On Tuesday, August 8th, the Liberal City Commission addressed the following items during their regularly scheduled meeting:
Mayor Jose Lara presented a proclamation recognizing August 11, 2023 as 811 Day. Call 811 is the national “call-before-you-dig” phone number encouraging communities to connect with local utility companies prior to digging to prevent damage to underground utility lines.
Consent Agenda items (Airport Leases), were approved by the Commission.
A public hearing was opened regarding the Chance Road and Apache Lane RHID (Rural Housing Incentive District) development. Following the public hearing, the Commission moved to adopt Ordinance 4605 to establish the RHID and adopt the development agreement for the project. The development by Chance Venture, LLC will add 47 single family homes to Liberal’s housing market. The City of Liberal will pay the cost of city infrastructure development, with RHID funds reimbursing the City for the cost of street and drainage improvements.
A motion to adopt Resolution No. 2403 failed to pass. Resolution 2403 would have granted a temporary vendor permit to allow alcohol possession and consumption in a designated area north of Light Park during the special Food Truck Saturday event on August 19th.
The Commission approved the purchase of two Hustler mowers to be used at the Liberal Cemetery.
The Commission approved the purchase of fitness equipment to create a wellness center for use by employees and immediate family at the Liberal Recreation Center. A portion of the equipment was funded by a grant, with the remainder coming from the employee benefit fund.
No action was taken regarding changes to building rental facility terms. The Commission consented to add this item to the next regular meeting agenda.
The Façade Improvement Grant program was approved by the Commission with an increase to the dollar-for-dollar improvement fund match up to $10,000. Eligible commercial businesses can use funds to upgrade their business exterior - including life safety/accessibility features required by code, parking lot, sidewalks, façade rehabilitation, and the repair/replacement of windows or doors.
The next regularly scheduled Liberal City Commission meeting will take place August 22nd at 5:30 p.m.