City News

Topeka City Manager Stephen Wade announced Tuesday that he is taking an extended leave of absence for an undisclosed amount of time.

At Tuesday’s City Council Meeting, the City of Topeka’s Governing Body took action to temporarily name Richard U. Nienstedt of Ottawa as acting City Manager. Nienstedt, a tenured City Manager and City Administrator, retired from the City of Ottawa in March.

“I want to assure the Topeka community and the city’s dedicated staff, that I will honorably serve the city during this time. It is my priority to ensure the continuity of operations of the city, and I’m honored the Governing Body selected me for this temporary role,” said Nienstedt.

Nienstedt is married to his wife Rita, and together they have three grown children who live in Olpe, Garnett, and Columbia, Missouri. They are proud grandparents to nine grandchildren.

Nienstedt assumed the role as Acting City Manager Tuesday night, and will begin working in Topeka later this week.

The Governing Body wants to assure the community that the business of the city will not be interrupted during this time. As this relates to a personnel matter, the city will not be commenting further.

Following a Special Meeting and Executive Session on Tuesday, the City of Topeka’s Governing Body authorized the city to purchase Hotel Topeka at City Center by a vote of 7-2. Hotel Topeka, located at 1717 SW Topeka Blvd., is set to go to auction next week.

“When we learned that Hotel Topeka was going to auction, we saw an opportunity to strengthen our tourism economy, and attract convention business we know we’re currently losing to other communities,” said Topeka City Manager Stephen Wade. “The city will look to experts to develop a holistic approach, along with private sector partners, to re-develop the hotel, to ensure we’ll have a successful and attractive convention center for many years to come.”

According to a study commissioned and funded by Visit Topeka, the community’s tourism agency, the Conventional Hotel inventory in Topeka is, “dated and in dire need of repositioning.”

“We know that hotels and convention centers can have a massive economic impact on a destination. In the first quarter of 2023, Topeka sold more hotel rooms than the first quarter of 2008, which was a record year. Our current success is thanks to incredible sporting events, a full legislative session, and great leisure activities and events. However, we continue to lose meetings and conventions from groups concerned about the condition of the Hotel Topeka. Today, the City of Topeka has stepped up and ensured that our future as a convention destination isn’t left to chance,” said Sean Dixon, President of Visit Topeka.

It’s not uncommon for municipalities to own or finance hotels and convention centers. In Kansas, the City of Overland Park owns and operates its hotel and convention center, and the City of Manhattan previously financed its hotel and convention center. Data provided by Visit Topeka shows that if the hotel is re-developed, in 2027, the hotel would sell nearly 50,000 room nights a year, generating an estimated annual sales tax revenue of nearly $1 million, and an estimated $440,000 in annual Transient Guest Tax (TGT) revenue. Additionally, it’s estimated that the overall economic impact of visitor spending tied to the hotel would be $20 million annually.

“The action taken by the Governing Body today demonstrates to the community that we are a government of possibilities. In the past, we’ve seen economic development opportunities slip through our fingers, and this is a time for us to take control of our own future, and look at our community health as a whole,” said Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla. “This is a group effort to showcase our city as a place that is looking to the future, to become a place of choice for conventions that we have already lost.”

The purchase of the property is not final. The action taken Tuesday allows the city to make an offer to purchase the hotel. The purchase price will not be disclosed until the sale goes through. If the purchase goes through, the city, in consultation with the Governing Body, private partners and industry experts, will determine how to best re-develop the property.

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 28.

Arbor Day is a holiday that celebrates the planting, upkeep, and preservation of trees, and is recognized annually on the last Friday in April.

On Friday at around 10 a.m., city staff, will plant an Oregon Trail Sugar Maple tree on the east side of the capitol.
“We’re honored to carry on the Arbor Day tradition of planting a tree on the capitol grounds, followed by a proclamation signing,” said Travis Tenbrink, Forester at the City of Topeka. “We hope that by celebrating Arbor Day, we’ll inspire a few people to get out there and plant a tree of their own.”
After the tree planting, Governor Laura Kelly will sign a proclamation designating Friday, April 28 as Kansas Arbor Day. The Governor will be joined by city staff, Kansas Arborist Association board members and representatives from the Kansas Forest Service. Attendees will also be joined by the Kansas Arbor Day Poster Contest winner, Alayna Wurdeman. Wurdeman is a 5th grade student from Osage City.

Additionally, the City of Topeka is celebrating its 37th year as a Tree City USA member. The membership demonstrates the city’s commitment to urban forestry, and recognizing the important role trees play in our community.

The City of Topeka announced Tuesday that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will award the city a grant to help spread awareness and increase participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

The ACP provides qualifying households with a discount on broadband, and a one-time discount on connected devices. Qualifying households are eligible for a discount of up to $30 per month on internet service and up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers. To learn more about the ACP and to apply, visit https://www.fcc.gov/acp.

The city will use its grant funding to advertise the ACP over the next two years through a robust marketing and advertising campaign that includes the use of social media, traditional media, flyers, infographics, standing banners, mailers, a video, and community education events in partnership with the FCC.

Of the $66 million total funds allocated by the FCC, the city will receive just over $90,000. The city is one of two organizations in Kansas to receive the grant. To learn more about the grant awardees, read the FCC announcement at https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-66m-affordable-broadband-outreach-grants.

The ACP is funded under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Infrastructure Act). The city’s grant period begins on March 30, 2023 and ends in March of 2025.

The city is dedicated to spreading awareness of digital equity, and currently administers the Topeka and Shawnee County Get Digital program (TSC – Get Digital), alongside various community partners. TSC – Get Digital provides affordable and equitable access to computer and internet equipment and services, along with technical support, training opportunities, and digital literacy services for low and moderate-income individuals and families. To date, TSC – Get Digital has distributed more than 600 desktop computers to qualifying 60+ Topekans. You can learn more about TSC – Get Digital by visiting https://www.topeka.org/tscgetdigital/.

The City of Topeka announced Monday that it hired Alicia Guerrero-Chavez to serve as its Internal Investigator. The Internal Investigator position is a new position to the city, and is an expansion of what was the Independent Police Auditor position.

The Internal Investigator’s role is to investigate internal and external complaints related to all city departments, employees and services, including police-related matters.

“With this position, we will be able to more broadly enhance city investigations as a whole, allowing us to ensure we are serving our community and our employees at the level they deserve,” said Topeka City Manager Stephen Wade. “Alicia comes to the City of Topeka with a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area, and we are delighted to have her on board.”

Guerrero-Chavez comes to the city with 10 years of investigation work, including experience in risk management. She has a Juris Doctor from Washburn University’s School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University. Guerrero-Chavez is a past Topeka “Top 20 Under 40” Honoree and is active with the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

To contact the office of the Internal Investigator, email investigator@topeka.org or call 785-368-3763. The office is housed in City Hall.

Guerrero-Chavez’s first day is Monday, February 20.

Topeka and Shawnee County’s homeless population is at a four-year high, according to numbers released Thursday from the City of Topeka’s annual Point in Time Homeless Count.

The count took place on January 25. The one-day event provides a snapshot of the individuals in the community who are experiencing homelessness, as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). More than 40 people helped with this year’s count.

According to the count, 412 people and 322 households are experiencing homelessness in Topeka and Shawnee County. 59% of those who are homeless are male, while 40% are female. 157 people are unsheltered, meaning they are not living in an emergency shelter or in transitional housing.

“The increase in the number of unsheltered homeless is no surprise to the Topeka/Shawnee County Homeless Task Force,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka. “It is imperative that the community works collaboratively to help address these growing numbers. Under City Manager Stephen Wade’s leadership, and with support from the Topeka Governing Body, we look forward to working collaboratively with the city’s consultant and community partners to reach long-term solutions.”

Below is a chart that breaks down the numbers from the previous four counts. For a more detailed look at the 2023 numbers, visit https://cot-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/02/16173423/City-of-Topeka-Point-in-Time-Homeless-Count-2023.pdf.

To receive funding for programs, HUD requires communities complete a count each year. The count ensures the city can obtain the appropriate level of funding to be able to provide needed services to those experiencing homelessness and those at risk for homelessness.

The City of Topeka announced Tuesday that it hired Randi Stahl to serve as its next Chief Information Officer (CIO).

Stahl has served in a variety of leadership roles in the community including technology-based experience, risk management, project management, and more. She obtained both her MBA and bachelor’s degree from Baker University. Stahl serves on the Technology Advisory Committee for the Seaman School District, and is a volunteer for Shawnee County 4-H and the Shawnee County Fair Board.

“Randi is an experienced leader, having served in diverse roles throughout her career. I’m thrilled to bring Randi on board, so we at the city can take our IT services to the next level, including the implementation of a new city website, better integrating systems, and much more,” said City Manager Stephen Wade.

The CIO, formerly known as the Information Technology (IT) Director, leads a 21-member team responsible for all telecommunications, computing and business system functions for the city.

“I am humbled at the opportunity to become the CIO for the city I have called home for my entire life. As a lifelong Topekan, I look forward to leading the city government’s Information Technology Department as we modernize systems to support our great citizens and staff,” said Stahl.

Stahl’s first day is February 13.

The City of Topeka is preparing to kick off the 2023 “Fix Our Streets” season, as part of the city’s continued efforts to improve our infrastructure.

Construction season typically starts in March or April, and runs through November, depending on weather. The city’s Public Works and Utilities departments work collaboratively on these projects, when applicable.

The following highlighted “Fix Our Streets” projects are slated for 2023:

1. NW Tyler St. – Paramore St. to Beverly St. – Reconstruction
2. SE Carnahan Ave. – I-70 to 21^st St. – Reconstruction
3. SW Wenger Rd. north of 57^th St. – Reconstruction
4. Alley between N Kansas Ave. and NE Quincy St., from St. John St. to Paramore St. – Reconstruction
5. SW 6^th Ave. and Jackson St. intersection – Pavement repair
6. SW Topeka Blvd. – 17^th St. to 18^th St. – Pavement repair
7. SW 17^th St. – Tyler St. to Topeka Blvd. – Pavement repair
8. SW 6^th Ave. – Oakley Ave. to MacVicar Ave. – Pavement repair
9. SE California Ave. – I-70 to north end of bridge – Pavement repair
10. SE Golden Ave. – I-70 to SE 21^st St. – Pavement repair
11. SW Gage Blvd. – Huntoon St. to 12^th St. – Pavement repair
12. NW Goodyear Rd. at US-24 Interchange – Pavement repair
13. SW 10^th Ave. – Urish Rd. to Wanamaker Rd. – Mill and overlay
14. SW Knollwood Dr. – MacVicar Ave. to Burlingame Rd. – Mill and overlay
15. SW 29^th St. – Wanamaker Rd. to Arrowhead Rd. – Mill and overlay

Funding for the city’s “Fix Our Streets” projects are primarily supported through the citywide half-cent sales tax.

For more information about these projects, please visit https://www.topeka.org/publicworks/.

The City of Topeka is preparing to host the annual Point in Time Homeless Count.

The count will take place on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Approximately 25 employees and volunteers will work that day to count those who are experiencing homelessness in Topeka.

To receive funding for programs, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities complete a count each year. The count ensures the city can obtain the appropriate level of funding to be able to provide needed services to those experiencing homelessness and those at risk for homelessness.

“Topeka is committed to helping the homeless in our community. The Point in Time Homeless Count is the first important step to see where the most need is in our community,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka.

The information gathered will help Topeka to understand the face of homelessness within the community, make sure services are meeting the needs of homeless population, raise public awareness about the issues surrounding homelessness, and measure community progress towards preventing and ending homelessness.

In order to ensure everyone is counted, the city asks anyone who is homeless – or knows someone who is – to call 785-368-0168 between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on January 25. Interviewers will also be available that day at the city’s Holliday Building, which is located at 620 SE Madison St.

In addition to the count, city staff and partners will be offering resources to individuals, including assistance available through the Equity.Access.Shelter. (E.A.S.) program.

Bill Fiander, the City of Topeka’s Director of Planning and Development, announced Friday that he’s retiring from the City of Topeka and pursuing a new opportunity in the community. Fiander will join the staff at Washburn University as a faculty lecturer in the Political Science Department developing the public administration program and next generation of public sector leaders.

Fiander came to Topeka as the city’s first neighborhood planner, hired by former Topeka Mayor Joan Wagnon. He’s served in various leadership roles during his more than 25-year tenure, including the last 10 years as director of what is now the Planning and Development Department. Fiander oversaw growth of a department from 12 to 44 employees, which now encompass the city’s planning, zoning, building, and affordable housing functions.

“We are indebted to Bill for his incredible service to Topeka over the last two decades. Bill was a trailblazer who brought Topeka things such as our neighborhood health map, smart growth planning for infill and downtown development, greater citizen participation in new development projects, ‘complete streets’ for pedestrians and bicyclists, a new online permitting process, and community-wide design standards for commercial areas and signs. Bill is leaving big shoes to fill and while we will miss him at the city, I couldn’t be happier for him and our community with his new role,” said Topeka City Manager Stephen Wade.

“What a privilege it’s been answering the call to serve Topeka. It gave me everything a young planner dreamed of who wanted to make a difference in the plight of our central cities. There’s great peace not only looking back at how far we’ve come, but also looking ahead at where we can go with our next generation of planning, development, and housing professionals under the City Manager’s leadership. I’m honored to pass that torch while still answering a new, but similar call to serve,” said Fiander.

Fiander’s last date at the city will be January 13. Rhiannon Friedman, the city’s Director of Development and Economic Growth, will serve as the Interim Director of Planning and Development.