Summary

Merriam City Council approves police drone and grant, purchases downtown property, funds traffic signal work, and adopts pollinator grant expansion (Apr 13, 2026)

MerriamApr 13, 20263 min read

At a glance

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Council unanimously approved the purchase of a Skydio X10 police drone and acceptance of a HeroFundUSA grant; authorized purchase of 5717 Kessler Lane with lease-termination terms; approved a traffic signal services agreement and replacement at 57th & Antioch; expanded the Contain the Rain program to include a Pollinator Grant. Multiple proclamations and employee service awards were presented.

Committees mentioned

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City Council

Topics discussed

TransportationBudget & TaxPublic SafetyCommerceEnvironmental

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Key decisions

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Approved consent agenda items: minutes of the March 23, 2026 City Council meeting and Fiscal Year 2025 Audit Engagement Letter with AGH (unanimous).
Proclaimed SevenDays of Kindness Week (April 20–28), Gun Safety Awareness Day (April 20), National Donate Life Month (April), and Pollinator Week (June 22–28); presented 1st Quarter 2026 employee service awards.
Approved purchase of a Skydio X10 drone for the Police Department (motion approved unanimously).
Accepted a HeroFundUSA grant to cover 50% of the drone hardware cost in the amount of $10,116 (unanimous).
Approved real estate contract to purchase 5717 Kessler Lane and a lease-termination agreement with Dare 2 Dream Holdings, LLC, including up to 12 months rent-free occupancy and $40,000 for moving/relocation if the City closes by May 31, 2026; combined amount not to exceed $1,050,000 (unanimous).
Approved an agreement with Black & McDonald for traffic signal services (one-year term with option to renew up to three additional years) (unanimous).
Awarded Black & McDonald the contract to remove and install a traffic signal mast arm/pole at 57th & Antioch for $49,291.80; mast will be relocated behind the sidewalk (unanimous).
Approved expansion of the Johnson County Contain the Rain program to include a Pollinator Grant Program covering pollinator plantings and bee hotels (reimbursement structure and limits follow existing Contain the Rain provisions; bee hotel reimbursement up to $50) (unanimous).

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Meeting information

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City Council - Apr 13 2026

Apr 13, 2026, 12:00 AMcompleted

Agenda

MAYOR'S REPORT
v
Decision: Fiscal Year 2025 Audit Engagement Letter with AGH Item Information Form - 2025 Audit Services
COUNCIL ITEMS
vi
Decision: Legislative Update
STAFF/INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
vii
Decision: Consider approval of a Pollinator Grant Program Item Information Form - Pollinator Grant
Informational Items
a
Decision: April CIP Update Memo - April CIP Update
EXECUTIVE SESSION
viii
Decision: Parks & Recreation Advisory Board - Mar 24 2026 - Minutes
ADJOURNMENT
ix
Decision: Parks & Recreation Advisory Board - Mar 24 2026 - Minutes