Supervisor Leenhouts honors assistant town engineer Mike O’Connor as he receives the November staff spotlight recognition

Penfield, New York – The Town of Penfield is closing out the year by shining a well-deserved light on one of its most relied-upon public servants. Assistant Town Engineer Mike O’Connor, who has been part of Penfield’s Engineering Department for nearly a decade, has been selected for the November Staff Spotlight, a recognition that reflects both his technical skill and the steady commitment he brings to the town he serves.

O’Connor joined Penfield in 2015, stepping into a role that demands both precision and versatility. Over the years, he has become a central figure in the town’s infrastructure planning, helping ensure that community development stays aligned with local regulations and state requirements. Whether he is reviewing plans for new residential neighborhoods, analyzing proposals from commercial developers, or assisting with municipal construction, O’Connor has built a reputation for careful oversight and dependable judgment. His work touches nearly every corner of Penfield, often in ways that residents may not immediately see but certainly depend on.

A significant portion of O’Connor’s day-to-day responsibilities involves monitoring capital projects and helping guide them from initial concept to completed work. Projects such as the Alpheus Clark House Rehabilitation and addition have benefited from his engineering insight and attention to detail. He also spends time in the field visiting construction sites, where he ensures that developers meet the standards required to keep Penfield’s infrastructure strong, safe, and compliant. This combination of office work and on-the-ground evaluation has made him a valued bridge between planning and execution.

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Beyond these responsibilities, O’Connor plays a major role in the town’s environmental and flood management efforts. He serves as Penfield’s Floodplain Administrator, giving him responsibility for overseeing the town’s designated FEMA floodplain areas. In this role, he evaluates proposed projects for compliance with regulations from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, particularly those involving stormwater management. His work helps reduce flood risks, protect property, and support long-term sustainability across the community.

One of the highlights of his recent work has been the Allen Creek Stream Restoration Project, a major environmental initiative that earned statewide recognition in 2025 as the APWA Environmental Project of the Year. O’Connor was part of the core team that helped move the project forward, contributing technical expertise and oversight that helped the town earn praise beyond its borders.

O’Connor’s impact on Penfield is strengthened by his earlier experience in the private sector, where he worked on a broad range of engineering assignments before joining the town. That background continues to pay dividends. With a strong foundation in design work, he has helped create cost-effective plans for town improvements such as sidewalks, parking facilities, and upgrades to storm and sanitary systems. His ability to design in-house solutions reduces outside consulting needs, leading to meaningful savings for Penfield taxpayers.

Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts expressed sincere appreciation for O’Connor’s dedication, noting his value to the community. “Mike does an awesome job, and we are lucky to have him in Penfield,” said Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts. “He brings a ton of experience that helps our Engineering Department and our Town operate more efficiently.”

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Despite his full workload, O’Connor still finds time for a few personal passions. He’s an avid supporter of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, follows classic car culture closely, and enjoys exploring the world of craft beer. Colleagues often describe him as dedicated and detail-oriented, but also down-to-earth—someone who approaches both engineering challenges and his hobbies with genuine enthusiasm.

As Penfield continues to grow and evolve, the town’s November Staff Spotlight highlights not just an individual achievement, but also the essential work that helps keep the community functioning smoothly. O’Connor’s efforts serve as a reminder that behind every project and improvement is a team of professionals whose expertise keeps Penfield moving forward.