July 23, 2007

Amended and approved August 6, 2007

In attendance: Richard Powers, Stefanie Johnstone and Michael Motherway. Meeting called to order at 7:30 pm.

CITIZEN’S FORUM – Paul Kimball requested the Selectmen attend the East Kingston meeting regarding the cell tower stating the town has put money into a conservation easement on historical property. The Board agreed to take the request under advisement. Mr. Kimball also explained he will be selling approximately 2,000 to 3,000 yards of loam and wants to make sure all Boards know. He explained the land is in current use. Richard Powers replied that the Board would take this under advisement as well, but Mr. Kimball would need to schedule a meeting with the Planning Board.

DEPARTMENT HEADS:

Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented three building permits: Whitten, 151 Drinkwater Road, previously approved, will demolish the current structure instead and build a new garage; Bradley, 4 West School Road to screen in their existing deck; and Kensington Elementary School, 122 Amesbury Road for a 12’ x 32’ shed behind the addition. Stefanie Johnstone moved to accept the three building permits as presented, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.

PUBLIC HEARING

Discretionary Preservation Easement – RSA 79-D – Kevin and Melanie McNamara, 190 Drinkwater Road, Map 12, Lot 41.

Stefanie Johnstone moved to go into Public Hearing at 7:40 pm, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor. Betty Willoughby, Assessing Office Clerk, and Melanie McNamara presented the application. Mrs. McNamara presented photos of the barn and explained that they have spent $32,000 to repair and preserve the structure. Betty Willoughby explained that an Avitar Associates representative has reviewed the application and the barn. Their recommendation is to assess at 25% of the value, thus allowing a tax benefit of 75% toward continuing restoration and preservation. There was no input from the public. Michael Motherway moved to accept Avitar’s recommendation of 25% assessment for the barn for McNamara, 190 Drinkwater Road, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor. Stefanie Johnstone moved to end the Public Hearing at 7:50 pm, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.

Road Manager – David Buxton reported that roadside mowing and road reconstruction should be finishing this week. He asked to address the numerous signs at the park across from the town hall. All agreed that there seemed to be an excess and David Buxton will check with Chief Sheehan regarding possible removal. He requested a work session be held with the Planning Board to develop ordinances for Town Meeting or as additions to the existing regulations.

NEW BUSINESS:

PTO Event – Susan Cannon presented the plan for a Fall Festival at KES by the PTO to be held September 29th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Safety personnel have been contacted with many of them participating in the event. Sue said they are trying to find as much off street parking as possible with possible shuttling being arranged. The Selectmen suggested she discuss this with Chief Sheehan. Michael Motherway moved to support the Fall Festival Event, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.

Town Park – Michael Del Sesto said they are ready to begin cutting trees starting Wednesday. He will obtain a certificate of insurance from the vendor and a copy of the contract for the Selectmen’s office. He asked that the web site have a posting regarding the construction site and asking all to proceed with caution. David Buxton will erect saw horses. HBLA will have the construction drawings Friday. A letter has been sent from the Selectmen to the Department Of Environmental Services with a follow up letter to be sent by the Conservation Commission. The documents were signed with Michael Motherway moving to accept the Agreement as written and the Declaration of the Sawyer/Kensington Trust as written, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor. The Selectmen were appointed as Trustees ~~effective October 2007~~ with staggered terms.

Cole Property – Michael Motherway explained that he has looked into the matter further and has spoken with Mary Currier to determine if there are other possibilities to save the project. He requested and was granted more time to see what might be done.

Personnel policy relative to health insurance – Michael Motherway explained that following their recent work session, the Board would like to modify the language. Michael Motherway moved to amend the July 2, 2007 policy to include that new employees, working twenty or more hours per week, will be eligible to receive health benefits at the commencement of employment, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.

Debco Realty Trust – Extension Agreement – Richard Powers moved to authorize Town Counsel to submit to Debco’s attorney the revised extension agreement, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.

Auditors - Management letter of comments and internal control letter reviewed and approved. Denise will check with DRA to determine if they have any archived information.

OTHER BUSINESS:

NFIP (Nat’l Flood Ins. Program) – Board members agreed to look into the possibility of holding an informational meeting for residents.

Records – Box of historic records disposition – the Historical Society will be contacted.

Approval of July 2, and July 11, 2007 meeting minutes – Stefanie Johnstone moved to approve the minutes of July 2 and 11, 2007, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.

Any other business brought before the Board

BOARD OF HEALTH: Michael Motherway moved to go into Board of Health at 10:00 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor. A letter has been received regarding a dumpster creating a health hazard. The Selectmen agreed to send a letter to the owner. Michael Motherway moved to end Board of Health session and return to regular session at 10:10 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.

Bills – signed. Stefanie Johnstone moved to adjourn at 10:20 pm, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Denise Gregson

Administrative Assistant