I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands my nation under God with liberty and justice for all right.

In accordance with section eighty-four fourteen twelve of the Nebraska revised statutes, a current copy of the open meetings act is available for review and is posted on the wall of the council chambers.

Peggy, please take roll.

Mayor Nicolas.

Here.

All right.

Uh to kick things off, uh, we would like to invite members of the ARC of Buffalo County up to the front for a presentation that recognizes October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

So uh for those who want to be part of it, yeah, just come stand behind the podium for a second, I'll read the proclamation.

And while they're coming up, I will say um I know Tammy said she's worked with Arc of Buffalo County before.

Uh I had an invite one time to come to the Disability Pride Day this summer, and it was free, and I was like, I'll just go see what it's all about.

And uh it was really fun to go to Harmon Park Activity Center and see just a room full of organizations and families.

It was really heartwarming and really exciting to see all the support.

Several city employees there from the parks department, so uh it was a really neat opportunity.

So okay.

Um I'm gonna read the proclamation and then if anyone wants to say a few words and then we'll do a photo with council.

Okay.

All right, whereas the City of Carney values all members of our community and recognizes the importance of an inclusive workforce that welcomes the skills and talents of people with disabilities.

And whereas October is observed nationally as disability employment awareness month, a time to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and to promote inclusive employment practices.

And whereas this year's national theme was access, equity, and inclusion, building better workplaces for all reflects the importance of ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities to prepare for and succeed in employment.

And whereas individuals with disabilities represent a vital and diverse segment of the workforce, bringing innovation, loyalty, and valuable perspectives that strengthen our businesses and community, and whereas the Ark of Buffalo County and local employers are committed to supporting inclusive hiring and helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn, live, work, and play where and how they choose.

Now therefore be it resolved that on behalf of the citizens of Carney, Nebraska, we hereby recognize October 2025 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, dated this day and signed by the City Council October 28, 2025.

So thank you for being here.

Should I speak in the same way?

Yeah, yeah, that would be great.

Uh we would like to recognize several of our employees who are members of the ARC as well and employers.

Uh we have representatives here from Doe Toew, from Apple Market, from High V.

From another person from High B.

Probably another person from high.

Is that everybody?

So yeah, we just appreciate the accommodations that can help people be successful because having a job is more than a paycheck.

It's a community and a sense of purpose.

And we thank our representatives here and those who are not able to be here for all of their support.

Thank you.

Yeah, fantastic.

All right, any council members?

Yeah, if not, we'll just take a phone.

Okay.

Almost forgot this.

No, I am not.

All right, so that's awesome.

I'm glad to have ARC here and for all the amazing things they do in the community and serving.

We're really grateful.

And for those employers as well.

And uh appreciate you guys.

Appreciate Chelsea naming off those folks in town that do some great work through employment.

All right, so next we're on to uh another big deal, and we're on a there's no unfinished business.

We're moving on to public hearing one, which pertains to the proposed acceptance of the donation of land from Yanni Heritage Park Foundation to the City of Kearney.

And uh, we're gonna start this off with a presentation from Yanni Heritage Park Foundation board.

So continue.

I think I'm leaving okay.

Good afternoon, everyone.

I'm Tammy Jackson, Yanni Heritage Park Foundation board president.

Presenting the park's deed to the city is kind of a big deal tonight.

So it's an honor to be here representing the Yannie Heritage Park Foundation as we celebrate a milestone moment in Kearney's story.

When this foundation was established in back in 1998, it began with a powerful vision to create a park that would bring people together, celebrate nature, and strengthen our community for generations to come.

I remember being at the Chamber of Commerce annual banquet in 1998 at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds, and hearing someone from Omaha, it was it was not Mike Yannie, but he was representing Mike and the Yanni family.

He was sharing how they plan to build this amazing park that would be the best park between Omaha and Denver.

That was 27 years ago, and I was young enough then to actually believe everything he said.

And in this case, it was accurate.

Many dedicated board members, volunteers, and community partners have carried that vision forward over the years, giving their time, energy, financial assistance, and hearts to make Yanni Heritage Park what it is today.