By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The planned redevelopment of 1012 Main St. in downtown Hays into Airbnb units took another step forward recently.
In September, local developer One Twenty Seven Investments, LLC, was awarded a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the Kansas Department of Commerce as part of the CDBG Commercial Rehabilitation program.
In order for the funds to be disbursed, a contract must be entered into between the city of Hays and the Kansas Department of Commerce.
Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager, will present that agreement during Thursday's city commission work session.
The building, originally constructed in 1917 as the Hays Building and Loan Association, and now owned by One Twenty Seven Investments, LLC, is the site of Eclectic Threads Quilt Studio. The renovation of the building’s second floor will involve exterior masonry, interior plumbing, HVAC and roof improvements to create three rentable rooms.
Rezoning request
Jesse Rohr, public works director, will present a rezoning request by owner Rita Gottschalk of a portion of her property located at 3124 E. 27th St. from neighborhood conservation district to light industrial district. The site is outside Hays city limits but within the extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Nearby uses are transitioning toward light industrial, Kuckelman said.
Staff, as well as the Hays Area Planning Commission, have recommended approving the request.
Vacate utility easement
A request has been made to vacate a utility easement within the G.S.L. Addition Replat at 3300 Vine St. The property was originally platted in 1982. The current property owners, Westlake, Hobby Lobby and Furniture Outlet and Clearance Center, are requesting that the remaining easement be vacated to eliminate an unnecessary encumbrance on the property title.
The former Walmart building was constructed over the easement area in 1984, and there are no known public or private utilities located within the easement.
Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course Pro Shop contract
The current manager at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course Pro Shop, Jeremy Coulter, will not be renewing his contract with the city when it expires on Dec. 31.
Parks Director Jeff Boyle has worked with Hays Recreation Commission Executive Director Matt Cook on a contract that would allow Hays Recreation to take over operations of the Pro Shop.
Hays Rec currently oversees operation of the aquatic facilities, ballfields and Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.
R9 water supply resolution
At the request of David Vilaysing, city commissioner, a resolution will be reviewed that would express the intent of the governing body to use water available through the R9 Ranch supply in a sustainable and efficient manner once it is flowing.
The Oct. 15 agenda is available here. The work session begins at 4 p.m. Thursday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.