Press Releases

A Topeka firefighter is receiving national recognition for his service to our community.

Firefighter Nicholas Tafanelli joined the Topeka Fire Department in 2019. Not only does Tafanelli serve the citizens of Topeka, but he’s also a guard member for the 190^th Air Refueling Wing, which is based out of Forbes Field Air National Guard Base.

Tafanelli, a Staff Sgt. currently deployed in Kuwait, was recently recognized as one of the United Service Organization’s (USO) service members of the year. This award recognizes those who performed extraordinary acts of bravery that exemplify the values of the Armed Forces and the USO.

“We at the City of Topeka are extremely proud of Firefighter Tafanelli, and celebrate this incredible national recognition. Topeka is lucky to have such a dedicated public servant, and we look forward to welcoming him home after his deployment,” said Interim City Manager Bill Cochran.

Tafanelli received the award for saving countless lives with his Topeka Fire Department company, and for responding to 318 emergencies, including fires, medical calls, and car crashes.

“I’m very honored, but I don’t think I deserve it,” said Tafanelli. “Looking back, I just want to think that all of those calls we responded to made a small difference to those people.”

Tafanelli was also recognized for the weight-loss journey he underwent in order to be able to enlist as a firefighter in the Air Force.

“This award reinforces to everyone the level of commitment and dedication Nick has to himself, his community, and his country,” said Topeka Fire Chief Randy Phillips.

To read more about Tafanelli’s story, and the USO Service Member of the Year award, visit https://www.afcent.af.mil/Units/386th-Air-Expeditionary-Wing/News/Display/Article/3131847/386th-eces-airman-wins-uso-service-member-of-the-year/.

 

The Topeka Human Relations Commission (THRC) is eager to announce Washburn Law Dean Carla Pratt as the individual recipient, and Omni Circle Group as the organization recipient of the 2021 Troy Scroggins Awards. Dean Pratt and Omni Circle Group will be presented with the awards at the January 18 City Council Meeting.

The Troy Scroggins Awards are presented to deserving individuals and organizations for their efforts in furthering the THRC’s mission. The awards recognize outstanding achievements in ameliorating discrimination and prejudice based on race, sex, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, and sexual orientation and advancing diversity in the City of Topeka. The two award categories are Outstanding Individual Achievement and Outstanding Organizational Achievement.

“Dean Pratt’s scholarship and advocacy on race and the legal profession have served as a motivating factor for increasing diversity within Topeka, Washburn Law, and the Kansas legal community,” said Commissioner Nicholas Smith, Chair of the THRC. “Through Dean Pratt’s leadership, Washburn Law has implemented new programs to increase access to legal education for students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and students who are differently abled, which continues its legacy as an exemplary institution becoming of Topeka.”

“Omni Circle Group has made strides at advancing multicultural and multigenerational opportunities for Topeka’s African American community,” said Smith. “Through its community development program, Omni Circle Group acts as an entrepreneurial incubator for minority-owned Topeka businesses. The organization continues to serve the community through its food programs, mentorship, mental health workshops, and providing school supplies to students.”

Pratt is Dean at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas. Previously, she served as the Nancy J. LaMont Faculty Scholar and Professor of Law at Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law. Her scholarship is at the intersection of Constitutional Law, Federal Indian Law, Education Law, and Race and American Law with emphasis on understanding the role of identity in law and legal institutions. From 2012 to March 2018, she served as an Associate Justice for the Supreme Court of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in Fort Yates, North Dakota.

Michael Odupitan, CEO and President, started Omni Circle Group with a vision for change and a mission to unite and strengthen communities through personal and professional development. A former Washburn University student, Odupitan returned to Topeka to give back to the community that he believes saved him. In its three years, Omni Circle Group has launched numerous support groups and workshops to help minorities with business success, improve community mental health, inspire youth through mentorship and community building, and developing a strong e-commerce community in Topeka.

The THRC is a nine-member Board of Commissioners appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council. The mission of the THRC is to conduct outreach and educational activities that promote justice and cultural understanding and improve relationships among all citizens of Topeka. You can learn more about the current THRC Commissioners on the City’s website.

 

The City of Topeka is excited to announce a pilot mowing program as part of the first year of its Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance Initiative.

The pilot program will provide backup mowing services for those living in Neighborhood Improvement Association (NIA) areas, by making sure that a fixed and affordable rate model is available.

“The goal of having all yards mowed and trimmed without City involvement has been years in the making. We are thrilled to have the program up and running for our neighbors,” said Councilwoman Karen Hiller. “The City is supporting Omni Circle Group and the Gil Carter Initiative by providing loaned mowing equipment, which demonstrates our commitment to them, and the community at-large to see this program through. The long-term goal is for the program to become self-sustaining, and independent from the City.”

In the program’s first year, three different non-City of Topeka entities will be providing services related to the program, some on a paid, and some on a volunteer basis, to assist residents who do not have regular mowing arrangements.
These three providers have limited availability, and are not entities of the City. If the providers don’t have the capacity to offer services at this time, residents may refer to social media or other resources to locate a provider, but know the City hasn’t vetted other providers for these services.

The City created a tip sheet with information on how to find someone to mow, how to check references, as well as educational materials on mowing, trimming, and cutting back vegetation.

All NIA areas fixed-rate mowing

Tsquared Lawn Care is offering a low fixed rate of $30 per mow for residents living within NIA areas.

Highland Acres NIA

Gil Carter Initiative is offering a standard fixed rate range of $40-70 per mow for residents living within the Highland Acres NIA area. Gil Carter Initiative may offer lower costs depending on criteria they set.

Central Park NIA

Omni Circle Group is volunteering to mow lawns for residents living within the Central Park NIA area, in order to help the area achieve a goal of 100% of lawns mowed.

Finding a NIA

To learn if you live in a NIA area, please visit the database on the City website and search your address.

Volunteer opportunities

An additional component to the Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance Initiative focuses on neighbors helping neighbors through volunteerism.

Sign up to volunteer

Individuals, families, businesses, churches, organizations, and any neighbor wanting to get engaged with helping residents with mowing can sign up to volunteer through the United Way of Greater Topeka’s Topeka Volunteers portal.

Request a volunteer

Individuals who are unable to pay for mowing services, or those who live outside of NIA areas in the City of Topeka limits, are able to request their lawn be mowed. The City, however, cannot guarantee a volunteer match, and is not responsible for vetting volunteers.

Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance assistance line

To find out more about the program, request a provider or volunteer to mow your lawn, or to record your volunteer arrangement, call 785-368-9530.

“I just want to say to all of our community members – the time is finally here! It’s about leaning in to our neighbors, churches and family members to help get mowing done,” said Councilwoman Christina Valdivia-Alcala. “We heard in various community meetings how folks wanted to get back to the time when we helped one another. We can do this. Extend a hand.”

Celebration

At the conclusion of the 2022 mowing season, there will be an event to celebrate those who volunteered to mow through the United Way’s portal, as well as others who helped in any way to make the initiative successful. Stay tuned for additional details about the celebration.

 

The Topeka Landmarks Commission in partnership with the City of Topeka’s Planning Division will begin a process in January to survey the city’s historical African American places.

This project will focus on documenting buildings, districts, sites and structures that are significant to the development and history of African American life and culture within the City of Topeka.

While previous city surveys focused on neighborhoods such as Old Town and Tennessee Town, this survey aims to take a holistic approach, covering all city locations and time periods significant to Topeka’s African American history.

Additionally, a goal of the survey is to identify and designate at least two locations to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“What defines a community is its history and the people who live there,” said Dan Warner, the city’s Planning Division Director. “Through this survey, we hope to increase community awareness and appreciation for the places in our community that have made an impact on Topeka’s African American history.”

The city, commission and project partners are hosting a public meeting where community members can learn about the survey process and provide input. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library in room 114. The library is located at 1515 SW 10^th Ave.

Additional partners for the project include the city’s consultant Impact7G, the Kansas Historical Society and the National Park Service.

The survey and cataloging process is expected to continue through most of 2023.

 

The City of Topeka has several openings for community members to serve on various boards and commissions.

“Serving on boards and commissions is a great way to get involved in local government, while serving your community,” said Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla. “I encourage Topekans to take a look at the openings, see what topics might be of interest to you, and to apply for those open spots. We welcome citizens to join us in public service.”

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Advisory Council
  • There are currently two vacancies on the ADA Advisory Council.
• Board of Building and Fire Appeals
  • There are currently two vacancies on the Board of Building and Fire Appeals.
• Board of Electrical Appeals
  • There is currently one vacancy on the Board of Electrical Appeals.
• Board of Mechanical Examiners Appeals
  • There are currently four vacancies on the Board of Mechanical Examiners Appeals.
• Board of Plumbing Appeals
  • There is currently one vacancy on the Board of Plumbing Appeals.
• Citizens Advisory Council (CAC)
  • There is currently one vacancy on the Citizens Advisory Council.
• Civil Service Commission
  • There are currently two vacancies on the Civil Service Commission.
• Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) Advisory Board
  • There are currently two vacancies on the Downtown BID Advisory Board.
• Human Relations Commission
  • There is currently one vacancy on the Human Relations Commission.
• Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging Board of Directors
  • There is currently one vacancy on the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging Board of Directors.
• Shawnee County Community Corrections Advisory Board
  • There is currently one vacancy on the Shawnee County Community Corrections Advisory Board.
• Shawnee County Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board
  • There is currently one vacancy on the Shawnee County Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board.
• Topeka Housing Authority Advisory Board
• • There are currently two vacancies on the Topeka Housing Authority Advisory Board.
• Topeka Metropolitan Transit Board
  • There are currently two vacancies on the Topeka Metropolitan Transit Board.
• Topeka Performing Arts Center Board of Trustees
  • There are currently two vacancies on the Topeka Performing Arts Center Board of Trustees.
• Topeka Shawnee County Riverfront Authority Board
  • There is currently one vacancy on the Topeka Shawnee County Riverfront Authority Board.
• Topeka Sustainability Advisory Board
  • There are currently two vacancies on the Topeka Sustainability Advisory Board.

To learn more about the boards and commissions with vacancies, and to apply online, visit https://www.topeka.org/mayor/boards-commissions/.

 

The City of Topeka, Kansas has introduced a new way to pay for parking with the Passport Parking mobile app. The app, which will be the first mobile pay solution for City of Topeka Downtown parking, will offer drivers a contactless option for paying for and managing parking and can be used at over 1,200 metered spaces.

With the Passport Parking app, users can pay to park quickly and remotely from their smartphones. Additionally, users can receive alerts when their parking sessions are ending, get email receipts and view their parking history from one place.

“We wanted to provide an additional payment method to Topeka parkers,” said City of Topeka Deputy Director of Internal Services, Department of Public Works, Hannah Uhlrig. “Adding this new technology will make it easier for parkers to pay so they can truly enjoy what Downtown has to offer.”

By leveraging the Passport Operating System in the Downtown area, Topeka will improve the parking experience, enable mobile parking payments and increase parking compliance. In addition to the City of Topeka, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University are also powered by Passport.

“Topeka is a growing City dedicated to serving its community and their parking needs,” said Passport’s Director of Municipal Sales, Kelsey Owens. “Passport is excited to partner with the City and provide the technology needed to improve the parking experience and to equip the City for the future.”

To pay to park, drivers can download the free Passport Parking app from the App Store and Google Play. Users can also manage their parking online at passportparking.com.

The City of Topeka is extending the temporary closure of its Municipal Court and Probation and Prosecution Divisions through Friday while it continues to investigate a possible cyber security concern with one of the court’s information systems. It remains unclear whether or not the incident is related to the Kansas Supreme Court’s security incident.

All impacted dockets and trials will be rescheduled. Court operations will open to the public on Monday, October 23.

“This action is being taken out of an abundance of caution. We understand the impact this closure has on the community, and we look forward to resuming Court operations on Monday, or sooner, if possible,” said Topeka Municipal Court Administrative Judge Karan Thadani.

 

The City of Topeka’s Municipal Court will be closed to the public on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 due to technical issues with the Court’s internet and phone systems.

During Wednesday’s closure, no in-person dockets will be held, and the Court will not be open for walk-in business.

The Court is working to notify those impacted by Wednesday’s closure.

All cases on Wednesday will be rescheduled and notices of hearing will be sent by mail to defendants and defense counsel.

The city expects to be able to provide an update on Wednesday afternoon on the status of the impacted systems.

The City of Topeka’s Municipal Court and Probation and Prosecution Divisions will be closed to the public on Monday, October 16.

The closure is out of an abundance of caution, and will allow the city to investigate possible security concerns with one of the court’s systems.

During the closure, no in-person dockets or trials will be held, and walk-ins will not be accepted at the court or at the probation and prosecution divisions.

The city is working to notify those impacted by Monday’s closure.

The city expects to be able to provide an update Monday afternoon on the status of the court’s system.

At this time, it is unknown if the possible security concern is associated with the Kansas Supreme Court’s network security incident.

 

The Topeka Municipal Court will continue its suspension of most in-person dockets through January 28, 2022. The decision was made as a result of increased community spread of COVID-19 in Shawnee County.

All impacted cases will be rescheduled. Impacted defendants and defense counsel will be notified by mail. The Court will still continue to conduct its daily Jail/Show Cause Dockets, Video Conference Hearings, Alternate Sentencing Court and Sentencing Hearings.

Defendants are strongly encouraged to conduct business by phone, email, or facsimile whenever possible. Payments can be made online, over the phone, or by mail. Parties may also visit the Court’s website to determine if their matter qualifies for resolution via a video conference hearing.

The Court will remain open for walk-in business Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for defendants to set court dates, resolve non-appearance required cases, recall warrants, file documents, make payments and reset payment plans. Masks are required to be worn in all City of Topeka buildings.

Defendants are encouraged to check the status of their case on the Court’s online public access portal at https://www.topeka.org/municipalcourt/.

Anyone directed to report to the Probation Division should continue to report as scheduled. Probationers who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or other related illnesses should contact the Probation Division by calling 785-368-3783.