MERRIAM HIGHLIGHTS Published for Merriam Residents & Businesses
FALL 2013
Requesting services just got easier!
Report your problems 24/7 online, via Facebook or on your iPhone Would you like to report a pothole or property maintenance violation? How about a missing street sign or streelight that isn’t working? Reporting these types of issues just got easier.
With the iPhone application, when a concern is identified, you can take a picture, add a description, and easily submit the issue to the City. The application uses GPS technology to The City is now accepting service requests on the map the exact location of the problem area. City’s website, www.merriam.org, and through You can also request city services through a Facebook or iPhone app. These programs gives Facebook. After you’ve logged in, search for residents the ability to submit a request anytime the “Citizen Request Tracker” app, answer the day or night. questions to install, and select “Merriam, KS” It’s a tool for the citizens to share concerns as your default organization. Then submitting a with the city. Anything from overgrown grass, request for service is as easy as one, two, three... potholes, vandalism, even streetlight outages.
1) Choose a category that best fits your request.
The iPhone app is free and can be obtained by searching for “Citizen Request Tracker” in the app store. The app is not yet available for Andriod phones at this time, but it is under development and will be available in the future.
2) Choose a request type you would like to make.
If you don’t have an iPhone or Facebook account, you can still submit your service request on the City’s website, www.merriam.org.
Notify JoCo puts Merriam residents in the know
If you live or work in Merriam, you can now sign up to receive important information that you care about. Notify JoCo is a free public notification system which will communicate emergency information to you through phone, text and e-mail messages.
3) Fill out and submit the request form. That’s it! Once the request has been submitted, City staff will follow up on your items and report back to you with a resolution.
To use the system, go to www.NotifyJoCo.org to register your personal contact preferences. You will be asked to provide your contact information. You will then be prompted to identify multiple locations you care about (home, work, or your child’s school, for example), and choose which community notifications you would like to receive, in addition to emergency notifications. If you do not have internet access, you may call 913.826.5555 to register. All information provided will be kept confidential and only used to contact you about emergencies and topics in which you have expressed interest. When there is an event requiring notification, authorized Merriam officials will identify affected areas and send out the message through Notify JoCo via phone, e-mail or text message, allowing citizens to be immediately reached in emergency situations. The system also allows for non-emergency event notifications, like public meetings, community events and local festivals, to be sent to users who request them. Notify JoCo is A mass notification system made possible by a partnership between Johnson County, Water One, and participating cities. For more information, go to www.NotifyJoCo.org.
CITY OF MERRIAM, KANSAS 9000 W 62ND TERRACE MERRIAM, KS 66202-2815
www.merriam.org | (913) 322-5500 | CityofMerriam@merriam.org
PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 576 SHAWNEE MISSION, KS
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MERRIAM HIGHLIGHTS
A Message from Mayor Sissom
SAVE THE DATE:
America’s Night Out Against Crime scheduled for Aug. 6th
The “30th Annual National NIGHT OUT” (NNO), a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, 2013. National Night Out is designed to: • Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; • Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; • Strengthen neighborhood spirit and policecommunity partnerships; and • Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back The Merriam Police Department will be hosting its annual National Night Out “Open House” on Tuesday, August 6th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. We will open our station (6190 Eby St.) for you to visit on your own schedule. Demonstrations will be set up throughout the department and we’ll provide a short crime information lecture at 7:30 PM followed by a “taser” demonstration. For more information about this year’s event, visit www.merriam.org, or call 913.322.5560.
Greetings from your Mayor! As the summer comes to a close, I am again very happy to report that your city is alive and very healthy. It has been a productive season, with the opening of both Hendrick Lexus and Infinity of Kansas City at the Merriam Pointe site near 67th and I-35. New houses are springing up at an impressive pace in Timber Ridge subdivision at 67th and Wedd. While the ground has finally been officially broken at the site where the new IKEA Merriam is being built at Johnson Drive and I-35. IKEA is still scheduled to be open for business in Fall of 2014. These new projects mean new local jobs and increased tax revenues, which will be used to maintain our streets and help pay for much needed drainage projects.
With revenues on the increase, the 2014 Merriam budget process went very well. There was no property tax increase for the fourth straight year. It is my plan to keep that streak going, with the possibility that it could be lowered once all our new developments come online.
is put on by the Merriam Parks, Recreation, and Community Center Foundation was spectacular, as always. Director Slocum is working on plans to improve the fitness facility at the Irene B. French Community Center on Merriam Drive. The goal over the next few years is to phase the fitness center to the main level, expanding the equipment selection and the aesthetics of the space. It is hoped to increase the art gallery display area, on the upper level, to accommodate larger art exhibits. If you love museum quality art displays, you must attend one of the future showings. Look for more information about the Parks and Recreation improvements in the months to come.
In closing, I would like to encourage all Merriam citizens to patronize our many fine businesses. Take in a movie at Cinemark, get your groceries at Hen House in Merriam Town Center and check out the operation and buy some delicious goods at Strawberry Hill Povitica on West Frontage Road. It has also been a productive season for our Parks Merriam would not be the great place it is without and Recreation Department. Our new director, our wonderful businesses and residents. Have a Anna Slocum, is doing a fabulous job and things are safe and happy fall season. running very well. They have a small staff, but a lot Sincerely, of great work gets done. This summer we witnessed record attendance at our Merriam Party in Your Park events; and the Flags 4 Freedom event that
Shawnee Mission Parkway Corridor Plan The City of Merriam is excited to continue working with the community to create a comprehensive plan for the portion of Shawnee Mission Parkway between Antioch Road and Eby Street! The purpose of the study is to create a plan that successfully guides revitalization and/or redevelopment of this area while addressing appropriate future land uses, environmental concerns, and transportation/infrastructure needs.
To see the concepts and provide feedback to the planning team, visit the City’s website at www.merriam.org/index.aspx?nid=500. As a reminder, these plans are only concepts and are based on the feedback of those who have attended the prior public meetings. These do not represent adopted or final plans for this area.
On June 19th, the City of Merriam hosted the second of several public meetings to discuss the future of the Shawnee Mission Parkway Corridor. Five development concepts were presented at this meeting. These concepts are based on public input received at prior meetings. Additional public input meetings will be held and we encourage all who are interested to attend. To be added to our notification list or for other questions, please contact Bryan Dyer at 913-322-5520 or e-mail him at bdyer@merriam.org.
Merriam Governing Body Members:
Ken Sissom Mayor 913.523.5357
John Canterbury Ward 1 816.786.9980
Jim Wymer Ward 1 913.831.4061
Al Frisby Ward 2 913.206.5354
Chad Rowe Ward 2 913.831.0144
Chris Hands Ward 3 913.384.5340
Nancy Hupp Ward 3 913.831.4471
Pam Bertoncin Ward 4 913.269.9518
Todd Boyer Ward 4 913.710.7619
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FALL 2013
Capital Improvement Updates and Merriam Drive on the east. The purpose of the project is to replace a structurally deficient bridge and to improve safety for the vehicular, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic that crosses it daily.
Merriam’s capital improvement program consists of street improvements, drainage enhancements, and park and facility improvements. Utilizing budgeted capital improvement funds, various projects throughout the city are annually prioritized, designed, and constructed. Below is an update on a few of the projects currently underway in the City of Merriam: Johnson Drive Bridge Project: This project area includes the Johnson Drive Bridge over Turkey Creek between West Campbell Lane on the west
Construction of the new Johnson Drive Bridge should begin during the fall/winter 2013 and is estimated to cost approximately $1.4 million. Once construction begins, the bridge will be closed for the duration of the project (approximately 6-7 months). Alternate routes and detours will be posted and available on the city website. 75 Street Between Antioch and East Frontage Road: This is a joint project with the City of Overland Park made possible through Johnson County’s Assistance Road System (CARS) funding. The general scope of work includes replacement of curb/gutter and the median along with a mill/ overlay. This project will begin in the fall of 2013. Motorists can expect lane closures and traffic impacts along 75th Street (including hospital traffic) during construction. th
Shawnee Mission Parkway Median Improvement between Antioch and Lowell: The Shawnee Mission Parkway median has been in despair for many years. In 2011, KDOT improved the portion from the I-35 ramps to Antioch Road. This summer, the City of Merriam will begin repairs on the remaining portion from Antioch Road to Lowell. This project will take approximately 2 months to complete. Motorists can expect lane closures and traffic impacts along Shawnee Mission Parkway through the duration of this project. For more information on the status of these and other capital improvement projects taking place in the City of Merriam, please visit the City’s website, www.merriam.org, or call 913.322.5522. You can also receive status notification of future closures directly to your inbox by subscribing to the City’s e-mail newsletter. Select “e-Merriam News & Updates” under the “Newsroom” link on the City’s homepage and complete the form to subscribe.
Stand by your pan!
A fire prevention message from Chief Bob Pape How often has the doorbell rung or a child interrupted you while you were cooking, causing you to forget about the chicken you left sizzling on the stove - until smoke filled the house? If this scenario or a similar one sounds familiar, you may want to think about it a little more because it’s likely that you, a friend or family member has run the risk of having a dangerous fire. As Merriam Fire Chief, I often talk to people about ways they can stay safe in their homes. Too often, we have that talk after they’ve suffered a damaging fire. It’s my hope that people reading this article won’t have to learn the hard way. If I could give just one fire warning, I’d say, “Keep an eye on what you fry!” Why? Because cooking is the leading cause of home fires, according to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The latest statistics
Did you know? In 2011, 32 million people visited the Sunflower State! When visitors come to Kansas, they don’t just spend money at local and regional attractions. The typical visitor stays three nights in a hotel, goes shopping, purchases fuel and eats in restaurants during their stay. The average visitor to Kansas spends $236… providing jobs and tax relief to the Kansas economy, Kansas workers and Kansas families. Tourism works for Kansas and Merriam!
from NFPA say U.S. Fire Departments responded to an estimated annual average of 156,600 cookingrelated fires between 2007-2011. We’re joining forces with NFPA and thousands of other fire departments across North America to commemorate Fire Prevention Week, October 6th 12th, “Prevent Kitchen Fires.” The theme reminds us that unattended cooking and other unsafe kitchen practices are a recipe for disaster. Often when we’re called to a cooking-related fire, the residents tell us they only left the kitchen for a few minutes. Sadly, that’s all it takes for a dangerous fire to start. The bottom line is there’s really no safe period of time for the cook to step away from a hot stove. A cooking fire can quickly turn deadly. I have seen too many homes destroyed and people killed or
injured by fires that could have been easily avoided. Please heed these simple safety rules. We firefighters would like to be in your kitchen, but only when you invite us for dinner!
Fall into savings in Merriam Soon, the kids will go back to school, the summer days will shorten and we’ll settle into a new season of autumn activities and routines. One routine that seems to remain constant -- people are always looking for a bargain. In fact, according to Linkable Networks Inc., 95% of Americans currently utilize coupons while shopping and 61% of them use online sites or coupon codes. Booking hotels for travel (leisure or business) is no different. Consumers are very savvy shoppers when comparing online hotel rates and there are thousands of companies competing for the booking. So, if you’re hosting incoming visitors for a football game, family reunion or extended weekend, we invite you to Explore Merriam and discover the
“Fall Into Savings” offers provided by our tourism partners through the Merriam Visitors Bureau! The Merriam Visitors Bureau does not buy up blocks of rooms to resell, nor do we charge thirdparty fees or list tons of restrictions. What we provide is a very simple special offer on most hotel properties in Merriam. Based solely on availability and season, you can find a great rate at the Drury Inn, Comfort Inn, Extended Stay, Quality Inn or Hampton Inn & Suites. Visit the “Special Offers” section of our website, www.exploremerriam.com, and start saving today!
MERRIAM HIGHLIGHTS - FALL 2013
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Make home improvements that are good for your wallet and the planet A low-interest, fixed-rate home equity loan through the Mid-America Regional Council’s (MARC) Home Remodeling Loan Program can help you make easy, energy-efficient upgrades to your home that will save you energy and money. MARC developed the loan program with CommunityAmerica Credit Union, which offers loans to homeowners in 34 participating communities, including the City of Merriam. These loans can be used for a wide variety of home renovation projects, including adding insulation, window and door replacement, energy-efficient appliance upgrades, plumbing and electrical work, and even add-ons such as new rooms, decks, porches and fences. MARC provides online resources to get you started. Visit marc.org/loanprogram for examples of home renovations and improvement ideas from remodeling Idea Books, as well as step-bystep instructions to help make your home energy efficient. The remodeling loan program was created in 2006 by MARC’s First Suburbs Coalition, a group
of inner-ring suburbs in the Kansas City metro area. Many homeowners in these communities love their neighborhoods and want to stay in their homes, but also want some of the modern amenities often found in newer construction. This program helps mature neighborhoods stay vital and attractive to future homebuyers, keeping property values high. To date, more than $3 million in loans have helped residents make their homes more comfortable, more valuable and more energy efficient. MARC Home Remodeling Loan Program Details: • Special discounted rate applies to MARC Home Remodeling Loan Program • Loan amounts from $5,000 up to $30,000 • Flexible terms from 1 to 10 years* • Fixed-rate, home equity loans with a one-time advance • Tax-assessed value of the home must not exceed $250,000 • Interest may be tax deductible** • Home must be owner-occupied • Borrowers must qualify per CommunityAmerica lending standards
• Borrowers must reside in a participating community For information about current interest rates or to apply for a loan, please call CommunityAmerica at 913-905-6629. *APR = ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE. Payment will be equally amortized over the term of the loan. Example: $30,000 loan amount at 6.25% APR for 120 months results in monthly installments of $336.82. Minimum loan amount $5,000, maximum loan amount capped at $30,000. Tax-assessed value of home may not exceed $250,000. Minimum and maximum loan amounts and tax-assessed value restriction set by MARC. Applicant pays for mortgage tax (in KS $2.60 per $1,000). Homeowners insurance required. Program and rate subject to change and will end at the discretion of CommunityAmerica. **Consult your tax advisor regarding deductibility of interest. CommunityAmerica Credit Union federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
Join Merriam’s 2013 Citizen Police Academy Do you have an interest in learning how your police department operates? The Merriam Police Department invites you to join the 2013 Citizen Police Academy and learn all about it. The 6th annual Citizen’s Academy will begin September 11th through November 13, 2013. The class consists of ten sessions, lasting about three hours each. Student’s will be introduced to all aspects of the Merriam Police Department,
including: instruction in traffic accident investigation, use of radar and laser speed checking equipment, use of force, Taser demonstration, crime scene processing and DUI investigation. Participants will attend a firearms range, tour Johnson County Central Booking, New Century Adult Detention Center and the Johnson County Crime lab. One session will be devoted to defensive tactics and self defense. To learn more or to sign up, visit www.merriam.org/MPD or call 913.322.5560.
Electronic waste and household hazardous materials recycling event As advancements in technology progress rapidly, older technology expires and becomes obsolete. So before you toss that old cell phone or computer, printer or TV, consider recycling it. The Johnson County Household Hazardous Materials Collection Program will be collecting electronic waste for recycling in addition to household hazardous waste (HHW) from 8:00 to 11:30 AM on Saturday, August 10th and Saturday, September 14th. Residents must make an appointment to drop
off their electronic waste and HHW for recycling, and may do so by calling 913.715.6900 or online at www.jocorecycles.org. Accepted electronic items are any electronic devices that have a cord or batteries including cameras, CD players, cell phones, all computer equipment, fax machines, printers, video games, small kitchen appliances and more. All items are recycled for free, except CRT (tube) televisions ($15) and wooden console televisions ($25). No items containing Freon are accepted.
Fall clean-up scheduled for October Twice a year, the City of Merriam conducts a large item clean-up campaign for the residents of Merriam. The Merriam Public Works Department is responsible for this campaign, which occurs annually during the third full week of April and October. The City’s fall clean-up campaign will occur October 21-25, 2013. There are some restrictions on the materials the City will accept. For a schedule of the City’s fall clean-up, visit www.merriam.org or call 913.322.5570.
The collection facility is open year round and accepts appointments for household hazardous waste throughout the week. Electronic waste will only be accepted during the special drop off dates listed. For more information, call 913.715.6900 or go online to www.jocorecycles.org.
Did you know? • All residential properties are required to have trash service. A list of service providers can be found on our website, www.merriam.org. • Waste and recycling containers may only be stored outoors when placed behind the front of a residence and screened from view. • Waste and recycling containers should be placed curbside no more than 24 hours prior to scheduled pick-up.