ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

The Liberal City Commission will have multiple projects to look at for its next meeting 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 for consideration will be an agreement with the Seward County Development Corporation (SCDC).

“At the Feb. 24 Liberal City Commission meeting, the transition of Seward County Development Corporation (SCDC) employees was discussed at length, with general terms agreed upon by both the county and the city,” the agenda information noted. “In regard to appropriation, the City is agreeable to housing SCDC employees on our side with the county paying an annual appropriation of $200,000 directly to us. With the accounting, the city will credit the county’s appropriation to the 1-cent Sales Tax for Economic Development and pay salaries and benefits from this fund. The city’s 2026 appropriation of $330,000 is typically paid in August, so we will hold this and pro-rate the county for the difference of their accrued expenses versus their financial commitment to the department. The city will then write a check directly to SCDC for up to $130,000 for operational expenses. For benefits and PTO, the City is agreeable with converting the three current employees’ existing PTO into city vacation and sick leave. For insurance, in order to avoid financial hardship for employees who have already met their annual deductibles, the city is agreeable to allowing these individuals to remain on the county’s insurance through the end of their year and join the city’s plan in May 2026. The Liberal City Commission voted 4-0 in favor of these terms and directed city staff to work with the city attorney to draft a proper Interlocal Agreement, which is attached for review. The term of this agreement will begin on its effective date, which will be determined upon approval by the Kansas Attorney General and filed with both the Kansas Secretary of State and Seward County Register of Deeds.”

Up next on the agenda will be discussion of the demolition of property at 619 Nebraska Ave.

“The trailer house has become severely deteriorated and dilapidated. Code Enforcement has responded to the property multiple times to secure and board up the structure after repeated break-ins by squatters, who have continued to cause additional damage,” the agenda information noted. “The trailer house is currently in very poor condition. Water and other utility services have been disconnected for several years. Multiple notices and letters have been sent to the property owner. However, no corrective action has been taken to bring the property into compliance with the city code. Staff obtained three quotes for the demolition and removal of the trailer house, cleanup of the lot, and any necessary dirt work to level the property. The lowest quote was submitted by ARC Spray Foam, LLC in the amount of $4,189.32. Staff is requesting approval to award the demolition bid to ARC Spray Foam, LLC for $4,189.32, with funding coming from the Building Inspection Demolition line item within the General Fund Budget.”

Up next for the commission will be discussion of the cemetery expansion project.

“After the commission’s approval May 12 to move forward with the gas line removal from the city cemetery property, Scout Energy began work and found a line that was not showing on the map. Because the line in question was not on the Merit Energy map when it was sold to Scout Energy, Scout has to relocate this line around the expansion area, and there will be additional cost involved,” the agenda information noted. “The total cost will now be $100,485.85, which is where we thought the cost would be originally to do this project. Staff recommends the commission approve an amount not to exceed $105,000 for the gas line relocation at the City of Liberal Cemetery for the expansion project. This approval will supersede the previous decision. Funding will be provided by the Street, Drainage, and Capital Improvements portion of the 1-cent Sales Tax.”

The Liberal Fire Department will also be on hand with a request to accept a recent donation.

“The Liberal Fire Department has received a proposed donation of four Scott Aviation 4500 psi breathing air bottles. These bottles are entirely compatible with our breathing apparatus (SCBA) and a wide range of rescue equipment including air struts, lifting bags, pack hammer and in-line air cart. Each bottle has a value of approximately $2,000,” the agenda information noted. “This generous donation is from a local business that wishes to remain anonymous publicly. It was facilitated by store manager Macario Arredondo. We ask the commission to formally acknowledge and accept this donation to the City of Liberal and the Liberal Fire Department.”

Another item on the agenda could affect some people’s July 4 celebration plans.

“With drought conditions continuing to be a concern in our area, city staff would like to have a discussion with the commission on whether we will allow the sale and shooting of fireworks for the 4th of July holiday weekend,” the agenda information noted. “The current weather pattern indicates high risk for extreme fire behavior. Out of consideration for all parties involved, a decision will need to be made prior to vendors purchasing permits, licenses, and products. Per Section 7-715 of Ordinance No. 4643 - EMERGENCY BAN RELATING TO DISCHARGE: ‘Notwithstanding any of the provisions contained in this Ordinance, there shall be no firing or discharge of any fireworks in the City of Liberal at any time the Fire Chief or his or her designee, determines that weather conditions or local circumstances make such firing and discharge of fireworks hazardous.’ Per legal counsel, there is no further requirement listed in the ordinance, but formal action, such as a resolution, can be taken by the commission based upon the fire chief’s recommendation. Formal action would also assist with enforcement, should individuals violate the ban. City staff requests consideration to review the current weather conditions, combined with the updated fireworks ordinance, and give a directive on how to handle the sale and shooting of fireworks for the upcoming 4th of July holiday weekend. Based on feedback, city staff can draft a resolution for the June 9 regular meeting.”

Also up for discussion will be an airport terminal parking lot bid award.

“The airport needs to expand the parking lot, and this is the first step before we are able to move forward with the terminal. Lochner and the Airport advertised for bids in April, and the bidding ended on May 12th. We received three bids back during this time. They are French Construction, Kansas Dirt, and Vogts- Parga,” the agenda information noted. “Kansas Dirt was the low bid at $2,058,418.79. Lochner recommends going with Kansas Dirt. This will be sent to the FAA to be funded through FAA grants 95/5 with the City’s portion being $141,646.00. We will have to front some costs, and this will be refunded to us when we receive the grant award. City staff recommends the Commission award the airport parking lot expansion project to Kansas Dirt in the amount of $2,058,418.79 to be funded from the Airport Improvement Fund. Staff also requests approval to allow the mayor or city manager to sign any and all documents pertaining to this project and allow the airport manager to sign the application for the grant for the parking lot expansion project.”