City officials in Liberal on Thursday delayed formal action on a letter of intent with Air Products to purchase a parcel south of the Air Museum, instead asking staff to route the proposal to the Airport Advisory Board for review.

The item matters because staff said the parcel could be used for trailer storage related to Air Products’ helium operations and because members of the public and some commissioners raised concerns that selling land adjacent to airport property could limit future aviation-related development.

City staff told the commission an appraisal for the parcel came in at $34,000 total, or $11,564.63 per acre, and that a survey has been completed. The proposed letter of intent (LOI) would let Air Products perform a feasibility study — staff described that study period as roughly 90 days with a possible 30‑day extension — and noted the LOI also includes a termination provision after six months if neither party proceeds.

Staff described the planned site work as trailer storage with gravel surfacing, fencing and lighting; a staff speaker clarified the site would not be asphalted but likely surfaced with rock. The LOI packet also referred to prior talks with Air Products that did not result in a contract and said the LOI is a standard step to allow the company to complete due diligence before entering a formal purchase contract.

Resident John Smith told the commission he supports economic development but urged caution. “I’m all for economic development and growth of the community,” Smith said, and warned that selling property with airport-adjacent access could “cut off potential activity and development of aviation‑oriented uses in the future.”

After public comment and discussion about drainage and physical access — staff noted a drainage ditch on the south edge of the property that complicates direct ramp connections — commissioners agreed there was sufficient time to wait for the Airport Advisory Board’s input. The commission made no formal vote on the LOI; the body reached a consensus to place the LOI on the next commission agenda and asked staff to have Brian (city staff) present the item and the airport board’s recommendation at that meeting.

City staff said the LOI process and any closing would follow the city’s standard land sale procedures if the feasibility study and other approvals are satisfied. No contract was signed at the meeting.