Liberal City Commission Meets, Approves Funding for SBDC

The Liberal City Commission met Tuesday evening for their regularly scheduled meeting and first recognized promotions in the Police Department. Promoted to the rank of Captain was Jared Ratzlaff, promoted to Lieutenant were Chris Head and Mark West, promoted to Sergeant were officers Olson and Hadovanic, and promoted to Corporal was officers Lai and Nieves.

The Commission, after a power point presentation approved funding the City’s portion of the Small Business Development Center in the amount of $12,000.00.

The City Commission approved Ordinance 4493 which prohibits individuals from drilling their own water wells within the City limits, and approved an extension of the taxable IRB’s for the VAS group who is putting in the Fairfield Inn and Suites and Conference Center. Completion date is expected in early 2018.

Commissioners tabled the purchase of an air conditioning unit for the Police Department until the next meeting, heard a report on the Hayden Tower Consultation from  EMS Director for Seward County John Ralston, and approved the renewal of the 2018 Southwest Kansas Coalition contract with Pinegar and Smith in the amount of $14,000.00.

The City Commission approved the purchase of mowers for the Parks, Sports Turf, Cemetery, and Street Departments with the $173,469.00 to come from the City Equipment Reserve Fund. Commissioners also approved a mower and a tractor for the airport in the amount of $65,800.00 with the funds approved by the FAA to come out of the Airport Land Sale Fund.

Phase 2 of the Mahuron Park Improvements were approved by the Commission. The improvements will include shelters, sand volleyball courts, new basketball courts and benches.

The Commission also approved Stucco repair and new paint to the Tourist Information Center with Schwindt Stone and Masonry getting the bid at $4,590.00.