By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Hays City Commission voted on Thursday to fund a new police station and redevelopment of a Cerv's location. Hays and Russell are also suing Edwards County over the R9 project.
R9 Ranch lawsuit
Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty said the lawsuit was filed against the Edwards County Commission, the Edwards County Planning Commission and several other parties due to illegal zoning practices.
Dougherty said that Edwards County's zoning regulations are an attempt to block the project southwest of Kinsley.
Hays City Commissioner Reese Barrick said Edwards County's efforts to restrict the R9 project are unjustified and do not negatively impact the area's agricultural production, public health or property values.
"This is a really malicious, spiteful act that's not legal. I'm glad we're taking steps to do something about it," Barrick said.
According to the lawsuit, in 1994, the former owners of the R9 Ranch signed an agreement to sell the ranch and its water rights to the city of Hays.
SEE RELATED STORY: 🎥 Judge rules in favor of Hays', Russell's R9 Ranch water transfer request
Police station
The city has proposed designing a new police station and municipal court facility, estimated to cost $8.9 million.
The city approved plans to issue $1.39 million of the project cost through temporary notes.
The city will renovate the former Astra Bank building, 1100 Fort St., in downtown Hays.
SEE RELATED STORY: City to locate new police station municipal court in downtown Hays
SEE RELATED STORY: Astra Bank breaks ground on new building at 27th, Main in Hays
Cervs
Cervs and the Russell J. Pfannenstiel Trust, the developer, submitted an application to replace the Vine Street Phillip's 66 store and gas station, 3701 W. 41st St., Hays, with a new facility.
The developer has requested a 1.5% community investment District (CID) sales tax to help fund the $4.7 million project. The tax will only apply within the district and not the entire city.
The developer plans to replace the existing store with a new convenience store and gas station, enhancing the gas station's layout and providing increased amenities.
In the proposed redevelopment, the facility will be built on the north side of the lot, with its entrance facing south. The existing building faces east. The gas pumps will be relocated to the south side of the lot.
The developer estimates the CID sales tax will generate $895,000 during the district's maximum term of 22 years.
Mayor Shaun Musil said the Cerv's convenience stores in Hays are some of the cleanest businesses in town, and he looks forward to the new facility.
"This business is the doorstep of our community. I think it's going to add to the look and bring in more businesses," he said.
The 1.5% CID was approved and construction will begin in December.
Tallgrass housing addition
The city will issue general obligation bonds to provide Heart of American Development Corporation with a $2,565,000 grant for the Tallgrass 2nd Addition Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) project.
Nine bids for these bonds were received, with Country Club Bank offering the best bid.
The city also issued temporary notes to upgrade its public water system, with the best bid coming from Piper Sandler & Co.