ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
Liberal’s city logo could see an upgrade after the Liberal City Commission’s next meeting this evening starting at 5:30. Tonight’s meeting will be in the commission chambers in the Liberal Recreation Center at 950 S. Grant Ave.
One of the last items of new business on the commission’s agenda will be the adoption of a new city logo, which has been in the works for a while.
“The current City of Liberal logo graphic has been in place since 2009 and has received only a slight modification to incorporate the new slogan approved in May 2024,” the agenda information noted. “Efforts were made in early 2023 to engage the community in a logo redesign contest which did not yield a standout design with practical applications for use. As staff have introduced new branding standards to enhance Liberal’s professional appearance and perception, it has become clear that continued use of the current logo hinders the ability to create cohesive and visually appealing new content. A new concept incorporating the shape of Liberal’s historic railroad depot building was developed by staff at no added cost to the city. The design has been mocked up to test its flexible application across a variety of uses – including digital, print, display signage, embroidered apparel, and other physical spaces. Introduction of a new logo would occur in stages, with many changes carrying little to no cost of transition. Using existing print supplies, branding vehicles only when rotated from the fleet, and using current staff uniforms until their regularly scheduled reorder timeframes are all strategies which will keep transition costs low. High-cost transitions, such as building and public space signage, will be replaced as needed. Many current destination signs – parks, cemetery, visitor info center, etc. – are well beyond their useful life (15+ years) and in need of an update. Replacement costs for signage can be reduced by reskinning existing fixtures. Staff recommends the adoption of the new City of Liberal logo as presented to be incorporated into branding projects.”
The commission will begin the meeting by hearing an update from the Treatment Court staff and will also discuss the Mid-America Air Museum Foundation's desire to address and rehab the hangar on that property.
Also on the commission’s agenda will be discussion of Resolution No. 2435 concerning the abatement of fire-damaged property at Airport Industrial Park.
“The property located on Lots 1–3, Block 22 of the Airport Industrial Park is owned by the City of Liberal and has been leased to Alfredo Zapien. All structures and vehicles on the site are the personal property of Mr. Zapien,” the agenda information noted. “On Dec. 4, 2024, a fire occurred on the leased property. Certified Building Official Keith Bridenstine responded that evening and determined the structure was uninhabitable due to the extent of the damage. The following morning, building inspectors and Code Enforcement officers arrived on site to photograph the scene and secure the area to ensure public safety. In the months following the fire, building inspectors remained in regular contact with Mr. Zapien, informing him of his responsibility to demolish the damaged structure. Mr. Zapien stated his insurance provider had advised him not to proceed with demolition. During this time, city staff had several discussions with Mr. Zapien regarding the necessary next steps. After approximately two months without any further communication from the property owner, the City moved forward with the demolition process. A certified letter was mailed to Mr. Zapien, and a copy was posted on the building, in accordance with legal requirements. The certified letter was returned to the City unopened approximately 25 days after it was sent. Three bids were received for the abatement of the property. One bid was disqualified for failing to meet the required parameters. The resolution authorizes the removal of all items located within the fenced area of the leased parcel, including structures, vehicles, and concrete. Once the property is cleared, it will be suitable for lease to a new tenant. Mr. Zapien will be billed for the full cost of the abatement and cleanup related to violations on the property.”
The commission will also hear a request from the Liberal Fire Department regarding the purchase of new handheld radios and then asked to approve the new Community Event Guide.
“City staff has created a Community Event Guide and Community Event Application process in order to help event organizers plan successful events hosted in city-owned spaces (parks, streets, and other public grounds),” the agenda information noted. “The guide presents a comprehensive collection of information about a variety of details planners need to know, including policies, permit procedures, and helpful local and state contacts. Links to various resources are included throughout the document for ease of use. Organizers are asked to submit an application with event details at least 45 days prior to hosting a large community event on city-owned property. Applicants are required to carry a certificate of liability insurance, provide a general site map, and attach copies of any applicable support documents, including licenses, permits, and other details as requested. Once an application is received, city staff will review the request and, if approved, issue an approval letter. Information provided in the event application will inform the appropriate city personnel to coordinate resources to help support a successful event in accordance with our policies. The event guide and application will be hosted on the www.cityofliberal.org Web site.”
To conclude the meeting’s new business, the commission will discuss airport land surveys.
“City staff are recommending that we move forward and survey all the vacant lots we intend to sell in the future,” the agenda information noted. “This will allow us to expedite the process for future land sales, and we will know the precise location of each property when individuals or companies are interested in these locations. Staff estimate the cost of each survey will be between $2,000 and $3,000, depending on the actual size of the property. We already require the potential buyer to pay for the survey at the time of purchase, so we will be reimbursed for each survey when the property sells. The cost of the surveys would be taken from the Economic Development portion of the 1-Cent Sales Tax. We are looking at approximately 20 to 25 properties. Staff requests the commission’s consideration to approve the survey process of all surplus properties within the Airport Industrial Park for an amount not to exceed $75,000. Funding will come from the Economic Development portion of the 1-Cent Sales Tax.”
