The Hays Area Planning Commission will set a public hearing date during its meeting Monday for the rezoning of several lots in the proposed Z M M Development Addition.

The requested change is from a single-family dwelling district to two-family dwelling district. The undeveloped property on 33rd Street near Hall Street was formerly owned by USD 489.

Commissioners will also hear a presentation by Assistant City Manager Paul Briseno about the concept of STRONG TOWNS.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Monday in Hays City Hall.

The complete agenda follows.

HAYS AREA PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS
1507 MAIN, HAYS, KS
DECEMBER 15, 2014
6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIRMAN.
2. CONSENT AGENDA.
A. Minutes of the regular meeting of November 17, 2014.
Action: Consider approving the minutes of the November 17, 2014 meeting
3. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS.
A. None
Action: None
4. NON-PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS.
A. Final Plat of Clubhouse Gardens II
Action: Consider a recommendation to the City Commission on the final plat of
Clubhouse Gardens II Addition (reconsider the plat after changes were made)
B. Set a Public Hearing for Rezoning of Lots 7-20 in the proposed Z M M Development
Addition from “R-1” Single-Family Dwelling District to “R-3” Two Family Dwelling District:
Action: Set the Public Hearing for rezoning of Lots 7-20 in the proposed Z M M
Development Addition from “R-1” Single Family Dwelling District to “R-3” Two Family
Dwelling District.
C. Update on the Zoning & Subdivision Regulations Rewrite
Action: None
5. OFF AGENDA ITEMS/COMMUNICATIONS.
A. City Commission action and planning and development updates on Planning
Commission related issues
B. Introduction to the concept of STRONG TOWNS – Assistant City Manager will give a
brief presentation
C. Other
6. ADJOURNMENT

Click HERE for minutes of the Nov. 17, 2014, meeting.

TOPEKA–The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects in Kansas. The letting took place Nov. 19 in Topeka.

District Three – Northwest

Ellis – 183‑26 KA‑3671‑01 – U.S. 183, from the Ellis/Rush county line north 11.371 miles to the U.S. 183/U.S. 183 Bypass junction, milling and overlay, 11.4 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Ks, $1,530,269.12.

Ellis– 247‑26 KA‑3672‑01 – K‑247, from the beginning of the route in Ellis north to the I‑70/K‑247 junction, milling and overlay, 0.1 mile, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Ks, $143,826.50.

Norton- 69 K‑2833‑06 – Prairie Dog State Park‑ Parts of Road 1 and 9, Road 8 and parking lot at Bath House, state park road, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Ks, $191,670.00.

Norton – 283‑69 KA‑3674‑01 – U.S. 283, from the U.S. 283/U.S. 36 junction north to the Kansas/Nebraska state line, milling and overlay, 11.3 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Ks, $1,533,007.45.

Osborne – 24‑71 KA‑4013‑01 – U.S. 24, from the north junction of U.S. 24/U.S. 281 east 7.064 miles to the 2-lane/4-lane west of the West Downs city limits, milling and overlay, 7.1 miles, APAC Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Ks, $1,074,318.56.

Rooks – 82 C‑4620‑01 – 3.2 miles north and 2.2 miles west of Zurich, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Kingman, Ks, $191,679.75.

Rooks – 82 M‑0039‑01 – Mile Marker 189.4 on the east side of U.S. 183 (2 miles south of Stockton), stockpile bituminous material, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Ks, $171,000.00.

Russell – 281‑84 KA‑3673‑01 – U.S. 281, from the west junction of U.S. 281/K‑18 east to the east junction of U.S. 281/K‑18, conventional seal, 8.5 miles, APAC Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Ks, $267,755.17.

Russell – 70‑84 KA‑4025‑01 – I‑70, from the U.S. 281/I‑70 junction (Exit 184) east 20.06 miles to the Russell/Ellsworth county line, milling and overlay, 20.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Ks, $10,602,993.13.

Sheridan – 90 C‑4621‑01 – 10.0 miles south and 3.0 miles east of Hoxie, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Kingman, Ks, $209,121.14.

Statewide – 106 M‑0037‑01 – Hays and WaKeeney Subareas, stockpile bituminous material, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Ks, $50,634.00.

District Five – South Central

Barton – 56‑5 KA‑3268‑01 – U.S. 56, east city limits of Great Bend east to west city limits of Ellinwood, milling and overlay, 8.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Ks, $4,354,821.95.

 

FHSU University Relations

‘Tis the season for ribbons, packages, boxes and bows, and it is also the season of wrapping up Fort Hays State University’s “I Fed the Tiger” campaign.

The FHSU Foundation announced in a news release Wednesday that this year’s original goal of $40,000 was reached only two weeks into the campaign, proving that “I Fed The Tiger” is gaining both recognition and momentum.

The Foundation has tied up the 2014 effort with the biggest bow yet — a record-breaking campaign. This year’s campaign raised $48,985 thanks to the generosity of FHSU alumni and friends and the work of matching corporate sponsors.

The campaign concluded on Dec. 8 after a six-week run. Raising nearly half of the campaign’s matching dollars in the first five days, it brought in 27 percent more funds for student organizations, athletic teams, academic departments and named scholarships than last year, making this the most successful social-media-based campaign FHSU has ever completed.

In just five days the Tiger Impact column, which supports named scholarship funds, filled its match. The Campus Life column, which supports student organizations such as the Rodeo Club, the Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association, and the Fort Hays Honor Society, quickly followed and raised more than $6,000 in just six days. The Campus Life column filled its matching dollars just a week after the campaign began. This allowed for student groups to raise twice as much for their organization, thanks to generous local sponsors.

“This campaign was a great way for you to be a part of the success of our Tiger Nation,” said Dr. Mirta M. Martin, FHSU president. “Thanks to our sponsors and all of you who fed the Tiger.”

Each of the sponsors agreed to match dollar-for-dollar any gift up to $100. The following sponsors made FHSU a priority and were the champions who made this thriving campaign possible: Baconrind Appraising Services, the Brian Ruder Agency, Gutierrez Cocina Mexicana & Trio Tap House, the Meckenstock Group, Midwest Energy, Coldwell Banker Executive Realty, and Haselhorst Construction, all of Hays, and Pishny Financial Services and Western Irrigation of Garden City.

“I am beyond excited to see this campaign take off and really make a splash,” said Leanna Roberts, director of annual giving at the FHSU Foundation. “It’s incredible that in only five years our ‘I Fed the Tiger’ campaign has doubled in the amount of sponsors available and the amount of support raised. This campaign allows, for example, Fort Hays State University students to attend a conference or a department to purchase a new piece of equipment that they may have not been able to otherwise. It comes to show what an unbelievable backing we have here in Tiger Nation; our alumni and community should be very proud!”

Roberts thanked students, educators and staff on behalf of FHSU and the Foundation for their generosity and commitment. She said the campaign simply wouldn’t be possible without their support, and with the awareness and popularity of the campaign growing so rapidly, the 2015 campaign will surely be just as exciting.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The Hays Fire Department responded to a building fire Wednesday afternoon at 2:20 p.m. at Professional Fire Equipment Company, 713 E. 6th Street.

According to Chief Gary Brown, an employee discovered the fire and used a fire extinguisher while another employee called 911, preventing a more serious fire.

Firefighters found a small fire burning in the building workshop along with heavy smoke. They were able to extinguish the flames with another fire extinguisher.

There was minor fire damage to equipment and the workshop area as well as smoke damage throughout the building.

Brown says the fire was likely caused by failure of an electrical appliance which ignited nearby combustibles.

Firefighters were on the scene about an hour. Hays Police and Ellis County EMS also responded.

No injuries were reported.

Downtown Hays Development Corporation

The Downtown Hays Development Corporation has kicked off its 2015 Partnership Program.

“The Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC) has made significant strides towards becoming the premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination they first envisioned more than ten years ago when they began the amazing journey of revitalization,” said DHDC board president Stacey Smith in a news release.

“With the continued support of the City of Hays and its community members, we are able to plan for future development and growth in the heart of Hays.

“Our annual Partnership Program has been a success. We are working to keep it growing and new members are invited to join. The private funds raised through this program help leverage our public investments to continue making improvements in our historic downtown (Chestnut Street) district. Just as the cornerstones of a building are important to its overall strength and stability, the Partnership Program for DHDC will provide long-term strength and stability for downtown Hays,” Smith said.

For more information about becoming a partner, contact a DHDC board member or call the office at (785)-621-4171.

DHDC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation which works to prevent the deterioration and enhance the viability of the community’s cultural centers, historical landmarks and public infrastructure important to the community’s economic and cultural well-being.

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas announced Monday it will be condensing services and reducing its presence in some northwestern Kansas communities.

The restructuring is an “effort to balance a deficit budget brought on by chronic underfunding of community services for many years coupled with rising costs,” according to a DSNWK news release.

Headquartered in Hays, DSNWK is a community-based service provider for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 18 northwest Kansas counties.

DSNWK recently announced to recipients of services in Oakley that day and residential services will soon be discontinued.  Day services will end December 31; residential support services will cease at the end of January, 2015.

DSNWK is working with affected individuals and their families on their options and assisting in the transition efforts. DSNWK has provided services in Oakley since 1993.

In Hill City, DSNWK will close one group home which serves six individuals. Those people will move to other locations with openings or offered alternative services.

Other changes occurring throughout DSNWK include eliminating positions and reducing employee hours in Hays, Norton and Russell. Freezing capital expenditures and reducing monthly expenses have also been implemented.

Earlier this fall DSNWK announced to individuals and their families the upcoming elimination of its agency-directed supported home care services.

“These changes have been some of the most difficult steps we have had to take–action brought on by the chronic under-funding of the community support system,” said DSNWK president Jerry Michaud in the news release.

“Our mission-driven effort to provide services and support has been relegated to reducing some of the core services and options developed to meet the real needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in northwest Kansas as well as their families.

According to Michaud, “DSNWK’s core funding–HCBS Waiver–has not seen a rate increase since 2008. That same year, because of funding shortages or cuts, DSNWK was forced to close its Colby location, consolidate residential service settings throughout the service area and eliminate many staff positions to remain fiscally balanced.

“Unfortunately, these changes made by DSNWK are very necessary and reflect the real effect of what funding cuts and inadequate funding rates do to the community service network across Kansas for persons with developmental disabilities. We appeal to our state legislators, the Governor and policy makers to recognize the damage taking place, halt actions that may cause further damage and address the flat rates and push for the long overdue adjustments needed to course-correct the downward path of these essential services,” said Michaud.

FHSU University Relations

Silverware Savers, a manually operated silverware roller designed for restaurant use to roll silverware into napkins, was the winning team at the third Kansas Startup Weekend, hosted by the College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University.

Second place went to Falcon, a food truck serving the FHSU campus during the day and Hays bar locations at night. Third place went to Top Shelf, an upscale cocktail lounge and restaurant in downtown Hays.

Kansas Startup 2014 was sponsored by Network Kansas, Sunflower Electric Power Corporation and Commerce Bank of Hays.

Silverware Savers was Laura Regnier, Colorado Springs, Colo., senior; Korby Boswell, Onaga senior; Dani Overmiller, Beloit junior; Matthew McWithey, Winfield senior; Carlos Dominguez, McCook, Neb., junior; and Morgan Lawrence, Dighton junior.

The event began with 45 participants pitching their business ideas on the evening of Nov. 14, then voting on the best ideas, which resulted in seven teams. The teams worked over the weekend with coaches from the fields of accounting, finance, marketing and business strategy to create a viable business concept.

The top three teams received trophies, free business consulting with local firms, free attendance at a business seminar, and a large selection of books on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Coaches were Dr. Emily Breit, chair of FHSU’s Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting; Cole Engel, instructor of economics, finance and accounting; Dr. Tony Gabel, associate professor of management and marketing; Scott Gross, an FHSU graphic design graduate who is lead designer for Dessin Fournir Collections, Plainville; Jessica Heronemus, instructor of economics, finance and accounting; Ron Newman, regional director of the Kansas Small Business Development Center; Charlene Nichols, assistant director of the FHSU Alumni Association; Dr. Sam Schreyer, assistant professor of economics, finance and accounting; Charles Wolfe, instructor of management and marketing; and preliminary judge Dr. Mike Martin, assistant professor of management and marketing.

On Sunday evening, each team gave a five-minute presentation to a panel of judges. The judges were Dr. Shinga Masango, lecturer in international business at Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, England; Justin McClung, Internet and network solutions manager at Nex-Tech Inc., Hays; and Skip Yowell, a former student who is a co-founder of JanSport, Alameda, Calif.

The next Kansas Startup is scheduled for Nov. 13-15, 2015. For more information, contact Henry Schwaller IV at 785-628-6162 or [email protected].

 

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

RUSSELL — The city of Russell has a diverse business community and is always looking for new companies to locate there, according to Economic and CVB Director Janae Talbott.

“That includes manufacturers, especially those in agri-business, oil production and welding,” Talbott said, “although they can’t be big water users.

“I’m pleased to say that the past two years the city of Russell has implemented a lot of water conservation methods and we’re really seeing a change because of that. However, that’s a short-term change and something we’ll have to continue for years to come to really make an impact.

“Russell is working with the city of Hays (on the R-9 Ranch long-term water source in Edwards County) and how we can pull that water into our communities,” she added. “It’s one of those things that’s going to take a long time to put all the details together for the state and our cities so we can legally transfer the water.”

Russell also tries to help build regional business “clusters.”

“Land Pride (a division of Great Plains Manufacturing) is a good example with locations in Lucas, Tipton, Ellsworth and Salina, as well as Russell. Building a supply chain supports existing manufacturing businesses.

“That helps all of us,” Talbott said.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The Community Thanksgiving Day Feast in Hays is a 20-year tradition, started by Florence Wear and her family at the Corner Garden restaurant.

The past seven years, the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance has organized the free event with help from lots of volunteers and donors, according to Pastor Kyle Ermoian of Celebration Community Church.

“Last year we moved the dinner to the Rose Garden Banquet Hall for the first time. It had been held for many years in the National Guard Armory,” Ermoian explained.

“It was a beautiful room and a great success, so successful that this year we’ll open both rooms in the banquet hall for our guests. “We expected 300 guests and 100 volunteers last year. We served 617 meals, both in the Rose Garden hall and those that were delivered to the homebound.”

“It was a great success and we’re going to do it again this year,” promised Ermoian with a smile.

The ACCESS van will offer free transportation for those who need it. The Community Thanksgiving Day Feast starts at noon, Nov. 27, with turkey and all the trimmings, plus dessert.

Anyone wanting to volunteer to help should call First Call For Help at (785) 623-2800.

The Thanksgiving dinner donors include Eagle Communications, Hays Med, Rose Garden Steak Haus & Catering, Hays Daily News, Great Plains Dermatology, Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, Hays Lions Club, First Call for Help, ACCESS Transportation, Ellis County Abstract and Title Co., Inc., United Way and Via Christi Village, Hays.

Tax-deductible donations may be mailed to ECMA, P.O. Box 173, Hays, Kansas 67601. Proceeds will benefit the ECMA “2nd Mile Fund.”

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Good news for Thanksgiving holiday travelers — the price of gas is at a five-year lows, according to AAA Travel. That means a lot more vehicles will likely be on the road for the long weekend, according to Kansas Highway Patrol Technical Trooper Tod Hileman, Troop D, Hays.

“I think that does affect people. When it’s a lot cheaper to travel, people will decide ‘Let’s take a trip, let’s go,’ ” said Hileman. “We always have a lot of traffic at Thanksgiving — that’s our big, big travel holiday. KHP keeps stats on it because there are so many vehicles out on the road.

“The big thing is, people just need to allow themselves plenty of time to get to their destination,” he advised.

Approximately 46.3 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home for Thanksgiving, the highest number since 2007, and a 4.2 percent increase above last year. About 90 percent of Americans will be driving.

AAA Travel said the average retail price for gasoline right now is $2.85 per gallon, 43 cents cheaper than Thanksgiving Day last year.

By NICK BUDD
Hays Post

It seemed like a statewide party at Gross Memorial Coliseum on Friday morning. After serving as president for the past five months, Dr. Mirta Martin was officially inaugurated as president on Friday morning. Attendees included Gov. Sam Brownback, Sen. Jerry Moran and Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little from the University of Kansas, as well as other legislators and officials from around the state.

“You’ve got a great president coming into the university and you’ve got a great president leaving the university, and I don’t think there will be a beat missed in the process,” Brownback said. “Fort Hays State will continue to prosper and grow and be a fabulous institution for the state of Kansas.”

Fred Logan, chairman of the Board of Regents when Martin was named president, talked about Martin’s journey to the United States. After fleeing from the communist regime in Cuba, Martin and her grandmother lived in a covenant in Cuba for seven years before the opportunity arose to come to the United States. Logan said Martin was terrified due to the fact that she did not speak English and because of the change of scenery.

“When we talked to her about it, you could almost feel a sense of despair,” Logan said.

Martin then went to work at Miami gift shop to “help put food on the table” and went to school where she realized the plethora of opportunities available. According to Logan, once her other family members made their way to the United States, Martin found the power in education due to both her own and her families successes.

“As she puts it, through education we can achieve anything,” Logan said. “From there, we know the rest of the story — a successful student, banker, and a successful career in higher education.”

“Mirta Martin followed her own Smoky Hill Trail and it brought her to Fort Hays State University,” he added. “Mirta Martin — an educator, dreamer, and now the ninth president of Fort Hays State University.”

Before Martin gave her inaugural address, Kenny Wilk, current Regents chairman, spoke of the unique goals each president has brought to Fort Hays State, but noted each has had one main goal in mind throughout their tenure.

“To make this institution a beacon for education on the plains of western Kansas,” Wilk said. “My colleagues at the Kansas Board of Regents have no doubt that Dr. Martin will do great things during her time as president earning her historic place on this inspirational list as FHSU’s first female and hispanic president.”

After former President Edward Hammond officially passed the presidential medallion and mace, Martin offered her official inaugural address.

“I am honored today to wear, for the first time, our new Fort Hays State University regalia, which proudly reflects our colors and proudly displays our seal,” Martin said. “In a ceremony of renewal, together, today is an opportunity for us to share our common bonds and affirm our faith in a brilliant future.”

Martin noted FHSU is a beacon of education on the western plains of Kansas and and said it was her duty to ensure the success of the university.

“Every lighthouse has a keeper,” she told the crowd of thousands. “And it is the keeper’s duty to make sure that the light always shines brightly, illuminating the path ahead. … I am humbled and honored to be the ninth keeper of the light at Fort Hays State University.”

She also laid out a set of goals for the university during her tenure, including having alumni offer paid internships to students, producing a Rhodes Scholar, and diversifying and increasing the student and staff population at the university.

Martin was unanimously voted in as Hammond’s successor in May. She previously served as dean of the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business at Virginia State University.

 

WAKEENEY–The city of WaKeeney has accepted a donation of the Wilcox school property. City council members voted in favor of the donation during their Nov. 4 meeting.

The Trego WaKeeney Community Foundation lost its tax exempt status, and a grant application to the Kansas State Historical Society for restoring the school requires a new sponsoring agency, explained WaKeeney city manager Hardy Howard.

The city also accepted the remaining funds held by the TWCF on behalf of Wilcox school.

The complete Nov. 4 meeting minutes follow.

RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE GOVERNING BODY 4 NOVEMBER 2014
The Governing Body of the City of WaKeeney, Kansas met in a regular session at City Hall 408 Russell Ave at 7:00 PM with the Mayor presiding and the following members present:
Mayor Kenneth Roy and Council Members Mary Jo Clevenger, Irene Dirks, Troy Leiker, Lynelle Shubert, and Allen Weigel
BEING ABSENT: None
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as written, printed and distributed.
GUESTS: Macy Mattheyer, Audra Berquist, Kat Muench, Abigale Buchholz, Emily Buchholz, Elyssa Carr, Kacie Dunn, Shawnee Phillips, Mikalya Cody, Haylee Gentry, Tanner Townley, Mariah Brungardt, Megan Zahn, Tanner Lowry, Sadie Dinkel, Sierra Swart, Caden Kemp, Blake Wilson, John Kuhn, Ian Conness, Sean Conness, Lexus Haxton, Charlie Knoll, and Janelle Miller.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR: Hardy Howard presented the city’s 2015 group health insurance renewal from BlueCross BlueShield. It was noted the plan will remain the same and the premiums will decrease just over 11% for 2015. A motion was made by Mary Jo Clevenger to approve the renewal with BlueCross BlueShield with the city paying the full cost for the employee only under option #1. Troy Leiker seconded. Motion carried.

The City Administrator discussed the Wilcox School and Travel & Tourism efforts to continue its restoration by applying for another grant from the State Historical Society. Due to the Trego WaKeeney Community Foundation (TWCF) losing its tax exempt status, the grant application would need a new sponsoring agency. A motion was made by Mary Jo Clevenger to accept the donation of the Wilcox school property to the City of WaKeeney along with the remaining funds held by the TWCF on behalf of the Wilcox School. Irene Dirks seconded. Motion carried.

The Governing Body reviewed a financial recap for the WaKeeney Water Park for 2014.
A quote from New Systems Professional Window Cleaning of Colby, KS was tabled by the City Council.
At this time an ordinance making appropriation for the payment of claims for the month of October 2014 was read, whereupon, Irene Dirks motioned to approve claims in the amount of $136,414.94 Lynelle Shubert seconded. Motion carried. Warrants #10381, #10402, #10407, and #10411 were reviewed prior to approval.
A motion was made by Lynelle Shubert and seconded by Troy Leiker to adjourn into an executive session for a period of 15 minutes for the discussion of non-elected personnel. Those remaining in the executive session were Mayor Roy, City Council, Public Works Director Charlie Knoll, and City Administrator Hardy Howard.
The session ended with the allotted time period.
No further business appearing, the meeting was adjourned.