The Merriam City Council convened on November 11, 2024, to address various community concerns and public comments. The meeting began with an invitation for public input on issues not listed on the agenda, allowing residents to voice their opinions and concerns.

The first speaker, Jodine Coleman, addressed the council regarding ongoing power outages affecting her mother's home at 6618 Masten. Coleman, who serves as her mother's durable power of attorney, expressed frustration over the repeated power issues that have persisted since the 1980s. She highlighted that the outages often affect a small number of homes, including her mother's, which is frequently the last to regain power after outages.

Coleman urged the council to reach out to Evergy, the local utility provider, to reassess the situation, suggesting that the long-standing issues may not be solely due to nearby trees, as previously indicated by Evergy. She noted that her family has taken measures to maintain the area around their property, including thinning trees, and emphasized the need for clarity regarding the ownership and responsibility for the easement behind their home.

The council listened attentively to Coleman's concerns, acknowledging the importance of addressing the ongoing power reliability issues in the neighborhood. The discussion underscored the need for continued communication with Evergy to explore potential solutions and ensure residents receive reliable service.

As the meeting progressed, the council remained committed to addressing community concerns and fostering open dialogue with residents. The session concluded with a reminder for attendees to stay engaged and informed about future discussions and developments related to local infrastructure and services.