TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
Approved November 5, 2007
In attendance: Richard Powers, Stefanie Johnstone and Michael Motherway. Meeting called to order at 7:33 pm.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department – Jim Farley asked about amending the budget. The final payment for the pumper/tanker had been originally included but is actually scheduled to be paid from the capital reserve fund. He asked if the line item could be used instead for a new chassis for the forestry truck. He explained they’ve applied for grants but have not been successful. Due to the amount requested being $31,000.00, the Board recommended amending the budget without the tanker line item and submit a warrant article for the chassis or possibly for the capital reserve fund. Mr. Farley agreed and will revise the budget and resubmit.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan explained he has spoken with the town of Newfields regarding their process of notification regarding triple E and found it is similar to the procedure used in Kensington; i.e., flyers around town, use of the website, Board discussions and minutes, etc. He said they will be submitting a warrant article to Town Meeting for spraying next year.
Chief Sheehan explained that Juli Noyes is the best Animal Control Officer hands down and requested her reappointment. Michael Motherway moved to appoint Juli Noyes as Animal Control Officer with an expiration date of 11/6/08, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Chief Sheehan also requested that Dennis Mannion be reappointed as police officer following his one year probationary period as he also has served the department well. Michael Motherway moved to appoint Dennis Mannion as a part-time, at will, police officer, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Chief Sheehan reported he is working with the Attorney regarding a recent event in town. He said he is very grateful for the Fire Department’s assistance which was outstanding in all aspects. Richard Powers commented that he also thought it was handled well. Chief Sheehan added that a lot of people helped to make the process go smoothly. There are issues that will be addressed by the Fire Marshall’s office.
With regard to the recent Conservation Commission Easement for the SAU land off Rte 108, she explained that the town should not be listed as the primary lien holder. She will contact Brian Hart at the Southeast Land Trust to be the primary lien holder and the town would be the second holder.
The Cole appeal is still underway. If unsuccessful, they will request those funds be used toward the Kimball purchase, but that might not work as the maximum funds were offered based on the previous appraisal. She explained that another appraisal was recently done and is significantly higher, due in large part to determining from the survey that 36 lots could be obtained rather than the 26 previously determined. She said that the Kimballs will honor the original appraisal and Mr. Kimball, in attendance, explained the reasons to the Board including the tax ramifications. The Selectmen thanked him for this generous offer. Sydnee will ask Mary Currier of Rockingham County Conservation District to look into whether the Cole funds might apply given the increased appraised value.
OLD BUSINESS:
Town Park – Michael Del Sesto and Bruce Cilley explained that the document changes are only to change the non-profit status with no intent to change anything else. Michael Motherway felt the changes are substantive and requested time to have them reviewed by Counsel. All agreed to meet tomorrow night at the same place and time to review, discuss and possibly sign the amended documents.
A letter from the Planning Board has been requested by the Department of Environmental Services stating the members have no objections to the lay out. Michael Motherway will contact the chair.
NEW BUSINESS:
Timber Report – Signed by Richard Powers – will be forwarded to the assessing office.
Solid Waste Pickup – Requests for bids will be sent out.
Board of Health issue – Michael Motherway moved to go into Board of Health session at 8:35 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with Powers, Johnstone and Motherway voting in favor. Richard Powers reported that there is an issue in town regarding cats and a home in an unhealthy state. The town’s ACO is preparing a report and Richard Powers will consult with her before they take any action. Stefanie Johnstone suggested they consider hiring a Health Officer for the town. They agreed to check with Charlie LeBlanc and other department heads to see if anyone would be interested or has the qualifications. Resolution of the current issue was tabled.
Web Site bulletin board – A resident had suggested the idea. The Board discussed the pros and cons, which are numerous, but agreed it was a good idea and would take it under advisement.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mosquito Control – A proposal from Dragon Mosquito Control, Inc. was received and reviewed. The proposal is for the full year and includes all including larviciding, monitoring and emergency adulticiding. The Board discussed whether or not to include the emergency adulticiding, estimated to be about $1,000 per application plus the cost of the product(s) with funds for an average of 5 sprayings recommended, in the budget or propose as a Warrant Article. The decision was tabled as the Board is waiting for final figures from Municipal Pest Management Services, Inc.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Cassette Transcriber – The old one is not functioning well and Richard Powers moved to purchase a new standard cassette transcriber at a cost of $199.99, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
Executive Session – RSA 91-A:3, II(a) – Personnel – Not held
OTHER BUSINESS:
The Selectmen prepared a letter to be mailed to a resident. With regard to a request for original tapes, the Board unanimously agreed that original tapes are to be retained by the town.
Bills were signed. Richard Powers moved to adjourn at 9:38 pm, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant