By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The new city-owned property at Interstate 70, exit 161, will be known as the Crossroads, at least for now.
Hays city commissioners reviewed three potential names presented by city staff and Grow Hays during their work session Thursday. The consensus was the Crossroads.
Toby Dougherty, city manager, said he really wanted the commission's input before branding of the location and project began.
"Branding can be changed in the future," Dougherty said.
Streets, water and sewer are being installed on the 90 acres at the northeast corner of the interstate, which will eventually have housing and retail space.
Hess second addition final plat
An application has been submitted for the final plat of the Hess second addition, a replat of a portion of the Hess first addition. The property, at the northwest corner of the I-70, exit 157 interchange, is owned by Hess Land LLC, Hays.
The Hays Area Planning Commission earlier approved the final plat.
"It's our understanding that this is being done at the request of a potential developer who has interest in the property," said Jesse Rohr, public works director.
The first plat, platted in 2020, has yet to be developed.
"Hopefully, this is getting us on the right track," Rohr added.
City water and sewer have been installed and are ready to be extended for future development in the general commercial zone, said Jesse Rohr, public works director. Streets and storm sewer will need to be completed for development to occur.
Commissioner will vote on the final plat at their next meeting.
Economic development policy review
At the request of the commission, staff made several nonsubstantive changes to the city's economic development policy, with feedback from Grow Hays and Gilmore & Bell bond counsel staff. The changes would make the policy flow better and be more consistent, Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manger, said.
Commissioners further discussed some specific points, including whether to increase the Community Incentive District (CID) cap — the dollar amount of a project the city would authorize for issuing a Community Incentive District.
There was also talk about the ratio of a developer's city incentive to the equity, along with other points.
The potential policy updates will be revised and reviewed again at the next work session.
Hays' economic development policy outlines the city’s approach to economic development objectives as well as specifying the criteria and standards for the incentives that are available.
Changes were last made to the policy in 2021.
Volunteers needed
In add-on discussion items, Alaina Cunningham, vice-mayor, said she'd attended several events during the past couple of weeks for nonprofit groups.
Each had a common concern, she said.
"Almost every organization I've been at ... is struggling for volunteers.
"I know we're all busy, and we have a lot on our plates, but if we can just encourage individuals to get out, fill the need to give back, and volunteer in some way," Cunningham said.
Executive session
Dougherty made a request for a 20-minute executive session with city commissioners, city attorney and city management staff to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships.
There was no action taken following the executive session.