3. Property Sale/Conveyance Vote (April 7, 2026) – Most Recent Split as Mayor vs. Council Member

Yes, there are a few documented policy differences between Brett Kell (note: consistently spelled "Kell" in all public records, not "Cale," "Kel," or "Brent") and Spencer Duncan, both during their overlapping time on the Topeka City Council (roughly 2022–early 2026) and now with Duncan as mayor (since January 2026) and Kell continuing as District 5 council member. These appear limited to specific votes and budget emphases rather than broad or personal rifts—no public disparaging comments, personal attacks, or reported "falling out" turned up in exhaustive searches of news archives, council minutes references, or recent coverage (through April 2026). They collaborated on many routine items, served together on boards like the Topeka Development Corporation, and Kell publicly endorsed Duncan for mayor in 2025. Friendly interactions (e.g., Kell helping brush lint off Duncan's suit at the January 2026 swearing-in) are also noted in photos and coverage.

Here's a breakdown of the key separating issues found:

1. DEI Ordinance Changes (June 2025) – Clearest Split as Colleagues

• While both were council members, Duncan (then Policy & Finance Committee chair) proposed Ordinance No. 20568 to amend/repeal parts of the city code on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), affirmative action in contracting, and the dedicated DEI office. The goal was to protect ~$45 million in federal funding amid Trump administration executive orders.
• The council passed it 5-1 (with absences). Kell (then Deputy Mayor) cast the sole "no" vote, while Duncan supported it as a pragmatic but "difficult" balance.
• This was the most prominent public difference; critics (including some residents and advocates) viewed the changes as a rollback, while supporters called it necessary compliance. No further amendments or reversals are reported as of April 2026.

2. Budget Priorities and Specific Amendments (2024–2025)

• September 2024 budget discussions: Duncan (District 8) expressed concerns about dipping deeply into reserves alongside a mill levy increase, pushing for county support on shared costs. Kell (District 5) stressed the need to avoid "major cuts" to maintain competitiveness as a capital city on wages and infrastructure projects.
• September 2025 2026 Operating Budget vote: Duncan made a successful motion to retain 2-hour metered parking on 8th Avenue (accepting a $25,000 revenue reduction). It passed 7-3, with Kell voting against Duncan's motion (along with Michelle Hoferer).

These reflect stylistic differences—Duncan often more fiscally cautious on reserves/taxes, Kell more focused on investment and growth—but they aligned on the overall budget package.

3. Property Sale/Conveyance Vote (April 7, 2026) – Most Recent Split as Mayor vs. Council Member

• At the April 7 council meeting (covered April 9), one item involved selling a ~30,000 sq. ft. former police station parking lot site at 204 SW 5th St. (environmental history noted; bid of $215,000 from a private buyer who planned to keep it as a parking lot).
• Staff recommended rejection (not cost-effective long-term; city could operate it more profitably). The council voted 6-4 to reject the sale.
  • For approving the sale (yes votes): Kell + Marcus Miller, Sylvia Ortiz, Michelle Hoferer (4).
  • For rejecting (no votes, prevailing): Mayor Duncan + Karen Hiller, Christina Valdivia-Alcala, David Banks, Michelle Bradberry, Murray McGee (6).
• Duncan stated: "I don't think we need to sell the property at this time," wanting more time to review circumstances and discuss long-term marketing strategies with staff. Councilmember Miller (who voted yes) criticized the rejection as making the city look like it was doing business poorly after marketing the property.
• Note: Separate items that night (iconic water tower property at 1121 SE Quincy St. and a vacant lot to the Land Bank for affordable housing) passed unanimously 10-0; no split there.

Other council actions and development votes (e.g., Hotel Topeka dealings, rezonings) show them generally aligned or without recorded opposition between them.

Overall assessment after deep review (news, meeting references, 2022–2026 coverage): These are typical council policy disagreements on federal compliance, fiscal strategy, and asset management—not evidence of personal animosity or consistent opposition. Kell's term runs through January 2030 (next election 2029), so more differences could emerge, but as of April 10, 2026, nothing deeper or ongoing is public. Local Topeka sources (Capital-Journal, WIBW, KSNT, city records) treat their relationship as professional and collegial. If private context or unindexed older comments exist, they aren't in verifiable public records. Let me know if you'd like links to specific meeting videos or further checks on any issue!