ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
The Liberal City Commission will have a full agenda to tackle before the Thanksgiving holiday 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 discussing Resolution 2445 concerning adopting the 2026 Fee Schedule, the commission will then be asked to approve Resolution No. 2446 concerning the authorization to accept Build Kansas funds.
“The Kansas Infrastructure Hub provides Build Kansas Funds to eligible entities applying for infrastructure- related grant projects in Kansas. These funds were established with the intent of leveraging federal funds by serving as a local match for applicants,” the agenda information noted. “In September 2024, the City of Liberal received a Notice of Intent from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub to support the match requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) program grant pending a successful federal award application. The notice pledged $305,000 in reimbursement match funds, which constitutes 14.9 percent of the total project cost. The City of Liberal was awarded the Railroad Crossing Elimination grant in January 2025, and received federal agreement paperwork this month. In order to move forward with matching fund distribution from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub under the Treasurer of the State of Kansas, a resolution to accept the Build Kansas Funds is required. Staff recommends approval of authorizing acceptance of Build Kansas Funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and allowing the mayor, city manager, and grant administrator to execute the grant documents.”
The commission will also be asked to approve a purchase for the CityBus program.
“Liberal City Bus has received approval for the 2026 KDOT Grant, which includes the purchase of one new cutaway bus. KDOT will reimburse 80 percent ($115,634) of the total $144,542 per the attached pre-order, leaving the local 20 percent share at $28,908. We are requesting an amount not to exceed $145,000,” the agenda information noted. “We are replacing Bus 218, a 2018 Ford E-450 Cutaway Bus with over 180,000 miles and maintenance costs of $5,238 in 2024 and $8,181 in 2025. KDOT's budgetary year begins in July, so we are currently working in their 2026 grant year, while still being in the City's 2025 fiscal year. During COVID, bus production fell behind, so we are now catching up with our orders. Funds will be encumbered on the City's budget for 2025, with delivery most likely in 2026. Staff recommends approval from the Liberal City Commission to purchase a new Cutaway Bus, which has been approved in the 2026 KDOT Grant. Funding will come from the Economic Development/Public Transportation portion of the 1-cent sales tax, with 80 percent being reimbursed through the state as a capital expense.”
The commission will also be discussing the city’s crack seal project as well as a subsurface investigation of Adventure Bay Water Park.
“Staff is requesting approval to hire GPRS – Ground Penetrating Radar Systems – to conduct a subsurface investigation of the City Pool and the surrounding deck area. This analysis will determine whether any voids, subsidence, or structural concerns exist below the concrete or pool shell,” the agenda information noted. “Over time, pools and the surrounding deck structures are subject to soil erosion, water migration, plumbing leaks, and natural settling. If these issues occur out of sight beneath the surface, they can create voids – empty gaps below the concrete or pool structure. GPRS is a nationally recognized leader in ground penetrating radar, concrete scanning, and subsurface mapping. They specialize in non-invasive imaging techniques that allow us to see what is happening underground without excavation or damage to the facility. GPRS uses advanced radar equipment that sends signals into the ground or concrete. These signals reflect back and create a detailed image of what lies below the surface. In order to protect the community, manage public funds responsibly, and safeguard the long-term viability of the pool facility, staff strongly recommends the Liberal City Commission approve the hiring of GPRS to perform a subsurface void analysis of the pool and the surrounding deck area for an amount not to exceed $14,500. This proactive step ensures accurate, scientific data guiding any future repairs or improvements, and it demonstrates our commitment to safety, transparency, and responsible stewardship of city resources.”
The commission will also be discussing upgrading the server for the city’s CAD Mapping, Records Management System, and Jail Management System.
“The project has come across some unanticipated issues that will potentially cause us to not complete the work in the current budgetary year.
The Communications Department would like to request the money be encumbered in the amount of $145,910.20. There was a contract price adjustment to remove an item that was not needed; however, it is probably best to request the full amount be approved in the event of unforeseen circumstances,” the agenda information noted. “Staff have learned there will need to be a server license purchased. By leaving the $5,541.37, those funds can be put toward the licensing cost of this project. Staff is recommending consideration to approve the server upgrade and encumber the amount of $145,910.20 before year-end. This purchase will be funded from the Communications portion of the city's 2025 budget.”
To conclude the meeting’s new business, the commission will hear about a General Warranty Deed for a city dog park.
“USD 480 previously completed ownership transfers of adjacent vacant lots to the west of the former South Middle School at the time we acquired the facility. One lot of 160'X200' was inadvertently omitted from the other properties transferred,” the agenda information noted. “USD 480 has provided a General Warranty Deed which transfers lot ownership to the City of Liberal. The subject lot borders the north side of McCray Park and is located on the site of the city's new dog park planned for 2026. It is recommended the commission approves the ownership transfer of the vacant lot.”
