TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
Approved May 5, 2008
Please note: The next Selectmen’s meeting will be April 21, 2008
In attendance: Stefanie Johnstone and Richard Powers. Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm. Michael Motherway arrived at 7:38 pm.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented three building permits: Larson, 281 N. Haverhill Rd. for a pool shed; Moulton, 28 Muddy Pond Rd. for an addition with no bedrooms to be added; and Davlynn Development, 6 Hudson Dr. for new construction. Michael Motherway moved to accept the three building permits as presented, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
A written request to be considered for the position of Building Inspector was received this afternoon from Travis Felch. The Board agreed to file for future consideration. Michael Motherway moved to reappoint Bill Grant as Building Inspector with an expiration date of April 2009, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Road Manager – David Buxton said he would take care of Hudson Heights tomorrow. He received a call from a resident about pot holes on Moulton Ridge Road and asked Chris Batchelder to fix them as soon as it stops raining. With regard to a problem on Cottage Road, Mr. Buxton explained that it is a narrower road than others in town with minimal ditch lines and swales. In order to improve this they’d need to go beyond the town right-of-way. He and Chris feel the current salt/sand mix doesn’t work as well in this area and they will try applying more salt next winter. If this does not improve the situation than they’ll have to revisit it next winter with the Board. Mr. Buxton agreed to provide a letter draft to Denise to send to the resident.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan said he’s been asked by Principal Barbara Switzer to sign a letter regarding traffic issues, which will be sent home with students, as a reminder for parents to follow the rules for maximum safety. Chief Charles LeBlanc will sign as well.
He reported he’s started the process of trading in the highest mileage cruiser for a 3 year, $18,000 lease to remain within the line item limits, with 2-Way Communications to do the graphics. The Selectmen were in agreement.
He left information for the Board to review relevant to health benefits for officers. The Selectmen will review and discuss in an Executive Session at the next meeting.
The Chief said he is ordering more cones, possibly through Homeland Security. The Police Department will monitor for any flood conditions.
Tax Collector – Carlene Wiggin presented an update on the 2005 Lien Deeding explaining that one can wait until the 23 rd of the month; however, the remaining three are due now. The Selectmen requested she proceed in accordance with the legal requirements and regulations.
Recreation Department – Mary Jane Solomon, Donna Carter, Kathy Cook, Dave Macek, John Andreasse and Nancy Roffman attended. They explained that a few of the children have a peanut allergy and they believe they might need an Epi-pen, but they have no trained personnel. Nancy Roffman has found that the defibrillators should not be locked up but available for use. She will check with the Fire Department for recommendations on whether they should be inside or outside. A possible location could be the concession stand.
Stefanie Johnstone asked about the fields, fees, timing, etc. Dave explained that they have committed one field to Exeter so that all Kensington kids could play as there are not enough volunteers in the town so Exeter is doing the coaching. Revenue was discussed with John and Dave explaining that Exeter pools the funds and gives back to the fields they use. They were offered funds for refurbishing the fields last year, but turned it down as the fields were being moved. They will check with Exeter though.
Dave said he just received two bids for maintenance Sunday night, but one was not comparable to the list provided. The Selectmen explained they would need an answer by the 9th. Michael Motherway said the bids ran well over what was projected and they need to find ways to fund so that the Park is self supporting. They need to keep all the revenues brought in by the park to pay for expenses related to the Park, with the goal being not to increase taxes but have the Park pay for itself. The Trustees will do the interviewing and hiring for someone to run the concession and janitor services. Rec. members unanimously agreed to this. Someone from the Rec. will do a job description for posting. Mary Jane asked what the role of the Recreation Committee is. John said he would like the Rec. Comm to be invited to the Trustee meetings. All agreed there will be a learning curve with many issues and adjustments to be worked out along the way.
Michael Motherway moved to reappoint John Andreasse and Dave Macek to the Recreation Committee with an expiration date of April 2011, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
Bell and Flynn – John Bell explained that reclaiming the roads with a base course is a cost efficient approach. Although frost heaves have been bad this year, the roads reclaimed have held well. Cracking is a concern December through April due to water infiltrating the base and freezing. The crown is designed to drain water to the edges. From there it is important to have good drainage. On some of the narrower roads, such as Cottage Road, it has been challenging to create adequate drainage and remain within the town’s right-of-way. If the drainage is not adequate, cracking along the edges could occur. He recommended sealing any cracks on an annual basis and checking the drainage in the fall as part of road maintenance. He added that the roads reclaimed will need a second coat of paving at some point in the future. Their company guarantee is that the roads have been reclaimed according to Best Management Practices and any defects in workmanship and materials will be replaced.
Discussion regarding dealing with drainage and culverts included asking Christian Smith of Beals Associates to review the work prior to paving. David Buxton explained that this was the intent when the program first started. It was agreed that Mr. Buxton will inform the Selectmen when the road is ready for inspection. Christian Smith will then be asked to provide an evaluation. The Board requested he attend their next meeting.
The Selectmen agreed to move ahead to discuss the Grange Hall.
OLD BUSINESS:
Grange Hall – Carl Rezendes and Nancy Roffman met with the Selectmen, thanking them for allocating funds to help move the repairs along. Carl said he is primarily working to get all the safety violations completed by the end of April. He explained that the storm windows are done and the rear room has been sheet rocked and painted. From the Eastman funds they plan to purchase a sink, refrigerator and stove for minimal use. He emphasized that there is still a lot to be done, including building a handicap ramp with adequate parking, flood lights, replacing fence post bases, and having the doors open out. Future plans have not been defined yet, but Nancy and Carl said it was used for all kinds of celebrations and festivities in the past.
Resident Glenn Greenwood – He asked about the clearing on the corner of Trundle Bed Lane and Amesbury Road. Michael Motherway explained that additional funds had been received for the project and some of the trees were cleared. Future plans have not been formalized but it could be a pull off area with a meadow, picnic tables and walking paths. Mr. Greenwood said he had heard rumors that it might be overflow parking and was adamantly opposed to this. The Selectmen replied that there have been a lot of ideas circulating but nothing has been decided to date. Glenn offered that he and his wife would be willing to serve on a committee if one is formed.
Resident Donna Carter – She asked about the cruiser lease discussion with Chief Sheehan earlier. The Board explained that the annual cost of leasing a cruiser is included as a line item of $9,000.00 and allows the timely updating of vehicles using level funding which reduces peaks in taxes and is consistent with the Capital Improvement Plan.
Planning Board Letter – Placement of “sheds” within lot line setbacks – the Board reviewed the letter and requested Denise contact Town Counsel for an opinion on how best to proceed. Continued.
Reappointments to Recreation Committee – John Andreasse and Dave Macek - previously done.
Reappointments to Conservation Commission – Sydnee Goddard and Harold Bodwell
Reappointments to Zoning Board of Adjustment – Dan Chaisson, Eric Peterson and M. Schwotzer as alternate
Michael Motherway moved to reappoint Sydnee Goddard and Harold Bodwell to the Conservation Commission with expiration dates of April 2011, and Dan Chaisson, Eric Peterson and M. Schwotzer, as an alternate, to the Zoning Board of Adjustment with expiration dates of April 2011, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Intent to Excavate – Town of Seabrook M3, L14, Welsh Living Trust M11, L30, Kuegel M11, L7, Ricci Construction M12, L47, Wiggin M3, L17-2, Felch M9, L2 – all six were signed.
NHMA request for litigation funds – contesting using employer funds for medical subsidy – Michael Motherway moved to deny the request, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Kimball Farm Easement – Richard Powers reported the closing was completed. An interim bond for $777,963 was received with the final bond to be applied for with the spring bond sale schedule. They thanked all who contributed time and money to this worthwhile endeavor.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Staff needs – Request to purchase a small refrigerator and microwave – Unanimously approved by the Board.
Bills were approved.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 11:15 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant