By ED PILOLLA

Staff writer

Two recently retired Florence city employees have plans to hit the links and tackle projects at home.

The city council honored Phil Baldwin and Larry Scriven last week with a reception, and each received an engraved pen, said Mayor Mary Shipman.

Baldwin, 65, worked as the city superintendent for over eight years. As supervisor, Baldwin oversaw two full-time and two part-time employees. He was in charge of streets, parks, sewer, water and the pool.

“Everything that had to do with the city,” said Baldwin, who is recovering from knee surgery on Nov. 18.

Asked what the favorite part of his job was, Baldwin said, “I can’t say any part was the best because there was a lot to do and not many people to do it. Everything was on the same level. It was work.”

Baldwin said his least favorite part of the job was attending to sewer problems.

Baldwin, who has two children, worked for Newton fire department for 27 years before working stints at Orscheln Farm and Home and the department of transportation in Marion before landing in Florence.

Baldwin used to be a rider in the American Legion and Patriot Guard, but he sold his bike last year and with the proceeds bought golf clubs and a golf cart.

“I’m going to enjoy the open space for rest of my life,” Baldwin said.

Scriven, who worked part-time for the last ten years as the water plant and wastewater operator, said his favorite part of the job was running the water plant. His least favorite was working weekends and holidays.

“Everybody helps you out for this job,” said Scriven, 69. “You have to rely on people or you’ll never get it done.”

Scriven is also a contractor in Hesston, and he will continue working after retiring from his position in Florence. Scriven, who is married with one son, said he also plans to travel and do more projects around the house, including fixing things and gardening.

Mayor Shipman described Baldwin as “very easy going.” She said that Scriven was “very intelligent.”