During the Merriam City Council meeting on November 11, 2024, significant discussions centered around the approval of an ordinance amending Chapter 11, specifically regarding the adoption of the Johnson County Sanitary Code and the Johnson County Aquatic Health Code. This move is crucial as it aligns local regulations with updated county standards for public and semi-public pools, which include facilities like hotel pools and community swimming areas.

Director Dyer presented the changes, noting that the revisions stem from a comprehensive review by Johnson County, which has separated the previous code into two distinct regulations: one for sanitary systems and another for aquatic health. The new Aquatic Health Code is based on the 2023 model aquatic health code and is set to take effect on January 1, 2025. This update is essential for maintaining the city’s relationship with Johnson County as the regulatory authority for pool inspections and sanitary systems.

Council members expressed concerns about compliance, particularly regarding the new community center. Director Dyer reassured them that the center meets existing codes and that the changes primarily involve updated handling procedures for pool chemicals and materials. Importantly, the number of pools inspected by Johnson County will remain unchanged, alleviating fears of increased regulatory burdens on local facilities.

The council unanimously voted to waive the first reading of the ordinance and subsequently approved the adoption of the new codes, ensuring that Merriam will continue to adhere to the latest health and safety standards without taking on the responsibilities of pool inspections directly.

This decision reflects the council's commitment to public health and safety while also streamlining local governance in line with county regulations. The successful passage of the ordinance marks a proactive step in maintaining safe aquatic environments for the community.