December 7, 2007
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Winter Weather, Snow Covered Streets & Icy Walkways |
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67th Street Closed West of Carter for Railroad Crossing Repairs |
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Winter Weather, Snow Covered Streets & Icy Walkways
With our first snow behind us and another chance for ice and snow in the forecast this weekend, the City of Merriam would like to remind residents to follow established guidelines for obtaining optimal snow removal efforts. It is the City's intent to provide the highest quality of service to our citizens, businesses and commuters. Each winter, the Merriam Public Works Department removes snow and ice from 123 lane miles of roadway. City workers plow and remove approximately fifty tons of material with each sweep through the city. Due to street closures and detour routes, the Merriam Public Works Department crews are experiencing a slightly slower clearing rate, however rest assure that our crews are responding and operating as quickly as possible. We not only encourage citizens to avoid parking their vehicles on the streets, but by ordinance vehicles are prohibited from parking on the street when a snowfall exceeds two inches in depth (click here to view the related city codes, Section 27-8). |
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Your safety is our vital concern. Snow plowing helps to clear main arteries and residential streets to provide safe passage throughout the city. We ask that you voluntarily follow safe driving and parking regulations during inclement weather not only to avoid charges but to insure the effective clearing of the streets. Unfortunately, inclement weather may also cause residential walkways and private drives to become hazardous to residents and/or their vehicles. While city crews are responsible for clearing sidewalks at public facilities such as the Municipal Buildings and Parks, property owners or occupants are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks that are adjacent to their property. It's especially important to keep sidewalks clear for children, so they aren't forced to walk in the street. Also, be aware of elderly or disabled neighbors who can't shovel their own walks and offer to help them clear snow if you are able. When the snow is wet and heavy, all residents should use extra caution to avoid injury. Our staff takes pride in providing the best snow removal of any of the surrounding cities. We want to continue to maintain the reputation we've achieved. For more information about the City's snow removal program, call the Public Works Department at (913) 322-5570. |
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67th Street Closed West of Carter for Railroad Crossing Repairs
Beginning December 4th, 67th Street, west of Carter will be closed to through traffic while workers perform maintenance and upgrades to the railroad tracks in that location.
The schedule for this closure has been set by BNSF Railway Company in association with the 67th Street widening project. Improvements to the crossing – including widening, resurfacing, and installation of new signals and arms – must occur to accommodate a new roadway design at this location.
The road will be closed for approximately 15 working days. This closure could be shorter or longer depending on weather and construction conditions. This time schedule is not intended to be exact.
There will be marked detour signs on all sides of the closure notifying motorists and providing alternate routes.
Questions or concerns regarding railroad issues should be directed to Jason Schurman with BNSF at (913) 551-4904. Questions regarding the 67th Street widening project can be directed to Joe Chick with the City of Merriam at (913) 322-5521.
Reception Scheduled for Retiring Fire Chief
Merriam Fire Chief Gerald Montgomery will be retiring December 14, 2007, after 22 years with the Merriam Fire Department.
Chief Montgomery began his firefighter career in 1972 as a volunteer firefighter with the City of Shawnee. He became a fulltime firefighter and served as deputy chief from 1977 to 1985 in Shawnee, when he was selected to serve as the Merriam Fire Chief.
During his tenure with the Merriam Fire Department, Chief Montgomery has always maintained an absolute and steadfast commitment to providing the best fire fighting, fire prevention, emergency medical and disaster preparedness services to the City of Merriam and its residents.
“It’s been an honor to serve the City of Merriam,” he said, “And while I look forward to the opportunity of retirement, it saddens me to be leaving the fire services. Still, I leave with the satisfaction that my work here as Fire Chief is complete.”
Merriam Mayor Carl Wilkes comments, “Chief Montgomery’s leadership has resulted in a number of important achievements for the Merriam Fire Department. We will miss his leadership and eager spirit.”
A retirement reception will be held on December 14th from 3PM to 5PM in the Community Training Room at Merriam City Hall (9000 W. 62nd Terrace).
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All this and more can be found on our website, www.merriam.org.