Chapter 2.10
SEAL AND CREST

Sections:

2.10.010    Corporate seal.

2.10.020    Official crest.

2.10.030    Unauthorized use of corporate seal and city crest.

2.10.010 Corporate seal.

The corporate seal of the city, as now in use and as hereafter to be used until altered, is and shall be described as follows: Two concentric circles, the larger or outer of which has the appearance of twisted rope or cord and the smaller or inner of which is a series of touching dots, and between which circles at the top are the words “Seal of Topeka” and at the bottom the word “Kansas,” with three stars on the left between the word “Seal” and the word “Kansas” and three stars on the right between the word “Topeka” and the word “Kansas.” Within the inner circle toward the bottom and extending from the middle star on the left to the middle star on the right are the words “Capital City.” Immediately below and parallel with the words “Capital City” is the word “Incorporated.” Beneath the word “Incorporated” and immediately above and following the curvature of the inner circle is the statement “Feb. 14, 1857.” Above the words “Capital City” and extending nearly to the top of the inner circle is a picture or relief representing the dome of the Kansas State Capitol. (Ord. 17226 § 1, 1-27-98. Code 1995 § 2-1.)

    State Law References: Seal authorized, K.S.A. 12-101.

2.10.020 Official crest.

The city has and does hereby determine that it is necessary and desirable to adopt an official crest for the city, such crest being described as follows:

(a) As far as the designer can establish, the overall shape of design 1 is the most appropriate as far as shape is concerned. Mainly this shape was used by distinguished families and individuals in the 14th century.

(b) On the chief (top) of the crest is inscribed “Golden City,” a term often used in history books to describe the effect when the sun poured its rays down upon the beautiful hills and valleys of the city; this coming from the sun filtering through the many autumn leaves. This term is also used to describe the color of the soil.

(c) On the dexter (right) side of the shield is a picture of the wheel encircling the bee hive. The wheel represents the railroads and the bee hive is a symbol for industry in the city.

(d) On the sinister (left) side of the shield is pictured a Kaw Indian house; the Kaw being a native inhabitant of this region. On either side of the hut is pictured an arrow and a stalk of corn representing the fact that the Kaw Indian was basically a farmer and a hunter.

(e) At the ghi (base) of the shield is pictured the Capitol, which is self-explanatory.

(f) The band that divides the shield is the setting for nine stars, representing the nine founders. These nine stars are divided by a thin strip which represents the structure of a bridge connecting North Topeka with Topeka, quite instrumental in Topeka’s growth. (Ord. 17226 § 2, 1-27-98. Code 1995 § 2-2.)

2.10.030 Unauthorized use of corporate seal and city crest.

It shall be unlawful for any person, other than duly authorized representatives of the city acting in their official capacity, to place a facsimile of the official city seal and/or the official city crest on any type of advertisement, whether printed, published or broadcast, which is disseminated in the public and/or private sector, without first obtaining the express written permission of the city mayor. (Ord. 17226 § 3, 1-27-98. Code 1995 § 2-3.)

    Cross References: City council – mayor, Chapter 2.15 TMC.