By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
In 2019, the city of Hays purchased a 90-acre tract of greenfield property immediately northeast of Interstate 70, Exit 161, for development opportunities.
During Thursday's work session, city commissioners will hear a proposed award for engineering services for water/sewer main extensions under I-70, abutting street/intersection improvements and internal infrastructure improvements in that acreage.
The low bid is from Kaw Valley Engineering, Salina, for $118,750.
In 2022, the city hired RDG Planning and Design to conduct a market analysis and conceptual rendering of the property. It includes commercial, office and residential development, along with walking trails, public art and open space.
There is no specific development plan at this time, said Jarrod Kuckelman, Hays management analyst.
"There was a concept feasibility study put together of the acreage and what could fit out there on that property. It highlighted the goals of what the commissioners would like the property utilized for," Kuckelman said.
"That study is frequently shared with developers who are looking for a spot in Hays."
Two other bid recommendations will be heard Thursday.
Jeff Boyle, parks director, will discuss the east multi-use connector paths. It will provide the necessary links between the existing path, which ends at 22nd Street just south of HaysMed, and the new path, which will connect 41st Street and Hall to the Sternberg Museum.
The total low bid for both connector paths is $231,616 from T&T Builders, Hays. Once all these new paths are constructed, there will be about five miles of multi-use path connecting the north and east sides of town.
Jeff Crispin, director of water resources, will discuss the demolition of obsolete structures at the water reclamation and reuse facility, 755 General Custer Road.
Three clarifiers were abandoned when the facility was upgraded between 2017 and 2019 to meet the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's new permit requirements.
One clarifier will be kept, although its metal components will be removed. It will be used if contaminated wastewater needs to be temporarily separated.
A single bid of $191,550 was submitted by M&D, Hays, and is below the budget of $200,000.
Boyle and Roger Bixenman, Hays Recreation Commission superintendent, will discuss the 2024 financial report and attendance at the pools and the sports complex.
This year, the recreation commission's total operating loss at the Hays Aquatic Park and Wilson Pool was $50,895. An agreement between the city and HRC splits the loss between the two entities, with each paying $25,447.
Attendance at the Hays Aquatic Park increased in 2024, with 46,004 patrons visiting the pool compared to 43,204 in 2023. Wilson Pool visitation decreased to 2,653 in 2024 compared to 2,903 in 2023.
The Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex neted a profit of $39,883 for the rec commission in 2024.
The Dec. 5 agenda is available here. The work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.