By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, will present a review of the 2026 Kansas legislature activity at the beginning of the Hays City Commission meeting Thursday afternoon.
Other agenda items include
Rezoning and annexation requests for 1375 E. 41st
Property owner Cathy Braun has asked for annexation and rezoning from agriculture to light industrial district for 1375 E. 41st St. for possible future development.
The Hays Area Planning Commission previously approved both requests.
Community Development Block Grant for 1012 Main St.
Hays developer Tim Speno, One Twenty Seven Investments, plans to renovate the top floor of the property at 1012 Main St. into three Airbnb-rentable units. The lower floor is currently occupied by Eclectic Threads Quilt Studio.
He has applied for a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce Commercial Rehabilitation program for blighted properties.
Although the program funds projects owned and operated by private developers, cities and counties are still required to be the official applicants for the CDBG funds.
Commissioners will hold a public hearing for the CDGB request, approve the interlocal agreement and approve a resolution certifying legal authority to apply for the CDGB request.
Industrial Revenue Bonds issuance
Commissioners will vote on the ordinances to issue the Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) for the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center in The Grove, north of Hays Medical Center on Canterbury Drive, and CERV's, 3701 Vine St. Construction of both new projects is complete.
Utilization of the IRBs allow the developers to obtain a sales tax exemption for purchases related to the construction of the projects. The city acts as a conduit for issuing the IRBs, and it does not effect the city's debt limit or rating. The IRBs do not require taxpayer commitment.
23rd Street water line project
The commission will vote on the low bid to upgrade the water line along 23rd Street between Lincoln Draw and Fort Street.
Improvements include the replacement of the water line, upgrade of fire hydrants, installation of new meter cans and meters, and replacement of one-third of the concrete street.
The low bid is from J Corp of Hays for $511,411.
Influent mag meter project
Replacement of the aging influent mag meter at the Water Production and Distribution Plant, 1000 Vine, includes hiring a specialized contractor.
The low bid was from CAS Constructors, Topeka, for $38,570.
The complete May 28 agenda is available here.
The city commission meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.