Development News for Liberal, Kansas

City Approves Interlocal Agreement for Seward County Development Corporation Employee Transition

The Liberal City Commission discussed and approved an interlocal agreement and a joint ordinance/resolution with Seward County concerning the transition of Seward County Development Corporation (SCDC) employees to the city. The agreement outlines that the city will house SCDC employees starting May 1st, with the county providing an annual appropriation of $200,000 to the city. The city will manage accounting, crediting the county's appropriation to the 1% sales tax for economic development and paying salaries and benefits from this fund. The city's 2026 appropriation will be prorated. The city will also issue a check to SCDC for up to $130,000 for operational expenses. Employee benefits and PTO were converted to city standards as of May 1st. The interlocal agreement and joint ordinance/resolution, drafted by legal counsel, underwent a minor adjustment requested by the county's attorney, removing references to 'endeavor and transfer' of employees now that the transfer has occurred. The ordinance number is 4652. The agreement's effective date is contingent upon approval by the Kansas Attorney General, which could take up to 60 days.

4th of July Committee Seeks City Support for Annual Parade and Park Celebration

Representatives from the 4th of July committee requested city support for the annual parade and celebration in Light Park on July 4th. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the event, which started with a collaboration between Doug Munsel, Candy, and Claudia. The committee aims to make this year's celebration special, especially for America's 250th anniversary, and has added more events, including light entertainment and a community band concert. They plan to request permission for the parade and the day in the park, as well as the public fireworks display following the BJ game. The committee emphasized their commitment to leaving the park clean after the event and cleaning all trash receptacles. They noted that the event is free to the public and appreciated the city's ongoing support. The committee also mentioned plans to add more attractions this year, such as bouncy houses, due to Adventure Bay not being open.

Fire Chief Urges Consideration of Fireworks Ban Amidst Extreme Drought Conditions

Fire Chief Kelly discussed serious concerns regarding fireworks due to the current extreme drought conditions (D3 rating). He highlighted that the area is one step away from the worst drought rating and that surrounding counties are also experiencing severe drought. The recent rainfall was insufficient to improve the situation significantly. The Chief expressed concerns about increased fire risk to homes, outbuildings, fences, and roofs, not just vegetation. He noted that mutual aid resources are stretched thin, and the fire department's capacity is limited, making them vulnerable to multiple fires. He recommended considering an emergency ban on fireworks discharge and potentially sales, citing past issues with vendor notice. The commission discussed the timing of a potential ban and the possibility of allowing controlled public displays while prohibiting individual use. The decision on an emergency ban and sales restrictions will be further considered at the June 9th meeting, with staff directed to draft a resolution.

Gas Line Relocation for Cemetery Expansion Project Approved for Up to $105,000

The commission approved an amendment to the gas line relocation agreement and a right-of-way agreement for the cemetery expansion project at Liberal Cemetery. Scout Energy, while working on gas line removal, discovered an active WTG Gas line not present on their maps, necessitating a reroute. The total cost for the relocation is $100,485.85, with the commission approving an amount not to exceed $105,000. Funding will come from the streets, drainage, and capital improvement portion of the one-cent sales tax. This approval supersedes the previous decision from May 12th, 2026. The relocation agreement amendment and the right-of-way agreement were approved in two separate motions.