Rodney Kapp City Bus Facility officially opens

Commission approves free election rides for city bus

Railroad overpass project to host open house in December

City approves $1.5 million loan increase for water infrastructure

Commission rejects $26,900 survey bid for foreclosed land

Demolition uncovers history in downtown revitalization project

Local small business loan program sees early successes

Southern Pioneer HUGS grant to fund Holiday Extravaganza

Liberal Youth Council appoints new member

Fire department transitions to fluorine-free firefighting foam

1. Rodney Kapp City Bus Facility officially opens

LIBERAL, Kan. — City officials and community members celebrated the completion of the Rodney Kapp City Bus Facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony prior to Tuesday's city commission meeting. The new depot has been in the works for several years and will serve as the central hub for the Liberal City Bus system. The facility was dedicated in honor of the late Kapp, with city leaders and his family in attendance to mark the milestone.

2. Commission approves free election rides for city bus

LIBERAL, Kan. — The city commission unanimously approved the annual Title VI civil rights document for the Liberal City Bus, a federal requirement necessary to maintain eligibility for Kansas Department of Transportation grants. During the approval process, transit supervisors confirmed the city bus will once again offer free rides to the polls on Election Day. The approved document will be included in the city's application for KDOT operating and capital funding for the upcoming state fiscal year.

3. Railroad overpass project to host open house in December

LIBERAL, Kan. — City staff announced forward momentum on the highly anticipated railroad overpass project, including an upcoming site visit with the Federal Railroad Administration, the Kansas Department of Transportation and Union Pacific. The city commission will hold a work session on Nov. 10 to review more than 200 pages of technical assessments, followed by a community open house scheduled for Dec. 1. A dedicated project website is also expected to launch soon to keep residents informed on the project's timeline and progress.

4. City approves $1.5 million loan increase for water infrastructure

LIBERAL, Kan. — The city commission unanimously approved a third and final amendment to a Kansas Department of Health and Environment loan for the Middle Creek water infrastructure project, increasing the maximum loan amount from approximately $4 million to $5.56 million. City staff noted the budget increase was driven by high inflation following the COVID-19 pandemic. Liberal will use cash transfers to cover the remaining project costs to maintain a grandfathered interest rate of 1.45 percent.

5. Commission rejects $26,900 survey bid for foreclosed land

LIBERAL, Kan. — The city commission unanimously voted to reject a $26,900 work order from Professional Engineering Consultants to survey the Liberal Land Company parcel in northeast Liberal, instructing staff to seek alternative bids. The land, located south of East Tucker Road, was reportedly omitted in error during a 2002 bank foreclosure, and city documents estimate the property has accrued more than $841,000 in unpaid taxes and penalties. The lender agreed to release the lien if the property is deeded to the city for commercial or light industrial development, but commissioners balked at the survey's cost — which amounted to nearly $2,000 an acre — and requested staff seek lower quotes and an hourly breakdown before proceeding.

6. Demolition uncovers history in downtown revitalization project

LIBERAL, Kan. — Crews have begun tearing down 60-year-old metal facades along Kansas Avenue as part of a major downtown block grant project. Economic development director Eli Svaty reported that the demolition is revealing the historical structural integrity of three storefronts adjacent to the former Brown's Furniture store, which will eventually be converted into an outdoor parklet. The preparatory work and temporary construction pave the way for a concentrated two-week construction period in December, when state officials will visit Liberal for the unveiling of new storefronts, windows and awnings.

7. Local small business loan program sees early successes

LIBERAL, Kan. — Since 2022, Liberal's partnership with Network Kansas has disbursed 42 small business loans totaling nearly $1.29 million, with five businesses having recently paid their loans in full. Economic development director Eli Svaty shared the milestone during his departmental update, noting that another seven to 10 loans are expected to be paid off over the next calendar year. The program relies entirely on state funds rather than local tax dollars, with a local review board evaluating business plans to prepare local entrepreneurs for funding.

8. Southern Pioneer HUGS grant to fund Holiday Extravaganza

LIBERAL, Kan. — The city commission withdrew a resolution requesting grant funds from the Western Kansas Community Foundation after city staff announced alternative funding had been secured for Liberal's upcoming Holiday Extravaganza. The city was recently named the recipient of a Southern Pioneer HUGS grant, which will cover expenses for the community event and recital set designs. The annual holiday celebration will now move forward using the new financial support.

9. Liberal Youth Council appoints new member

LIBERAL, Kan. — The city commission unanimously approved the appointment of Landon Sallaska to the newly formed Liberal Youth Council for a two-year term. Sallaska addressed the commission during the meeting, expressing a desire to help create more local activities for youth and to address infrastructure issues such as road conditions. The addition brings the youth council to four members as the city continues its push to involve younger residents in local government solutions.

10. Fire department transitions to fluorine-free firefighting foam

LIBERAL, Kan. — To comply with federal guidance regarding forever chemicals, or PFAS, the Liberal Fire Department will transition its airport firefighting apparatus to a fluorine-free foam. The city commission unanimously authorized a $14,356 bulk purchase of the new concentrate from Conrad Fire Equipment, funded through the Special Fire Equipment Fund. Fire Chief Kelly Kirk noted the department's old film-forming foam will be drained from the primary airport truck and repurposed strictly for major non-airport incidents within the city to prevent ground contamination at the airfield.

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