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Author: Becky Kiser

🎥 Summer watering should be infrequently and deeply

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By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

When the temperature warms up, it may be tempting to water your lawn or garden every day.

That’s too often, according to Holly Dickman, water conservation specialist for the city of Hays, and it can be unhealthy for plants.

“It’s important to water correctly to create water efficient plants,” Dickman said. “Watering deeply and infrequently is the key to encouraging deep, more drought tolerant roots.”

“If you do water  more frequently but not as deeply, what happens is you wind up encouraging those roots to stay right in that top layer of moist soil. And then when we do get to those hot dry summer months of July and August, those are the first lawns to drought-stress and look bad,” Dickman warned. “Then the response a lot of times is to go out and water them more.”

Here are the best watering depths:

  • Turfgrass and Lawns: At least 6-8 inches
  • Flowers and Vegetable Gardens: At least 8-12 inches
  • Trees and Shrubs: At least 12-18 inches (where the bulk of their roots are located)

“Watering much deeper than these depths is a waste of water,” she emphasized.

The exception is a newly planted garden or lawn. “You will have to water more often.”

A permit may be obtained at Hays City Hall that, for a period of 10 days, will allow outdoor watering during summer’s restricted hours for newly seeded, sodded, plugged, or sprigged lawns.

The watering depth can be checked by using a probe such as a long screwdriver, a piece of rebar, or a strong wire.

When the probe hits resistance, you’ve likely hit dry soil, and determined the depth to which the moisture has reached.

Drip or sub-surface irrigation is the most efficient method. “It places the water exactly where you need it,” said Dickman.

If you water using sprinkler systems or by hand, Dickman suggests irrigating early in the morning. “That’s when you can usually take advantage of lower wind speeds, less evaporation, and higher humidity levels.”

“Watering in the morning also allows plant leaves to dry off quickly,” she added, “lessening the threat of potential disease problems.”

Overnight rain in Hays includes lively lightning

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By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Welcome rainfall in Hays late Thursday evening was accompanied by an impressive lightning storm which lingered longer than the rain.

The photos below, shot by Stephen Pate, were taken from the parking lot of Enersys in northwest Hays.

Hays received an official 0.32 inches of rain according to the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town. There was also brief nickle-size hail which caused no damage.

At the Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, 0.48 inches was measured.

So far in May, 1.63 inches of rain has fallen in Hays; the year-to-date total is 3.74 inches.

🎥 City commission votes 4-1 to hire roundabout design engineer

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Scott Jordan and his mother Sue own the Pheasant Run restaurant, 3201 Vine. They’re concerned about losing traffic access if roundabouts are installed.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

“This is the one proposal that solves the most problems for the most people on both sides of the interstate.”

That’s the conclusion of Hays Mayor James Meier who supports the hiring of WSP engineers, Lenexa, to design a series of three roundabouts on north Vine Street to improve traffic flow.

Scott Jordan, whose family owns the Pheasant Run restaurant at 3201 Vine St., is not among “most people.”

He and his mother, Sue Jordan, told the commission Thursday night they’re concerned about access to their 36-year-old restaurant if the roundabouts are built.

“With this, instead of having two access points to our business, we will only have one,” Scott Jordan said. “That’s basically hamstringing us.”

City commissioners voted 4-1 in favor of the $398,895.26 low bid. Vice-Mayor Henry Schwaller remained opposed as he had announced during last week’s work session, citing the need for public input.

The proposal, in collaboration with the Kansas Dept. of Transportation (KDOT), calls for a double roundabout at 32nd/33rd, another roundabout at 37th, and a third north of Interstate 70 at 41st Street.

Jordan was curious why the city had not purchased the former Montana Mike’s lot from the mall owners when the restaurant was closed in November 2013 and then razed. “It could have made the 32nd Street intersection go straight through (across Vine) and then we wouldn’t have to be messing with any of this junk,” Jordan said.

Schwaller is the only person on the current city commission who was also serving five years ago.

“We just didn’t have the money,” Schwaller told Jordan, “but now we do. The city was going to work with the owner of the mall and we estimated the project cost to be a certain amount. When it go to the point of actually making it happen, it exceeded that dollar amount. I don’t like this answer because it could have been done. We could have issued a bond, anything, but we just decided we couldn’t afford it.”

The space at the northwest corner of Big Creek Crossing’s property is now occupied by HaysMed Walk-in Clinic and Starbucks.

According to Hays Project Manager John Braun there are approximately 31 crashes per year in the roundabout study area between 32nd and 41st Streets, with most occurring at the intersection of 32nd and the west frontage road.

Jordan already knows that. It’s exactly where the Pheasant Run is located.

“The accident rate there is 2.5 times higher than the statewide average for urban intersections,” Braun noted, “and crashes will become more frequent as traffic increases if no action is taken.

Braun, who was asked to present a list of FAQs, Frequently Asked Questions, also said the “roundabouts present a safer road environment by disconnecting the frontage (access) roads and eliminating conflict points like left turns across traffic.”

According to Jordan, many of his customers use the access road to get to the restaurant.

Braun stressed several times the current design is still a concept. He told the commission WSP intends to bring in a third-party firm from Oklahoma to review and tweak the concept. “There’ll be another opportunity to review that concept plan before we go into full design.”

Another audience member, Ron Adams, who told the commission he previously worked for Bucher, Willis & Ratliff engineering in Hays, asked if 37th Street could be made into an on-ramp for I-70, and other entrance and exit ramps be eliminated.

“K-DOT won’t allow it,” commissioners responded.

Vine Street is also a federal highway, U.S. 183. “We asked about doing that at 41st and kind of sandwiching it with the off-ramp,” Meier said, “and K-DOT won’t allow anything like that.”

Meier also pointed out an earlier study which recommended reverse access roads “was a perfectly acceptable solution. It was expensive and involved the taking of private property, including houses on the west side of 33rd Street.”

“In the late ’90s, the commission had the opportunity to align 32nd and 33rd but because there were houses along there, they didn’t want to take property,” said Meier.

Commissioner Shaun Musil assured Jordan and his mother, who apologized for “being emotional,” that he was confident Braun, City Manager Toby Dougherty, and the city commission would stay in contact with the family as the engineering begins. “I don’t want to hurt your business. You guys have been known in Hays ever since I’ve been here, for years,” Musil said, “and I want you to stay around Hays.”

Jordan has previously had problems with customer access to his restaurant.

“Years ago when all the beautification was done (in the Vine Street medians), I know it was all Mom could do to keep the doors open because it just shut off the flow of traffic,” Jordan told commissioner. “And that’s what the roundabouts are, seemingly, kind of wanting to do to us, let alone with the construction.”

Engineering is expected to take about 18 months with construction to begin in 2020.

“I just want to make sure I get a chance to sit down and see if we can’t improve on this before I’m stuck,” Jordan said. “I want to keep the families that I employ employed and make sure this community grows.”

🎥 2020 city election creeps into roundabouts discussion

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An animated simulation of the Vine St. roundabouts’ traffic flow is available on the city’s website.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners will vote Thursday whether to hire an engineering firm to design three traffic roundabouts on north Vine Street.

The proposal, in collaboration with the Kansas Dept. of Transportation, is the most recent recommendation for improving traffic flow between 32nd and 41st Streets.

WSP of Lenexa has the low bid of $398,895.26 for engineering services in the design of roundabouts and other improvements as detailed in the January 2018 Vine Street Corridor Study. It would be funded from the Convention and Visitors Bureau contingency fund.

Commissioner Chris Dinkel believes the series of roundabouts is “an excellent solution, whether the public is tremendously enthused or not. I think there are a lot of things for a government to do that aren’t necessarily going to be popular. This may be one of them.”

During last week’s work session, Project Manager John Braun said if the project were to proceed as recommended, bids would be requested in late 2019 for construction to begin in 2020. “The improvements on Vine Street did wind up in the priority queue of the 2018 Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) at a cost of $9 million,” Braun noted. Since then, the project scope has been refined by WSP and the cost estimate is now $7.6 million.

Commissioners talked about the consequences of building the roundabouts in stages or even constructing fewer than the recommended three, which includes a double roundabout at 32nd and 33rd Streets.

“If we push it off, we are putting the $400,000 (for design) and the entire idea at risk,” Dinkel said, “because you can end up with some very substantial election pressure on the current city commission come the end of 2019. We may really get hammered on this. In fact, I’m kind of planning on it. There could be an anti-roundabout contingency running in 2019.”

According to Hays City Clerk Brenda Kitchen there will be three open seats on the city commission in 2020: Chris Dinkel, James Meier and Henry Schwaller. Sandy Jacobs and Shaun Musil are up for re-election in 2022.

Commissioner Musil campaigned for his seat last fall in support of roundabouts. “I always said yes, if the funding’s there and we can do it right.”

Dinkel said he isn’t worried about the election. “I’m worried about this vote being in January and you have an entirely new commission that votes it down immediately. I think this (current) commission is supportive.”

Braun told commissioners the environmental reviews could possibly begin in a limited scope if the project timeline were pushed back.

Below is a simulation of how the proposed roundabouts would work during peak traffic times in Hays. It is also available on the city’s website.

https://youtu.be/SCarN_8hr6E

The May 24 agenda can be seen here. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

🎥 27th & Canterbury roundabout discussion to be revived

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City commissioners will again talk about a possible traffic roundabout at the 27th and Canterbury intersection in Hays. (Photo courtesy Google Maps)

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays city commissioner Sandy Jacobs is a big supporter of traffic roundabouts.

It was part of her campaign platform when she ran for office and she has advocated for roundabouts in Hays since then.

The commission is scheduled to vote Thursday on the selection of a design engineer for a series of three roundabouts recommended for north Vine Street between 32nd and 41st Streets.

Jacobs spoke in favor of the project during last week’s work session. Towards the end of the meeting she said she’d also like to resurrect the discussion about a roundabout at 27th and Canterbury.

In early March, the commission decided against installing a temporary “mini-roundabout” at the location. At the time, Canterbury was scheduled to be restriped from four lanes to three following diamond grinding in April. After recent public outcry from some residents, commissioners voted 3-2 to amend a contract and keep Canterbury as a four-lane street.

“I’d like to see us put a permanent roundabout at 27th and Canterbury,” Jacobs said.

“When we were discussing it earlier this year, I sat out at Canterbury a lot. I sat at 27th and Canterbury, at 22nd and Canterbury, and I sat at HaysMed.

“Those people who drive 27th and Canterbury when it’s the busiest, use it like a roundabout.”

“They get in the right lane and go across the intersection, make a U-turn, come back and take the turn right. They’d do it just beautifully if it was a roundabout,” Jacobs added. “I think it would keep traffic moving at those times of day out there really nicely.”

Commissioner Shaun Musil said he has also seen the same type of driving on Canterbury.

Mayor James Meier echoed Jacobs’ desire to revisit the issue. He is a pharmacist who works at HaysMed and regularly sees the traffic congestion.

“I think in our earlier discussion it was the temporary nature of the roundabout that was more objectionable than the actual idea of it,” said Meier. “As I recall, it wasn’t a really expensive project if made permanent, maybe about $50,000.”

Project Manager John Braun told the commission he “reran the numbers because obviously the striping contractor has left and we were going to use those prices we had from the striping contractor for the street grinding.”

Braun’s new numbers use prices from the contractor for road micro-surfacing which will be done this summer on some streets.

“Those prices are surprisingly higher so we’re probably now talking in the $68,000 range,” Braun reported.

Meier asked if the airport’s new paint striper could be used instead and the work be done by city employees.

“We could do it in-house,” Braun answered, “but it would be challenging.” He pointed out the precision necessary for pavement markings in a traffic roundabout.

Commissioners asked Assistant City Manager Jacob Wood to place the item on an upcoming work session agenda.

🎥 City commission to vote on roundabout design; Schwaller wants public discussion first

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(Click to enlarge)

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners know there are traffic flow problems on north Vine Street between 32nd and 41st Streets. The configuration has been studied several times the past 25 years.

The most recent recommendation, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Transportation, is installation of three traffic roundabouts.

The plan calls for an hourglass or double roundabout at 32nd and 33rd, another at 37th, and a third roundabout north of Interstate 70 at 41st and Mopar Drive.

During last week’s work session, Vice-Mayor Henry Schwaller said he is not ready to commit $400,000 to an engineering design without more discussion with the effected business owners.

“Number 1, we need to know our alternatives which we discussed a long time ago. That would be refreshing. Number 2, we need to be prepared to talk to the public and listen to the businesses and property owners on Vine as well as the major employers and get their feedback on this. I think that’s critical,” Schwaller said.

Earlier studies have called for reverse access roads.

Commissioners acknowledged there are some residents adamantly opposed to roundabouts, while some others are very supportive.

Commissioner Sandy Jacobs favors the project.

“We can argue all day long whether people can drive them or not. I think people learn to adjust to whatever is there. They may not be the happiest people, part of them. Some of them will love it,” Jacobs said. “I think if you don’t want to go that way you’ll find an alternate. And there are alternate ways to get to wherever you want to go, especially Walmart.”

Mayor James Meier suggested the design work be flexible enough the roundabouts could be built at different times, any or all of them, instead of as a single large project.

John Braun, Hays Project Manager

Project Manager John Braun warned that would likely cost more money.

The commission is scheduled to vote Thu., May 24, on whether to proceed with hiring design engineer WSP, the low bidder, for three roundabouts.

The WSP bid is $399,000 which would be paid out of the Convention and Visitors Bureau contingency fund. Estimated cost of the corridor project is $7.6 million with construction to start in 2020.

Commercial zoning request at W. 48th and Roth to be heard

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(Click to enlarge)

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

An application has been made to change the zoning of a 5.7 acre property at the northwest corner of West 48th St. and Roth Ave. north of Interstate 70.

The request for a change from Agriculture (A-L) to Commercial General District (C-2) will be reviewed by the Hays Area Planning Commission during their meeting Monday, May 21.

According to a memo to the commission, the plan for development on the site is encouraged by city staff which recommends setting a public hearing on Monday, June 18.

The property, owned by Scott Crawford of Hays, is currently used for agriculture production. The Comprehensive Plan identifies the area for Urban Reserve (UR).

In the memo, city staff say the proposed zoning and commercial development of the property is one of the highest and best uses.

(Click to enlarge)

The property to the south is zoned Commercial General District (C-2). Public utilities are present on the south side of West 48th St. and Roth Ave. The developer, listed as Matt Wilson/HaysTW, LLC, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, would be required to extend the utilities for the development.

The complete planning commission agenda can be seen here. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Monday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Ellis will not pay for installing sidewalks near grade school

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ELLIS –  No sidewalks will be installed by the city of Ellis near Washington Grade School, 100 E. 13th St.

City council members recently discussed the proposed project. During the May 7 city meeting, Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman told the council the estimated average cost of materials was $2,200 per block. After more discussion, the council decided not to pursue the project.

In other business, the council unanimously voted to increase fees for lessons at the municipal swimming pool, and also an increase in the fee for private parties utilizing the pool slide.

The complete meeting minutes follow.

 

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

Minutes

May 7, 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 (arrived at 7:39 p.m.), and Bob Redger.  Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, City Attorney Olavee Raub, and City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA

None

PUBLIC PRESENT

Aaron White, Chad Pritchett, Glen Keller, Lori Miller, Julie Yarmer, Pamela Dietrich, Pat Bieker, Freda Fisher, Dennis Bollig, Jessica Shank, Joy Fischer, Adeline Henderson, Verda Flinn, Barbara Perkins, Nancy Wright, Nickole Byers, and Gary Luea.

CONSENT AGENDA

Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on April 16, 2018, Bills Ordinance #2044, and the March manual journal entries.  Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

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

City Clerk: Award/Proclamation

Mayor David McDaniel read a Proclamation declaring May 6 – May 12, 2018 Municipal Clerks Week.

Police: Award/Proclamation

Mayor David McDaniel read a Proclamation declaring May 13 – May 19, 2018 National Police Week.

General Government: Financial – Budget Request

Jessica Shank, representing the Senior Companion program at Fort Hays State University, thanked the Council for their past support and presented the Senior Companion 2019 budget request.  Ms. Shank requested consideration from Council for $4,086, the annual support cost of one Senior Companion volunteer.  Joy Fischer presented the 2019 budget request for the Foster Grandparent program.  Ms. Fischer requested consideration from Council for $1,000 to partially support one foster grandparent to serve in Ellis.  The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.

SPECIAL ORDER

Employee Benefits: Insurance

Lori Miller, Heartland Retirement and Benefits Consulting, presented renewal options for the employee’s health insurance plan.  The current plan with United Health Care only increased 1.17%, whereas the industry standard health insurance increase for 2018-2019 is 12% – 18%. The Freedom Choice plan has saved the city over $60,000 each year compared to a fully insured plan.  Ms. Miller reported there was no increase in premiums for the Vision Direct policy.  It was the consensus of Council to table this item until the June 4th Council meeting.

Economic Development: Special Project

Aaron White, Ellis County Coalition, spoke with Council on the various types of business incentives available, including sales tax rebate agreements, Neighborhood Revitalization Plans, the Downtown Redevelopment Act, and Community Improvement Districts.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Public Works: Special Project

Executive Session

Mayor David McDaniel asked for a motion to recess into executive session at the request of City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler.  Council member Jolene Niernberger moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss a City right-of-way situation pursuant to the attorney-client privilege exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(2) with City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler present.  The open meeting will resume at 8:32 p.m.  Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.  No action was taken in executive session and the open meeting resumed.

Capital Improvement: Special Project

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented a map of the area that Council is considering adding sidewalks to in the vicinity of Washington Grade School.  The average cost of materials to add sidewalks and handicap ramps is $2,200 per block.  After further discussion, Council decided to forgo the project.

NEW BUSINESS

Fire: Repair/Maintenance

Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to ratify the invoice from Weis Fire and Safety in the amount of $1,282.50 for service work at the Fire Department.  Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.

Swimming Pool: Fees

City Clerk Amy Burton presented a spreadsheet illustrating swimming lesson fees for other communities.  The city’s fees have not increased for years and are the lowest of the communities listed.  Ms. Burton also asked for council to consider increasing the fee for pool parties if the customer wants to utilize the water slide.  The slide requires an additional dedicated lifeguard to be present.  Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and council member Dena Patee seconded a motion to increase the fee for pool parties with the slide to $100.00, and to increase the fee for swimming lessons to $25.00 for the first child enrolled, $20.00 for the second child, and $15.00 for each additional child.  The motion carried 6-0.

Employee Benefits: Insurance

Ms. Burton presented the 2018-19 renewals for employee dental, life, and accidental death & disability insurance.  It was the consensus of Council to table consideration until the June 4th Council meeting.

Special Machinery: Acquisition

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented two bids for a new bat-wing mower for the Parks Department.  The 2016 John Deere Z915 mower will be traded-in on the purchase.   Mr. Scheuerman believes the larger 104” mower could reduce mowing cost and labor by up to sixty percent.  Council member Dena Patee moved to approve the purchase of a Hustler Super 104 RD mower from Gottschalk Equipment Sales in the amount of $21,061.00, net trade-in, with funds to come from the Special Machinery Fund.  Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion.  Upon a call for discussion, Council member Holly Aschenbrenner expressed concerns about the cost effectiveness of the mower.  Upon a call for the vote, the motion carried 5-1, with Council member Holly Aschenbrenner opposed.

Special Parks: Acquisition

Mr. Scheuerman presented two bids for the purchase of pea gravel to place under the play equipment at Creekside Park and Playworld Park.  Council member Bret Andries moved to approve the purchase of 175-ton of pea gravel from APAC in the amount of $7,000.00 with the cost to be split between the Special Parks fund and the General-Parks fund.  Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.

Swimming Pool: Acquisition

Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the purchase of 55 – 50 lb. drums of Pulsar II Calcium Hypochlorite from D. Gerber Commercial Pool Products in the amount of $6,545.00 with funds to come from the General-Swimming Pool fund.  Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.

Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Dena Patee seconded a motion to approve the purchase of 9 – 145 lb. drums of hydrochloric acid from Southwest Brenntag in the amount of $848.25 with funds to come from the General-Swimming Pool fund.  The motion carried 6-0.

General Government: Special Project

City Clerk Amy Burton reviewed local options available for rebuilding the City’s website.  Both the Hays Daily News and Eagle Communications offer similar packages using templates.  Hays Daily News offers 30 minutes of free support per month, but doesn’t specify the hourly fee if that time is exceeded.  Council directed Ms. Burton to find out that hourly fee before further consideration.  This item will be tabled until the next Council meeting.

Public Works: Special Project

Last fall, the Public Works Department cleared out culverts in the southeast part of town and replanted grass on the affected properties.  The properties were not in the city’s right-of-way, and the city obtained easements from the homeowners to perform work on the property.  Two homeowners have petitioned Council for an allowance on their water bill to establish the Bermuda grass seed.  After consideration and discussion, Council member Dena Patee moved to provide a one-time allowance for up to 3,000 gallons of water over the normal usage from May 10th – June 10th for the properties at 404 E. 15th and 410 E. 15th Street.  Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.

REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS

Public Works

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for the period March 10 – April 10th.

Last summer several city properties received hail damage.  Mr. Scheuerman would like to obtain cost estimates to make the repairs.  Council directed Mr. Scheuerman to provide cost comparisons for metal versus asphalt shingles.

Police

Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Monthly Activity Report for April and the May staff calendar.  The DARE graduation at Washington Grade School is May 11th at 10:30 a.m.

City Clerk

City Clerk Amy Burton reminded the Governing Body to complete and return their annual Statement of Substantial Interests.  The draft minutes from the recent Planning Commission/ Board of Zoning Appeals meeting were reviewed.  Ms. Burton presented the March financial statements consisting of the Statement of Accounts, Treasurer’s Statement, and Security Deposit Worksheet.  The staff members for the 2018 swimming pool season have been hired.

Attorney

City Attorney Olavee Raub noted that City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler will attend the May 21st Council meeting in her absence.

Mayor Update and Announcements

Mayor David McDaniel reported the deadline for filing with the County Clerk for the three open Council seats is June 1st at noon.

Council member Holly Aschenbrenner updated Council on the progress of the Community Block Party.  The event will be held June 9th at 5:30 p.m. in Play World Park.  Bids are being obtained for a pulled pork option and a hamburger/hot dog option.  Bids will be presented to Council once received.  The planning committee will meet again on May 17th at 2:00.

Council member Dena Patee presented a state sales tax business incentive program used in Seward, Nebraska.

Council member Jolene Niernberger congratulated Mayor David McDaniel on being elected President of the Kansas Mayor’s Association and for achieving his Level 2 MTI training certificate.

ADJOURNMENT

Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.  The motion carried 6-0.  The meeting adjourned at 10:02 p.m.

🎥 City to consider design of proposed Vine Street roundabouts

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Vine Street corridor with proposed traffic roundabouts (Click to enlarge)

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

There is only one agenda item for tonight’s Hays City Commission work session and the topic is something that has generated considerable discussion in past meetings.

Commissioners will review the recommended selection of an engineering firm for design services of the roundabout corridor on north Vine Street.

John Braun, Hays project manager, will first present some history of the traffic roundabout proposal.

The configuration of Vine Street between 32nd and 41st streets has been the topic of several studies over the last 25 years. The demolition of the former Ambassador Hotel initiated the latest study on this stretch of Vine, which is also part of U.S. Highway 183.

In December 2015, the city entered an agreement with WSP (formerly Parsons-Brinkerhoff) of Lenexa to conduct a traffic impact study for potential redevelopment of the Ambassador Hotel location, 3603 Vine. That information evolved into a full study of the Vine Street Corridor from south of 32nd Street to north of 41st and Mopar Drive, north of Interstate 70. It resulted in the recommendation to install a series of traffic roundabouts on Vine Street.

“The years of studies have been about creating efficiencies and helping the travel and flow on Vine from 32nd and 33rd all the way up to 41st and Mopar Drive,” said Assistant City Manager Jacob Wood.

City staff and engineers have been working with the Kansas Department of Transportation on a concept that would replace the traffic signals in the corridor with roundabouts, a move designed to improve traffic flow and reduce the number and severity of accidents.

The recommendation from WSP calls for an hourglass, or double, roundabout at 32nd/33rd, another roundabout at 37th, and a fourth roundabout north of I-70 at 41st and Mopar.

“We’ve talked about this for a long time and this is the next step in getting the project going.”

Wood said there’s a lot of work that needs to be done for a project this size even though some some preliminary studies have already been done.

The engineers will have to do surveys, which he doesn’t expect will disrupt traffic on the heavily-traveled street.

“We anticipate it will take about a year to do that. If the commission gives them the go-ahead in the next couple of weeks, I anticipate we’d have something ready to bid at the end of 2019 or early 2020 for a project that would take place in 2020.”

Since there are still a lot of unknowns, according to Wood, there may be different ways to phase out the project over time, “but we do anticipate it’s going to take over a year to do the design.”

The cost of engineering services by WSP is a low bid of $398,895.26, which would be financed from the Convention and Visitors Bureau Contingency Fund.

A link on the city of Hays website simulates traffic roundabout flow on Vine.

The May 17 work session agenda is available here. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

🎥 R9 Ranch: Long-term water supply for Hays/Russell closer to fruition

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By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

After nearly three years of work, the draft master order for the R9 Ranch change applications by the cities of Hays and Russell has been prepared and distributed for public review on the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources website.

“It’s a little bit anti-climactic. I’ve read through this application about 800 times,” joked Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty. “I think this the first time I’ve read through it without there being red lines and about 1,000 comments in the document,” he said with a wry smile.

The cities purchased the Edwards County R9 Ranch and its water rights in 1995 with the expectation of development as a long-term water supply for Hays and Russell. Russell owns 18 percent; Hays owns the remainder.

The ranch is within the boundaries of Groundwater Management District (GMD) No. 5.

Both cities have reached the effective limits of water conservation with low water use programs. Hays residents use an average 92 gallons of water per person per day. Statewide, the average is 130 gallons per person per day. In 2013, Russell’s total water consumption dropped by 22 percent over the previous five years.

According to Dougherty, “Hays officials have spent 60 years exploring many options for a long-term water supply, including Kanopolis, Wilson and Cedar Bluff reservoirs. Nothing has been found that is more viable, affordable and achievable than the R9.”

In June 2015, Hays and Russell submitted applications to KDA-DWR to change the water use from agricultural irrigation to municipal.

The proposed changes will move more than 2,000 acre-feet of water per year in excess of 35 miles. That will trigger the state’s Water Transfer Act, which has never been invoked. The change application must be completed and approved before the transfer can begin.

“In my estimation, we are on the downhill side of this process,” Dougherty said.

Still, it will be a lengthy process, he added, “because of the complexity of what we’re asking for.” There are 60 original or amended change applications listed on the DWR website.

There are more than 60 water rights on the R9 and about 40 points of diversion where the water is being pulled out of the ground, which will be combined into 12 municipal wells. The ranch’s irrigation water was previously was categorized as “non-consumptive use,” with some of the water percolating back down through the sandy soil into the Arkansas River basin.  It will change to “consumptive use” as a municipal water supply with no water going into the alluvial aquifer. Instead, it will be piped approximately 67 miles north into the Smoky Hill River Basin at Schoenchen, then to Hays and Russell.

The ranch gets about 22 inches of rain annually and the water is naturally sustainable, Dougherty explained. Hays and Russell own 7,647 acre feet of irrigation water rights and have voluntarily agreed to an annual municipal sustainable yield of 4,800 acre feet.  Extensive modeling by Burns and McDonnell engineers show the ranch water will be just as viable in year 50 as it is on day one.

The R9 Ranch is being turned back to native grass as agricultural irrigation water wells were shut down and equipment removed.

The agricultural irrigation water wells have been shut down and the land converted to native grass with a Walk In Hunting Area planned by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

The master order contingently approving change applications for the R9 water rights by DWR/KDA chief engineer David Barfield had to conform to state laws, groundwater management district regulations, and DWR regulations. Many of these rules were written for small, singular occurrences.

“We are transcending water basins, we are transcending boundaries, and we are transcending scale that a lot of the regulations and state laws are written for,” Dougherty said.

Groundwater Management Dist. #5

The draft proposed master order and exhibits were transmitted to GMD No. 5 for its review this month, along with the change applications and amendments.

The next step in the process is for the chief engineer to hold a public meeting for input and comment, including that from board members of GMD No. 5, as required by state statute and DWR regulations.

That will culminate in “draft” being removed from the order and it will be deemed complete. Then it’s on to the water transfer process, also spelled out by state statutes.

“The Water Transfer Act hasn’t been enacted since it was significantly modified back in the 1990s to create the process that we’re about to go through,” Dougherty noted, “so we don’t have any past history or previous cases to look at.”

The R9 Ranch will soon become a Walk In Hunting Area (WIHA).

He described the process as “very simplistic in nature” with a three-person panel to be convened. It will consist of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary or the KDHE Director of the Division of Environment,  the head of the Kansas Water Office, and the chief engineer of the KDA/DWR.

The panel is ultimately tasked with a thumbs up or thumbs down decision on the water transfer after more public hearings are held.

“In essence, according to state statue, what the three-person panel is trying to determine is if allowing the water transfer is a greater benefit to the state of Kansas than by not allowing the transfer.”

Dougherty said it comes down to economics.

Russell Mayor Curt Mader and other Russell officials during a recent R9 Ranch update with Hays officials.

“The Hays/Russell region represents a $2 billion/year gross economy, and it’s growing,” he said.

Part of the cities’ submissions for the water transfer application included a financial study from the Fort Hays State University Docking Institute of Public Affairs.

“There are no indications the economy would slow down unless something major happens, and one major thing would be lack of available water,” Dougherty said.

“Our argument is the R9 Ranch is being set up as a regional long-term water supply. It isn’t just Hays and Russell. It would include Ellis, Victoria, Trego County Rural Water District No. 2 and Ellis County 1C Rural Water District,” he added. “There are lots of people and entities around here that can benefit from the utilization of this water. We’re all tied together economically, and it’s a solid economy.”

Hays voters approved a half-cent sales tax in 1998 dedicated to financing the $80 million project.

MARSHALL: DOCTOR’S NOTE May 14

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Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.

Dear Friend,

Last week we celebrated our nation’s educators for the profound role they play in our lives and our children’s success for Teacher Appreciation week. Our teachers do such an outstanding job of working with, guiding, and challenging our young people to achieve their goals and dreams. I remember my teachers from kindergarten to medical school – all of them touched my life and directed me, pushing me to give my best efforts to achieve success. Mr. Tyner, in particular, stands out. He taught chemistry and physics, he held us accountable and made some of the most complex issues seem simple. I hope you were able to #thankateacher during Teacher Appreciation Week.

This week will be a busy week on the Hill, and rumor has it that the 2018 Farm Bill will be voted on by the House of Representatives. This is great news! The House is working to pass the 2018 Farm Bill on time, and I am confident we will have the votes to send it over to the Senate for their approval.

Iran Nuclear Deal
Last Tuesday the President made a promise to the world, “The United States no longer makes empty threats.” With that in mind, President Trump announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the Iran Nuclear agreement.

“The Iran Deal was one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into,” The President said. I couldn’t agree more and applaud him for this decision.

The U.S. cannot continue to waive sanctions against the Iranian regime while they develop their ballistic missile program and continue the spread of state-sponsored terrorism across the Middle East. Sanctions relief has allowed the regime to recover economically but their intention to buy time and continue to develop nuclear weapons has remained the same. We must stay committed to ensuring that Iran has no path to possess nuclear weapons.

Kansas Selected for Drone Program
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced May 9 that Kansas has been selected as one of 10 states that will participate in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program.

This program will pair the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), KDOT and private sector participants to collect invaluable data on how to safely integrate drones in the national airspace. Kansas has a rich history in the aviation industry and will be a strong asset to this pilot program.

K-State Polytechnic is one of the first universities in the country to offer a bachelor’s degree in unmanned aircraft systems. This exclusive, cutting-edge education shows Kansas is leading in this industry, and with the DOT’s selection I am proud that we will continue to champion this technology

Kansas was the first state to have an operational Unmanned Traffic Management system in place for state agencies, all 138 airports and 37 institutions of higher education. Kansas has been leading the charge for UAS development and has been a proven leader in this sector. In January, the Kansas delegation led a letter to the DOT advocating for the state to be selected for this pilot program.

“Data gathered from these pilot projects will form the basis of a new regulatory framework to safely integrate drones into our national airspace,” said Secretary Chao.

In the first three years of drone integration, it is predicted that more than 70,000 jobs will be created in the US with an economic impact of more than $13.6 billion. This benefit will grow through 2025 when they foresee more than 100,000 jobs created and economic impact of $82 billion.

Other states chosen to participate include Oklahoma, California, Nevada, North Dakota, North Carolina, Alaska, Virginia, Tennessee and Florida.

Hearing on empowering people with developmental disabilities
Last Wednesday the House Small Business Committee examined ways small businesses are empowering people with developmental disabilities, such as Autism or Down Syndrome. Unfortunately, far too often Americans with differing abilities are overlooked in our job sectors.

John Cronin testified before our committee to tell us that his developmental disabilities do not restrict his career and ambitions.

“I have Down syndrome, but Down syndrome never holds me back. I am 22-years old and work hard every day to show the world that individuals with Down syndrome are ready, willing and able to work. Give us a chance, and we can be successful,” Cronin said in the hearing.

In 2016, John and his father, Mark, launched John’s Crazy Socks and in the almost two years that they have been in business, they have shipped over 98,000 sock orders, earned $3.6 million in revenue, and employ 33 people – 15 of whom have differing abilities.

Another great story came from Dave, who founded AutonomyWorks to provide opportunities for individuals with Autism. It was encouraging to hear about their successes, but today’s panelists also highlighted that there are still many challenges facing individuals with developmental disabilities when joining the workforce. This hearing was a great reminder that there is still so much that Congress can do to empower all Americans, including those with differing abilities, and shows what can be done when you simply give people the opportunity to try.

Expedition 52/53
Last week I had the honor of having NASA Astronaut Randy Bresnik and Europe Space Agency Astronaut Paolo Nespoli stop by my office to discuss their time at the International Space Station as part of Expedition 52/53.

Astronaut Bresnik served as a pilot in the Marine Corps logging more than 6,000 hours on board 83 different types of aircraft, including during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was selected by NASA in May 2004 and has since logged 139 days in space on two different missions. Astronaut Nespoli from Milan, Italy has spent 313 days in space.

During their visit to our office, they shared pictures and stories from their journey. Expedition 52/53 researched the use of microgravity to better understand how stem cells work. They also studied the use of micro-satellites in low-Earth orbit to support critical operations, such as providing lower-cost Earth imagery in time-sensitive situations such as tracking severe weather and detecting natural disasters.

Just a few weeks ago I witnessed a spacecraft launch carrying supplies to the ISS. It was interesting to discuss what the ISS is like for those who have lived there and spent time in space. As a member of the Science, Space and Technology Committee these interactions and hearing about all of the great work and research being done is extremely humbling and gratifying.

Sec. of Energy Rick Perry Testimony to SST Committee
Secretary of Energy Rick Perry came to testify before the House Science Space and Technology committee on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) fiscal year 2019 budget request and priorities.

The House SST Committee has jurisdiction over $10 billion in spending at DOE—approximately one-third of its overall budget. These funds include all civilian research, development, demonstration and commercial application programs and 17 of the department’s National Laboratories.

During my time for questioning, I cautioned the department to not add any new barriers on energy sectors, including natural gas – so that we can have affordable and clean electricity.

Woman injured in 2-vehicle crash Friday at Hays I-70 exit

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By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

A two vehicle crash late Friday afternoon at the Interstate 70 off-ramp west of Hays sends a woman to the hospital.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, at 4:45 p.m., a 2011 GMC SUV driven by 69-year-old Harold A. Redford, Parsons, was exiting I-70 and failed to yield to a northbound pickup on the U.S. Highway 183 Bypass.

A passenger in the SUV, 70-year-old Judith A. Redford, Parsons, was injured and transported to Hays Medical Center. Harold Redford was not injured.

The driver of the 2005 Ford pickup, Jacob L. Malcolm, 24, of La Crosse, was not injured.

All three people were properly restrained, according to KHP.

🎥 ‘Fresh and modern’ remodel of NorthHays McDonald’s

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Grand reopening ribbon cutting with the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It was supposed to be a 12-week job. It was completed in 11 weeks and the store owners, employees and customers were very happy to be back.

McDonald’s of NorthHays, 3406 Vine, just celebrated its 39th anniversary with a remodel of the restaurant, inside and out.

“We are changing with the times, and never stop looking for ways to improve,” said Rick Kuehl, during a recent Hays Area of Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting celebration. Kuehl and his wife Gail, Hays, are owners of both McDonald’s in Hays as well as the McDonald’s in Russell and WaKeeney.

“Back then (in 1979), it was a much smaller building and a much different operation than now,” Kuehl told the crowd. “And none of this would have been possible without our customers and their support.”

The building and its operation have changed several times over the years. This renovation displaced a dedicated coffee group. “They had to go find someplace else to drink coffee and now they’re back,” Kuehl said, pointing to them with a smile.

Owner Rick Kuehl points to the new digital menu boards in the NorthHays McDonald’s. When his father opened a McDonald’s in 1958, there were just five food items.

“Back then, the McDonald’s breakfast menu was new. We had a single drive-through and order point. When we opened in 1979 in Hays, it wasn’t the same McDonald’s store my dad started with, No. 71 in St. Louis, in 1958. My first job was with that McDonald’s. It was all male employees selling hamburgers, cheese burgers, french fries, soft drinks and shakes.

“Now, this is what we sell,” Kuehl said as he pointed to the new digital menu boards behind the front counter. The selections include many more food and drink options than the original five.

One of the Kuehl’s sons, Jamie Kuehl and his wife Kelsey, are the owner-operators of two McDonald’s restaurant in Dodge City.

“I would venture to say that Jamie would say his McDonald’s are not mine — his father’s restaurants – and the way we started,” Kuehl said, “and, we all continue to evolve. Our new McDonald’s speaks to the needs of our customers and our community. The space is more open, we have more outlets for electronics and we have more ordering options for our customers in this digital world.

“I’d watch people with their computer looking around for the plug-in. Now, I think they’re available every four to six feet. You should be able to charge any device you’ve got for as long as you want to.”

Other changes include expanded drink options at the self-serve beverage bar.

There are now four ways to order – on a smart phone, at one of the two new double-sided digital kiosks in the restaurant lobby, at the drive-through with new digital menus, and still, the traditional face-to-face experience at the counter. To make in-person ordering easier and faster, a new modular front counter has been installed with separate order and pick up points.

“This is really the centerpiece of the change in this store – service and taking care of the customer,” said Kuehl.

Customers can now use a kiosk to select and pay for their order, which is brought to their table.

Customers choosing to use the self-order touch screen kiosks will select their items, pay with a credit or debit card, and then pick up a digital locator to be placed on their table where employees will bring the order to the customer.

“We’ve now gone from two order points to six order points. This is the future, an extension of your mobile devices, and you don’t have to stand in line.”

Kuehl said he and his family had just returned from Disney where some of the restaurants utilize similar kiosks. “It’s so slick. You’re in and you’re out.”

Customers placing an order on their smartphone will use the McDonald’s Mobile App. “We have a daughter-in-law who has mastered this,” Kuehl quipped.

Orders are made and paid for online.

“Once you pull on the McDonald’s lot, your phone will say ‘Welcome. Are you going to come inside to get your order, get it in the drive-through or do you want it brought to your vehicle in one of the two designated parking stalls?’ Our daughter-in-law pulls into Stall 4, doesn’t have to get the kids out of the vehicle. She can play with them for a couple of minutes and then here comes the food, already paid for. Then they’re off.”

“That’s the future.”

NorthMcDonald’s manager Kirsten Barnes met owner Gail Kuehl when Barnes was a Hays High DECA student.

There are about 70 team members in the north restaurant’s “McFamily,” including manager Kirsten Barnes who began as a crew member in 2003. “I’ve known Kirsten 18 years,” Gail Kuehl said, “because we met when she was in DECA at Hays High School.”

Two supervisors have been there much longer. Ric Leiker began his McDonald’s career at NorthHays in 1979 and Stacy McKennon in 1980.

3-story playground

Another upgrade can be seen in the west side of the restaurant which houses the new indoor PlayPlace, including a three-story playground complete with a slide, toddler area, Touch2Play entertainment computer tablets and an electronic U-Create table.

The area is more open and has more seating than the previous play space.

Touch2Play entertainment tablets and an electronic U-Create table

Prior to the ribbon cutting, the Kuehls, longtime supporters of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, presented a $10,000 check to Director Reese Barrick for updates to the Children’s Discovery Room.

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