Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Fwd: KORA - CVA - email
Henry McClure
785.383.9994
sent from mobile 📱
time kills deals
785.383.9994
sent from mobile 📱
time kills deals
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Mary E. Kuckelman Spinelli <mespinelli@topeka.org>
Date: Tue, May 12, 2026, 4:18 PM
Subject: RE: KORA - CVA - email
To: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Cc: City Clerk <cclerk@topeka.org>, Bonnie Williams <bowilliams@topeka.org>
From: Mary E. Kuckelman Spinelli <mespinelli@topeka.org>
Date: Tue, May 12, 2026, 4:18 PM
Subject: RE: KORA - CVA - email
To: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Cc: City Clerk <cclerk@topeka.org>, Bonnie Williams <bowilliams@topeka.org>
Henry,
Please find attached the responsive record to your below KORA request.
Thank you,
Mary E. Kuckelman Spinelli
Senior Attorney
Mailing Address:
215 SE 7th Street, Room 353
Topeka, KS 66603
(785) 368-3883
NOTICE: This message and any attachments may be confidential and contain legally privileged information. If you are not an employee of the City of Topeka (see K.S.A. 75-6102(d)), we do not waive any legal protection that may apply such as attorney-client or work product privileges. If you have received this email in error, please immediately notify the sender and delete the message and any attachments. Further, this communication is not intended to constitute, nor should it be relied upon, as legal advice to you.
From: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 1:51 PM
To: Mary E. Kuckelman Spinelli <mespinelli@topeka.org>
Cc: City Clerk <cclerk@Topeka.org>; Bonnie Williams <bowilliams@topeka.org>
Subject: Re: KORA - CVA - email
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The video is the official recording of the City of Topeka Governing Body (City Council) meeting held on May 5, 2026. It covers standard agenda items including call to order, proclamations (e.g., Letter Carriers' Food Drive Day), recognitions, presentations on the North Topeka BID and 2026 bond series, consent agenda, ordinances on rezoning/fee waivers/taxes/liens, CIP discussion, public comment, announcements, and executive sessions.
The specific part you mentioned—where a council member offers to share/make public an email that “all we have to do is ask for”—occurs during the announcements/council comments section (roughly 2:39:05–~2:45 mark, specifically around 2:43:35). The speaker is Council Member Christina Valdivia-Alcala (District 2). She referenced an email she had sent (related to her comments that apparently upset some in the city administration, in the context of the Oakland spill incident and its impact on Building U in her district). She offered to make that email public / share it with anyone interested, essentially saying she could provide it if people were upset or wanted to see it.
(Note: You said “CORA request,” but in Kansas this is handled under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), not Colorado’s CORA. The process is similar—written request for public records.)
How to get the email (easiest options, since she explicitly offered to share it)
- Directly email Council Member Valdivia-Alcala (fastest, informal route—recommended first since she invited people to ask):
- Email: cvaldivia-alcala@topeka.org
- Subject line example: “Request for the email you offered to share during the May 5, 2026 Governing Body meeting (approx. 2:43 mark)”
- Body: Simply reference the meeting date/video timestamp and ask for a copy of the email she mentioned offering to make public. She may just forward it to you.
- Formal KORA request (if you want it official, with a response timeline and any associated fees documented): Submit a written request to the City Clerk (they handle all KORA requests for the city):
- Email: cclerk@topeka.org
- Sample request you can copy/paste:
text
Under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), I am requesting a copy of the email communication(s) referenced and offered to be made public by Council Member Christina Valdivia-Alcala during the May 5, 2026 Governing Body meeting (approximately 2:43:35 mark in the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1EqkSGN4B0). This is the email she sent containing comments that upset some in the administration (context: Oakland spill / Building U issue). Please provide the full email(s) and any attachments. I am happy to pay reasonable copying fees if applicable. Please provide the records in electronic format.- You can also CC her at cvaldivia-alcala@topeka.org or the general council address council@topeka.org if you want.
The city’s main council page (topeka.gov/government/city-council) lists all members’ contact info and has a KORA reference if needed.
Her direct contact is also listed publicly as: Christina Valdivia-Alcala, District 2, phone 785-233-7110.
From: Mary E. Kuckelman Spinelli <mespinelli@topeka.org>
Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 1:02 PM
To: mcre13@gmail.com <mcre13@gmail.com>
Cc: City Clerk <cclerk@Topeka.org>; Bonnie Williams <bowilliams@topeka.org>
Subject: RE: KORA - CVA - email
Good afternoon, Henry:
Can you clarify what email you are referring to help us locate any potentially responsive records?
Thanks,
Mary E. Kuckelman Spinelli
Senior Attorney
Mailing Address:
215 SE 7th Street, Room 353
Topeka, KS 66603
(785) 368-3883
NOTICE: This message and any attachments may be confidential and contain legally privileged information. If you are not an employee of the City of Topeka (see K.S.A. 75-6102(d)), we do not waive any legal protection that may apply such as attorney-client or work product privileges. If you have received this email in error, please immediately notify the sender and delete the message and any attachments. Further, this communication is not intended to constitute, nor should it be relied upon, as legal advice to you.
From: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 11:05 PM
To: City Clerk <cclerk@topeka.org>; Christina Valdivia-Alcala <cvaldivia-alcala@topeka.org>
Subject: KORA - CVA - email
|
Notice: -----This message was sent by an external sender----- |
CVA mention we can KORA her email last (tonight) night at city council
Megan - please send me a copy
Thanks
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Christina Valdivia-Alcala <cvaldivia-alcala@topeka.org>
To: Braxton Copley <bcopley@topeka.org>, "Robert M. Perez" <rmperez@topeka.org>, "Avery L. Moore" <almoore@topeka.org>
Cc: Governing Body <governingbody@topeka.org>, Mayor <Mayor@topeka.org>, John Alcala <john.alcala@house.ks.gov>, John Schardine <jschardine@topeka.org>, Nick Jefferson <njefferson@topeka.org>, "Kelly J. Trussell" <kjtrussell@topeka.org>, Leigha Boling <lboling@topeka.org>, "Quinn M. Cole" <qmcole@topeka.org>, Dan Warner <DWarner@topeka.org>, Braxton Copley <bcopley@topeka.org>
Bcc:
Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:07:47 +0000
Subject: Re: Capital City townhomes
Thanks Braxton for your response.
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From: Braxton Copley <bcopley@topeka.org>
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2026 4:46:57 AM
To: Christina Valdivia-Alcala <cvaldivia-alcala@topeka.org>; Robert M. Perez <rmperez@topeka.org>; Avery L. Moore <almoore@topeka.org>
Cc: Governing Body <governingbody@topeka.org>; Mayor <Mayor@topeka.org>; John Alcala <john.alcala@house.ks.gov>; John Schardine <jschardine@topeka.org>; Nick Jefferson <njefferson@topeka.org>; Kelly J. Trussell <kjtrussell@topeka.org>; Leigha Boling <lboling@topeka.org>; Quinn M. Cole <qmcole@topeka.org>; Dan Warner <DWarner@topeka.org>; Braxton Copley <bcopley@topeka.org>
Subject: Re: Capital City townhomes
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2026 4:46:57 AM
To: Christina Valdivia-Alcala <cvaldivia-alcala@topeka.org>; Robert M. Perez <rmperez@topeka.org>; Avery L. Moore <almoore@topeka.org>
Cc: Governing Body <governingbody@topeka.org>; Mayor <Mayor@topeka.org>; John Alcala <john.alcala@house.ks.gov>; John Schardine <jschardine@topeka.org>; Nick Jefferson <njefferson@topeka.org>; Kelly J. Trussell <kjtrussell@topeka.org>; Leigha Boling <lboling@topeka.org>; Quinn M. Cole <qmcole@topeka.org>; Dan Warner <DWarner@topeka.org>; Braxton Copley <bcopley@topeka.org>
Subject: Re: Capital City townhomes
Governing Body
Given the fact that allegations have been made against me that I have acted in an inappropriate manner, I have no choice but to respond. I have been licensed as an attorney for 34 years and as such took an oath to protect the laws of this state and follow a code of ethics. I have worked for the city for over 20 years in various roles. Every single day I have worked hard, ethically, and professionally.
Mr Krnsch is not a friend of mine. We met professionally a few times while I was working at Pioneer Group owing to the fact that the head of KHRC pushed the tax credit developers in the state to form an association for professional networking including lobbying. I had not seen him for several years when I saw him at the state house last year when we both testified in an effort to keep the state LIHTC.
Mr. Krnsch was treated exactly like every other developer during the process for the approval of the requested economic development incentives for Cap City Townhomes. The application and financial analysis relating to the project were attached to the agenda. The TIF Committee of which I am a single member reviewed the materials and made a recommendation to take the items to the GB. Ultimately it was a GB decision and not my decision. Given the fact that the property is blighted and severely in need of rehabilitation, I stand by my recommendation to the GB to approve the TIF, NRP and Development Agreement. Simply put, the rehab of this property is in the best interests of Topeka
As to Motive Power, Mr. Krnsch purchased that property in 2024. Since that time he has been cited with housing, property maintenance and building permit violations. Those are being handled by various departments and will go to prosecution if they are not resolved. Mr. Krnsch is being treated like any other property owner that has violations at his property
Please fee free to reach out to me with any questions you have on this matter.
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From: Christina Valdivia-Alcala <cvaldivia-alcala@topeka.org>
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 3:02:04 PM
To: Robert M. Perez <rmperez@topeka.org>; Braxton Copley <bcopley@topeka.org>; Avery L. Moore <almoore@topeka.org>
Cc: Governing Body <governingbody@topeka.org>; Mayor <Mayor@topeka.org>; John Alcala <john.alcala@house.ks.gov>; John Schardine <jschardine@topeka.org>; Nick Jefferson <njefferson@topeka.org>; Kelly J. Trussell <kjtrussell@topeka.org>
Subject: Re: Capital City townhomes
Braxton and City Manager, I think you probably understand I’m not talking about the Capitol Townhomes. I’m talking about the lack of transparency that puts 2+2 together when it comes to this particular developer and his history at Motive Power Place.
After all we talked about in the meeting with Motive Power Place - and you and Braxton could not see some kind of connection in the 2+2 situation… then nothing I can say to either one of you is going to shift the lack of transparency in this the city because of the administration, finally “getting it.”
Christina
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From: Robert M. Perez <rmperez@topeka.org>
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 2:52:42 PM
To: Christina Valdivia-Alcala <cvaldivia-alcala@topeka.org>; Braxton Copley <bcopley@topeka.org>; Avery L. Moore <almoore@topeka.org>
Cc: Governing Body <governingbody@topeka.org>; Mayor <Mayor@topeka.org>; John Alcala <john.alcala@house.ks.gov>; John Schardine <jschardine@topeka.org>; Nick Jefferson <njefferson@topeka.org>; Kelly J. Trussell <kjtrussell@topeka.org>
Subject: Re: Capital City townhomes
Council Member Valdivia-Alcala,
We are in receipt of your request. While we have never been asked to provide any of this data, for any future development projects being considered by the Governing Body, we will include as an attachment to the agenda item, all open code, property maintenance, permitting, and zoning cases.
As to your comments on transparency, for reference, please see the attached Code and KHRC inspection reports, for Capital City Townhomes, LLC, that were provided to the Governing Body on March 16th and 19th and April 6th.
Thanks,
Robert
From: Christina Valdivia-Alcala <cvaldivia-alcala@topeka.org>
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 11:25 AM
To: Braxton Copley <bcopley@topeka.org>; Robert M. Perez <rmperez@topeka.org>; Avery L. Moore <almoore@topeka.org>
Cc: Governing Body <governingbody@topeka.org>; Mayor <Mayor@topeka.org>; John Alcala <john.alcala@house.ks.gov>; John Schardine <jschardine@topeka.org>; Nick Jefferson <njefferson@topeka.org>; Kelly J. Trussell <kjtrussell@topeka.org>
Subject: Capital City townhomes
Braxton and CM
I was not in attendance at last night’s City Council meeting because of a family event. I am reviewing the meeting now going over the presentation given on Capital City Townhomes by you Braxton and Tony Krnisch. I’m requesting in the future with any type of development coming before the GB - to provide any and all pending code cases or other problems/ challenges that COT may be having with the individuals that hide behind LLCs and the various LLCs themselves. Obviously, at this point, I have to be very concrete in requests because ongoing concerns do not seem to have any bearing on information provided or not provided to the GB.
I know most folks do not know, but Tony is the owner of the Motive Power places here in Oakland. Thank you to all those in the city that know that they are honestly working diligently to address the mayhem we have in multifamily units across the city. With Motive Power Place, there are a number of open code compliance cases and ongoing issues with this building. They have recently been written up for working without permits. There are possible asbestos violations. There may also be real violations with how they have not complied with Kansas Historic preservation requirements. The third-party property maintenance LLC, which will be the third-party property maintenance with Capital City Townhomes, has never been known to be responsive in a collective manner to the residents. That is all fact.
My sense is that the our COT administration wants to keep this all hidden from the GB and once again not being fully transparent. The Motive Power Place has been an ongoing issue in the seven years I’ve been on Council. I was recently informed in a meeting that COT administration and myself had about Motive Power Place, there are close to $10,000 in fines that have still not been collected. Braxton I’m sure that you recall you were the first to bring up that Tony was not responsible for this since he was the new owner. And I pushed back and told you about the background I have had with this individual and his apparent disregard for the tenants at Motive Power Place. I was also (and still am) concerned about the professional relationship that you Braxton and Tony may have - that in my opinion caused you to be partial to this particular developer.
Both Rep John Alcala have been over the past several years fighting for tenant rights and for this building to be addressed in a way that is equitable and fair to its tenants. This same Tony was the one that called both Rep Alcala and I up telling us to please stop what we were doing, his connections with the governor, and that where else were the people going to go…so basically they had to deal with it. I am bringing this forth because again lack of transparency by the administration.
Honestly, sometimes I don’t know who’s running this city. And do I think a change is in order? Absolutely. But I am grateful for any and all questions from the GB that are discerning in nature and are demanding more accountability and transparency from this administration. And I will say both to Braxton and the City Manager it is not my responsibility to do your jobs. And your jobs are to inform the GB fully and truthfully, especially in light of the meetings we have been having about multifamily dwellings and coming to some kind of stance as the City of Topeka with keeping the tenants in mind. I am not saying cow towing to them I am saying where their rights are held up by us to the best of our ability when we are dealing with questionable LLC owners.
Christina Valdivia-Alcala
And if anyone in the GB wants to know more of what transpired in that meeting with the administration and Motive Power Place please feel free to reach out.
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