By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Hays City Commission will discuss one of the major capital improvement projects scheduled for 2025 during Thursday's work session.
An award for reconstruction of 32nd/33rd Street from Willow to Vine will be presented by Jesse Rohr, director of public works.
Vogts-Parga Construction, Moundridge, submitted the lowest bid for the project, $1. 55 million. This is about $245,000 under budget.
The project includes removing and replacing all the concrete pavement, various areas of curb and gutter, select areas of sidewalk and curb ramps to meet ADA requirements, intersections, and some alley entrances. The north intersection of Skyline and 33rd Street will be widened.
Also for consideration is a construction engineering services agreement with Driggs Design Group, Hays, for $52,320.
This section of street is a minor urban arterial road and carries about 3,500 vehicles per day, said Collin Bielser, deputy city manager.
"Residents along the project will receive a letter with an invite to a pre-project open house meeting to discuss the project, phasing, traffic flow, etc. These details are currently being worked out with the contractor," Bielser said.
The entire community will be notified of project updates through the city's website and public notices.
The project is anticipated to begin in early spring when weather conditions are favorable.
Three items related to progress in the Tallgrass Housing 4th Addition near 22nd and Wheatland will be presented, including a rezoning request from agriculture and residential general districts to residential multi-family by the developer Grow Hays/Heart of America Development Corporation.
The designation request, already unanimously approved by the Hays Planning Commission, would offer the developer more housing-type options and flexibility, including higher-density residential uses.
There are 101 lots in the final plat.
"That's a lot more than the 65 lots that are in Phases 1 through 3," Bielser said, "and one of the most significant [housing developments] Hays has seen in recent history."
Sloan Engineering and Consulting, Hays, has prepared a $249,850 contract for engineering services.
Also on the agenda is an annexation request from BEREXCO, LLC, the Hays branch of an independent oil and gas exploration and production company, for their 5-acre front lot property at 800A Commerce Parkway. The remainder of the lot to the east would remain in the county.
The land is contiguous to the city and served by city utilities.
The complete Jan. 16 agenda is available here.
The work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.