Now-retired Salem city street foreman Jim Phillis, left, poses with the new city street foreman, Shawn Smith, next to the service department vehicle utilized by the person in charge. Phillis handed over the keys to Smith, ending his service to the city after 32 1/2 years effective March 10, 2022. His last day to work was Dec. 17. (Salem News photo by Mary Ann Greier)
SALEM — The next time the snow flies and covers the streets of Salem, Jim Phillis can sleep in.
Loading salt and plowing streets in the wee hours of the morning isn’t his job anymore. He’s living the retired life, but after 32 1/2 years, he’ll likely think about his former co-workers as they brave the elements to make the streets safe for residents.
That’s a responsibility he took very seriously as street foreman and one that his team, now led by new street foreman and longtime fellow street worker Shawn Smith, takes to heart.
“I wanted to do my best — the city of Salem is my town,” Phillis said.
He might have graduated from United in 1987, but Salem was his hangout. He grew up in the Quaker city and said he knew more Salem people than United.
His first day on the job with the city service department, also known as the street department, was Sept. 5, 1989 under then city Service Director Steve Navoyosky. His dad, also Jim, joined the department after he did. His mom, Kay, worked for the Salem News. They’re also living the retired life.
Phillis took the reins as street foreman in 2010 and now his retirement takes effect on March 10, but with vacations and comp time, his last day to work, Dec. 17, is already over.
For Phillis, this wasn’t just a job.
“It was a passion to do the best I could because of the quality of the people in Salem,” he said, adding that all the city workers feel the same way — they take it personally, this mission to serve the people.
He admitted he’s a little apprehensive about this new chapter of life.
“I’m going to miss the guys I worked with. The relationship between the service department, police department, fire department and water department has never been better. We work to be one,” he said, especially with the administration of Mayor John Berlin. “He’s a great advocate of the city. He puts the city first.”
He also spoke highly of former service/safety director Ken Kenst and now current Service/Safety Director Joe Cappuzzello. Both the administration and city council have been proactive in getting the trucks and machinery they need, making the job of the street crew more effective.
“The change from 1989 to now, the city has really, really advanced,” he said.
As for personnel, they used to have more than 10 or more on the street crew. Now they’re down to eight comprised of six full-time workers, the full-time foreman and the full-time mechanic. He said they’re efficient and they work as a team and get the job done. If it’s fourth-and-goal, he said “we’re scoring.”
To the residents, he said “it’s been a pleasure. I’ve met some extremely good people. I’ve acquired friends from this job.”
He said he’s appreciative of all the support the department has had in previous year and hopes that continues for all the departments, saying “that’s what makes our city special.”
The street department does more than just plow the snow. He said one of the greatest accomplishments for the city was getting the people to pass the additional tax for the streets and alleys, saying that needs to continue because “roads don’t last forever.”
A crack sealer is used to help the streets last longer, they patch holes, pick up storm damage and leaves, repair catch basins, take down curb lawn trees when necessary as a courtesy, and help other departments in times of need, such as a large fire or accident or train derailment. They’re on call 24/7, especially during the winter months and when they know bad weather is coming.
Phillis offered this advice to Smith: make sure when there’s an issue, take care of it promptly, be proactive and be prepared for equipment to break before it does and continue to have a good relationship with the other departments.
“The city’s been good to me. I have no regrets. I wish nothing but the best for Shawn, the mayor and the service director. You couldn’t ask for a better street department,” Phillis said.
Smith, a 1988 South Range grad, has been with the department 16 years and has already served as acting foreman when Phillis has been away at times.
“I’m very excited about it. I can’t say enough about the crew we have. I’m really grateful to Jim for all he’s done over the years. He’s going to be missed,” Smith said, adding he’ll be happy “if I do half of what he’s done for the city. I’m glad to be a part of it. He’s like a brother to me.”
Cappuzzello said “we’re happy for Jim, but we’re sad that he’s leaving us. He’s done a great job and put a first-class team together. More importantly, he has the people in place for a seamless transition. Shawn has the experience and understanding of the job and the responsibilities that go with it.”
He said he’s looking forward to working with Shawn and wishes Jim the best in his retirement, noting the city’s “losing a ton of knowledge.” He thanked him for his service.
Phillis plans to do some more traveling and spend time with his family, but said he’ll probably do some work at his leisure. He and his wife, Kelly, whom he married in 1989, have two sons, Jimmie, who’s a GM fleet manager in Florida, and Ryan, senior associate director of strength and conditioning for the Purdue football team in Indiana. They have one grandson and one on the way.
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