Press Releases

 

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.

The City of Topeka invites residents to attend a quick, 1- hour informational session to learn how to host a National Night Out (NNO) event in their neighborhood. These sessions will provide step-by-step guidance on how to receive up to $200 in stipend support and to host a successful,
community-centered event.

Attendees will learn about:
• How to apply for the NNO stipend
• What expenses are covered
• Requirements to host an event
• Ideas for fun, safe, and engaging neighborhood gatherings

Attendees can reserve to attend one of the informational sessions.

May 22 – 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
May 23 – 11:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: City of Topeka, 620 SE Madison Avenue, 1st Floor Conference Room

“National Night Out is one of the best ways neighbors can come together, connect, and strengthen their community,” said Monique Glaudé, Director of the Office of Inclusive Communities “These informational sessions are designed to make the process simple and to ensure everyone feels empowered to host an event.”

To RSVP or to ask questions, contact Monique Glaudé at mglaude@topeka.org or 785-368-4470

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.

The Impact Avenues program successfully housed 99 children and 41 families in its first year. 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. The City of Topeka and 38 partner agencies worked together to provide wrap-around services for our homeless student population to help significantly reduce homelessness in our community. During this time the Impact Avenues program had a 98% retention rate in keeping families housed during COVID-19.

“Topeka is dedicated to ensuring that no student has to endure the burden and stigma that is associated with homelessness,” said Carrie Higgins, Impact Avenues program coordinator. “I am very proud that Impact Avenues has been able to help ninety-nine children become housed, and continue to stay housed in its first year. I’m excited to continue the important work and continue to help eradicate child homelessness in our community.”

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 adequate accommodations, living in emergency shelters, etc.). To qualify for Impact Avenues, a student has to be referred through a school 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.

“Our superintendent partnered with Impact Avenues and Advisors Excel last year to reduce poverty and support economic prosperity in Shawnee County as part of the district’s strategic plan,” said Leslie Carr, Coordinator of Social Work for Topeka Public Schools. “As the coordinator of homeless programs and social work for Topeka Public Schools, I am proud of the positive effect Impact Avenues has had in moving families out of homelessness. The partnership between the district, the City of Topeka, and Advisors Excel has reduced homelessness for Shawnee County, and I am excited to continue supporting families in the coming year.”

Over 210 educational classes have been taken by families, which include classes offered by community partners that include Finance 101, Housing, 101, Employment 101, and Healthcare 101.

This year Impact Avenues will be taking referrals from social service agencies as well as from Topeka Public Schools in order to expand the reach of Impact Avenues and identify more children that could benefit from Impact Avenues.

“We are thrilled with the first-year successes Impact Avenues has had helping give Topeka families a hand up,” said Advisors Excel Co-Founder Cody Foster. “This is an amazing partnership with 38 agencies and the City of Topeka, working together to provide families the tools and resources to get and keep them in permanent homes. We are very proud to be a part of this program, and hope to help even more families this school year,” Foster said.

Advisors Excel is providing up to $500,000 to support the Impact Avenues program for the first three years. 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.

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.

You can watch a video on Impact Avenues here: https://youtu.be/KWtLsCNQ7kU

Public school student homelessness is a national crisis affecting more than 1 million children in grades K-12. The City of Topeka, Topeka Public Schools, and more than 35 community partner organizations are working to end student homelessness through the Impact Avenues program.

Impact Avenues reached 207 families with 525 children from its launch in August 2019 through July 2021, making it possible for 73 families with 186 children to reach a permanent housing solution. Moreover, 191 families received utility assistance that allowed them to remain stably housed, 108 individuals received mental health services, 61 families received transportation assistance, and 31 families received legal help during this period.  49% of the families in the program were not employed at entry and are now fully employed.

“Topeka is dedicated to ensuring that no student has to endure the burden and stigma that is associated with homelessness. Impact Avenues is a powerful force for good in Topeka and Shawnee County. Its skilled, innovative, and compassionate approach to student homelessness will continue to help families break the cycle of poverty through housing stability, educational attainment, and economic mobility for years to come.” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka. “I am very proud that Impact Avenues has been able to help over five hundred children become housed, and continue to stay housed in its first two years. I’m excited to continue the important work and continue to help eradicate child homelessness in our community.”

Impact Avenues is a replication of the nationally recognized Impact KCK program in Wyandotte County, Kansas. The program combines the skillful application of the Collective Impact Model for Community Change with a number of social service innovations to effectively serve homeless students and their families.

Impact Avenues uses a two-generation approach to addressing student homelessness and a wide array of wraparound services to achieve its goals. Innovative social service practices include (1) a single point of service; (2) intensive case management provided by an Impact Navigator; and (3) connection with a permanent housing solution. In addition, effective management and continuous improvement are supported by developmental evaluation, a method that provides real time assessment of program outcomes, challenges, and opportunities that further strengthens program effectiveness.

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 adequate accommodations, living in emergency shelters, etc.). To qualify for Impact Avenues, a student has to be referred through a school 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.

The community infrastructure organized by Impact Avenues made it possible to quickly respond to the emergency needs of children and families when the COVID-19 pandemic reached Kansas. This response has included services ranging from care calls to determine family needs to connections with financial resources to delivery of food and other necessities. Emergency relief has been extended to all families, not just those who are designated Impact Avenues families.

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.

The Independent Police Auditor has concluded his investigation into the use of force incident regarding Tamiko Mitchell and the Topeka Police Department. After a thorough review of officer statements, witness statements, and seven body worn camera videos, the Independent Police Auditor has concluded that the use of force was within policy. All 17 pages of the IPA report are attached to the release.
The body worn camera video will be released to the public pending criminal proceedings.
Topeka Police Department policies, including use of force policies can be found on the City of Topeka website: https://www.topeka.org/tpd/topeka-police-policies/

The Independent Police Auditor has concluded his investigation into the use of force incident regarding the 14 year old juvenile and the Topeka Police Department. After a thorough review of officer statements, witness statements, and body worn camera videos the IPA concludes that the force utilized by the Officer was within the policy parameters outlined in Topeka Police Department General Order 4.2, et al. However, the Independent Police Auditor does express concern regarding the encounter with the juvenile and the officer’s judgment therein.

Topeka Police Department policies, including use of force policies can be found on the City of Topeka website: https://www.topeka.org/tpd/topeka-police-policies/