Learn more
Save the date:
Find out how you
about Merriam’s
Merriam’s fall large
can be a partner
collaborative fire
item pick-up is
in Merriam’s Code
service agreement.
October 20th - 24th!
Compliance.
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merriam
Highlights P u b l i s h e d f o r t h e r e s i d e nts & b u s i n e ss e s o f M e r r i a m fa l l
2014
Preparing for Growth...
Take a picture, describe your concern and submit an online service request! Visit www.merriam.org, or download the Citizen Request Tracker app on your iPhone and let us know what needs to be fixed.
• Construction began in February on the Johnson Drive Bridge over Turkey Creek, just west of Merriam Drive. The city is replacing the structurally deficient bridge to improve safety for vehicular, transit, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The bridge will remain completely closed to vehicular traffic for the duration of the project. At this time, the bridge is expected to fully open in August.
Merriam’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) consists of street improvements, drainage enhancements, and park and facility improvements. These infrastructure improvements help make Merriam a more desirable place to live and work, drive redevelopment, and prepare our community for growth.
• The cities of Overland Park, Merriam and Shawnee, in partnership with KDOT, recently began construction on 75th Street from Switzer to the East Frontage Road along I-35. This project includes pavement replacement, median reconstruction, highway ramp work, traffic signal improvements, upgrades to fencing along the I-35 and BNSF bridges, storm sewer work, and pedestrian facilities on this major corridor. 75th Street will remain open to traffic, but motorists should expect significant delays as work is completed on the different parts of the roadway.
The following projects are either recently completed, under construction, or scheduled to begin later this summer/fall:
City of Merriam, Kansas 9001 W 62nd Street Merriam, Ks 66202-2815
Jostled by a pothole? Offended by graffiti? Is a streetlight leaving you in the dark?
Traffic alert, road closed, detour, construction ahead -- chances are, if you’ve traveled through Merriam lately, you’ve seen at least one of these signs. With the mild winter we’ve experienced and favorable spring and summer weather conditions, orange barrels have been popping up all over the Kansas City metro, and Merriam is no exception.
• The Kansas Department of Transportation will complete weekend ramp closures for the Northbound I-35 exit at Johnson Drive for asphalt paving and concrete patch work. This project will take two weekends to complete, but will remain open to traffic during weekdays. Tentative dates for these closures are: Friday, July 11th beginning at 7:00 PM, reopening to traffic by 5:00 AM on Monday, July 14th; and Friday, July 18th beginning at 7:00 PM, reopening to traffic by 5:00 AM on Monday, July 21st. - Continued on page 2
Presort Standard U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 576 Shawnee Mission, Ks
Construction - continued from page 1
• Residential Street Group IV and 55th Street Drainage / Safety Improvements – This street improvement project includes the conversion of ditch section streets to curb and gutter streets with improved storm drainage. Sidewalks will be added to one side of the street and decorative streetlights will be installed. This project area includes 54th Street, 55th Terrace, 56th Street, Garner Lane, Hayes Street, Carter Street, and Grant Street. A final public meeting was held in June, and work is expected to begin in July. Park Playground • Brown Improvements - Grading and sub-surface improvements have been completed and a new concrete pad has been installed at Brown Park in preparation for a new swing set and playground equipment. Staff is targeting a finish date of August 22nd to coincide with a “Party in Your Park” special event. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve our community, and encourage you to visit our website, www.merriam.org, for construction updates or to subscribe to e-mail alerts.
A Message From Mayor Ken Sissom Dear Merriam Citizens; As fall approaches, I hope this newsletter finds you all healthy and happy. I also hope you had the opportunity to attend the many family-friendly activities our Parks Department coordinated this summer. Merriam has been a very busy place these past few months with more excitement to come! Perhaps the event with the most excitement behind it is the grand opening of IKEA Merriam this fall! By now, you’ve probably seen the final touches being put on the iconic blue and yellow building under construction at I-35 and Johnson Drive. Though the date hasn’t been officially announced, the opening promises to be the largest public event ever staged in our city. We are very pleased they choose Merriam as their new home and we look forward to many great things to come from this unique and successful business partner. Construction also continues on the northern and eastern portions of the Merriam Village development. The old Papa John’s building on Johnson Drive has been demolished and construction is soon to begin on a new McDonalds. An extensive amount of utility relocations and dirt work has also occurred between QuikTrip and the Municipal Pool. This work is being done in preparation of the anticipated construction of the Hobby Lobby building and a second building that will house one or two new restaurants. Each of these developments adds to the diversity of our business climate and strengthens our local economy. In fact, I’m pleased to report that we will once again be able to hold our city mill levy at its current level and still provide the exceptional city services you’ve come to expect.
Another exciting change in Merriam is taking place with our fire service (see A CLOSER LOOK below). Several months ago, Fire Chief Bob Pape announced his plans for retirement in September, 2014. At that time, he approached City Council with concerns that his departure, along with the departure of other senior officers that had or were in the process of retirement, would leave a large experience and leadership void in the department. Chief Pape strongly urged the Council to conduct a study on what would be needed to replace these highly experienced employees. Around this same time, Merriam was approached by the City of Overland Park to consider a partnership agreement for fire services. Under that agreement, the City of Overland Park would bring their successful Advanced Life Support program to Merriam, and in exchange, we would provide both fire and medical service to the north end of their city. This collaboration in fire services began in January of 2014 and the new program has been so impressive that City Council is now exploring additional ways to partner in 2015. These are just a few of the exciting developments going on in your city. In conclusion, I hope to see you all this fall at the annual Turkey Creek Car and Motorcycle Show, shopping on Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings at the Merriam Farmers’ Market, or perhaps at an upcoming City Council meeting. If you have questions or concerns, I’m always happy to talk with you. Please give me a call at 913.523.5257. Sincerely,
A Closer look: Collaborative Fire Services In January 2014, the cities of Merriam and Overland Park began a collaborative agreement, offering Advanced Life Support (ALS) for medical calls in the combined service area. Instead of sending large expensive fire suppression equipment to a medical call, the ALS model sends a quick response vehicle that carries advanced life saving equipment. This vehicle is staffed with a squad of two firefighters; one who has additional certification as a paramedic, the other with the additional certification of an emergency medical technician (EMT). Since the majority of our service calls are medical in nature (approximately 75-80%), this arrangement has allowed for better medical coverage to our residents, at the same time saving thousands of dollars on fuel consumption and maintenance costs of our larger, more expensive trucks. Because of the success we’ve experienced in the first half of 2014, the two cities are currently evaluating the service model and exploring the possibility for further collaborative opportunities in the delivery of fire and medical services in 2015. Look for additional information in the next issue of the Merriam Highlights, or visit www.merriam.org for updates.
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National preparedness month: Are You Prepared? September is National Preparedness Month and a great time to make sure you have the needed tools to survive an emergency or disaster. Emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help to minimize the impact they will have on your life. Readiness is a shared responsibility and the City of Merriam asks all of our residents to make the pledge to prepare this month and to truly help themselves, their neighbors and their community to be prepared. Preparedness is contagious. What starts with one family can spread throughout a neighborhood, and every prepared community frees up emergency responders to take care of those who are in dire need. Preparedness is a shared responsibility and everyone has a role. So take the time and prepare. Know your risk - Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. It is important to understand potential risks where you live. Take action - Make sure that you and your family are prepared for an emergency. Ensure that you can go for at least three days without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket, or other local services. What you can do: 1. Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio and stay aware of severe weather potential. 2. Visit www.preparemetrokc.org and www.ready.gov to find out how to make a family emergency plan and prepare an emergency kit. 3. Sign up for mobile alerts at www.NotifyJoCo.org. Be an example - Be a positive influence on your community by sharing your preparedness story. Let your friends and family know that you’re prepared for an emergency – and that they should be prepared too. Research has shown that many people won’t prepare until they see others doing so. What you can do: 1. Share your preparedness story on Facebook so that friends and family will know what you’ll do in case of disaster. 2. Tell the world you’re prepared on Twitter using hashtag #NATLPREP. You don’t know when an emergency might occur. These simple steps will help you be prepared for the worst.
SAVE THE DATE: Merriam’s Fall Large Item Pick-up is Scheduled for October 20 - 24 Get that unwanted junk from your garage and basement, and be prepared for Merriam’s fall large item pick-up. 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 pick-up will occur October 20-24, 2014. Items such as furniture, appliances, carpets/rugs, and miscellaneous large items can be set curbside by 7:00 AM on your scheduled pickup day. There are some restrictions on the materials the city will accept. For a complete schedule of the city’s fall clean-up and a list of acceptable items, please visit www.merriam.org or call the Merriam Public Works Department at 913.322.5570.
NotifyJoCo Puts Merriam Residents in the Know When emergencies happen, find out what you need to know when you need to know it with NotifyJoCo.org. If you live or work in Johnson County, you can now sign up to receive important information about locations you care about through NotifyJoCo, a free public notification system which will communicate emergency information through phone, text, and e-mail messages to members of the community. To use the system, residents should go to www.NotifyJoCo.org to register their personal contact preferences. You can identify the locations that you are concerned about including your home, work or your child’s school. Residents who do not have internet access may call 913.826.5555 to register your information. All information provided is kept confidential. Emergency notifications will be sent in cases needing immediate response, such as a tornado warning, evacuation notices and public health alerts. Sign up today at NotifyJoCo.org or by calling 913.826.5555.
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Merriam Highlights Newsletter PAGE T HREE
www.merriam.org | 913.322.5500 | cityofmerriam@merriam.org
Code Compliance in Merriam The City of Merriam is committed to maintaining clean, safe and attractive neighborhoods. This goal is realized through professional code enforcement services provided by the Community Development Department. Merriam’s Municipal Code of Ordinances includes the International Property Maintenance Code, which addresses many conditions that could affect the quality of life in the city. To meet the goal of effective code enforcement, code compliance officers conduct systematic inspections in all areas of the city. They also respond to citizen complaints of undesirable conditions and regulate rental properties by licensing landlords and conducting biennial inspections of rental properties to determine compliance with applicable fire, safety and building codes.
You Can Be a Partner in Merriam’s Code Compliance. The City of Merriam is always interested in working with citizens to improve their neighborhoods. You can help to make Merriam a better place to live, work and play by being a partner with us in this effort. If you have concerns about a property in your neighborhood or elsewhere in the city, you should report it to the Merriam Community Development Department at 913.322.5520. Your call can remain anonymous, and you are not required to give your name or any other personal information to register a complaint. You also have the option to report your concerns online through the city’s website, www.merriam.org, through our Online Citizen Request Tracker. A code compliance officer will respond by making an inspection of the property in question and follow through to compliance if a violation is observed. There are several code requirements that every citizen should know. Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with these useful code requirements. Then, use the list to help you determine if there are conditions in your neighborhood that should be addressed.
Off-Street Parking – all off-street parking surfaces must be graded and paved with asphalt or concrete. Parking of vehicles on the grass or other non-paved surfaces is a
violation of city regulations. Driveways and other parking areas should be maintained free of cracks, potholes, and other defects by the property owner. Some homes in Merriam have gravel driveways and parking areas that were in existence before current regulations requiring paving were in place. These driveways or parking areas cannot be extended and must be maintained free of bare spots and vegetation. The outdoor storage or overnight parking of trucks, buses or trailers having a manufacturer’s rating greater than 15 MR is prohibited in residential districts.
Inoperable Vehicles – As a general rule, the outside storage of inoperable vehicles is not allowed. Inoperable vehicles must be removed from the property or stored inside a garage. Vehicles with flat tires, that are dismantled or wrecked, or without proper registration plates are considered inoperable.
Most other items placed outside would be considered unauthorized outside storage and a violation of city regulations. Boats, RV’s, Trailers, Campers & Camper Tops – These items may be stored outside if they are located behind the front building line and not within 7 feet of the side property line. They must be located on a hard surface (asphalt or concrete) as required for off-street parking. In the case of a corner lot, the front building line setback requirements must be met on both sides of the property facing streets. Please be advised that there are no provisions for storing or parking these items in a front driveway. Solid Waste & Recycling – Residential trash pick-up is NOT a city-provided service. It is the responsibility of the individual residents or homes associations to arrange for the collection and disposal of solid waste and recyclables. Trash must be collected at least once weekly at all Merriam properties. On collection day, containers may be placed outside on private property for pick-up. On other days, containers must be either stored indoors or may be placed outside, but must be screened from view.
Unauthorized Outside Storage – Most household items cannot be stored outside. The only items allowed outside without restrictions are lawn furniture, barbecue grills, arbors, trellises and flagpoles. Some other items may be stored outside such as trash cans, boats, trailers, campers, and firewood, but there are restrictions associated with the storage which include placement, screening, paving, and other specifics.
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Exterior Building Maintenance – All exterior building maintenance surfaces, including doors, soffits, eaves, windows, porches and trim, must be maintained in good condition. Peeling, flaking or chipped paint should be eliminated and the surface repaired. Sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas must be free of hazardous conditions. Accessory structures, fences and walls must also be maintained in good repair. House Numbers – Clearly posted numbers can save precious time should emergencies occur. All houses and other principal buildings must display street address numbers in an area easily readable from the street. The numbers must be at least 4 inches in height and of contrasting color to the building. Uncontrolled Vegetation – Lawn mowing is required. Weeds, grasses and other uncontrolled vegetation must be kept below 10 inches in height. Property owners are required to mow any area between their property line and the adjacent curb or street pavement line of any adjacent street, including the ditch area.
Tree Maintenance – Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of trees on their private property and trees in adjacent right-of-way areas. Dead trees and/or fallen tree limbs must be removed from property. If you are planning to replace or add trees on your property, please be aware that there are specific regulations governing plantings This information in right-of-way areas. can be obtained by calling the Community Development Department at 913.322.5520. Storage of Firewood, Compost Bins, and Disposal of Leaves and Other Yard Waste – Firewood and compost bins may be stored outside if they are located behind the front of the house and not within three feet of any property line. Firewood must be neatly
stacked and should be raised to deter rodent activity. Compost bins should be maintained to prevent them from becoming a nuisance to neighbors. Since January 2012, Johnson County residents are no long able to dispose of yard waste in landfills along with other trash. Yard waste picked up curbside must be composted or mulched at a composting facility. Most haulers still provide a curbside yard waste collection service. Check with your provider for specific rules and regulations of yard waste pick-up. The city also allows yard waste to be burned if a burn permit is obtained. Burn permits may be obtained from the Merriam Fire Department (9000 W. 62nd Terrace). The Fire Department will let you know how the burning is to be done and the days that you can safely burn. Call 913.322.5530 for more information. Please note that raking or blowing leaves into the street violates city ordinance and creates traffic hazards. Leaves and other yard waste must not be placed in ditches, streams or other drainage systems. Other Helpful Information – Some home repairs and alterations may require you to obtain a building permit, including fence and roof installation and driveway replacements. You can obtain these permits from the Community Development Department at City Hall (9001 W. 62nd Street) or by calling 913.322.5520. If you have concerns about a property maintenance issue not listed, or you want more detailed information on any of these items, please call 913.322.5520.
During a rainfall, water runs across rooftops, down streets and across parking lots and yards, picking up substances along the way. This stormwater “runoff” often contains materials like chemical fertilizer, pet waste, litter, automotive fluids and yard waste such as leaves and grass clippings. Runoff then washes down storm drains, eventually reaching local rivers and streams where it can pose significant risks to people and wildlife. Water that enters storm drains is not cleaned at wastewater treatment plants before it flows directly into streams, rivers and lakes. While storm drains were designed to divert water from roadways, they can transport harmful substances from lawns and streets. Chemicals and bacteria from materials like fertilizer and pet waste are directly deposited into our region’s water, causing pollution and endangering public health. Many residents don’t realize how their everyday habits impact our region’s water quality. Even small amounts of pollution can add up to big problems when it comes from an area the size of the Kansas City region. You can take steps to help protect the health of our neighborhoods and our environment. What can you do to help? • Keep waste out of storm drains. Never discard trash or yard waste down storm drains or in the street. • Pick up after your pet. Pet waste is not a fertilizer – it contains harmful bacteria. Carry disposable bags while walking your dog to pick up and dispose of waste properly. • Use lawn chemicals sparingly. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides can contain ingredients harmful to human health and the environment. Remember: if it’s on the ground, it’s in our water.
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Merriam Highlights Newsletter PAGE FI V E
www.merriam.org | 913.322.5500 | cityofmerriam@merriam.org
Officers Take Part in Torch Run to Benefit Special Olympics Each spring, law enforcement officers from across the state take part in the relay run to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS). As “Guardians of the Flame,” officers carry the “Flame of Hope” across the state to the SOKS Summer Games where they light the cauldron to signify the official opening of the games. The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 in Wichita, Kansas with six runners. Since then, the event has grown extensively with over 97,000 volunteers spanning 46 countries and raising more than $461 million for the Special Olympics movement. The Merriam Police Department began participating in the run in 1984 with just three runners. Now, Merriam has one of the highest officer participation rates in the state, and for the past few years has been second in fundraising totals, raising over $23,000 last year alone. In addition to the Torch Run, Merriam Officers volunteer their time throughout the year. They serve popcorn at Cinemark during the Popcorn Standoff, compete in events during the Law Enforcement Summer Games, jump into freezing water during the Polar Plunge, clean tables during Tip-A-Cop events, stand on buildings for Cops on Doughnut Shops, pull fire engines for the Heroes Pull, sweat during the Midnight Run, and participate in the Run With The Law. But perhaps the most rewarding volunteer event our officers participate in is presenting medals to Special Olympics athletes during their winter and summer games.
The Merriam Police Department would like to thank our business partners for their continued support: Lee Company, Cinemark, Merriam Feed, Peterson Properties (Kings Cove Apartments), Reed Liquor, Van Enterprises Inc, Midwestern Mechanical Specialties, and Hendrick Chevrolet. Individuals and business that would like to get involved in these volunteer efforts can contact Officer James Browning at 913.322.5560. You can also donate online by visiting www.ksso.org or at www.firstgiving.com/team/260379. All donations collected benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Kansas.
Got Meetings?
Join Merriam’s Citizen Police Academy Are you interested in learning how your Merriam Police Department
operates? Get an up close and personal look at police work at Merriam’s Citizen Police Academy. In this ten-week academy, participants learn about search and seizure, domestic violence, court procedures, firearms familiarization, receive tours of the Johnson County Jail, Dispatch Center and Crime Lab, and many other fascinating topics. Participants will see through the eyes of instructors and experience “hands on” what it’s like to be a Merriam Police Officer. The next session of classes will begin September 9th. Classes take place Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 PM through November 18th. Online registration is now open at www.merriam.org/MPD or by calling the Merriam Police Department at 913.322.5560. Applicants do not have to be Merriam residents, but space is limited, so don’t wait!
Merriam PD Opens Its Doors for “National Night Out” The Merriam Police Department will host a “National Night Out” open house on Tuesday, August 5th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Merriam Police Station (9010 W. 62nd Street). Demonstrations will be set up throughout the station, giving residents a behind the scenes look at your department and an opportunity to put a face to the officers who protect our community.
Make it Merriam is a new resident referral program offered by the Merriam Visitors Bureau. Designed to bring small to medium size group business into Merriam, we invite residents to consider Merriam as the ideal choice for corporate gatherings, sports bookings, reunions, etc. It’s as simple as 1…2…3, and offers incentives for realized bookings. Learn more at online by visiting www.exploremerriam.com/rrp or call the visitors bureau at 913.403.8999.
For more information about this year’s event, visit www.merriam.org/MPD or call 913.322.5560. fa l l 2 0 1 4
Merriam Highlights Newsletter
www.merriam.org | 913.322.5500 | cityofmerriam@merriam.org