Committee OKs CIP amendment to relocate fiber line that runs through zoo exhibit

The Topeka City Public Infrastructure Committee approved an amendment to the 2025 capital improvement plan on June 17 to add a project to relocate a trunk fiber line that runs through a zoo exhibit.

The project was described by a city staff member as necessary because the fiber “runs actually through an exhibit that has bears in it” and conflicts with planned multi‑phase work in the same area. The staff member told the committee the city will advance funds for the work and “then we will seek reimbursement from the Gage Park Improvement Authority.”

The staff member said the fiber’s placement was made without adequate consideration of long‑term siting and that the line “is directly in conflict with 1 of our main trunk lines” for a planned zoo project. Committee members did not ask for further technical detail during the presentation.

Councilwoman Michelle Hoefer moved to approve the CIP amendment; Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz seconded. The committee recorded a 2‑0 vote to approve the addition to the CIP and CIB so the relocation work can proceed.

No ordinance number, contract award, budget amount for the relocation, or construction timeline was provided during the committee discussion. The staff member said the city will initially advance the funds and then be reimbursed by the Gage Park Improvement Authority; how and when that reimbursement will occur was not specified.

The item was discussed as an amendment to the capital improvement plan; no other formal actions (contracts or change orders) were taken at the committee meeting. The project will be brought to the governing body at a later date for further authorization, according to staff.

Details that were not specified at the committee meeting include the relocation cost, contractor selection status, and expected construction dates.