Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Accreditation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Olathe infrastructure department wins APWA re‑accreditation; city honors employee award winners
Summary
The Olathe City Council recognized the infrastructure department’s full re‑accreditation from APWA and presented citywide public‑service awards during its regular meeting, highlighting staff achievements in public works and other departments.
At a regular meeting of the Olathe City Council, officials and outside evaluators celebrated the city’s infrastructure department receiving full re‑accreditation from the American Public Works Association and presented annual Public Service Recognition Week awards to dozens of city employees.
The accreditation was announced by Joe Johnson, region 6 director of the APWA, who said the designation “is a marked professionalism indicating a Public Works Agency has made a commitment to continue works operations and services.” Johnson noted Olathe’s infrastructure department was the first accredited agency in Kansas, and he congratulated Director Mary Yeager and accreditation manager Zach Hardy.
The council also proclaimed May 18–20, 2025, as Public Works Week and recognized multiple employee achievement awards presented as part of the city’s Public Service Recognition Week observance. City Manager Michael Wilkes explained the awards come from peer nominations and highlighted categories including Innovation Through Excellence, Future Ready, the Samaritan Award and the Standard of Excellence.
Award winners named at the meeting included staff from aquatics and parks, public safety officers and multiple teams: Lindsay Williams and Kat Eckert (aquatics program changes), Jessica Schuler, Taylor Vandevell and Lauren Winter (Elevate Olathe engagement leads), Officer Ryan Parks, Officer Bailey Street, Darcy Davidson, Detective David Brenner, Roger Rivera, Kevin Eubanks, John Martin, Douglas Santiago, Officer Christian Arnaud, Brandon Shippey, Jim Stanbaugh, Catherine Messer, Chet Belcher, Ryan Arter, Kim Hollingsworth and Charlie Love (standard/leadership awards). Michael Wilkes said a video and group photo accompanied the recognitions.
Council members collectively praised the infrastructure staff and other award recipients for daily contributions to city services. The mayor signed the proclamation recognizing Public Works Week and council members commended the department’s “tremendous staff” and commitment to public service.
The meeting then moved on to other agenda items.
