City Commission - Regular Meeting

We'll call the Thursday, January 22nd, uh, 2026 city commission meeting to order. All five commissioners are present. First item in the order of business is the, uh, consideration of approval of the minutes from January 8, 2026. Questions, changes, or comments on that? I have none. Okay, they will stand as written. Uh, next up, financial statement for the month of December 2025. Mr. Rub,

good afternoon, commissioners. Kim Rup, director of finance. This is a report of financial summaries for revenue and expenditure activities. Month ended uh December 31, year ended December 31. Revenues in December totaled 12,959822. That's an increase of 259,456 when we compare to a year ago. Some notable areas of increased revenue. Leading that increase for 2025 were the transfers made to reserves at year end. Several funds including airport water, water reclamation, and solid waste. We were able to increase those transfers uh for a combined 765,000. Notable areas of revenue decrease. Airport federal aid fell 326,000 due to ARPA funding a year ago and Capital Projects was off a,515 due to the transfers into capital projects at this time last year to shore up the fire station number three construction costs. Expenditures in December total 12,742192. That's a decrease of 802,000 when we compare back to 2024. notable areas of increased expenditure as was on the revenue side. You see the increased expenditures totaling that 765 uh for those transfers to reserves. R9 projects expenditures are up 16,000 for abandoned well plugging activities. Stormwater reserve increased 106,500 for the continued construction of the equipment storage building. The notable areas of decreased expenditure capital projects expenditures were off net 609,000 taking into consideration the finalizing of the May 24 hail claims for this year uh in this year and the AMI and Grove projects beginning a year ago. Commission Capital Reserve fell a million877920 due to the fire station number three

expenditures and the BSR transfer this time last year. The purchase of four pickups, golf course mowers, and a capitalized lease of three police vehicles this time a year ago dropped new equipment reserve expenditures 322,000. The transfer of 281,000, putting aside funds in reserve for multi-use path a year ago, increased special parks projects and water reclamation reserve fell 222,000 for the sanitary sewer point repair project at this time last year. Month-to- date general fund sales tax collections were at 872,372 which is an increase of 18,500 or 2%. Uh we end the year with general fund sales tax up 95,816 or 1% over last year actuals. Sixmonth average uh was down6% which was a year-over-year decrease of 2.2%. and county sales tax collections ended the year at a million189773 up 28,624. The report of top 10 quarter-to-ate sales tax collections by classification was up 8,751 or 27% of those top 10 represent 73% of the total. Total par value of US treasuries for December 31 was 4 and a.5 million with a weighted average yield to maturity of 4.13. That's down.17 from a year ago. Total of the port portfolio certificates of deposit on December 31 was 69,21,6556 with a weighted average rate to maturity of 3.96. That's down a percent. Total balance of the money market account on December 31 was 4,302245 with a weighted average yield of 3.59 down. 02 from a year ago and total investments were up 5,29635. Finally, in your packet, you'll find a summary of general fund uh uh revenue and expenditures year ended 2025. This

is similar to what you find in the budget. These numbers are unauoritating expenditures finished a year 456,368 under budget. Again, we're talking about general funds. So, all the general fund departments, they ended down 456. Transfer into commission cap reserve was 2.6 million. That was healthy. We were able to increase that 400,000 400,000 due to in part to a lot of that savings in there. Uh and then additionally, the unreserved fund balance stays at a very strong 2.339 million. Make make a motion to approve the December financial statement.

Second. Motion by Commissioner Mucil, second by uh Commissioner Jacobs. Questions or comments for Kim? Kim, I appreciate you giving us an update on that. I like that transparent. Anybody can see that. I appreciate that very much. Um, so we ended up sales tax revenue being up 1% but the uh [clears throat] inflation is roughly what 3%. So y so technically we weren't really technically we lost ground. Yeah, we lost ground. Just got to be careful for this year. Yeah. And I think conservative budget. Yeah. and you pass conservative budget and I think what you see in the operating expenditures is being down 460,000 is the departments

are being very cautious with with how they spend money and not wanting to overextend ourselves very much appreciate those savings you can't pinpoint any one particular thing but it was kind of across the board it was you know some you know a couple of departments fire in particular operated almost the whole year under staff so they saved some salaries uh you know the contingencies a lot of the contingencies they didn't have to use up uh fuel in uh equipment expense was down 26,000 and make make note of that and then just regular general supplies and materials across the board is kind of several things throughout all the budgets. Kudos to the departments. Yeah, very much so. Any other questions or comments? If not, I'll call for a vote. All in favor, please say I.

I opposed. [clears throat] Passes 5. Next up, citizen comments for non-aggenda items. Anybody wish to speak? Okay, moving on. We have the consent agenda. Uh, we have a meril or appointment recommendation for care counsel. Move approval of consent agenda. Second. We have a motion by Commissioner Jacobs, second by Commissioner Cunningham. Questions, comments? I do have some questions. Okay, you go ahead.

I know we got uh an applicant last minute. Uh was there any review done to see if because we have two applicants now for that position but one open position. The one open position is family to Shawn. So I know that could cause some potential conflict of interest and I'd hate to see uh Shawn not being able to vote on anything care council might bring to us because of that family connection. So wish I'm not sure that would that is a conflict. I think we'd have to look at council for that. I kind of thought through that when Heather applied. I don't think there's anything there that will classified as a conflict, but we probably have.

What we always do on that is we put it all together, right? We separate out that one and Yeah, we could always do that. Keep everything else together. take out the one that Sean is involved in and just have Kim has it if it helps. Uh because because we distribute the care care council funds uh care council the way they're structured, they're making all of the decisions separate from anything else. So when that comes to us, we're paying those funds how they decided to distribute each of those, right?

We're just proving the dollar amount. So there's no So yeah, your your annual budget is really all all that you're approving for those expenditures and social service funds and alcohol liquor tax. So care council is the one those individuals are making those decisions on where those distributions go. And for for my clarification, just because I'm not entirely sure how it works, having served on it, um the care council itself oversees what nine organizations I think it's more than that. Do you remember?

Okay. Okay.

And then internally the care council splits them up saying like you're going to focus on these ones whatot, right? So would she potentially if she had a conflict with which one is it believe it was options options they would basically say you can't they put her on a different one they put her on say they make that conflict decision within their organization and to be clear my mother-in-law is was I don't know if she still is is on the board of options right so that's where that's why they wouldn't put her on that one she'd be put on is that because she's served on the care council before correct

and that number I've been on the care council and that number of agencies can go anywhere from seven to 15. I was on there one time couple of years that it was 14 or 15 different agencies. Commissioners, as a a former United Way board member, what the care council does, they give the recommendation to the United Way board. The United Way board is actually the one who approves um where that money goes. So, the care council is just the ones recommending to the United Way board. Right. Okay. So, there's multiple board layers before it even gets to us. Yeah. Well, and as Kim said, I think what I understood what Kim's saying, we're just approving that total expenditure, right? Yeah. Yeah. By the time it gets to us, we don't ever nothing.

We don't ever have to come back to you. You know, I I just got that list yesterday. So, we I don't have to come to you with that list of 108,000 that we're going to spend because you've already approved it in the budget as one whole number. And then they they split it out. So they they have listed those entities and how that 180 is going to go out and and the 60 on the alcoholic clicker. I appreciate Commissioner Bling bringing it up. I am um I'm a I'm a real stickler for conflict on different boards that I'm on and I bring it up often. So the fact that you brought it up I think is gives good clarification.

Yeah. Yeah. I appreciate the conversation. It clears clears some things up. Um, as for today, I I would still recommend approval for Heather. Um, I've known Heather a while. I think she would do a good job. I think she would be impartial. And I believe the multi-layer of both the council and the United Way board um having their own bylaws and board of governance would require there not to be a conflict. Well, and as she stated, she was invited to to make that application. Yes. people wanted her. And it's not her first term to serve for them either. It isn't the first term on care. I didn't know. It's her second, just non-consecutive, right? Yeah. Okay. So,

and the the application that we get yesterday, I think it was. Um Oh, Brandy Ridgeway. Yes. And then we have that I mean because there will be two more appointments to that uh council this year as well. And Bry's been on there, right? Hasn't Brandy been on there before? I don't know if she's been on that one at least at least from my review. Over time, what h what happens is we I know I as mayor and others have said but people apply for what you want. We often have applications stacked up in certain areas that the openings aren't come aren't there yet. Yeah. So I think that's what's happening from my perspective with Brandy.

Yes. Now Yeah. now that it is um because prior to Heather applying over a month ago when we had no applications um they were running one member short if I understood that right. Um which I mean brings up a really good point too is you know anybody who would like to serve on any of these boards and committees um please submit your application as soon as you can. Um, we would rather have a a full binder full of names and people willing to serve on these. Um, they're very important positions. So, if you know anybody, please have them submit their applications so we can review those and add them to this this piece because right now I think we only have I think with Bry's now that brings us to eight applications for all the boards. So, we are running low. If it tells you how much my wife and I communicate, I didn't know she applied until I seen it come in the packet. So, [laughter]

I'm not sure I'd want that on the record. I was just going to say, [laughter] do you know this is being reported here? She's used it. I I app I appreciate I appreciate Heather. I'm I'm glad she was willing to step up. I know the board I think the board asked her. They did. Yeah, they did. That's what she told me. Okay. She did tell me. Thank you, David. appreciate the conversation. Any other questions or comments on this item? So, question. Should I not vote on this? No, you can. No, you're fine. Based upon what we've been told. Okay. Okay. I just want to make sure I'm not agreed. Crossing the board. Thanks, Don. Okay. If not, I'll call for a vote. All in favor, please say I.

I. Opposed? Passes 50. Thank you. Good questions. Number six, comprehensive financial management policy revisions. Mr. Row,

still Kim Rup, director of finance. [laughter] Um, the current comprehensive financial management policy was adopted in 2005 and revised in 2021. That revision removed past practices, codified current practices uh, and updated reserve fund references. So, uh, now we need a few more updates, uh, to clarify some terminology, set a cap on the balance of the budget stabilization. I'll refer to that to as BSR, uh, deleting obsolete sections, providing language for the switch to the new KMAG audit. Uh, and then some minor formatting and edits. So, first section 1.01, we're adding clarifying terminology here in reference to the general funds unreserved fund balance. We talked about that a little bit earlier on the financial the word expenditures replaces budget to better define the intention there. Budget can mean revenues and expenditures. In this context, we're simply we're concentrating on on expenditures. Policy is 5%. As you know, we we budget 10%. We're a little more conservative in that nature. So, try to clarify that 1.03. Uh after staff discussion, it's recommended to put a cap on of 3 million on the BSR. Uh history has proven the city's budgeted unreserved fund balance, the BSR and the commission capital reserve would be sufficient should we find ourselves in an unforeseen emergency. David and I talked about this earlier. You know, if we're if we're hitting that budget stabilization, we're in dire straits. We got Armageddon because we burned through some pretty healthy other balances before we got there. So, so we feel that 3 million

Can I jump in on that real quick, Kim? [clears throat] Um so uh this was actually my first project as assistant city manager in 2005 was writing this comprehensive management policy. Um and what I can tell you is 2005 was the um the first full year we collected sales tax for the general fund and the biggest concern the city uh leaders had back then was the potential volatility of sales tax and they envisioned the possible this with sales tax and we haven't gotten that. you know, we've gotten this more like it mimics almost property taxes. Um, the other thing is we didn't have a whole lot of money in the bank back then. We didn't have the reserves funded across the board like we have now. And so a lot of times the general fund was used as the emergency fund if you had other issues around um as a savings. And that's where we came up with the 25%. But I agree with Kim over the years we built up reserves in every fund to make sure we have adequate reserves. And then with the unreserved fund balance and and the way we budget now, we're we're definitely good making this modification.

This also is in line with our recent S&P rating and the agency commented regarding the robust cash reserves outlook that we have. So we felt uh you know if they're looking at at us that way and rating us as well as they are we'd be all right. Uh and then uh 3.03 03 the purpose of the of the uh next slide 3.03 the purpose of the section on revenue mix wasn't clear and it was found to be really irre irrelevant to this policy so we deleted that entire section 5.27 27. Since we changed to the regulatory basis financial audit as referred to in the Kansas municipal audit and accounting guide or KMAC, uh any references to the GAP that we had were deleted and KMAG put in inserted. Uh a few years ago, it was asked the question, why do we do a gap audit? Uh Mr. Belzer asked that question and looking into it, we were able to do the KMAC and saved us some money. So, so there was a simple question asked and then we were answered it with this and auditors also helped with with this section getting getting it right. Uh 7.04 this pertains to the enterprise funds. So basically water sewer uh trash um storm water. uh this puts us in line with budgeted practices over this last several years and [clears throat] uh doesn't tie those budgets to a required cash carryover. Although we do try to budget about a half million in some of those funds if we can uh since they each have their own set of reserves and do an annual transfer through those that operating budget of each uh 8.01 1 this was another gap versus KAC and there was a lot of a lot of pronouncements set out in here all the codification of the of the gap and everything and those pronouncements that could come out and so auditors helped us through that and took took a big chunk

chunk out of there and then finally um given the monthly financial reports that you receive uh the requirement of a written status report on this policy was really found unneeded so we deleted that section there's there's really no other commission policy that that had that provision in it either. So we decided to to delete that out. So uh options would be to approve that suggest other modifications or do nothing. And so today we'd like for you to approve. I move to approve the comprehensive financial management policy as presented. I second.

Motion by Commissioner Cunningham. Second by Commissioner Vlicing. Additional questions or comments for Kim? Kim, can you go back to your first page? I think. [clears throat] Yeah. So, the the extra we're not have to put as much in I guess savings. What What does that give us the ability to do? I mean, can we pay down debt with that extra money or project? So, what where are you talking about if we had to bolster budget stabilization? Yes, sir. If we had to meet that 25%.

Yes.

So, so uh so as you know, your your commission capital reserve is everything left over at the end of the year. Uh so, you know, once we've we've met that 10% uh cash reserve or cash carryover in general fund, we can get everything else out of there and put it in in reserve so you can pay for CA cash for projects for cash. If we were to have to go back and recalculate the BSR, it would reduce that transfer. So, that's where that comes from. So in a way, yeah, we can continue to transfer as much as we can to commission cap reserve. But you know, it's three different funds that you have access to that if we're in dire straits, we can we can bolster the budget, you know, without having to come back maybe for an amendment or something. But but it comes out of that 25% would come out of that transfer. And we did that a year ago. Uh we actually in uh 20 2025 um we we had to bolster the BSA. I'm sorry 2020 2020 we did 250,000 and in 2024 we did 363,000. Uh so that reduced the transfers to commission cap reserve in those years.

So it kind of six one half dozen the other over here it's over here you know. So Totally get that. So, I guess a question I have and I don't know if this goes together, but let's say plans were getting tight and we're like, "Oh, we're going to have to raise a mill levy. Can we use this extra funds to you can use the budget stabilization for anything you want. It's unrestricted cash.

Um, and and it's always been referred to as a rainy day fund. It's really an emergency fund. um you've got your unreserved fund balance that would protect us from a sharp economic downturn hopefully to absorb and then be able to prepare for the next budget accordingly. Um and that budget stabilation is truly if there's an emergency where where you have to get access to a lot of cash quickly, that's what that's for or to help out in a really long protracted downturn if you needed it.

Sure. train of thought for us is if we were we're we're looking at an an instance where revenue has fallen short, we we wouldn't without an amendment be able to come back to you and spend more. Uh but if revenue were falling short and we needed to bolster revenue, we would eat into that 10% cash reserve first before we ever come back to you for for help. Uh, and then we'd probably go to commission copper reserve before we did budget stabilization.

Sense that just because it's interesting to me. Um, if we if we ever got to that point, obviously Armageddon's happening anyway. Um, we eat through all those. I mean, we we can't levy for general fund expenditures anyway, right? Correct. So, what would we do in that situation? [clears throat]

Well, yeah. Exactly. And that's why you should think of it as an emergency fund. And and when this was created, um the perfect storm of oil and egg going down all at once and then Trainol leaving was still fresh in a lot of people's memories because that had a very quick economic effect on on the city. Um and and and you know, then you had a recession right after that too. Um, so having that as an emergency fund in the bank when you get a perfect economic storm like that, your first reaction may be to raise taxes to provide services, but your residents may not be willing to raise taxes at the time. This could provide a bridge as you lower your services a little bit for having to go back and raise taxes.

Right. Right. Sounds [clears throat] like a lot of money. It's not a lot of money. $3 million if not. We have a major emergency. That's not going to help a lot. Good thing that we are being smart with our funds and putting back uh what what do they call it? Very healthy reserve. Robust. Robust. Yes. Robust. [laughter] Robust. [clears throat] That way we don't have to do that with u I can't remember the terminology. With stable stabilization the stable future. I like it. Good thing. Okay. Any other questions or comments on this? Not. I'll call for a vote. All in favor, please say I.

I. Opposed. Passes five vote. Thank you. Thank you, Kim. Next up, R9 updates from city staff. Mr. Brown. Nice to see you, Mr. Brown.

Likewise. As I said, I am John Brown and it is my pleasure to update you on the status of the R9 project in terms of the uh wellfield and pipeline design. Um during the uh the previous update which was in August at a joint meeting between the governing bodies of Hayes and Russell uh representative from Burns McDonald and I presented [cough] summary [clears throat] of the wellfield design and infrastructure to be included in the wellfield projects. Um design of the wellfield uh which includes uh seven wells and wellhouses um a half a million gallon storage tank, a pump station, elevated storage tank at Shenshin. Um this has been mostly complete since December of actually 2024 when the basis of design report was submitted to KDHE for review. Uh we expect that KDH uh permit approval any time now. And I want to note that this KDH approval is separate from and independent of the water transfer act approval. This is just a permitting thing for the uh improvements. Um, this here map shows the seven well locations uh labeled uh R1 up at the upper right. Pointer works. I have to remember how to do this. I don't present often. There we go. There we go. Um, and then R8 through R13 as you go down to the lower left. Um the the red lines are uh pipelines that'll be connecting the wells that will be done as part of this project.

[cough] The grayed [clears throat] out numbers and the blue lines are uh locations that would be for a future project if necessary someday. Um the storage tank and the pump station are right up there between R1 and R8 as labeled. Uh the design of the 70mi uh raw water transmission line is also 100% complete. Uh plans and specifications were submitted to KDH for permit review in October. Uh we've received their first round of review comments uh from KDHE on November 25th and we have responded to those comments and we're uh waiting follow-up questions or permit approval any day now. Um the design still does allow for pipe pipe material to be either uh PVC or HDPE pipe to assure competition in uh pricing materials and it is a 24 inch diameter pipe. [snorts] This map uh shows the route that I'm sure you've seen before, might be familiar with. The pipeline runs north out of the R9 ranch down here up on the west side of Kinsley. It jogs over a few times uh before it gets to Roselle to where it's about three miles off of 183. And then once we get north of Roselle, we jog over again till we're about two miles off of 183 on up through uh Rush Center and Lacrosse. All the way through Rush Center, it's a straight line shot. Uh once we get to um past Loretta, I mean Leventhal, Loretta's somewhere else. [laughter]

And we hit the county line. We jog over to 183, go past the river at Shenshin about two miles north where we tie into um the um existing water lines down there that uh are feeding off of the Smoky Hill wellfield. Regarding um acquisition, as mentioned in the previous project updates, um the the route was selected back in November of 23. Uh property owners along the pipeline route were notified. Title work and legal descriptions for all the easements were completed. Appraisals and just compensation valuations were calculated. offers were made and uh delivered to property owners in March of 25, so almost a almost a whole year ago to 130 tracks along the 70 mile uh route. As of this day, uh we have recorded easements and had paid compensation for 115 of the 130 tracks. the 15 tracks remaining. There's four in Edwards County, five in Pawnie County, and six in Rush County. Uh, regarding funding, we continue to research and pursue funding sources for this project. Uh, the best viable funding source at this time is the EPA WIFFIA uh loan. Uh, WHIFIA is a lowinterest loan program through the EPA that would be used to finance the project costs not covered by other means. Um, it is a very flexible funding mechanism that allows us to incorporate

various other funding sources into it and we only borrow what we need as we need it. Um, in March of 25, so almost a year ago, the city submitted a letter of interest to start the review process for this program. Um, in May of last year, we received an invitation to submit a loan application and that application is nearly ready to submit. Uh, we are only awaiting a preliminary credit rating from S&P [snorts] at the moment. Um, and the timing is, you know, we're not we're not behind, we're not ahead. There's quite a bit of flexibility in applying for that as well. Uh, we've got some time here. But, uh, the deadline actually for application is June of this year, but that's also just a matter of asking for permission if we need to. But I think we'll we shouldn't have any trouble meeting that deadline. John once we're invited to make application we are 90% 100% assured

if we we have to check all the boxes but um what I was told verbally in writing but that out of appropriated funds they've already said they've got some for hayes so money [cough] we would need to borrow does not need any sort of federal appropriation. It's sitting there waiting for us to use if if and when we check all the boxes. The process of that is the application. The process of adding the application.

Yeah. And Kim and John can attest they have a very strong vetting process before they invite you to submit that loan application. So, we had to prepare a pretty detailed proform and and meet with the EPA. I know we had talked about that. I just wanted to reiterate it again that it's it's pretty much a done deal for all intents and purposes. Nothing's ever for sure. I know that's why I said 90. [snorts]

Okay. So, [clears throat] uh with all of that said, assuming that we receive final water transfer approval by midyear, let's say July the 1, uh the bid letting construction schedule would look something like this. Uh it would take us you know if we July 1st if we got the trans water transfer act approved it would take us as long as six months I don't think longer than that to finalize all the bid documents and get advertised and then early in 27 uh we could hopefully award contracts for construction uh and begin construction in the spring maybe April um allowing for a full two years construction and then substantial completion,

final completion, everything wrapped up by the the mayor will be all grown up by then. It'll be all grown up and Sean and I'll still be here. I'll I'll finally have my driver's license. I can go look at it. [laughter] So, I think the bottom line is that city staff is pleased with the progress of design and easement acquisition and we will be ready to proceed when we get the green light. We're going to have the biggest bottle of champagne in here. Right. Definitely.

So, if you have any questions about funding, easements, or design, I'd be happy to take them now. Otherwise, I will turn it over to Chris Smith to give you an update on the operation of the ranch. John, those last 15, um, I'm assuming it's the people you don't believe will get signed.

Um, there's some that I don't think we'll get them to voluntarily sign. Um, there we're still I'm still work. I mean, I'm still working. It seems like almost every day I'm still working with some. I would say out of those 15, I'm 90 95% confident we'll get five of those. And then also, and Don probably can attest, once we if we actually file petition condemnation, they fall in line. I mean, they'll sign. That's still pretty good turnout before we even get to that. Yeah, it is. never dream to be that.

Yeah, we we found that out on other projects that there there are people that for whatever reason, just on principle, they want to make the condemnation petition get filed and then you know, they'll take the offer or some people want the condemnation petition filed and they want the court to set the amount and then that's the that's the offer they take, right? I Yeah, I don't want to get you any fault. I I there are a few of them that we probably will have to just to settle the or clear the title, right? because it's it's kind of messed up, so to speak. The court will have to uh deter [laughter] determine how to who to pay. Sure, basically. Yeah.

Is this due to the land being like in a trust or something of that nature? Yeah. Okay. Dysfunctional families. Okay. [laughter] Have one of those. We all got that. I had a question about the uh life of the the material, the pipe that's going to be used. I saw you put PVC down there and you know I I make that connection to PVC and I think boy that's the cheapest thing out there. What's the life uh span of the pipe there? The the pipe is rated for 50 years plus.

Um PVC these days I I will say PVC got a bad w back in the 70s because some of it didn't last. Um, the PVC that we're putting in the P ground today, I have I'm I'm confident that it's going to last for 100 plus. I mean, it's it's buried in the ground. It's not exposed to UV, which degrades it. So, um,

Chris, that where that voice is coming from, [laughter] we know where that voice is supposed to be coming from. And I know we've seen, especially on the ones we've repaired [clears throat] that Jeff's brought before us, uh, with the that fancy liner they shoot through there, that adds what, another 20 years [clears throat] to the life once it's kind of got to that point. Anyway, um, so sounds like it'll be there hopefully past me. Yes. And then the other option that was up there, it also has a 50 plus, I'm assuming.

The HTP Yeah, the U the HTP pipe is is basically a jointless pipe. So it's welded welded fused I plastic welded not metal welded but fused in the in the field and so it has is a seamless pipe. Um they pros and cons either of them are good. It's just um whichever is going to be economically most economical at the time. You kind of have an offsetting in whether the resin prices are high or low versus your construction costs. um HTP pipe can have a higher construction cost, but if your resin price prices are low, then that can offset that higher construction cost. You'd be happy with either be happy with either. Um, then I guess just for everyone's sake, for fun, Sandy got a call last week and then I got a call. Um, that

this isn't just for fun. This is big. This is this is a [laughter] big deal. Uh, I I danced around. Um, we got a call last week from Senator Moran, um, who informed us that his, uh, congressionally delegated spending request, CDS request, um, was included for Hayes and Russell in this, uh, most current funding bill. So, that means that the city of Hayes will be getting about 11 million um, towards this project to help offset some of those costs um, which is a huge deal and Russell will be getting a million for their share um, of that. So that is a big big big deal. They can all say yay. Yeah. Absolutely. I mean

that that is a that's wonderful. I mean we we couldn't have done it without his his support and in his staff support for for doing that. It's been going for a while now and he hasn't let up. So we really appreciate Senator Moran's efforts on securing those funds for us to help offset those costs. That's a big big deal. Thank you, Senator Moran. Absolutely. I wanted a big check here. I I don't know where to make a big check. [clears throat] [laughter]

Before Chris gets started, can I give just a brief update since John mentioned the the transfer approval? [clears throat] Um, so there was a Supreme Court hearing, oral argument in December of this year. Um, the oral argument was on the original challenge to the conversion of the water rights. Um, that went to Edwards County District Court. Um the city of Hayes and DWR won in a very resounding ruling. Um our opponents Waterpack appealed that ruling. We counterappealed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court took it up and um that argument was on December 15th. Um the argument went very well. We thought uh we thought the line of questioning from the judges um was was very well from our perspective. Uh we thought our attorney did a wonderful job presenting um um the side and we thought Stephanie Kramer with DWR did a wonderful job presenting on behalf of DWR. Um we hope the Supreme Court gives a positive ruling and when they do um this will put an end to that um challenge and um then the transfer panel has indicated they're going to hold the hearing the final hearing as soon as the Supreme Court rules. Um and the transfer panel had been um pending that final ruling and that that whole um that whole process has been truncated while they wait for the Supreme Court to rule. Um the water Hazen Russell's water transfer application has been approved by an administrative law judge. The last step in the process is the panel has to have one final um hearing and and and then issue their approval. So we're hoping the Supreme Court rules soon. Um, I do check the uh decisions that are released on Friday and then I look at the date it was argued because it's on the first page of the decision. Um, and some are some are decided after three months, some after four, some after five. You know, there's there's no rhyme or reason. So, we hope they decide fairly quickly and we can we can move on.

But I think it was made clear in listening to the testimony, it was made clear how [clears throat] long this has been drugg out and what we have done to get here in 10 years. So, I mean, I'd look to council to tell us, but I was hoping they'd stay in that 90-day window. You think that's possible? No, not this is a fairly new topic. It's not Oh, and that's that's not a classification of a crime. Yeah. Perks of being the guinea pigs. Yeah. Yeah. Thinking good thoughts. Absolutely. Thank you to your turn.

Okay. I'm Chris Smith, the R9 property manager, and uh I'll be I'm here today to give you kind of an update on the operations and activities that are taking place out there. Wanted to begin with a little bit of a history, kind of a visual here that can help show where we began regarding the native grass restoration and where we're at. Um this slide shows the progress in transitioning the property from cropping to native grasses. Um, crops began coming under production in 2007 with the last circle coming out in 2017. Um, over the same time period, grass plantings began in the lower left, the yellow shaded areas and worked their way up to the north around the horseshoe and ended in the bottom right. Um, this looks pretty good from space or the edge of space. We've made a lot of progress, but there's still a lot of areas that need some attention and we're working on those. Uh the native grass plantings establishment successes over the years has varied throughout the property. Um majority of the 42 circles are now seen establishment. Several locations have been replanted over the years, but there's still, like I'd mentioned earlier, there's still a few areas with replanting needs. We're going to continue to work through these as time allows. The goal is to heal the remaining poor areas and transition from basically the top picture uh to the bottom picture. We're going to continue to to be good stewards of the land and to protect and conserve the aquer aquafer beneath it. Saw in the previous slide we're making progress. [clears throat] Um last year we replanted the areas in the worst condition where there was little to no grass established. They're highlighted in yellow. [clears throat] They're added up to roughly 300 acres is what we planted last year. With the timely rains and moderate temperatures, we had fairly decent germination. These plantings looked pretty good going into

winter. There be one area in the far bottom right that uh crab grass came in pretty hard. So I'm a little bit concerned about that, but there not a lot of options to deal with it. We can't spray or graze the seedlings that first year. So we'll see what we can do this spring and see how see how it comes out. Hopeful that it'll be all right. Um the areas shaded in blue are the next round of areas I'd like to address. This year I budgeted for approximately 200 acres to be replanted. Um hopefully that will work out and we can get another good good season with some rain and moderate temperatures. Last year was about ideal. Everything was about perfect. Um with the recent additions of fencing and livestock watering sources, the areas shaded in white were grazed regularly for the first time this past year. is not only beneficial to the grasses within these areas, but is also a benefit to other pastures on the property. Bringing these p two pastures into the rotational grazing program has allowed us to rest uh pastures for the entire growing season. Pasture shaded in yellow was rested this past year and the grasses respond very well. Looks fantastic. Pasture and rest can also serve as somewhat of an insurance policy in the event of a potential destructive act or natural disaster such as a drought or a hail storm. Conditions occur that can be detrimental to the grasses in one particular area. Um we can use this pasture as a backup to buy time or to reduce grazing days in other pastures. So these two pastures bringing them into the system has really helped give us a lot of flexibility. I know I talked about this, I believe, at the Russell Commission meeting. Um, Kansas Department of Health and Environment requires the plugging of abandoned wells that pose potential threats to groundwater aquifers. Um, we

identified 15 old inactive stock and facility wells in need of plugging last year. And to help with the expense of this work, we applied for cost share assistance through the Edwards County Conservation District. Um but after nearly nine months one government shutdown we were finally informed that we will not receive share assistance. So we went ahead and moved forward. These wells are now plugged according to KDH specifications. Uh the picture on the left is the location of the wells that we had plugged. Not exactly sure. Some of them were obvious stock wells but that cluster down there in the middle. I'm not exactly sure what was going on there in the past. So, it's good to get those plugged up because they're basically straws directly into the invasive species. Talked about this a few times. Locust trees are not technically invasive, but they can be invasive in certain conditions. Cattle and wildlife like the seed paws, and they can quickly spread them across the landscape. In 2025, we cut roughly 300 trees. Did a lot of work there. The picture on the left is tamaris or commonly called salt cedar. It is an invasive species that is very hearty. It uses a lot of water and increases soil salinity so it can quickly out compete the native vegetation. There are several locations where these shrubs are creeping onto the property from the river basin. We done a little bit of work there's more to do. This past year we took out about 150 of them. So pretty good dent. I just wanted to mention the picture on the right there. We did have a little help from the peasants forever habitat specialist. I really appreciate him helping with the focus tree. Unprescribed fire. You know, we've talked about this last year. Um, native warm season grasses need disturbances to thrive, reproduce, and maintain their

dominance over the landscape. Rotational grazing is our primary management tool. However, we are going to try to use prescribed fire to maintain and establish the grasses. Last year, we worked with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to create a prescribed burn plan. However, the weather didn't cooperate, and I had a pretty tight window. I wanted to time it perfectly. I was a little concerned with the same soils drying out. This year, we're going to attempt another burn. And I'm going to open that window up. This year, we will attempt to burn the area shaded in yellow and the area shaded in white. The pasture or the area shaded in white is also the pasture we intend to rest this year. So it will have double benefit. So I'm excited to see how that turned through there and rested. That should very beneficial. I just wanted to mention too that uh the Hayes parks department and the Haze Fire Department both have agreed to assist. They they agreed last year but I spoke with each of them here recently. They were happy to assist equipment and a couple of the firefighters are working on certifications. So, this will help with that.

Chris, what time of year do you burn? I'm gonna I'm gonna try to open it up the window in March. Last year, I tried to get it right in April, right before the spring rains come. It's I wanted it's best to do it to get those rains as soon after you burn as possible, but uh I just want to open it up hopefully March and April. You let us know when that's going to happen. Absolutely. Might be interested in just seeing how that works. Carry a torch. I'd do that. I do [laughter] that. Watch what you asked for. Not give her a torch. [clears throat]

Um, this is just a list of uh some of the accomplishments or activities that we completed this past year. I think I've mentioned a couple of them, but uh we've drilled five new livestock wells. I installed seven solar pumps and livestock tanks, constructed one and a half miles of cross fencing. um plugged the 15 uh abandoned wells, removed roughly 450 trees and shrubs, planted and maintained 300 acres of native grass, and completed herbicide applications to address Johnson grass, sandill plums, and in two specific [clears throat] pastures to reduce weed competition. That was quite a bit for last year. One of the things I think that was in probably one of your progress reports, um, this we installed pedestrian trail counters at the entrances, the Leeh Hall areas. Um, I thought it was pretty tricky. John and I are pretty sneaky, but the secret's going to be out now, [laughter] but what we did is we modified the backside of our walkthrough gate post, notched them, screwed them to the post, and covered them up. Um, and they've been working really well for the people who walk through there catches these counter an infrared beam that detects changing temperatures. So, they're very accurate. There is one day that's coming up in a slide where there's a peak, but I would look back in the history. It was like on December 18th and the wind was blowing like 65 miles an hour down there and there were about a thousand tumble weeds at the front gate. So,

data may be a little skewed here in a minute, but the [clears throat] counters are pretty cool because they're Bluetooth capable. When I get there, I just walk up, log in, it sends it to my phone, and I can send it off to the parent company. And when I get back, I can go into that company's database, and I can look at what's going on, generate some of these reports. And here's one of them. The [clears throat] counters are working very well, and I've been somewhat surprised uh at the amount of use by the hunting this year. I had my suspicions that it was fairly high compared to the last couple years, but these numbers verify it. You can see here that, you know, there's a few zeros in the bottom, but there's quite a bit of activity. That's that's a activity, daily activity from November 8th to December 15th. The blue bars are the south entrance and the black bars are the north entrance. Oops, got that backwards. As you can see, there's been a lot of activity and I've observed a lot of activity. So the state is backing it up. This pie chart shows the total number of visitors entering the property at each entrance. For this period, there have been a total of 106 entries into the property with the south entrance experiencing a little more traffic.

You tell us what those numbers are because I'm blind. Um the south entrance is 591 and the north entrance is 415 I believe it says. And that's just November through January. November, December, January, January 15th. So, wow. That's a lot. Yeah, it really is.

Um, this chart shows access on a monthly basis. Still, November represents the Upland bird and archery deer seasons. Uh, December represents the peak of the hunting season, so to speak, because it includes Upland bird, archery, deer, firearms deer seasons. And then January is going to reflect the late season upland bird hunters. So it kind of makes sense. You know, the first of the year, okay, people are finding the place bird hunters. And then, okay, deer hunting peaking for archery and firearms, so it jumps a little higher. And then here at the late season when there's not near as much activity, there's still a lot of activity. I was down there Tuesday and Wednesday, and there were people at both entrances each day. Saw people out there. So it it kind of follows what you'd expect. walk-in hunting program. Uh, it's not just being well utilized, as we said, it's it's bringing non-resident hunters to Edwards County. So far this year, I've observed vehicles from Arizona, North Carolina, Alaska, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Vermont, Nebraska, Michigan, Florida, Arkansas, and Tennessee. And I'm not down there every day. These are just what I've seen when I'm down there.

And those people would not have been in Edwards County and possibly using retail, restaurants, hotels without this. That's those people that watch us online, those millions of people that watch us every week. Yep. Um, another good sign is the program may be catching on this year. There were several new wehaw enrollments uh next to our properties down there and more tracks in the area going to bring more hunters to the area. So, it's kind of a snowball or domino effect. Wehaw. Yeah, we [laughter] Oh my

I've spoken to a few of the hunters and all of them are really appreciated to have an opportunity like this because it's unique and uh they've enjoyed the access. So, so far, like I said, this is the third year. I'm shocked that there have been no incidents. There's nothing shot up. They pick up all their trash. It It's really been amazing to me. So, are they having fairly successful hunts? They are. They are.

Here we go. Edwards County sales tax. [clears throat] Um, this is basically a summary of November, December, and January from 2019 to 2025. Uh, I think that I've tried to look back previous years and the revenue, they don't have it broken down by month. It is just for the year, but the revenue overall was pretty much the same in 1920, 21, 22. I think 2021's an anomaly. I'm not exactly sure what happened there. Um, should I ask, but uh, up into 2023, it hovered around that 65 to $70,000 mark. Then we get to 2025. And when I first saw that, I was like, "Wow, James isn't here." Yeah, he is. But James had done a lot of social media promoting and a little bit of advertising and the word got out and I know it it's worse because of the hunters. Um but I just had a hard time with that number. That's a pretty big increase. So I called uh down there to the Everest County Treasury and asked about that and they did have a 385 of a percent sales tax increase. So when I hung up I was looking at it again. And I thought, you know, for the typical revenue, that should only be about a three $3,000 increase. It's not a shouldn't be at $125,000. So, I called back and they told me that the coming online of the dairy down there has brought a ton of traffic to town and it's really picked up just in general retail sales. So, it's hard to pull the R9's numbers out of there, but I guarantee you they're higher than what they have been the last two years. We're part of that number. We need all of them, but we're part of it.

Yes. So, uh it's in there. It's just hard to find now with that this year that

Outdoor Communicators of Kansas conference. I believe Melissa may have put that in progress report. I'll just touch on it again. It was pretty pretty cool deal. Um, the Outdoor Communicators of Kansas is a professional organization for communicators whose mission is to write, photograph, and create art about Kansas's outdoor wildlife and related activities and to promote conservation and outdoor recreation. In early November, Melissa Dixon and the CBB staff applied for and was awarded the 2025 outdoor communicators of Kansas Conference. Uh, the two-day conference began on Sunday the 23rd and ended on Monday evening. On Sunday evening, Melissa, Jeff, and I provided a a presentation about the opportunities has to offer the wellfield and pipeline project and the city's conservation measures and uh the R9 property and our restoration efforts. The group was very interested and appreciated the city's work and they were very interactive and asked numerous questions throughout the two as I mentioned. Oh, I didn't mention go back maybe. Yeah, the pictures on the left is just the question and answer session um after our presentation and on the right is a part of the group having dinner at Gallas after the morning hunts and afternoon sessions. Like like I mentioned, uh day two included a guided hunt on the R9 property. It was a cool, very wet uh morning, but we were successful. The group flushed six cubbies of quail. um and around a dozen feeasants had some excellent dog work and ended up harvesting nine quail. The feeasants were a little more elusive. The dozen or so feeasants flushed are all still out there. [laughter] Overall, the group was very impressed with the property and its uniqueness. Um they appreciated the city's conservation efforts and they appreciated that it was available to the public for hunting access. So over overall, Jeff and Melissa and I were very impressed with

this group. They were it was a really good group and they're very interactive and very knowledgeable. So hopefully we'll get some good vibes out. Um this next one, fire the Bob White. You know, we've been talking about impediments to progress on the R9. Um this is a short video of just another one, yet another one that I have to deal with on the property. And so I thought I would play this. U came as a special request for Commissioner Wasinger or Jacobs, sorry. Um I can't tell you her initials, but they're Elena Cunningham. [laughter] Let's start this. [laughter]

I wasn't sure if I was in a weird remake of Lassie and somebody fell in an irrigation well or Oh, or if uh if there's a Coil Olympics, we've got a champion down there. [laughter] That's awesome. Oh my gosh, I love it. So, that's all I got for you this afternoon. I'd be happy to take any questions. It's really wonderful. Thank you, Chris. We love hearing from you. And I I just I think about where it was and where it is now and how the state of Kansas feels about what we've done down there.

Um, it's phenomenal. Everybody needs to take a look at it and continue to look at it. I appreciate the work that James does getting that word out. Um this is this is a big deal along with everything else. This is a great project. You know what I like is that that group of uh you had yellows that went down there. You know, we're not only helping Hayes, we're taking them down there and potentially helping Kinsley. So yeah, we ate at the Hins Hideway there in town. It was very good. They appreciated it. [clears throat] That's awesome. It was a It was a good good event. [snorts] You like what you do, don't you, Chris? It's pretty tough. [laughter] I That's why I love the presentation. You just get as excited as he is about everything that happens. Good stuff. Well, we Sorry. Go ahead. Go ahead.

Um, well, we can't pick how much of that increased revenue is due to the R9. For instance, the Hens Hideway. Have you asked any business owners, restaurants, retail if they've had foot traffic that claims they're there for the walk-in? I have not. Okay. It's It's funny you mentioned that because on my way back the other day, I thought, you know, I need to stop in there and see what kind of activ So, I might do that. Try I was just curious. Convenience store and it's the only restaurant. Well, there's a couple, but I could stop in there just Right. the one that has a robot. Yeah, it has a robot. It has a robot server. You don't necessarily see every hunter, right? No, not at all.

Okay. Because I was thinking, you know, and Melissa will remember this. We used to give cards out at CBB to people that were in town and they would leave them wherever they were. And and remember, Galla always had stacks and stacks of them. If we had a way of getting those to those hunters, even if it's like a 5% at a restaurant, wouldn't make them pick it up and take it. Yeah. We might be able to track it that way. Yeah. And not be a bad idea for Yeah, exactly.

I don't know if James could maybe help with it, but uh put a survey like a QR code survey on the entrance as you're going in. They can scan that, provide some feedback, let us know what they're doing, uh how long they're staying there hunting, if they're spending locally, staying elsewhere. Yeah, we actually Melissa created a couple QR codes that direct us to the city of Hayes and R9 website. That would be something. And then you said we had 42 44 42 irrigation circles. Yep. At one point.

Um just because it's fun math. Uh you had brought up at one point that one irrigation circle equates to the amount of water that about 2230 Haze residents use. One circle. So closing those 42 circles equates to around 96,000 people worth of Hayes water that we are no longer throwing back on there. So yeah, we're we're helping Kinsley and Edwards County with their um economic vi uh viability. We are also showing that we are amazing stewards of water. It's a win-win. We just need more people to realize that. Absolutely. [laughter]

And if we use half the water we own, we'll have more than enough water to take care of our residents as we grow. Absolutely. Without harming them. Yep. Yep. I like it. Awesome. I like good information. Thank you. Thank you, Chris. Thanks, Chris. All right. Next up is Mr. Progress. Mr. Progress. What you what' you call Jared last last [laughter] month because he last time? Uh, Mr. Assistant Progress. [laughter] I don't speaking on me today. Oh, thank you. So,

good afternoon. Colin Bowzer, uh, deputy city manager. So three and a half yards of highly high early concrete was used by the service division to repair pavement after a water resources had to perform sewer repairs on West 27th at 29th in Willow. The alley return service division did reconstruct those uh both entrances. And then Frontier Park staff built I think you saw maybe a photo of this earlier, but now it's 100% complete. Staff built new and much safer stairs and retaining wall on the south side of the stepping stones. Nice. Looks really nice.

Um, this image shows the north side of the stepping stones, which was completely rebuilt, provide safe travel. Staff installed a soccer and baseball design ballards, uh, which are aesthetically pleasing and help prevent vehicles from parking near the south parking lot. We did steal this idea. We're not the first ones to find these, just so you know. They are pretty cool. Those are old target balls repainted. [laughter] Um, here's one of a softball and a football. I like it.

Lieutenant Brandon Hopman co-instructed a mental health first aid training for the Hayes Police Department and local law enforcement. This training focuses on how to respond to individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Water resources uh maintenance employee Joe Monroe and Eric Hos dug up the buried manhole 27th in Englewood. They had to add risers and raised the manhole. Water resources maintenance staff changed out a 4 inch meter at the Army Reserve Center and they also replaced the fire hydrant in 27th in Thunderberg. Olly Dickman, water conservation specialist, presented at the Northwest Kansas Water Day in Colby on January 14th. Oie provided participants at the event information about our water conservation education and outreach efforts. CVB worked with KSN and the Bricks in downtown Hayes to film a holiday highlight segment that aired mid December to promote holiday events in Hayes.

And in a press release that came out yesterday. Melissa, she's got it. Can we interrupt your notes? Yeah. Hey Melissa, she's got it. [laughter] Hey Melissa, you can you come up and talk about this real quick? Sure. Be more than happy today. Sorry, Colin.

Um, hello commissioners. Melissa Dixon from the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Um, I would love to tell you a little bit about who is Community Playmaker and what were they looking for uh in this designation. Um, Community Playmaker is a media platform dedicated to celebrating and empowering civic leaders. um inspire them, give them ideas to help them be even better. Um what were they looking for in this? The community of the year award highlights impactful initiatives in areas such as economic development, community engagement, public safety, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, and the creation of inclusive highquality environments. And when I read that, I said that sounds like Hayes. And Hayes is doing all of those things. Um and so we nominated ourselves. Uh our CBB administrative assistant Jenny Reeski wrote a beautiful nomination um with specific projects that fit the things that they were looking for. Um and I'm not going to read this whole press release, but I would love to read um just two things that I think are pretty powerful. Um, Hayes, Kansas demonstrates how Midwestern hospitality can be paired with modern innovation and environmental responsibility. The city has carefully balanced infrastructure growth with a focus on sustainability, ensuring that progress never comes at the expense of its natural resources or quality of life. Its long-standing leadership in water conservation has yielded groundbreaking initiatives that protect limited water supplies while still supporting new development and community amenities. Um so the press release went out today uh and it calls out specific

projects that you will recognize that you've worked hard on um that brought us to the attention of this organization. I do know there were a hundred cities that we were up against, but I don't know exactly who all of them were. There were two finalists that um were They were from all over the country, though.

Yes, from all over the country. Um and my other favorite quote is from the editor-inchief of Community Playmaker magazine. Hayes shows what it looks like when a community invests in every stage of life from early childhood to retirement while still protecting the environment and celebrating its culture. Their story is a road mapap for communities that want to grow without losing their sense of place. That's awesome. [applause]

So, there is so much value in this because this will live online and when people search for Hayes, they will find these great stories. Um, Community Playmaker has a beautiful digital magazine that they've um got up that we've shared on our Facebook page, the feature. Um, and they will continue to talk about us throughout the year. which more value. So, I'm excited about that. So, I hope you see it online tonight. Um, feel free to share. We will be sharing. Thank you so much for letting me read a little. I couldn't say any better. So, I I know that's why [laughter]

we have a great CVB, great CVB director. So, a lot of work went into that. Absolutely. Excellent progress is being made at the new police station. Footers in the slab have been poured around where the new addition will be added to allow framing to occur. Basement framing is nearing completion and plumbing and electrical installations are also occurring. It is flowing really well and on schedule. Is that this year completion?

Yes, September I think is the the date to be complete. Airport op staff performed repairs to the fence inside the Vortekch constructionf free clearance zone. So the vortex is an avid aviation navigation system seen in the background of the picture on the left and requires a thousand foot restricted radius free of metals and other specific obstruction materials to ensure accurate signal design or navigation. And because of that, of its importance, it does require more additional maintenance is it's wood can't be metal. So it doesn't stand up to the elements as well. So that's one one reason why it requires so much attention.

So we had to repair it because deer are trying to jump over it or uh that those nine feeasants. [laughter] Okay, gotcha. Airport ops. Airport op staff installed service roads to better access airport own navigational aids. Routine maintenance and inspection must be per performed per FAA requirements and access can be difficult and inclement weather when the ground is wet. So staff has worked hard to repair existing and install new roads as needed to ensure 139 part 139 standards are met.

Thank you Colin. Progress. Mr. Progress. Melissa, your turn.

Melissa Dixon again from the Convention and Visitors Bureau with some things happening in February. Uh if you have not seen the photography exhibition down at the Hayes Arts Center, you still have a another week or two. That'll run through February 11th. Fort Hayes Tech North Central, their innovation center will have grand opening, ribbon cutting. The public is invited. So mark your calendar. February 5th, 2 PM out at their United Way of Ellis County presents their annual fundraiser, Dueling Pianos, on February 7th out at Ellis County Fairgrounds. And if you need a little extra joy in your life, they need a lot of volunteers for this night to shine, you can be an escort February 13th, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Celebration Church. The Fox Theater will present two shows in February on the 13th and the 20th. 49 Winchester who has a song called Hayes Kansas,

one of their biggest hits. Yes. So, uh, I guarantee they will play that. Um, get down there for that. And then Casey Donahue on the 20th.

Haze Community Theater presents Jackpot of Death. I'm not familiar with that. Uh, February 13th and 14th, 6:30 at their location on 8th Street. And then the Fort Hay State Encore series will present Second City. This is the comedy club in Chicago where who started there? Dan Akroyd, the Bluei Brothers, John Candy, Steve Carell, Chris Farley, Bill Murray, Mike Myyers. They started at this comedy club and this is the touring company. This will be a good show. February 13th, 7:30. Uh tickets go on sale first week in February. The Fort Hay State Rodeo Gayla. This is a fundraiser for those talented Fort Hay State rodeo students. Their team helps fund their competitions. That will be on Valentine's Day. Great opportunity. Uh and they will have an auction with lots of equestrian themed accessories. That's Valentine's Day at the Hilton Garden in the Hay Symphony will present winter classics. And this is a special performance because it will feature student performers that have competed against their peers uh and were deemed the winners of their competitions February 21st at 7:30. And the Haste Chamber will host their 38th annual A Appreciation. This is for anyone who supports the A industry in our community February 24th at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. Kesha 321A state wrestling will be back boys and girls again February 27th and 28th commissioners I hope you can peek in and just see how it goes and that event brings a lot of economic impact to our community. Haze Chamber will host their legislative coffee with local legislators February 28th at the Hayes Public Library, 8:30 a.m. And the 33rd annual Smoky Hill Feasants

Forever Chapter 424 banquet will be February 28th out at Ellis County Fairgrounds. This event brings 3 to 500 people um every year. So, we [snorts] appreciate that they always have this in. Thanks very much. Maybe they can find those 12. Right. [laughter] All right. Next up, commission inquiries and comments. Commissioner Blessing.

Oh. Uh, appreciate all the information that was presented today. It's great to see us getting out there on the map. Uh, good news with that community of the year. So excited about that. Last couple days been super busy. Toby and I went up to Topeka, had some dinner with some legislators. Uh, I dove into the KMU conference and uh, learned a lot about Kansas Municipal Utilities. Um, when they started talking electrical though, I think my brain short circuited a little bit. [laughter] I'm not going to lie. Um, a lot of interesting numbers up there. Um, taking some online courses too as start learning my role here. So, appreciate all those opportunities. Other than that, I don't have much.

Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Jacobs.

Um, as I always do, I comment about our level of our staff and the kind of jobs that they do and we saw it again today and the reports [snorts] that we got and I don't think this has ever been brought up, but I think it's really if it has, I apologize, but second, uh, bringing it up twice is not a bad thing. Melissa Dixon is is this is a really high bar for economic for convention and visitors. She has been appointed to the governor's council on travel and tourism and that is a really big deal and she will set another bar by having achieved that appointment. I we I won't even talk about the fact that she's serving for a very short time but [laughter] won't go there. Won't go there. But congratulations. That's a big deal.

Thank you, Commissioner Musel.

Yeah. Yeah, I want to touch it, Melissa. You know, with your news that you've announced recently, I just you'll be missed. You and your husband will be missed, but I'm glad you're uh you know, going after your passion and stuff. So, it's uh going to be a high bar or high you've set a high bar. You know, appreciate everything you've done for our community, what you've shared tonight and stuff. So, it's uh but and Chris and John, what you guys have done for the R9 ranch just with everything going on, it's just awesome. and and you know and hearing, you know, you guys down at Topeka and what Representative Washner is doing on her behalf and what Senator Moran's doing. I mean, a lot of this wouldn't be possible without those guys, you know, working on our behalf. You know, they it may not be out in front and center, but uh they're doing a lot of work for us and we very much appreciate it. And uh you know, more than anything, uh it's going to be a big party this weekend. So, uh go Broncos. I'm I'm glad you're getting your I'm glad you're getting

We'll see if it lasts much longer. [laughter] Yeah, we're moving on. Like I told you, football season ended last year. Yeah, you're you're a poor sport. [laughter] Oh god. Can't even

Mr. Gunningham. Um, I know it's been said, but I just want to express my sincere gratitude towards everyone who is involved in the efforts um towards securing that CDS and so an special thank you to Senator Marian as well. Um, it means a lot to all of us and makes that project feel closer to reality. So, just appreciate that. And then we know this weekend has potential weather We also know there's should be a wrestling tournament in town, so there should be um travelers. So, be kind to our fellow travelers. And I know most of you have probably seen it today, but just wanted to say it publicly. The city and thank you to the city staff who have been working to lay down that brine. Um I know they were doing a couple applications and I think we hear sometimes they did it too soon. And I I think we don't realize as citizens there's a lot of thought that goes into that. There's a lot of science that goes into it. We have to lay it down before it's too cold. And so just know the city is working and prepping in case the storm arrives.

And I would add it doesn't go anywhere unless it rains. Um when that brine gets put down, it'll stay for weeks as long as it doesn't rain. It just is salt that aderes to the road. So we'll be good. Thank you. That's all I got. Very good. Oh, wait. Can I say one last thing? Sorry. Also, good luck to Hayes High. They play in Colby this weekend. And safe travels because with the weather, it could get a little It always is a little fun. Go ahead. So, yeah. [laughter] [laughter] Yeah. Uh, again, yes. Yeah. Thank you, Senator, if you're watching [laughter] along with the millions.

We really appreciate you. Um, that is a huge huge bonus to us. We really think really thank you for that. Um yes, if you are out and about this weekend, um please travel safely, be mindful. Um and to those staff that are going to work should something big happen, um they are going to be working their butts off like they always do. And we I don't think there's a public works crew uh that works harder. We have an amazing staff um and they take care of us really well. So keep an eye out for them. Give them a wave when you see them. They work hard. Any executive session. We will call the meeting at 5:21. Come on.