Caitlin Gard

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. The public comment period addressed matters not on the agenda, including discussion regarding a beekeeping ordinance. Key agenda items included closing out the public portion, approving a consent agenda covering four routine items, and reports from the Mayor. The Mayor's report covered quarterly employee service awards for Q4 2025, introductions of new city employees in various departments, and various community engagements such as holiday events, meetings with school district representatives, discussions on the mayor and grand marketplace development, legislative meetings, and department outreach events. The council then proceeded to the election of the Council President and Vice President, resulting in nominations for Council Member Yodri for President and Council Member Cheveta for Vice President, which passed. Finally, the council began discussions on considering amendments to the governing body rules and procedures, specifically debating the established 7:00 p.m. meeting start time in favor of potentially earlier times to better accommodate staff and council members' personal schedules.

The 2026 Annual Budget for the City of Merriam, Kansas, functions as a strategic roadmap, detailing the organization's financial plan and resource allocation for the year. It outlines four key goals: enhancing community identity and connections, providing exceptional service delivery, improving physical conditions and property values, and maintaining economic vitality, all aimed at serving the public with transparent government focused on progress.

The meeting included a public comment section where no members of the public signed up to speak. The council approved consent agenda items one and two. The mayor reported on meeting with veterans, attending the Johnson County W County mayors meeting, discussing the situs tax on automobiles with state legislators, meeting with a Merriam resident to discuss concerns, attending a legislative town hall meeting, attending the Marryiam employees appreciation event, attending the national league of cities conference in Salt Lake City, attending an event at the Kansas and Missouri League of Municipalities, and attending the Northeast Chamber of Commerce gayla. The council approved the request for qualifications for a downtown master plan. A financial update was given, and the council discussed the transient guest task. The council discussed the 7-Eleven at Antioch Street, the marketplace, driveway applications, and the MS4 system permit. The council was reminded about collection barrels in the lobby of city hall and the community center lobby and Christmas in the courtyard.

The meeting included a public comment section where residents voiced concerns about calming curves and updates on street construction. The council approved consent agenda items and recognized Jessica Compton Crocker with a Hometown Hero award for her bravery in preventing a tragedy. A proclamation was made for Merriam's 75th anniversary, and employee service awards were presented. The mayor reported on various events, including forums, ribbon cuttings, legislative town halls, and community events. Discussions covered topics such as ICE operations, federal funding, and meetings with legislators.

The meeting included a public forum where residents raised concerns about traffic congestion near a school and potential environmental consequences from storm sewer lining work, including the release of toxic chemicals into Turkey Creek. There were also accusations of political campaigning by the mayor during official government forums and criticisms of proposed limitations on public speech. The council approved consent agenda items and the mayor issued a Native American Heritage Month proclamation. Reappointments were confirmed for the Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Board of Structural Appeals, and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The mayor also acknowledged Veterans Day and recognized council members who completed the citizen police academy.