Sarah Meitner of the Heartland Community Foundation introduced the Youth Action Councilpresentation for the "Bison on the Loose" public art project and asked the commission for permission to place painted fiberglass bison on select public properties in Hays and elsewhere in Ellis County.

Students Savannah Klingen, Oakley Wickers and Mariela Dreiling said the project aims to place up to 25 life‑size fiberglass bison (about 6.5 feet long by 5.5 feet at the hump) in Hays, Ellis and Victoria. “Our goal is to increase tourism, attract visitors, and make an interactive attraction around Ellis County areas,” Savannah Klingen said. The group said the plan calls for three in Ellis, two in Victoria and 20 in Hays, subject to funds raised and site permissions.

Meitner said the full production cost per bison — manufacturer, shipping, concrete base, mounting, paint, and a clear top coat — is priced at $5,000 per statue; the fundraising goal for 25 bison is $125,000. The students reported $120,000 in donations to date. Meitner said the project will set aside roughly $400 per statue in a Heartland Community Foundation fund for repairs and a second top coat in 7–10 years.

City staff described an approval process for public installations: donors or sponsors will coordinate with city staff, the parks director will advise on park siting and maintenance, and the project will use a short letter of acceptance or agreement handled by the city manager. Meitner said Hess Services is slated to perform installation and concrete anchoring.

Commissioner Verick moved to authorize the Bison on the Loose public art project to install statues on select city properties with terms and conditions determined by the city manager; Commissioner Musil seconded. The motion passed 5‑0.

Meitner and the student presenters said the project will work with Fort Hays State University art programs and local artists; designs will go through a jury process and the commission and city manager will review public‑space proposals.