City Commission - Regular Meeting

All right, we'll call the uh Thursday, May 14th, 2026 City Hayes Commission meeting to order. All five commissioners are present, two via Zoom. First item on the order of business is the consideration of approval of the minutes from April 23rd. Questions, changes, or comments? I see none. That's good. They will stand as presented. Next up, financial statement of April 2026. Master of Money. Kim.

Master of Money. Good afternoon. Kim Ruff, director of finance. This is a summary of uh revenue and expenditure activities for the city of Hayes. Month ended April 30. Revenues in April totaled 3,651 384. That's an increase of 504,000 compared to the same period last year. Notable areas of increased revenue. Looking back to April of 25, making a period adjustment for that one and a quarter% increase in transit gas tax, it was up 14,300 or 5% year-over-year. For April, golf course revenue was up 10,700 and year over year it is up 2,000 with several applications in process. Administrative fees and economic development revenue were up 18,000. The women who lead contribution to the Sunrise Park enhancements increased miscellaneous revenue for parks improvement 123,000 and the ongoing drought certainly contributed to a 37% increase in water revenue with the conservation portion increasing 46,000 on its own when compared to same month last year. Total areas of revenue decreases. FAA grants and airport improvement was off 108,000 for reimbursements received this time a year ago on the apron rehab and solid waste miscellaneous fell 26,400 due to receipt of recycling income as well as a settlement on the defective BOR a year ago. Expenditures in April totaled 3 million4501 which is an increase of 469,000. Notable increase expenditures. The bulk of the increase mentioned above is in new equipment reserve and public safety up 307,500 with budgeted purchase of pickups, fairway mowers, fire rescue tools, and bunker gear as well as PD patrol laptops. Health insurance rose 20,300.

public work service division general supplies was up 27,000 for the purchase of concrete to complete several street repair projects across Hayes and aund or $320,000 increase in budget projects for special highway in connection with the fourth street work 22nd to 27th was another contributor notable areas of decrease work on 32nd 33rd a year ago dropped capital projects 205,000 and solid waste reserves expenditures fell 20,000 from a year ago, replacing polycarts. Monthtoate general fund sales tax collections were at 774,461. That's another nice increase of 81,000 or 11.7% compared to last year. Year-to- date general fund sales tax is up 228,872 or 7%. Six-month average was up 5% year-over-year a year with a year-over-year increase of 3.6. and county sales tax collections were at 399,000 up 19,000. Report of top 10 quarter-to-ate sales tax collections by classification was up 158,624 or 5%. Those top 10 represent 72% of the total. Some notable increases there included car sales up 13% and building material up 11%. Finally, the total of the portfolio certificates of deposit on April 30, 2026 was 68,120,13 with a weighted average rate to maturity of 3.8 that is down a percent from a year ago. Our value of T bills was at 7 million with a rate to maturity of 3.63 down 6 from a year ago. Total balance of the money market account on April 30 was 4,52,739. the current weighted average yield of 3.29. That's down just a tenth compared

to the same period last year. Finally, total investments were up 7,606930. I'll move that we approve the April 2026 financial statement. Second. There's a motion in a second. Any questions or comments for Kim? David, Sandy, anything? I have nothing. I don't have any. Okay. Call for a vote. All in favor, please say I. I. I. I. Opposed. Passes. 50. Thank you, Kim. Thank you.

All right. Next item is uh citizen comments for non-aggenda items. Anyone who wishes to speak to the commission for non-aggenda items can speak. Now, this might be an agenda item. It's has to do with 22nd Street. A little forewarning on some for looking forward on some of this stuff. Uh can you say your name for the record please? Part of 1650 22nd. Thank you. I've lived on 22nd. Just off the side of 22nd. Yeah. Live on 22nd. You're going to get run over.

Uh we need traffic lights. We don't need a roundabout. We need traffic lights at 22nd and Vine and 22nd and Canterbury. And that what that does that creates voids in the traffic as they come by 8:00 in the morning 3:00 in the afternoon that gets to be a very very busy intersection due to the fact that uh school really got expanded. There's a lot more kids out there and uh at least the next thing there's a 30 mph speed zone through there. Uh if this all gets improved, I don't think it needs to go up to 35 because it in the evening and at night time there are people out there that are actually driving 35 or 40 and all that's going to do up that five five miles per hour. If that many kids around school all the time, I believe a safety factor. Uh, and on the on on the street itself from Marshall down to the bottom of the draw standing electric go up that hill go up. I know it's going to be a little early for you, Sean, but if you go up there when the sun's coming up, you can see the crest the street is on the south side and the and the north side is nothing more than an extension of that. So the the crest the crown of the hill the street That's what just some generalizations about the street in particular. And uh I still I still like to park in front of my house. I go home.

Thank you. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. Thank you. Anyone else wish to speak to the commission at this time for non-aggenda items? Once twice. Okay. Sold. Uh, nothing on the consent agenda. So, we'll move on to the item number six, Sunrise Park Improvements, phase one and two update. Women Who Lead and Jeff Bole.

Welcome. Hello, commissioners. Can you hear me? Okay. I'm Ruth Rutder with Women Who Lead. Maryanne Shoreman's joining me today come up here by us. I don't know why. She's the one who does the most. Thank you. Um so we're here for you today to talk about um the update with Sunrise Park. First of all, have you guys heard of women who leave? I haven't.

Wink. Um so we just want to give you a background of what we've been doing at Sunrise Park if you haven't driven by. So in March 25, the city commission gave approval for women who leave to seek funding for phase one and two of Sunrise Park improvements. Phase one included a nine-hole disc golf course, ball field improvements, new park sign with solar lights, trash can, new basketball court, parent child swings, and a kiosk. So, if you have seen the the ball fields right now, um seeing the kids play on both fields, it's so fun to see. Um the basketball court is finished. Was there the other night and there was an entire family playing on that course. Was fun to watch. And there was also college kids playing at the Frisbee golf course, too. So, it's real fun to see. So, phase two included new playground equipment to replace the existing equipment that was installed in 2004. Phase one has been completed and the new playground for phase two has been ordered and is currently on schedule for installation the week of June. So, kudos to Jeff and Justin for helping us with all that. There's a picture of the sign and the um um landscaping around it with the solar lighting and then the beautiful basketball court. So, we're thinking about maybe putting our logo right in the center of that court.

Um, we think you guys wouldn't be opposed to that at all. Um, there's the ball field. See how beautiful they look? The the wreck does maintain those. Am I right, Jeff?

Um, and they do a good job of maintaining as well. And then the the disc golf does have the um each one has the the course of how you how you shoot there. Um and then we're looking at updating um some of the landscaping and stuff in that area as well too. The butterfly. So that's what the that part looks like of how you shoot saying that right. How you shoot? I'm not a prison person. Um but yeah, that's how it looks. So they're all labeled each one. And there's an upgrade there of of the discourse um and how it's landscaped around those two. It's so fun to watch. My my parents live across the street and they said there's some some older gentleman that plays there every day. And then the trash can. So, we have that around there and then that's what will be installed. We already have this. So, but we haven't installed it yet because we were making sure that everything that we purchased would fit properly as far as that goes, but but that's how the the mommy knee swing daddy daddy knee swing. And then the slide. So this is um how how we these are the actual colors that we have ordered too, right Jeff?

Um so we want it to be real colorful and bright. And then that is a zipline that will be installed. So if you notice each piece is separately so when you have to when you have to change them out in years to come we won't have to spend 100 grand on one big unit. Each piece separately so it's not quite as expensive. Yeah. a little bit older kids for the zipline. So, we're excited about that. Oh, I can use that one. You sure can, Sean. And I want to be there when that happens. I don't. And then the the big slide. So, I can't remember how tall this one is. Jeff, do you remember how tall this

very top? So, Nancy evidently was reliving her childhood memories and wanted a a big slide there. So, that's why we decided on that. And then the spinning, you know, everybody loves the merry ground. a lot safer than they were when in the 1970s when I grew up and got spun off the side, but so a little excited about that too. Roosevelt does have one like that, but thought you can't have too many. And then the climbing, you know, that's always the big thing. So that's where we decided to do that with the kind of the course there as far as that goes for climbing. And that's what it would look like overall.

Very impressive. We're really excited.

Yeah. So, the we want to thank the Schmidt Foundation because they did match our funds being raised up to $50,000. So, that did help us um get there for that. And then um lighting and security is a future um project that we're looking at um because you can't ever have enough security. We did help fund that project the Ark Park. We're looking at doing that as well as Sunrise with the bathroom there. Just keep everybody safe and and the community safe in that area too. So, it's real fun. If you haven't gone out there, seeing the trees blossom right now and we will be updating our um learning trail, looking at a partnership with that as well to upgrade. If you haven't seen that, need some painting upgrading that. So, we'll be doing that as well too. So, um look for a ribbon cutting to be coming this fall. May we're hoping try to start maybe before school starts, maybe September um to look for a ribbon cutting. Love to have you guys join us there. you haven't heard of Women Who Lead, we're up to 195 members. Last time we were here at 160. We continuously grow. So,

thank you for everything you guys do for our community and um we are so grateful to be to be part and have our our name out there being Thank you guys. Commissioners, any questions or comments? I just want to say thank you back to you guys because parks is something we've talked about for some time. It's hard to find sustainability with them and groups such as yours coming forward and raising funds and contributing to help replace and grow the parks and give things back to the community is what we need and we really appreciate it. So, thank you. Yes, that's a lot of equipment. It looks amazing.

Yeah, the same just thank you guys for what you're doing. I I actually drove it last night and I think they just got done with some little kids practice and there was easily a hundred between parents and kids over there and it's just beautiful. So, thank you guys for what you do and and I remember when um you guys had your meetings and uh my business's back room and and uh wow, you guys have grown a lot. So, keep up the good work, but we appreciate it very much. Thank you guys. Sandy, David,

um I just have one comment. I'm actually in Kansas City celebrating my granddaughter's graduation, but I did not want to miss the opportunity to thank you guys, not just for this, but for everything else you do. I I sit around in the evenings and I'm ping through some of the stuff on women who lead and I'm totally amazed. I remember when the first time this started. I remember everything that starts when Nancy started. I remember the day it started and how fast it grew. I met at 190 now. so proud of you and thank you so much for everything you're doing for the community, not just with Carl Parks, but in every area of the community. Thank you, David.

Yeah, I just want to say thanks. Looks like it's going to be an exciting project to see finished here soon. I really like the idea ahead to help.

Thank you. Yeah, thank you guys so much for everything that you do for the community. Um, I mean, this organization, like Sandy said, is touches a little bit of everything. I mean, I don't think there's a project that you guys probably haven't touched since your or since you started. Um, and you help every piece of our community, um, children all the way up to, uh, our elderly folks, um, those who need food, um, those who are in the hospital, who need just taken care of. You guys help us out a lot. and that 190 is growing because you guys are involved in the community. You provide hope for the community. So, we greatly appreciate everything that you guys do. Um, it's a great partnership. I'm always excited to hear what you guys have have uh going on. Um, Jeff being realistic all the time. Appreciate you as well. Um, you guys are great. Continue keeping up the good work and I can't wait to see what what you have coming next. and were a lot more fun to listen to than Kim's financials are.

Mr. Money. Well, thank you so much. Appreciate you guys. Thank you all. Thanks, guys. Thanks, Mom.

All right. Next up, the revolution evidencing an intent is issue industrial revenue bonds for the Willow Grove project. Good afternoon. Jared Kuckleman, assistant city manager. So today we're discussing a resolution of intent to issue initial revenue bonds or IRBs uh for the Willow Grove project. So the developer for this project is Zimmerman Properties and they have plans to construct an affordable housing project at 400 West 48th Street which is just west of the Careco dealership. project would involve the construction of approximately 48 units plus a clubhouse and then the road extensions, parking and internal site improvements to serve the property. Developer is seeking an IRB sales tax exemption to help with the project as well as then to also improve the score on a lowincome housing tax credit or LITC application. I'll get into that a little bit more on that scoring and LITC portion, but I will just also highlight that because the project would utilize LITC, portion of the housing units would be income qualified for residents. This image with the star shows the location we're talking about for this project. Here's a bit of a closer up view of the site in question. Uh, like I said, it is just west there of the Carico dealership along 48th Street. This image shows the proposed site layout. There would be three apartment buildings surrounding a clubhouse. You can see they're kind of wrapped around. These images show the proposed look for the apartment buildings. As you can see, they would be three stories. The developer is seeking industrial revenue bonds or IRBs for the purposes of this project. IRBs are a bit of a

unique bond issuance which are meant to provide at least one of two incentives, a property tax abatement and/or a sales tax exemption on construction and remodel materials. In this case, this project is only looking at the sales tax exemption. IRBs do not affect the city's debt limit or rating. They do not require taxpayer commitment and the developer is solely responsible for the payment obligations. Potential benefit in this case for the IRBs and the sales tax exemption is estimated to be about $154,000 for the city's portion of sales tax if 100% of the sales were done within the city of A. At this stage in the process for IRBs, the resolution of intent only states the city intention to issue IRBs in order to grant the developer the sales tax exemption certificate. The actual bonds would not be issued until the project were to reach substantial completion. And that is kind of important to note in this case because the developer is seeking the IRB to assist with the LITC application. So LITC is an incentive that is awarded by the state through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation or KHRC. There are a few things that local communities can do to support these projects and one of them is an IRB sales tax exemption which can award 10 points on that application. We have talked about how critical those 10 points can be. It often comes down to just one or two points or just a few points that decide whether a project gets awarded or not. So in theory these 10 points can go a long way for any given project. PACE does have four proposed projects. uh for LITC this year which is um as we've discussed certainly more than what we will have in actual reality and unfortunately without LITC these lowincome housing projects really almost certainly do not move forward. So we're

asking you to now consider this resolution of intent to issue the IRBs now. Um, however, if the project does not receive that LITC award later this summer, they won't move forward and probably then they won't end up needing this IRB sales tax exemption. So then it would not end up getting used and no bonds would actually ever be issued. The total investment by the developer for this project is estimated to be about $9.3 million, which does include the land costs for an IRB. No general obligation or special obligation bonds are issued as the city is only the conduit issuer and the payment obligations are all on the developer. These be the options for you today. This will be the action requested. I move to adopt resolution number 2026-00006 evidencing an intent to issue industrial revenue bonds for the Willow Grove project by Zimmerman Properties.

Second motion in a second on the action questions or comments on this item? I guess my only question would be how much are we looking at getting in property taxes from this development? I'd have to get back to you. I haven't I don't recall at off the top of my head what the number is. I will say tech projects do tend to get assessed at a little bit of a lower rate than regular market rate apartments. So that I'd have to look into that to get a firm answer. But this would pay property taxes and there would be property taxes generated on the property.

How much are we getting now? It is at a green field site. So, not a lot currently. And is is this parcel in city limits? Yes. Okay. Um anything else? I just I mean I'm excited for the project. You know, like we've told the other developers, you know, we're glad that they're interested in Hayes and I think it's good for Hayes if they get it. Yeah, I think we've stated it multiple times, but yeah, very excited and hope that one, if not two of these can get through. So Sandy,

I have I had my questions last week, but as I said last week, this is one thing that constituents have been asking for in this community for a very long time. I'm excited to have the proposition of it actually happening. Absolutely. Yeah, it's something that's been requested and um you know, I I think I think I asked last week. Uh let's just hope they get it.

Yeah, absolutely. Last week when we when we talked it was, you know, why Hayes? Um, and it seems there's a demand uh recognized at least at the state level for what we need. Um, and to have four applications is really exciting. Um, at time it didn't seem we had much of anything going on and now we have options. Uh, and it's exciting to back these these projects looking at making this kind of investment in our community. Um, we're very lucky to have that. So, thank you guys so much. There's nothing else on that one. We will call for a vote. All in favor, please say I. I. I.

I. Opposed.

Passes 50. Thank you, Jared. Next up, same thing, but for Wheatland Commons Project. So this is a resolution of intent to issue industrial revenue bonds for the Wheatland Commons project. We do have representatives from the developer for this project here today. So if there are any questions about that, feel free to ask them. The developer for this project is Oldtown Development. They have plans to construct an affordable housing project on the south side of East 22nd Street, which is just east of Bright Mind Academy. project would involve the construction of approximately 36 units any clubhouse plus then the road extensions, parking and internal site improvements to serve the property. This is the second of the two the IRB discussions for LITC that we are discussing. It's now the third total of those four I have mentioned before but again that fourth chose not to seek an IRB sales tax exemption for their portion of the project although they are seeking LITC. Um, so we have talked about how uh important those points are. Um, by granting this IRB sales tax exemption, we can help hopefully all of the applicants that have come forward to us and give as many as possible the best chance for Hayes to get a project one way or another. So this image with the star shows the location in Hayes for this project. Here's a closer up view of the site. It is just south of the new tall grass edition homes that are there along 22nd Street. This is a proposed site rendering to show what the site could end up looking like. The entrance to the apartments would line up nicely there with the existing Cumberland Drive which does serve the tall grass homes and it would utilize the west side of the property while the east side would be marked out for potential phase two maybe in the future.

These images here show what the buildings are proposed to look like. Um perhaps different from the uh in the final product, but definitely this is the general style that would be used. Again, IRBs are a bit more of a unique bond issuance that are meant to provide that sales tax exemption on construction materials. The IRBs do not affect the city's debt limit or rating, do not require taxpayer commitment, and the developer is solely responsible for the payment obligations. For this project, the potential benefit of the IRB's uh and city sales tax is estimated to be just over $211,000 if 100% of those sales were within the city of Haz. Again, at this stage in the process for IRBs, the resolution of intent only states the city's intention to issue the IRBs in order to grant that sales tax exemption certificate. There would not be any actual bonds issued until later after the project reaches substantial completion. So, if those bonds were not ever issued, then it would be up to the developer to pay back any exempted sales tax payments that would have happened, which in this case probably would not happen unless the project does move forward. So, the total investment by the developer for this project is estimated to be about $12.51 million, which does include the land costs. And again, for an IRB, there's no general obligation or special obligation bonds issued. The city is really only the conduit issuer. These would be the options for you today and this will be the action requested. I'll move that we adopt resolution number 2026-00007 evidencing an intent to issue industrial revenue bonds for the Wheatland Commons project by Oldtown Development.

Second motion and a second questions or comments on this one's commission. Just like I said to the last one, we just appreciate you guys their willingness to invest in our community and uh you know we hope you're able to get it. Be good for our community. David, Sandy, anything? No questions. Nothing. Yeah. Yeah. Again, I really appreciate you guys looking to partner with us. Hopefully you guys are successful. Um, Paul for successful, even though I don't think that's even possible. Um, but thank you for looking at us. We appreciate it. Hope it's a good partnership. Okay, I will call for a vote. All in favor, please say I. I. I.

I. I. opposed. Passes 50. Thank you, Jared. All right. 22nd Street, General Hayes Road and Oak Street Reconstruction Design Contract. Jess,

good afternoon. Jesse Roer, director of public works. My item today is to ask for your approval for a design award contract for some upcoming street projects. uh kind of three three street areas that we've put into two different projects. Project number one is 22nd Street from Vine to Canterbury as you can see highlighted on the screen here. Then project number two has two different locations within it. Oak Street from 27th to 29th and then General Hayes from Centennial to 27th. So a little bit of background here. So again, we're only talking about project design at this time. back to this future and talk about construction. So the CIP in the 2026 budget did include $157,500 budgeted for the design of these street projects. All these streets are approximately in the 60 to 65 year old range industrywide excuse me 50 years is kind of a a target hit. So but they've reached that point now of of needing reconstruction. I can likely say there are no scheduled roundabouts for 22nd Street and um can also safely say we'll probably correct the crown of the street within the profile, but no significant changes. This is strictly pavement and then some bad curve replacement as well. So another 50 plus years out of the new streets. So the plan will be to have the design completed by fall of 2026 for these streets. do have 2027 in the CIP plan for 20 for 22nd Street in the CIP that be 2027 and then assuming budget allows for it in the future we would do General Hayes and Oak Street in 2020. So we're going to design them all now and then they'll be designed ready to go for once

construction is ready. We did receive two bids on the project from two very qualified firms design group and call valley engineering. See there was a significant difference between the two bids. However, they did fall about or our engineering estimate was about right in the middle what we budgeted there. So we're happy with the bids and um obviously we're going recommending design group for this as a low bidder. Well, as you are very familiar with design group on past projects here in the contract does include civil engineering design contractor bid solicitation they will assist with and then all as well as bid review and final recommendation awarded contract. So again the contract is for the amount of $94,400. I did mention earlier this project was in the CIP for 2026 at 1575. So we're falling just under six about $63,000 under budget for the design. Your options would be to authorize manager to enter into a contract with with design group option action request. I move to authorize the city manager to enter an agreement with Driggs Design Group in the amount of 94,400 for engineering services related to the design and reconstruction of 22nd Street from Vine to Canterbury Drive, General Hayes Road from Centennial to 27th Street and Oak Street from 27th to 29th Street to be funded from commission capital reserves.

Second motion in a second. Question or comments on this one? So no speed limit change. There's no anticipated speed limit change. No roundabouts. And we're going to fix the crown unless I'm directed to them. No, no, no. And you're going to fix the crown, whatever needs to be fixed. That's right. Okay. Jesse, just for my knowledge, can you remind me, are these all three concrete streets currently or are they asphalt?

So, there's a mix of both. So, 22nd Street is asphalt from Vine to approximately Donald and then it's concrete from Donald to Canterbury. Our plan right now is to reconstruct the concrete portion with concrete and we're hoping to do mill and overlay on the asphalt portion primarily due to cost significant cost savings if we can do mill overlay. Part of the design contract requires that cores are taken of the current asphalt in the base. Make sure overlay would there. So that'll be done. And then um the other streets like um Oak Street is actually a concrete street with a asphalt overlay over it many many years ago. It's a mix of both. And then the majority of General Hayes is asphalts. And both of those General Hayes and Oak Street will be replaced with Okay, thank you.

David, Sandy, anything on this one? I just want to say thanks for taking Harvey's concerns into account. I'm sure there's a lot of other folks out there that don't like and thanks for coming away, too. That's awesome. I don't have anything. Awesome. Yeah, I think it's uh great. appreciative of getting all of them done at one time. That's awesome. Okay, then I will call for a vote on this. All in favor, please say I. I. I. I. I. I. Opposed. Passes 5. Thanks, Jesse. Thanks, Jesse.

All right. Commission inquiries and comments. David, we'll start with you. I really don't have anything. Um, I just really appreciate coming in budget like that's awesome. Appreciate everything going out there. I know there's a couple veteran organizations might be coming and knocking on their door hand but uh awesome.

Uh I just want to congratulate all the graduates this weekend and I might even cry for a little bit. Um it's going to be a weekend and I really ask all of our kids give a lot of grace to our restaurants to our stores. We have three schools graduating and every grand in town so it'll be crowded but it'll be a fun weekend for everybody. Mayor I want to congratulate you on on big achievement of uh getting your master's degree. That's a lot going on in the world have four terrific children. Lots of things going on in your life and being able to accomplish that. I'm really proud of you. Thank you so much. I appreciate that.

Kind of what Sandy said, congratulate all the graduates. Um Mason, I don't know how you're going to get all your letters on a business card soon. I I said it's going to look like a scrabble board. So, and Elena, congratulations to you. I know how special time that is. So, it's uh yeah, like um Commissioner Jacob said, please give the people grace in this town. It is it's going to be a fun, busy town. And um if you're local, I would suggest stay home and eat because it's going to be crazy, but it'll be a good weekend. So um yeah, wish everybody the best of luck this weekend. Thank you,

Elena. It's going to sound like a repeat, but I also want to say congratulations to all the graduates. Um you know, uh Fort Hayes Tech started theirs today and I know I was out eating lunch today and already saw tons of families in town. Um, so yeah, busy busy times and lots of traffic in town, which is great, too. So, be kind to each other. Um, one little thing I want to highlight that just I honestly don't get on social media first thing in the morning, but I was on pretty early today and I happened to see a um influencer that randomly posted about being in Hayes.

No, it wasn't you. Um, they're not local. It said they were from Colorado, but they stopped in Hayes recently and spent, I believe, just one night based on their post. Um, but it was really interesting to hear them highlight how they utilized walking from where they stayed to get through the community, the different restaurants that they stopped in. Um, and they happened upon an event that was at the Sip and Spin. So, it was just really nice to hear a random traveler stop and highlight our community on social media. So that's all I got.

Yeah, I wanted to share something, too. It's it's not very often that we get um positive emails, but when we do, it's it's it's something else. We I got an email from a couple that was making their way cross country um heading back to California where they're from, and they sent a wonderful email saying how um how great our city was. It was so clean. Everyone was so nice to them. Um He ate at some local establishments and the food was amazing. Um they were able to do what they needed to do and had a great time and they said they're going to be stopping on their way back every single time now. Um so I mean it's kudos to our people for allowing that to happen. Um yeah and again congratulations to all the graduates um on everything you do. It's it's not yet something that happens every year,

but it it's the next step in everyone's journey on what they want to become. One of the cool anecdotes I'll share share was uh TMP actually posted a video, I think it was this morning or yesterday, um highlighting the seniors on where they're going uh for college. Uh and I think I only saw one of them, if I remember correctly, that was going to KU. Uh there's a couple I think they said were taking a gap year. The rest of them were going to Fort Hayes or Fort Hayes Tech. Um that's awesome. Um they see the benefit of an amazing educational institution that we have here in town. Um the value it adds and hopefully the community that surrounds them and takes them on as they become college kids. Scary sometimes. Um yeah. So, thank you very much for everybody. Congratulations to the graduates. And yes, please give grace to those who are working retail and food service. They're going to need your prayers. Villager at 439.