Building with the
future in mind
Building with the future in mind
From city-owned utilities to a growing road system that keeps us connected, Public Works Director Kellen Headlee, Utility Director Gonz Garcia and Utility Billing Manager Amy Foster share highlights with Mayor Shute.
In 2020, we made progress
in enhancing Gardner’s aging infrastructure and utilities, focusing on critical projects that support and enable population and business growth, improve traffic access, and heighten safety. We started upgrading and replacing facilities and systems to improve the efficiency of our water, wastewater, and electric services. And we also implemented many miles of road improvements, including ADA enhancements.
Started expansion of the Hillsdale Water Treatment Plant – slated to be completed early summer 2021
Began construction of the first phase of the I-35 and Gardner Road interchange project (191st Street relocation)
Started expansion of the Hillsdale Water Treatment Plant – slated to be completed early summer 2021
Began construction of the first phase of the I-35 and Gardner Road interchange project (191st Street relocation)
Completed Santa Fe Reconstruction Project, including the completion of Waverly Road to Poplar Street
Completed Plaza South Benefit District located at 188th Street and Gardner Road
Completed construction of the Waverly Plaza Benefit District (Washington and Laurel streets)
Completed construction of the pedestrian crossing at 183rd Street and Mulberry Street
Completed installation of electric smart meters to all utility customers and wrapping up installation of all water smart meters, equating to approximately 7,600 smart meters installed in 2020
Completed construction of the pedestrian crossing at 183rd Street and Mulberry Street
Completed installation of electric smart meters to all utility customers and wrapping up installation of all water smart meters, equating to approximately 7,600 smart meters installed in 2020
Gardner works for you.
144.1 Miles
of Power Lines
871 Million Gallons
of Water Produced Annually
760 Million Gallons
of Wastewater Treated Annually
116 Miles
of Sanitary Sewer
139 Miles
of Water Mains
194.35 Miles
of Streets Maintained
We have the best team to serve you.
Scott Millholland
2020 Wastewater Operator of the Year
Scott Millholland, Kill Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility Superintendent, received the William D. Hatfield Award, recognizing him as the 2020 Wastewater Operator of the Year. This prestigious award honors operators who have contributed positively to the preservation and enhancement of the water environment through their leadership, example, enthusiasm, and hard work. The Kansas Environment Water Association selected Scott out of operators of wastewater treatment plants throughout Kansas.
Scott joined the City of Gardner in 1998, starting in the Public Works Street Division, where he worked on a variety of street and non-street-related projects. In 2000, Scott transferred to the Wastewater Division and was a lead operator for eight years, working on lift stations, wastewater treatment plants and labs. He received his Class IV operator certificate in 2004. In 2011, he was promoted to superintendent, overseeing the operation and maintenance of the Kill Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility. Under Scott’s leadership, the plant has received the Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Year award four times.
“There have been so many great operators in the past that have won this award. I feel privileged and honored to be a part of that group. As I started my career in the wastewater field, I have had some good teachers and mentors along the way that help me succeed. I also have a fantastic staff that deserves a ton of credit. The idea of building a better community today for future generations to come inspires me. It is our responsibility to protect our environment, waterways and human resources.”
—Scott Millholland