By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Christmas is assured to be special for many underprivileged Ellis County children, thanks to the Teaming Up For Tots (TUFT) volunteers.

Low-income families were invited to sign up at the Community Assistance Center (CAC) in Hays for the annual program which provides two age-appropriate gifts per child, a toy and clothing.

Special Christmas trees filled with blue and pink paper angels included the suggestions for each child as designated by a parent. This year, the Angel Trees were placed at Walmart, Big Creek Crossing, Walgreens and First Kansas Bank. Residents could select an angel, purchase the requested item, and then drop off the unwrapped gift.

The gifts are given anonymously, according to Shauna Zweifel, TUFT president and Hays Middle School assistant principal.

“Each family has a designated number, along with the child’s age, toy suggestion, and clothing size,” Zweifel explained. “Usually we run around 160 to 170 families we help each year.”

Downtown Hays business owners Shaun and Heather Musil have helped with TUFT for nearly 20 years.

This year, they’ve offered the gift-givers 20 percent off any retail item when the presents are dropped off at their Paisley Pear store, 1100 Main.

Shaun Musil first started volunteering with TUFT when he worked for Coca-Cola Bottling in Victoria.

“I’ll never forget the time a young kid came in. He had saved up his newspaper money to buy a gift,” Musil said. “To me, that’s what makes this worthwhile doing.”

After 20 years, Heather Musil believes the group’s leadership has the project pretty well worked out.

“The families always enjoy coming and picking up their gifts,” she noted. “We work really hard the night before making sure every kid gets what they asked for on their angel.

If an angel is not selected or a gift not returned, cash donations from local businesses are used to purchase what is still needed. “We always make a lot of trips to Walmart. It is so much fun to shop for those gifts.”

The TUFT work night is Friday.

Families will pick up their gifts, the wrapping paper which is donated by Walmart, and CAC Christmas food baskets the next day, Saturday, Dec. 15.

“Picking up on a Saturday is something different than we’ve done in the past,” Zweifel said. “This year we decided to try and make it a little bit easier for the families. They’ll be able to pick up the gifts and then swing by and pick up the food baskets as well.”

“We give the gifts out to the families early enough in December so that they have time to wrap them, making it more personable, and make sure that their Christmas looks special versus getting it to them the night before Christmas,” said Heather.

Included with the gifts are wood piggy banks made this year by the Fort Hays State University Center for Applied Technology students, staff and community volunteers for children ages 2 to 6.

“We feel the families in Ellis County are very grateful for the angels and the gifts that the community has provided.”

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The city of Hays will spend about $1.1 million on street maintenance next year.

Project Manager John Braun presented the proposal to the city commission at Thursday night’s work session.

Included are seal coat, asphalt rejuvenator, micro-surfacing, diamond grinding, curb and brick repair, major rehab on Ash Street between 23rd and 27th, sidewalk improvements, and in-house crack seal and asphalt repair.

The work is targeted by city staff in an annual evaluation of the condition of streets and brought forward for commission consideration. Staff utilizes traffic counts, the latest pavement condition assessment, past maintenance treatments, public input, and available budget in developing the maintenance program.

A little more than half of the project is funded by the state from the federal gas tax refund plus Connecting Link Maintenance. Another $500,000 will come from the city’s General Fund.

Below is an explanation provided by the city of each street maintenance process that will be used.

1. Seal Coat is a bituminous liquid mixture applied to asphalt pavement. Seal coat has a smooth black finish and does not have a rock surface like chip seal. The seal coat will fill the fine cracks developing in the asphalt and preserve the life of the street. Most of the streets to receive a seal coat are on the east side of Hays.

2. Asphalt Rejuvenator, also called Reclamite, is a preservative seal that is used on newer asphalt streets that do not yet warrant more advanced treatment. The cost is less than seal coat or chip seal and helps a new street to stay in good shape for a longer period of time delaying more costly maintenance treatments. Pavement markings are preserved and do not need to be reapplied. The areas slated for asphalt rejuvenator are Kings Gate Drive, Hall, 27th, 13th, 32nd, and 33rd Streets.

3. Micro-Surfacing is a quick setting, hard asphalt slurry that restores the driving surface. It performs better than seal coat on high traffic areas. Micro-surfacing will be done Broadway north of 27th Street and MacArthur south of Roosevelt School, along with some areas that were uncompleted in 2018.

4. Diamond Grinding will be used to remove bumps on concrete streets where the joints have faulted or the concrete panels have warped. Staff proposes to grind Commerce Parkway from 22nd to the south city limit at Reservation Road.

5. Curb and Brick Repair typically is performed in the old brick street areas of town. The 2019 project concentrates on Walnut between 12th and 13th.

6. Major Rehab – In 2007, the water main along Ash Street was upgraded and the furthest east traffic lane of the concrete pavement  between 23rd and 27th was reconstructed. This project would remove and replace the west two lanes.

7. Sidewalk Program – Adding $10,000 for the annual Sidewalk Rebate Program, the total amount to be set aside out of Special Highway for sidewalk improvements in 2019 is $78,000.

8. In-House Street Maintenance – Approximately $45,000 will augment the purchase of crack seal material, asphalt and other materials for city crews to perform  in-house street maintenance.

Braun told commissioners the plan will return for approval in 2019 once bids are received.

In other business, City Clerk Brenda Kitchen presented the 2018 Boundary Resolution. Three properties north of Interstate 70 have been annexed into the city since December 14, 2017:

• Ottley Addition (directly west of Walmart); Intended for the new Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center
• Crawford Addition (NW corner of 48th and Roth Ave.); New Tractor Supply store which is under construction
• 5025 General Hays Road (by Hays Livestock Market); Expected to be used by Hays American Legion Post 173 for a new location

The city commission is expected top approve the new city limits at their meeting Dec. 13.

Commissioner Sandy Jacobs and Vice-Mayor Henry Schwaller were absent from the work session.

 

 

 

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

An early Christmas present for the city of Hays was announced Friday afternoon by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, (R-Kansas), a member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

Hays has been awarded $6.05 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation for infrastructure improvements along U.S. Highway 183,  also known as Vine Street.

The funding would be used for the Access Managed Roundabouts Corridor to create traffic roundabouts at 32nd/33rd, 37th and 41st streets along Vine. The estimated cost of the project this summer was $7.6 million.

City commissioners were told about the grant award by City Manager Toby Dougherty prior to Thursday night’s commission work session.

“By us getting this grant we can definitely do it the right way the first time and it’s going to save us a lot of our local tax money to pay for it,” Commissioner Shaun Musil said Friday.

Musil said the initial project plan will be adjusted somewhat to comply with federal government requirements.

“So, it’ll cost a little bit more, the total project, but what we will have to spend will be a lot less, which is the best part.”

On June 14, city commissioners approved a charter ordinance for a 2 percent increase in the Transient Guest Tax (TGT) to 7 percent. The increase, which went into effect Oct. 1, is projected to raise $6.2 million over 20 years to fund the roundabout project.

“Now we’ll be able to pay it off much faster,” Musil said.

During discussion about raising the TGT, Musil asked Dougherty if the 2 percent increase could be lowered pending any grant awards.

Dougherty responded, “If you raise the TGT in anticipation of prepaying the project and there’s added grant monies or the future commission decides we’re only going to do part of the project and not all of it, which would be a lower price tag,  the commission could determine what the net income needed to be… They could either modify the TGT down to 1 percent or leave it at 2 percent for a shorter duration.”

Musil thanked city staff for their role in submitting the grant application.

“They probably should get the most credit for putting this together. We’re going to save a lot of money.”

Current traffic conditions on north Vine Street are considered unsafe, lack pedestrian access, and are difficult for visitors and travelers to navigate.

Engineering and design of the three roundabouts is underway by WSP engineers, Lenexa, which was hired in May.

Several community members have spoken against the project. Musil understands not everybody supports roundabouts.

“I know there’ll be people that don’t like the roundabouts, but this will be not only for now, but for the future of Hays for many years to come.

“This will make it a lot easier for Hays to grow a little bit more rapidly.”

 

 

 

 

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT and BECKY KISER
Hays Post 

Officials with the Cottonwood Extension District and Ellis County celebrated the completion of the renovation of the offices at 601 Main on Wednesday.

“On behalf of the Public Building Commission, we’re so excited, because we’re done,” declared Phillip Smith-Hanes, project manager and Ellis County administrator.

The project included improved stormwater drainage along the exterior of the building, new windows, and new carpet and flooring inside the building. The walls have a fresh coat of paint; some of them are K-State purple.

The area that formerly housed the county health department was remodeled, adding more room for employees and visitors. A new office was added for Ellis County Master Gardeners.

“This was the last project that was financed by the bonds that were issued in 2013 and the [half-cent county] sales tax that just came off the tax rolls on October first of this year,” said Smith-Hanes.

About $250,000 was held back from the financing for the new county administrative center, 718 Main, to pay for the extension building remodel.

At the ribbon cutting by the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, County Commissioner Barb Wasinger thanked the community for their support.

“The commission is so proud of the citizens of Ellis County that helped us to get these projects done,” said Wasinger, who served as vice-president of the Public Building Commission.

She also noted the joining of the Ellis and Barton County extension offices into the single Cottonwood District with offices in Hays and Great Bend.

The Ellis County courthouse and Law Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th, were also remodeled as part of the overall $13.6 million project.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

There were 23 days of wet weather that slightly delayed completion of this year’s major street reconstruction project for the city of Hays.

Work on Allen Street between Vine and 8th was substantially completed Nov. 27, according to John Braun, city project manager. Construction began March 5 by contractor Paul-Wertenberger Construction and major subcontractors M&D and J Corp, all of Hays.

Final cost of the project was $2.4 million.

“Looks great. Drives great,” said Shaun Musil, city commissioner, during Thursday night’s work session.

“Had to be so frustrating with all that rain,” said commissioner Ron Mellick, “in getting that done in a timely manner.”

The work was supposed to be finished Nov. 16.

“We granted them extra days and they got it done ahead of that schedule,” Braun told the commission.

He noted some final sealing of pavement joints will be done next week.

The project involved removing and replacing all the pavement, curb and gutter, and much of the sidewalk and driveways, along with water main replacement from 10th to 24th Street and along 23rd Street from Allen to Vine Street.

ELLIS – City leaders in Ellis are talking about how to help local businesses thrive.

One proposal is a retail sales tax rebate.

During Monday’s city council meeting, members discussed the definition of a new business, and whether to allow businesses that opened in 2018 and are not under a current business incentive policy into the new program.

New retail businesses would be allowed to choose the sales tax rebate program or the existing utility incentive program.

The discussion will continue at the next city council meeting.

In other business, City Attorney Olavee Raub reported the second real estate contract for the water exploration project has been received.  The city hopes to finalize the purchase by the end of the year.

The complete Dec. 3 meeting minutes follow.

 

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

Minutes

December 3, 2018

 

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Susan Eaton, Jolene Niernberger, Dena Patee, and Bob Redger.  Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates (arrived at 8:40 p.m.), and City Attorney Olavee Raub.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA

None

PUBLIC PRESENT

Martin LaBarge, Steve Ferland, and Gary Luea.

CONSENT AGENDA

Council member Bob Redger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on November 19, 2018 and Bills Ordinance #2058.  Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)

None

SPECIAL ORDER

None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Parks: Special Project

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported that no bids were received from contractors for construction of the South Park bathrooms.  Prior to requesting the entire project be bid out, Council had asked Mr. Scheuerman to present individual bids for materials and labor for the City to construct the bathrooms.  Those bids totaled $19,200.  Mr. Scheuerman noted he would like to revisit the construction project in the spring; however, updated bids may need to be obtained.  Council expressed concern that the individual bids have already been made public.

General Government: Policy

City Clerk Amy Burton and City Attorney Olavee Raub presented the proposed Retail Sales Tax Rebate Policy.  Council discussed the definition of a new business, and whether to allow businesses that opened in 2018 and are not under a current business incentive policy into the new program.  New retail businesses will be allowed to choose the sales tax rebate program or the existing utility incentive program.  Council suggested several revisions to the policy for further consideration at the next Council meeting.

Sewer: Repair/Maintenance

Mr. Scheuerman discussed possible options for the use of budgeted funds for investigation into the City’s inflow and infiltration (I&I) issue at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.  An engineer has suggested the use of a flow meter during dry and wet periods to compare water amounts flowing through a particular area to try to narrow down where the I&I may be occurring.  Mr. Scheuerman would like to wait until next year to hire a service contractor in order to combine the budgeted funds for 2018 and 2019 in hopes to get a reduced fee to camera more linear feet of sewer line.  It was the consensus of Council to allow Mr. Scheuerman to obtain quotes for five flow meters.

NEW BUSINESS

General Government: Licenses/Permits

Council member Dena Patee moved to approve the Application for License to Sell Cereal Malt Beverages for Rich’s IGA, Weber’s Service & Repair, and Love’s Travel Stops.  Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.

Sewer: Acquisition

Council member Dena Patee moved to approve the purchase of polymer from Brenntag for the Wastewater Treatment Plant in the amount of $5,620.20, with funds to come from the Sewer Utility fund.  Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.

REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS

Public Works

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reminded residents that City Code prohibits residents and snow removal contractors from pushing or piling snow onto City streets.  Council then discussed the desired specifications for the two pickups to be purchased in 2019.

Police

Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Department’s Monthly Activity Report for November and the December Staff Calendar.  Chief Yates reviewed an email from Ellis County Emergency Manager Darin Myers regarding a grant for the 911 Emergency systems.

City Clerk

City Clerk Amy Burton presented the October Health Insurance Savings Report.  The City’s Christmas Party will be January 5^th at the VFW Hall.

General Government: Financial

The Clerk’s office has experienced an influx of insufficient checks returned for various payments.  This is putting a strain on the Petty Cash fund, where the insufficient checks are accounted for until collected.  After further discussion regarding procedures and the use of the fund, Council member Bret Andries moved to direct City Attorney Olavee Raub to draft an ordinance increasing the Petty Cash Fund to $2,500 effective December 1^st, and to authorize City Clerk Amy Burton to increase the Petty Cash fund immediately due to the emergency situation of lack of funds available.  Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.

Attorney

City Attorney Olavee Raub reported that the second real estate contract for the Water Exploration Project has been received.  Ms. Raub has started preparing the closing documents and hopes to have the land purchase finalized by the end of the year.

Ms. Raub provided information regarding the possible ordinance suggested by the League regarding small cell communication antennas that was discussed at the last meeting.  The FCC has adopted new rules limiting state and local control; however, governments have the ability to adopt an ordinance specifying aesthetic requirements.  Ms. Raub will provide additional information in the Council packets for the next meeting.

Mayor Update and Announcements

None

ADJOURNMENT

Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.  The motion carried 6-0.  The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners will get their first look Thursday at proposed plans for $1.1 million in street maintenance projects next year.

During tonight’s work session, staff will present plans for seal coat, rejuvenator, micro-surfacing, diamond grinding, curb and brick repair, major rehab, sidewalk improvements, and in-house crack seal and asphalt repair during 2019.

The project will be funded by state and city monies.

“We get money from the special highway tax every year,” explained Jacob Wood, assistant city manager. “We get about $500,000 from that. It’s part of your gas tax that you pay to the state and comes back to the city.”

Most of the remaining half million dollars will come from the city’s general fund, along with some minor revenue sources.

Major street improvements such as the recently completed Allen Street are not part of the annual maintenance program.

“This is the just the minor stuff like chip sealing and filling potholes,” Wood added.

He noted that potholes are fixed year round, although this is an especially busy time.

“It’s just a weather thing this time of year. When it gets cold and hot, water freezes and thaws and creates those things. We have crews out right now trying to repair those potholes.”

Also on the Dec. 6 agenda is an update of the city’s boundaries after several properties were annexed into the city limits.

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Christmas time is fun time in Hays.

Melissa Dixon, executive director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), has some highlights of activities during December.

For updated events, check the community calendar on the Hays CVB website at www.visithays.com.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners Tuesday approved $198,380 in sewer repairs of 26 locations primarily in the older areas of Hays, south of 27th Street and west of Vine Street.

The low bid was from M&D Excavating, Hays, which will start the work in January and is to be completed by June 1, 2019.

Jeff Crispin, director of water resources, said the project requires digging up and replacing some sections of damaged sewer lines due to pipe collapses, holes, or offset joints.

“The sewage is still flowing through the lines. It is also important to mention there will not be any disruption of service,” emphasized Crispin.

“We’ve viewed all these locations. We’ve used video and stills. We still have flow in these locations but it is important to get things fixed now so they don’t continue to become a problem down the road.”

Most of the locations have 8-inch vitreous clay pipe pipes buried 5 to 10 feet underground. All of the replacement lines will be PVC pipe.

“We haven’t done a project like this in some time,” added Jacob Wood, assistant city manager.

“This also gives us an idea of what the cost is gonna be going forward. Our estimate was about $100,000 more [than the low bid]. So we will have some additional projects, point repairs and that sort of stuff, coming up right at the beginning of next year.”

Vice-Mayor Henry Schwaller said he’s pleased the city is being pro-active in the repair of sewer lines.

“I don’t think we’ve done this in 20 years,” said the longtime commissioner. “I don’t remember ever voting on this.”

Commissioner Sandy Jacobs was absent from the Nov. 20 meeting.

It was held Tuesday rather than the usual Thursday due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

This Santa’s Workshop is not located at the North Pole; it’s a little closer, in Hays.

Children ages 12 and younger are invited to Santa’s Workshop for a kids’ shopping day Sat., Nov. 24, to buy Christmas gifts for their loved ones.

The special event will be held at the VFW Post 9076, 2106 Vine, where the VFW Honor Guard and Auxiliary members, along with other volunteer elves, will help children select the perfect gifts.

Kat’s Hallmark is sponsoring the event. Business owner Kathy Schupman has an in at the local VFW. She is the Post Quartermaster.

Schupman grew up in Ohio where she participated in similar holiday shopping events as a child.

“I loved the idea and I’ve always wanted my daughter to be able to participate. Being in the military and moving around, I never came across this again,” Schupman said.

She talked to her team members at Kat’s Hallmark, 4320 Vine, and they decided to “give this a try.”

All the gifts are priced at $5 or less and are Hallmark brand products or its affiliates. “Hallmark is very much behind this endeavor,” she added.

The gifts available for purchase are suitable for family members, other loved ones, friends and even pets. The shoppers will be given a form to help them keep track of whom they’re buying for and how much they’re spending.

Parents who bring their children will wait in the lobby area with coffee while the kids shop. Students from TMP-Marian school will be offering free gift wrapping.

“They’re coming home with something that’s wrapped that says ‘From Johnny to Mom’ and Mom doesn’t know what it is.

“It gives excitement for the children and for the parent. And it doesn’t matter what financial bracket you’re in,” Schupman stressed. “This is just a good fun event for everyone to participate in.”

Santa Claus himself will be in the lobby to pose for pictures with the kids.

Santa’s Workshop is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9076 in Hays.

SUBMITTED

Now through Dec. 3, 24/7 Travel Stores customers will be able to donate at the register to Education and Outreach Programs for Kansas kids from Pheasants Forever, a wildlife habitat conservation nonprofit organization.

24/7 Travel Stores and Pheasants Forever are partnering to get more Kansas kids introduced to hunting, wildlife habitat conservation, and shooting sports.

Customers have the opportunity to make a donation to Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever at the register, and also to purchase PF/QF merchandise directly in the store. A portion of the proceeds from which will go to PF and QF.

The goal is to raise at least $30,000, providing much-needed financial support for Pheasants Forever as they work to have 120,000 Kansas kids participate in their Education and Outreach program by 2023.

Each dollar that is donated will be matched at a 4:1 ratio, meaning that each dollar given will be turned into $4 for Kansas kids.

Brandon Wilmoth, regional representative for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever in Kansas says, “Programs like this one, with 24/7 Travel Stores, work to bring important funds in for the organizations’ traditional habitat mission, but also critical programs that create new hunters. For example, we now have three ‘shooting trailers’ here in Kansas that PF and QF chapters, and other organizations, can use to hold youth shooting events. The trailers travel to fairs, schools, festivals, hunter safety classes and other outdoor events. The goal is to expose kids to the shooting sports, which can in turn lead to creating new hunters.”

ABOUT 24/7 TRAVEL STORES: 24/7 Travel Stores has 10 locations to serve guests and travelers along the I-70 and I-135 corridors throughout Kansas. These stores are operated by local teams that live and shop in the surrounding area. 

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The Hays city commission will meet Tue., Nov. 20 rather than Thursday due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Kim Rupp, director of finance, will present the October 2018 financial statement.

Commissioners will then consider bids for 26 areas of repair on sewer lines primarily located in the older sections of town.  M&D Excavating, Hays, presented the lowest bid of $198,380.

The complete agenda is available here.

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.