Awards

Bolton & Menk has been an effective and longstanding partner of the Minnesota Chapter of APWA. Bolton & Menk has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the organization by providing financial support, as a Platinum Plus sponsor, the Chapter’s highest level of sponsorship. Bolton & Menk is also a sponsor to numerous chapter events throughout the year.

Employees of Bolton & Menk are currently serving as committee chairs and committee members and other employees have been members of the executive committee, APWA award recipients and session moderators at Chapter conferences.

Angela Popenhagen has been, and continues to be, a truly dedicated member of APWA. Her APWA career began in 1994 when the Chapter’s Awards Committee Chair was in Angela’s employer’s office for a client meeting. During that meeting, he got off-topic to talk about the APWA-Minnesota Chapter’s Spring Conference. He was frantic because he wouldn’t be able to present the awards as planned. Angela’s boss at the time offered that Angela could attend to present the awards, and seeing that she had graduated and been hired only two month prior, no was not an answer! So, a bit of an introduction by fire, but that was the start of something great! While this first presentation was very overwhelming due to the fact that she knew no one in the room, Angela now can see how amazing this organization has been for her career as well as her friendships, and she has been committed to serving the organization ever since!

Kevin has made a profound impact throughout his 29-year career in the MnDOT Bridge Office through his technical abilities, leadership and community outreach. During his tenure in the Bridge Office, he has not only helped develop policies to advance the department but many of the policies are also used by local agencies throughout the state.

Kevin has served on technical committees and task forces for organizations at the national level where he influenced policy and brought best practices from across the country back to Minnesota. Through this involvement, Kevin has become a recognized national leader and well respected expert by his fellow state bridge professionals.  

The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT) Bridge Inspections used Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for bridge review. As costs of bridge inspections continue to increase, MnDOT evaluated the use of UAS to help alleviate the cost and improve the quality of bridge inspections throughout the state. This innovative approach is not only more cost-effective, it is also safer for the bridge inspector and less intrusive to the traveling public as traffic lanes do not need to be closed for the inspection. UAS technology is advancing rapidly and continued advancements in the technology are proving UAS to be an effective tool for bridge inspectors.

The City of Coon Rapids has made the practice of sustainability a priority in all of its current operations, as well as its plans for future growth and redevelopment within the City. Elected officials and senior management staff provide consistent and solid support to personnel and commissions assigned to implement sustainability practices in City processes and procedures. The City boasts one of the largest and most successful recycling centers and programs in the state. Innovation has been key to successful sustainability practices, which has been demonstrated by the implementation of energy efficient facility operations, future ordinance revisions including native plantings and backyard chickens, and storm water management via Minimal Impact Design Standards for new and redevelopment projects. The City continually strives to keep its residential housing stock in good condition, which is due in large part to its highly successful Homes for Generations program. Coon Rapids is currently a Level 2 GreenStep City, and continues to complete additional Best Practices in order to qualify for Level 3 status.