City Commission Meets and Continues to Address Housing Needs

The Liberal City Commission met on Tuesday evening at 5;30 pm. Up first, the Commission adopted Resolution 2398 which calls for the Demolition of 809 N Pennsylvania. The home has become dilapidated and is not able to be secured so it has become a safe haven for stray animals.

The Commission adopted Resolution No. 2399 and advanced the proposed Development Plan to a Public Hearing on August 8, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. This plan would Establish a Rural Housing Incentive District within the City limits and adopting a plan for the development of Housing and Public Facilities.

The Commission held Lobbyist discussion regarding state lobbying assistance in Topeka and federal grant opportunities. The Commission felt that The City and HBS/Watkins Public Strategies working together would greatly benefit Liberal.

Discussion continued on Housing where OC Quality Custom Homes has agreed to develop 39 lots for single family homes and 8 lots for multi-family residences on the land they own south of Big R in exchange for the City of Liberal building the streets. The cost estimate is approximately $1.6 million. The City would establish an RHID on the area and fully fund the cost of the streets. The City would recoup the cost through the property tax revenue generated from the structures built on the land. The project would be funded through the Street, Drainage, and Other Capital Improvement fund.

Also, OC Quality Custom Homes approached the City of Liberal in an effort to purchase city-owned land located at Tract 1 00000 Sunflower Blvd and Tract 2 00000 Quail Ct. The City utilized Winchester Enterprises to conduct the appraisals. The Sunflower tract was valued at $173,900 and the Quail Ct tract at $42,100. OC has agreed to pay the appraised value for the tracts as well as the $2,400 appraisal fee and any closing costs associated with the sale. The Commission will continue the discussion.