Commission defers action on south Topeka industrial zoning request

Lake Sherwood $4.6 million sewer pump project completed, plant upgrades next

Valencia Road closing April 20 for dual bridge replacements

Commissioners approve $114,000 for heavy-duty Gage Park Playland benches

Site preparation approved for Gage Park carousel renovation

Treasurer retains vacant positions amid three-hour motor vehicle wait times

Contingency funds tapped for unforeseen inmate facility fire line repairs

Election workers receive modest pay increase ahead of upcoming cycle

Commission defers action on south Topeka industrial zoning request

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners delayed a decision to rezone a property at 4848 SE Adams St. from residential/agricultural to light industrial after commissioners raised concerns about potential noise. The Shawnee County Planning Commission previously advanced the rezoning by a narrow 3-2 vote following neighborhood opposition over well water safety and property usage. The site, currently used for vehicle storage and mechanical work, sits near existing residential parcels. Commissioners deferred action for one week to allow staff to research adding conditional business hours and noise restrictions to protect neighboring property owners.

Lake Sherwood $4.6 million sewer pump project completed, plant upgrades next

TOPEKA, Kan. — Public Works Director Curt Niehaus reported the completion of a multi-year, $4.6 million project to rehabilitate six pump stations in the Lake Sherwood Wastewater System. The project ran approximately $100,000 over budget due to pandemic-era supply chain issues and unexpected complexities with line-of-sight communication towers, which the City of Topeka is now purchasing back for $76,000. Niehaus noted the county will next utilize a remaining $1.3 million from a state loan, plus $4.5 million in user fees, to fund a $5 million upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant itself to meet state environmental regulations.

Valencia Road closing April 20 for dual bridge replacements

TOPEKA, Kan. — Northwest Valencia Road will close to traffic beginning April 20 as the Kansas Department of Transportation commences a project to replace two county bridges over the Silver Lake Drainage Ditch. The county will pay an additional $23,000 in engineering and inspection surcharges because one of the bridges, though entirely county-funded, is subject to strict federal reporting requirements since it was lumped into the state-let project. Despite the extra bureaucratic cost, Public Works Director Curt Niehaus said the county is securing a highly favorable price by replacing both bridges concurrently.

Commissioners approve $114,000 for heavy-duty Gage Park Playland benches

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a $114,573 contract to purchase 20 custom benches and six picnic tables for the newly renovated Gage Park Playland. After a commissioner noted the sticker shock of individual Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible picnic tables costing up to $4,585 each, Parks and Recreation Director Tim Laurent explained the high-density, recycled plastic furniture features a five-year warranty and is designed to withstand heavy daily use and potential vandalism. The surface-mounted furniture will be funded exclusively through Gage Park sales tax funds.

Site preparation approved for Gage Park carousel renovation

TOPEKA, Kan. — Initial site preparation for the Gage Park carousel renovation is officially underway following the Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners' approval of a guaranteed maximum price amendment with KBS Constructors. The early construction package includes demolition, utility relocation and earthwork necessary to prepare the site for a new facility by June 1, 2027. Parks and Recreation Director Tim Laurent assured commissioners that the historic carousel will remain fully protected in its current footprint throughout the construction process, while the old Big Gage Shelter will eventually be turned over to the Topeka Zoo for daily programming.

Treasurer retains vacant positions amid three-hour motor vehicle wait times

TOPEKA, Kan. — Shawnee County Treasurer Susan Duffy received approval to retain three long-vacant positions within the Shawnee County Motor Vehicle Department, hoping pending state legislation will provide the funding necessary to fill them. The department, which relies entirely on state-regulated user fees rather than property taxes, has experienced severe understaffing leading to constituent wait times of up to three hours. Duffy noted that if Gov. Laura Kelly signs pending state legislation, the county could gain the financial leverage needed to hire staff and expedite complex title and registration processing.

Contingency funds tapped for unforeseen inmate facility fire line repairs

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Shawnee County Department of Corrections will pull $95,540 from the county's 2026 contingency fund to repair and reconnect a fire suppression line at the inmate lawn crew building. Department of Corrections Director Brian Cole stated the bid from an undisclosed mechanical contractor was significantly higher than initial estimates due to inflated material costs and strict municipal requirements for repaving the excavated roadway. Cole emphasized the emergency repair is a mandatory life-saving measure required for the facility's ongoing renovations.

Election workers receive modest pay increase ahead of upcoming cycle

TOPEKA, Kan. — Shawnee County election workers will see a pay raise in upcoming elections following unanimous approval from the Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners. Election Commissioner Andrew Howell requested the modest increase, which will boost worker compensation by approximately $10 per election, up from the current base rate of $125 for a full-day shift. Howell confirmed the funds for the raises are already available within the Election Office's current operating budget.

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