Jan. 7, 2009
 
No idling in OP
 
Overland Park moving to save fuel and protect the environment.
 
At the first of the year, a new policy went into effect that prohibits city cars from idling. Exclusions include emergency operations for police and fire vehicles, autos being tested for maintenance and repair.
 
Beginning Jan. 1, city personnel should take no longer than 30 seconds to warm up a gasoline-powered car if the temperature is above 32 degrees; two minutes if it is below 32 degrees. Diesel engines take a little longer.
 
This applies to inspectors working on street construction projects, new home construction job sites, and others.
 
Do your part to reduce fuel consumption and pollution by avoiding unnecessary idling of your vehicle.
 
Former City Manager Don Pipes to receive award
 
Don Pipes, city manager of Overland Park for nearly 33 years, is receiving an award Thursday for his decades of work.
 
The Overland Park Economic Development Council is presenting to Pipes the Ben Craig Vision Award at an 11:30 a.m. lunch in the Capitol Federal Room of the Regnier Center on the campus of Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Boulevard.
 
Pipes was the first city manager for Overland Park, hired in 1963, before the construction of Metcalf South and Oak Park shopping malls, and when the southern border of the city was 107th Street.
 
During his tenure, the city more than doubled in size and population, gained national recognition, and became home to several Fortune 500 companies.
 
Congrats, Don. You deserve it!