City reports progress on utilities, police station timeline and community events

Colin Belzer, Deputy City Manager, told the commission that the Highway 40 lift station project is about 80% complete and that the new lift station is online. Work to convert the old station is underway.

Belzer said Thirteenth Street is open with pavement markings in place and crews are finishing the new path that will connect to Commerce Parkway. He reported a parking lot rehabilitation at the Municipal Hays Aquatic Park and curb, gutter and pavement repairs in other neighborhoods.

On the police station project, Belzer said a pre‑bid walk‑through was held in September, bids are due Oct. 1, construction is anticipated to start Oct. 13, and the project completion date is currently estimated as Oct. 9, 2026.

Melissa Dixon, director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, summarized community events and outreach: GiveFest participation, the Hays Prairie Winds kite show, a helmet distribution at a bike safety event (88 helmets distributed), and upcoming fall festivals and arts programming. Dixon highlighted that VisitHays maintains a community events calendar at visithays.com.

Commissioners and staff noted joint training with regional fire departments, park enhancements, and continued coordination with Fort Hays State University on tourism and arts projects.