MERRIAM HIGHLIGHTS Published for Merriam Residents & Businesses
Spring - Summer 2014
City celebrates 150 years of community in 2014 It took many decades for Merriam to become the city it is today. The history of our region can be traced back to the days when the Kanza Indian Tribe inhabited the land. However, the community that would become Merriam didn’t take root until a Tennessean named David Gee Campbell bought acreage from an Indian, Mary Parks, and decided to settled on the site. In 1864, Campbell moved his family home to the south side of Johnson drive near Turkey Creek. This valley reminded him of his Tennessee home and his Scottish roots. Through his vision, the area flourished, and soon over 20 homes and many businesses made up the early town, aptly named Campbellton. By 1880 after the local railroad had been built Merriam Park, the name of the town was changed to Merriam.
The City of Merriam became an incorporated city in 1950 and just a few years later in 1957, Merriam become a city of the second class. Today, Merriam is a vibrant community and our area continues to grow and develop within the region. It’s been an amazing 150 years since our community’s inception. We invite you to join us as we celebrate our community’s sesquicentennial. A special exhibit, “Campbellton to Merriam -- Celebrating 150 Years of Community,” will be on display May 15th - June 5th at the Tim Murphy Art Gallery, located on the 3rd floor of the Irene B French Community Center. An opening night reception will take place on Thursday, May 15th from 7:00 - 8:30 PM, featuring historic exhibits, reenactors, live music and refreshments. We invite you to explore a collection of artifacts and historic photos
Our Community Foun der, David Gee Campbell
dating back to our earliest days. To enhance the experience, you can choose to start the evening with a unique trolley tour of Merriam’s most historic points of interest, departing from the Community Center at 5:45 PM. Residents and guests are welcome to attend. The gallery exhibit and opening reception are FREE, however, there is a $10/person charge for the trolley tour. Seating is limited! Reserve your seat by calling 913.322.5550. Interested in learning more about our City’s history? Pick up a copy of, Historic Merriam: The History of Merriam Kansas, by Myra Jenks and Irene B. French. The book is on sale for $15 at the Irene B. French Community Center (cash or check only please).
CITY OF MERRIAM, KANSAS 9001 W 62ND STREET MERRIAM, KS 66202-2815
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MERRIAM HIGHLIGHTS
A Message from Mayor Sissom As we enter another Spring/Summer season, I hope this newsletter finds you healthy and happy. The City of Merriam has been keeping very busy these past few months and I am happy to report that 2013 was a prosperous year. I don’t expect it to be any different in 2014. Our Public Works Department is now conducting road repairs on damage caused by this past winter. These employees did a great job again keeping our roads clear of ice and snow. The Community Development Department has also kept busy working with the folks at IKEA to make sure there will be a smooth Fall opening. Speaking of which, IKEA has promised a lot of excitement with their grand opening events. It seems that it is not uncommon for thousands of loyal IKEA fans, from all over the region, to make the trek to be present for these festivities. Expect huge crowds, some from hundreds of miles away, to converge upon Merriam for the opening weekend. Planning is already underway to determine how best to accommodate all these shoppers. There is no doubt there will be a temporary impact on traffic flow in the area. While this is going on, we hope to soon see construction on the vacant lot located just east of IKEA. I hope to see many of you at the Turkey Creek Festival in Antioch Park on May 17th. This is our largest annual city event and it is put on to celebrate the citizens of Merriam. The Merriam Parks and Recreation Department works very hard to make this a special day. Representatives from all city departments pitch in to guarantee success. Hopefully, the weather will be great that day. In conclusion, I would ask that if anyone has a question, suggestion, or even a problem with city services, please contact me. You can email me at mayors@merriam.org or call me at 913-523-5357. Or stop by City Hall, one hour before every City Council Meeting (2nd and 4th Monday each month), and visit me in my office. I would love to hear from you.
Community recycling event It’s that time of year again -- the weather is warming up,and we begin to look around our homes and offices seeking ways to brighten things up, clean and become more organized. This year, the City of Merriam is partnering with the City of Shawnee to bring you a fantastic recycling opportunity just in time for spring cleaning! When: Saturday, April 19, 2014 8:00 to 11:00 AM Where: Splash Cove Parking Lot (58th and King) What: Four recycling events, one convenient location Electronics Recycling Looking for a place to take your outdated electronics? We have the answer! We are working with Vintage Tech to host a consumer electronics recycling event. Consumer electronics can be dropped off for recycling the only items that have a cost for collection are televisions ($10). Community Shredding Tax season has arrived and there’s no better time than the present to clean out your personal files. We are working with PROSHRED for this spring community shredding event. Shredding is free to the public;
however, there is a suggested donation of $5 per regular file box and $10 per large file box. Donations will help off-set costs of the event and the remaining donations will go to the Merriam Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund and the Shawnee Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund. Bike Collection Have your kids outgrown their bikes? Do you have a bike that you never ride? Bring them to the event. The City of Shawnee will refurbish and redistribute the bikes through various community service organizations. Latex Paint Collection We are working with Johnson County’s household hazardous waste program to collect unwanted latex paint (household contributors only; no commercial institutions’ paint will be accepted). Oil-based paint, aerosols, paint thinners, stains, and other household hazardous items will not be collected. To dispose of those items, please contact Johnson County Health and Environment at 913.715.6900. For more information about this event or for a full list of items, visit the City’s website, www.merriam.org.
Merriam’s large item clean-up scheduled for April 21st - 25th The City of Merriam will conduct its annual spring clean-up campaign the week of April 21st through 25th. This is the perfect time for residents to clean out their attics, basements, and storage sheds and get rid of unwanted items -- including broken lawn furniture, swing sets, household furniture, appliances, and other large or bulky items. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL NOT BE PICKED UP: • Routine trash • Concrete, asphalt, cinder blocks, or rocks • Landscaping timber/railroad ties • Tree branches, brush, firewood, leaves, or yard waste • Roofing materials/shingles, lumber, sheet rock, and other building materials • Paint cans, chemicals, tires, motor oil, brake fluid, gas/gas tanks, diesel fuel, or pesticides Items must be curbside before 7:00 AM on the day of your scheduled pickup. For a complete pick-up schedule, visit www.merriam.org, or call (913) 322-5570.
Spring maintenance reminders With the harsh winter we experienced this year, it may be hard to imagine tall weeds and grass. But summer is just around the corner, and with the new season comes the need for mowing and maintaining your lawn. City code requires all weeds and grass be kept below 10 inches in height. Also remember, improper disposal of yard waste affects everyone. Grass and yard waste, when raked curbside, can cause blockage of storm sewers and lead to flooding onto you or your neighbor’s property. It can be costly to repair items damaged by water. Contact your waste disposal service for details regarding the pick-up and removal of lawn waste.
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SPRING / SUMMER 2014
Captain Mike Daniels named next Chief of Police
Popcorn Standoff
Captain Mike Daniels has been appointed to serve as the next Chief of Police for the City of Merriam by a unanimous decision of the City Council.
Involved Shooting Investigation Team. He was promoted to Lieutenant of Investigations in 2006 and Captain of the Patrol Division in 2013.
SAVE THE DATE: The Merriam Police Department will be serving the popcorn at Merriam’s Cinemark Theater, Saturday, April 12th from 4:00 - 9:00 PM as part of this year’s Popcorn Standoff.
“I would like to thank the Mayor and City Council for their trust in my ability to lead the Merriam Police Department,” says Daniels. “It is an honor to become the next chief of a department that has had such exceptional leadership over the past decade.”
Make it a family night and bring the kids to see Rio 2! All proceeds from popcorn sales during this time will be donated to the Kansas Special Olympics.
Daniels, a 27-year veteran of the Merriam Police Department, will take over the post on June 28th when current Chief Tim Burnett retires. “The City is fortunate to have someone of Daniels’ caliber for the position,” said Merriam City Administrator Phil Lammers. “He is highly regarded in the Johnson County law enforcement community, and a proven leader in our department.” Daniels joined the Merriam Police Department in 1987 as a patrol officer. He worked in both patrol and investigative positions within the department with additional duties as a field training officer, firearms and use of force instructor, and SWAT team commander. Daniels is a member of the Metro Squad and the Johnson County
For additional information, contact Officer Browning at jbrowning@merriam.org or call 913.322.5560.
Daniels received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Administration of Justice from Central Missouri State University in 1986, and completed his Master of Criminal Justice degree at Washburn University in 2001. He graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2010. Daniels is also an Adjunct Instructor of criminal justice at the Johnson County Community College and the University of Phoenix.
Smoke Alarms - A matter of life and death A message from Fire Chief Bob Pape
But installation is just the first step in protecting your family from fires. You also need to develop an escape plan and maintain your smoke alarms.
Cobwebs and dust can be removed with a vacuum cleaner attachment. If you are going to be doing work nearby that could send dust in the air, cover the alarm with a shield. Also, shield the alarm if you are painting around it, and never put paint on the alarm. Remember to remove the shield promptly after work is completed.
We would like to offer these simple maintenance tips to ensure your smoke alarms are in good working order: • Most people don’t realize that typically, you have less than 2 minutes to escape if your house catches on fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a working smoke alarm increases your family’s chances of a safe escape from a fire by more than 50 percent.
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The family at the house above was awakened by a working smoke alarm. Everyone, including their pet dog, was saved thanks to the early notification that it gave them. The Merriam Fire Department suggests you install at least one smoke alarm inside every sleeping area and on every level of your home. Both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are functional in detecting smoke. However, for maximum protection, you should get a dual sensor smoke alarm. These alarms activate quick in both smoldering and fast moving fires.
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Testing -- Test each alarm once a month to make sure it’s operating. Testing is the only way to ensure it’s working to protect you. Push the test button and listen for the alarm. If you can’t reach the alarm, stand under it and push the test button with a broom handle. Replacing Batteries -- If your smoke alarms are battery-operated, replace the batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do this at least twice a year (an easy reminder -- change your clock, change your batteries), or when the alarm chirps, alerting you the battery power is low. Replace the batteries immediately if you move into a new home. Make sure no one disables your smoke alarms by borrowing batteries for other uses. Cleaning -- Just as you clean your home, your smoke alarms need to be cleaned. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Manufacturers recommend that you replace your smoke alarm if it is over 10 years old. They may appear to be functioning, but they are subject to a higher failure rate. Many new smoke alarms have a long-life lithium battery power source. These alarms last for many years and when they start chirping, you just discard the old smoke alarm and buy a new one.
Did you know that the Merriam Fire Department offers free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms? Contact us today and ask about our free smoke/carbon monoxide alarm program or other helpful fire safety tips. Call us at 913.322.5530 or email bobp@merriam.org.
MERRIAM HIGHLIGHTS - SPRING / SUMMER 2014
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Summertime in the city!
The return of warmer weather, fresh fruits and veggies from the farmers’ market, diving into the cool refreshing water at the aquatic center, enjoying funnel cakes and pedal boats at Merriam’s annual Turkey Creek Festival, feeling patriotic at Flags 4 Freedom, and listening to local artists at Merriam’s many outdoor events...Merriam seems to come alive in the summer! Grab your highlighter and explore the pages of our latest Merriam Highlights newsletter and Parks and Recreation brochure. There is no shortage of family-friendly events happening this summer in Merriam!
Beat the heat at the Merriam Aquatic Center
Merriam Farmers’ Market
Buy fresh, buy local, it’s easy to do in Merriam with our award winning Farmers’ Market Pavilion. Opening Day of the Saturday Farmers’ Market is May 3rd (7:00 AM – 1:00 PM). And a new Wednesday market kicks off June 4th through August 27th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase fresh produce, frozen meats, nuts, honey, baked goods, and arts and crafts from over 30 vendors participating each week. And back by popular demand -- Chef Mark Alan will be returning for four dates (May 10, June 14, July 12, and August 9). Watch as he makes delicious creations from items sold by our marketplace vendors. The Merriam Marketplace is located in the downtown Merriam historic district at 5740 Merriam Drive. In addition to being one of the most beautiful facilities in the metropolitan area, patrons enjoy convenient paved parking just steps from our vendors and FREE live entertainment each Saturday! For more information, call 322-5550 or visit www.merriam.org/park.
Looking for a fun way to spend your summer days? Season passes for the Merriam Aquatic Center go on sale May 1st. For an additional fee, residents are able to purchase a Superpass which provides access to municipal pools in Prairie Village, Roeland Park, Mission, Fairway, and Leawood. Want to check out the pool before committing to a season pass? All Merriam and Johnson County residents are invited to be our guest at the Merriam Aquatic Center on Sunday, May 25th for a FREE swim. To qualify please bring a photo drivers license as proof of residency. For more information on the aquatic center fees, programs and a complete summer schedule visit www.merriam.org/park.
Rock N’ Party in Your Parks Celebrate, the weekend has arrived! Join us at your favorite neighborhood park for a FREE evening of fun, food, games and more. We’ll provide dinner, an inflatable and a local band all for the family to enjoy. The party kicks off at 6:30 - 8:30 PM on June 6th, July 18th and August 22nd. For a complete list of entertainment, visit www.merriam.org/park -- and don’t forget the lawn chairs!
Summer Sundays in Merriam Enjoy a NEW spin on our summer concert series in 2014 -- Merriam Parks and Recreation and Kansas City Food Truck Association are joining forces. Follow the Streamway Trail to the Merriam Marketplace and join us for dinner and music -- June 15th and August 17th. From 5:00 - 8:00 PM, enjoy a wide assortment of menu options from participating food trucks. Proceeds from food sales go to support Merriam’s annual Flags 4 Freedom display. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy local musicians, games and activities for the kids.
2014 Turkey Creek Festival Kick your summer off at the 29th Annual City of Merriam Turkey Creek Festival on Saturday, May 17th at Antioch Park! Start the day with the a 5k run in downtown Merriam with chip timing and finisher medals for each participant! Activities at Antioch Park will run from 10:00 AM to 4:00PM. Enjoy all the festival favorites; Kid Zone with inflatables, petting zoo, pony and train rides, pancake feed, over 60 arts and crafts vendors, pedal boat rides, free concerts, and more. Local food vendors offer everything from barbecue to homemade ice-cream, funnel cakes to turkey legs and much, much more. New this year: Clement McCrae Puppet Show, Stroller Fit Demonstrations, DJ the Balloon Man, and frontier games to help celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Campbellton. For a complete list of activities visit www.merriam.org/park.
Flags 4 Freedom patriotic flag display The Merriam Parks, Recreation and Community Center Foundation will host this year’s Flags 4 Freedom event in our downtown and surrounding areas from June 28th through July 5th. Over 1,200 United States flags will be placed at the Merriam Marketplace, Irene B. French Community Center, and lining the streets of downtown Merriam. Visitors are encouraged to walk through the fields remembering those who have sacrificed their lives, those who have served, and those still serving to protect this great nation. Information regarding flag dedications, volunteer opportunities, and a complete schedule of events can be found at www.flags4freedom.org.
Cruise Nights Show off your ride and chat with other classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts at the Merriam Marketplace. Cruise nights are planned for Saturday, July 12th and August 9th (from 6:30 - 8:30PM). Join us for door prizes, food, and live music. For more information, visit www.merriam.org/park.