By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Tina Sarver wants to keep a few chickens in her Hays backyard.
She approached city commissioners during their Thursday meeting with a proposal to amend a local code that would allow up to five hens — no roosters — per household.
Sarver researched ordinances in several other Kansas towns, including Plainville, which allow backyard chickens.
She suggested city registration and fees for each animal and discussed specific housing and care requirements.
Sarver also started a petition on change.org supporting backyard chickens, which almost 150 people have signed.
"In addition to fresh local eggs providing a sustainable food source, another benefit would be for in-town 4-H kids who could raise small flocks and learn about animal care and responsibility," Carver said.
The commission asked city staff to do their own research and bring back a proposed amendment for further discussion at a future meeting.
Women Who Lead to raise funds for Sunrise Park
Representatives of the Women Who Lead service organization were granted permission by the city to proceed with fundraising for two phases of improvements at Sunrise Park, 19th and McArthur Road.
Phase 1 would include upgrading the existing infield conditions on the two ballfields and repairing the backstop on one of the fields, adding three additional holes to the disc golf course, adding a kiosk and signage to the disc golf course, installation of a solar light on the new park sign and a new basketball court.
Phase 2 would involve replacing the existing playground equipment with new and updated equipment. According to Jeff Boyle, parks director, the current facilities are more than 20 years old.
Cost of the two phases is almost $50,000.
Jeff Boyle, parks director, said maintenance of the proposed improvements would be a minimal expense for his department.
"Without groups like yours coming forward, it makes it very difficult for us to do upgrades and replace things," said Alaina Cunningham, commissioner. "Thank you so much. You're bringing a great project ... but you're not adding things that cost us more in the end."
Incentive district for Tallgrass
The commission set a May 8 public hearing date for a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District Heart for Phase 4 of the Tallgrass 2nd Addition project northeast of 22nd Street and Wheatland Drive.
It is platted for 101 lots, the biggest one-time housing development in Hays' history.
The local developer, Heart of America, has requested the district and proposes the city finance and construct the district-eligible costs related to the project. The city would utilize district revenues to offset its costs.
Heart of America would also provide a deposit equal to 30% of the projected infrastructure costs. The city could use the deposit to pay for the infrastructure costs or debt service on general obligation bonds issued for the project costs.
If the Reinvestment Housing Incentive District is created, the fund would collect incremental property tax revenues for a maximum of 25 years, an estimated $6.8 million.
Commissioner Reese Barrick noted the Ellis County Workforce Committee recognized housing shortages as one of many factors driving the region’s broader workforce struggles. The Chamber in Hays group met for the first time last week.
"I think we as a city are doing everything we can to help boost housing so we can start resolving these problems," Barrick said.
The commission also adopted the 2024 building code update with minor amendments.
They include:
• Exempting permit requirements for small buildings, for fences smaller than 120 square feet, for six-foot tall fences, and for certain decks.
• Removal of fire sprinkler requirements for one- and two-family dwellings.
• Allowing low ceiling lofts and alternative stairways or ladders so the loft can be accessed with standard stair requirements.
• Code non-compliant stairways in existing buildings will be allowed to remain the same during remodeling or made to be compliant.
• Battery storage systems and electric vehicle chargers in residential homes.
The mayor's recommendation to appoint Al Klaus to a four-year term on the Hays Housing Authority Board was accepted.
Mayor Sandy Jacobs encouraged local high school students to apply for the city's Youth Leadership Advisory Board. Online applications are due March 31.
The board promotes community development, involvement and other participation with young leaders within Hays. The city commission appoints members.