The City of Merriam is accepting applications for the franchise fee rebate program. This program provides Merriam families, whose income falls within the limits established by HUD, the opportunity to apply for a refund of the franchise fees paid on electricity, gas and telephone bills during 2007.

Franchise fees collected from utility companies are refunded to eligible low-to-moderate income households. This fee rebate program is a city-funded project, implemented by Mayor Wilkes and the Merriam City Council. This year will mark the 26th year that this program has been offered to Merriam residents. To qualify, residents must meet the following HUD maximum income limits:

For example, a family that averages $200 per month on utilities could receive approximately $120 per year in utility fee refunds.

Those wishing to participate should contact the Community Development Department at (913) 322-5520 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to request an application form. Applications must be accompanied by gas, electric and telephone receipts, along with proof of income. For proof of income, residents can provide their 2007 W-2 or income tax forms, or social security papers. Applications will be accepted through May 1, 2008.

Daddy-Daughter Valentines Dance: Father’s, uncles and grandfathers...escort your favorite daughter, niece or granddaughter to our annual Valentine's Dance. You and your special date will enjoy a very special and memorable evening together. A disc jockey will be spinning some sounds for your dancing enjoyment. refreshments and fun activities will be available. A photographer will be on hand to capture the moment and provide a free keepsake to take home. Cap off the evening with a FREE limo ride around Merriam Drive! Evening is limited to 50 couples. Please pre-register by January 29th!

TCF Parade Theme Suggestions ~
The City of Merriam is soliciting theme suggestions for the 2008 Merriam Turkey Creek Festival Parade. The festival will be held Saturday, May 17. The parade is a highlight of Merriam’s largest festival, which annually draws up to 10,000 people.

Examples of past themes include: “A Salute to Freedom”, “Building for the Future”, “Discover Merriam…Just Right!”, and “Celebrating Merriam…A Historic City on the Move”.

Theme suggestions can be made by mail to City of Merriam, Attn: TCF Parade Committee, 9000 W. 62nd Terrace, Merriam, KS 66202, or by e-mailing cityofmerriam@merriam.org with “TCF Parade Theme,” or similar declaration in the subject line. The deadline for submitting theme suggestions is Wednesday, January 30, 2008.

Grand Marshal Nominations ~
The City of Merriam is pleased to announce a call for nominations for the 2008 Turkey Creek Festival Grand Marshal. The community is invited to nominate individuals to serve as Grand Marshal of the 2008 TCF parade.

Duties of the TCF Parade Grand Marshal include assisting with award selections and riding in the parade on Saturday May 17, 2008.

Nominations should include the individual's name, contact information, a brief statement of why you feel the individual should be the Turkey Creek Festival Parade Grand Marshal, and the nominating individual's name and contact information. Nominations can be made by mail to City of Merriam, Attn: TCF Parade Committee, 9000 W. 62nd Terrace, Merriam, KS 66202 or e-mailing cityofmerriam@merriam.org with “TCF Grand Marshal Nomination,” or similar declaration in the subject line.

An individual can be nominated multiple times, but each nomination must come from a different person. The deadline for Grand Marshal nominations is Wednesday, February 27, 2008.