By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
After a public poll this spring showed split opinions, Hays city commissioners will review the local ordinance governing the purchase and discharge of fireworks at the Thursday work session.
"We're kind of evaluating our policy since it's been in place for a while," Collin Bielser, assistant city manager, said. "Are we allowing the number of days people would like, or the types of fireworks, things like that?"
The city's fireworks policy allows the sale and use of common fireworks from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 2 through July 4, unless suspended due to adverse weather conditions or safety concerns.
Only a few residents speak out each July 4 holiday, and they are passionate, whether for or against.
After the 2025 holiday, one resident brought a box of fireworks refuse he collected from in front of his house to a city commission meeting. He asked that changes be made regarding clean-up enforcement and to limit the number of days fireworks can be shot to just July 4.
Staff has researched other cities' fireworks regulations.
"At this time, staff is not recommending any changes," said Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager.
Industrial Revenue Bonds
Other agenda items include discussion of ordinances to authorize the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for Agiliti and Vernie's Trux-N-Equip.
Agiliti, a medical equipment manufacturer on south Commerce Parkway, plans to buy, renovate and expand its campus buildings. A total 140 new jobs would be added in phases to the current 91 positions.
The utilization of industrial revenue bonds, which have no taxpayer commitment, allows a property tax abatement for up to 10 years for the $6.55-million project.
The new location of Vernie's Trux-N-Equip is on six acres northwest of the intersection of 48th Street and General Hays Road, the site of the former Hays Livestock sales barn.
The developer is asking for the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for the $2.2 million project. No property tax abatement is requested. A community improvement district is also sought.
Construction engineering services contract
Tom Howie, project manager, will present a bid from Driggs Design Group for the Interstate 70, Exit 161, infrastructure project. Driggs had the low bid of $38,632. The project will be funded from general obligation bonds.
The initial new infrastructure would serve about 11 buildable lots, ranging in size from 2 to 8 acres, for commercial and residential development on the city-owned property.
Pool reimbursement request
Following a review of its pool season operation, the Hays Recreation Commission will request a 50% reimbursement from the city for the operating loss. The city would pay $25,501 to the recreation commission from the 2025 General Fund Pool Budget.
The complete Dec. 4 agenda is available here.
The work session starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.