Keene moves forward on field manager position; council also directs review and ratification of new park mowing contract

The Keene City Council on June 10 authorized staff to proceed with creating a new public‑works “field manager” position and to continue recruitment, while discussing how the city will pay for the role this fiscal year.

Public Works Director Derek Turner said the role will combine crew‑lead and facilities/park maintenance duties — not routine mowing by the employee — and that the city intends to split part of the position cost with the Type B economic development fund for park work. Council members asked that staff clarify the position’s responsibilities, training and salary range; some suggested the posted salary should be higher given the list of required certifications that includes water and wastewater operator and herbicide applicator certifications.

Separately, staff presented a package of service agreements with Don’s Lawn Care for city parks and welcome‑sign weed control; some council members and residents pressed for the contractor selection and contract terms to be reviewed by the Type B board and ratified by the council before extended renewals. Don Bowersox, who holds the mowing agreements, described the scope of services (mowing, edging, fertilization of fields, selective herbicide work, ditch maintenance and seasonal cleanups). The city attorney recommended the contracts for park areas paid from EDC/Type B funds be taken to the Type B board for ratification and the city portions be reviewed by council.

Councilors directed staff to return the service agreements to the Type B board for ratification and to bring the final contracts to the council for approval; staff also received consensus to create and advertise the field manager position and return with final language and budget impact.