By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The city of Hays will allow golf carts to be driven on public streets with speed limits of 30 mph or less. They may cross a federal or state highway with a speed limit greater than 30 mph, such as Vine Street, but cannot drive on them.
Following a robust 30-minute discussion, the amendment to the current city ordinance passed 3-1. Commissioner Reese Barrick voted against the request, which came from a resident during an earlier meeting. Commissioner Alaina Cunningham was absent.
"Golf carts are made for golf courses," Barrick said.
Golf carts, which are designed to be driven at no more than 25 mph, must have safety equipment to be operated in Hays, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, seat belts, and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, and they must be insured.
Hays drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. Operators must obey the rules of the road just as any other driver does.
In other business, a low bid award of $759,955 was made to J Corp, Hays, for waterline improvements along Walnut Street between 11th and 17th Streets, including the 300 block of West 11th and the 400 block of West 17th.
"The four-inch metal pipes were installed in the 1940s," said Jeff Crispin, director of water resources, "and we've had 18 water main breaks the past 20 years in that area."
The new eight-inch pipeline will be made of PVC, which he said won't interact with water chemicals or cause an off-taste.
"We'll also be replacing five fire hydrants, which will improve water flow," Crispin said.
During residents' comments, members of the Hays American Legion said their new building has been built at 5025 General Hays Road but cost overruns during the pandemic have kept them from having the parking lot paved.
The Legion is unable to get its certificate of occupancy from the city without a paved parking lot, which in turn, keeps the organization from renting out the building, a major source of income for the Legion.
Members asked about the possibility of using less expensive pressed concrete for at least part of the parking lot. "We don't have a lot of wiggle room in a certificate of occupancy," City Manager Toby Dougherty said.
Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor, told the Legion officers she would help them look into applying for grants from the Heartland Community Foundation and other organizations to help pay for the parking lot.
The 2023 audit for the city of Hays was presented by Adams Brown, Hays, and found "no material deficiencies," said auditor Jami Benyshek, "in the financial soundness of all city funds."
Prior to the meeting, Mayor Shaun Musil signed a proclamation declaring March 18-24 as "Fix A Leak Week" in Hays on behalf of the Department of Water Resources.