Lenexa honors long-serving councilmember Joe Carlin with public recognition and tributes

The Lenexa City Council and community groups held a public recognition ceremony honoring the life and more than 20 years of service of Councilmember Joe Carlin.

At the meeting Ashley Sherrard, chief executive officer of the Lenexa Chamber of Commerce, read a chamber resolution of appreciation noting Carlin’s appointment to city council in February 2009 and his prior five years on the Lenexa Planning Commission. Sherrard said the chamber’s board adopted the resolution to thank Carlin for his “outstanding service to the Lenexa Chamber of Commerce, our membership and the city of Lenexa.”

City Manager Becky Yoakam, who served with Carlin on the planning commission and council, told Carlin’s family that he “approached every issue with care and respect” and described him as “supportive of our staff, always open to hearing diverse perspectives.” Yoakam listed projects Carlin supported during his tenure, including the current city hall, Lenexa Rec Center, Lenexa Justice Center, Sarco Park Aquatic Center, municipal services headquarters, Vision 2040 planning efforts, the Lenexa Old Town Activity Center (under construction), the new fleet facility, Blackhoof Disc Golf Course and Rolling Magic Skatepark.

The Lenexa Chamber presented a framed resolution; the Kansas Senate provided a written tribute from Sen. Dinah Sykes; and the Kansas House submitted a tribute prepared by Rep. Laura Williams and signed by Representative Brandon Woodard, Representative Joelle Ahoy and Williams. City staff presented a handcrafted fire department helmet shield, a wooden Lenexa Police Department memory box and a certificate for a memorial tree to be planted in Carlin’s honor. Municipal services director Nick Arena presented a traditional commemorative street sign that reads “Joe Carlin Street” (staff noted it is ceremonial and not for public roadway installation).

Several former and current councilmembers and community leaders spoke about Carlin’s character, mentorship and community service. Remarks described his longtime volunteer work with neighborhood homeowners associations, the Shawnee Mission West High School Booster Club, the United Community Services of Johnson County Drug and Alcoholism Council, Leadership Lenexa and as cofounder and executive director of the Tom Carlin Foundation. Several speakers noted Carlin’s work on youth mental health and suicide-prevention efforts through community partnerships.

Amy Carlin, representing the family, thanked staff and the council for the remembrance and described Carlin’s dedication to the city and his family. The council recessed for five minutes after the recognition to resume regular agenda business.