By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Three resolutions furthering a planned housing project and two business projects will be presented to the Hays City Commission during their Thursday work session.
Former Lincoln Elementary School renovation
Hays developer Michael Graham is seeking a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District to renovate the former Lincoln Elementary School building, 1906 Ash, into a 26-unit multi-family housing facility and to construct seven additional structures on the property, each with four units.
Graham is requesting the district finance the project on a pay-as-you-go basis over 25 years, estimated to generate $1.3 million in incremental property tax revenues collected on the project site. RHID-eligible project costs would be about $4.3 million.
24-7 Travel Plaza and Convenience Store
Triplett, Inc., of Salina, developer of a new travel plaza to be built just north of Interstate 70 Exit 157, is requesting the issuance of industrial revenue bonds. The city commission has already created a tax increment financing district on the property. The developer will also request a community improvement district from the city in the future.
Industrial revenue bonds issuances do not count against the city’s debt limit or rating and do not require taxpayer commitment. The city acts as a conduit issuer, and payment obligations are the responsibility of the developer.
The 9,000 square foot travel plaza and convenience store to be operated under the 24-7 Travel Store brand will include 12 gas fuel positions and five diesel fuel positions, electric vehicle charging stations, a restaurant in the travel plaza, a dog park, and RV overnight camp sites.
Agiliti
Agiliti Hays, LLC, headquartered in Delaware, wants to buy, renovate and expand its existing facility at 500 Commerce Parkway. The medical equipment manufacturer currently leases the building, which previously housed Sizewise. The improvements are expected to help add 140 new employees to the current workforce of 91.
The developer is requesting industrial revenue bonds be issued to benefit the $6.55-million project.
The bonds would allow the developer to obtain a sales tax exemption for all purchases related to construction and a real property tax abatement for the project for up to 10 years.
Tallgrass Phase 4 utilities
The city is working with Grow Hays and the Heart of America to develop the Tallgrass Phase 4 housing development in east Hays, which requires the installation of gas and electric utilities.
Midwest Energy requires prepayment for contracts related to electric and gas installations, estimated at $797,457. If the proposed agreement is approved, Midwest Energy will be paid from the temporary notes, which will cover all other infrastructure costs associated with the development. Reinvestment Housing Incentive District revenues would ultimately pay those costs.
North side multi-use path
The Kansas Department of Transportation solicited proposals for Hays' north multi-use path from 41st and Hall east to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.
The low bid came from Morgan Brothers, La Crosse, for $1.6 million.
If approved, the city will pay $387,000, and KDOT will pay the remaining $1.2 million.
City employee health insurance
The city received a 2026 renewal proposal for employees' health insurance from Blue Cross Blue Shield, which would result in a 12.8% increase.
Market bids from two other companies were significantly higher, according to Erin Giebler, human resources director. In a memo to commissioners, Giebler wrote that much of the premium increase is due to employee utilization, and the remainder can be attributed to market inflation.
The recommended 2026 renewal agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas would provide employees with a triple-option health insurance, not to exceed $2,013,000. It would be funded out of the Employee Benefit Levy Fund.
All agenda items will be reviewed during the Nov. 6 city commission work session to be potentially moved on for a vote at the Nov. 13 regular meeting.
Thursday's work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.