Published for Merriam Residents & Businesses SPRING / SUMMER 2013

MERRIAM HIGHLIGHTS CITY OF MERRIAM, KANSAS 6200 EBY STREET MERRIAM, KS 66202-2815

PRESORT STANDARDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 576

SHAWNEE MISSION, KS

www.merriam.org | (913) 322-5500 | CityofMerriam@merriam.org

SAVE THE DATE: Large item clean-up scheduled for April 15th - 19th

The CiTy of MerriaM will conduct its spring clean-up campaign during the week of April 15th through 19th.

large iTeMs suCh as furniTure, appliances, carpets/rugs, and other miscellaneous large items are to be put curbside before your scheduled pickup day.

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.

Summer’s here and what’s not to like? 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 Friday night concerts...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!

Summertime in the City

Do you have a digital camera and enjoy taking photographs? The City of Merriam is looking for citizens with an eye for capturing what makes life in Merriam special!

Throughout the year, Merriam incorporates photos and video into our print and online publications. We need your help building our photo and video archive with the sights, events, and landmarks that are unique to Merriam. From Merriam businesses and facilities, to community events and neighborhood scenes, if your photos capture Merriam’s community spirit, we’d like to see them!

Here’s your chance to share your skills with friends and family, neighbors down the street and visitors across the country! E-mail your photos to cityofmerriam@merriam.org or visit our website, www.merriam.org, for instructions on how to submit your photos and videos online.

WANTED: Your Merriam photos and video clips!

2 MERRIAM HIGHLIGHTS

A Message from Mayor Sissom redevelopment updatesAs you drive around Merriam, you may notice some positive changes in our neighborhoods. Over the past months, the City of Merriam has seen a significant increase in the amount of commercial development taking place.

If you have questions regarding these or other projects around Merriam, contact the Community Development Department at 913-322-5520.

Here is a look at some of the projects currently in planning or under construction in Merriam:

ikea Merriam

On December 17, 2012, the City Council gave final approval to a Preliminary Development Plan that cleared the way for IKEA to move forward with its plan to build a new store on the upper portion of Merriam Village at I-35 and Johnson Drive. IKEA will begin construction in 2013 and anticipates a store opening in the second half of 2014. The new store will serve as the anchor tenant for Merriam Village and may increase demand for the remaining vacant land. The store will be approximately 350,000 sq. ft., employ 300 full and part time associates and draw 30% of its customer base from outside of the Kansas City metro area. IKEA’s decision to locate in Merriam stands as a testament to the fact that Merriam is a community with a lot to offer both residents and businesses.

hendrick lexus

The owners of Hendrick Nissan, Hendrick Toyota, and Hendrick Chevrolet submitted applications last year to pave the way for the relocation of their Hendrick Lexus facility to Merriam Pointe at I-35 and W. 67th Street. Their new facility is currently under construction and plans to be open by summer of 2013.

infiniti kansas City

The owners of Infiniti of Kansas City were approved to start construction on their new facility in 2012 and anticipate being open by the fall of 2013. The new facility will be located in Merriam Pointe near the new Hendrick Toyota and Hendrick Lexus locations.

Timber ridge Villas

Timber Ridge Villas is a single-family housing development located at W. 67th Street and Wedd Street. The development consists of 44 maintenance provided lots. After struggling through the recent recession, this development is now under active construction. The City of Merriam issued a dozen new home permits for this site in 2012 and has four more currently under review. Because it is one of the only maintenance provided, single-family communities under construction in NE Johnson County, demand for the homes is extremely high.

shawnee Mission Medical Center

SMMC has been working to update and expand their existing facilities for many years. The hospital is currently constructing a new Women’s Center to accommodate the rapid growth in births taking place at the hospital. The need for these expanded services may serve as an indicator of a shifting demographic in the area as young families start to move back into the communities they grew up in.

did you know? The Visitors bureau saves you money!Did you know the Merriam Visitors Bureau is funded solely by a 7% transient guest tax that is collected exclusively at Merriam hotels and lodging facilities? That’s right! No residential property tax dollars or sales tax revenues are used to support the Merriam Visitors Bureau. In fact, because of the Transient Guest Tax collected at local hotels, other city attractions and events like the Merriam Marketplace, Turkey Creek Festival and annual car show are primarily funded not by Merriam residents, but by visitors to our city! It’s the Visitors Bureau that helps keep those hotels full and the out-of-town dollars working for you! Check them out at www.exploremerriam.com.

It is summertime again and there is a lot going on in our little city!

The buildings located in the Merriam Village redevelopment area are scheduled to come down, making way for the new IKEA store. City staff have allreported that working with the IKEA team has been a delight, and we are all anxious to see the new building built on that site. While the site does present some challenges, I am told that because of the elevation and proximity to I-35, this will be one of the nicest locations in America. The store is still scheduled to open in fall of 2014.

The folks in Ward One should start seeing a lot of construction when the Shawnee Creek Drainage Project gets underway. This is a five million dollar project that will help with drainage coming from Shawnee as it moves toward Turkey Creek. Currently, there is a problem with erosion and many Merriam property owners will benefit from this project. Johnson County is helping with the cost of this project and Merriam’s share will come from the 1/8-cent sales tax that was approved a couple years ago.

By the time this newsletter hits the streets, the Dutch Maid Motel, which was built as a roadside motor court in the 1930’s will officially be a part of Merriam History. In 2012, the City of Merriam purchased the dilapidated property at the Johnson County auction for $13,000. Demolition was scheduled to occur in March. The city plans on grading this site properly and then seeding it with new grass. Eventually the property may be used for another purpose, but for now it will serve as a more scenic grassy frontage area for Merriam Drive. While the demolition was done by contractors, the rest of the work was completed by our own Merriam Public Works.

One final note – the Merriam City Council is now working on the 2014 City Budget. Our finances look great and it will be my intention to see another year pass without any increase in city property taxes.

Have a safe and happy summer and come up and visit us at a Council Meeting sometime in the future.

3SPRING / SUMMER 2013

Merriam farmers’ Market

The 2013 Merriam Farmers’ Market will be open 7 AM to 1 PM, Saturdays beginning May 4th through Oct. 12th. Shop local and buy fresh produce at the Merriam Farmers’ Market. Vine-ripened tomatoes, “just-picked” juicy melons, flowering baskets, herbs, annuals and perennials, home-baked cookies and breads, and hand-crafted artwork. You’ll find all of these and more from the vendors at the Merriam Marketplace this season!

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. • Free live entertainment each Saturday!• Chef demonstrations by Mark Allen on June 15th, July 13th and August 10th .

For more information, call 322-5550 or visit www.merriam.org/park.

2013 Turkey Creek festival

The City of Merriam will hold its Annual Turkey Creek Festival and 5K fun run on Sat. May 18, 2013. All activities (except 5K run) take place at the beautiful Antioch Park. The day is filled with events for everyone to enjoy, most of the activities are FREE!

7 AM Pancake breakfast sponsored by the Merriam Lions Club8 AM 5K Run, walk/stroller & youth sprints (5701 Merriam Drive)10 AM Festival begins in Antioch Park -- Over 60 arts & crafts vendors,

children’s activities, petting zoo, pedal boats, inflatable games, train ride, make and take projects, concerts and more!

11 AM Free main stage concert with children’s songs by “The Transient”1 PM Free fire pit concert featuring “KC Rain” 3 PM Free main stage concert featuring “Sean McNown Band”

For a complete list of activities visit www.merriam.org/park.

beat the heat at the Merriam aquatic Center

Looking for some healthy and affordable family fun this summer? Look no further than your hometown aquatic center at 6040 Slater in beautiful Vavra Park. Summer fun begins in Merriam on Sunday, May 26th when the aquatic center opens for the season with a free swim for Merriam and Johnson County residents (must show a driver’s license or proof of residency to the aquatic center cashier).

The aquatic center includes a 50 meter pool with diving boards and 25 meter lap lane, and two large water slides with plunge pool. The zero depth pool is a popular feature for families with children age 8 and under and includes water riders, small slides and floating sea creatures. Shade structures and concessions area are also provided for your comfort.

Season passes go on sale beginning April 1st at the Irene B. French Community Center. Members will have the opportunity to take advantage of the Super Pass add-on option again this year. This unique member add-on allows participants to visit the outdoor pools in Prairie Village, Mission, Fairway, Roeland Park and Leawood.

In addition, thanks to input from our patrons, swim lessons have been expanded and will now be offered on Saturday mornings. The zero depth pool will open at 10:30 AM Monday – Saturday during morning swim lessons.

See complete information on the aquatic center fees and programs in the attached Merriam Parks and Recreation summer catalogue, or visit www.merriam.org/park.

free summer concert series

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the sounds of local musicians at your neighborhood park!

Merriam’s free summer concert series kicks off Friday, June 14th at Chatlain Park with “Broken Strings” performing. Join us on June 21st at Quail Creek Park for music by “Parachute Adams”, and on June 28th at Vavra Park for “Loozin Sleep”. The music kicks off each evening at 6:30 PM.

And make plans to join us at Merriam’s party in your park Concert at Brown Park on June 7th. We’ll have inflatable games, pickleball, and live music by “Step and a Half Down” (Beatles Cover Band).

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 29 through July 6, 2013.

Nearly 2,000 United States flags will be placed at the Merriam Marketplace, Irene B. French Community Center, and lining the streets of downtown Merriam. The flags will be on display the entire week and 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.

Opening ceremonies will take place on Saturday, June 29th at 9:30 AM at the Merriam Marketplace, and a patriotic concert will be held on July 4th beginning at 12:30 PM.

Information regarding flag dedications, volunteer opportunities, and a complete schedule of events can be found at www.flags4freedom.org.

Merriam parks & recreation summertime events

4MERRIAM HIGHLIGHTS - SPRING / SUMMER 2013

spring/summer property maintenance remindersWith spring upon us and summer approaching, it is time to turn our attention towards getting outdoors and addressing those things that this time of year bring.

The Community Development Department would like to remind residents that weeds and grass must be maintained below 10 inches in height in order to be in compliance with city ordinance.

All residential properties are required to have trash service. Please help keep our City looking great by ensuring that waste and recycle containers stored outdoors are screened from

view and are well maintained. Items may be placed curbside for pick-up no more than 24 hours prior to scheduled pick-up and must be returned to their proper storage area no longer than 24 hours after pick-up.

Boats, RVs, trailers, and campers may be parked/stored on your property when placed behind the front of your residences on an approved hard surface such as asphalt or concrete, provided required setbacks to adjacent properties are met.Should you have any questions or concerns regarding code issues within the City of Merriam,

please contact the Community Development office at 913-322-5520.

We would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation with these matters and express our appreciation for your help in keeping Merriam “Just Right”.

fireworks of any kind are prohibited in MerriamHave you heard the saying, “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt”?

Each year on July 4th, we celebrate our country’s independence. Celebrations often include cooking out on the grill with family and friends. For some, it sometimes includes the shooting of fireworks. Although this can be exciting, it can easily turn tragic. Fires and injuries often accompany this type of activity.

According to the Kansas State Fire Marshal, in 2012 there were over 450 reports of incidents in Kansas, resulting in over $1.1 million in loss.

Did you know that Sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit? Did you know that all bottle rockets are illegal in the State of Kansas? It is the recommendation of the NFPA that the public leave the shooting of fireworks to professionals.

We want you to enjoy your holiday without worrying about your safety or that of a loved one. We don’t want you to experience the loss of your residence due to a fireworks related fire.

Therefore, the sale, shooting or possessing of any type of firework is prohibited in Merriam.

Fines can range from $25 to $500 and/or you can receive up to 30 days in jail.

Merriam firefighters and police officers will be patrolling the City during the holiday season and violators will be prosecuted.

If you have any questions regarding these regulations, please contact the Merriam Fire Department at (913)322-5530.

Merriam hosts national night outThe Merriam Police and Fire Departments will be participating in the Annual National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday August 6, 2013.

Night Out Against Crime is an annual event that allows citizens and first responders (police and fire) to get together and give Merriam’s crime and drugs a going away party.

Residents are invited to join us for a citywide, family-friendly event at Merriam Police Department (9010 W. 62nd Street) on Tuesday, August 6th begnning at 6 PM.

If you have any questions about the event please call 322-5560. For more information on the National Night Out visit www.natw.org/nno.

do you have an interest in the Merriam Citizen police academy?The Merriam Police Department will be hosting a Citizens Police Academy beginning September 11, 2013. This 10-week course that meets every Wednesday night from 6:00 - 9:30 PM.

The classes cover all areas of police operations including an overview of the department, basic patrol officer duties, traffic enforcement, search and seizure law, domestic violence, property and person crime investigations, traffic accident investigation, less than lethal force options,

firearms, use of force liability, defensive tactics, and DUI investigations.

This is a fun class for both the participants and

the Police Officer Instructors. You will have the opportunity to meet many of the Merriam Police Officers and get to know a little about them and why they choose to be police officers in the City of Merriam.

You can find out more and enroll on the Citizens Academy section of the police department website www.merriam.org/MPD.

Crime prevention programDid you know the Merriam Police Department has a crime prevention program dedicated to helping neighborhood watch groups and individual citizens with crime prevention efforts at work, home and play?

Residents can request an officer come to their

business or home to provide suggestions on how to improve security. The Merriam Police Department also provides training on self defense, situational awareness and other crime prevention topics. And all of these services are free of charge.

For additional information, contact Lieutenant Darren McLaughlin at 913-322-5560 or visit www.merriam.org/MPD.