July 2, 2007

Approved July 23, 2007

In attendance: Stefanie Johnstone and Michael Motherway. Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm.

DEPARTMENT HEADS:

Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented two building permits: Whitten, 151 Drinkwater Road to repair a garage and Medine, 22 Rose Petal Lane for an in-ground pool. Stefanie Johnstone moved to approve the two building permits presented, seconded by Michael Motherway with both in favor.

Bill Grant asked about Hudson Heights’s Cease and Desist Order as he’s been requested to review a foundation. David Buxton explained that it was still in effect. Following discussion it was agreed that Bill would have permission to do the foundation inspection after a favorable site meeting with the original group.

Road Manager – David Buxton reported that road reconstruction is under way. Hobbs will be paved tomorrow and Cottage Road Thursday or Friday. Roadside mowing is also underway with about half of the town having been completed.

A meeting was held at Kensington Place to review outstanding issues with positive results; however they are still working on a resolution for the fire pond.

Police Department – Chief Sheehan presented checks of $30, a rebate from Staples, and $2,587 as reimbursement for training from David DeRoche, who has now paid in full.

Three appointments were signed: Officers Roy Jones and Scott Cain were appointed to full-time positions and sworn in by the Selectmen. Robert Carbone, who had been filling in as full-time, was re-appointed to part-time effective August 1, 2007. Stefanie Johnstone moved to appoint Scott Cain to a full-time police officer with one year probation effective today and Roy Jones to a full-time police officer with one year probation effective July 24, 2007, seconded by Michael Motherway with both in favor. Michael Motherway moved to appoint Detective Robert Carbone to a part-time position with one year probation effective August 1, 2007, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with both in favor.

Personnel policy relative to health insurance was discussed at this time. Michael Motherway explained that after consulting with Town Counsel the Selectmen had agreed upon a course of action. A proposed Warrant Article has been prepared for the next Town Meeting: To see if the town will vote to amend the current health benefits policy to read: To receive benefits, employees would have averaged at least 20 hours per week for one year, and continue to be so employed, allowing for prorated vacation time. Michael Motherway moved to accept the proposed Warrant Article for the 2008 Town Meeting and to adopt this policy as an “interpretation” of what the Town Meeting article would have said had it understood the implications of the language as adopted, in the best interests of the town, in the meantime, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with both in favor.

David Buxton heartily complimented Chief Sheehan on the professional assistance he was able to provide recently.

Conservation Commission – Sydnee Goddard explained that the grant for the Cole property has been pulled. Although the airfield had been cleared in the beginning, the FRPP (Farm and Ranchland Protection Program) has now rejected the application because of it. The Kimball property had been registered with LCHIP, but due apparently to a communication gap/glich, the deadline for filing was missed. They are still working hard to find money and if anyone has any suggestions, they ask them to please contact any one of them.

They recently reviewed the town property off Stumpfield Road near Highfield Farm and it appears that the pasture/paddock fencing may be encroaching. It was agreed that they’ll double check the pins and measurements, but if confirmed the Selectmen agreed to send a letter requesting that the fencing be moved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Warrant for July 31, 2007 Special State Primary – The Selectmen signed the warrant.

BOARD OF HEALTH: Michael Motherway moved to go into Board of Health at 8:15 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with both in favor. Tal Allen of Tallen Consultants presented a septic waiver request to allow a 2’ separation rather than the 4’requirement between bed bottom and average seasonal high water table level. Rockingham County Conservation District has endorsed the request. Michael Motherway moved to go with the recommendation of Rockingham County Conservation District and grant the waiver for the proposed septic repair at 28 Lamprey Road, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with both in favor. Michael Motherway moved to end Board of Health session and return to regular session at 8:20 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with both in favor.

OLD BUSINESS:

James Stewart III – resolution of acreage assessed – need a deed to define the frontage.

Mosquito Control – Michael Motherway asked Denise to check on the status of the permit.

Deputy Treasurer – continued

Town Park – Michael Motherway explained that the documents are just about ready for signing and they are ready to begin the bid process, thus time is of the essence. He moved that if the completed agreement and trust documents are presented incorporating suggested and approved edits and if all three Selectmen are in agreement, they can be signed without another meeting, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with both in favor.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Auditors – Management letter of comments and internal control letter – reviewed.

Next Selectmen’s meeting – It was agreed that the next meeting will be held July 23 rather than the 16th due to commitments.

Approval of June 18, 2007 meeting minutes – Michael Motherway motioned to approve the minutes of June 18, 2007, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with both in favor.

Bills - signed

Any other business brought before the Board

Handicap access to the town hall – Drawings and plans are being reviewed.

Town of Kensington signs – Stefanie Johnstone expressed the on-going desire to update the existing town line signs.

Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 9:06 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Denise Gregson

Administrative Assistant