By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Another positive review with no significant deficiencies was the outcome of the City of Hays' 2024 audit by Adams Brown, Hays, presented during Thursday's city commission meeting.
"I owe gratitude to the city clerk and finance staff because they dot the i's and cross the t's to make sure we get a report like this," said Kim Rupp, finance director.
Auditors tested the airport improvement program, which they noted had several minor deficiencies in FAA grant paperwork not being turned in on time.
Rupp noted that Hays Regional Airport is currently involved in seven FAA grant programs.
"I love the fact that you picked on the place that had the most going on and it still came out that clean," said Reese Barrick, commissioner.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP ADVISORY BOARD
The Youth Leadership Advisory Board presented an update of its current projects.
"Our goal and what we're here to do is to promote and encourage community development, involvement, and other participation with young leaders within Hays," said Isabelle Jones, chairwoman and Hays High School senior.
Jones talked about the mock election and voting initiative the group organized for Hays Middle School eighth graders last fall. The first year it was held for junior high students at Thomas More Prep-Marian.
City, county, and state elected officials were on hand along with Hays USD 489 school board members to introduce the students to the workings of local government. They were joined by American Democracy Project representatives from Fort Hays State University.
"We also wanted them to become familiar with voting as they get to voting age because low voter turnout is an issue in our town and across the nation," Jones said.
Erin Ruder, also a Hays High student, told commissioners about her mental health initiative and bullying which she premiered at a TMP-Marian school assembly in February. Special guests included Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun and Kaley Conner of High Plains Mental Health Center. Ruder plans to take the program to Hays High later this month.
Preston Mermis, TMP, talked about his dream project that came to fruition after a year and a half.
The new Explorer Post 1893 in cooperation with the Hays Fire Department has had six training events with five members. Recruitment for new participants is open.
"It's been a great initiative and the fire department seems to enjoy it," Mermis told commissioners.
"Having met with EMS and the Kansas Forest Service, they seem to enjoy it as well, and we hope to see good things come from this."
"These aren't small projects," said Vice-Mayor Mason Ruder, brother of Erin Ruder. "I know, Preston, you especially, had to go through a lot of legal boundaries."
Commissioner Alaina Cunninga
"You guys have all picked programs that are needed and we'll be able to grow," said Alaina Cunningham, commissioner.
Mermis, Ruder, and Brull have all been appointed to serve again on the advisory board for 2025-26.
Joining them will be Reghan Byer, TMP-Marian and Hays High students Mario Hernandez, Jr., Elizabeth Nickell, and Eliana Pineda.
The students' applications were vetted by the current advisory board members and approved by city commissioners.
Other mayoral appointments approved were Hays Public Library Board members Michelle Bryant and Mary Toepfer, and Al Klaus, Hays Housing Authority.
City commissioner Shaun Musil was absent from the meeting.