By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
“This year may not be the right time for a project of this scale but that does not mean it has no future.”
That’s the premise of a collaborative project proposed by the Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC) and presented to the Hays city commission Thursday night by students in the Fort Hays State University Construction Management program.
DHDC has been working with FHSU to develop a plan for building a downtown open-air metal roof pavilion in the east end of Union Pacific Park, 10th and Main.
The project would also include a public restroom. Total cost is estimated at $190,676. Executive Director Sara Bloom told commissioners DHDC “would be gifting almost $50,000 for a bathroom” to be constructed.
The pavilion–with three entrances and concrete bench seating–site design, lighting and landscape design would all be executed by FHSU students, with some input from local professionals.
Board president Sandy Jacobs first made it clear to commissioners “DHDC does not plan to ask the city commission to take any action.”
“We think it’s a really viable project. We believe it will have its time, whether that time is today or that time is six months from now,” she said.
Jacobs also acknowledged the slowed local economy and tight budgets.
“We understand challenges in all of our community, not just at the city level, but the county level. We understand sales tax issues. So, we’re going to put it in your hands and let you tell us what you want done, if anything, at any point in time.”
DHDC Executive Director Sara Bloom reminded commissioners the pavilion project was included in the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
“It could also be the dawn of the ‘Downtown To Campus Corridor’,” she said. “DHDC has always envisioned that corridor (to FHSU) being down 10th Street.”
Commissioners thanked and praised the 20 FHSU students and their instructor, Kris Munsch, following their detailed explanation of the project construction and costs.
The collaboration between FHSU, DHDC and the city of Hays was seen as a positive, but commissioners had some big concerns, starting with whether there would be any guarantee of completion.
“I don’t think my department chair intends to fire me anytime soon, do you, Kim?,” Munsch joked as he looked back at FHSU Department of Applied Technology Chairman Kim Stewart in the crowd, who was taking pictures as the students talked.
“DHDC is very committed to this project,” Bloom told commissioners. “We’re going to do everything we can to see this project go.”
“We do want to reiterate that we are making a commitment tonight that whenever this project takes place–whether it’s in the very near future or down the road–we are fully committed to raising those funds. We will not break ground until we have all $200,000 in our bank,” Bloom promised.
Although the initial cost for the 40 foot by 80 foot pavilion would not be paid by the city, the estimated annual expenses of a property lease with Union Pacific Railroad, electricity, upkeep and supplies, is estimated at $5,224. Commissioners cited that as another concern about the proposal.
The adjacent abandoned grain elevators also worry the city.
“Hays artist Dennis Schiel is in the process of raising several thousand dollars to have those redone, to have the roof fixed, and to have the structural soundness brought back up to code so that he can paint a mural on them,” Bloom said.
“However, we do know from Aaron White (Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development Executive Director) who has contacts with Union Pacific that they are taking bids right now to have those things taken down,” Bloom advised, “so one of those two things is likely to happen in the very near future.”
Mayor Eber Phelps reminded the audience, which included downtown Hays business owners, that Thursday’s meeting was a work session only and no action could be taken.
Commissioner James Meier asked for the pavilion project to be put on the June 16 work session agenda for further discussion
“If it’s something we find that’s not workable because of ‘X, Y and Z’ then and so be it.” Meier said.
“That way the discussion has been had and it’s over and DHDC can move forward with whatever other projects they want to move forward with.
“I just don’t see a point in dragging this out,” he added.
Commissioner Henry Schwaller was absent.