On Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 the Liberal City Commission addressed the following items during their regularly scheduled meeting:
The meeting opened with a proclamation designating June 2nd, 2025 as “Summer Reading Kickoff Day.”
Consent Agenda items (airport leases, traffic safety committee minutes, convention and visitor’s bureau minutes) were approved by the Commission.
The Commission discussed construction delays at the Ortuno Housing Addition and options to waive liquidated damages identified in the construction contract agreement. Following discussion, the Commission voted to extend the project’s contract period to 285 contractual days. Commissioner Ron Warren abstained from the vote.
Commissioners approved the purchase and installation of fitness equipment, shade structure, and playground turf to create an outdoor fitness court at Light Park. This court will be located just North of the Adventure Bay Family Water Park. The fitness equipment will include stair climbers, weight machines, multi-use fitness benches, and a stretching station.
The Commission approved the purchase and installation of playground turf at Leete Park to replace mulch located in the playground area. The turf will improve fall safety, offer greater accessibility, and reduce the maintenance cost and staff hours associated with cleaning up mulch that is washed away by rainwater.
The Commission reviewed and approved a proposal for air service development consulting from ArkStar Group to assist with ongoing market studies, lobbying support, operational analysis, and marketing campaigns to support growth of commercial flight services provided by SkyWest Airlines Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport.
Commissioners received an update from the Stepping Stone Shelter, which provides free community meals and a 90-day transitional shelter for individuals seeking assistance. The shelter currently faces an operating budget shortfall while awaiting awarded grant funds for use. A request to access up to $13,000 from previously appropriated emergency funding from the City of Liberal was approved.
The Commission voted to approve construction services from Stoppel Dirt for excavation work at Randall Pond.
Commissioners approved the purchase of a tractor from Keating Tractor & Equipment to mow the airfield at Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport. Vice Mayor Matt Landry and Commissioner Jeff Parsons abstained from voting on this action item.
The Commission approved a bid from B&G Services to construct fencing around the outdoor display area at the Mid-America Air Museum to improve safety and meet expected regulations to restrict access to airfield movement at the Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport.
Commissioners voted to approve the reappointment of Amy Thompson to the Liberal Memorial Library Board to serve a four-year term ending in 2029.
The Commission approved a project request for an outdoor dog park for the Liberal Animal Shelter to provide a safe space for shelter animals to exercise off-leash and socialize with other dogs. The park will be funded in part by the Liberal Rotary Club.
Following an overview presentation of the Invenergy transmission line project, Commissioners voted to approve a transmission easement agreement for a city-owned property located in rural Seward County.
The next regularly scheduled Liberal City Commission meeting will take place June 10th, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.