On Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 the Liberal City Commission addressed the following items during their regularly scheduled meeting:
Consent Agenda items (airport leases) were approved by the Commission.
Lobbyist representatives from Watkins Public Strategies provided a legislative update for the Commission and a renewal agreement for their continued lobbying services was approved by the Commission.
Commissioners discussed a letter of intent with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. for the sale of land south of the Mid-America Air Museum on General Welch Boulevard. No further action was taken on this item.
The Commission voted to approve Ordinance No. 4636 to allow the establishment of a common consumption area (CCA) within a defined area of Downtown Liberal. The ordinance allows private entities to apply for a common consumption area permit through the Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Patrons would have the ability to purchase alcoholic beverages from permitted businesses and consume the drink on public sidewalks and crosswalks within the boundaries of the CCA beginning August 15, 2025. The ordinance restricts consumption to the hours of noon to 11:59 p.m., requires drinks to be no larger than 16 fluid ounces in a uniquely identifying paper or plastic cup, and does not allow consumption to occur in parking lots, street parking stalls, or on public streets unless the street has been closed for a special event approved by the Commission.
Commissioners voted to set a public hearing regarding its intention to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for August 26, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. to be held in the City Commission Chambers at the Liberal Recreation Center, 950 S. Grant Ave. The notification and public hearing are required for any taxing jurisdiction in Kansas to set a budget which exceeds the prior year’s tax revenues. City staff are in the process of drafting the annual budget for 2026.
The Commission received an informational performance report and market analysis assessment for operations at the Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport.
Commissioners voted to approve the proposed employee insurance renewal with a change in the prescription drug formulary used.
The Commission denied an appeal request to waive the standard street improvement requirements for a private property owner seeking to develop parcels on Loraine Avenue in Northeast Liberal.
Commissioners voted to approve an agreement with Waters Edge Aquatic Design for an assessment of the Adventure Bay Family Water Park’s current infrastructure condition and recommended options for potential renovations or redevelopment.
The Commission voted to approve the replacement of an air conditioning unit for the Liberal Police Department’s evidence building. Mayor Lara abstained from the vote.
Commissioners approved a design, planning, and construction project to replace the PAPI (precision approach path indicator) and REIL (runway end identifier lights) systems on the crosswind runway at Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport using grant funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Kansas Airport Improvement Program, which will reimburse up to 90% of eligible project costs.
The Commission approved a contract with Earles Engineering to begin topographic surveys, street design, and gravestone apron design for an expansion project for the Liberal Cemetery.
The next regularly scheduled Liberal City Commission meeting will take place July 22nd, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.