Today we begin publishing the Merriam mayoral candidates’ responses to our general election questionnaire. Here’s the first item:
Merriam voters recently approved a measure to fund a new $30 million community and aquatics center. With a new facility coming, how should the city plan for what to do with the existing Irene B. French Community Center?
Ken Sissom (incumbent)
The governing body of Merriam has made it clear that a careful study must be conducted on what to do with the Irene B. French Community Center site. The study will include input from members of the Park and Recreation Board, and the general public. Right now, because to the poor condition of these buildings, it will be a question of how much money should be invested in repairs, if any. For example, if the decision is made to keep the original 1911 Merriam School portion only, and maintain it as a city building for special uses (art gallery, meeting space, etc…), how would it be staffed and how much extra would that cost the taxpayers? Could this expense be justified with a new community center being built? What about on-going maintenance expenses on this 100+ year old building? At some point the Governing Body will have to weigh whether or not keeping the building is in the best interest of the city, because of these added on-going expenses. At the very least, it is likely the site will be developed into a functional park with amenities that correspond with the Farmers Market, across the street. This could include a ball field, amphitheater and/or playground. All of this needs to be carefully studied before any decisions can be made.
Eric Jackson
Interestingly enough, this question was not openly talked about by the city before the vote because it might have discouraged some to vote in favor of the new community center. My first step in addressing the future of the Irene B. French Community Center would be to take a different approach and have open discussions. That means seeking input from Merriam residents, and from local engineering firms, to ascertain whether the water problems could be solved and what the cost might be. Depending on the results of the assessment and input, we could then take the appropriate action.
Tomorrow the candidates will respond to item two: What steps should the city be taking to bring new businesses and visitors to Merriam’s historic downtown?
