By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The public hearing for a tax increment financing district requested by the developer of a proposed Hays 24/7 Travel Store travel plaza had one commenter.
Diana Pantle, city commission candidate, said she was concerned about groundwater contamination from possible leakage of the underground storage fuel tanks.
"I don't know what sort of provisions that they've made to mitigate that. We already have issues with water usage here, and contamination from oil and gas — I'm very concerned about that."
Although there was no representation on behalf of the developer, Triplett, Inc., Salina, Toby Dougherty, city manager, said the underground storage tanks, their installation, and their inspections are monitored by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
"If there are any preliminary issues to hopefully prevent any sort of contamination, they will over see that, and then they do periodic inspections," Dougherty said.
Commissioner Mason Ruder, former Ellis County Environmental Services director, said they'd have to be KDHE-approved storage containers, be inspected upon installation, and then have post-inspections.
Commissioners unanimously approved the financing district, which the developer estimates would generate approximately $4.5 million in revenues over a 20-year term.
The $11-million project is expected to open as soon as spring 2025.
The developer estimates total annual retail sales of the 24/7 Travel Store will be $5 million. At the city’s current sales tax rate of 2.25 percent, that would generate about $112,500 in annual sales tax revenue for Hays.
In a separate project, the Kansas Department of Transportation has plans to realign the Interstate 70 Exit 157, and the city must move its waterline. KDOT has offered to pay the city half the cost. Commissioners agreed to award a $289,061 bid to Nowak Construction, Goddard, for the reconstruction of the water main.
Commissioners also approved an agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas to renew its triple-option employee health insurance plan for 2024. Despite current inflation, the premium cost was down slightly, by 0.4 percent.
Erin Giebler, human resources director, said the city will also provide up to $2,500 for each employee health savings account, not to exceed $1.98 million. The funds will come from the employee benefit levy.
Commissioners also heard an update on the R9 Ranch long-term water project from John Braun, project manager, and Chris Smith, R9 property manager. Details will be included in a forthcoming Hays Post news story.
During residents' comments, members of Women Who Lead, formerly the Wonder Women League, presented a "Top Dog" award to Jeff Boyle, director of parks, for his assistance in helping the group with its project to have lighting installed at the Hays Dog Park.
The community is invited to attend the lighting ceremony and ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Commissioner Reese Barrick was absent from the meeting.