TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
Amended and approved December 17, 2007
In attendance: Richard Powers, Stefanie Johnstone and Michael Motherway. Meeting called to order at 7:30 pm.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Road Manager – David Buxton reported the tree at the Brick School House has been cut down.
At the Hudson Heights subdivision he found that the third driveway on the left doesn’t meet the requirement of a negative 2% pitch. He added he told Jones and Beach Engineering, the manager of the development and Leon Holmes. He said that driveways continue to be an issue and asked if the Selectmen would be interested in returning this portion to the highway department. The Selectmen agreed to consider the matter. David said he would still like to meet with the Planning Board and the Selectmen and write into the zoning regulations that paving a certain number of feet from the road would be required prior to receiving a certificate of occupancy.
Hayden Hillsgrove Stone Masonry, Inc. submitted a proposal of $8,800 for the town hall entrance walks and landings. Work to include excavation and removal of the existing walkways, installing a granite entrance to make it handicap accessible and new granite walkways. Selectmen will take it under consideration.
Recreation Department – Nancy Roffman did not speak spoke as a
member of the Recreation Committee. She emphasized several times that she
was only speaking for herself. She explained that overall the rec doesn’t
feel adequately involved with the Town Park project. This group of volunteers
will be the ones maintaining the park but have no idea of costs or what to
budget. She advocated strongly for a rec member to be a Trustee. The
Selectmen explained that they took the position of Trustees for this beginning
development stage, but there will be many aspects to work through in the future
and it would be good to have a rec member as a Trustee. Mike Del Sesto
explained that the equipment proposed was fine, but they needed to have more
bids on a variety of equipment before final decisions are made. He agreed with
the Selectmen that this is the development stage and they will want a rec
member involved so they can all decide the best way to run the park.
Grange Hall discussion – Nancy said she was upset to learn that the water had been turned off and the building wasn’t being heated. She said from June 6th to Oct. 30th they had not heard any communication from the Safety Committee and would like to have better communication as the building is needed for emergencies for the school children. Michael Motherway said he had phoned a trustee, but agreed that communication should be more formal. All agreed that the items needing to be completed for safety reasons could be done affordably and within a reasonable time frame. Richard Powers agreed to contact some contractors and electricians for bids.
Nancy also requested that the entrance to the Grange be kept open through the winter. David Buxton explained that the new tractor they will be using may be able to plow it efficiently, but they are not able to shovel. The Town Park will also need to be plowed this year if it reaches a useable stage. David Buxton agreed that if school is in session they will try to keep it open.
Joan Whitney, in attendance, and David Buxton discussed requiring acceptable water testing for new construction and suggested the water be put in before the building is constructed. Richard Powers suggested it could be put under Planning Board regulations regarding the sequence of construction.
NEW BUSINESS:
Debco Realty Trust – Bond reduction request and engineering fees – Counsel has advised to go with the bond reduction if the delinquent engineering fees are paid. The initial request for reduction would only leave approximately $148,510. The pond remains an issue and David Buxton said that the cost to finish the hot top at today’s costs would be around $200k and a tank would be around $60k. The original costs were determined approximately 8 years ago and the remaining amount following bond reduction would not cover today’s costs. Richard Powers asked to table the matter and he will contact Town Counsel for a more thorough discussion and Christian Smith regarding cost estimates.
243 Newton LLC – In order for their business to be licensed as a vessel dealer, a letter needs to be sent to the Dept. of Safety stating that they are in compliance with zoning regulations. Michael Motherway moved to send a letter to the State for 243 Newton LLC, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Davlynn Development – Joan Whitney, Chair of the Planning Board, attended in an effort to deal with the issue of the certificate of occupancy. Since no one representing Davlynn was present, she will pursue the matter at tomorrow night’s Planning Board meeting.
Solid Waste Bids – Bids from Waste Management, B & S Disposal and Bestway Disposal were received and reviewed. All were three year contracts. Weekly collection of solid waste was WM-$78k ($75k if containers used), B&S-$56,500, and BD-$59,016. Bi-weekly collection of recycling was WM-$29k, B&S-$31,200, and BD-$31,648. WM’s contract included rate adjustments each January based on the percentage change in the CPI-W for Boston as published in Sept., BD included fixed roughly 5% annual increases, and B&S’s rate was fixed, with no annual increases. BD’s contract also included a clause regarding a fuel surcharge over $3.50 gallon. Richard Powers moved to accept B & S Disposal’s bid to begin in May 2008 following the expiration of the current vendor, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Fuel Oil bids – None have been received. Flynn Oil has offered an Automatic Delivery Contract. Michael Motherway moved to go with Flynn Oil, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Policy regarding copying tapes – Town Counsel suggested adding a few things. Will revise and review at the next meeting.
Board of Health issue – Has been resolved.
Town Park – Previously discussed.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Budget Reviews – Selectmen will each review submissions and discuss at the next meeting.
Auditor proposal – Michael Motherway moved to approve the auditor proposal from Vachon Clukay & Co. PC, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Bills were signed. Stefanie Johnstone moved to adjourn at 10:00 pm, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant