Some in Merriam worried about code change

Kansas City Star

March 11, 2008

A Merriam city code change has some residents worried that city officers will now be free to enter their property without permission.

Last month, Merriam's city council approved revisions to the city's code on handling nuisances in an attempt to strengthen its enforcement.

Under the code change, any city agent can be allowed to enter onto any land within the city limits to investigate violations of the code.

Mayor Carl Wilkes said the city needed to add the language in case a resident violating the code was uncooperative or unreachable. He added that entering a resident's property without permission to handle a nuisance would be a last resort.

'Sometimes we need teeth in our ordinance,' he said. 'But we are still going to knock on people's doors.'

Some residents and city council members, however, still have concerns.

'If they are going to do such things like this, what else are they going to do next?' said Merriam resident Annette Cole. 'What other rights are they going to take from us?'

Council members Pam Bertoncin and Dan Leap were the only two to vote against the code revisions.

Bertoncin said she wants the city to clarify the language, requiring city agents to first identify themselves to the property owner before entering.

'I would be uncomfortable letting anyone on my yard,' Bertoncin said. 'I don't think the city should expect commercial or private property to do that.'

Dan Leap said that he was totally against code officers 'snooping around' residents' properties.

'Here comes the Rottweiler and it tears into the code inspector. Who's guilty? I wouldn't think the Rottweiler,' he said.

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