ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
The Liberal City Commission should have an easy night of its 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.
After hearing an update from Benesch regarding the floodplain mapping project, the commission will then hear a request for roof work at the Recreation Center.
“Staff went out for bids on the gym roof replacement at the Recreation Center,” the agenda information noted. “Two bids were received from two qualified vendors: Diamond Roofing and DV Douglas, with Diamond Roofing being the lowest base bid of $173,000 and warranty of $968. Staff is recommending the commission’s approval of the bid from Diamond Roofing in the amount of $173,000 and warranty of $968.”
The commission will then be asked to approve a bid award for improvements to the Ortuño Addition before hearing a request for aircraft rescue and firefighting safety equipment.
“The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is recommending airports get away from testing firefighting foam and putting it on the ground. They have stated it is a cancer-causing agent, and they don't want it running into the ground,” the agenda information noted. “The airport was tasked back in 2023 with finding a company that had the equipment to buy that would satisfy what the FAA requirements would be. We went with NoFoam Systems. Their price was $23,687. The FAA has awarded the City with a grant for the amount of $30,000 for the system that is 100 percent reimbursable by the FAA. The FAA has signed the grant application and has sent it for the City's signature to purchase the system from NoFoam Systems. City staff recommends the commission allow the mayor or city manager and the city attorney to sign the agreement and send back to the FAA.”
The commission will also be discussing the city’s participation in the Federal Funds Exchange Program.
“The City of Liberal participates in the Federal Funds Exchange Program through our agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). This program enables us to trade all or a portion of our federal fund allocations with KDOT in exchange for state transportation dollars on an annual basis, for certain road maintenance and construction expenses,” the agenda information noted. “The current reimbursement rate is 90 percent. We currently have a balance of $274,287.50, which at a 90 percent exchange rate, equates to $246,858.75 available for our use. Staff has identified and attached one invoice we wish to submit for reimbursement for crack sealing and chip sealing. Staff requests commission consideration to approve the submission of the attached Federal Funds Exchange reimbursement request, in the amount of $246,858.75.”
The commission will also hear a request for the purchase of a new mower for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“The Wastewater Treatment Plant staff is seeking the purchase of a new mower to replace the existing mower which broke down and parts are no longer available or cost more than a new machine,” the agenda information noted. “Staff only received one quote from Keating Tractor in the amount of $13,200. The Wastewater Department staff recommends the purchase of one Hustler mower from Keating Tractor in the amount of $13,200, with payment to be made from account 520-4352-47041 New Equipment/Machinery.”
To conclude the meeting’s new business, the commission will be asked to approve the appointment of Ruben Cano to the Liberal Memorial Library Board for a four-year term.
