ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
The Liberal City Commission will keep busy at its next meeting this evening 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 on recent economic development projects happening within the city and county, the commission will then be discussing a streets and infrastructure project for the Doll Housing Addition and be asked to approve a contract and change order with French Construction.
“On June 24, the Liberal City Commission voted in favor of awarding the bid for the Doll Housing Addition to French Construction in the amount of $1,439,755. After a full engineering review, city staff is now ready to move forward with the approval of the attached contract. Staff is requesting the commission’s consideration to approve the attached contract with French Construction in the amount of $1,439,755, with funding coming from the Streets, Drainage, and Capital Improvements portion of the 1-cent sales tax,” the agenda information noted. “Upon further review with engineers and construction professionals, city staff is presenting the attached change order for the Doll Addition housing project, which includes additional excavation of holding ponds, earthwork fill, curb inlets, pipes, fire hydrants, pond seeding, tree removals, and concrete flumes. The total amount of the change order with French Construction is $133,839.52. This will bring the total project cost to $1,573,594.52. Staff is requesting the commission’s consideration to approve the attached change order with French Construction in the amount of $133,839.52, with funding coming from the Streets, Drainage, and Capital Improvements portion of the 1-cent sales tax.”
Up next for discussion will be Resolution No. 2447 concerning the adoption of the Kansas Homeland Security Region D Hazard Mitigation Plan.
“In 2009, the City of Liberal opted to participate in the Seward County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan,” the agenda information noted. “The plan was developed with the assistance of consultants and was funded by a grant administered through Seward County Emergency Management. City Staff participated in the development process and provided input via questionnaires, public meetings, and review of the plan at various stages. Local jurisdictions participating in the plan included: City of Liberal, City of Kismet, Seward County, Seward County Community College, USD 480 and USD 483. The City of Liberal formally adopted the original plan by Resolution No. 2088 in June 2010. The Hazard Mitigation Plan is a living document that requires regular review and revision. Now titled the Kansas Homeland Security Region D Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, the latest revision was published for adoption in March 2025. Various designated members of city staff participated in the review process for this version of the plan. We are now asking for consideration to adopt the revised 2025 plan. Adoption of the plan demonstrates the city’s commitment and authorizes responsible agencies to carry out their responsibilities under the plan. Additionally, it will serve as a component required when seeking federal and state funding for any local mitigation projects. Adoption is also required as a condition of funding for FEMA pre- and post-disaster grant programs. Staff requests the commission’s consideration to approve Resolution No. 2447 for the adoption of the Kansas Homeland Security Region D Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.”
Up next for the commission will be discussion of updates to the 2025 housing programs and discussion of guidelines for the 2026 Façade Grant.
The commission will also be asked to approve a change order for the CityBus facility project.
“On Dec. 11, Gary Geist from Earles Engineering provided the city with a proof roll inspection report. It was concluded after work performed by Stoppel Dirt that a 150' x 60' area where a storage building was previously located did not pass the proof roll,” the agenda information noted. “This building had been previously demoed, removed, and hauled off. After the proof roll, Stoppel Dirt excavated this area down until they hit more stable material. The proof roll that followed then passed the inspection. Because this material is considered unstable, it should not be used under anything structural. It appears as if water over the last several years had penetrated under the existing building and was not able to evaporate or dry out. Other than a second area of concern based on visual inspection only, the remaining area that was proof rolled appeared to be very well-compacted with no soft spots, ruts, or indents. As a result of this finding, City Staff is presenting a Potential Change Order in the amount of $13,090 that will address the issue. Funding will come from the Economic Development portion of the 1-cent sales tax. Staff recommends the approval of the change order as presented by Seaton Construction in the amount of $13,090, with funding coming from the Economic Development portion of the 1-cent sales tax.”
The commission will conclude the meeting with discussion of utility billing waivers for Stepping Stone Shelter.
“On June 24, the Liberal City Commission formalized their approval of utility billing waivers for Stepping Stone Shelter from the start of the city’s involvement in September 2023 through the end of May 2025 per external audit recommendation,” the agenda information noted. “In order to stay consistent through year-end, we are bringing the final total from June to December 2025 for official approval in the amount of $2,079.98. Staff requests consideration to approve the utility billing waivers for Stepping Stone Shelter in the amount of $2,079.98.”
