Residents and beekeepers press Merriam council to drop proposed beekeeping restrictions

Staff presented a first reading of a proposed beekeeping ordinance that would set a two-hive limit per property, require Langstroth-style hives, and require a flyway barrier to direct bee flight away from neighbors.

Several council members questioned whether the restrictions were necessary in Merriam. Multiple residents and area beekeepers urged the council to table or abandon the proposal. Justin Gomez, a resident, said, “If it ain't broke, don't fix it,” arguing Merriam has existed without strict beekeeping limits for decades. Jordan Gomez and longtime beekeeper Robert (Bob) Burns, who said he has kept bees since the early 1970s and maintains hives in Merriam, told the council the draft lacks practical understanding of beekeeping and suggested staff partner with local organizations for best practices. The council heard concerns that strict limits (two hives, Langstroth-only, mandated flyway barriers) could unduly restrict hobbyists and discourage pollinator stewardship.

After public testimony and council discussion about lot sizes, enforcement and whether licensing was preferable to prescriptive limits, the council indicated consensus not to advance the ordinance at this time; staff said the item would not be placed on the next agenda unless council directs otherwise. Councilmembers and members of the public suggested alternatives such as outreach, partnering with the Northeast Kansas Beekeepers Association, or developing a pollinator-support program.