ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
The Liberal City Commission will have a rather busy evening ahead for its next meeting 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 a partnership with the Seward County Development Corporation and a resolution regarding vehicle abatements, the commission will move on to discussion of Resolution No. 2455 concerning the demolition of property at 110 S. Grant Ave.
“The City of Liberal has mowed this property for the past six years, during which time none of the mowing assessments have been paid,” the agenda information noted. “The structure has deteriorated significantly and is now in a dilapidated condition. Code Enforcement has responded multiple times to secure the property due to repeated unlawful entry and ongoing damage caused by squatters. The residence is in very poor condition, and water and other utilities have been disconnected for several years. Notices have been sent to the property owner. However, no corrective action has been taken to bring the property into compliance with City Code. Staff obtained two demolition quotes for the house and shed, including site cleanup and any necessary grading to level the property. The lowest bid, in the amount of $8,600, was submitted by ARC Spray Foam LLC. Staff recommends the Liberal City Commission adopt Resolution No. 2455, which will order the demolition of Original Town Liberal, Block 40, Lot 5-6, to the City of Liberal, Seward County, also known as 110 S. Grant Ave. Staff recommends the Liberal City Commission give immediate approval to condemn the property.”
Also seeking the commission’s approval is a Master Services Agreement with Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC).
“With current projects and future growth on the horizon, the City of Liberal is in need of a variety of civil engineering and related consulting services,” the agenda information noted. “The attached Master Services Agreement with Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) establishes the general legal and financial terms under which the City of Liberal may procure professional engineering services. The scope of services will include providing a professional, registered engineer on-site at City Hall for one business day, eight hours per month, for attendance at staff meetings and coordination with city staff on engineering or public works issues; providing a professional, registered engineer at regularly scheduled meetings of the Liberal City Commission, city planning meetings, and workshops upon request; providing routine advice on matters upon request pertaining to planning and engineering issues confronting the client; previewing proposed plats, drainage plans, utility plans, site plans, petitions and phase maps submitted to the client for conformance to city standards upon request; assisting with preparation of project estimates, including cost estimates for capital improvement projects upon request; being available by telephone (virtual) for consultation on matters not requiring extensive research for resolution; and accepting, via separate contract, all planning, engineering, and architectural projects, studies, and investigations that the client may undertake during the term of this contract. If PEC cannot accept the project due to staff limitations, PEC will advise the client in writing. A retainer fee of $7,600 per month for the first six months will be paid by the city, followed by $5,000 per month thereafter. Overall, city staff feel that securing an agreement and having a permanent engineering partner will allow for better planning and continuity as we manage existing properties and develop future projects.”
The Liberal Fire Department will also be on hand to request the purchase of a brush truck.
“Wildfire and grassland firefighting has always been a part of our response expectations & capabilities. Due to the nature of our staffing and apparatus, our capability has been somewhat limited but generally adequate for the number and types of grass fires we experience,” the agenda information noted. “We currently maintain two apparatus with “pump & roll” capability. Squad 5 & Truck 21 both have independent pumps and 200-gallon tanks that enable them to fight moving grass and vegetation fires. Both of these vehicles are limited in off-road capability and are best suited to the types of small grass fires we encounter in the city limits and the outskirts of town. The remainder of our fleet is designed for structural firefighting and must remain stationary and deploy hoses to the fire itself. In addition to our own increasing grass fire responses, we are more frequently called upon to provide mutual aid to Seward County and surrounding areas of Kansas and Oklahoma. Recent fires threatening Liberal and in the city limits have highlighted our limitations in responding to these incidents. For several years, our long-range planning has included the concept of adding a true wild land firefighting vehicle to our fleet. With the acquisition of the ladder truck and engine in the past few years, as well as the Enterprise Fleet program, we believe we are in a position to move forward with this goal. City staff recommends authorizing Liberal Fire Chief Kelly Kirk to enter into a contract with Hays Fire & Rescue Sales & Service for a 2026 Prairie Ranger Brush Truck in the amount of $238,780.”
To conclude the meeting, the commission will be discussing a bid for demolition work at Adventure Bay Water Park.
“Staff opened bids for the demolition of Adventure Bay Water Park April 13. Four bids were received and are included for review. Evaluation of the bids was based on compliance with the specified requirements, relevant experience, proposed project approach, and overall cost-effectiveness,” the agenda information noted. “Stoppel Dirt, LLC meets all requirements outlined in the bid documents and has demonstrated the capacity to complete the project safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established standards. The contractor will be required to begin work within the approved project window, no earlier than May 18, and no later than June 25. Once work has commenced, the contractor shall have 45 calendar days to achieve substantial completion of the demolition project. Staff will coordinate closely with the contractor to ensure adherence to all safety, environmental, and operational standards throughout the demolition process. After a thorough review of the submitted bids for the water park demolition project, city staff recommends awarding the contract to Stoppel Dirt, LLC, for $250,905.19 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, and authorizing the city manager to execute all necessary contract documents.”
