Governing Body

Governing Body Minutes – April 1, 2025 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, Topeka, Kansas, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The Governing Body members of the City of Topeka met in regular session at 6:00 P.M. with the following Councilmembers present: Councilmembers Hiller, Valdivia-Alcala, Ortiz, Banks, Kell, Miller, Dobler, Duncan and Hoferer - 9. Mayor Padilla presided –1. Public comment for the meeting was available via Zoom or in-person. Individuals were required to contact the City Clerk's Office at 785-368-3940 or via email at cclerk@topeka.org by no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 1, 2025, after which the City Clerk's Office provided the Zoom link information and protocols prior to the meeting start time. Written public comment was also considered to the extent it was personally submitted at the meeting or to the City Clerk's Office located at 215 SE 7th Street, Room 166, Topeka, Kansas, 66603 or via email at cclerk@topeka.org on or before April 1, 2025 for attachment to the meeting minutes. AFTER THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER, the Invocation was provided by Jill Rice, Executive Pastor of Fellowship Hi-Crest Church. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by meeting participants. RECOGNITION of the Macvicar Crosswalk was provided by Councilmember Miller. Eliza S. and Ava, Randolph Elementary students spoke in support of the increased safety the crosswalk will provide students and pedestrians. BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Artie Gonzales to the Civil Service Commission to fill a term ending April 1, 2029, was presented. (Council District No. 1) BOARD APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Mary Monzyk to the Topeka Sustainability Advisory Board for a term ending February 7, 2027, was 4-01-25 101  presented. (Council District No. 5) COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Vanessa Evans to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Review Committee for a term ending April 2, 2027, was presented. (Council District No. 6) COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Walker Bassett to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Review Committee for a term ending April 2, 2027, was presented. (Council District No. 4) COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT recommending the appointment of Trey George to the Affordable Housing Review Committee for a term ending April 2, 2027, was presented. (Outside City Limits) Councilmember Kell moved to approve the appointments. The motion seconded by Councilmember Miller carried unanimously on roll call vote. The Mayor does not vote. (9-0-0) The City of Topeka Human Relations Commission (HRC) 2024 Annual REPORT was provided by Zachary Surritt, Human Relations Commission Chair, and Carmen Nichols, Human Relations Commission Vice Chair. They announced the Commission was seeking two members to join the Human Relations Commission. Councilmember Miller inquired about what a member could expect from joining the Commission. Mayor Padilla encouraged people interested to submit their application. Councilmember Hiller commended the Commission for their service. She asked for clarification on what other engagements members would be expected to attend in addition to the monthly meeting. Chair Surritt expressed the importance of having the dedication to making Topeka better. 4-01-25 102  Vice Chair Nichols expressed the importance of attending events and networking with the Community. Mayor Padilla commended Zachary Surritt and Carmen Nichols for their work as well as the work of all Commission members. The Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority (TMTA) 2024 Annual REPORT was provided by Tom Summons, TMTA Board Chair. He highlighted the Fixed Routes, Lift Service, Metro on Demand (MOD) Service, financial state of transit service across the state of Kansas, as well as current and potential service issues. Councilmember Kell expressed concern with the condition of bus stops during inclement weather. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala referenced staffing levels and stated she believes TMTA did the best they could in dealing with inclement weather conditions with the resources available. She recommended creating a dialogue with the City to assist the elderly and disabled who rely on their transportation. Mayor Padilla inquired about a breakdown of ridership demographics. In response, Chair Summons reported the following: • There are 600 stops in total. 300 have amenities and 150 have shelters. Due to the amount of snow cleared from the streets, bus stops and surrounding areas were blocked and impossible to keep clear. They are currently working on a plan to avoid these issues in the future. • They do not track demographics; however, ridership comes from all areas of the city with certain routes having more passengers than others. It was noted that a large portion of ridership utilizes transportation to their workplace as well as High School students ride free of charge with their Student ID. Councilmember Ortiz recommended the MOD Service area be expanded. She stated she has many low-to-moderate income constituents residing at Echo Ridge that would benefit from 4-01-25 103 the service even if they have to pay a higher rate. Councilmember Hiller recommended TMTA network with the City as well as Downtown Topeka, Inc., to assist with future inclement weather events. She also suggested as they get closer to finishing the City’s downtown parking plan that TMTA co-promote with the City to establish parking lots and garages where people could leave their vehicles and shuttle to work on TMTA buses. CONSENT AGENDA was presented as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 9644 introduced by Councilmember Marcus Miller granting Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Kansas Delta Chapter an exception to the provisions of City of Topeka Code Section 9.45.150, et seq., concerning noise prohibitions, was presented (Council District No. 6) APPROVAL of a professional services contract between the City and Watkins Calara Law Firm to represent the city in a civil lawsuit matter, was presented. APPROVAL of the MINUTES of the regular meeting of March 18, 2025, was presented. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala requested to remove Item 4B, a professional services contract between the City and Watkins Calara Law Firm from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. Upon hearing no objections, Mayor Padilla announced the contract would be placed on the agenda as Action Item 5G. Councilmember Ortiz moved to approve the consent agenda as amended. The motion seconded by Councilmember Banks carried unanimously on roll call vote. (10-0-0) PUBLIC HEARING 4-01-25 104  A PUBLIC HEARING to consider the establishment of the Union at Tower District Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) and adoption of the Plan. APPROVAL of CONTRACT NO. 52797 for the Union at Tower District Subdivision RHID between the City of Topeka and Union at Tower District, LP, an Indiana limited partnership, was presented. (Memorandum of Understanding Contract No. 52803) ORDINANCE NO. 20555 introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez establishing a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (“RHID”) for Union at Tower District and adopting a plan for the development of housing and public facilities in the RHID, was presented. Rhiannon Friedman, Planning and Development Director, reported the proposal would add 250 apartments to the downtown area that are income qualified based on either 10% discount to fair market rents or 30%, 50%, or 60% Area Median Income (AMI) limits set for the project. She stated the project would be located between SE 11th and SE 12th Streets between Quincy and Monroe Streets with Building A and B on Project Site No.1 and Building C on Project Site No. 2. She reported the Housing Development Plan has been submitted outlining $7.6 million of applicable RHID reimbursement costs for land acquisition, infrastructure, and a portion of the construction cost as well as soft costs. The total estimated project cost would be $58 million. The project received a 2024 Low Income Tax Credit (LIHTC) Award from Kansas Housing Resources Corp. (KHRC) as well as an Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB) sales tax exemption from Shawnee County on construction materials and supplies. She continued to report on the RHID Committee review process, recommendations and the findings of the updated analysis which showed clarification of the vacancy rate being utilized, developer fee/deal equity, details of land acquisition vs. a land lease, appropriate use of capitalization rate, and the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) calculations of a 10-year analysis. She stated it was determined by Columbia Capital 4-01-25 105 Management that the project warranted a maximum of $900,000 in RHID reimbursement costs with an 8.0% Market Rate of Return. The RHID Committee supported a compromise based on the need for affordable housing in the downtown area of a $4.8 million RHID incentive equaling a 7.76% Market Rate of Return using 8.5% Cap Rate. Braxton Copley, Assistant City Manager, clarified $7.6 million was the present net value with the gross amount being closer to $15 million. He stated the $4.8 million the Committee recommended was a gross amount resulting in a substantial delta between $4.8 million and $15 million. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala asked what the total estimated dollar amount of incentives the developer would receive if the development was approved. Assistant City Manager Copley reported the developer would receive approximately $15 million in RHID incentives from the City; $27.7 million in State LIHTC; and $19.3 million of IRB sales tax incentives granted by Shawnee County. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala asked if the incentive proposal being offered was common in other cities with similar housing needs. Assistant City Manager Copley stated developers typically ask for what they need to make a project work. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala stated she understands the need for affordable housing; however, she remains concerned with the City being taken advantage of and setting precedence for future developments. Mayor Padilla opened the public hearing and asked if there was anyone present who would like to speak about the matter. Danielle Twemlow stated there was a similar housing project located in the City of 4-01-25 106 Lawrence, Kansas, and suggested the City reach out to inquire if the project has been successful. Upon no one else appearing, the public hearing was closed. Kurt Peterson, Polsinelli Law Firm, appeared on behalf of the applicant. He provided an overview of The Annex Group, a detailed background on the proposed project, and the importance of the incentives being requested as it relates to the success of the project. Councilmember Banks asked if the project was reliant on the RHID incentive. Kurt Peterson confirmed the project was reliant on the RHID incentive being offered. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala expressed concern with comments made by the developer as it relates to an attempt to negotiate a different incentive amount than what was recommended by the City Staff. Councilmember Kell inquired about the existing house located near the proposed project area. Kurt Peterson reported the owner was not willing to sell so it was excluded from the project. Councilmember Ortiz asked if there would be parking garages and outdoor storage units for residents. Councilmember Hiller asked if the applicant was asking for a fixed percent rate for a fixed number of years that could end up being a different amount of funding depending on the appraisal or are they requesting a fixed cap. She noted the City collects approximately $10,000 in property tax revenue annually on the property. Kurt Peterson stated parking garages and outdoor storage units were not included in the project because funds will be used on other amenities; and in reference to what the applicant was seeking in terms of financials – they are seeking an 85% tax abatement with a cap. 4-01-25 107  Councilmember Duncan reminded the Governing Body they do not have to settle on the options presented for the project. Councilmember Dobler asked if a claw back provision prohibiting the sale of the property could be incorporated in the contract. Assistant City Manager Copley reported the City has included a provision in the contract prohibiting the sale of the property for 30 years and in addition to that provision, they could incorporate a land use restriction on the property - also prohibiting sale. Councilmember Dobler spoke to the importance of working with developers that are willing to build much needed affordable housing. He reminded the Governing Body that the developer was taking the total risk of associated upfront costs. Councilmember Dobler moved to approve the development agreement and the ordinance with the provision that if the developer sells the property before the end of the 20 years the RHID will expire and authorize a net present value of $6.6 million in RHID incentives. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kell. Councilmember Kell stated he concurs with Councilmember Dobler. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala spoke in support of the motion made by Councilmember Dobler and expressed her appreciation to Staff for their hard work on the proposal. Assistant City Manager Copley clarified the amendments to the development agreement and the ordinance would be conceptual. He stated there was already a provision in the development agreement that basically prohibits the selling of the property for 30 years and Councilmember Dobler would like to include a claw back provision that would stop the RHID if the property was sold. The second amendment would limit the dollar amount of the RHID to $12 4-01-25 108 million a net present value of $6.6 million with a 20-year limitation. Kurt Peterson on behalf of the developer verbally agreed to the conceptual provisions as proposed. Mayor Padilla spoke about the opportunity the affordable housing units will provide for the area. He thanked Staff members and the developer for working to find a solution. The motion to approve the development agreement and the ordinance with the provision that if the developer sells the property before the RHID expires the incentives would end; the RHID expires in 20 years, and to authorize a net present value of $6.6 million in RHID incentives carried unanimously on roll call vote. (10-0-0) The ordinance was adopted on roll call vote as follows: Ayes: Hiller, Valdivia-Alcala, Ortiz, Banks, Kell, Miller, Dobler, Duncan, Hoferer and Mayor Padilla -10. PUBLIC HEARING A PUBLIC HEARING to obtain citizen input on the City of Topeka's Fiscal Year 2025 Consolidated Annual Action Plan. Rhiannon Friedman, Planning and Development Director, stated the process began in October 2024 and consisted of a series of public input sessions to compile feedback from citizens, social service agencies and Neighborhood Improvement Associations (NIAs). Carrie Higgins, Housing Division Director, reported the Consolidated Action Plan was a comprehensive plan of how the City’s Housing Services will use Housing and Urban Development (HUD) entitlement grants to include Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and Hearth Emergency Solutions Grants (HESG). She stated at this time, the Governing Body would be reviewing and considering the Annual 2025 Consolidated Action Plan; however, next year a new 5-year plan would need to be 4-01-25 109 approved and would require a Needs Analysis along with an updated Housing Study. She stated the plan allows framework for community dialogue to identify priorities that align and focus funding from HUD as follows: • Housing Services Funding in the amount of $9.1 million consisting of $1.3 million of CoC Grants, $487,145 of Private Grants, $1.8 million Housing General Funds and $1.2 million in Federal Grants. • CDBG Grant Funding in the amount of $1.8 million • HOME Grant Funding in the amount of $489,315 • HESG Grant Funding in the amount of $162,223 Councilmember Kell asked if Staff was aware of any Federal funding cuts to Housing Services. Director Friedman reported Staff was monitoring the situation closely. Mayor Padilla opened the public hearing and asked if there was anyone present who would like to speak about the matter. Upon no one appearing the public hearing was closed. Councilmember Dobler left the meeting. RESOLUTION NO. 9645 introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee comprised of Councilmembers Sylvia Ortiz, David Banks and Neil Dobler recommending approval of Project Nos. 841201.04 and 291147.01 for alley repair in the 1600 block between Polk Street and Tyler Street, was presented. (Public Infrastructure Committee recommended approval on March 18, 2025.) Steve Groen, Public Works Director, reported the project was part of the 2025 Alley Repair program and would include complete concrete pavement removal and replacement as well as replacing sanitary sewers due to age and condition. He explained the concrete work will 4-01-25 110 cost approximately $208,118 paid from Citywide Half-Cent Sales Tax, and the sewer replacement will cost approximately $240,750 paid from the Wastewater Operating Fund. Councilmember Banks moved to approve the resolution. The motion seconded by Councilmember Ortiz carried unanimously on roll call vote. (9-0-0) Councilmember Dobler joined the meeting remotely. RESOLUTION NO. 9646 introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee comprised of Councilmembers Sylvia Ortiz, David Banks and Neil Dobler amending the 2025-2034 CIP and the 2025-2027 CIB to add Project No. 701070.00 for street improvement and construction of a shared-use path on 45th Street from Gage to Cambridge, was presented. (Public Infrastructure Committee recommended approval on March 18, 2025.) Steve Groen, Public Works Director, reported the project will require an amendment to the CIP and CIB for street improvements and construction of a shared use path. He stated upon approval, a shared use path would be constructed in 2026, utility relocation in 2027, and construction in 2028, with a total project budget of $4 million funded by the Citywide Half-Cent Sales Tax and General Obligation Bonds. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala referenced an email she received from Jonathan Smith (Attachment A) asking for clarity on the price differential compared to the CIP project that was completed on 29th Street from Adams Street to California Avenue. Director Groen reported that the 29th Street Project was a mill and overlay project with some curb and pavement replacement compared to the 45th Street Project from Gage Boulevard to Cambridge Avenue which will require full reconstruction of the section. He explained the price increase was in preparation for inflation and other unknown costs such as tariffs in upcoming years. 4-01-25 111  Councilmember Kell spoke in opposition to the project. He stated he believes there are many other areas in the city that could use a shared use path. Councilmember Hiller expressed concern with adding the project to the CIP due to the financial state of the City. Director Groen reported the project was being proposed as a result of a request to extend the trail. Councilmember Kell moved to defer the resolution until April 8, 2025. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hiller. Braxton Copley, Assistant City Manager, reported the City is required to provide safe streets and sidewalks and a shared use path supports the Complete Streets Concept approved by the Governing Body. Councilmember Dobler spoke in support of the project due to the public safety issues associated with the area. He asked if there are plans to develop the property located east of 45th Street, and if the project could be completed in phases starting with the sidewalk project. Assistant City Manager Copley confirmed there are plans to construct 20 housing units on the east side of 45th Street. Councilmember Kell stated he believes the traffic flow does not guarantee the proposed project. Councilmember Miller spoke about the need for the sidewalk improvement due to the high volume of pedestrian traffic as well as much needed street improvements. He spoke in support of completing the project in phases by starting with the sidewalk. The motion to defer the resolution until April 8, 2025, failed on roll call vote. Councilmembers Valdivia-Alcala, Ortiz, Banks, Dobler, Duncan, Hoferer and Mayor Padilla 4-01-25 112 voted “no.” (3-7-0) Councilmember Ortiz moved to approve the resolution. The motion seconded by Councilmember Banks carried on roll call vote. Councilmember Kell voted “no.” (9-1-0) Following a 5-minute recess, the meeting was reconvened into open session. RESOLUTION NO. 9647 introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee comprised of Councilmembers Sylvia Ortiz, David Banks and Neil Dobler recommending approval of Project Nos. 701040.00, 281250.17, 291143.04, 502730.00, 502730.01 and 281250.17 for street rehabilitation, utility improvements and bridge maintenance for SW Fairlawn Road from 23rd Street to 28th Street, was presented. (Public Infrastructure Committee recommended approval on March 18, 2025.) Councilmember Duncan left the meeting. Steve Groen, Public Works Director, reported the project was approved by the Governing Body on February 11, 2025, however, the City’s Utility Department raised concerns based on the scope of the watermain project hydraulic design as it relates to clearance of the existing watermain as well as frost concerns based on the proximity of the watermain. He stated the project would complete the waterline system from 23rd Street to 23rd Terrace where no waterline currently exists. Councilmember Miller moved to approve the resolution. The motion seconded by Councilmember Banks carried unanimously on roll call vote. (9-0-0) APPROVAL of CONTRACT NO. 52793 an Agreement between the City of Topeka and Prevention and Resiliency Services Inc., (PARS) for the operation of the Safe Streets Program, was presented. Josh McAnarney, Budget and Finance Director, reported there was a need to revise the 4-01-25 113 contract because PARS who operates the Safe Streets Program, will no longer provide services for the National Night Out initiative. He stated the City of Topeka will coordinate the event; therefore, the contract amount has been reduced from $61,000 to $45,750. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala moved to approve the contract. The motion seconded by Councilmember Banks carried unanimously on roll call vote. (9-0-0) Councilmember Dobler left the meeting. APPROVAL of CONTRACT NO. 52794 a professional services contract between the City and Watkins Calara Law Firm to represent the City in a civil lawsuit matter, was presented. Nick Jefferson, Chief of Litigation, reported Staff was requesting approval of continuation of the contract representing City employees for a Federal lawsuit. To further explain, the City of Topeka has a statutory obligation to represent employees in civil action that relates to the scope of their employment as well as a contractual obligation under the applicable Union agreement. He reported he could not provide details about the case because it is in active litigation; however, the City’s Litigation Division would be representing the City in the lawsuit and the Watkins Calara Law Firm would be defending City employees. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala asked if the contract involves the case related to the death of Taylor Lowery. Chief of Litigation Jefferson confirmed it involves Mr. Lowery’s case. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala spoke in opposition to the contract. She stated she believes the City has a number of cases they are losing; however, the City has serious issues that need to be reviewed because the City continues to pay for these cases. She requested information for the past 10 years concerning how much the City has paid for these cases, how much has been paid out by the City for third-party contract lawyers, and if this was a normal business practice 4-01-25 114 used by other cities. She stated there must be more transparency in the process of releasing the bodycam and updating the community on the use of de-escalation and use of force especially in cases when there has been a brutal killing of a black male. She stated that sometimes the City will have to negotiate instead of continuing to pay defense fees. Councilmember Duncan joined the meeting remotely. Councilmember Banks asked if the city defends employees even if they are aware wrongful actions have taken place. Chief of Litigation Jefferson confirmed the City has an ethical, contractual and statutory obligation to reach the best possible outcome for the City and its employees; however, it depends on the case. He noted there are many steps that are taken in these types of cases including negotiations. Councilmember Ortiz commented on the contractual obligation by the City to defend its employees and the fact that if they do not, then employees could sue the City. Mayor Padilla commented on the City’s duty to represent all City employees in active- duty status not just Union employees. Councilmember Hiller stated she understands the concerns raised; however, it would not preclude the City from internally addressing policy or issues that have surfaced due to certain situations. Chief of Litigation Jefferson confirmed the City has the right to employment action in these situations. Councilmember Kell moved to approve the contract. The motion seconded by Councilmember Ortiz carried on roll call vote. Councilmembers Valdivia-Alcala and Banks voted “no.” (7-2-0) 4-01-25 115  DISCUSSION concerning the Kansas Homeland Security Region Hazard Mitigation Plan, was presented. Jason Tryon, Deputy Public Works Director, reported the code of Federal Regulations requires local governments to have a mitigation plan in place in order to receive funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He stated the Shawnee County Emergency Management was the party responsible for making sure municipalities in the Region have adopted the plan. He confirmed by adopting the plan it would make the City eligible to apply for grants; however, it would place no funding obligations or liability on the City. Councilmember Duncan spoke in support of adopting the plan. He stated Topeka serves as the emergency hub for FEMA for Region VII. He encouraged Governing Body members to contact State and Congressional officials and stress the importance of receiving financial assistance to help with the cost of making sure emergency initiatives are in place. Councilmember Hiller asked if there were any changes made to the plan and if there was a summary document to review. Deputy Director Tryon confirmed no changes were made to the plan from when it was previously adopted, and he would reach Shawnee County to ask for a summary document and forward it to the Governing Body if available. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala stated she concurs with Councilmember Duncan and believes the City should receive State and Federal funding assistance due to the expectations of the City assisting with crisis management and natural disaster situations. She suggested including the initiative in the next legislative agenda. DISCUSSION of the proposed 2025-2035 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and 2026- 4-01-25 116 2028 Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) was presented. Josh McAnarney, Budget and Finance Director, provided an overview of the CIP and its Policy, Funding Sources as well as the constraints and challenges in developing the CIP. He announced presentations would be provided through May 2025 and provided a short synopsis on how to better understand the format of project pages in the CIP. Councilmember Hiller referenced the $27 million General Obligation (GO) bond cap for every 3-year CIP. She stated the Citywide Half-Cent Sales Tax was intended to repair streets to standard and the proposal in the CIP has $3 million for annual maintenance which was not the intent of the passage of the Sales Tax. She requested a version of the CIP be presented to the Governing Body that reserves the Citywide Half-Cent Sales Tax funds for the street projects as it was intended while remaining at or under the $27 million GO Bond cap for the 3-year plan. Director McAnarney confirmed staff would provide the requested information to the Governing Body. PUBLIC COMMENT was provided by the following individuals: Henry McClure distributed a handout (Attachment B). He referenced the Countywide Half-Cent Sales Tax and its purpose to be used for street improvements and economic development; however, he believes funds should only be used for street improvements, not economic development due to what he believes was poor management of Sales Tax funding by GO Topeka. He expressed concern with the answer he received from the Shawnee County Counselor regarding a recent KORA request. He also expressed concern with GO Topeka Board members making decisions about the AT&T building as well as who owns the building. He asked the City not to sign the lease on the building. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER, MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF 4-01-25 117 THE COUNCIL: Megan Brunson, Assistant City Clerk, provided an overview of the April 8, 2025, Governing Body meeting agenda. Councilmember Ortiz announced on Aril 6, 2025, the Topeka Way to Work Orientation will be held for students 14-16 years old. She urged adults to talk with our youth and provide encouragement during these difficult times. Councilmember Kell spoke to the positive influence the late Bob Davis had on his childhood. He commended Councilmember Miller for pushing him to install the Macvicar Crosswalk and encouraged citizens to contact him if there is a need for other crosswalks in the city. He urged citizens to think about ways they can give back to the community. Councilmember Duncan spoke to the positive influence the late Bob Davis had on his childhood. He stated he will be traveling with his job over the next couple weeks across the state and looking at the ways other cities solve similar problems as Topeka. Councilmember Hoferer announced the Zoo will build a new enclosure for the Samarian Tigers along with a new addition for Vultures. Councilmember Hiller spoke to the success of the Central Park Neighborhood Cleanup and thanked Omni Circle and the 150 volunteers for their assistance. She stated she appreciates the work Staff is doing to help sell Hotel Topeka and noted, the Kansas Youth Wrestling Association State Tournament has been secured for the next 5 years. Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala thank PARS for assisting with the Central Park Neighborhood Cleanup and commended the group for finding creative solutions to address community needs. She announced on April 5, 2025, the Oakland Community Garden opened and thanked volunteers for their work. 4-01-25 118  Mayor Padilla thanked the Governing Body for having constructive discussions as it relates to making tough decisions and moving forward with important initiatives. NO FURTHER BUSINESS appearing the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. (SEAL) Brenda Younger City Clerk 4-01-25 119 Attachment A Attachment B