TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
Approved January 14, 2008
In attendance: Richard Powers, Stefanie Johnstone and Michael Motherway. Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department –Chief Charles LeBlanc explained that a plan had been worked out to cover East Kingston until their Town Meeting. They’ll be providing coverage during true emergencies, i.e., structure fires, wildland fires, motor vehicle accidents with entrapment or serious injury and CO detector activation with confirmed patients. All other calls will be dealt with in accordance with the mutual aid agreement.
He presented reappointments as deputy fire wardens for Myron Parsons and Alfred Felch. Stefanie Johnstone moved to reappoint the two deputy fire wardens for one year appointments, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
Chief LeBlanc addressed the need for a full time chief. He said they had 177 calls last year and he’s compared with surrounding towns. East Kingston had 155 calls and has a full time chief. Hampton Falls has a full time fire chief and part time ambulance coverage. A majority of the surrounding towns have full time chiefs and he will work with Chief Sheehan to prepare a spreadsheet with the information including salaries and benefits. The Selectmen discussed the possibility of expanding the position with increased duties and responsibilities.
Building Inspector – Bill Grant addressed the vote on Dec. 17th requiring the yellow card be stapled to the certificate of occupancy. He explained his current process is to fill out the certificate of occupancy once all inspections are completed and note the dates. He said the yellow card often gets lost or destroyed. The Selectmen emphasized the need for a complete paper trail and it was agreed to add driveways to both the certificate of occupancy and the yellow card. Michael Motherway moved to amend the motion of December 17, 2007 to required delivery of a fully filled out certificate of occupancy, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan explained that although Officer Cain will be attending the Academy for the next 14 weeks, he will also be doing Saturday shifts. The Selectmen confirmed that salary increases would begin with the January 2008 payroll.
Chief Sheehan presented a bill for the equipment associated with the Toyota. He said he recalled that it was to be paid from the revolving account as part of the purchase, but was just recently obtained and installed. Michael Motherway moved to expend $2,773 from the Police Revolving Account for the Toyota equipment, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
The Selectmen agreed to move forward with the generator as a resident has offered to assist with the electrician portion of the costs. Michael Motherway stressed that the placement of it needed to be carefully considered. Chief Sheehan agreed and will work with the electrician for the best possible placement
NEW BUSINESS:
Joan Whitney – Transportation discussion for seniors. – postponed until the spring.
OLD BUSINESS:
Grange Hall – Richard Powers said he is pursuing information regarding the removal of the old oil tank and the possibility of precast steps for the back entrance.
Dog Ordinance – postponed until some future time.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Budget Reviews – The Selectmen discussed the issue of whether to continue leasing the loader or purchase one. Richard Powers said he felt the maintenance is costly and if only used for the winter season, maintenance costs would be even greater with it sitting in storage. They agreed to see if a loader could be used for other areas or projects in town during the summer months.
Warrant Articles discussion – Michael Motherway said he is still waiting for Town Counsel regarding one. One citizen’s petition has been received so far. The deadline is tomorrow.
Bills were signed. Stefanie Johnstone moved to adjourn at 9:25 pm, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant