By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The suggestion for angle parking on Seventh Street by two business owners on the west end of the street, just off the Fort Hays State University campus, came about during recent discussion by Hays City Commissioner Lance Jones who favored converting West Seventh and Sixth streets to two-way traffic.
The other commissioners declined to support Jones’ recommendation, although they directed city staff to investigate the angle parking suggestion for the north side of the street. Parallel parking would remain on the north side.
The study results of Seventh Street from campus to Main Street will be presented during tonight’s Hays City Commission work session.
According to City Manager Toby Dougherty, staff will recommend against the idea.
“We took a lot of vehicles down there and looked at the angles, clearances, driving lanes, the requirements in order to put angle parking in,” Dougherty said. “While it would yield a few more parking spaces, city staff feels it doesn’t warrant the change because of other issues it would bring.”
Those issues include a concern raised by Hays Fire Chief Gary Brown.
“If they have to respond to a fire requiring the ladder truck, it has outriggers that need to be laid down. If we create a 10-foot-wide driving lane filled with parking, the fire truck won’t be able to put the outriggers down, and that could delay a response until cars are moved out of the way,” Dougherty explained.
Another cost factor would be removing the concrete median in the middle of the street.
Other agenda items for the work session include a discussion of transitioning to November elections. During 2015, state legislators passed a bill that moves city elections from April of odd years to November of odd years.
Fact-finding reports and the SEIU contract for 2016-2018 will be reviewed.
Public Works Director Greg Sund will present a replat of Lots 1 and 2 and Arnhold Drive in Arnhold’s Industrial Addition, and rezoning of Lots 15 and 17, Block 6, of HP Wilson Addition, 117 E. 7th Street, from C-O (Office and Institution District) to C-2 (General Commercial and Service District).
Jeff Boyle, Director of Parks, will talk about plans for a new play unit and restroom in Kiwanis Park, 17th and Harvest.
The complete Oct. 15, 2015, agenda can be seen here.
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.