A short Hays city commission meeting Thursday night began with recognition of outgoing commissioners and reorganization of the governing board following the swearing-in of the three newly elected commissioners.
Eber Phelps and Henry Schwaller, IV, who was unable to attend the meeting, served a combined 29 years as city commissioners noted Shaun Musil, mayor.
"Seven years ago I was in awe watching you guys," Musil said to Phelps. "It was very neat to serve with you guys. I feel like I learned a lot and I just appreciate what you've done for our city."
Schwaller will be invited to an upcoming commission meeting for a short ceremony thanking him for his service.
City Clerk Brenda Kitchen then swore into office Michael Berges, Mason Ruder and incumbent Ron Mellick. The commission was reorganized with Musil chosen as mayor and Sandy Jacobs as vice-mayor.
“I think our community wants new people up here," Musil acknowledged.
"I think the election showed that and I’m excited to serve with the new people up here. At the same time, the people I’ve served with the last seven years, they’ve got our community in great shape and it’s our job, I think, to do hopefully even better.”
Musil also credited city staff and advised the new commissioners to "lean on them. They make us look good."
Many family members of the commissioners were in the audience to watch the swearing-in ceremony.
Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution setting a February 13 public hearing for the establishment of a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District requested by D&J Land Development LLC. The group plans to build a travel plaza just north of the Interstate 70 Exit 157 in west Hays.
