By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
All 8,500 water meters in Hays will be replaced during the next year with radio frequency advanced infrastructure metering.
The $4.5 million project will not require increased rates for city water customers.
"We have a bond rolling off," said Toby Dougherty, city manager.
The city will take advantage of an expiring 2009 utility system bond payment this year. A new 20-year bond is anticipated.
City commissioners voted Thursday to approve the bid from Core & Main, McPherson, for the Sensus-brand equipment and hire a project manager with Tyler Technologies to integrate the software with the city's system.
The Sensus AMI system can read water usage from a water meter every 15 minutes and alert customers to any anomalies that could indicate an unknown leak. Right now, meters are read every 30 days. Customers can also access their real-time information.
The new system will help conserve water by identifying leaks more quickly and free up at least five city employees for other work.
"We are the leaders in water conservation in Kansas and beyond. We need to continue to evolve. This is an important tool to add to our water conservation program," said Jeff Crispin, director of water resources.
The commission also voted to renew its 2024/2025 property/liability insurance coverage package with Midwest Public Risk for $454,221. The premium is a 22.6% increase.
The city's new fire station is covered in the policy, said Finance Director Kim Rupp.
Grow Hays' request of the city to formalize an intent to issue industrial revenue bonds for The Grove community center was approved.
The industrial revenue bonds, to be issued once the project is complete, will allow the developer to obtain a sales tax exemption for all construction-related purchases.
No property tax abatement is requested.
A groundbreaking for the new community center, part of a planned residential housing development, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 11, at the site north of Hays Medical Center.
Hays Lions Club members requested to change the name of the Hays Lions Club Park, 33rd and Skyline Drive, to the Daniel G. Rupp Memorial Park in remembrance of Daniel G. Rupp. He was the longest-serving Hays mayor. Commissioners will discuss the request at an upcoming work session.
Commissioner Alaina Cunningham was absent from the meeting.