ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
The City of Liberal is always working to bring new economic development to the community, and the Liberal City Commission will be hearing an update on some of those efforts at its next meeting this evening starting at 5:30. This evening’s meeting will be in the commission chambers at the Liberal Recreation Center at 950 S. Grant Ave.
After hearing an update from representatives from Watkins Public Strategies, the commission will then discuss the renewal of the consulting agreement.
“The City of Liberal entered into an agreement for lobbyist consulting services with Watkins Public Strategies (WPS) in August 2023. Since then, WPS has worked diligently with staff to advocate for Liberal's interests at the state and federal levels,” the agenda information noted. “The proposed agreement is a renewal to continue services WPS has provided for the city, including direct lobbying for Liberal's policy goals and initiatives; preparing written/oral testimony and coaching city leadership to present live committee testimony; connecting city leaders with important legislative and government agency contacts; training in advocacy and legislator engagement; real-time monitoring and prompt reporting of committee hearing discussions, proposed legislation, and policy updates; connecting city staff with appropriate state and federal funding opportunities to assist with key projects; and public relations and community outreach assistance. There is no cost increase proposed for this agreement renewal. Staff recommends approval of the lobbyist consulting services agreement with Watkins Public Strategies as presented to be funded through the Economic Development portion of the 1-cent Sales Tax.”
Up next for the commission will be discussion of the 2026 Federal Funds Exchange.
“The City of Liberal participates in the Federal Funds Exchange Program through an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT),” the agenda information noted. “This program enables us to trade all or a portion of federal fund allocations with KDOT in exchange for state transportation dollars on an annual basis for certain road maintenance and construction expenses. The current reimbursement rate is 90 percent. We currently have a ‘Federal Funds to Be Exchanged’ balance of $286,266.22, which, at a 90 percent exchange rate, equates to $257,639.59 available for our use. Staff have identified and attached the invoice we wish to submit for reimbursement for 2026 chip sealing. Staff requests consideration to approve the submission of the attached Federal Funds Exchange reimbursement request, in the amount of $257,639.59.”
Up next for the commission will be discussion of the Western Ave. mill and overlay project proposal.
“The City of Liberal has listed the Western Avenue mill and overlay project as a high priority capital improvement item for 2027. The project will cover Western Avenue from 15th Street to the railroad tracks,” the agenda information noted. “J&R Constructors Group recently reached out to us with time availability in late August or early September, which would be prior to the finalization of the 2027 Budget. Construction will be limited to two lanes at a time (northbound or southbound) and delineated with cones. Reasonable access will be maintained for residents and businesses during construction. Trackless tack will be utilized to minimize off-tracking of tack by vehicles and equipment. KDOT Commercial Grade (Class A) approved asphalt will be used. J&R will retain millings for the project. Pavement marking will not be included. The time frame for completion will be a maximum of two weeks. J&R Constructors Group has a verbal agreement with Venture Corporation out of Great Bend to not bid on projects in each other's areas. For this reason, we would ask for the commission to waive the bidding requirement in the Financial Policies & Procedures Manual due to the only other competition in the area refusing to bid. We have requested a letter from Venture Corporation that supports this verbal agreement. City staff requests consideration to approve the Western Avenue. Mill & Overlay Project in an amount not to exceed $997,000, with funding coming from the Streets, Drainage, and Capital Improvements portion of the 1-cent Sales Tax. Both parties agree work will take place in 2026, with billing to follow in January 2027, when proper budget authority will be available. The commission waives the bidding requirement in the Financial Policies & Procedures Manual due to the only other competition in the area, Venture Corporation, refusing to bid per verbal agreement and requested letter.”
