The Boring PartsFederalLocal · USLocal · Canada
Hays, Kansas

Hays public meetings in 2025

38 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 23, 2025

City Commission

City Commission to consider $4.25M contract for Tallgrass 4th Addition

The City Commission will discuss infrastructure contracts for the Tallgrass 4th Addition and several rezoning and annexation requests for properties near Exit 161 and Commerce Parkway. The meeting also includes a presentation on economic incentives from Grow Hays.

zoninginfrastructureeconomic-developmentcontractsannexation
✓ Decided: City Commission approves $4.25M contract for Tallgrass 4th Addition improvements

The commission unanimously approved the city’s financial statement for November 2025 and the consent agenda items. It authorized a $4,250,469 contract with Hess Services, Inc. for street, water, stormwater and sanitary sewer work in the Tallgrass 4th Addition. Additional contracts and ordinances were adopted for construction inspection services, rezoning and annexation of the Exit 161 and 2200 Commerce Parkway properties.

Thu Dec 18, 2025

City Commission

Commission to award $4.05 M contract for Tallgrass 4th Addition infrastructure

The City Commission will consider awarding the $4,048,066.01 contract to Hess Services, Inc. for street, water, and sewer work in the Tallgrass 4th Addition. It will also review rezoning and annexation requests for the Exit 161 property and for 2200 Commerce Parkway to enable commercial and industrial development. Additional items include a reimbursement request from the Hays Recreation Commission for pool operations.

zoningdevelopmentinfrastructurebondscontractsannexationrecreation
✓ Decided: No decisions made; commissioners will consider contracts and rezoning at Dec 23 meeting

The work session minutes were approved as presented. Commissioners discussed property tax issues, the Tallgrass 4th Addition contracts, and several rezoning and annexation proposals. All of those proposals will be presented for a vote at the December 23, 2025 commission meeting.

Mon Dec 15, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission schedules public hearing on rezoning two 27th St sites

The Hays Area Planning Commission will set a public hearing for January 19, 2026 to consider rezoning requests for 2460 E. 27th St (from Agriculture to Light Industrial) and 2470 E. 27th St (from Commercial General to Light Industrial). The agenda also includes discussion of a UDC regulation to reduce side setbacks for carports. Additionally, the commission will approve minutes from the November 17, 2025 meeting.

zoningplanningrezoningpublic-hearingdevelopment
Thu Dec 11, 2025

City Commission

Commission to approve $4.27 M infrastructure contract and two industrial bond ordinances

The City Commission will consider a GAAP waiver resolution, renew 2026 cereal malt beverage licenses, and recommend a mayoral appointment to the CARE Council. New business includes a $25,501.34 pool reimbursement request, a contract for engineering services not to exceed $38,632, and ordinances to issue industrial revenue bonds for Agiliti Hays, LLC and Vernies Trux‑N‑Equip, Inc.

financebondsinfrastructurelicensingrecreation
✓ Decided: City Commission approves multiple contracts and industrial bond ordinances

The commission unanimously approved items on the consent agenda, including a GAAP waiver and 2026 beverage licenses. It also approved a $25,501.34 pool reimbursement to the Hays Recreation Commission and a contract with Driggs Design Group for up to $38,632.00 of engineering services. Finally, the body adopted ordinances authorizing industrial revenue bonds for Agiliti Hays, LLC and Vernies Trux‑N‑Equip, Inc.

Thu Dec 4, 2025

City Commission

Commission to approve $4.27 M infrastructure contract for Exit 161 site

The City Commission will consider authorizing a contract with Smoky Hill, LLC for infrastructure work adjacent to Exit 161, totaling $4,271,759 funded by General Obligation Bonds. It will also vote on ordinances to issue industrial revenue bonds for the Agiliti and Vernies development projects. Additionally, staff will request approval of a $25,501.34 pool reimbursement from the Hays Recreation Commission and seek guidance on fireworks regulations.

infrastructurebondsrecreationfinancefireworks
✓ Decided: Commission approved November 20 work session minutes

The City Commission approved the minutes from the November 20, 2025 work session with no corrections. Commissioners discussed upcoming items—including a pool reimbursement request, an infrastructure engineering contract, and industrial revenue bond ordinances—but deferred all decisions to the December 11, 2025 meeting. A discussion on fireworks regulations was held, but no consensus was reached.

Tue Nov 25, 2025

City Commission

City Commission to consider $4.27 million infrastructure bid for Exit 161

The City Commission will discuss awarding a contract for infrastructure at Exit 161 and the reconstruction of 27th Street. The body will also consider the deannexation of the DK Ranch Addition and the annexation of the Smoky Hill Plains Addition.

infrastructureannexationzoningcontractsroads
✓ Decided: City approved $4,271,759 infrastructure contract for Exit 161 greenfield site

The commission approved the October 2025 financial statement and authorized a $4,271,759 contract with Smoky Hill, LLC to build infrastructure on the 90‑acre greenfield site near Exit 161. It also approved the vacating of the DK Ranch Addition, accepted the final plat for the Smoky Hill Plains Addition, and passed ordinances to deannex DK Ranch and annex the new addition. All votes were unanimous.

Thu Nov 20, 2025

City Commission

City Commission to award bid for Exit 161 infrastructure and consider land re‑platting

The Hays City Commission work session will vote on awarding the low bid to install water, sewer, and street infrastructure on the city‑owned property at Exit 161. Commissioners will also consider vacating the DK Ranch and part of Country Club Estates Sixth additions and adopting the final plat for the Smoky Hill Plains Addition. The session includes a deannexation of DK Ranch, annexation of the Smoky Hill Plains Addition, and a presentation of the 2026 Street Maintenance Program.

infrastructureannexationzoningstreetsdevelopment
✓ Decided: Commission approved prior minutes and agreed to solicit 2026 street‑maintenance bids

The commission approved the November 6 work session minutes as presented. Commissioners reached consensus to have staff solicit bids for the 2026 Street Maintenance Program totaling $1,155,000. Other items, such as infrastructure contracts and land annexation, were discussed for future action but no decisions were made.

Mon Nov 17, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to consider rezoning two city properties at Commerce Parkway

The Hays Area Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider two rezoning requests. One request seeks to change the zoning of the city‑owned parcel at 27th & Commerce Parkway (161 Addition) from Agriculture (A‑L) to Commercial General (C‑2). The second request seeks to change the zoning of 2200 Commerce Parkway from Agriculture (A‑L) to Light Industrial (I‑1). The commission will vote on motions to approve each rezoning.

zoningcommercialindustrialplanningpublic-hearinghays
Thu Nov 13, 2025

City Commission

Commission to approve $2.0 million health‑insurance contract for city employees

The City Commission will consider routine items such as approving the October 23 meeting minutes and presenting service awards to long‑tenured employees. Major actions include authorizing a health‑insurance agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas up to $2,013,000, funding the North Side Multi‑Use Path project, adopting housing‑need resolutions, and approving utility contracts and bond resolutions for industrial and infrastructure projects.

health-insurancebondsutilitiesparkszoninghousing
✓ Decided: Commission approved $387,000 North Side Multi-Use Path funding

The commission approved the consent agenda, including Ordinance 4082 to amend school‑zone signage. It authorized a $2,013,000 health‑insurance plan for city employees funded by the Employee Benefit Levy. It approved $387,000 from the Park Improvement Fund (plus up to $38,000 contingency) for the North Side Multi‑Use Path and authorized $797,457 contracts with Midwest Energy for Tallgrass Phase 4 utilities. It also adopted a housing‑incentive district resolution for the former Lincoln School and a resolution of intent to issue industrial revenue bonds for the Exit 157 24/7 truck stop.

Thu Nov 6, 2025

City Commission

City Commission to decide on 2026 employee health insurance renewal

The Hays City Commission will consider renewing the 2026 health insurance contract with a 12.8% premium increase. They will also vote on concurrence with KDOT to award the North Side Multi-Use Path contract to Morgan Brothers and approve matching funds. Additional items include a resolution for the Lincoln School RHID, Midwest Energy utilities agreements for Tallgrass Phase 4, and an intent to issue industrial revenue bonds for the Exit 157 travel plaza.

health-insurancetransportationhousingutilitieseconomic-development
✓ Decided: Work session approved prior minutes; no new actions taken

The commission approved the October 16, 2025 work session minutes as presented. They discussed upcoming health‑insurance renewal, a multi‑use path grant, housing financing, utility contracts, and industrial revenue bond intents, all slated for decision at the November 13, 2025 commission meeting. No other actions were taken.

Thu Oct 23, 2025

City Commission

Hays City Commission to consider sewer and playground contracts

The City Commission will discuss awarding contracts for sanitary sewer cleaning and new playground equipment. The body will also consider a public hearing for the deannexation of the DK Ranch Addition and receive updates on The Bricks and Chestnut Suites.

sewerparksannexationcontractshousing
✓ Decided: City approves $145,022 sewer cleaning contract and authorizes annexation notice

The commission approved the September 2025 financial statement and a consent agenda to sign a 1949 right‑of‑way release. It authorized a $145,022 contract with CC Steel, LLC for sanitary sewer cleaning (budget authority up to $150,000) and approved a $119,363 purchase of new playground equipment for Massey Park. The board also authorized issuance of the public notice to vacate annexation of the DK Ranch Addition.

Thu Oct 16, 2025

City Commission

Commission to approve $145,022 sewer cleaning contract and park equipment award

The City Commission will consider authorizing a contract with CC Steel, LLC to clean and inspect 116,953.38 linear feet of sanitary sewer for $145,022.22, with a budget authority not to exceed $150,000. Commissioners will also review the award of the Massey Park playground equipment contract to Aspire 2 Play for $119,363.25, with a runner‑up proposal from Miracle Recreation at $114,392. Additionally, the agenda includes a consent to vacate the annexation (deannex) plat of the DK Ranch Addition related to the Smoky Hill Plains development.

water-resourcesparkssewer-cleaningannexationcontractsinfrastructure
✓ Decided: Commission approved two recess motions to executive session

During the work session, commissioners voted to recess to an executive session twice. The first recess was set for 4:50 p.m. for up to 15 minutes and the second for 5:05 p.m. for up to 10 minutes. All five listed members voted aye on both motions. No other formal actions were taken in this session.

Thu Sep 25, 2025

City Commission

City Commission to consider ARC Park Phase 3 and public art project

The City Commission will discuss authorizing construction for Phase 3 of the Hays ARC Park and the installation of bison statues for the 'Bison on the Loose' public art project. The body will also consider revising Cereal Malt Beverage license fees.

parkspublic-artlicensingcity-commission
✓ Decided: City Commission approves ARC Park Phase 3, bison art project and other measures

The commission approved the August 2025 financial statement. It also approved Ordinance No. 4081 revising cereal malt beverage license fees. The ARC Park Phase 3 improvements were authorized, and the Bison on the Loose public‑art project was approved for city‑owned properties. All motions passed with unanimous affirmative votes.

Thu Sep 18, 2025

City Commission

City Commission to vote on $500,000 Phase 3 ARC Park improvements

The Hays City Commission will consider two proposals at its September 18, 2025 work session. Item 2 asks for approval to move forward with Phase 3 of the ARC Park, which includes a new shelter house, gazebo, and permanent cornhole lanes and has a cost estimate of $500,000 with a request for bids from a local contractor. Item 3 seeks permission to place painted fiberglass bison statues on selected city‑owned properties as part of the countywide “Bison on the Loose” public‑art project, with sponsorships of $5,000 per statue. No other formal decisions are listed beyond other items for discussion.

parkspublic-artrecreationfundingcommunity
✓ Decided: Commission discussed ARC Park Phase 3 and Bison art project

The commission reviewed the Arc of Central Plains’ request to begin Phase 3 of the ARC Park, which includes cornhole lanes, shaded dugouts, and a gazebo, with a projected cost of $500,000 that has been fully raised. Commissioners expressed support and noted they will consider approval at the October 2, 2025 meeting. The commission also heard a proposal for the “Bison on the Loose” public‑art project, proposing life‑size fiberglass bison costing $5,000 each, with the goal of placing 25 bison around Ellis County; commissioners were enthusiastic and will consider supporting the project at the October 2, 2025 meeting. No formal decisions or votes were taken during this work session.

Mon Sep 15, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to consider Final Plat of Smoky Hill Plains Addition

The Hays Area Planning Commission will vote on the Final Plat for the Smoky Hill Plains Addition, which would replat the former DK Ranch and Columbine Drive lots into 52 residential lots. Staff notes the plat meets current subdivision regulations for lot size, setbacks, and utility requirements and recommends approval. The agenda also includes routine items such as a call to order, consent agenda, citizen comments, and project updates.

zoningdevelopmentplatsstormwatertransportation
Thu Sep 11, 2025

City Commission

City Commission to approve 2026 budget and property tax levy

The Hays City Commission will consider approving the 2026 budget and a property tax levy that exceeds the Revenue Neutral Rate of 24.382 mills. The meeting also includes resolutions to abate general nuisances and inoperable vehicles on several properties.

budgettaxesnuisancepropertyhayskansas
✓ Decided: City Commission approves 2026 budget with revenue‑neutral rate of 24.382

The commission approved three nuisance‑abatement resolutions for properties at 515 E 11th St, 1716 Douglas Dr, and 231 E 12th St. It closed the Revenue Neutral Rate and 2026 Budget public hearings. Finally, the commission approved the 2026 City of Hays budget as amended, maintaining a revenue‑neutral rate of 24.382.

Thu Sep 4, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: No actions taken; nuisance abatement resolutions to be voted Sep 11

The commission approved the August 21 work‑session minutes and heard staff recommendations to abate nuisance violations at 515 E 11th St, 1716 Douglas Dr, and 231 E 12th St. No resolutions were adopted during this session; commissioners will vote on those resolutions at the September 11 meeting. Mayor Jacobs also asked staff to study converting Fort Street and Ash Street from one‑way to two‑way traffic.

Thu Aug 28, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City approves multiple bond issuances and rezoning of former Lincoln School

The commission approved the July financial statement and the consent agenda items, including uniform public offense and traffic ordinances. It authorized several general‑obligation bond series and temporary notes to fund infrastructure projects. The low bid of $248,019.98 was accepted to expand the Hays Regional Airport parking lot. Finally, the commission approved Ordinance No. 4080 rezoning the former Lincoln School site to a Residential Multi‑Family District.

Thu Aug 21, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission held work session, no actions approved

The August 21 work session featured presentations on a proposed safe‑bar ordinance, upcoming bond and note issuances, an airport parking lot expansion bid, and a rezoning request for the former Lincoln School. Commissioners asked staff to prepare these items for a vote at the August 28 meeting, but no formal approvals, denials, or votes occurred during this session.

Thu Aug 14, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approves $2.9M benefit district, $221K engineering contract, $45.5K opioid grant

The City Commission authorized a special benefit district for the Covenant Estates First Addition, estimating $2.9 million for street, stormwater, water, and sewer improvements. It approved an engineering services agreement with Sloan Engineering and Consulting not to exceed $221,000 for Phase One design work. The commission also approved a $45,481 grant from the Opioid Settlement Fund for High Plains Mental Health Center’s new Crisis Intervention Center. All three actions received unanimous Ayes votes from the five commissioners.

Thu Aug 7, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: No decisions made; commission will consider several items at next meeting

The work session noted that a resolution to create a special benefit district for the Covenant Estates First Addition (estimated $2.9 million) will be presented at the August 14, 2025 meeting. It also listed an engineering services agreement with Sloan Engineering and Consulting (up to $221,000) and a grant request of $45,481 from the city’s Opioid Settlement Fund for the High Plains Mental Health Center. A review of the 2026 budget and other items were discussed, but no items were approved or denied during this session.

Thu Jul 24, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission approves June financial statement and closes CDBG hearing

The commission voted to approve the City of Hays' financial statement for June 2025. They also moved to close the public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant request for 1012 Main Street. Both motions passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

Thu Jul 17, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved prior minutes and recessed twice; chicken ordinance not advanced

The commission approved the July 3 work‑session minutes without changes. The draft ordinance to allow urban chickens was not advanced because commissioners could not reach consensus. Two motions to recess the meeting to an executive session (at 5:37 p.m. and again at 5:57 p.m.) were approved unanimously. No action was taken during the executive session.

Thu Jul 10, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City approved issuance of bonds for I‑70 Exit 161 and Grove infrastructure projects

The City Commission unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of general‑obligation bonds and temporary notes to finance infrastructure improvements at I‑70 Exit 161 and the Grove RHID project. They also approved the offering for sale of those bonds and notes. The consent agenda, which included a Cereal Malt Beverage license, was approved, and the minutes from the June 26 meeting were adopted.

Thu Jul 3, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved June 19, 2025 work session minutes

The City Commission approved the minutes from the June 19, 2025 work session with no corrections. Commissioners heard a presentation on a financing plan for Exit 161, the Grove RHID, and the police facility, and a briefing on the draft 2026 budget. No votes were taken on the bond or budget proposals during this session.

Thu Jun 26, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved rezoning of 2707 Canal Blvd to residential multi‑family

The City Commission unanimously approved the financial statement for May 2025. It also approved the Interlocal Agreement, legal authority resolution, and blight declaration for the CDBG project at 1012 Main Street. The commission adopted Ordinance No. 4074 rezoning 2707 Canal Boulevard from Commercial General (C‑2) to Residential Multi‑Family (R‑M). Additional approvals included a nuisance abatement resolution for 206 East 14th Street and UDC accessory‑structure changes.

Thu Jun 19, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved prior minutes, no new actions taken

The City Commission approved the June 5 work session minutes as presented. Commissioners discussed a pending CDBG grant application for 1012 Main St, a rezoning request for 2707 Canal Blvd, a nuisance abatement at 206 E 14th St, and proposed Unified Development Code changes, but no votes or approvals were made during this session.

Thu Jun 12, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission approved police station design‑build contract and other key items

The commission approved the Guaranteed Maximum Price of $5,991,250 for Phase II design‑build services for the new Police Station/Municipal Court Facility and authorized the City Manager to enter the agreement, funded by General Obligation Bonds up to $8 million. It also approved the cemetery fee increase ordinance, the renewal of the 2025‑2026 property/liability insurance package, the purchase of a new Welcome Center marquee LED sign for $44,773, and the appointment of Julie Zollinger to a regional corrections board. All items were adopted unanimously.

Thu Jun 5, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Work session approved minutes; no decisions made, only presentations

The commission approved the May 1 5 , 2025 work session minutes as presented. The meeting consisted of agency funding presentations, updates on a fireworks poll, and proposals that will be considered at the June 12, 2025 commission meeting, but no actions were taken.

Thu May 22, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission approved $6.68 M runway reconstruction bid and related projects

The Hays City Commission approved the April financial statement and a cereal malt beverage license. It accepted a $6,676,180.98 bid from Smoky Hill, LLC to reconstruct Runway 4‑22 and Taxiway M, and authorized $445,800 for engineering services. The commission also adopted rezoning, final plat, and annexation ordinances for Covenant Estates 1st Addition and confirmed several appointed officials.

Thu May 15, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved minutes and ordered an online poll on backyard chickens

The work session minutes were approved as presented with no corrections. Commissioners extended the public comment period on allowing backyard chickens by three weeks. They directed Public Relations Manager James Bell to create an online poll so all residents can share their opinions.

Thu May 8, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission adopts RHID ordinance for Tallgrass Phase 4

The commission approved Ordinance No. 4070, establishing a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for the Tallgrass Phase 4 development and adopting its development plan and agreement. It also approved the abatement and demolition of vacant structures at 3404 Vine Street and awarded a $292,650 bid to QMC, Inc. for a new storm‑water equipment storage building. All actions were approved unanimously.

Thu May 1, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Work session discussed upcoming projects, no votes taken

The commission approved the minutes from the April 17 work session. Staff presented the proposed Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for Tallgrass Phase 4, a property abatement for 3404 Vine Street, and the award of a bid for a storm‑water equipment building. No formal approvals or votes occurred; each item is slated for a decision at the May 8, 2025 commission meeting.

Thu Apr 24, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission adopts intent to issue industrial revenue bonds, approves contracts

The City Commission approved the March 2025 financial statement and the consent agenda appointing members to the Library and Youth Leadership boards. It adopted Resolution No. 2025-003 expressing intent to issue industrial revenue bonds for A&A Coors Inc. and approved two contracts: a $136,483.72 water resources parking lot improvement and a $101,420.40 pavement‑marking project. All motions passed with a 4‑0 vote.

Thu Apr 17, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved March 20 work session minutes, no new actions taken

The City Commission approved the March 20, 2025 work session minutes as presented, with no corrections or additions. No substantive decisions were made during this meeting. Items such as the A&A Coors industrial revenue bond request, the Water Resources parking lot contract, and the Street Maintenance pavement‑marking contract were presented for future consideration at the April 24, 2025 meeting.

Thu Apr 10, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission approved mayoral appointments and accepted 2024 audit

The commission approved the minutes from the March 27 meeting as presented. It approved the Consent Agenda appointing members to several boards, with three ayes and one abstention. The commission also accepted the City’s 2024 audit, with four ayes recorded.

Thu Mar 27, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission approves financial statement, park fundraising, RHID hearing

The commission approved the February 2025 financial statement and the consent agenda appointing Al Klaus to the Hays Housing Authority Board. They authorized Women Who Lead to fundraise for Sunrise Park improvements and adopted a resolution to hold a public hearing on a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District. The commission also adopted the 2024 International Building Code and International Residential Code.

Thu Mar 20, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission consents to DHDC storage building at Union Pacific Plaza

The commission approved the February 20 work‑session minutes as presented. Commissioners reached consensus to let the Downtown Hays Development Corporation build a 16 × 12‑ft storage building at Union Pacific Plaza, with no formal vote required. A motion to recess to an executive session was approved (ayes: Jacobs, Ruder, Cunningham, Barrick, Musil). No action was taken during the executive session.