ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
The Liberal City Commission will look to have a rather easy 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.
Up first for the commission will be a presentation from Eli Svaty from Seward County Development Corporation, and he will be giving an overview of economic development progress for the first quarter of 2025.
Up next for the commission will be discussion of Resolution No. 2433 concerning the abatement of vehicle nuisances in Liberal.
“The attached Resolution No. 2433 is for the abatement of junked vehicles in various locations throughout the City of Liberal,” the agenda information noted. “All owners of the vehicles or property owners of where the vehicles are located have been notified of the violations of the city code, and the 10-day period for abatement, as required by our city ordinance, has elapsed. Staff requests the commission approve Resolution No. 2433 for the abatement of certain vehicle nuisances in the City of Liberal.”
Also up for discussion will be a request for the purchase of a mower for the Streets Department.
“The Streets Department is requesting the purchase of a 15' mower. The current mower is 15 years old and in need of constant attention,” the agenda information noted. “This was a 2025 budget item, initially from the General Fund, but after consultation with finance, the decision was made to take the expense from 1-cent Sales Tax Streets, Drainage, and Other Capital Improvements portion, as several capital expenses utilized by the Streets Department have been budgeted to this fund in the past. Only one quote was obtained due to the limited local carriers of Rhino mowers. All of our current 15' mowers are Rhino brand, so most parts are interchangeable. Staff requests consideration to approve the Keating Tractor bid in an amount not to exceed $20,000 to be funded from the 1-cent Sales Tax Streets, Drainage, and Other Capital Improvements portion.”
To conclude the meeting’s new business, the commission will be discussing the Adoption of Mission, Vision and Values Statements for the City of Liberal.
“In an effort to better communicate the overarching direction of the City of Liberal, the administrative team has redrafted our Mission, Vision, and Values statements to reflect current strategic goals and community sentiments,” the agenda information noted. “These statements serve to align leadership priorities, guide staff conduct, and steer our community towards a clear vision for the future. Our existing Mission, Vision, and Values statements date back to the mid-2000s. The new Mission, Vision, and Values statements being proposed were carefully crafted to simplify our message, preserve long- standing verbiage, and incorporate new ideas generated from community engagement activities used to create the Launch Liberal 2035 comprehensive plan. Staff recommend the adoption of the new Mission, Vision, and Values statements as presented.”
If approved, the new Mission Statement will read “To provide an exceptional quality of life for residents by nurturing a healthy economy full of opportunities; creating safe and connected neighborhoods; and embracing our diversity to foster a positive and welcoming community culture,” and the new Vision Statement will read “Liberal is a socially and physically connected community full of opportunities for all residents to prosper and enjoy generous quality of life resources. We are known for our welcoming mindset and work hard to achieve our community goals through innovative thinking and involvement from our residents. Liberal is an attractive and safe community where residents choose to live, work, play, and grow.”
If approved, the new Values will be Community collaboration and engagement; Integrity and transparency in decision-making; Adaptability towards changing needs; Fiscal responsibility and efficient operations; Respect for diverse perspectives; and Professionalism and service excellence.
