Duncan sworn in as mayor on 50th birthday

Hoferer elected deputy mayor in unanimous vote

New and re-elected council members take office

Timeline set to fill District 8 vacancy

Council approves funding increase for 29th Street project

Improvements authorized for Southwest 42nd Street

Sidewalk construction planned for Northwest Lyman Road

Utility upgrades greenlit for neighborhood south of Second Street

Doughboyz Pizzeria granted alcohol license

Commission approves over $3 million in vouchers to close fiscal year

County invests $135,000 in operations management software

Shawnee North Sports Complex to receive sewer upgrades

Duncan sworn in as mayor on 50th birthday

TOPEKA, Kan. - Spencer Duncan was sworn in as the new mayor of Topeka during the Tuesday meeting, which coincided with his 50th birthday. Duncan, who previously served on the city council representing District 8, emphasized a collaborative approach for his tenure. In his closing remarks, he stated that rather than focusing on a "first 100 days" agenda to impress the public, he intends to spend that time working with city staff to lay the groundwork for the next four years of governance.

Hoferer elected deputy mayor in unanimous vote

TOPEKA, Kan. - The governing body unanimously elected Council member Michelle Hoferer to serve a one-year term as deputy mayor. Under the council's rules and procedures, Hoferer was automatically nominated as the council member with the longest tenure who had not yet served in the role. The vote was conducted via paper ballot, with an exception made for one council member to cast a vote via Zoom.

New and re-elected council members take office

TOPEKA, Kan. - Five council members took the oath of office Tuesday, marking the start of their new terms. Incumbents Karen Hiller (District 1), Sylvia Ortiz (District 3), Brett Kell (District 5) and Michelle Hoferer (District 9) were sworn in for additional terms. Michelle Bradberry also took the oath as the newly elected representative for District 7. Ortiz noted that she is extending her record as the longest-serving council member in the city's history, entering her sixth term.

Timeline set to fill District 8 vacancy

TOPEKA, Kan. - Following Spencer Duncan's swearing-in as mayor, his previous seat representing District 8 was declared vacant. City Clerk Nicole Gerard announced that the application period for the seat will open on Jan. 12 and close on Jan. 26. Qualified candidates must be registered voters residing in the district and submit either a $50 filing fee or a petition with 50 signatures. The council is scheduled to interview applicants publicly on Feb. 3.

Council approves funding increase for 29th Street project

TOPEKA, Kan. - The council voted to amend the 2025-2027 and 2025-2034 capital improvement budgets to provide additional funding for street improvements on Southeast 29th Street. The project, which spans from Kansas Avenue to Adams Street, aims to upgrade both the roadway and underlying utilities. The resolution was passed as part of the consent agenda without debate.

Improvements authorized for Southwest 42nd Street

TOPEKA, Kan. - The governing body approved a project for street and stormwater improvements on Southwest 42nd Street, specifically the section east of Martin Drive. The resolution was introduced by the Public Infrastructure Committee, comprised of council members Sylvia Ortiz and David Banks. The measure passed unanimously as part of the consent agenda.

Sidewalk construction planned for Northwest Lyman Road

TOPEKA, Kan. - Topeka will move forward with the construction of a new sidewalk on Northwest Lyman Road following council approval Tuesday. The project is part of the city's ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian infrastructure.

Utility upgrades greenlit for neighborhood south of Second Street

TOPEKA, Kan. - The council authorized utility improvements for the area south of Second Street, located between Woodlawn and Greenwood avenues. This infrastructure project is designed to upgrade aging systems in the residential neighborhood. The approval was granted via a unanimous vote on the consent agenda.

Doughboyz Pizzeria granted alcohol license

TOPEKA, Kan. - The council approved a cereal malt beverage license application for Doughboyz Pizzeria, located at 1312 N. Kansas Ave. The item was passed without objection.

Commission approves over $3 million in vouchers to close fiscal year

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Shawnee County Board of Commissioners approved two voucher reports totaling more than $3 million during the Jan. 5 meeting. Presented by Audit Finance Director Jennifer Sauer, the expenditures included a standard payment report of $1,747,169.16 and a separate report of $1,284,596.05 to close out the fiscal year. The motion to approve the payments was made by Commissioner Bill Riphahn and passed with a 3-0 vote.

County invests $135,000 in operations management software

TOPEKA, Kan. - The commission authorized a payment of $135,493.30 to OpenGov Inc. for Cartegraph software. The software helps local governments manage assets and operations and was funded through a combination of general funds and solid waste funds. The expenditure was approved unanimously as part of the county's itemized voucher payment list.

Shawnee North Sports Complex to receive sewer upgrades

TOPEKA, Kan. - The county's recent expenditures include a $112,015 payment to O'Neal Excavating Inc. for infrastructure improvements at the Shawnee North Sports Complex. The funding, drawn from building maintenance funds, covers a sewer replacement project at the facility. The commissioners approved the payment unanimously as part of the broader voucher report.

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