By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city commissioners agreed Thursday to allow consumer fireworks during the upcoming July 4 holiday, despite the ongoing drought in Ellis County and much of western Kansas.
There have been recent rains in Hays and the long-range weather forecast calls for more moisture during the next few weeks.
If weather conditions change, the city has the authority to suspend the use of fireworks at any time, Mel Sauer, Hays city attorney, said.
City ordinance allows for sales of fireworks on July 2, 3 and 4, with consumer use of fireworks the same days from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
"Keep doing what we're doing," said David Vilaysing, commissioner. "I think it went well last year."
He said Celebration Community Church, north of Hays, plans to offer a quiet place to be for those who are bothered by the noise or may have PTSD.
"It's a tough year not to have fireworks because of the 250th anniversary celebration of our country," said Sandy Jacobs, commissioner.
Rezoning and annexation requests for 1375 E. 41st
Requests were reviewed for annexation and rezoning from agriculture to light industrial district for 1375 E. 41st Street by Cathy Braun, property owner, for possible future development.
The type of uses to the property will be limited, said Jesse Rohr, public works director, because it would not be cost-effective to extend the sewer across I-70 at this time. The property is also in the 100-year floodplain and any development would be required to meet the floodplain regulations.
The Hays Area Planning Commission previously approved both requests.
Community Development Block Grant for 1012 Main Street
Hays developer Tim Speno, One Twenty Seven Investments, plans to renovate the top floor of the property at 1012 Main Street into three Airbnb-rentable units. The lower floor is currently occupied by Eclectic Threads Quilt Studio.
He has applied for a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce Commercial Rehabilitation program.
Although the program funds projects owned and operated by private developers, cities and counties are still required to be the official applicants for the CDBG funds.
Speno previously applied for the grant in 2025 but was unsuccessful due to a lack of state funds.
Industrial Revenue Bonds issuance
Commissioners talked about the ordinances to issue the Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) for the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center in The Grove, north of Hays Medical Center on Canterbury Drive, and CERV's, 3701 Vine Street. Construction of both new projects is complete.
Utilization of the IRBs allow the developers to obtain a sales tax exemption for purchases related to the construction of the projects. The city acts as a conduit for issuing the IRBs, and it does not effect the city's debt limit or rating. The IRBs do not require taxpayer commitment.
2026 water line and influent mag meter projects
Rohr presented proposed low bid awards for a new water line along 23rd Street between Lincoln Draw and Fort Street, and for an influent mag meter at the water plant.
The water line low bid was $511,411 from J Corp of Hays and below the engineer's estimate. The project replaces a 4-inch water main in residential areas that had nine breaks and quality issues in the past.
Replacement of the aging influent mag meter at the Water Production and Distribution Plant, 1000 Vine, includes hiring a specialized contractor.
The low bid was from CAS Constructors, Topeka, for $38,570.
All items were moved forward by the commission for votes at the May 28 meeting.
Commissioner Shaun Musil was absent from the work session.