Phillip Bowman Retires from the City of Cody

Last Friday, August 7, Phillip Bowman celebrated his retirement after eight years as Cody’s Public Works Director and City Engineer. At his last City Council meeting, council members took turns thanking him for his work.

“For over eight years, Phillip has been a staple of this organization,” Tony Tolstedt, City Administrator said, recalling how Bowman handled his own onboarding. “He’s done his best (to educate me). Sometimes he’s had to explain things a handful of times, but he’s always patient about that. He’s been an amazing source of information and service to our organization.”

The city’s streets department created Bowman a street sign reading “Bowman Boulevard,” which Tolstedt presented to him at the meeting to hang wherever he wanted, as a reminder of his service. A public celebration followed at City Hall on Friday afternoon.

Tolstedt added that the phone calls will probably continue: “I probably will be calling him from time to time, even if he’s on his boat, saying, ‘hey, this happened back here. Can you help us understand things?'”

A Complex Job

For the past eight years, Bowman has overseen critical infrastructure projects and upgrades for the utilities and facilities. His job as City Engineer covers everything from the mapping system to the development of master plans (water, wastewater and stormwater), working with developers and customers working on projects, reviewing and permitting all infrastructure improvements within the City, acting as the floodplain manager, and working with WYDOT and other State and Federal Agencies.

As the Public Works Director, he has overseen everything from streets and traffic maintenance to treated and raw water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, solid waste collection, electric service distribution, parks and pathways maintenance, and fleet and equipment management.

He leaves big shoes to be filled. The new Public Works Director will only assume that role, while another worker will fill the City Engineer role whether hired from within or as new hire.

What Council Had to Say

Council members went around the table at the August 4th meeting.

“You have done a lot for the city of Cody, and there are so many projects that would not have gotten done without you,” Council Member Settinari said. “So, we appreciate you a lot and we’ll miss you.”

Other comments cited his quick responses and ability to explain intricate projects patiently. His PowerPoint presentations were also noted as being outstanding.

Council Member Tim McIsaac drew laughs with an tongue-in-cheek offer of a parting gift of his own. “We’re putting a CD together of the best of Don Shreve’s questions for you.”

Council Member Shreve took the good-natured ribbing in stride and commented, “It has been enjoyable to wrestle with you over the years, but in all honesty, you have taught me a lot. And you have enabled me to be a more thoughtful council member for our community. And for that, I have nothing but gratitude for you.”

All council members agreed they enjoyed and appreciated having him on the team and applauded his contributions.

Mayor Reiter commented about Bowman’s contributions to the City of Cody:
“We can’t thank Phillip enough for the dedication and expertise he has shared for the benefit of the City of Cody. In addition to overseeing the long-term planning, repair, replacement, and budgeting of all the City’s major infrastructure systems, Phillip has been proactive in pursuing grant funding to help reduce the financial impact of maintaining aging infrastructure.

“He has worked diligently to control costs while ensuring that our infrastructure is maintained responsibly and effectively. Phillip has also been quick to thoughtfully address citizens’ requests and manage unexpected disruptions to City services. His knowledge, professionalism, and dedication are truly commendable and will be greatly missed. Everyone at the City wishes Phillip all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Challenges Faced

When asked about the greatest challenge faced, Bowman said, was “creating dedicated funding for infrastructure replacements and upgrades. With how the Utilities are funded, that means balancing the user rates with the ability to continue to enjoy safe, efficient utilities on the level we experience now. Rising costs have meant being as frugal as needed, but not to the detriment of the services.”

Looking Back on a Full Career

Looking back on his career, it’s easy to see how he became so well-versed in such a wide range of areas. Starting as an engineer for a consulting firm in Colorado, he focused on private development and municipal design. He also had a chance to work with RTD’s Light Rail System while there. Then he took the job of Project Engineer for Eagle County, Colorado, and worked on a wide variety of projects for storm drainage, streets, and utilities. Then, while working in Moab, Utah, he had the opportunity to work on some great Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant projects.

His goal was to continually grow and take on more responsibility. In October 2018, he was hired the Public Works Director for Cody and later, City Engineer was added to his title.

The Best City Projects

Bowman says the best projects are ones where the community expresses the need for improvement and the city works through the process to make them a reality. The Crosswalk and Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) at Bighorn Avenue and Freedom Street.

This project started with a need that then pushed for the Bighorn Avenue Corridor Study. This two-year study, in conjunction with WYDOT, covered the area from the Belfry Highway/16th Street to the far east city limits near Beacon Hill Road. The information from that study showed the accidents and near misses happening that allowed the City to apply for a grant to bring the crosswalk and PHB to the area.

Another similar project came from the Active Transportation Plan paid for by That Other Project, a local nonprofit. It pointed to a definite gap in the sidewalks on West Yellowstone Ave and 8th Street. This project is currently in the design phase thanks to a Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant from WYDOT. While Phillip won’t be overseeing this one to completion, he’s pleased to have gotten it this far, knowing that his successor will carry it through.

Proud of the Team

When asked about what he’s been most proud of during his time in Cody, he said unequivocally that it was the team. “I’m proud to be part of a team that shows up and works together.” Citing a recent example of the windstorm early this summer that downed many trees in town, Bowman shared how well they came together to handle it so it only impacted the town for a few hours.

“It’s great to have a team of that nature to step in and help out.” He also pointed out that his desire while here was to move the needle to better and believes the teamwork seen between departments made that happen. “That’s so professionally satisfying and fulfilling for all involved.”

“I’d also just like to thank the council for your kind words and recognition,” he said. “It has been an honor and a privilege for me to serve in this role with the City of Cody, and I’m very thankful for that opportunity.”

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