By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The last time the city of Hays updated its building code to conform with the International Code Council was 2015, with adoption of those changes in 2017.
City commissioners heard proposed updates Thursday from Jesse Rohr, public works director, which included input from local licensed contractors.
Minor amendments were proposed, including:
• Certain provisions for small residential structures such as tiny homes
• Provisions for electric vehicle charging systems in residential homes
• Provisions for photovoltaic systems (solar charging systems)
• Increased flexibility and more options in fire protection systems
The proposals incorporate the latest advancements in structural integrity and technology, increase fire and life safety, ensure accessibility and energy efficiency and allow for modern construction techniques and materials.
The commission discussed a resolution for a public hearing to establish a reinvestment housing incentive district for Tallgrass 2nd Addition, Phase 4, which is planned for 101 lots northeast of 22nd Street and Wheatland Ave.
The local developer, Heart of America, would provide a deposit equal to 30% of projected infrastructure costs.
Heart of America is proposing the city finance and construct the infrastructure and utilize district revenues, plus the deposit, to offset Hays' costs.
Eligible projects costs are estimated at $6 million while the district is expected to generate about $6.8 million in revenue over a 25-year term.
Commissioners will be asked to vote on both items at their next meeting.
The commission also gave permission to the Downtown Hays Development Corporation to build a 12' x 16' storage building adjacent to the pavilion in Union Pacific Plaza, a city park.
The downtown group will finance construction of the building, which will have electricity.
"Our downtown market manager will be able to do their job from inside the building and won't have to continually move needed supplies from our office to the pavilion on Saturdays," said Julie Ryder, DHDC executive director. Items for other community events will also be stored in the building.
City Manager Toby Dougherty presented a status update on the Smoky Hill River water wellfield.
During commissioner comments, Mayor Sandy Jacobs thanked emergency responders and Midwest Energy crews for their work during Wednesday's blizzard. Power was off to about 6,100 customers in west Hays for up to seven hours.
A 20-minute executive session was held at the end of the meeting to discuss data related to the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, or individual proprietorships.
No action was taken.