By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
It was an agenda of routine items for the Hays city commission last week.
Commissioners approved an ordinance and resolution for the sale and delivery of $455,000 in general obligation bonds series 2023-A for creating the King’s Gate 2nd Addition Special Assessment District.
King’s Gate 2nd Addition is more commonly referred to as Royal Court and is in the northwest corner of the city, directly across the street from the new fire station.
The project was structured for the city to construct the improvements, and then levy special assessments against the property in the benefit district. The special assessment revenue received by the city would then be used to repay general obligation bonds issued by the city to fund the cost of the projects.
Given the small size and term of 20 years, the issue will be a private placement with several local banks interested.
Final versions of the ordinance and resolution, as well as final payment terms on the bonds, will be made available by Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, the city's financial adviser, and Gilmore Bell, the city's bond counsel, after the sale of the bonds.
Also approved was annual renewal of the city's property and liability insurance coverage with Midwest Public Risk a cost of $349,930. The amount is a 20 percent increase from the last period.
Insurance Planning, Hays, provides oversight for the city as the insurance broker.
Commissioners also voted to purchase a new compost turner and water tank for $78,830 from Midwest Bio-Systems, Inc., Tampico, Ill. The equipment is used for turning grass and other yard waste during the composting process at the city's compost site.
Mayoral appointment recommendations were approved.
Audrey Mercer will serve a three-year term on the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee while Gracemary Melvin will serve a four-year term on the Hays Housing Authority Board.
Commissioner Reese Barrick was absent from the meeting.