The Hays City Commission will discuss implementing a fine for those who empty their pools into public alleys.

The topic is on the AGENDA for Thursday’s work session, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at City Hall.

Commissioner Ron Mellick brought the issue to the city’s attention.

According to the city manager’s memo to the commission, there are 134 swimming pools in the city of Hays and an unknown number of hot tubs. When pools and hot tubs are drained for maintenance reasons or to prepare for winter, the amount of water sent into alleys has caused damage.

“Water soaks in creating soft conditions, which are exploited when sanitation, recycling or other large vehicles then attempt to drive in the alley,” the memo says. “Once this damage occurs, city staff is forced to enact repairs to bring the alley back up to standards.”

Several residents have been contacted in the past about the practice, and asked to drain water to the curb, sewer or stormwater system instead.

However, without a specific penalty for dumping in the alley, there is no recourse for the city should residents ignore the requests.

The memo noted that if a penalty is adopted, it would be coupled with an effort to educate pool and hot tub owners about their responsibilities.

Click HERE for a complete agenda for Thursday’s work session.

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