mcre Media .......[Henry McClure Publisher]

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Re: Treat everyone the same @ public comment

You comment that you treat everyone the same.

From: Spencer Duncan <sduncan@topeka.org>
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 4:38 PM
To: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>; MCRE Media <mcre1.9999@blogger.com>; Governing Body <governingbody@topeka.org>; City Clerk <cclerk@topeka.org>
Subject: Re: Treat everyone the same @ public comment

Mr. McClure -

Everyone gets their four minutes, and if they are clearly wrapping up with a final sentence or very brief thought when the last light goes off, I am inclined to give them those few extra seconds to wrap up. That is very different then allowing another full minute or two of approved time.

If your primary complaint is that I allowed an individual with a visual disability to have some additional seconds to close out her remarks, then I accept that criticism for allowing the accommodation.

Thank you,

Spencer

Spencer L. Duncan

Mayor, City of Topeka

785-207-8985

From: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 3:45 PM
To: MCRE Media <mcre1.9999@blogger.com>; Spencer Duncan <sduncan@topeka.org>; Governing Body <governingbody@topeka.org>; City Clerk <cclerk@topeka.org>
Subject: Treat everyone the same @ public comment

Notice: -----This message was sent by an external sender-----

Mayor Duncan

You don't treat everyone the same

3. Reverend Julie McOla

Start: ~3:42:51
End: ~3:47:46
Duration: ≈4 min 55 sec

Public Comment – Topeka City Council Meeting, October 6, 2026
Video:  City Council Meeting October 6, 2026 (City of Topeka channel)

Public comment window: ~3:34:57 – ~4:07:55 (≈33 minutes total).

  Announcements begin at 4:08:03.

 These are reconstructed from YouTube’s auto-generated captions. They are close to verbatim but contain typical ASR errors (especially names, technical terms, and some phrasing). Speakers were generally limited to roughly 3–4 minutes; no extensions were granted that evening.

Speakers (in order)

1. Natalie Allen

Start: ~3:35:05
End: ~3:38:28
Duration: ≈3 min 23 sec

 She noted she had signed up primarily for the earlier camera/surveillance discussion. She criticized ALPR/Flock-style systems, saying many cities canceled contracts after discovering misuse for stalking rather than Amber/Silver alerts. She highlighted OCR problems (O vs. 0 on plates), privacy risks, and data retention/sharing concerns. She suggested eliminating the systems as a budget savings and offered a model ordinance approach.

2. Joseph Lebar

Start: ~3:38:33
End: ~3:42:48
Duration: ≈4 min 15 sec

 Thanked the council and mayor for slowing the sales-tax process so legal language and timelines could be clearer (10-year, 20-year, or perpetual). Raised construction delays and utility non-responsiveness (especially on Topeka Boulevard), street disruptions hurting businesses, and the need for better management. Said he had additional ideas he would share with the city manager.

3. Reverend Julie McOla

Start: ~3:42:51
End: ~3:47:46
Duration: ≈4 min 55 sec

 Addressed homeless deaths from heat exposure and the lack of cooling stations. Reflected on the value of human life, referenced recent newspaper articles, and mentioned a mobile snack business that had been helped by a homeless man.

4. Marshall Barber

Start: ~3:47:46
End: ~3:52:02
Duration: ≈4 min 16 sec

 Described an “epiphany” on the sales-tax discussion. Suggested rebranding the effort as a “Topeka Livability Initiative,” using funds toward the KBI building, and supporting public-safety consolidation.

5. Jeff Fog (Fieldline Residential Builders)

Start: ~3:52:02
End: ~3:55:15
Duration: ≈3 min 13 sec

 Stated that building permits had been delayed ~3 weeks with no response (no emails or voicemails). He had laid off 22 workers. Raised stop-work orders issued without permits and safety risks from missing inspections. Said his company holds a controlling interest in the Loring Bay project and urged the city to resolve the issue or risk builders leaving Topeka.

6. Henry McClure

Start: ~3:55:30
End: ~4:00:00
Duration: ≈4.5 min

 Spoke on city/county transportation plans, public involvement, planning commissions, MTPO map issues (excluding areas such as Auburn, Willard, and Rossville), government consolidation, and Senate Bill 104. Criticized opposition to a citizens’ commission, called for auditing GoTopeka’s contract and related charity distributions, and advocated a forensic audit. Emphasized that the community is a republic, not a pure democracy, and that the job of reform is not finished.

7. Danielle Tremllo

Start: ~4:00:00
End: ~4:04:14
Duration: ≈4 min 14 sec

 Focused on the budget and sales-tax discussion. Called for trimming economic-development funds, reducing the transient-guest-tax allocation to Visit Topeka, and using JEDO funds for infrastructure (example: Winder Road water main). Stressed budget transparency and recommended a forensic audit.

8. Lone Grace

Start: ~4:04:14
End: ~4:07:52
Duration: ≈3 min 38 sec

 Thanked the city manager’s office and staff for the community-impact measures. Advocated workforce-development support, small-business assistance, and preference for local contractors on public projects. Suggested practical tools (e.g., a simple brochure of training programs and contacts) so city staff can direct companies that want to hire or train local workers.

 After Lone Grace finished, the clerk confirmed that everyone who had signed up had spoken. Announcements began at 4:08:03, followed by an executive session and adjournment around 10:36 p.m.

Note: Auto-captions are imperfect (especially proper names such as “McOla,” “Lebar,” “Tremllo,” and technical terms). For the most accurate verbatim record, the official minutes or a professional transcript of the Granicus recording would be preferable. The timestamps above are approximate based on the caption cues.

Re: Treat everyone the same @ public comment

Mr. McClure -

Thank you,

Spencer

Spencer L. Duncan

Mayor, City of Topeka

785-207-8985

Notice: -----This message was sent by an external sender-----

Mayor Duncan

You don't treat everyone the same

3. Reverend Julie McOla

Start: ~3:42:51
End: ~3:47:46
Duration: ≈4 min 55 sec

Public Comment – Topeka City Council Meeting, October 6, 2026
Video:  City Council Meeting October 6, 2026 (City of Topeka channel)

Public comment window: ~3:34:57 – ~4:07:55 (≈33 minutes total).

  Announcements begin at 4:08:03.

 These are reconstructed from YouTube’s auto-generated captions. They are close to verbatim but contain typical ASR errors (especially names, technical terms, and some phrasing). Speakers were generally limited to roughly 3–4 minutes; no extensions were granted that evening.

Speakers (in order)

1. Natalie Allen

Start: ~3:35:05
End: ~3:38:28
Duration: ≈3 min 23 sec

 She noted she had signed up primarily for the earlier camera/surveillance discussion. She criticized ALPR/Flock-style systems, saying many cities canceled contracts after discovering misuse for stalking rather than Amber/Silver alerts. She highlighted OCR problems (O vs. 0 on plates), privacy risks, and data retention/sharing concerns. She suggested eliminating the systems as a budget savings and offered a model ordinance approach.

2. Joseph Lebar

Start: ~3:38:33
End: ~3:42:48
Duration: ≈4 min 15 sec

 Thanked the council and mayor for slowing the sales-tax process so legal language and timelines could be clearer (10-year, 20-year, or perpetual). Raised construction delays and utility non-responsiveness (especially on Topeka Boulevard), street disruptions hurting businesses, and the need for better management. Said he had additional ideas he would share with the city manager.

3. Reverend Julie McOla

Start: ~3:42:51
End: ~3:47:46
Duration: ≈4 min 55 sec

 Addressed homeless deaths from heat exposure and the lack of cooling stations. Reflected on the value of human life, referenced recent newspaper articles, and mentioned a mobile snack business that had been helped by a homeless man.

4. Marshall Barber

Start: ~3:47:46
End: ~3:52:02
Duration: ≈4 min 16 sec

 Described an “epiphany” on the sales-tax discussion. Suggested rebranding the effort as a “Topeka Livability Initiative,” using funds toward the KBI building, and supporting public-safety consolidation.

5. Jeff Fog (Fieldline Residential Builders)

Start: ~3:52:02
End: ~3:55:15
Duration: ≈3 min 13 sec

 Stated that building permits had been delayed ~3 weeks with no response (no emails or voicemails). He had laid off 22 workers. Raised stop-work orders issued without permits and safety risks from missing inspections. Said his company holds a controlling interest in the Loring Bay project and urged the city to resolve the issue or risk builders leaving Topeka.

6. Henry McClure

Start: ~3:55:30
End: ~4:00:00
Duration: ≈4.5 min

 Spoke on city/county transportation plans, public involvement, planning commissions, MTPO map issues (excluding areas such as Auburn, Willard, and Rossville), government consolidation, and Senate Bill 104. Criticized opposition to a citizens’ commission, called for auditing GoTopeka’s contract and related charity distributions, and advocated a forensic audit. Emphasized that the community is a republic, not a pure democracy, and that the job of reform is not finished.

7. Danielle Tremllo

Start: ~4:00:00
End: ~4:04:14
Duration: ≈4 min 14 sec

 Focused on the budget and sales-tax discussion. Called for trimming economic-development funds, reducing the transient-guest-tax allocation to Visit Topeka, and using JEDO funds for infrastructure (example: Winder Road water main). Stressed budget transparency and recommended a forensic audit.

8. Lone Grace

Start: ~4:04:14
End: ~4:07:52
Duration: ≈3 min 38 sec

 Thanked the city manager’s office and staff for the community-impact measures. Advocated workforce-development support, small-business assistance, and preference for local contractors on public projects. Suggested practical tools (e.g., a simple brochure of training programs and contacts) so city staff can direct companies that want to hire or train local workers.

 After Lone Grace finished, the clerk confirmed that everyone who had signed up had spoken. Announcements began at 4:08:03, followed by an executive session and adjournment around 10:36 p.m.

Note: Auto-captions are imperfect (especially proper names such as “McOla,” “Lebar,” “Tremllo,” and technical terms). For the most accurate verbatim record, the official minutes or a professional transcript of the Granicus recording would be preferable. The timestamps above are approximate based on the caption cues.

Treat everyone the same @ public comment

Mayor Duncan

You don't treat everyone the same

3. Reverend Julie McOla

Start: ~3:42:51
End: ~3:47:46
Duration: ≈4 min 55 sec

Public Comment – Topeka City Council Meeting, October 6, 2026
Video:  City Council Meeting October 6, 2026 (City of Topeka channel)

Public comment window: ~3:34:57 – ~4:07:55 (≈33 minutes total).

  Announcements begin at 4:08:03.

 These are reconstructed from YouTube’s auto-generated captions. They are close to verbatim but contain typical ASR errors (especially names, technical terms, and some phrasing). Speakers were generally limited to roughly 3–4 minutes; no extensions were granted that evening.

Speakers (in order)

1. Natalie Allen

Start: ~3:35:05
End: ~3:38:28
Duration: ≈3 min 23 sec

 She noted she had signed up primarily for the earlier camera/surveillance discussion. She criticized ALPR/Flock-style systems, saying many cities canceled contracts after discovering misuse for stalking rather than Amber/Silver alerts. She highlighted OCR problems (O vs. 0 on plates), privacy risks, and data retention/sharing concerns. She suggested eliminating the systems as a budget savings and offered a model ordinance approach.

2. Joseph Lebar

Start: ~3:38:33
End: ~3:42:48
Duration: ≈4 min 15 sec

 Thanked the council and mayor for slowing the sales-tax process so legal language and timelines could be clearer (10-year, 20-year, or perpetual). Raised construction delays and utility non-responsiveness (especially on Topeka Boulevard), street disruptions hurting businesses, and the need for better management. Said he had additional ideas he would share with the city manager.

3. Reverend Julie McOla

Start: ~3:42:51
End: ~3:47:46
Duration: ≈4 min 55 sec

 Addressed homeless deaths from heat exposure and the lack of cooling stations. Reflected on the value of human life, referenced recent newspaper articles, and mentioned a mobile snack business that had been helped by a homeless man.

4. Marshall Barber

Start: ~3:47:46
End: ~3:52:02
Duration: ≈4 min 16 sec

 Described an “epiphany” on the sales-tax discussion. Suggested rebranding the effort as a “Topeka Livability Initiative,” using funds toward the KBI building, and supporting public-safety consolidation.

5. Jeff Fog (Fieldline Residential Builders)

Start: ~3:52:02
End: ~3:55:15
Duration: ≈3 min 13 sec

 Stated that building permits had been delayed ~3 weeks with no response (no emails or voicemails). He had laid off 22 workers. Raised stop-work orders issued without permits and safety risks from missing inspections. Said his company holds a controlling interest in the Loring Bay project and urged the city to resolve the issue or risk builders leaving Topeka.

6. Henry McClure

Start: ~3:55:30
End: ~4:00:00
Duration: ≈4.5 min

 Spoke on city/county transportation plans, public involvement, planning commissions, MTPO map issues (excluding areas such as Auburn, Willard, and Rossville), government consolidation, and Senate Bill 104. Criticized opposition to a citizens’ commission, called for auditing GoTopeka’s contract and related charity distributions, and advocated a forensic audit. Emphasized that the community is a republic, not a pure democracy, and that the job of reform is not finished.

7. Danielle Tremllo

Start: ~4:00:00
End: ~4:04:14
Duration: ≈4 min 14 sec

 Focused on the budget and sales-tax discussion. Called for trimming economic-development funds, reducing the transient-guest-tax allocation to Visit Topeka, and using JEDO funds for infrastructure (example: Winder Road water main). Stressed budget transparency and recommended a forensic audit.

8. Lone Grace

Start: ~4:04:14
End: ~4:07:52
Duration: ≈3 min 38 sec

 Thanked the city manager’s office and staff for the community-impact measures. Advocated workforce-development support, small-business assistance, and preference for local contractors on public projects. Suggested practical tools (e.g., a simple brochure of training programs and contacts) so city staff can direct companies that want to hire or train local workers.

 After Lone Grace finished, the clerk confirmed that everyone who had signed up had spoken. Announcements began at 4:08:03, followed by an executive session and adjournment around 10:36 p.m.

Note: Auto-captions are imperfect (especially proper names such as “McOla,” “Lebar,” “Tremllo,” and technical terms). For the most accurate verbatim record, the official minutes or a professional transcript of the Granicus recording would be preferable. The timestamps above are approximate based on the caption cues.

today 10 / 13 / 2026

**Summary as of October 13, 2026 (focus on commercial/multifamily/industrial/mixed-use, incentives, and items of interest to brokers/developers).** Public sources show limited brand-new permit issuances due to the ongoing Tyler EP&L transition, but there are clear Planning Commission items, data-center activity, and incentive-related updates.

### Planning Commission

**Next meeting: Monday, October 19, 2026, 6:00 p.m.** (City Council Chambers; livestreamed on Topeka Speaks). Packet available via Topeka Speaks.

Action items include:

- **PUD26/07 – Amoco Station by Haag Oil Company** at **5977 SW 29th Street**. Request to rezone from “C-2” Commercial to “PUD” (C-2 use group) primarily to reduce the rear-yard building setback on the south property line from 25 ft to 10 ft. Staff recommends approval subject to conditions. Public hearing; neighborhood meeting held Sept. 30. Neighbor objection noted (Foxcross Properties, LLC).

- **ACZR26/04** – Text amendments to the zoning code (chapters 18.55 Definitions, 18.60 Use Tables/Dimensional Standards, 18.225 Specific Use Requirements, 18.245 Amendments, and related sections). Topics include manufactured/modular homes, drinking establishments, indoor recreation, large truck services, residential accessory structures, D-3 district uses, second-hand shops, and RV parks/campgrounds. Public hearing.

- **CPA26/02** – Update to the Land Use & Growth Management Plan 2040. Reflects implementation since the 2015 adoption, incorporates elements of the Citywide Housing Study and Strategy, and includes Future Land Use Map changes. Public hearing.

Prior meeting (Sept. 21) was discussion-only on data-center text amendments (ACZR26/05), ACZR26/04, and CPA26/02. No action items.

### Data Centers (flagged)

Two active tracks, both affected by moratoriums:

- **Compass Datacenters** (Shawnee County CUP): Large campus proposal near **3303 SW 77th Street / SW 85th Street area (Wakarusa)**. ~400 MW IT capacity across 10 buildings with an on-site Evergy substation. Application was incomplete then completed (supplemental response accepted ~Sept. 1, 2026). Shawnee County has a moratorium on data-center applications until **Feb. 17, 2027**. City of Topeka also has a temporary moratorium (adopted ~Aug. 11) on accepting/processing data-center applications and on utility connections (including water/sewer) inside or outside city limits.

- **Forbes Field / MTAA proposal** (separate, smaller project): Nonbinding letter of intent signed ~mid-August 2026 by MTAA President Curtis Sneden with an unnamed developer. Roughly 70–80 MW on 30–40 acres outside city limits; two ~150,000 sq ft buildings with expansion potential to four, plus substation; closed-loop cooling. Application timing expected after moratoriums (spring 2027). MTAA presentation to City Council scheduled for **tonight, October 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m.** City has indicated it will not extend additional water service for data centers. Noise, water, and FAA considerations remain under review.

City staff continues developing data-center and energy-storage text amendments (discussed Sept. 21) to prepare if/when applications are accepted.

### Incentives, Multifamily & Housing

- **Project View / “The Hutch”** (downtown RHID): 192-unit market-rate Class A apartments (mix of studios, 1BR, 2BR) between SW Van Buren/Jackson and SW 6th/7th. RHID established earlier (Ordinance ~Feb. 2026; public hearing Feb. 3). Recent City Council action (~Oct. 6) advanced further RHID-related resolution. Developer: Flaherty & Collins Properties / Topeka FC 1, LLC. Target construction start around October 2026; ~24-month build with phased openings. ~$50 million project.

- Other recent RHID activity (not brand-new this cycle): Lauren’s Bay (52 SF homes, luxury-oriented) and earlier projects such as Windward Estates and Union at Tower District.

### 37th & Gage / California Crossing / Related

- **37th & Gage**: Annexation request **A26/02** (St. Peters and Paul Orthodox Christian Church and 37th and Gage LLC) was on the Aug. 17 PC agenda. Land (roughly 19+ acres, graded/shovel-ready after major dirt work) is actively marketed for sale by 37th & Gage LLC (Dana K. Anderson / MCRE). Positioned for mixed-use, multifamily, or retail in a growth corridor near Gage Blvd., across from existing retail and near a new Dollar General and future church site. Preference is outright sale; open to structured partnerships.

- **California Crossing**: CID previously established (1.5% sales tax, estimated project costs ~$6M for interior/exterior improvements, parking, signage, landscaping, etc., southeast of SE California & SE 29th). No major new filings noted in this check.

- No new Eveningside items identified.

### Permits, Portal, Reports & Other

- **Tyler EP&L portal** (https://cityoftopekaks-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice#/home) went live ~Sept. 21 for many licenses, permits, inspections, and planning applications. Transition issues continue: contractor reports of stalled projects, conflicting instructions, and layoffs; city issued ~3,500 erroneous emails related to prior records. Some contractor licenses/permits/inspections still receiving “finishing touches.” Public search of recent applications generally requires login; no open public list of new commercial permits was available without credentials. Building permits map (maps.topeka.org/BuildingPermits/) did not resolve in this check.

- Latest public **Development & Growth Management** monthly report located is January 2026 (older data). Weekly city reports (latest Oct. 5) emphasize the portal launch, meeting calendars (including PC Oct. 19 and Governing Body meetings), and general updates. No new high-valuation commercial permits highlighted in recent weekly reports or local coverage.

- Other notes: QuikTrip at SW Gage & 29th previously approved. Residential Development Forum scheduled Nov. 6 at Topeka Area Builders Association. Ongoing public-works projects (Topeka Blvd segments, etc.) continue.

**Bottom line**: Nothing large and brand-new on the commercial permit/site-plan front publicly available beyond the Oct. 19 PC cases (especially the Amoco PUD setback) and the continuing data-center discussions (Compass in county process under moratorium; Forbes Field presentation tonight). Incentive activity remains centered on Project View. 37th & Gage land remains marketed as shovel-ready. Portal transition is the main operational story for day-to-day permitting. Sources: City news/weekly reports, Topeka Speaks agendas/packets, local news (KSNT, Capital-Journal, etc.), Compass site, and related ordinances/resolutions.

Today

Topeka deal watch for Tue Oct 13: two multifamily offerings and today's sheriff sale lead the list.

Chalet Apartments, 4140 SW 6th Ave, price not disclosed. It's 233 units on 24.5 acres being sold with 3.79% assumable debt, and CBRE hasn't announced a call-for-offers date yet, so there's time to get in early.

The Kapital, 1306 SW Harrison St, $2,950,000. This 36-unit building was gutted and renovated in 2021 and listed Oct 7, which works out to about $81,900 per unit near Washburn and the Capitol.

Six-duplex portfolio, 12 units, $1,500,000. That's $125,000 per unit across SW and SE Topeka, which makes it a useful price comp for small multifamily.

Sheriff sale today at 10:00 AM CT for 3410 SE Illinois Ave, held in the courthouse sub-basement at 200 SE 7th St.

Oct 27 sheriff sales include 2445 SW Wanamaker (Community National Bank against JMM LLC, so possibly commercial) and 611 NW Menninger Rd.

3746 SW Topeka Blvd, $1,437,287. It's 5.48 acres of commercial land pitched for retail, hospitality, or mixed use.

Kansas Department of Labor plans to sell a Topeka Blvd building because the HVAC repairs are too costly, and no price has been reported, so this could be a motivated state seller.

Forbes Field data center proposal: the airport authority signed a nonbinding letter of intent for two 150,000 sq ft buildings that could grow to four, which could lift land and housing demand in SE Topeka. It's on tonight's council agenda.

City council Oct 6 approved housing rezonings and annexed 19.35 acres for future mixed use, but contractors say the new permit portal has stalled projects, so build timelines may slip.

Shawnee County September stats: 204 sales at a $234,000 median (up 17% from a year ago), 341 active listings, and 1.8 months of supply, while new contracts fell 29% to 137, which hints that buyers are getting more leverage.

Sunflower MLS September: $230,000 median, 10 median days on market, 659 active listings (2.2 months of supply), and 219 contracts written compared with 295 last year.

There's no new county tax sale yet, and results from the Sept 23 tax foreclosure auction on GovEase haven't been posted.

Henry McClure

785.383.9994

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mcre Media .......[Henry McClure Publisher]

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Re: Treat everyone the same @ public comment

Re: Treat everyone the same @ public comment

Treat everyone the same @ public comment

today 10 / 13 / 2026

Today

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