By NICK BUDD
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners are expected to vote on changes to the city’s Community Improvement District policy at their Thursday night meeting. At last week’s work session, commissioners requested that applicants provide at least 25 percent of the total project cost and detail the proposed method and amount of financing.

Commissioners requested the changes after they created a Community Improvement District to help fund improvements at the Hays Mall in November.

Commissioners are also scheduled to vote on bids for levee improvements, the 13th Street reconstruction project, and the 2015 street maintenance program. The levee improvements will cost approximately $486,000 and includes reconstructing the levee and adding a concrete “cap.” The engineering would cost another $21,000.

The proposed 13th Street project from Main to Milner will cost approximately $2 million and will include reconstructing the entire width of the street and new brick crosswalks. City staff recommends awarding the bid to the low bidder, APAC Inc. Meanwhile, the 2015 street maintenance is projected to cost approximately $459,000, and the bid will be awarded to four different contractors, if approved.

Commissioners are also scheduled passing a resolution opposing Kansas Senate Bill 171, which would make city elections partisan and move them to the fall of even-numbered years. The bill has the backing of Republican Secretary of State Kris Kobach. More than 20 other municipalities in Kansas have passed similar resolutions, including WaKeeney, Dodge City, Garden City, Colby and Greensburg.

Thursday’s meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Click HERE for a complete agenda.