On Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 the Liberal City Commission addressed the following items during their regularly scheduled meeting:

Consent Agenda items (airport leases) were approved by the Commission.

Commissioners received a request from the Liberal AirFair to host the 2025 Liberal AirFair scheduled for October 4th, 2025 at the Liberal Airport and Mid-America Air Museum. Resource needs were discussed, including installation of permanent security fencing, portable fencing panels, and airport staff and emergency response personnel assistance required. The Commission voted to approve hosting the event.

Commissioners voted to adopt Ordinance No. 4630 (rescinding Ordinance No. 4619) to consider adoption of a revised Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) development agreement with G&G Developments for housing along Larry and Hickory Street in Southeast Liberal. This vote was followed by adoption of Resolution No. 2428 to set a public hearing for 5:30 p.m. on March 11, 2025 to discuss adoption of a new development plan agreement. The proposed RHID development agreement changes the upfront infrastructure costs to be funded by the City of Liberal rather than the developer.

The Commission voted unanimously to approve a two-year employment contract to promote Interim City Manager, Scarlette Diseker, to the City Manager role.

Commissioners reviewed and approved a change order request for the Ortuno Addition housing project pertaining to water meters and an additional inlet box. The change order reduced the cost of the project by $5,359.

Staff presented Resolution No. 2398 for the abatement of a hazardous residential property in the 800 block of N. Pennsylvania Ave. Commissioners accepted a bid for demolition if the abatement moves forward. Resolution No. 2427 was also passed by the Commission to abate substandard conditions for a residential property located in the 500 block of N. Pershing Ave, with a separate vote to accept a demolition bid for the property.

Commissioners voted to approve Ordinance No. 4629 approving a special use permit for professional service businesses to operate out of the property located at 624 N. Grant Ave, which is zoned as a residential property.

The Commission voted to reappoint Jeff Hall to his position on the Liberal Metropolitan Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals for another three-year term.

Staff presented multiple housing programs available to citizens for the Commission, including requests for program cap increases and new proposed programs. Following review, the Commission voted to approve the following changes:

The First-Time Homebuyer, New Construction Multi-Family, and New Construction Single Family incentive programs were approved to continue with no changes.

Home Repair Program – Veterans were added as eligible applicants at the 125% of median income level, regardless of age. The program was also expanded to cover properties located inside Liberal’s three-mile extraterritorial zone.

Paint the Town Program – The voucher cap was raised from $350 to $500 per applicant for exterior paint costs. Additional local vendors were added to provide applicants with more purchasing options.

The Water System Improvement Fee Waiver Program was adjusted to change the age requirement to 60 years of age and move income requirements to match other senior housing programs offered.

The Safe at Home Program was adjusted to include a free NOAA weather radio for applicants, in addition to the free smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors available under the program.

A new Fence Program was presented and approved by the Commission to grant up to $3,000 in reimbursement for fencing installation for applicants who have adopted and registered a dog from the Liberal Animal Shelter, own and reside in their property, have paid property taxes to date, and meet household income cap requirements.

The Commission voted to approve up to $625,000 for crack seal and chip seal maintenance for city roadways. This year’s maintenance area includes streets from E. Second Street to E. Birch Street between Kansas Avenue and Country Estates (Southeast Liberal). Crack seal is expected to begin soon, with chip seal occurring during the summer months.

Commissioners also voted to approve one-cent sales tax funds to assist with expenses for the Willow Tree Golf Course pro-shop remodel that is currently underway.

The next regularly scheduled Liberal City Commission meeting will take place February 11th, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.