Killington
posted
Dec 19, 2012
Highway department restructured
After 16 years of dedicated service Ken Merrill, Killington's
longtime public works director, plans to retire at the end of
December. The recent announcement was made by Killington Town
Manager Seth Webb, who also revealed the Town's plan to restructure
the highway department.
Prior to working for the Town of Killington, Ken Merrill was a
co-owner of Merrill's Garage. During his tenure with the
Highway Department he spent countless late nights and early
mornings monitoring and clearing roads in all conditions, from ice
to snow to mud to dust. Through the years Ken oversaw and
helped manage several major roadway projects including the East
Mountain Road reconstruction, construction of a new Town Garage,
construction of the Killington Road sidewalk, and rebuilding of
nearly 20 miles of roadway that was damaged during Tropical Storm
Irene.
"Ken has been a steady hand, trusted and respected by residents
and co-workers alike," says Webb. "His easy demeanor, can-do
attitude and exemplary dedication has earned him the respect of the
town and made him a role model for employees. He will be sorely
missed."
A native of Killington, Ken and his wife Cathy have three
children.
Following Merrill's departure, the Town will restructure the
Highways Department to include facilities management to ensure it
continues to meet the Selectboard's goal of providing dependable
and efficient municipal services.
Chester (Chet) Hagenbarth has been named as the new highway and
facilities director, responsible for all highways, facilities and
grounds. The Town will look to its Highway Crew veterans, including
Rick Bowen, to take on increased responsibilities as the new
management team takes shape.
The Department's scope of work will be expanded to include
maintenance of all Town facilities and grounds, including all
buildings, the transfer station, lighting, equipment, walkways,
wells, septic systems, parks and green spaces, recreation areas,
and all contractors. The department will also take a larger
role in handling its own administration and planning.
As the administrative head of the new highway and facilities
department, Chet Hagenbarth will handle budgeting, planning,
training, procurement, contracts, contracting and policy. A
resident of Killington since 1996, Chet brings over 30 years of
experience to the position, including facilities maintenance,
construction management, planning, engineering, budgeting and
administration.
Prior to launching his own consulting business, Chet spent over
a decade managing a multitude of civil engineering, construction
and facilities management projects in New Hampshire, first as
Project Manager for Pathways Consulting, then as Director of
Operations for Holden Engineering, and also as Director of Property
Management for Valley Regional Hospital. His experience spans every
level of the construction process from concept to completion,
including Feasibility Studies, Design Development, Budget
Development and Administration, Contract Development and
Administration, Regulatory Permit Acquisition (Local, State, and
Federal,) Environmental Impact Studies, and much more. He has
guided projects within the commercial, institutional and healthcare
sectors. His experience brings a heightened level of capacity
to the department.
Town Manager Seth Webb says the new structure will work within
the existing budget while looking ahead to the future of the
department. "Chet will help us seek additional efficiencies in
management, contracting, procurement, and shared services across
departments and other facilities as well as leverage federal and
state funds and formalize road management policies. We need
to consider the best way to manage the department as additional
senior staff nears retirement in upcoming years. Chet will
ultimately help ensure we deliver the best service to residents and
tourists during this transition."
To ensure a smooth transition into the new role, Hagenbarth
started on Dec. 6 working alongside Ken Merrill for the month of
December.
