City News

The City of Topeka is kicking off road construction projects for the 2019 construction season, which are typically constructed from March through November. These projects are essential to restore roads in Topeka and to maintain them in order to keep roads in good shape for as long as possible.
Projects starting soon are:
 SE Adams – 33rd to 37th – April 1st
 Chesney Park, Phase 1 – April 1st
 SW Gage – 25th to 29th – April 2nd
 SW Arvonia/Winding Road – April 8th
“The passing of the half cent sales tax was critical to fixing our streets,” said Public Works Director Jason Peek. “The city is using new and innovative techniques to extend the life of our roads and keep them in the best shape possible while also replacing the streets that need the most work.”
The Public Works Department has been hard at work putting the city’s half cent sales tax to good use by improving streets all over the city. Three years ago, the city embarked on a new pavement management program heavy on analytics and effective processes. The first step was to gather data. In the fall of 2016, the city hired an independent firm to gauge the condition or our streets from 0 (the worst) to 100 (the best). Poor condition pavement ranks between 0-54; Fair between 55-70, and Good between 70-100.The most effective investment for Poor condition pavement is complete reconstruction; Fair condition, major to minor rehabilitation; and Good, regular preventive maintenance. Information regarding the program and condition results can be found at https://www.topeka.org/streetmaintenance/topeka-street-conditions/#glossary 
The second step was to review various street maintenance methods and determine which ones were effective, which ones could be improve, and which ones may be missing. Following eight years of major construction, the City also added effective preventive maintenance program to keep the good streets good. As a result the city began micro-surfacing and crack-sealing to preserve the streets and keep them in good condition longer. Streets that are in good, satisfactory or fair condition, but not yet a candidate for a mill and overlay or replacement, are treated with preventive maintenance techniques. Eighty-three lane miles of streets received preventive maintenance treatment last year.
Together, the combination of crack-sealing and micro-sealing are a cost-effective way to “keep our good roads good”. The process takes a lot less time at a much lower cost than the more extensive mill and overlay project. The City plans to micro-seal approximately 100 lane-miles this spring/summer. Several major projects are in the works including mill and overlay and replacements of streets and intersections. Those projects can be found below.
Street crews will be working hard all summer to build the best roads for Topeka so please keep these safe driving tips in mind during construction season:
 Be alert and watch for workers.
 Be prepared to stop when necessary.
 Follow all traffic control.
 Don’t take shortcuts through private property.
 Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
 Don’t tailgate.
Major road project details can be found on the front page of the City of Topeka’s website at www.topeka.org.
2019 Major Street Projects are as follows:
SE Adams – 33rd to 37th – Project #841017.83
 Start Date: April 1, 2019
 Completion Date: October 25, 2019
 Details: This project is a complete removal and replacement.
 Traffic Impact: The road will be closed. A signed detour will be provided.
 Est. Budget: $1.6 million
 Funding: Citywide Half Cent Sales Tax; City Project Manager: Robert Bidwell, P.E., 368-3842
 Project Public Meeting: 6-7 p.m., Thursday, March 28, at CRC Center, 455 SE Golf Park.
Chesney Park Neighborhood Project – Phase I – Project #841017.60
 Start Date: April 1, 2019
 Completion Date: November 15, 2019
 Details: This two-construction season project includes some curb, gutter, and sidewalk replacement; full depth patches in the street and a mill and overlay, extensive storm water piping and inlet boxes, and three blocks of waterline. 2019 construction includes the area from 17th to 21st and Washburn to Clay. 2020 construction will include the area from 17th to 21st and Clay to Western.
 Traffic Impact: Minimal, only in front of residences where construction is occurring.
 Est. Budget: $2.7 million
 Funding: Citywide Half Cent Sales Tax; City Project Manager: Robert Bidwell, P.E., 368-3842
SW Gage – 25th to 29th – Project #841017.84
 Start Date: April 2, 2019
 Completion Date: August 9, 2019
 Details: This project will include full-depth patching and a mill and overlay.
 Traffic Impact: Traffic will be allowed through the project during construction. Some turn restrictions may apply.
 Estimated Budget: Funding: Citywide Half Cent Sales Tax; City Project Manager: Robert Bidwell, P.E., 368-3842
 Project Public Meeting: 4:30-5:30 p.m., Monday, April 1, First Christian Church, 1880 SW Gage.
SW Arvonia Place/Winding Road – Phase II Project #701014.01
 Start Date: April 8
 Completion Date – Phase II: September 20
 Details: This 150-day project is complete removal and replacement as well as the relocation of the Arvonia Pl. and SW Winding Road intersection.
 Traffic Impact: Arvonia will be closed to through traffic.
 Estimated Budget: $2.13 million
 Funding: General Obligation Bonds; City Project Manager: Linda Voss, P.E., 368-3842
 A public open house is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, between 4:30 and 6 p.m. at Washburn Tech, 5724 SW Huntoon, in the Conference Center.
NW Vail – NW Gordon to Hwy 24 Frontage Road – Project #841017.82
 Bid Date: April 9
 Start Date: May 13
 Completion Date: September 13
 Details: The project will include complete removal and replacement of the pavement.
 Traffic Impact: The road will be closed to through traffic during construction. A signed detour will be provided.
 Estimated Budget: TBD
 Funding: City Half Cent Sales Tax; Project Manager: Robert Bidwell, P.E., 368-3842
North Kansas Ave. – Morse to Soldier – Project #841017.85
 Bid Date: TBD
 Start Date: Summer 2019
 Completion Date: Fall 2019
 Details: This project will include complete pavement removal and reconstruction and limited sidewalk improvements.
 Traffic Impact: Through traffic will be allowed during the project; some turn restrictions may apply.
 Estimated Budget: TBD
 Funding: Citywide Half Cent Sales Tax; City Project Manager: Robert Bidwell, P.E., 368-3842
Clarion Woods Neighborhood – Phase II of II – Project #841040.15
 Start Date: March 18
 Completion Date: November 30 – Phase II
 Details: This project is a complete reconstruction of residential streets and underdrains to eliminate water saturation under the roadway.
 Traffic Impact: Minimal, only in front of residences where construction is occurring.
 Estimated Budget: $2.0 million
 Funding: Citywide Half Cent Sales Tax; City Project Manager: Keith Duncan, P.E., 368-3842.
Tennessee Town Neighborhood Project #601075.02
 Bid Date: April 10
 Start Date: May 6
 Completion Date: November 8
 Details: This project will include portions of curb, gutter, and sidewalk replacement; full depth patches in the street and a mill and overlay, extensive storm water piping and inlet boxes, and three blocks of waterline.
 Traffic Impact: Minimal, only in front of residences where construction is occurring.
 Est. Budget: $1.4 million
 Funding: SORT GO Bonds; City Project Manager: Linda Voss, P.E., 368-3842
Bikeways Construction – Phase III – Project #861005.02
 Bid Date: TBD
 Start Date: Spring 2019
 Completion Date: TBD depending on the start date.
 Details: This project includes construction of bike lanes on SW 8th – Topeka Blvd. to College Ave. and on Washburn and Lane from SW 6th to SW 17th. It also includes pavement markings on all of Route 12; Route 19, Sections 6, 7 and 8; and Route 5, Section 23. The routes and other information regarding the progress of the master plan can be found at http://www.topekampo.org/bikeways-master-plan.html
 Budget: $1 million
 Funding: State Grant
 City Project Manager: Linda Voss, P.E., 368-3842
Micro surfacing – Project #601071.02
 Bid Date: April 16
 Start Date: TBD
 Completion Date: 120 days after Start Date
 Details: Crack sealing will take place during the 2018-19 winter; micro surfacing will occur after crack sealing has set for several months.
 Traffic Impact: Projects on neighborhood streets will only impact those who park in front of their home or use the street regularly to come and go from the neighborhood. On busy streets, work may close a section for a short period but will be open by evening in most cases.
 Funding: $3.0 million in remaining Countywide Half Cent Sales Tax
 City Project Manager: Keith Duncan, P.E., 368-3842

When staff from Mohan Construction and the Topeka Zoo traveled to Wichita earlier this year to receive a construction award, they knew in advance that they would be receiving two awards. The third one was a complete surprise.

The awards were presented by the Associated General Contractors of Kansas at the Kan-Struct convention on February 1, 2019, in Wichita. The first two awards included the AGC of Kansas Award of Excellence for new construction between $2 and $6 million and the Kan-Struct Collaboration Award of Excellence for Public Buildings.

“The Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center is proud of all the work that was done by Mohan Construction for the Camp Cowabunga project,” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley. “Camp Cowabunga has been a tremendous asset to the zoo. It has been wonderful to see guests have a safari experience in the heart of Topeka.

The awards ceremony concluded with the presentation of the AGC of Kansas Judges Choice awards. The Judges Choice awards are selected from all construction and budget categories combined. Camp Cowabunga won the AGC of Kansas Judges Choice Runner Up award with only one project throughout the entire state that had a budget of $75.4 million winning a higher award.
“We are honored that Camp Cowabunga won three awards,” said Steve Mohan, President of Mohan Construction. “There were many excellent projects submitted from across the state, so we are proud to be recognized by the construction industry with these awards. It was extra special to be selected for the overall Judges Choice Runner Up Award. When we accepted that award, I wanted to recognize who wasn’t in attendance. Gary Clarke was the inspiration for this project. He told me he was looking forward to being at the award presentation with us, but unfortunately, he passed away recently and is no longer with us. I wanted to dedicate this award to him.”

“I’m glad I had the opportunity to work with Gary Clarke. His passion and sense of humor made it a great experience. The Zoo staff were fantastic. Their dedication and commitment to Camp Cowabunga and the Topeka Zoo helped make this project a success,” said Steve Mohan.

“These awards are the result of the teamwork and cooperation of the City of Topeka, The Topeka Zoo, GLMV Architecture, Studio Tectonic and the many subcontractors and suppliers on this project. This is a great addition for the Topeka Zoo and the City of Topeka, and Mohan Construction is proud to be part of it,” said Steve Mohan.

Camp Cowabunga broke ground on July 6th, 2017 and was completed and opened to the public on August, 31st 2018. Camp Cowabunga was the largest project in the Topeka Zoo’s history and creates the atmosphere of being on a safari in Africa, with the exhibit honoring Gary K. Clarke’s safari experiences in Africa as a tour guide. Camp Cowabunga houses several animals including African lions, African painted dogs, Red Patas monkeys, guinea fowl and ostriches. Camp Cowabunga also features interactive learning experiences that are fun and education for guests. Opening weekend of Camp Cowabunga saw 9,857 guests who enjoyed their first experience of the Topeka Zoo’s master plan.

For additional information, contact Brendan Wiley at bwiley@topeka.org or 785-506-3797.

The seven zoos in Kansas accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums are working together to evaluate the ornate box turtle population across the state in eight counties. The ornate box turtle is the state reptile of Kansas.

Turtles are the most threatened group of vertebrates worldwide. Nearly 42% of turtle and tortoise species are threatened with extinction (Turtle Conservation Coalition, 2018). There are anecdotal reports of a significant decline in ornate box turtle numbers across the state of Kansas.

To guide conservation management decisions, new baseline population data is needed as the last study reporting population numbers concluded in 1956 and was not considered a viable study as it was only conducted in one county.

The project will be closely supervised by trained staff from the seven accredited zoos and will include a citizen science component designed to engage members of the public in hands-on, meaningful conservation science while increasing awareness and understanding of ornate box turtles. “Engaging citizens in species stewardship and conservation is a proven method of affecting behavior change and positively impacting wildlife,” said Topeka Zoo’s Director of Conservation and Education Dennis Dinwiddie.

Each zoo participating in the project will set up two census plots – one with known ornate box turtle observations (current or historical) and one where the presence of ornate box turtles is unknown. By surveying areas with historical records of ornate box turtles, it will confirm if those populations persist and assess their viability. Choosing a second census plot where the presence of ornate box turtles is unknown will safeguard against biased survey results that would occur if only sites known to contain turtles were surveyed. Censuses will be conducted at scheduled times between early March to early November over the next three years.

This three year project will serve as the first viable ornate box turtle population study ever conducted in Kansas. Data collected will be shared with the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism and will be used to help guide future conservation management decisions regarding ornate box turtles at both the state and national level.

For additional information about the Ornate Box Turtle Project, contact Dennis Dinwiddie at ddinwiddie@topeka.org or 785-383-6784.

In its ongoing commitment to support community endeavors and quality of place, Vision Bank will make a $10,000 donation to support the Topeka Zoo as a zoo Business Partner during a check presentation Friday, March 1, at 2:00 PM. Media are invited to attend. “The Topeka Zoo is a cornerstone of our community,” said Vision Bank President Gary Yager. “Over 200,000 people go there every year. It’s one of the great places where our customers and our community go to play. Vision Bank is proud to support this cause for our community.”

Vision Bank’s support of the Topeka Zoo dates back to 2010. Not long after a giraffe named Hope was born, a Nile River hippopotamus unexpectedly gave birth. The following weekend at a charity auction attended by Yager, the naming rights to the baby hippo were auctioned off. A few days later the baby hippo was named Vision. With Hope and Vision, the Topeka Zoo began an upward trend still being experienced today.

“The support from Vision Bank goes well beyond the financial support,” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley. “Gary and his team helped form relationships with other community stakeholders and got us into conversations we otherwise would have been left out of.” Vision Bank support has led to other zoo improvements that can be found in the zoo’s Bug Zoo, Camp Cowabunga and the future Kay’s Garden and they have supported numerous fundraising events which help offset operating costs at the zoo.

Business Partnerships are a fun way for local businesses to support the mission of the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center. Business Partners receive promotional opportunities and access to special events.  They award field trip tickets to local schools and promote access to the zoo. For more information about Topeka Zoo Business Partnerships, contact Fundraising and Event Specialist Shelby Revelle at 785-368-9133 or shelbyr@fotz.org .

Following the check presentation, Gary and Vision will be available for comments and photographs.  When Gary first met Vision, the tiny hippo weighed only seventy pounds. Today, Vision weighs in at approximately 2,700 pounds. The Topeka Zoo would like to extend its thanks to Vision Bank for all of the ways they promote growth in our community.

The point-in-time count of homeless persons in Topeka took place on January 23rd. This one day event produces a snapshot of the individuals in our community experiencing homelessness as defined by Housing and Urban Development. This data is used to support federal funding for the Continuum of Care Initiative. In 2018 the Topeka Rescue Mission saw 419 people experiencing homelessness. In 2019 that number jumped to 441. 16% of the homeless population in Topeka was under 18, for a total of 69 persons under 18. Overall the numbers of homelessness in Topeka increased from last year.

“The point-in-time count helps us to identify those people in need and to attain the resources that we need to help them,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka. “We want to thank all the volunteers who helped us with the count and who are helping to make our community better.”

The information gathered during the point-in-time count helps the City of Topeka understand the face of homelessness in the community so that services are meeting the needs of homeless persons. This count also helps to raise public awareness surrounding issues with homelessness and measures the community progress towards preventing and ending homelessness.

The City of Topeka’s Housing Services Division has totaled the numbers from this year’s point-in-time count. This one day event produced a snapshot of individuals in our community experiencing homelessness.
• 441 People experiencing homelessness.
• 349 Households experiencing homelessness.
• 212 individuals have a serious mental illness.
• 181 individuals are chronically homeless.
• 70% of people were in an emergency shelter, 15% were in transitional housing and 15% were unsheltered.

Forty-two individuals helped with the point-in-time homeless count, including 23 community volunteers. Below is a chart that details and compares the numbers from 2018 and 2019.

2018                                                        2019

Jessica Lamendola will be the City of Topeka’s Administrative and Financial Services Director starting March 4, 2019. Topeka’s former Director of Finance and Administrative Services, Nickie Lee, accepted a job as the Assistant City Administrator for the City of Smithville, Missouri. Her last day at the City of Topeka was November 9, 2018. Since her departure, Budget and Performance Manager Nick Hawkins has been serving as the Interim Director.

Lamendola is a Kansas native and has been with the City of North Hempstead, New York since July of 2016 where she served as the Director of Finance and Acting Comptroller. Prior to that position she had experience in the Nassau County Office of Management and Budget. Lamendola brings additional relevant experience to the City from working for Moody’s Investor Services for just over 3 years as a Senior Credit and financial analyst responsible for a large portfolio of municipal issuers. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Syracuse University and a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Portland.

“Lamendola’s education, background and experiences will be very beneficial to the City of Topeka as we start work on the 2020 budget and CIP process,” said City Manager Brent Trout.

Lamedola said she is excited to return to Kansas and begin working in the City of Topeka where she can work on the city’s strong financial management and constituent needs.

Lamendola was selected though a competitive hiring process in which 34 people applied and 4 were interviewed. Her starting salary will be $132,500.

City of Topeka Fire Station #6 is the second oldest fire station in Topeka, built in 1935, and is an integral part of the Oakland neighborhood. When the road around Fire Station #6 was redone the fire hydrant was put out of commission and replaced. The Firefighters at station #6 saw an opportunity repurpose the decommissioned fire hydrant and turn it into public art to honor the Oakland neighborhood. The Firefighter union donated funds to sandblast and prime the fire hydrant and local artist Andy Valdivia painted the hydrant to reflect the rich cultural heritage in Oakland. The fire hydrant is painted to show the Hispanic and German cultures in the neighborhood along with the historic fire station building.
“The firefighters who work in Station #6 love the Oakland neighborhood and its rich culture. We are so excited to repurpose this decommissioned fire hydrant into public art for all our neighbors in Oakland to enjoy,” said Fire Marshal Mike Martin. “We hope that this fire hydrant will remind people of fire safety in their homes and help be a reminder to check your smoke detector to make sure it is working.”
The fire hydrant will be unveiled to the public on Saturday, January 26th at noon at Fire Department #6 located at 1419 SE Seward. At the unveiling the Fire Department will be handing out applications for free smoke detectors. The American Red Cross will also be in attendance to talk about their Sound the Alarm campaign that will be in the Oakland neighborhood on April 27th to install free smoke detectors in homes in the area.
The City of Topeka Fire Department is committed to making sure that our citizens have working smoke detectors in their home in case of a fire and fire safety knowledge. In 2018 there were 7 fires in Oakland that resulted in one death, two injuries, one firefighter injury and approximately $210,000 in damages.

Homelessness in Kansas and across the country is on the rise. In the past year, the Topeka Rescue Mission has seen record numbers of guests in the shelter with the biggest increase being in persons with mental health challenges. Kansas schools have also seen large increases in homeless children and youth.
It is important for the City of Topeka to obtain the appropriate level of funding so that we can provide needed services to those experiencing homelessness and those at risk for homelessness. To receive funding for programs, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities to complete a point-in-time count of the homeless every year.
This year’s Point-In-Time Count will be held on Wednesday, January 23 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“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,” 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 persons;
• Raise public awareness about the issues surrounding homelessness; and
• Measure community progress towards preventing and ending homelessness.
Help us make sure that everyone is counted!
Persons who are experiencing homelessness or know someone who is, please call 785-368-0168 between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on January 23rd, or drop by the Rescue Mission or Let’s Help and complete a survey that day. Interviewers will also be available at the City Offices – Holliday Building. 620 SE Madison, Holliday Conference Room from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on January 23th.

The Topeka Zoo and Mohan Construction have been awarded the Associated General Contractors of Kansas (AGC) State Building Award of Excellence for their work on the Camp Cowabunga exhibit.
“We are honored that Camp Cowabunga will receive the Award of Excellence from both the AGC State Building Awards and the Kan-Struct Collaborative Awards,” said Steve Mohan the CEO of Mohan Construction. “These awards are the result of the work and cooperation of the City of Topeka, The Topeka Zoo, GLMV Architecture, Studio Tectonic and the many subcontractors and suppliers on this project. This is a great addition for the Topeka Zoo and the City of Topeka, and Mohan Construction is proud to be part of it.”
Camp Cowabunga broke ground on July 6th, 2017 and was completed and opened to the public on August, 31st 2018. Camp Cowabunga was the largest project in the Topeka Zoo’s history and creates the atmosphere of being on a safari in Africa, with the exhibit honoring Gary K. Clarke’s safari experiences in Africa as a tour guide. Camp Cowabunga houses several animals including African lions, African painted dogs, Red Patas monkeys, guinea fowl and ostriches. Camp Cowabunga also features interactive learning experiences that are fun and education for guests. Opening weekend of Camp Cowabunga saw 9,857 guests who enjoyed their first experience of the Topeka Zoo’s master plan. Camp Cowabunga cost $4.5 million and was funded privately and through sales tax. Private donations to Camp Cowabunga were represented by donors in 38 states.
“It is an honor to receive the AGC Award of Excellence for Camp Cowabunga.” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley. “Camp Cowabunga gives our guests a chance to experience what it is like to be on an African safari. Mohan Construction perfectly executed the vision that we had for Camp Cowabunga and it has been wonderful to see all of the positive reactions from zoo patrons.”
The award will be presented on Friday, February 1st 2019 in Wichita at the Associated General Contractors of Kansas State Building Awards Luncheon. Head to the Topeka Zoo to experience the award winning exhibit. The Topeka Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the gates closing at 4:30 p.m. The Zoo will be closed on New Year’s Day.

The Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center will be accepting used live Christmas trees again this year beginning as early as December 26 but the Zoo is asking that a different tree drop off location be used.
It is as easy as dropping the tree off at our new location just east of the horseshoe court parking lot inside Gage Park. When entering Gage Park from the 10th St. entrance, take your first right on Munn Memorial Drive; heading northwest. Look for the orange snow fence and place your tree in the grass, behind the “Trees Here” sign.
“There is no need to make an appointment,” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley. “We’ll find them and get them to the animals that can use them.”
In order for the trees to be able to be used by the zoo animals, the trees need to be free of ornaments tinsel, tree stands and not in plastic bags.
“This allows the trees to be used beyond the holiday season,” said Wiley. “Animals that benefit from them include lions, tigers, owls, mountain lions, giraffes, elephants, bears and many others.”
Once the animals have had plenty of fun with the varieties of conifers donated, they will be ground up through a chipper and made into mulch for continued reuse.
The zoo will accept the trees through Jan. 8th 2019.