By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city commissioners will hear an update on Phase 1 and Phase 2 improvements at Sunrise Park, 19th Street and MacArthur Road, from the group Women Who Lead during Thursday's commission meeting.
The Robert and Patricia Schmidt Foundation matched donations up to $50,000 for the improvements planned for Sunrise Park.
Low-income housing proposals
Also on the agenda are two resolutions showing intent to issue industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) for two proposed low-income housing apartment complexes.
An IRB issuance does not count against the city’s debt limit or affect its debt rating and does not require taxpayer commitment. They would be specifically for sales tax exemptions during construction.
Willow Grove would be built by Zimmerman Properties, Springfield, Missouri, at 400 W. 48th, just east of Carrico Implement. Construction cost is estimated at $9.3 million. The IRB value is about $154,000.
The second request came from Old Town Development, Inc., Missouri. Wheatland Commons would be built east of the intersection of 22nd Street and Cumberland Drive. The area is east of Bright Minds Academy.
The construction cost estimate for Wheatland Commons is $12.51 million. The IRB value is about $211,050.
Both developers are seeking Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. If not awarded, the projects are unlikely to move forward, the developers said.
Street reconstruction design contract
Jess Rohr, public works director, will present a low bid of $94,400 for an engineering services contract with Driggs Design Group, PA, Hays, for reconstruction of portions of 22nd Street, General Hays Road and Oak Street.
If approved, the work would be done in 2027 and 2028.
The complete May 14 agenda is available here.
The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.