ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
After welcoming new commissioner Nathan McCaffrey, the City of Liberal should have an easy regular meeting this evening beginning 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 in new business will be discussion of Resolution No. 2456 concerning setting the public hearing to annex Oxy Property and repealing Resolution No. 2453.
“On April 14, the Liberal City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2453 setting a public hearing for June 16. However, that date is not a scheduled meeting date. Staff is therefore presenting a corrected resolution to set the public hearing on July 14, which is a regular meeting date,” the agenda information noted. “With the annexation of city-owned properties and the Zamora parcel completed through prior ordinances, a parcel owned by Oxy is now entirely surrounded by city limits. Oxy has indicated it does not wish to voluntarily consent to annexation. However, the parcel meets all statutory requirements under Kansas law for involuntary annexation. Resolution No. 2456 sets a public hearing for July 14 at 5:30 p.m. to consider annexation of the Oxy property and repeals Resolution No. 2453. Staff recommends the commission adopt Resolution No. 2456, which sets a public hearing for July 14 at 5:30 p.m. to consider annexation of the Oxy property and repeals Resolution No. 2453.”
The commission could also take a step forward on a dog park project at tonight’s meeting.
“Liberal residents have expressed their desire for a community dog park in recent years. The 2026 budget allocated $75,000 towards this project from the Community Development portion of the 1-cent Sales Tax. Over the last several months, city staff has developed plans and gathered quotes to bring this request to life. The location selected for this project will be on South Pershing Avenue, north of McCray Park, with initial plans including paved, off-street parking that can be shared by both play areas,” the agenda information noted. “The plan includes a proposed drawing of the Dog Park, including two separate spaces for small and large dogs, landscaping, fencing, and concrete parking, pet turf and overhead shade quotes from three companies, fence quotes from two companies, seating, water fountain, and agility obstacle quotes from online sources, and an overall estimated project cost. Because of the upkeep that goes along with a grass facility, city staff recommend pet turf, which will increase the overall price but provides long-term benefits such as low maintenance, durability, and water conservation. The pet turf installed at the Animal Shelter has proven to be a practical solution for an outdoor play area, giving dogs an easy to clean mud free green space for exercise and social time. Based on the quotes received, City staff recommends the bid from All-Inclusive Rec for the Xgrass Pet Turf ($113,378.77) and shade structure ($25,210.62). The turf would be professionally installed by the company. Staff also recommend the bid from Tex Mex Fence in the amount of $10,106.30. Combined with concrete parking, seating, landscaping, and irrigation, the total estimated project cost will be $194,000. There is additional budget authority within the Community Development portion of the 1-cent Sales Tax we do not anticipate using in 2026, and therefore, we feel comfortable presenting this amount for approval.”
The commission will also be getting in the holiday season a little early with the purchase of a new community Christmas tree.
“Placemaking and beautification efforts which activate Downtown spaces help to support local businesses and create unique gathering places for special community events,” the agenda information noted. “We frequently hear residents express interest in having a larger Christmas tree placed at the Downtown fountain courtyard during the holiday season. This year, we are interested in delivering on this request with a large-scale commercial panel tree which is built to withstand multiple years of outdoor conditions. Staff obtained quotes for the following comparable package: 26-foot panel tree with C-7 led bulbs, ornament bulb package, 3-foot gold LED star tree topper, and estimated shipping. The panel tree’s construction includes a powder-coated steel interior frame with ready-to-mount decorated panels for easy assembly. It can be assembled on concrete or natural grass surfaces and is stabilized using ground anchors. The tree has a five-season warranty and specifications have been reviewed by our Parks Director. Staff recommends the purchase of the Christmas panel tree package from Creative Displays in an amount not to exceed $25,700, with funding for this purchase coming from the Community Development portion of the 1-cent Sales Tax.”
The commission will also be awarding the chip seal bid and be asked to approve the sale of property at 14 W. Walnut Street.
