All right.

Good evening.

I will now call this meeting to order.

Hello and good evening, everybody.

I will immediately turn it over to Councilwoman Ortiz, who will present the invocation.

Please stand if you are able.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Um, this evening I have my brother in Christ, uh Reverend John Williams, John Williams, whoever he answers to everything.

He's married.

Uh he's married to uh the beautiful Coruscant Williams, they make it work, and then they're they're perfect for each other.

I'll just say that.

So John is an associate pastor, elder of the New Beginning Baptist Church, husband to Corless, father to six, and grandfather to twelve.

Um has the honor of currently serving on the board of the Boys and Girls Club, Topeka Rescue Mission, and Top City Community Foundation, and member of the Heartland, Sertoma and Kappa, blah blah blah blah blah.

Um because I'll end up saying it wrong.

And he's also on the board of the Living the Dream.

Um so um I've known John for a long time.

He's mentored a lot of youth, a lot of youth, including my son, who is his little brother.

Um and so I I appreciate you, and I um I did tell one of my colleagues, they said I stole you, and I said you can't steal something that's yours, and you are mine.

So with that, have at it, brother.

Councilman Banks would make the different with that one.

But first of all, thank you for the invitation.

This is a high honor, and I'm grateful for the opportunity.

With that said, let us go and pray.

Heavenly Father, as I come before your presence in the name of Jesus, first of all, I just want to thank you for the gift and blessing of another day, a day that was not due to me, nor one that I deserve.

But because of your great love and grace and mercy, I was able to see it.

My prayer this evening is Father, as a city council and mayor and other government officials have gathered together to conduct the business of the city of Topeka.

I pray that you would uh guide their thoughts, govern their words, and grant them wisdom while they're making important decisions that's going to impact all of the citizens of this community.

I thank you and ask a special blessing for each one of them individually and bless the council and the all the those that are heads of departments of the city of Topeka, a special blessing and a speci uh special blessing on their respective families for their silent partners in this endeavor.

I ask this again in Christ's name.

Amen.

Oh leading to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.

With that, I'll ask the clerk to take roll.

Mayor Duncan.

Here.

Council members Hiller, here.

Valdivia Aquala.

Ortiz.

Here.

Thanks.

Here.

Kel?

Here.

Miller.

Bradbury.

Here.

And Helfer.

Here.

All right.

Open mic and we have eight present.

All right.

This evening we do have a proclamation.

This relates to young professionals day.

Whereas young Topekans are vital to shaping the economic strength, civic vitality, and cultural vibrancy of our city.

And whereas a young professional is defined as an individual between the ages of 18 and 40, representing almost 35% of Topeka's population, more than 27% of Kansas's population, and nearly one-third of the U.S.

population.

And whereas these young professionals fuel innovation, entrepreneurship, and public service, driving Kansas forward in emerging industries such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and technology.

And whereas in Topeka, Forge Young Talent engages in networking and mentorship, community development, and civic leadership, ensuring that the next generation is both empowered and equipped to meet the city's future challenges.

And whereas the recruitment, retention, and recognition of young professionals are essential to Topeka's long-term prosperity, population growth and competitiveness in the national economy.

Now, therefore, I, Spencer L.