By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The city of Hays plans to issue a public survey to find out whether residents support allowing backyard chickens.
City commissioners discussed a proposed plan Thursday that would allow up to five chickens — but no roosters — in fenced rear or side yards. The hens would have to be kept in a coop, run or other confined structure at all times.
No registration or permitting of the animals would be required, enclosures would be subject to Planning and Development regulations, a home or business must also be located on the lot, and Hays Police community service officers would be in charge of ordinance enforcement.
"It's very simple and straight forward," Collin Bielser, deputy city manager, said of the proposed policy.
The request came from Hays resident Tina Sarver, who addressed the commission on March 27 about changing the city’s ordinance to allow backyard chickens. She provided research from several other towns, including Plainville.
Other Kansas towns that allow chickens include WaKeeney, Goodland, Salina, Overland Park, Prairie Village, El Dorado and Pratt.
Commissioners had mixed reactions to the proposed ordinance change.
Shaun Musil, who said he grew up raising chickens, opposed the idea.
"I wouldn't want to live next to somebody who wasn't taking care of them properly," he said, "although I think most people would take care of them."
Hays resident Aaron Dreher told the commission he was also against the proposal.
"If you've ever smelled their coop after your neighbor being on vacation for five days, you're gonna change your mind real fast," he said. "I only see problems with it. There's no pros with it."
Dreher also said, "If families want to educate their children about chickens, take them to the Sternberg Museum or a farm. ... If you want eggs, buy them at the grocery store."
Commissioner Alaina Cunningham said she had been contacted by Jay Harris, Cottonwood Extension District director, who told her if the ordinance passed, the local office would put together educational materials on how to properly raise chickens and dispose of their waste in an urban setting.
Glenn Cox, Hays resident, spoke in favor of the proposal.
"The odor, I believe, can be controlled. It's only five chickens, and you could always have less," Cox said.
Bielser also noted the possibility of increased predators and agitation of neighboring dogs and cats.
Mayor Sandy Jacobs suggested a simple yes/no poll be created on the city's website to get more public input. The commission plans to vote on the proposal at its June 5 meeting.
The city staff will be releasing an online poll on the issue. Watch the Hays Post for a link when it becomes available.
Airport to temporarily close to flights for runway repair
Airport Director Jamie Salter presented a recommended low bid award for reconstructing the crosswind runway in 2026. It was built in 2003 and is showing signs of extension deterioration.
The low bid came from Smoky Hill, LLC of Salina for $6.67 million. The project is eligible for 95% funding through the Federal Aviation Administration. The city's share would be $333,809.
Runway 4-22 will be closed for the duration of the construction, scheduled for 143 calendar days. The start date will be sometime next spring and conclude in the fall.
The main 16-34 runway will also be closed for about three weeks during that time, which means no airplane flights will be able to arrive or depart the Hays Regional Airport. Helicopter traffic would still be allowed by arrangement.
Commissioners expressed concern the main runway closure.
"All I ask is that we notify the public as soon as we can because there are lots of people who plan their airline travel far in advance," Jacobs said.
A construction engineering services agreement with Lochner, Lenexa, was presented for $445,800. The FAA will pay 95% of the cost, with the city's share at $22,290.
Both items will move on for a vote at the May 22 city commission meeting.
Covenant Estates 1st Addition
Commissioners also heard from Jess Rohr, public works director, for a rezoning request, final plat and annexation of Covenant Estates 1st Addition in northwest Hays.
The 20 acres is located on the south end of the field west of Thunderbird between 33rd and 41st streets. It is adjacent to residential property along Thunderbird Drive and Oakmont Street.
Covenant Land & Developing Inc. has requested the rezoning from agriculture to residential general and to be annexed into the city.
The final plat of Phase 1 includes three city blocks with 54 lots.
Rohr said the owner plans to develop the remaining 55 acres of property north of Phase 1 during the next few years.
The Hays Planning Commission has approved all the requests.