Liberal City Commission Meets, Welcomes New Animal Shelter Director

The Liberal City Commission met Tuesday evening at 6:30pm for their regularly scheduled meeting. Among the items on the agenda, the Commission welcomed new Liberal Animal Shelter Director, Jim Crosier. Crosier, a Liberal High School graduate, told the commission he was excited to be in his new position and the possibilities that are available at the Shelter. The Commission also heard from Rhonda Maxwell of the Air Fair Committee, and she informed the Commissioners that this years Air Fair is scheduled for Saturday, September the 8th. In action items the Liberal Commissioners instructed John Haas of Ransom Financial and City staff to pursue funding option for the water meter project. The total cost of the project, could reach $2.8 million, and would likely be funded through a lease/purchase program. The Commission also heard From Henry Helmke and members of the SKADAF Board on new State requirements for certified counselors at SKADAF. If SKADAF does not find these new counselors, they are in jeopardy of being closed down by the state. SKADAF was before the commission seeking funding for the counselor positions. The Commission directed staff to meet with SKADAF, Southwest Guidance Center, and Seward County to try and find an equitable solution the this situation. The Commission also accepted several donations for different departments throughout the City. Accepted was a donation in the amount of $5000.00 for the Air Museum to purchase a computerized kiosk, a donation of $24,821.70 from Jean Randall for the Police Department with the funds to go towards expansion and renovations at Liberal Animal Shelter, and accepted an anonymous donation of $14, 116.36 for the Recreation Department for the purchase of new bleachers, soccer goals, and for dugout improvements to Rosel Field. The Liberal City Commission will next meet on February 22nd to start the interview process to fill the Commission vacancy.