TOPEKA (KSNT) - The City of Topeka has a new Deputy Mayor. At Tuesday's city council meeting, Topeka leaders voted to appoint District 5 Councilman Brett Kell as new Deputy Mayor for 2025. According to the rules from the governing body, the council member who has served the longest on council and has not previously served as Deputy Mayor is automatically nominated. According to documents from the council's agenda, the Deputy Mayor serves a one-year term, stepping in to fill the "absence or temporary disability" of the mayor. District 1 Councilwoman Karen Hiller was also nominated for the role as Deputy Mayor. Flint Hills Discovery Center names new director Six members of the council voted for Kell, and four members voted for Hiller. Below is a list of who have served as Deputy Mayor while serving as council members over the last 10 years: 2024: District 2 Councilwoman Christina Valdivia-Alcala 2023: District 7 Councilman Neil Dobler 2022: District 8 Councilman Spencer Duncan 2021: Former Councilman Mike Padilla 2020: Former Councilman Tony Emerson 2019: Former Councilwoman Sandra Clear 2018: Former Councilman Brendan Jensen 2017: Former Councilman Jeff Coen 2016: Former Councilwoman Michelle De La Isla 2015: Former Councilwoman Karen Hiller For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.