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Hays City commission elects Mason Ruder mayor, approves commission rules
Summary
At its Jan. 8, 2026 meeting, the City of Hays commission elected Mason Ruder as mayor and Alaina Cunningham as vice-mayor, approved Resolution No. 2026-001 (City Commission Rules of Procedure), swore in newly elected commissioners and adjourned after a roughly 21‑minute session.
The City of Hays Governing Body met on Jan. 8, 2026, and completed its annual reorganization, electing Mason Ruder as mayor and Alaina Cunningham as vice‑mayor and approving Resolution No. 2026‑001, the City Commission Rules of Procedure. The meeting opened at 4:00 p.m. and was adjourned at 4:21 p.m.
City Clerk Jami Breit administered the oath of office to newly seated commissioners Shaun Musil, Sandy Jacobs and David Vilaysing. In the subsequent reorganization, Commissioner Alaina Cunningham moved that Commissioner Mason Ruder be elected mayor; Commissioner Shaun Musil seconded the motion. The commission voted unanimously in favor, with the minutes recording ayes from Mason Ruder, Alaina Cunningham, Shaun Musil, Sandy Jacobs and David Vilaysing.
Following his election, Mayor Ruder moved that Commissioner Alaina Cunningham be elected vice‑mayor; Commissioner David Vilaysing seconded. That motion also passed unanimously.
The commission approved the Consent Agenda, which included Resolution No. 2026‑001 (City Commission Rules of Procedure), on a motion by Commissioner Sandy Jacobs and a second recorded as coming from Vice‑Mayor Alaina Cunningham; the vote was unanimous.
Commissioner David Vilaysing told the commission he was "humbled to be chosen by the community" and encouraged residents to reach out so their voices are heard. Mayor Ruder said he hoped the community would "get along and get involved" and called for stewardship of the city.
There were no citizen comments. Commissioners also formally recognized Sandy Jacobs for her service as outgoing mayor. The meeting adjourned at 4:21 p.m.
Votes at a glance - Election of Mason Ruder as mayor: Motion "that Commissioner Ruder be elected to the position of Mayor for the City of Hays." Moved by Commissioner Alaina Cunningham; seconded by Commissioner Shaun Musil; recorded vote: Mason Ruder — yes; Alaina Cunningham — yes; Shaun Musil — yes; Sandy Jacobs — yes; David Vilaysing — yes. Outcome: approved. - Election of Alaina Cunningham as vice‑mayor: Motion "that Commissioner Cunningham be elected to the position of Vice‑Mayor for the City of Hays." Moved by Mayor Mason Ruder; seconded by Commissioner David Vilaysing; recorded vote: same ayes as above. Outcome: approved. - Approval of Resolution No. 2026‑001 (City Commission Rules of Procedure) on the Consent Agenda: Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Moved by Commissioner Sandy Jacobs; seconded by Vice‑Mayor Alaina Cunningham; recorded vote: same ayes as above. Outcome: approved.
The commission did not receive public comment and took no other formal actions during the meeting.
