Council approves $341,310 design contract for West Vernon Place improvements

The Merriam City Council voted 8–0 to approve a $341,310 design agreement with BHC for the West Vernon Place Improvements project, which staff described as a stormwater-focused neighborhood rehabilitation with potential sidewalks and curb-and-gutter replacement.

Public Works staff said the subdivision was built in the 1960s with minimal stormwater infrastructure and no sidewalks. The design phase will address street flooding, add stormwater best-management practices for water quality, replace curb and gutter, and include a 2-inch mill-and-overlay if pavement cores confirm adequate asphalt thickness. "The design cost is $341,310," staff told the council, and the full project budget was described in discussion as approximately $4,450,000.

Staff also said it will mail residents a survey, with a prepaid return envelope and an option to respond online, to determine whether households want sidewalks and whether existing landscape islands should remain. Staff recommended tracking responses by address and allowing one vote per household. Councilmembers pressed staff about alternatives for sidewalk placement and whether the design could be phased by street; staff said their recommendation would return to council after compiling survey results.

Councilmember [Ward representative] moved the measure and a second followed; the motion passed 8–0.

The council directed staff to proceed with design work and return with recommendations after the resident survey and pavement cores are complete.