By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city commissioners approved economic incentive requests Thursday, which will move forward two new residential housing developments.
A resolution authorizing the city to issue $6 million in general obligation bonds was approved to finance the Tallgrass Phase 4 Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) public infrastructure improvements.
Phases 1-3 are almost built out, using an existing RHID, said Kim Rupp, Hays finance director.
The project is a joint venture between the city of Hays and Heart of America Development Corporation.
A new RHID was created to cover the costs of installing the necessary water, sewer and street infrastructure for the property at East 22nd Street and Wheatland Avenue. The RHID revenues generated by the district will pay the general obligation bond debt moving forward.
The commission also approved a resolution setting an Aug. 13 public hearing for the establishment of an RHID at the site of the former Lincoln School, 1906 Ash.
Developer Michael Graham, Hays, plans to renovate the 100-year old building into a 26-unit multi-family housing facility and to construct seven additional structures on the property, with four units in each new structure.
"This is a perfect example of infill in the city," said Alaina Cunningham, vice-mayor.
Graham estimates the RHID will generate about $1 million in revenues during its 25-year term. RHID revenues will be derived from incremental property tax revenues collected on the project site. RHID-eligible project costs are estimated at $4.3 million.
Property/Liability insurance renewal
The 2026/2027 property/liability insurance coverage was renewed with with Midwest Public Risk. It was the low bid at $569,891, an increase of $90 over the previous year.
Airplane hangar
The ground lease on Hangar F-8 at the Hays Regional Airport, owned by Glen Teel, expires June 30. The city exercised its option to purchase the hangar at a price of $30,000.
New CVB executive director
The new executive director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau was introduced to the commission.
Nikki Brown, formerly the assistant director of career development at Fort Hays State University, has been working the past two weeks alongside outgoing executive director Melissa Dixon, whose family is moving out of state.
Commissioners welcomed Brown, who said she was looking forward to working with them, and they also thanked Dixon for her service to Hays.
"As a former business owner, I remember just how much you did to help promote our business community," said Shaun Musil, city commissioner. "You will be missed."
Wild West Fest committee volunteers needed
During commissioners' add-on comments, David Vilaysing said several long-time committee members of the Wild West Festival are stepping down.
Vilaysing encouraged community members to volunteer for the positions, which can be done on the Wild West Festival website.
Executive session
Toby Dougherty, city manager, requested a 20-minute executive session to include himself, the deputy city manager, city attorney and the commissioners to discuss data relating to the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships.
No action was taken after the executive session.
The complete June 25 meeting can be viewed below, courtesy of Nex-Tech.