The meeting will come to order.

Our guest chaplain is Bishop Frank Douglas of Beth Judah Ministries.

And thank you for your patience, sir, throughout this month.

Would all who are able, please stand for the invocation, remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sir Lord, today I humbly pray to you before this great witness of fellow citizens and elected officials and their expert staff to seek guidance from heaven above.

God of love, mercy, salvation, and peace.

Lord forgive me and Kansas City for our sins that are causing us to deal with the reflection of our disguised hatred and vitriol toward our neighbors.

Over the course of four weeks from our law enforcement's mishandling of a citizen in the Power and Light District to last week's vile animus display in the loss of life of our dear sister, Lisa Lopez Galvin, and senseless injury and harm and traumatic foreclosure to future leaders of our community, which are our youth.

Lord forgive us for parading intoxication and idolatry and rivalry, fits of anger and strife instead of a sober celebration of gratitude for the opportunity to compete and have triumph in the national sport of American football to our local team winning the Super Bowl.

Lord, you have given me and fellow Christian believers a mandate as we serve this great city to love one another.

As we go throughout this great city, let us do so with loving kindness that reflects you, Jesus.

Without a demonstration of your love, it is of the devil.

Please, Lord, help our mayor and council and most importantly, my fellow citizens respectfully hold our elected officials accountable for the allocation of tax dollars that do not respect brotherly love at the very least for all Kansas City families.

Finally, Lord, your holy word says, by this will all know we are disciples of your son Jesus, that we show heaven's love one towards another.

Amen.

Amen.

Which stands one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you, Message.

Clerk will call the roll.

O'Neill.

Here.

Willet.

President French.

Here.

Rogers.

Here.

Patterson Hasley.

Here.

Robinson.

Here.

Rhea.

Here.

Bunch.

Here.

Here.

Parkshaw.

Here.

Boo.

Here.

Here.

Here.

Members present.

Well, Clerk, please call special actions joined.

240204, declaring November December 5th, 2023 to December 4th, 2024, as a Kansas City Public Library's 150th anniversary year.

Pete Brown and others are present to receive the special action.

Brown on every board.

Here it is.

Oh my gosh.

I can't think that.

Sorry.

Councilwoman Robinson.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Today we are here on a momentous occasion recognizing the Kansas City Library, a beacon of knowledge and community enrichment, was established on December the 5th, 1873, and has served for 150 years as a testament to the city's commitment to education, literacy, and intellectual freedom.

The founding visionaries and supporters of the Kansas City Library recognize the importance of fostering a space that transcends generations, providing a sanctuary for learning, exploration, and cultural engagement.

The Kansas City Public Library has not only been a source of intellectual growth, but has also embraced this role as a sanctuary for Kansas cities in times of distress, offering solace and support to those seeking refuge, assistance, and com and community during challenging circumstances.

The Kansas City Library, through its commitment to unrestricted access to information, has empowered citizens to make informed decisions, fostering and engaged and informed citizensry, particularly during times of adversity.

Libraries, including the Kansas City Public Library, have placed a crucial role in promoting inclusivity, understanding, and compassion, ensuring that the library remains a welcoming space for all members of the community.

And I, for one, love the library, as we all do.

The library has always been a place for me, especially as a kid.