By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The planned redevelopment of a building at 1012 Main St. in downtown Hays into Airbnb units on the upper floor moved one step forward at Thursday's Hays City Commission meeting.
In September, Hays developer Tim Speno, One Twenty Seven Investments, was awarded a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the Kansas Department of Commerce as part of its Commercial Rehabilitation program.
In order for the funds to be disbursed, a contract will be entered into between the city of Hays as the official applicant, and the Kansas Department of Commerce.
Speno must match the grant with $90,626 for the total project cost.
Renovation of the building’s second floor will involve exterior masonry, interior plumbing, HVAC and roof improvements to create three rentable rooms. The lower level of the building is the site of Eclectic Threads Quilt Studio, which will remain open.
Rezoning request
Commissioners also approved a rezoning request by owner Rita Gottschalk for a portion of her property at 3124 E. 27th St. from neighborhood conservation district to light industrial district.
Nearby land uses are transitioning toward light industrial, Jesse Rohr, public works director, said. The Hays Area Planning Commission earlier recommended approving the request.
Vacate utility easement
A request to vacate a utility easement within the G.S.L. Addition Replat at 3300 Vine St. was approved. The former Walmart building was constructed over the easement area in 1984.
The property is occupied by Westlake Hardware, Hobby Lobby and Furniture Outlet and Clearance Center, which asked that the remaining easement be vacated to clean up the property title.
Rohr said said the Utility Advisory Committee had no issue with the request.
Golf Course Pro Shop contract
The current manager at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course Pro Shop, Jeremy Coulter, will not be renewing his contract with the city when it expires on Dec. 31.
Parks Director Jeff Boyle worked with Hays Recreation Commission Executive Director Matt Cook on a similar contract that would allow Hays Recreation to take over operations of the Pro Shop. A qualified manager will be hired by the Hays Recreation Commission.
Boyle said they what a relaxed customer experience that appeals to all levels of golfers.
"I was looking for something new and fresh," he said.
There is no legal requirement that the contract had to be put out to bid, Toby Dougherty, city manager, said.
Cook said he plans to elevate the golf programs.
"We want people out there. That's our No. 1 goal."
He also said the number of junior golfers, "the future of our golf course," is growing.
The Hays Recreation Commission also oversees operation of the aquatic facilities, ballfields and Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.
"It's always great to work with them," Mason Ruder, mayor, said.
R9 water supply resolution
At the request of David Vilaysing, commissioner, a resolution was written and approved that expresses the intent of the city to use water available through the R9 Ranch supply in a sustainable and efficient manner once it is flowing, with a continued commitment to water conservation.
Vilaysing earlier said he wanted to especially clarify that Hays would not solicit businesses that are high volume water users.
Service awards to city employees
City employees with five, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 35 years of service were recognized by the commission and Erin Giebler, human resources director.
The 26 employees had a combined 370 years of service to the city of Hays, Giebler said.
5 Year Awards
Public Works Department Service; senior mechanic; Les Boucher
Water Resources Department; senior maintenance worker; Colin Cole
Finance/City Clerk Department; accounts payable clerk; Brenda Dechant
Police Department; police officer; Erin Escritt
Police Department; police officer; Kaelin Leach
IT Department; IT technician; Casey Pletcher
Fire Department; firefighter; Channing Rutherford
Public Works Department Service; senior maintenance worker; Tony Staley
Public Works Department Solid Waste; senior maintenance worker; John Womack
10 Year Awards
Water Resources Department; director of Water Resources; Jeff Crispin
Water Resources Department; Senior maintenance worker; Eric Haas
Public Works Department Planning & Development; senior inspector; Alex McKune
Public Works Department Service; senior maintenance worker; Orion Orth
Water Resources Department Wastewater; senior plant operator; Toby Schmidtberger
Parks Department; parks technician; Matt Windholz
15 Year Awards
Fire Department; senior firefighter; Travis Johannes
Public Works Department Solid Waste; senior maintenance worker; Bronson Scott
Fire Department; senior firefighter; Brandon Woods
20 Year Award
Parks Department Golf Course; superintendent; Kerry Tiernan
25 Year Awards
Parks Department; parks technician; Mike Bachar
Fire Department; fire captain; Kirk Klein
Parks Department; supervisor; Chris Rhoades
IT Department; director of IT; Chad Ruder
Police Department; lieutenant; Brandon Wright
35 Year Award
Public Works Department Service; foreman; Mark Windholz
40 Year Award
Public Works Department Service; service superintendent; Donnie Stejskal
Commissioner Shaun Musil was absent from the meeting.
You can watch the entire Oct. 22, 2026 meeting below, courtesy of Nex-Tech.