Collin Bielser

The City of Hays' Neighborhood Revitalization Plan aims to promote urban revitalization and development by stimulating new construction and the rehabilitation, conservation, or redevelopment of existing properties. It seeks to encourage healthy owner-occupied single-family housing throughout the designated revitalization area. The plan outlines eligibility criteria, capital improvements, and tax rebate incentives to achieve these goals, while also protecting the public health, safety, and welfare of residents. The plan is intended to continue indefinitely.

The governing body reviewed the financial statement for the month ended December 31, 2025, noting details on sales tax collections and investment portfolio performance, with total operating expenditures coming in under budget. The consent agenda included approval for an appointment to the CARE Council, following a discussion regarding potential conflicts of interest. New business centered on approving revisions to the Comprehensive Financial Management Policy. A significant portion of the meeting involved an update on the R9 Project, covering wellfield and pipeline design status, easement acquisition progress, and funding strategies including a potential WIFIA loan. It was reported that a Congressional Directed Spending Request secured $11 million for the project. Updates were also provided on R9 Ranch improvements, utilization of the Walk In Hunting Access program, and a monthly report on city activities, which included the designation of Hays as the 2025 Community of the Year by Community Playmaker.

The Governing Body reviewed the financial statement for the month ended January 31, 2026, noting details on MTD general fund sales tax collections and total investment portfolio values as of January 31, 2026 (or January 31, 2025 for some balances). The Consent Agenda included the approval of a proposed appointment to the CARE Council for Heather Musil for a two-year term. Under New Business, the Governing Body awarded the bid for the 2026 Street Maintenance Projects, involving seal coat, polypatch, major street rehab, and other repairs funded primarily through Special Highway funds. Commissioner Vilaysing requested that the Pet Tag Ordinance be discussed during a future Work Session.

The work session included a Year in Review Update from the Executive Director of Grow Hays, detailing school, business, and housing improvements during 2025, alongside a discussion on property taxes. The Director of Finance presented proposed revisions to the Comprehensive Financial Management Policy, which included updates to terminology, setting a cap for the Budget Stabilization Reserve balance, and language changes related to the KMAAG audit. Additionally, an update was provided regarding recent advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. concerning the R-9 Ranch.

Key discussions focused on the 2026 Street Maintenance Projects, including the evaluation of bids received from eleven contractors for various work categories such as seal coat, polypatch, and street reconstruction. The funding sources, totaling approximately $1.1 million, were reviewed, with expectations that cost savings could fund additional curb and brick work. The Commission was informed that contract awards for these projects would be authorized at the subsequent February 12, 2026 meeting. The meeting also included a presentation of the 2025 online public relations year-end report, highlighting record-breaking engagement and increased transparency. Other topics included a call for community members to sign up for open board positions and a review of youth leadership exposure to local politics.