate to ensure that no student has to endure the burden and stigma that is associated with homelessness. I am proud to support this initiative and our partners who have made this possible. No issue is too big to solve when we do it together,” said Mayor De La Isla.
Families will be assigned to an Impact Avenues navigator who will assist them throughout their journey with the program. The navigator position is currently open for applications and can be found at: https://www.topeka.org/hr/current-openings/ 

How it started:
Impact Avenues is based on a program in Wyandotte County called Impact KCK, which was successful in reducing student homelessness by 50 percent in just a few years using collective impact – a model that removes barriers in order to accomplish goals, reduces duplication of efforts in the community, and collects data to measure success.

How to Qualify for Impact Avenues:
A student is considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence (i.e. living in cars, parks, public spaces, house sharing, couch surfing, living in motels or campgrounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations, living in emergency shelters, etc.). In order to qualify for Impact Avenues, a student has to be referred through a USD 501 liaison. Children and their families will get the support they need to obtain stable housing and assistance with overcoming barriers to success like transportation, employment, financial literacy, healthcare and others.
“Through Impact Avenues, together we will remove barriers for all families. Our partnership is another example of how the school district and city of Topeka are partnering to contribute to the economic prosperity of all families by addressing the homeless rate in the city. We are committed to the success of every child and we are grateful for all who helped make this partnership possible which will reduce poverty by eliminating homelessness in Topeka,” said USD 501 Superintendant Dr. Anderson.

Our Partners:
This program would not be possible without numerous community partners that have dedicated time, resources and input throughout this process. “The collaboration between local non-profits, private sector and multiple government agencies is truly impressive. This is a perfect example of the great momentum we see in our community,” Callanan said. The City of Topeka will serve as the Backbone Agency. In addition to Advisors Excel, partners include USD 501, the Kansas Department of Children and Families, Topeka Rescue Mission, Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc., Valeo and many more agencies that have pledged to engage in this work to improve the quality of life for our students and Topekans.

How to help:
For more information, please go to https://www.topeka.org/impact-avenues/.
If your organization is willing to assist us in this crucial effort, please contact Impact Avenues program lead, Corrie Wright at cwright@topeka.org.
To contribute to ongoing expenses for the program, you can donate online at https://topekacommunityfoundation.org/donate/ and select the “Impact Avenues Fund”, or send a check directly to the Topeka Community Foundation with “Impact Avenues Fund” in the memo line.