By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city commissioners want to know what residents think about the use of fireworks within city limits and have provided an opinion survey on the city's website. Access to the survey is also on social media and is open through the end of the month.
"Fireworks is always a hot topic," Alaina Cunningham, city commissioner, said Friday on KAYS' The Morning Blend, "and it does seem people are definitely for or against."
However, only a few residents speak out each July 4 holiday, and they are passionate one way or the other.
"We're not sure if the choices are by the entire community," Cunningham said, "so we've created a poll. Give us your opinions, give us your thoughts. That way, we can get a better feeling of what the citizens would like and move forward with the Fourth of July."
The city's fireworks policy allows the sale and use of common fireworks from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 2 to 4, unless suspended due to adverse weather conditions or safety concerns.
Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser said the poll is not in direct response to the state's new law allowing the sale of fireworks year-round.
"At the state level, there was discussion about differences in fireworks laws, so we're kind of evaluating ours since it's been in place for a while," he said. "Are we allowing the number of days people would like, or the types of fireworks, things like that?"
Other business at Thursday's city commission meeting included a public hearing to establish a reinvestment housing incentive district for 25 years and adoption of a housing development plan for Tallgrass 2nd Addition, Phase 4. No comments were made during the public hearing.
The property will be platted for about 101 residential lots, including more workforce housing and the potential of multi-family units.
The agreement with the private Ellis County developer Heartland of America entitles the city to the incentive district revenues.
The city will finance and construct the infrastructure. Heartland of America will provide a deposit equal to 30% of the projected infrastructure costs, estimated at $6 million.
If the development doesn't generate a sufficient property tax increment after six years, the city has the option to take ownership of all the undeveloped lots.
The city is updating its three-year-old housing needs survey. "No surprise. It still says Hays has a housing shortage," Bielser said.
Commissioners also moved forward with a property abatement for the former Rodeway Inn, 3404 Vine St.
The motel is owned by HKHR Hospitality Inc. and was shut down by the Kansas Fire Marshal last year for significant structural damage. On Oct. 5, 2024, the fire marshal was notified by the owner that the motel was closed.
Owner's representative Elinda Mages told the commission last week a letter of intent is in place from a national chain to buy and develop the property.
"We don't want to stop this," said Commissioner Reese Barrick. "One way or the other, we want to see this property become a useful part of the community."
Also approved was a low bid of $292,650 to QMC, Inc., Quinter, to construct a new stormwater equipment storage building.