ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
The Liberal City Commission will have a full meeting on its hands 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.
Up first on the agenda will be the commission revisiting changes to the fireworks ordinance.
“The ordinance was first presented at the Feb. 10 work session and subsequently at the Feb. 24 regular meeting. The revisions requested by the commission have been incorporated. Specifically, changes have been made to discharge dates and hours, as well as to sale dates and hours,” the agenda information noted. “Staff recommends the commission adopt Ordinance 4643, amending Chapter 7, Article 7 of the city code relating to fireworks.”
Up next will be discussion of the city’s Standard Traffic Ordinance (STO) and then the Uniform Public Offense Code (UPOC). The commission will also be asked to give permission to apply for multiple grants.
“The City of Liberal is eligible to apply for the 2026 Kansas Commerce SIGNS Grant, which would support updated signage for three downtown businesses, and staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 2449, allowing the mayor, city manager, and grant administrator to execute grant documents,” the agenda information noted. “The City of Liberal is also eligible to apply for the HUGS Grant through Southern Pioneer Electric, which would help support our Municipal Treatment Court Program, and staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 2450, allowing the mayor, city manager, and grant administrator to execute grant documents. The City is also eligible to apply for a Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant, which would also support our Municipal Treatment Court operational expenses, and staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 2451, allowing the mayor, city manager, and grant administrator to execute grant documents. The City is also eligible to apply for the 2026 Pedigree Foundation Grant, which would support our local Animal Shelter Programs, and staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 2452, allowing the mayor, city manager, and grant administrator to execute grant documents.”
The commission will also be asked to approve Tara Logan’s appointment to the Arkalon Board, and the meeting’s new business will conclude with discussion of a Memorandum of Agreement regarding a natatorium project.
“For nearly two years, city staff have been working alongside USD 480 and Seward County Community College to produce a solution for the aging pool on the college campus,” the agenda information noted. “The overwhelming message from our residents and surrounding communities is for all three taxing entities to work together for the purpose of delivering a quality indoor space equipped with a competition-size lap pool, locker rooms, and concessions. Our goal is to maximize the use of our 1-cent Sales Tax dollars and contribute a cash investment in this project, while still addressing the issues with our existing Adventure Bay Water Park. The Memorandum represents our commitment to work together, in a mutually beneficial agreement, to pool resources and provide a fiscally responsible solution to this need in our community. City staff requests commission consideration to approve the attached Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Liberal, Seward County Community College and USD 480. This is a non-binding memorandum, with a more definitive agreement and terms to follow.”