By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
"A good deal," said Reese Barrick, Hays city commissioner. "A very good deal," agreed Commissioner Sandy Jacobs.
With no comment presented during the public hearing Thursday, city commissioners unanimously adopted an ordinance creating another RHID (Rural Housing Incentive District) in Hays.
The ordinance establishes the RHID at Fourth and Fort, on the west side of the former Washington Elementary School, which is now Stonepost Lofts, an adaptive-reuse project that turned the historic building into an 18-unit family development.
The ordinance also adopts the development plan from Michael D. Graham Rentals, Hays, formerly known as Turnkey Properties, who has also developed other housing properties in Hays.
The RHID process is lengthy, noted Kim Rupp, finance director. Much of it is overseen by by the state.
The commission previously adopted a resolution outlining housing needs and determinations. The resolution was sent to the Kansas Secretary of Commerce who approved it on May 20.
The RHID will be created unless the Hays USD 489 Board of Education or the Ellis County Commission adopts a resolution in opposition within 30 days after the public hearing.
Graham plans to construct four structures containing 36 apartments.
Graham estimates the RHID will generate approximately $622,500 of property tax revenue over the maximum 25-year term, which would be made available for RHID-eligible project costs on a pay-as-you-go basis. However, the estimated RHID-eligible project costs are $414,550, so the revenue collection could end sooner than 25 years, Rupp pointed out.
The application and all associated materials were reviewed by the city attorney and the city’s special legal counsel, Gilmore & Bell, P.C., to meet the requirements of Kansas law and the city’s economic development policy.
In other business, a progress report of city department projects was presented by Collin Bielser, asst. city attorney.
He noted the new scoreboards at the Beach Schmidt Sports Complex are now available for field sponsorships. Vyve Broadband and Reliable Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning are the first two sponsors.
There is also another restroom facility now in Seven Hills Optimist Park, 33rd and Hillcrest, also home to the new ARC Park.
"It sits west of the splash pad and was paid for by the ARC Park group and has additional handicap accessible features," Bielser said. "Dirt work and a sidewalk installation will be done by the city before it's open to the public."
Melissa Dixon, executive director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, also presented a look at upcoming August activities in Hays.