City Council Meeting

City of Topeka City Council Agenda City Council Chambers 214 SE 8th Street Topeka, Kansas 66603 www.topeka.org November 10, 2015 6:00 PM Mayor: Larry E. Wolgast Councilmembers Karen A. Hiller District No. 1 Brendan Jensen District No. 6 Sandra Clear District No. 2 Elaine Schwartz District No. 7 Sylvia E. Ortiz District No. 3 Jeff Coen District No. 8 Jonathan Schumm District No. 4 Richard Harmon District No. 9 Michelle De La Isla District No. 5 City Manager: Jim Colson Addressing the Council: No person shall address the Council during a Council Meeting, unless they have notified the City Clerk at (785)368-3940 by 5:00 P.M. on the day of any Council Meeting of their desire to speak on a specific matter on the published meeting agenda or during the public comment portion of the Council Meeting. This limitation shall not apply to items added during the course of a meeting. The Council does not take action with respect to any subject not on the agenda unless added to the agenda by a two-thirds vote of the Council. Persons addressing the City Council will be limited to four (4) consecutive minutes of public address on a particular agenda item. Debate, question/answer dialogue or discussion between Councilmembers will not be counted towards the four (4) minute time limitation. The Chair may extend time with the unanimous consent of the Council or the Council by affirmative vote of five (5) members may extend the four (4) minute limitation. Persons will be limited to addressing the City Council one (1) time on a particular matter unless otherwise allowed by an affirmative vote of five (5) members of the City Council. To make arrangements for special accommodations please call 785-368-3940. A 48-hour advance notice is preferred. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted use of the 711 dialing code for access to Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). TRS permits persons with a hearing or speech disability to use the telephone system via a text telephone (TTY) or other device to call persons with or without such disabilities. To reach the City Clerk's office using the TRS, please dial 711. (Agendas are available on Thursday afternoon in the City Clerk's office, 215 SE 7th - Room 166 and on the City's web site at http://www.topeka.org) CALL TO ORDER: INVOCATION: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 1. MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS: "None scheduled at this time." 2. PRESENTATIONS: "Topeka Zoo Elephant Program Update." 3. ROLL CALL: 4. CONSENT AGENDA: A. Board Appointment - Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the re-appointment of Neil Dobler to the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority Board for an unexpired term ending December 1, 2018. (Council District No. 7) B. Board Appointment - Topeka Board of Zoning Appeals BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Toni Beck to the Topeka Board of Zoning Appeals to fill an unexpired term ending November 1, 2018. (Council District No. 6) C. Board Appointment - Topeka Housing Authority BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the re-appointment of Dr. Frank Ybarra to the Topeka Housing Authority Board of Commissioners to fill an unexpired term ending January 1, 2020. (Council District No. 8) D. Board Appointment - Topeka Planning Commission BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Katrina Ringler to the Topeka Planning Commission for a term ending November 3, 2018. (Council District No. 6) E. MINUTES of the regular meeting of November 3, 2015 F. APPLICATIONS: 5. ACTION ITEMS: A. Real Estate Surplus Report - 5700 SW Valencia Rd. APPROVAL of the Real Estate Report for property located at 5700 SW Valencia Road. (Approval of the real estate report would transfer property located at 5700 SW Valencia Road to Shawnee County for the use as an existing location of an emergency communications tower.) 6. NON-ACTION ITEMS: A. Discussion - Transportatation Alternative Grants  DISCUSSION regarding Transportation Alternative Grants. B. Discussion - 2016 Neighborhood Empowerment Grants DISCUSSION regarding the 2016 Neighborhood Empowerment Grants as recommended by the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant Committee. (Council District Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 6) (Recommendations include the allocation of $137,890 to seven projects in Central Highland Park, Central Park, Oakland, Valley Park and Ward-Meade, and provide for a contingency of $12,110 for an allocated total of $150,000.) C. Discussion - Snow and Ice Removal Plan 2015-2016 DISCUSSION for the purpose of providing an overview of the City’s 2015-2016 Snow and Ice Removal Plan. 7. ANNOUNCEMENTS: PRELIMINARY AGENDA (The City Clerk will provide a brief summary of items on the next scheduled Council meeting agenda. Also during this time, the City Manager and Governing Body Members may offer comments regarding City business and announce upcoming events.) 8. PUBLIC COMMENT: 9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Executive Sessions are closed meetings held in accordance with the provisions of the Kansas Open Meetings Act. (Executive sessions will be scheduled as needed and may include topics such as personnel matters, considerations of acquisition of property for public purposes, potential or pending litigation in which the city has an interest, employer-employee negotiations and any other matter provided for in K.S.A. 75-4319.) 10. ADJOURNMENT:  City of Topeka Council Action Form Council Chambers 214 SE 8th Street Topeka, Kansas 66603 www.topeka.org November 10, 2015 DATE: November 10, 2015 CONTACT PERSON: Mayor Larry Wolgast DOCUMENT #: SECOND PARTY/SUBJECT: Metropolitan Topeka PROJECT #: Airport Authority CATEGORY/SUBCATEGORY 006 Communication / 005 Other CIP PROJECT: No ACTION OF COUNCIL: JOURNAL #: PAGE #: DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the re-appointment of Neil Dobler to the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority Board for an unexpired term ending December 1, 2018. (Council District No. 7) POLICY ISSUE: The MTAA has responsibility for development, improvement, operation and maintenance of public airport facilities in the city of Topeka and Shawnee County. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Governing Body move to approve the board appointment. BACKGROUND: The board of directors shall consist of five members. Three members shall be registered voters and city residents who are appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council. Two members shall be Shawnee County residents residing outside the Topeka city limits and appointed by the County Commission. Council nominations are not required. BUDGETARY IMPACT: There is no budgetary impact to the City. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Not Applicable.  City of Topeka Council Action Form Council Chambers 214 SE 8th Street Topeka, Kansas 66603 www.topeka.org November 10, 2015 DATE: November 10, 2015 CONTACT PERSON: Mayor Larry Wolgast DOCUMENT #: SECOND PARTY/SUBJECT: Board Appointment- PROJECT #: Board of Zoning Appeals CATEGORY/SUBCATEGORY CIP PROJECT: No ACTION OF COUNCIL: JOURNAL #: PAGE #: DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Toni Beck to the Topeka Board of Zoning Appeals to fill an unexpired term ending November 1, 2018. (Council District No. 6) POLICY ISSUE: The board of zoning appeals shall administer the details of appeals from or other matters referred to it regarding the application of the zoning regulations in accordance with the general rules set forth in the Topeka Municipal Code. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Councilmember Jensen nominates and Mayor Wolgast recommends the appointment of Toni Beck for a three- year term ending November 1, 2018. Ms. Beck does not hold a public office for the city and she resides within the corporate area of the city as required. BACKGROUND: This is a City-created board requiring the Council nominate and the Mayor appoint. If no council nominations are received the Mayor may appoint. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall consist of seven members appointed by the mayor. None of the members shall hold any other public office by the city except two members may be members of the Topeka Planning Commission. The appointees shall reside inside the corporate area of the city of Topeka. Members shall be appointed for terms of three years each. BUDGETARY IMPACT: There is no budgetary impact to the City. SOURCE OF FUNDING: There is no budgetary impact to the City. ATTACHMENTS: Description T. Beck Application  City of Topeka Council Action Form Council Chambers 214 SE 8th Street Topeka, Kansas 66603 www.topeka.org November 10, 2015 DATE: November 10, 2015 CONTACT PERSON: Mayor Larry Wolgast DOCUMENT #: SECOND PARTY/SUBJECT: Topeka Housing PROJECT #: Authority CATEGORY/SUBCATEGORY 006 Communication / 003 Requests CIP PROJECT: No ACTION OF COUNCIL: JOURNAL #: PAGE #: DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the re-appointment of Dr. Frank Ybarra to the Topeka Housing Authority Board of Commissioners to fill an unexpired term ending January 1, 2020. (Council District No. 8) POLICY ISSUE: The purpose of the board is to plan and study the public housing needs of the city and to be the governing board of the Topeka Housing Authority. The mission of the Topeka Housing Authority is to successfully provide accessible affordable housing. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Mayor nominates Dr. Frank Yabarra for re-appointment to the Topeka Housing Authority Board of Commissioners to fill an unexpired term ending January 1, 2020. He meets the residency requirements for appointment. BACKGROUND: This is a statutory board consisting of five members appointed by the mayor, at least one of whom shall be a client of the authority. Council nominations are not required. Members shall serve four-year terms or until a successor is appointed. Members shall serve without compensation. The Kansas Municipal Housing Act defines the "area of operation" of a Housing Authority as the municipality and the area within five miles of the territorial city boundaries thereof. Appointments may be made of any persons who reside within its boundaries, or area, and who are otherwise eligible for appointments under the Act. BUDGETARY IMPACT: There would be no budgetary impact to the City. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Not Applicable.  City of Topeka Council Action Form Council Chambers 214 SE 8th Street Topeka, Kansas 66603 www.topeka.org November 10, 2015 DATE: November 10, 2015 CONTACT PERSON: Mayor Larry Wolgast DOCUMENT #: SECOND PARTY/SUBJECT: Topeka Planning PROJECT #: Commission CATEGORY/SUBCATEGORY 006 Communication / 003 Requests CIP PROJECT: No ACTION OF COUNCIL: JOURNAL #: PAGE #: DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Katrina Ringler to the Topeka Planning Commission for a term ending November 3, 2018. (Council District No. 6) POLICY ISSUE: As a primary function, the Topeka Planning Commission shall have the responsibility for the adoption and recommendation to the City Council of the Comprehensive Metropolitan Plan to guide the orderly growth and harmonious development of the Topeka metropolitan area. The Comprehensive Metropolitan Plan shall consist of, but not be limited to, the elements described in TMC 18.05.020. The Topeka Planning Commission shall recommend appropriate legislative, administrative or budgetary actions necessary for the governing body to implement the Comprehensive Metropolitan Plan on or before May 1st of each year. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Councilmember Schwartz nominates and Mayor Wolgast recommends the appointment of Katrina Ringler to the Topeka Planning Commission for a term ending November 1, 2018. This position requires the member be currently licensed or engaged in engineering, architecture, planning, surveying or land development and reside within the city limits. Ms. Ringler is Historic Preservationalist and meets the residency requirement. BACKGROUND: This is a City-created board where the Council nominates and the Mayor appoints. If no nominations are received, the Mayor may appoint. Ordinance No. 18442, specifically states that at least 6, but not more than 7 shall reside within the corporate boundaries of the city. At least 2, but not more than 3 shall reside outside the city boundaries, but within the City’s 3-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction. At least 6 shall be appointed from the private sector; at least 3 from the private sector shall be currently licensed or engaged or have substantial past experience in the following fields: licensed professional engineer; licensed landscape architect; licensed architect; certified planner; registered land surveyor; licensed contractor; developer or other experienced professional working in a filed related to planning or land development. BUDGETARY IMPACT: There is no budgetary impact to the City SOURCE OF FUNDING: Not applicable ATTACHMENTS: Description K.Ringler Application K.Ringler Resume City of Topeka Submit Date: Oct 15, 2015 Status: submitted Application for Appointment to a Board or Commission Profile You are seeking an appointment to a public board. Your appointment is subject to approval by the Mayor and City Council and is governed by certain city ordinances and in some instances, state statutes. The information provided in this application will be used to determine if you meet the requirements required by city ordinances and other applicable laws. Please note that the information provided on this application will be subject to the Kansas Open Records Act. Katrina Ringler First Name Last Name katrina.ringler@att.net Email Address 2135 SW Potomac 2 Street Address Suite or Apt Topeka KS 66611 City State Postal Code Are you a resident of the City of Topeka? Yes No District 6 In whic h distric t do you live? Home: 7852150870 Business: (785) 272-8681 Primary Phone Alternate Phone Which Boards would you like to apply for? Topeka Planning Commission State of Kansas - Kansas Historical Society Preservation Office Supervisor Employer Job Title Are you a registered voter? Yes No Are you currently a full or part-time employee of the City of Topeka? Yes No If yes, please advise in whic h department you work: Are you or any immediate family member related to any city governmental official or employee? Yes No If yes, please advise who and how you are related: Are you or have you been a party to any civil litigation involving the City of Topeka? Yes No If yes, please explain: Are you delinquent in payment of any taxes, fees, fines or special assessments owed to the State of Kansas, Shawnee County or the City of Topeka? Yes No If yes, please explain: Interests & Experiences Please tell us about yourself and why you want to serve. Please state why you are interested in serving on this board or commission: I have lived in Topeka since 2001 and I have come to think of this city as my home. I'm very interested in how the city growing, where it is growing, and how citizens and city staff can work together to guide that growth. I would love serve on the Planning Commission as a way to help guide how the city will look to future generations. Please describe your education, experience and expertise including any honors or awards, civic, cultural, charitable or professional organization memberships that relate to the position you are seeking. My educational background is in historic preservation and American History. I am originally from southwest Missouri, but I attended college at Southeast Missouri State University because of their innovative undergraduate program in historic preservation fields including archaeology, archives, historic site management, and public history. I continued my education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham obtaining a Master of Arts degree in History with an emphasis in American History. During college and grad school I worked part-time at various retail jobs, but I also worked in university libraries assisting patrons and learning to catalog. I completed an internship with the National Park Service at Ozark National Scenic Riverways in 1997. I began work with the Kansas Historical Society in 2001 as a reviewer with the new state historic tax credit program and soon became the state tax credit coordinator for both the state and federal tax incentive programs. In 2008 I transitioned into the position of grants manager and state coordinator of the Certified Local Governments program at KSHS (the City of Topeka is one of seventeen such CLGs in the state of Kansas). I still fulfill those roles while supervising the rest of the State Historic Preservation Office staff. In 2013 I was nominated for the Secretary of the Interior's Historic Preservation Award. I am an active member of my church and the Boy Scouts of America Troop 10 where my two sons participate weekly. KatrinaRingler_resume.doc Upload a Resume Please attac h any additional information you believe may be helpful in c onsidering your applic ation. Question applies to multiple boards. List any professional licenses you hold in Kansas and advise if they are current. (We reserve the right to request a copy of your license prior to approval of your appointment.) None. Voluntary Self Identification The Mayor and City Council are seeking diversity among appointees. We have provided an optional voluntary self-identification form should you choose to provide that information with your application. Race and ethnic designations as used by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission do not denote scientific definitions of anthropological origins. Definitions of the race and ethnicity categories are as follows: Caucasian/Non-Hispanic Ethnic ity Female Gender Acknowledgements and Verification Purpose of information being submitted. I understand that the information I have provided may be used to determine my suitability to perform the duties required by the position I seek. I Agree The information I am submitting is true and correct. By checking this box, I declare under penalty of perjury that I am the person named above, and the information I have provided is true and correct. I Agree Electronic Signature By checking this box, I agree that I am affixing my electronic signature to this application form. I Agree Submission instructions: You may either submit this application online via this web form, or print and email your completed form with attachments to cotappointments@topeka.org or mail to Office of the Mayor, City Hall, 215 SE 7th St., Suite 350 Topeka, KS 66603-3914. For questions, call the Mayor’s Office 785-368-3895. Katrina L. Ringler 2135 SW Potomac #2 katrina.ringler@att.net Topeka, KS 66611 (785) 215-0870 OBJECTIVE As a professional in the field of cultural resources I seek opportunities to learn more about people of the past through their built environment and physical possessions while assisting people in the present develop an appreciation for their heritage and culture. EDUCATION Master of Arts in History University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL – August 2000 Emphasis in American history Bachelor of Science in Historic Preservation Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO – June 1998 Studies in museum studies, archival techniques, building preservation, site administration, and basic archaeology RELAVENT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Additional work experience is available upon request. Historic Preservation Specialist II Kansas State Historical Society – Cultural Resources Division - State Historic Preservation Office Topeka, KS August 2001- present • February 2008 to present serve as Grants Manager and Certified Local Government Coordinator for the Cultural Resources Division o Prepare budgets and contracts, review grant applications from the public and local governments / non-profits, ensure that grantees meet grant requirements and that KSHS is in compliance with federal grant requirements, prepare grant applications to the National Park Service yearly, prepare training presentations for CLGs, and supervise three full-time Incentives Team staff • August 2001-January 2008 coordinate the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit program and the Kansas State Rehabilitation Tax Credit for the State of Kansas o Review applications including drawings and specifications for rehabilitation projects on historically significant buildings to ensure compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation • Review projects in accordance with state and federal preservation laws to ensure compliance with the Standards for Rehabilitation • Present information and conduct meetings to educate property owners, government officials, and developers about the benefits of historic preservation and the tax credit programs • Conduct on-site visits with property owners and contractors to discuss rehabilitation plans and appropriate preservation techniques • Assist applicants with research and application preparation as needed including nominations to the National Register of Historic Places and tax credit applications • Photograph properties using digital, slide, or black and white media as required • Maintain databases and spreadsheets to track the status of projects and their files Page 1 of 2  Library Assistant II University of Alabama at Birmingham - Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences Cataloging Department Birmingham, AL June 2000-July 2001 • Assisted cataloging staff with entry of bibliographic information into online library catalogue • Processed new books to be shelved • Repaired worn and damaged books with approved archival preservation methods • Established a committee to address the needs of the library for a long-term preservation plan and emergency plan for their collections Assistant (Intern) Ozark National Scenic Riverways, National Park Service – Office of Cultural Resources Van Buren, MO June-August 1997 • Created a database to catalogue and organize Civilian Conservation Corps documents including blueprints, park maps, and photographs • Filed historic documents in appropriate drawers and interleafed with archival buffers to ensure conservation • Assisted with surveys of historic and prehistoric sites throughout the park • Assisted with the preservation of documents and artifacts within the park collection SKILLS • Proficient with personal computer programs such as the Microsoft Office suite including Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Publisher. Also experienced searching websites for information and researching subjects online. • Skilled in researching primary documents, newspapers, local records, government documents, and other records for a variety of subjects related to historic properties, artifacts, and people. Able to compile research information into text for National Register nominations, tax credits applications, and other documents such as historic structures reports or display descriptions. • Able to read and understand architectural drawings and specifications and then adapt them into a scope of work for grants or tax credit applications. • Excellent customer service skills including telephone and written communication. REFERENCES Sue Macfee – personal reference Kimberly Smith Executive Assistant to the Chief Justice Curator Kansas State Supreme Court Vigo County Historical Society Museum Topeka, KS 1411 S. 6th Street (785) 296-5322 Terre Haute, IN 47802 macfees@kscourts.org (812) 235-9717 kas628@yahoo.com Dr. Steven J. Hoffman Historic Preservation Program Coordinator Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, MO (573) 651-2808 shoffman@semo.edu Page 2 of 2  City of Topeka Council Action Form Council Chambers 214 SE 8th Street Topeka, Kansas 66603 www.topeka.org November 10, 2015 DATE: November 10, 2015 CONTACT PERSON: Sasha Stiles, Director of DOCUMENT #: Neighborhood Relations SECOND PARTY/SUBJECT: Shawnee County PROJECT #: CATEGORY/SUBCATEGORY 019 Reports / 009 Real Estate CIP PROJECT: No ACTION OF COUNCIL: Approve the Surplus JOURNAL #: Property determination and authorize the Mayor to execute the transfer of the property to Shawnee County. PAGE #: DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: APPROVAL of the Real Estate Report for property located at 5700 SW Valencia Road. (Approval of the real estate report would transfer property located at 5700 SW Valencia Road to Shawnee County for the use as an existing location of an emergency communications tower.) POLICY ISSUE: The Governing Body will need to determine if they are willing to transfer the subject property to Shawnee County for use as the existing location of an emergency communications tower. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Governing Body move to approve the real estate report. BACKGROUND: The property is part of 80 acres that was originally acquired for the Zoo’s animal propagation program. In the 1990’s Shawnee County was allowed to install an emergency communications tower on approximately 13 acres of the property. Shawnee County has maintained the site since locating their tower on the property. Approximately 12 years ago the City sold the remainder of the 80 acres. Shawnee County approached City staff recently to inquire if the property could be transferred to them since they maintain it and intend to keep their emergency communications tower located at the site. All City Departments have indicated there is no need for this property and it can be declared surplus property. BUDGETARY IMPACT: The City of Topeka would no longer have legal liability for the subject property, eliminating any future claims on the property. This action will be a budget neutral transaction as Shawnee County currently maintains the property. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Not Applicable ATTACHMENTS: Description Real Estate Report  NEIGHBORHOOD RELATIONS REAL ESTATE REPORT a. Common Address: 5700 SW Valencia Rd. b. Legal Description: A tract of land in the Southwest Quarter of Section 33, Township 12 South, Range 14 East of the 6th P.M., in Shawnee County, Kansas , more particularly described as follows: Beginning at the Northwest corner of said Southwest Quarter; thence on an assumed bearing of South 89 degrees 41 minutes 36 seconds East along the North line of said Quarter for a distance of 1682.59 feet; thence South 00 degrees 17 minutes 34 seconds West for a distance of 714.92 feet; thence North 89 degrees 41 minutes 45 seconds West for a distance of 725.11 feet; thence North 00 degrees 18 minutes 30 seconds East for a distance of 630.01 feet; thence North 40 degrees 04 minutes 51 seconds West for a distance of 52.56 feet; thence North 89 degrees 41 minutes 55 seconds West for a distance of 923.37 feet to a point on the West line of said Quarter; thence North 00 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West along said West line for a distance of 45.00 feet to the Point of Beginning. Said tract contains 12.9 acres, more or less. c. Current Zoning: RA-1 Rural Agriculture District d. Acquisition Date: 09/01/1988 e. Reason City Acquired: Zoo Animal Propagation program f. How City Acquired: Corporate Quit Claim Deed g. Current Use: Shawnee County emergency communication tower site h. Expected Future Use: Shawnee County emergency communication tower site i. Appraised Value: County 2015 Value is $47,690. j. Method of Disposal Transfer to Political Subdivision - Board of County Commissioners of the Results: County of Shawnee, Kansas (Municipal Code 3.30.340(a)) k. Additional The property is part of 80 acres that was originally acquired for the Zoo's Information: animal propagation program. In the 1990's Shawnee County was allowed to install an emergency communications tower on approximately 13 acres of the property. Shawnee County has maintained the approximate 13 acre site since locating their tower on the property. Approximately 12 years ago the City sold the remainder of the 80 acres. Shawnee County approached City staff recently to inquire if the property could be transferred to them since they maintain it and intend to keep their emergency communications tower located at the site. All City Departments have indicated there is no need for this property and it can be declared surplus property. 5700 SW Valencia Rd. 5700 SW Valencia Rd. - Zoning  City of Topeka Council Action Form Council Chambers 214 SE 8th Street Topeka, Kansas 66603 www.topeka.org November 10, 2015 DATE: November 10, 2015 CONTACT PERSON: Bill Fiander, Planning DOCUMENT #: Department SECOND PARTY/SUBJECT: Transportation PROJECT #: Alternative Grants CATEGORY/SUBCATEGORY 006 Communication / 005 Other CIP PROJECT: No ACTION OF COUNCIL: JOURNAL #: PAGE #: DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: DISCUSSION regarding Transportation Alternative Grants. POLICY ISSUE: The City of Topeka is seeking grant funding for the following two projects through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) Transportation Alternatives (TA) program. TA funds can be used for alternative forms of transportation projects such as recreations trails, pedestrian, bike and transit facilities. The applying entity must commit to a 20% cash match for the total cost of the project. Quincy Elementary Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) Implementation: It will implement the major steps outlined in the 2015 SRTS Study funded through the Metropolitan Topeka Planning Organization (MTPO) It will address sidewalk needs in an area identified as a “high need” target area in the neighborhood planning process It will help a neighborhood that is ranked “At Risk” and “Intensive Care” on Topeka’s Neighborhood Health indicator scale It will improve pedestrian connections in an identified “hot spot” from the proposed Pedestrian Master Plan It will build on investments made within the neighborhood for implementing the 2012 Bikeways Master Plan, as well as linking recreational trails and public transportation routes Hi-Crest Multi-modal Bridge It will implement recommendations of the 2015 Hi-Crest Neighborhood Plan It will improve connections between trails and neighborhoods as called for in the 2015 Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Master PlanIt will build on investments made within the neighborhood for  implementing the 2012 Bikeways Master Plan, as well as linking trails and public transportation routes It will help a neighborhood that is ranked “ “Intensive Care” on Topeka’s Neighborhood Health indicator scale It will improve pedestrian connections in an identified “hot spot” from the proposed Pedestrian Master Plan STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends consideration and approval of a resolution of support for both grant applications. BACKGROUND: The City of Topeka is seeking grant funding for two projects through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) Transportation Alternatives (TA) program. TA funds can be used for alternative forms of transportation projects such as recreations trails, pedestrian, bike and transit facilities. The applying entity must commit to a 20% cash match for the total cost of the project. The Metropolitan Topeka Planning Organization (MTPO) must also endorse any grant applications. The application deadline is November 20. The following projects are described below: Quincy Safe Routes to Schools Implementation: With funding through the MTPO, Shawnee County (SNCO) Health Agency completed a Safe Routes to Schools Report for the Quincy Elementary School area in 2015. The school is located in the Historic North Topeka East Neighborhood. This Report outlined barriers to walkability and proposed implementation steps such as sidewalk improvements, traffic calming, crosswalk marking, code enforcement, and clearing brush from the right-of-way. In April, City departments met with SNCO Health Agency and USD 501 to start addressing the non-infrastructure implementation suggestions. Since January 2015, 34 new cases have been opened on vacant or abandoned buildings in the SRTS area, crosswalks by the school have been repainted, and two sidewalks specifically recommended in the SRTS report have been designed and are scheduled to be constructed in 2016. Hi-Crest Multimodal Bridge: The Hi-Crest neighborhood has a high poverty rate and the latest Census Bureau numbers show that 10-20% of households do not have cars. There has already been significant public investment in this area to improve its access to multimodal transportation networks—previous TA grants have helped develop the bikeways network and the Landon Trail. Hi-Crest has 4 bike routes and the Landon Trail running through the neighborhood but the neighborhood itself has no direct access to the Landon Trail. Improving the connection between the neighborhood, the Landon Trail, and the bikeways network is supported by a variety of agencies’ policy documents: the 2015 Hi-Crest Neighborhood Plan (public hearing scheduled for 11/16), the 2014 Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and the 2012 Bikeways Master Plan. BUDGETARY IMPACT: Quincy Elementary Safe Routes to Schools: $560,000 Total Sidewalk Project Budget TA Request: $448,000 (80%) City Match: 112,000 (20%) Funding from the Infill Sidewalk/Pedestrian Master Plan Program (GO Bonds – CIP 2016) Hi-Crest Multi-modal Bridge: $535,000 Total Multimodal Bridge Project TA Request: $428,000 (80%) City Match: $107,000 (20%) Funding from the Hi-Crest SORT Neighborhood Infrastructure (GO Bonds – CIP 2016) SOURCE OF FUNDING: Infill Sidewalk/Pedestrian Master Plan Program (GO Bonds – CIP 2016) Hi-Crest SORT Neighborhood Infrastructure (GO Bonds – CIP 2016 ATTACHMENTS: Description Resolution Quincy Elementary TA Program Application Quincy Elementary Sidewalk Map Hi-Crest TA Program Application Hi-Crest TA Project Map  1 2 RESOLUTION NO.___________ 3 4 A RESOLUTION introduced by Jim Colson, City Manager, supporting the City of 5 Topeka’s application for funding from the Kansas Department of 6 Transportation for Quincy Elementary Safe Routes to Schools 7 Sidewalks and the Hi-Crest Multiuse Bridge. 8 9 WHEREAS, the City of Topeka, Kansas, has the authority to apply for, receive and 10 administer federal and state grants; and 11 WHEREAS, the City desires to submit an application to the Kansas Department of 12 Transportation for Transportation Alternatives Program funds afforded by the Federal st 13 Transportation Equity Act of the 21 Century; and 14 WHEREAS, after appropriate public input and due consideration, the governing 15 body supports submission of an application for funding to further implement sidewalks 16 recommended in the Quincy Safe Routes to Schools Study and the Historic North Topeka 17 East Neighborhood Plan; and 18 WHEREAS, after appropriate public input and due consideration, the governing 19 body also supports submission of an application for funding for a multiuse bridge in Hi- 20 Crest linking Betty Phillips Park to the Landon Trail, identified in the Bikeways Master Plan 21 and the Hi-Crest Neighborhood Plan. 22 23 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE 24 CITY OF TOPEKA, KANSAS, that: 25 Section 1. The governing body authorizes the City Manager to submit an 26 application to the Kansas Department of Transportation for transportation alternatives 11/17/2015 1  st 27 program funds provided through the Federal Transportation Equity Act of the 21 28 Century. 29 Section 2. The City assures the Kansas Department of Transportation of 30 sufficient City funding for the construction, operation, and maintenance of these two 31 projects. 32 Section 3. The City Manager is authorized to execute the application to the 33 Kansas Department of Transportation for Transportation Alternatives program funding. 34 The City Manager is also authorized to submit additional information as may be 35 required and act as the official representative of the City in this and subsequent related 36 activities. 37 Section 4. The City assures the Kansas Department of Transportation that 38 the City is willing and able to administer the designing, letting and construction of 39 these projects, if either of these projects are selected for funding. 40 ADOPTED and APPROVED by the City Council on November ____, 2015. 41 CITY OF TOPEKA, KANSAS 42 43 44 45 _________________________________ 46 Larry E. Wolgast, Mayor 47 48 ATTEST: 49 50 51 52 ______________________________ 53 Brenda Younger, City Clerk 54 55 56 11/17/2015 2 Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project Transportation Alternatives Program Application 2015 City of Topeka, KS  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project A Section A: Narrative A neighborhood school in distress, a SRTS calling attention to the needs, City departments, the neighborhood, and other organizations stepping up….will you? The North Topeka East neighborhood in Topeka is in need of serious help. The City’s neighborhood stability indicators show the area surrounding Quincy Elementary School as consistently “at-risk”—the second to lowest scoring category for infrastructure, property values, homeownership, vacant structures, and crime. The most recent Kansas State Department of Education Building Report Card for Quincy shows that 96.5% of its students are economically disadvantaged compared to a district average of 77.1% and a state average of 49.9%. 98% of the students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Figure 1: Examples of Sidewalks Needing Repairs Adjacent to Quincy Elementary School Many of the sidewalks near Quincy are brick and have either become covered in dirt or heaved up by tree roots and are impassible for anyone with mobility issues. Some areas have had concrete sidewalks installed in the past but sections of these, too, have deteriorated to the point of needing to be replaced. And, other sections—major routes identified in school maps dating back to 2008 as primary walking routes to Quincy Elementary—have no sidewalks but rather a path worn into the grass next to the curb. Figure 2: Students Walking in Grass Across from Quincy Elementary School on National Walk to School Day 2015 1  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project A Last year, the Shawnee County Health Agency (SCHA) conducted a Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) study and the implementation suggestions all reflected what was already known. The school is in an older neighborhood, surrounded by higher volume streets, and framed with deteriorating infrastructure. Sidewalks are broken, heaved, covered in dirt, or non-existent. Street markings are fading, vacant and abandoned houses line the blocks next to the school—streets children have to walk down every day. Loose dogs roam the streets and brush and weeds hang over the sidewalks that do exist, both forcing pedestrians to walk in the street to avoid these hazards. The SRTS study used parent survey forms to get information about perceptions and barriers to having children walk to school.  27 percent of the students already walk to school  62 percent of students live within 1 mile of school, yet distance from the school was the top indicator for parents not allowing their children to walk/bicycle to school (59 percent)  52.4 percent of parents would not feel comfortable letting their child walk/bicycle to school without an adult at any age  76.2 percent of parents recognized that walking/bicycling to school was healthy for their children Map 1: Quincy Elementary School Attendance Map - courtesy of USD 501 2  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project A The neighborhood knows this area needs help; the City knows this area needs to be a focus of assistance; outside agencies see the need here and support every effort to improve the situation and stabilize this neighborhood, both for the children and the residents. People are working to change this. The USD 501 School District declared Quincy Elementary a “Signature Arts School,” where art is incorporated into every class in its curriculum. The District has allocated $100,000 per year to fund this. Blossoming from this commitment is a growing connection with the NOTO arts district. Quincy was awarded a $4,000 grant from Heartland Visioning in September 2014 to give the students a hands-on art project, has received a grant to fund a Visual Arts Learning Academy after school program, and received a grant for the Summer STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Art, and Math) that included a NOTO Arts Camp. The Historic North Topeka East Neighborhood Improvement Association applied for a City grant to update their neighborhood plan and fund infrastructure and housing improvements in the area. In 2013, they were awarded the Stages of Resource Targeting (SORT) grant, providing $1.4 million in infrastructure improvements and $500,000 in housing improvement funds to the neighborhood on the west side of N. Kansas Avenue. A section of the neighborhood plan addressed the Safe Routes to Schools program, the study that SCHA was then-looking to fund, and also how a 2011 City of Topeka Planning Department Study identified Quincy Elementary School as having a high importance to the neighborhood. Figure 3: Quincy Students Working on Art Projects in NOTO 3  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project A Shortly after the release of the SCHA SRTS study, City staff met to determine how the City could help implement suggestions from the plan. Looking through the document, staff began to help with what they could. In addition to the SORT funding spent nearby, the City has allocated $35,000 to repaint crosswalks and install two new major sidewalk connections called for in the SRTS plan. Additionally, since January 2015, the Code Enforcement Unit has opened 34 cases on vacant structures and abandoned buildings in the SRTS area to target in on the SRTS recommendations as well. 2014 During SRTS Study October 8, 2015 Figure 4: A Walking School Bus on Walk to School Day 2015 4  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project A The grant proposal The City is proposing a $560,000 sidewalk project that will add ~6,300 linear feet of sidewalk to the existing 15,417 feet of sidewalk network connecting the North Topeka East population to Quincy Elementary School (Map 2) and can be completed in one phase. This addition will also help link the SORT infrastructure improvement areas, the two sidewalk segments in design by the City recommended by the SRTS grant, and the school. Additionally, it will strengthen and improve the safety between Quincy School and the NOTO Arts District with new sidewalks connecting these two essential elements of the North Topeka Community. Through the SORT grant, 4,300 feet of sidewalks in the pedestrian network west of Kansas Avenue is scheduled to be completed or repaired—funding from this TA grant would expand the network on the east side, providing a more-continuous route for children in the Quincy School area. While the initial idea was to focus on sidewalk completion only within a ¼ mile radius of Quincy Elementary School, it became clear that to only do so would leave gaps between this and the other elements in the immediate area that had already received substantial investments – the trail network, the bikeways network, public transportation stops, the SORT area. By extending a little beyond the identified ¼ mile radius, the networks could be connected in one project rather than leaving one block gaps that would need to be completed later. However, this required prioritizing this funding to be concentrated on the main connecting routes—Kansas Ave., Paramore, Quincy, and Central. Should both the grant and match funding look to be expended prior to completion of the entirety of the project, Section D lists the sidewalk segments in order of priority. They should be completed in such order. 5  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project A Map 2: Quincy Elementary School Vicinity Map 6  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project A This proposal will touch on many plans that overlap in this area.  It will implement the major steps outlined in the 2015 SRTS Study  It will address sidewalk needs in an area identified as a “high need” target area in the neighborhood planning process (Map 3)  It will help a neighborhood that is ranked “At Risk” and “Intensive Care” on Topeka’s Neighborhood Health indicator scale, indicating environmental justice considerations (Map 4)  It will improve pedestrian connections in an identified “hot spot” from the 2015 Pedestrian Master Plan (Map 5)  It will build on investments made within the neighborhood for implementing the 2012 Bikeways Master Plan, as well as linking trails and public transportation routes (Map 6) The required 20% City match would be allocated from funding set aside for infill sidewalk projects. 7  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project A Map 3: Target Area Concept Map - 2013 Historic North Topeka East Neighborhood Plan 8  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project A Neighborhood Health The City of Topeka uses a health analogy to compare its neighborhoods and track their changes over time. The best conditions are seen in a “Healthy” neighborhood, with conditions getting progressively worse in “Out Patient,” “At Risk,” and finally “Intensive Care.” Neighborhoods are ranked on the number of boarded house cases opened, poverty, number of Part 1 crimes, homeownership, and residential property values. These scores are then averaged to show the composite neighborhood ranking. The neighborhood immediately surrounding Quincy Elementary School has ranked “At Risk” since the City started tracking these indicators in 2000. The neighborhood south of Morse St has been “Intensive Care” for this entire time period as well. Average property values range between $27-$35,000 for single family homes and most of the homes were build in the late 1950s. Residents in this neighborhood also require environmental justice consideration. Population and income demographics for each of the neighborhood’s block groups were pulled from the 2010 Census and the 2013 5-Year American Community Survey as part of the Neighborhood Plan in 2013 and this data indicates that Environmental Justice covered populations are present in Historic North Topeka East. In addition to facing low property values and aging infrastructure, the average household median income actually fell from $25,286 in 2000 to $24,396 in 2010, now only 60.5% of the median household income for the Topeka area. According to the 2013 5-Year ACS, block groups 8:2 and 8:3 each have 26% poverty rates while 8:4 has 49% of its population below poverty. Map 4: 2014 Historic North Topeka East Neighborhood Health 9  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project A The Pedestrian Plan The Pedestrian Plan used 11 different layers to help show where pedestrian demand is the highest throughout the city. Factors creating the demand shown around Quincy Elementary School include: Bus Routes, Intensive Care Neighborhoods, Parks and Trails, Schools, Streets with no Sidewalks, At Risk Neighorhoods, Busy Streets, and its Community Center. Map 5: 2015 Draft Pedestrian Demand Map Quincy Elementary School NOTO Arts District 10  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project A Bikeways, Trails, and Public Transportation The area surrounding Quincy Elementary is very close to linking to major bike, trail, and bus network routes. To encourage people to take advantage of this fact, access to these networks needs to be safe— feeder routes that have level sidewalks so people do not have to walk in the street because of no sidewalks or because the sidewalks are in such disrepair. Not only will this promote the goals of the Safe Routes to Schools program, it will also supplement the investment already made by the City, KTA, and private individuals in building the bike network, by the Topeka Metro in the public transportation network, and by the City and Shawnee County in the established trails network. Map 6: Project Area in Relation to Bikeways, Trails, and Public Transportation 11  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project A Map 7: Safe Routes to Schools Map showing Main Routes and Feeder Routes to Quincy Elementary School 12  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project B Section B: Detailed Map and Photo 13  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project C Section C: Sketch-Plan (Not Applicable) 14  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project D Section D: Itemized Breakdown Street Side Linear footage Total Paramore Kansas - Quincy N 170 $ 14,346 Paramore Kansas - Quincy S 280 $ 24,181 Paramore Quincy - Monroe S 370 $ 39,049 Paramore Monroe - Madison S 365 $ 33,045 Kansas N of Morse to 1227 N KS W 275 $ 22,210 Kansas Grant - St John W 485 $ 45,265 Kansas N of St John - Paramore W 370 $ 28,761 Kansas Paramore - Soldier W 510 $ 38,464 Quincy St John - Paramore E 485 $ 31,816 Quincy Paramore - Soldier W 510 $ 31,816 Paramore Central – Jackson N ~370 $ ~ 40,000 Paramore Jackson – Van Buren N ~370 $ ~40,000 Paramore Logan – Central N ~410 $ ~40,000 Central St John- Paramore W 475 $ 41,514 Central Morse-Grant W 500 $ 46,189 Central Paramore – Soldier E ~350 $ ~40,000 Total 6,295 $ 556,656 Total (Rounded) $560,000 The costs above include design, engineering, and construction estimates. 15  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project E Section E: Time Schedule This project will be completed in two years. The first year will be for design and acquisition of right-of- way. The second year will be for utility relocation and construction. 16  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project G Section F: Official Endorsement The City agrees to adequately maintain the new sidewalks and existing sidewalks that are a part of this project for a minimum of 10 years. City Code imposes the responsibility for keeping sidewalks in repair on the property owner(s) whose property abuts the sidewalk. Should a sidewalk located within the project area necessitate repair, the City will contact the appropriate property owner. In the event the property owner fails to complete the work, the City will utilize its resources to do so. 17  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project G Section G: Letter of Support from MPO (Letter of Support Pending) 18  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project H Section H: Public Participation Process Historic North Topeka East Neighborhood Plan The Historic North Topeka East Neighborhood Plan was updated in 2013 and adopted as part of the Neighborhood Element of the City of Topeka’s Comprehensive Plan in December of that year. During that time, all property owners within the neighborhood were notified by mail twice of upcoming meetings so they could provide input on their proirities for improvements. An additional five steering committee meetings were held, as well as a public hearing with the Topeka Planning Commission. At the final neighborhood meeting, attendees were asked to vote on key long-term action priories. Out of the twelve options given, repair of existing sidewalks or construction of new sidewalks ranked number 5. Also during the Neighborhood Plan update, a conditions analysis was conducted to see what areas of the neighborhood were most in need of public assistance. The area just east of Quincy was identified as having a high need but was not selected as a primary or secondary target area. Figure 5: Historic North Topeka East Neighborhood Plan Kickoff Meeting April 10, 2013 Safe Routes to School Report Student Surveys For this project, a modified version of the Student Tally form developed by the National Center for SRTS was used. Teachers were asked to use this form to record specific information about how chidlren traveled to and from school on Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday of a normal school week. Teachers were asked to tally at least two days of that week in the classroom. Teachers administered these surveys on two different occasions during this project. Surveys were conducted once in April of the 2013-2014 school year and once in September of the 2014-2015 school year. The goal was to get data from two different sets of students. For the April surveys, 72 percent of 19  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project H the student population was surveyed; 79 percent of students were surveyed during the September surveys. The following tables detail results from both surveys: Parent Surveys For this project, the Parent Survey form developed by the National Center for SRTS was used to look at travel mode to school, factors that affect letting children walk or bicycle to school, the presence of key safety-related conditions along routes to school, and related background information. Surveys were sent home with students as well as conducted in person at Quincy Elementary School’s Parent Night and Book Fair in order to reach a majority of parents. The surveys were made available in both English and Spanish. 20  Hi-Crest Multiuse Bridge Project Transportation Alternatives Program Application 2015 City of Topeka, KS  Hi-Crest Multiuse Bridge Project A Section A: Narrative The Hi-Crest neighborhood in Topeka has always had significant need. Its residents are poor, many lacking cars and they must walk, bike, or take public transportation to get to where they need to go. Not only is this neighborhood part of a food desert, but work opportunities, social services, and medical services are all located far beyond the borders of the neighborhood. Over the last 15 years, a focused effort has been made by the City, various organizations, and non-profit groups to target their efforts in the Hi-Crest area to help improve the lives of the residents. One theme that has emerged in this work has been to improve the interconnectivity of the bikeways and trails network to allow residents to easily and safely access these corridors when traveling to their destinations. Figure 2: Landon Trail Entrance from 37th St Figure 1: Betty Phillips Park from Girard St The grant proposal The City of Topeka is requesting funding to be used for the construction of a multiuse bridge to directly connect Betty Phillips Park to the Landon Trail. This would cross Butcher Creek on the southwest side of the park and be accessed with a new 10’ wide sidepath. It will cross the creek in a location where both sides are fairly level, eliminating the need for long access ramps, and the biking community has already created a path here that can even be seen on Google Earth aerials. The total design, construction, and engineering cost of the project is $535,000. As described later in this document, the neighborhood has voted that the 20% match will come out of the infrastructure improvement funds allocated with their 2015 neighborhood plan update. Betty Phillips Park Informal Path 1  Hi-Crest Multiuse Bridge Project A Building on Existing Investments in Hi-Crest Hi-Crest lies adjacent to the Landon Trail and has four designated bike routes running through its streets. Not only is a direct linkage between for the Landon Trail called for at this location in the Bikeways Master Plan and the Hi-Crest Neighborhood Plan, but providing a direct connection between these two systems will have a real impact on the lives of the residents who use these systems not for recreation or environmental reasons but for necessity alone. According to the 2013 5-Year American Community Survey, between 10-20% of residents in the western half of Hi-Crest have no vehicles at their household. Funding from previous years’ TA grants has gone to improving the Landon Trail and to implementing infrastructure improvements associated with the Bikeways Master Plan. This project would directly connect the two and provide improved access to the trail network via the Landon Trail. Trails, Bike Routes and Bus Routes 2  Hi-Crest Multiuse Bridge Project A The Hi-Crest Neighborhood Plan The neighborhood’s need for a direct connection to the Landon Trail has continually come up in conversation since 2003, when the first Hi-Crest Neighborhood Plan was adopted. The Plan was updated in 2015, with five neighborhood meetings held on it. When asked to vote on implementation projects this summer, a multiuse bridge linking Betty Phillips Park to the Landon Trail ranked 4th on the list—after 2 major street reconstruction projects and a partnership with Westar on an LED streetlight installation program. Betty Phillips Park 3  Hi-Crest Multiuse Bridge Project A The need for a multiuse bridge connection is supported in the recently updated Hi-Crest Neighborhood Plan in the Goals and Objectives, Circulation and Infrastructure, and Implementation categories. In fact, the neighborhood voted that the match funding for this project come out of their allocated infrastructure funding that is associated with the plan update. Some of the Guiding Principles in the Plan that support this project are:  “Continue to build on previous successes and investments such as the Landon Trail, Betty Phillips Park, and in implementing the Bikeways Master Plan”  “Make neighborhood parks, trails, and open spaces more accessible”  “Improve the visibility and safety along the access to the Landon Trail to encourage additional usage of this asset by the neighborhood” Recommendations in the Circulation and Infrastructure section of the Plan include:  “Provide a direct connection from Betty Phillips Park to the Landon Trail with a multiuse bridge over Butcher Creek”  “Promote Hi-Crest as a bike-friendly neighborhood through coordination with the Bikeways Master Plan implementation, signage, and pavement markings” The interior of Hi-Crest does not have direct access to the Trail, a deterrent to both recreational users and those with limited mobility needing a route to access downtown or commercial facilities. Currently, the only access point from Hi-Crest to the Trail is a bridge linking Girard St. to Humboldt St. across Butcher Creek. Users then would progress south to 37th St and then west to the Trail. Not only is this an indirect route for trail users, but there are no designated parking lots—users are restricted to on-street parking or parking in the Kwik Shop parking lot, neither of which is a good solution, especially considering that there is a parking lot located in Betty Phillips Park. The best solution to improve both access to the Landon Trail and the awareness of Hi-Crest’s ideal proximity to the Trail and the extensive trail network which it serves is locating the multiuse bridge here. This would provide easy, direct access and the parking lot in the Park would serve as an alternative to on-street parking. 4  Hi-Crest Multiuse Bridge Project A Neighborhood Health The City of Topeka uses a health analogy to compare its neighborhoods and track their changes over time. The best conditions are seen in a “Healthy” neighborhood, with conditions getting progressively worse in “Out Patient,” “At Risk,” and finally “Intensive Care.” Neighborhoods are ranked on the number of boarded house cases opened, poverty, number of Part 1 crimes, homeownership, and residential property values. These scores are then averaged to show the composite neighborhood ranking. The western half of Hi-Crest is ranked “Intensive Care,” with poverty rates exceeding 80%, average residential property values from $20-30,000, and around 70% renter occupied units. Contrary to common perception, crime rates are relatively good here, falling in the second best “Out Patient” category. Residents in this neighborhood also require environmental justice consideration. Population and income demographics for each of the neighborhood’s block groups were pulled from the 2010 Census and the 2013 5-Year American Community Survey as part of the Neighborhood Plan in 2015 and this data indicates that Environmental Justice covered populations are present in West Hi-Crest. In addition to high rental rates and low property values, the average household median income for the three block groups in West Hi-Crest ranged from $16,855 - $24,327, compared to a $40,342 median household income for the Topeka area. According to the 2013 5-Year ACS, block groups 29:1 has 68% poverty, 29:2 has 82% poverty, and 29:4 has 63% poverty. 2014 Hi-Crest Neighborhood Health 5  Hi-Crest Multiuse Bridge Project A The Pedestrian Plan The Pedestrian Plan used 11 different layers to help show where pedestrian demand is the highest throughout the city. Factors creating the demand shown Hi-Crest include: Bus Routes, Intensive Care Neighborhoods, Parks and Trails, Streets with no Sidewalks, At Risk Neighorhoods, and Busy Streets. Hi Crest Neighborhood Multiuse Bridge 6  Hi-Crest Multiuse Bridge Project B Section B: Detailed Map and Photo Betty Phillips Park  Quincy Elementary School Safe Routes to Schools Implementation Project C Section C: Sketch-Plan (Not Applicable)  Hi-Crest Multiuse Bridge Project D Section D: Itemized Breakdown x 1.3 (design fees) ~$535,000  Hi-Crest Multiuse Bridge Project E Section E: Time Schedule This project will be completed in two years. The first year will be for design and acquisition of right-of- way. The second year will be for utility relocation and construction.  Hi-Crest Multiuse Bridge Project E Section F: Official Endorsement (Official Endorsement from Shawnee County Pending)  Hi-Crest Multiuse Bridge Project F Section G: Letter of Support from MPO (Letter of Support Pending)  Hi-Crest Multiuse Bridge Project H Section H: Public Participation Process Hi-Crest Neighborhood Plan The Hi-Crest Neighborhood Plan was created in 2003 and updated in 2015 as part of the Neighborhood Element of the City of Topeka’s Comprehensive Plan. The update is scheduled to be heard by the Planning Commission in November and the City Council in December. During this summer, 3 steering committee meetings were held before the montly Neighborhood Improvement Association meetings so everyone who was interested could be involved in the Plan update discussion. All property owners within the neighborhood were notified of the kickoff meeting, the final meeting, and the Planning Commission public hearing. At the final meeting where attendees voted on infrastructure projects, this was the only “quality of life” project in the top 4.  City of Topeka Council Action Form Council Chambers 214 SE 8th Street Topeka, Kansas 66603 www.topeka.org November 10, 2015 DATE: November 10, 2015 CONTACT PERSON: Sasha Stiles, DOCUMENT #: Department of Neighborhood Relations SECOND PARTY/SUBJECT: PROJECT #: CATEGORY/SUBCATEGORY 006 Communication / 005 Other CIP PROJECT: No ACTION OF COUNCIL: Accept the Committee's JOURNAL #: recommendation and approve the projects selected for 2016 Empowerment Grant Funding PAGE #: DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: DISCUSSION regarding the 2016 Neighborhood Empowerment Grants as recommended by the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant Committee. (Council District Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 6) (Recommendations include the allocation of $137,890 to seven projects in Central Highland Park, Central Park, Oakland, Valley Park and Ward-Meade, and provide for a contingency of $12,110 for an allocated total of $150,000.) POLICY ISSUE: The Empowerment Grant Program provides federal funding for improvements to neighborhood infrastructure and parks to enhance the quality of life in Topeka neighborhoods. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Governing Body approve of the recommendation from the Review Committee and approve the resolution. BACKGROUND: Neighborhood Empowerment Grant funds are used to support a variety of neighborhood designed and based public facility projects. This would include neighborhood infrastructure (primarily sidewalks) and park improvements. BUDGETARY IMPACT: Approval would allocate $137,890 to seven projects in Central Highland Park, Central Park, Oakland, Valley Park and Ward-Meade, and provide for a contingency of $12,110 for an allocated total of $150,000. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Allocation of 2016 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, contingent upon final federal appropriations. These funds were reserved for the Empowerment Grant Program as part of the 2016 Consolidated Plan Action Plan process. ATTACHMENTS: Description 2016 Empowerment Grant Revie Committee Funding Recommendations 2016 Empowerment Grant Resolution  2016 EMPOWERMENT GRANT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM REVIEW COMMITTEE FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS AUGUST 2015 Department of Neighborhood Relations 620 SE Madison, 1st Floor Topeka, Kansas 66607 www.topeka.org Page 1  2016 Empowerment Grant Overview The Empowerment Grant Program is funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. These funds are used to support a variety of neighborhood based public facility projects. Projects must be located within predominately low/moderate income neighborhoods. Neighborhood Improvement Associations (NIA) who are designated as 2015 Stages of Resource Targeting areas are not eligible for this program. Eligible neighborhoods are invited to submit funding application(s) in the late spring. The neighborhood determines which particular project(s) to submit for consideration. A Review Committee, described below, reviews the application and develops a funding recommendation, which is then provided to the City Council for approval. 2016 Empowerment Grant Review Process Review Team members were identified by Roseanna Haugen of Neighborhood Relations, and were approved by Mayor Larry Wolgast. The Review Team was configured to include persons with knowledge of infrastructure needs for neighborhoods and public facility projects. Further consideration was given to assure racial and ethnic diversity, and the utilization of persons who did not constitute any conflict of interest. The committee members had all of the proposals with applications to review before the meeting. The committee members followed the application form titled “Review Committee Criteria” (attached). Each member scored each proposal and then all of their scores were averaged. Two projects that were submitted for funding were not selected for consideration by the committee, but these determinations were not made based on the application scores, rather the committee has specific reservations on each and chose to not include them in the 2016 projects for consideration. Tennessee Town Land Garden project was not included for consideration due to concerns about ongoing maintenance of the project by the neighborhood. Ward-Meade Solar Lighting Phase II project was not included for consideration because the committee wanted to see the Phase I project completed and in place prior to consideration of funding future phases. Phase I of the project should be completed in 2015, so the applicants were encouraged to re-submit the application for Phase II next year (2017 funding). Neighborhood Organization Representatives City/County Staff Bev Schneider Highland Acres NIA Susan Hanzlik Planning Shawn Maisberger City Manager’s Office L J Polly Elmhurst NA Bill Riphahn Parks & Rec John Moyer East Topeka North NIA Linda Finch Chesney Park NIA Neighborhood Relations staff (non-voting members) Roseanna Haugen Sasha Stiles Page 2  2016 Empowerment Grant Timetable The selection process is the same as it has been in years past. The following is the timeline for the process. 05/01/2015 Applications available at Neighborhood Relations & were mailed to all NIA officers 05/16/2015 First Empowerment Application Workshop held at the Holliday Building 05/18/2015 Second Empowerment Application Workshop held at the Holliday Building 07/06/2015 Applications due, 5pm at the Department of Neighborhood Relations 08/24/2015 Review committee comprised of three City of Topeka/County employees and four neighborhood representatives who have not submitted an Empowerment application 08/24/2015 Review committee meets to select and finalize funding recommendations. 11/2015 Committee recommendations presented to the City Council for consideration. Page 3  EMPOWERMENT GRANT 2016 FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS Application Available Census Health Neighborhood Project Score 2015 Request 2015 Recom Funds Tract Status LMI $150,000.00 Outdoor Fitness Central Highland Equipment for Hillcrest 1 Park #1 Community Center 38.7 $26,300.00 $26,300.00 $123,700.00 12:03 At Risk 80.8% Open air shelter and other Central Highland park amenities for Hillcrest 2 Park #2 Community Center 39.0 $70,250.00 $12,750.00 $110,950.00 12:03 At Risk 80.8% Park amenities for Central 3 Central Park #1 Park 50.5 $16,000.00 $16,000.00 $94,950.00 4:03 At Risk 75.1% Little Oakland Park Out 4 Oakland #1 improvements 32.5 $16,340.00 $16,340.00 $78,610.00 10:4 Patient 57.4% Oakland Archway for Out 5 Oakland #2 Seward Ave & Branner 43.3 $9,500.00 $9,500 $69,110.00 10:4 Patient 57.4% Tennessee Lane Garden Out 6 Town Improvements 44.2 $26,572.50 $0.00 $69,110.00 5:03 Patient 68.8% Additional play equipment and benches to Shunga Out 7 Valley Park Park 59.2 $25,000.00 $25,000.00 $44,110.00 16.01:1 Patient 51.2% Repair brick sidewalk – rd 800 blk SW 3 heading Out 8 Ward Meade #1 north on Western 49.3 $32,000.00 $32,000.00 $12,110.00 6:01 Patient 66.2% Solar lighting – between th th 4 to 6 Ave & Topeka Out 9 Ward Meade #2 Blvd to Lane St 56.3 $36,000.00 0.00 $12,110.00 6:01 Patient 66.2% Page 4  TOTAL $257,963.00 $137,890.00 Summary Total Applications 9 Total Applications Funded 7 Total Eligible Requests 9 Funds Requested $257,963.00 Recommended Funding $137,890.00 Total Funds Available $150,000.00 *Contingency $12,110.00 *Due to expected increase in petroleum cost, an approximate one (1) year period before projects would commence and Davis-Bacon wages rates for construction labor, we believe bids may come in higher than originally quoted. Therefore, a recommended contingency fund should be set aside for such costs. Page 5 Page 6 NIA Name_________________________________ Scored by _____________________ PROJECT TITLE ______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS OR LOCATION OF PROJECT ___________________________________________ PART 6: REVIEW COMMITTEE CRITERIA Subtotal Total Points Points Project Description & Impact: (Maximum Points –40) Project has a widespread impact which can be measured 15 Project contributes to the continuity of the existing neighborhood or prior project 15 Project consists of accessibility and/or complete street improvements (sidewalks) 10 Calculate Total Points Neighborhood Ratings (Location of project) (Maximum Points – 40) Please note: Only one health rating qualifies Intensive Care Neighborhood project OR 20 At-Risk Neighborhood project OR 10 Out-Patient Neighborhood project OR 5 Healthy Neighborhood project 0 Neighborhood has never been designated as a Target Area for the SORT Concept 15 Consistent with Neighborhood Plan or other existing plan recognized by HND 5 Calculate Total Points Resident Input & History (Maximum Points –20) Applicant has an active mechanism for resident input. The project has been 10 conceptualized and presented to the entire area to be impacted (i.e. minutes of an affirmative vote along with the attendance sheet, other meetings, surveys, etc.) Funding history of the organization: No funding from this source in the last three years. 10 Calculate Total Points Grand Total (Maximum Possible Points) 100 Committee may request a presentation from the applicant. TOTAL SCORE ________ Page 7  1 RESOLUTION NO.___________ 2 3 4 A RESOLUTION introduced by City Manager Jim Colson approving the 2016 5 Neighborhood Empowerment Grants as recommended by the 6 Neighborhood Empowerment Grant Committee. 7 8 WHEREAS, the City of Topeka, Kansas, in its efforts to enhance and improve the 9 quality of life in area neighborhoods, allocated $150,000 of 2016 Community 10 Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant 11 Program; and 12 WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant Committee, comprised of three 13 City staff members and four neighborhood organization representatives appointed by the 14 Mayor, evaluated the applications received for Empowerment Grant funding; and 15 WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant Committee developed the 16 following funding recommendations: 17 Central Highland Park – Hillcrest Community Center Fitness Equipment - 18 $26,300 19 Central Highland Park – Hillcrest Park Improvements - $12,750 20 Central Park – Central Park Improvements - $16,000 21 Oakland – Little Oakland Park Improvements - $16,340 22 Oakland – Archway for Seward Ave. & Branner - $9,500 23 Valley Park – Shunga Park Improvements - $25,000 rd 24 Ward Meade – SW 3 Brick Sidewalk - $32,000 25 Project Contingency - $12,110 26 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Topeka, 27 Kansas, that it supports and approves the recommended funding allocations from the 28 Neighborhood Empowerment Committee. 29 1 30 ADOPTED and APPROVED by City Council __________________________. 31 CITY OF TOPEKA, KANSAS 32 33 34 _________________________________ 35 Larry E. Wolgast, Mayor 36 ATTEST: 37 38 39 ______________________________ 40 Brenda Younger, City Clerk 2  City of Topeka Council Action Form Council Chambers 214 SE 8th Street Topeka, Kansas 66603 www.topeka.org November 10, 2015 DATE: November 10, 2015 CONTACT PERSON: Doug Whitacre, Public DOCUMENT #: Works Director SECOND PARTY/SUBJECT: Snow and Ice Removal PROJECT #: Plan 2015-2016 CATEGORY/SUBCATEGORY 006 Communication / 005 Other CIP PROJECT: No ACTION OF COUNCIL: JOURNAL #: PAGE #: DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: DISCUSSION for the purpose of providing an overview of the City’s 2015-2016 Snow and Ice Removal Plan. POLICY ISSUE: Topeka Public Works in coordination with the City’s Emergency Management Coordinator is responsible for monitoring snow and ice conditions and determining appropriate precautionary measures to provide effective snow and ice removal services to the City streets allowing motorists to safely travel within the City when winter weather conditions compromise the driving surface. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Implement 2015-2016 Snow and Ice Removal Plan BACKGROUND: The City of Topeka approaches snow removal every year with the goal of clearing routes in reasonable time to protect public safety and meet the needs of city residents. The City has 6,000 tons of roadway deicer available, 14 large dump trucks with plows/spreaders, 10 “pup trucks” (2 ton trucks and smaller) with plows/spreaders to assist in tighter spots. These trucks are operated by award winning crews from both Streets and WPC. Staff will present before, during and after snow event scenarios. The Snow and Ice Removal Plan is designed to make the most effective and efficient use of personnel and equipment. The Public Works Department will utilize a reliable, contracted weather forecasting service to monitor and track winter storm conditions and determine emergency storm category ratings. Staff has established priorities to help the City provide the most effective and efficient snow and ice control: Primary Level are the streets considered being major traffic routes (arterials), collector and residential  streets involving severe grades, bus routes, business districts, school zones and emergency snow routes. Secondary Level are the collector streets, residential streets with significant grades and selected intersections and outlying rural roads that run along or just adjacent to the city limits that are the responsibility of the city are plowed and treated by city staff or other governmental agencies as part of an agreement between them and the Public Works Department. The interstate and highway system snow and ice removal is the responsibility of the Kansas Department of Transportation. BUDGETARY IMPACT: Budgetary impact varies on a yearly basis depending on yearly snowfall levels. SOURCE OF FUNDING: The City of Topeka’s share of the funding would generally come from operating funds from various sources, including the General Fund, the Motor Fuel Fund and the Wastewater Fund.