The City Council honored Carol Whitlock, resident and outgoing chair of the Merriam Planning Commission, for her service during the meeting on Monday night. After serving on the Planning Commission for more than 30 years, Whitlock is retiring her post.

“I have been on the Commission since 1987 and enjoyed every minute of it. I was chair for many years and feel very privileged to have served the city and our citizens,” Whitlock said.

A Merriam resident since 1977, Whitlock is an engineer by trade. She worked at Black and Veatch for 18 years and then did contract engineering for another eight years. Her engineering work took her around the globe, giving her the opportunity to travel to more than 12 countries where she assisted in crafting wastewater policies and regulations. She also is an artist, and creates and sells stained glass for customers across the country. One of her pieces, “Beginnings,” hangs in the stairwell of the Irene B. French Community Center in honor of the building’s 100^thanniversary.

During Whitlock’s tenure on the Merriam Planning Commission, the body reviewed a number of significant projects, including the development on East and West Frontage Roads, numerous single and multi-family residential developments, Ikea, a variety of developments at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, and Merriam Town Center.

In addition to her work in Merriam, Whitlock also served on the Johnson County Planning Commission for 21 years, including chairing that commission for more than 10 years.

Although she is stepping away from the Merriam Planning Commission, her work in our community is not done. Whitlock was recently appointed by the Mayor to the 5701 Merriam Drive Committee.