By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners awarded two bids and one contract Thursday night for waterline improvements and leak detection services.

As recommended by city staff, the bid of $233,458 from Stripe and Seal was accepted for waterline improvements on Hickory and Ash streets between 27th and 29th streets. The project will start Oct. 1 and be complete within 60 working days.

The $151,406 bid from APAC-Kansas was accepted for waterline improvements on Elm Street from Fort to Fourth streets. The work will be done during Fort Hays State University’s summer break.

Both waterline projects will be funded from the Water and Sewer Capital Reserve Fund.

Commissioners also voted to accept the $43,920 bid from Wachs Water Services for leak detection services in 180 miles of raw and potable water lines. The funds will come from the 2014 Utilities Department Water Conservation budget.

The presentations were made by Nick Willis, who is now the Assistant Director of Utilities, as announced by city manager Toby Dougherty. Willis had been in that position on an interim basis.

In other business, city commissioners approved several mayoral appointments:

Airport Advisory Committee
Errol Wuertz – 3-year term to expire 4-30-17 (5th term)

Hays Area Planning Commission
Justin McClung – 3-year term to expire 4-30-17 (1st term)
Kris Munsch – 3-year term to expire 4-30-17 (1st term)

Hays Beautification Committee
Dorothy McRae – 3-year term to expire 8-1-17 (1st term)

Hays Public Library Board
David Goodlett – 4-year term to expire 4-30-18 (3rd term – nonconsecutive)
Kathleen Schukman – 4-year term to expire 4-30-18 (1st term)

In other business, Mayor Henry Schwaller was appointed as the city commission’s representative to the Ellis County Coalition Board.