City OKs study on stormwater project
By KALEY CONNER
It's possible that a utility fee to fund projects relating to stormwater quantity and quality someday could be implemented in Hays.
In a 4-0 vote at Tuesday's meeting, city commissioners hired professional engineers to conduct a feasibility study for such a utility.
"We have to do it. It is unfortunately something that has been postponed. For 50 years the city has worked on this. We have made no progress," Commissioner Henry Schwaller IV said. "And we're just starting to, so I'm going to vote for it."
Costs for the first half of the study, conducted by CDM and Salina-based Wilson & Co., will not exceed $74,800. The second half could cost about $230,000.
The city received only one valid bid for the services. The study's first half should be complete by April.
In the meantime, the commission agreed to continue pursuing a utility. A starting cost of $1 per month has been suggested, and this issue will be discussed at a future work session.
Previous commissions have started to addressed local flooding issues, but Environmental Protection Agency legislation also requires municipalities to make efforts to reduce stormwater pollution.
The federal government has stepped up efforts to enforce the legislation, and the city is needing to renew its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.
"We need to start on something," Vice Mayor Chris Channell said. "I think by getting the study it will define the parameters that we're working with and give us options on how to proceed."
In other business:
* The commission unanimously approved a resolution of support for the Hays hike/bike trail's first phase as part of a grant application. The city is applying for 80/20 match funds from KDOT, leaving the city's share of the project at about $373,000.
* Legislation allowing the creation of community improvement districts was approved 4-0.
* The addition of five parking stalls on Fort Street between 10th and 11th streets was approved.
* The commission approved waterline improvements to Centennial Estates Sixth Addition. Schwaller abstained to avoid the appearance of conflicting interest.
* Commissioner Barbara Wasinger was absent.