TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
Approved December 17, 2007
In attendance: Richard Powers, Stefanie Johnstone and Michael Motherway. Meeting called to order at 7:30 pm.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department – Juli Noyes submitted a total of personnel hours accumulated to be paid from the salary line item.
Richard Powers asked about the budget reference to patch machine maintenance for $600. Mr. Buxton explained that it is for the annual service which will require new filters, etc. and a service company familiar with the equipment. He broke his budget down further this year for both the budget review and the residents.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan said he received a check for services rendered on Highland Road recently, but will check with the Attorney before accepting it. He presented a check for reimbursement by the company for expenses in repairing an M-16 and a check for $313.28 from the GM Protection Plan for repairs needed for one of the cruisers which was not covered under the warranty. He has received quotes for installation of the generator which he will copy for the Selectmen.
Recreation Department – Mary Jane Solomon inquired if the Selectmen had any questions about the department’s budget and if there are any restrictions on the number of committee members. The Selectmen replied that budgets will be reviewed at their next meeting and there are no restrictions they are aware of. Mary Jane said they will continue working on trails, play equipment and membership.
Assessing Department – Betty Willoughby presented a paper abatement and explained that it is only due to a change in the process. Previously land owned by one person with two residents on it was billed separately, now it will be combined on one bill, which requires the first bill for this year be abated. This change reduces issues with liens and bankruptcies. The Selectmen requested she check with Town Counsel. Michael Motherway moved to authorize approval if Charles Tucker approves the procedure change, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Betty explained that she is ready to have her position advertised. She will prepare an outline of the tasks involved and the requirements needed for the position.
NEW BUSINESS:
Davlynn Development – Attorney Woiccak and Chris Albert of Jones and Beach Engineering explained that the cistern has been installed and tested ok per Chief LeBlanc. The developer will pay for the pump meter until the road is approved by the town. Mr. Albert reported that they have done as the Planning Board requested except that some more gravel needs to be removed. Reports from the town’s engineer, Christian Smith of Beals Associates, were reviewed. They explained that they need a certificate of occupancy for one property at this time. Michael Motherway moved that if Joan Whitney, Chair of the Planning Board, Christian Smith, and Building Inspector, Bill Grant, agree that the deficiencies have been remedied, then the Selectmen would be in agreement to have a certificate of occupancy issued, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Town Park – Charlie Smith of Amesbury Road met with the Board to express concerns. He said he could see the machinery moving around from his home and is concerned he will be affected by the lights and the loud speaker. He also said he was concerned that his property would be used as a thoroughfare and Mr. Del Sesto had told him there would be trails. Board members explained that plantings will be done in the spring and it is believed the trees should absorb much of the sound. The lights will be regulated by computer and minimal use is expected. They agreed to take his concerns to the park committee for discussion.
Mosquito Control – A proposal from Municipal Pest Management Services was received and reviewed. The proposal is for three years and includes all testing, larviciding, and monitoring. The Board agreed to include emergency adulticiding previously discussed in the budget. Michael Motherway moved to approve the contract from Municipal Pest Management Services, Inc. as written, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Policy regarding copying tapes – The Board agreed to have Town Counsel review before approving.
Emergency Assistance Procedures – Reviewed basic needs, including food, shelter and transportation as well as co-coordinating with various Social Service agencies.
Bills were signed and Health Insurance, which increased 10%, and Dental Insurance, which increased 2.6%, enrollment authorization form was signed. Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 10:30 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant