All right, the June 15th, 2026 City of Andaya Council meeting is now called to order.

We'll begin with a moment of reflection, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

All right, please stand for the pledge.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the Republic for which it stands.

All right.

Council, you've had an opportunity to review the study session session meeting minutes of March 16th along with the council meeting minutes of March 16th.

Are there any comments or corrections?

Being none, they stand approved.

And that brings us to communications petitions and awards.

We have uh two proclamations here, we're gonna do.

We're gonna start uh tonight with uh pollinator week, which will be June 22nd through 28th.

So if Mr.

Tuttle and they could join me here at the podium, which ones do I need on it, Bernard Sharko?

I know.

Time flocks.

All right, again, thanks for coming.

And this on the done this multiple times, so we're gonna do it again, all right?

All right, whereas pollinators pollinators such as thousands of species of bees are essential partners in producing much of our food supply today.

Whereas pollinators provide significant environmental benefits that are necessary for maintaining healthy, diverse ecosystems in towns and cities, and whereas pollination plays a vital role for the trees and the plants of our community, enhancing our quality of life and creating a recreational and economic development opportunities.

And whereas, efforts to protect and enhance pollinator habits through planning of native vegetation, reducing pesticide use, and educating the public are essential in reversing pollinator decline.

And whereas for decades, the city of Vandalia has managed urban landscapes and public lands that include many municipalities, parks, greenways, as well as wildlife habitats.

And whereas, the City of Andalia provides recommendations to developers and residents regarding landscaping to promote wise conservation stewardship, including the protection of pollinators and maintenance of their habitats in urban and suburban environments.

Now, therefore, I, Richard Herbst, by the authority vested in me as the mayor of the City of Andaya do hereby proclaim June 22nd as pollinator week here in the City of Andalia.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

We got a nice clock here.

On behalf of the Historical Society of Vandalia Butler, I'd like to thank the City of Vandia, especially uh Rudy Wells and the park for really promoting a great pollinator habitat in throughout the city of Vandalia.

Uh also appreciate the fact that you have a link to our website off your homepage.

It would help uh hopefully or good attraction for the city of Vandalia.

Thanks again.

Thank you.

All right.

All right, next we have a proclamation for Sister Cities.

Mr.

Sucre and the whole crew can come up.

President Sucre.

Here's the picture.

Oh that one.

That one, yeah.

All right.

Okay.

Whereas the sister cities of Vandalia program was established in 1975 as part of Sister Cities International Initiative created to promote peace, friendship, and understanding through the culture and citizen exchange.

And whereas, under the leadership and vision of Mayor Walter Lakin, the program was formed to strengthen community and unique unity and encourage international understanding through meaningful relationships between people and communities.

And whereas Vandalia's first sister city partnership was established with the Lichenfelds, Germany in 1975, and in 1993, the city welcomed Prestwick, Scotland, creating a unique, lasting three-city international relationship.

And whereas, for 50 years, Vandalia Sister Cities has fostered goodwill and understanding through biennial exchanges, host family experiences for youth participation, cultural programs, and longstanding friendships among residents of Vandalia, Lichenfelds, and Prestwick.

And whereas the organization has also enriched the Vandalia community through educational opportunities, scholarships for local students, and events such as the Vandalia Octoberfest, which support international exchanges, community initiatives, and charitable causes.

And whereas Vandalia Sister Cities help broaden global awareness while also bringing local residents together in spirit of service, hospitality, and community pride.

And whereas the 50th anniversary of the Vandalia Sister Cities is a meaningful opportunity to recognize organizational's lasting contribution to cultural understanding, education enrichment, and strengthening both international and local community ties.

Now, therefore, I, Richard Herps as the mayor of the City of Vandalia, do hereby recognize and honor Vandalia Sister Cities on the occasion of its 50th anniversary and encourage all residents to join in celebration organizations' many contributions to the City of Vandalia and its enduring commitment to the friendships, cultural exchange, and international understanding.

Got that out present that to you.

We wouldn't be here 50 years later if it wasn't for the vision of uh our uh founding members as well as uh of the city.

Um also like to thank all the city officials that participated in the visit two weeks ago.

We had 13 members here from Germany uh from our sister city Lichenfels, and uh they were very grateful for uh rolling out the red carpet and the uh treatment that they received while they were here.

Uh last plug, our major fundraiser that we have is obviously obviously Oktoberfest, the uh weekend after Labor Day, and that goes to support all of our uh scholarship programs, our CTC uh scholarship programs and all the uh the um the money that we give back to our youth and uh sports programs.

So thank you very much.

Thank you for including me at all here.

I appreciate it.

Thanks.

All right, thanks.

Excuse me.