ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
The Liberal City Commission will certainly be keeping busy at 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.
Up first for the commission will be discussion of Resolution No. 2417 concerning the solar project offering for sale of general obligation temporary notes.
“On Feb. 27, the City Commission voted unanimously to move forward with the solar energy project. In conjunction with both Gilmore & Bell and Ranson Financial Group, LLC, we have drafted a tentative financing schedule and resolution to move forward with plans to take out a General Obligation Temporary Note for a maximum of three years in order to cover construction costs and reimburse our 1-cent Sales Tax Fund 260 for the start-up funding,” the agenda information noted. “Once the IRS Direct Pay is received in 2025, we will pay down the Temporary Note and bond the remaining balance. Larry Kleeman with Ranson Financial Group, LLC is here to answer further questions regarding the financial planning of this project. Staff requests City Commission consideration to approve the resolution authorizing the offering for sale of General Obligation Temporary Notes, Series 2024.”
Up next for the commission will be discussion of Resolution No. 2418 concerning Rural Housing Incentive Districts for Larry Street and Hickory Street.
“Resolution No. 2418 is a resolution of the governing body of the City of Liberal determining that the city is considering establishing a Rural Housing Incentive District within the city and adopting a plan for the development of housing and public facilities in such proposed district; establishing the date and time of a public hearing on such matter, and providing for the giving of notice of such public hearing. (Larry Street and Hickory Street),” the agenda information noted. “Staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 2418, as presented, setting a Public Hearing for the establishment of the district and adoption of the development plan for Sept. 24, at 5:30 p.m.”
The commission will also hear an overview of the floodplain work performed by Benesch & Associates for the City of Liberal and then hear a request for some improvements to the Liberal Recreation Center gym.
“The Recreation Department is needing to do scoreboard improvements in the Recreation Center gym. The current scoreboards are having issues with running correctly, and the scoreboards are critical for the smooth operation of our events and activities, providing real-time updates and enhancing the experience for both the participants and the spectators,” the agenda information noted. “Unfortunately, the current scoreboards have become unreliable due to their age and frequent malfunctions. In light of these issues, staff is proposing to replace the current scoreboards with new, more reliable models. Investing in new scoreboards will not only ensure the accurate and timely display of scores, but also improve the overall professionalism and appeal of our events. Staff recommends going with Varsity Scoreboards to replace the current scoreboards for an amount not to exceed $8,750.00. Funds for the purchase of the two scoreboards would be taken from the Liberal Recreation facility donation fund.”
To conclude the meeting’s new business, the commission will also take on discussions regarding the Effluent Water Agreement, a Community Improvement District (CID), and the Community Health Fair set for Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Seward County Activity Center.
