By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
A debate over allowing golf carts to be driven on Hays streets dominated Thursday's Hays City Commission work session.
The commission last discussed the idea in July 2021 but decided against it at that time. They did vote for allowing utility task vehicles and micro-utility vehicles to be driven on Hays streets in accordance with state law.
A resident recently asked the commission to reconsider the golf cart request. It is currently against city ordinance.
State statute allows the use of low-speed vehicles, while cities must decide whether to allow golf carts on local streets with any specific rules or regulations.
Research presented by Jared Kuckelman, management analyst, found that cities that have passed ordinances allowing the use of golf carts include Russell, WaKeeney, Plainville, Lenexa and Emporia. Legal requirements for drivers and cart equipment vary in each community.
"If commissioners choose to allow golf carts, it is staff’s recommendation that they be insured, operated by a licensed driver over the age of 18, and have seat belts," Kuckelman said. Drivers would also have to follow regular rules of the road.
Commissioners Alaina Cunningham, Mason Ruder and Sandy Jacobs said they were "OK with the proposal" and a change in city ordinance.
Reese Barrick, commissioner, was concerned about a potential increase in traffic of the vehicles, which are designed to move at 25 mph or less.
"I think this is probably going to be much ado about nothing," Jacobs said. "I don't think many people are going to use them."
The proposal will be voted on at the commission's March 14 meeting.
Jeff Crispin, director of water resources, presented information about a project to upgrade the waterline along Walnut Street between 11th and 17th streets. It will include the 300 block of West 11th and the 400 block of West 17th.
Among the improvements are replacement of waterlines, upgrade of fire hydrants and installation of new meters.
The project replaces a 4-inch water main in residential areas that has had multiple breaks and quality issues, Crispin said.
He recommended the commission accept the low bid of $759,955 from J Corp, Hays, at next week's meeting.
The commission also heard an annual activity report of NCK Technical College from President Eric Burks.
The Hays campus has 250 full-time students, while the Beloit campus has 200 full-time students. NCK Tech programs serve an average 1,200 students every year, Burks said.
A 15-minute executive session was called at the end of the work session for discussion of acquisition of real property. No action was taken.
Mayor Shaun Musil was absent.