The Liberal City Commission on July 22 approved Resolution 24-35 to abate fire-damaged property in the Airport Industrial Park and accepted a low bid of $17,500 for demolition and site cleanup.

City staff said the leased property on Lots 1 through 3, Block 22 had been severely damaged by fire in December and that the structures and vehicles within the fenced lease area were the lessee's personal property. The city presented documented attempts to notify the lessee before moving forward with abatement.

A staff presentation said Keith Bridenstine had inspected the site and deemed the main building uninhabitable. Staff told the commission the lessee, identified in the presentation as Alfredo Zapien, was notified in writing; certified mail was returned unopened and staff had been unable to reach him by phone. The presentation said the state fire marshal and the insurance carrier no longer required the building for investigation.

"Our recommendation is that the commission approve resolution 24 35 ' abatement of conditions on Lots 1 Through 3, Block 22 of the Airport Industrial Park and to approve the low bid from Cimarron General Contracting in the amount of $17,500," staff said during the presentation.

Questions from commissioners clarified the scope: the abatement includes the burned main building, an additional shed inside the fenced area, removal of vehicles, removal of concrete and removal of debris and weeds so the property can be leased again. Staff confirmed the demolition expense will be paid from the general fund and that the city will bill the lessee for the cost; if the lessee cannot be located or refuses to pay, the charge may be written off as bad debt after required procedures.

Action: Vice Mayor Landry made a motion to approve Resolution 24-35 and the Cimarron General Contracting low bid for $17,500; the motion was seconded and passed 5-0.

Ending: Staff said they will proceed with demolition and abatement according to the approved low bid and follow the city's collection procedures for any unrecovered costs.