Hays City Commission Summary
Week of October 23, 2026
City employees honored for combined 370 years of service
Hays Recreation Commission to manage municipal golf course pro shop
Commissioners urge public advocacy for Sternberg Museum funding
State grant approved for downtown Airbnb renovations
Commission approves light industrial rezoning on East 27th Street
Construction advances on Exit 161 utilities and Tallgrass Phase 4
New police department facility nears completion, memorial planned
City adopts resolution guiding sustainable use of R9 Ranch water
City employees honored for combined 370 years of service
HAYS, Kan. — The Hays City Commission recognized local government employees for a combined 370 years of service during its Thursday meeting. Human Resources Director Erin Giebler presented the annual service awards to dozens of staff members across multiple departments. The presentation was highlighted by a 35-year service award for public works foreman Mark Windholz and a 40-year recognition for Public Works Service Superintendent Donnie Stejskal. Commissioners thanked the staff, noting that their longevity and dedication are essential to maintaining the city's quality of life.
Hays Recreation Commission to manage municipal golf course pro shop
HAYS, Kan. — The Hays Recreation Commission (HRC) will assume management of the municipal golf course pro shop starting Jan. 1, 2027, following the commission's unanimous approval of a three-year contract. The HRC replaces previous manager Jeremy Coulter, who has managed the pro shop for nine years and opted not to renew his contract. City officials cited the HRC's expertise in marketing and community programming — including plans to expand junior golf initiatives — as key reasons for the transition, aiming to enhance public programming at the course.
Commissioners urge public advocacy for Sternberg Museum funding
HAYS, Kan. — Commissioners are calling on residents to support the Sternberg Museum of Natural History ahead of a state Legislative Budget Committee meeting scheduled for Oct. 26. The committee will review budget allocations at the state Capitol in Topeka, and local officials are urging the public to attend in person or watch via the Kansas Legislature's live stream. Commissioners emphasized the importance of demonstrating strong community backing to state legislators to ensure the museum maintains its vital funding.
State grant approved for downtown Airbnb renovations
HAYS, Kan. — A downtown building at 1012 Main St. will receive a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant to help transform its vacant second floor into three Airbnb units. The commission unanimously authorized the mayor to sign a commercial rehabilitation grant agreement with the Kansas Department of Commerce and developer Tim Speno of One Twenty Seven Investments. Speno will provide matching funds for the project, which will include exterior masonry, plumbing and roof work to revitalize a space that has been unoccupied since the 1970s.
Commission approves light industrial rezoning on East 27th Street
HAYS, Kan. — A portion of property at 3124 E. 27th St. was unanimously rezoned from Neighborhood Conservation to Light Industrial. Public Works Director Jesse Rohr explained the change aligns with nearby commercial and agricultural zoning, noting the property sits adjacent to an existing Kansas Department of Transportation material storage yard. The rezoning allows property owner Rita Gottschalk greater flexibility for future development, whether by right or through administrative special consideration.
Construction advances on Exit 161 utilities and Tallgrass Phase 4
HAYS, Kan. — City infrastructure projects are advancing rapidly despite recent rains, with utility installations now completed at the Interstate 70 Exit 161 development. Contractors are currently testing sections along Commerce Parkway and preparing to pour curb and gutter. Meanwhile, crews are making steady progress on Phase 4 of the Tallgrass residential addition, successfully setting new stormwater infrastructure as the housing development moves forward.
New police department facility nears completion, memorial planned
HAYS, Kan. — The new Hays Police Department building has passed all final inspections and is slated for an early November move-in, according to a progress report from Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser. In conjunction with the facility's opening, a privately funded light display honoring fallen Sgt. Scott Heimann will be formally dedicated on Nov. 10. The installation commemorates Heimann, whose end of watch was Sept. 28, 2025, and will permanently highlight the new headquarters.
City adopts resolution guiding sustainable use of R9 Ranch water
HAYS, Kan. — Reaffirming its long-standing commitment to water conservation, the commission unanimously adopted a resolution outlining the judicious, sustainable and economically beneficial use of the R9 Ranch water supply. The resolution dictates that the city will protect its long-term water security, closely monitor high-volume users and regularly review the water's usage once the transfer supply is developed. Residents and commissioners praised the measure as a necessary step to safeguard the region's most critical resource for future generations.
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