On Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 the Liberal City Commission addressed the following items during their regularly scheduled meeting:
Consent Agenda items (CMB applications) were approved by the Commission.
Commissioners reviewed and approved a comprehensive insurance renewal proposal with Iron Insurance Partners.
The Commission approved a series of staff recommendations to address debt funding and emergency reserve needs for the wastewater treatment plant. The Commission voted to approve Resolution No. 2430 to adopt a monthly $10 wastewater improvement fee for sewer customers beginning April 1, 2025. This fee will generate necessary income to ensure debt service for the wastewater treatment plant is addressed while building an emergency reserve fund for needs beyond basic operating expenses. Commissioners also voted to approve Resolution No. 2431 which discontinues the water system improvement fee effective April 1, 2025. The fee, which charges $6.25 a month for residential customers and $12.50 for non-residential customers, has generated a sufficient balance to cover debt service for water expansion projects and unexpected future expenses. Staff explained Resolution No. 2431 helps offset some of the impact of Resolution No. 2430, resulting in a net $3.75 monthly flat utility fee charge for residential customers.
Commissioners also discussed implementing a waiver program for the $10 wastewater improvement fee for senior customers and other eligible residents. Staff explained the wastewater improvement fee waiver could be automatically applied for existing customers already receiving the water improvement fee waiver. Following questions about program eligibility, the Commission took no action on the item to allow staff to bring additional program information forward to a future meeting.
The Commission reviewed and approved bids for computer hardware and security service licensing for the 2025 IT refresh project.
Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding between the Liberal Fire Department and the University of Kansas to conduct its annual ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) refresher training to maintain compliance with Federal Aviation Administration standards.
Commissioners reviewed and approved the appointment of Levi Williams to a four-year term on the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board beginning March 2025.
The Commission voted to approve a KPERS (Kansas Public Employees Retirement System) supplemental defined contribution plan option to fulfill the deferred retirement benefit provided under the terms of the city manager’s employment contract.
Commissioners next opened a public hearing on a Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) proposal for Larry and Hickory Streets in Southeast Liberal. Following the public hearing, Commissioners voted to approve Ordinance No. 4633, establishing the new RHID and adopting the development plan with the City of Liberal providing for the development of required infrastructure improvements. This housing project will consist of 66 new single-family homes.
The next regularly scheduled Liberal City Commission meeting will take place March 25th, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.