By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
A short Hays City Commission meeting Thursday resulted in funding approvals for two projects.
Commissioners approved a low bid of $148,386 from Mid-America Sports Construction, Lee's Summit, Missouri, for a 50% match request from Fort Hays State University to replace the aging turf at Larks Park.
FHSU and the Hays Larks will pay the other half of the cost. Larks Park is owned by the city and managed by FHSU.
The turf was installed in 2012 and has a life expectancy of eight to 10 years.
Also approved by the city commission was a bid by Commercial Builders, Hays, of $1,337,700 to construct a larger hangar for the Kansas Highway Patrol at Hays Regional Airport.
KHP is acquiring a second, larger airplane with thermal imaging and mapping capabilities.
The city is responsible for building the new hangar and KHP will purchase it from the city when construction is completed. KHP will reimburse the city 100% of the construction costs and also pay the city a total of $350,155 for project services rendered.
The new hangar building will be 85x80 feet, with dedicated office space, a conference/kitchen area and full bathroom, and employee parking.
A utility easement on the city-owned Braun property, 27th and Commerce Parkway, was approved for a Midwest Energy gas pipeline.
It will provide redundant gas service to Hays north of Interstate 70.
The commission also approved the mayor's nominations of new members to several city boards, including:
