By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Water projects and development property adjustments are the focus of tomorrow's Hays City Commission work session.
Agenda items include a discussion of the rehabilitation of six water production wells this year as well as an upgrade to the waterline at Eighth and Park streets.
In late 2020, staff from water resources and fire departments discussed options to increase water flow to hydrants on the east campus of Fort Hays State University.
"An investigation found that the 4-inch waterline along Park Street was having some capacity restrictions," according to Collin Bielser, assistant city manager. "So the 2022 capital improvement plan did include a project to upgrade the waterline from 4-inch to 8-inch."
Commissioners will also hear from Public Works Director Jesse Rohr about a rezoning request for 1680 E. 10th from agriculture to heavy industrial. The 17.9-acre tract is located west of Canterbury Road north of the railroad tracks.
Applicant Pete Langer wants to move his metal recycling transfer facility from 37th Street just off Interstate 70 to the East 10th location for access to a rail spur.
The property is within the Langer Industrial Addition. Commissioners will review the final plat for the addition. There are currently five other properties along East 10th Street that are of heavy industrial use.
A pre-annexation agreement with BBJ LLC will also be presented.
City staff and the owner of four parcels along 55th Street near 230th Avenue (BBJ LLC) have worked out the terms of a pre-annexation agreement as well as the construction of infrastructure to serve future development.
One tract of land has already been developed as a Peterbilt dealership. All tracts of land are currently outside the city limits, and only the dealership is served by a city waterline. City water and sewer infrastructure do not exist to serve the vacant properties for future development.
Bielser reviews details of the Jan. 20 agenda.
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.