TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
Approved 5/19/08
In attendance: Stefanie Johnstone, Michael Motherway and Richard Powers. Meeting called to order at 7:37 pm.
CITIZEN’S FORUM –
Felicia Motherway, a horticulture teacher, spoke of her concerns about herbicides and chemicals being used at the Town Park. She presented a document (copy available at the town hall) to the Board and read it to the residents in attendance explaining the hazards. She emphasized that she wants to see chemical free maintenance done at the Park and said she is willing to write a plan if needed.
Selectman, Michael Motherway, read a five page document (copy available at the town hall) detailing his role as Selectman and Town Park Trustee and addressing the issues of confusion and procedural issues. He proposed that going forward both the General Contractor and the Recreation Committee Chair attend every Selectmen meeting until the project is complete and that any items that will impact the park or its use will be brought before the Board of Selectmen meeting and voted on. He urged all to set aside any differences and get the first year up and running, with details to be worked out as they go. He reiterated the purposes of the Sawyer/Kensington Trust to monitor the operation, use and maintenance, establish policies for the park, and to accept funds from both the KLCT and any private contributions/fees.
Fred Feldman of Rose Petal Lane, a biochemist, had a comment regarding the chemicals at the park or in a public place. He recommended that the State Regulations be looked at stating that all chemicals are not bad.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan reported that Officer Scott Cain has graduated from the Academy thus allowing expanded coverage for the department. He suggested the Selectmen consider a parking ordinance for Trundle Bed Lane as he wants to ensure that emergency vehicles can get through at all times. Several suggestions were offered including modifying the existing parking ordinance or allowing parking on one side by permit if the parking lot is maxed out such as when two games might be held. Michael Del Sesto said he felt off street parking would be adequate once the park is finished. Chief Sheehan will prepare a draft to be reviewed by Town Counsel. Seacoast Tree will be cutting next week and the detail work will be paid the same as last year.
Road Manager – E. Kingston has requested either leasing space at the salt shed or having Kensington order enough salt for both towns. David Buxton explained that he did not feel it would work at this time. The Board concurred. Mr. Buxton added that tree cutting would include dead trees along Muddy Pond Road.
Conservation Commission – Sydnee Goddard stated that the Conservation Commission would be in support of organic rather than chemical Town Park maintenance. Sydnee highlighted that Kimball Farm has been conserved. The warrant article stipulated a bond of $1,163,000, however, fund raising was tremendously successful such that a total of $885,037 was raised allowing the bond to be reduced by $385,037 to $777,963. The commission wishes to thank both the citizens of Kensington for supporting this project and Paul and Marion Kimball for donating over 9% of the development value of their property and remaining committed to seeing this land protected for the benefit of the town and future generations. The Conservation Commission is applying for a Watershed land transaction grant to help pay back some of the legal fees of $3,000 which would go back to the Conservation Fund. They should also be receiving $1,600 from the federal government to help pay for the title insurance. With regard to the Cole property, the easement language has been written. Since they were denied by the FRLPP, funding will be through a private donor. The $190,000 awarded can be applied to another parcel if they can find one, but will require matching funds which the Conservation Commission doesn’t have at this time.
Christian Smith – To discuss engineering inspections prior to paving of roads-postponed.
Paul Murphy – Mr. Murphy of Rose Petal Lane explained that the residents would like a nice entrance way to their subdivision and are requesting permission to erect a sign similar to Kensington Place. The Selectmen replied that this would be a process and they will need a plan or proposal reviewed by the Fire Chief, Police Department and Road Manager. Resident, M. Schwotzer, and vice-chairman of the Planning Board suggested they prepare an agreement that they will take care of all maintenance. Mr. Murphy agreed to this and he will meet with the Selectmen at their next meeting to discuss further.
Town Property – Sydney explained that she had talked with Karin Rubin of the Southeast Land Trust and a management plan is not needed, however, it can only be hayed in the fall so that nesting birds are not disturbed. George Gavutis said he is concerned with depleting the soil without replenishing it. Steven Hale said he would talk with Sydnee about fertilizing it. An agreement will be prepared and a waiver will need to be signed.
Recreation Department – Kathy Cook submitted a request for approval of one check in the amount of $1250 to be made out to the director in charge to be used to purchase materials for the five summer camp sessions rather than having the directors pay and then be reimbursed. The Selectmen unanimously agreed.
Mary Jane Solomon presented a letter dated April 21, 2008 to the Board regarding their request to recommend a Recreation Committee member to fill the vacancy on the Trust, stating, “…we are unable to select one member willing to do so at this time under the current configuration of the Trust.” She added that they would need one more Selectmen to resign and that vacancy to be filled with a community member. Following lengthy discussion, it was agreed that of the Selectmen Michael Motherway had the most history and experience, thus Richard Powers agreed to resign in the best interests of moving the park forward. All thanked him for his work. The Recreation Committee nominated Mary Jane Solomon. Stefanie Johnstone moved to accept the nomination and appoint Mary Jane Solomon as the Recreation Committee representative to the Town Park Board of Trustees with an expiration date of October 2008, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor. Following brief discussion, Donna Carter was nominated as the citizen representative to the Board of Trustees. Stefanie Johnstone moved to accept the nomination and appoint Donna Carter as the citizens’ representative to the Town Park Board of Trustees with an expiration date of October 2009, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
Town Park – Selectmen reminded all that they reserved the right to accept or reject all bids. Maintenance bids were opened and reviewed. The three received were all received on time and included required documentation. DDM Landscaping’s bid - $22,163, Down To Earth’s bid - $23,750 and Liberty’s bid $24,330. David Buxton stressed that key issues are quality and knowledge. Recreation Committee members discussed the bids and presented their recommendation to the Selectmen, who concurred. Michael Motherway moved to go with Down to Earth’s bid, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. A letter will be sent to all bidders.
OLD BUSINESS:
Planning Board Letter – Placement of “sheds” within lot line setbacks – following legal consultation, Michael Motherway moved that all structures, such as storage sheds of less than 120 square feet, shall require a building permit and not be situated within 25 (twenty-five) feet of the property line, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Grange Hall – Michael Motherway moved to appoint Joan Webber Grange Hall Trustee, expiration date 4/2011, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Vote – Michael Motherway moved to authorize Richard Powers to continue to be authorized to sign all documents for the Board related to the Kimball Conservation Easement bond, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Cooperative Agreement extension – Michael Motherway moved to request an 18 month extension on the Cooperative Agreement and to authorize the chair to sign the request and the extension when it comes in, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Local Government Center – renewal signing – postponed.
Website link request – Richard Powers moved not to add the SPACE link to the web site, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Bills were approved.
Executive Session – RSA 91-A:3,II(a) – personnel – Richard Powers moved to go into Executive Session at 10:40 pm, seconded by Michael Motherway with Johnstone, Motherway and Powers voting in favor. Chief Sheehan presented information about the health benefits of police officers and also all Town employees. The policy will be looked into and adjusted to reflect needed changes. Richard Powers moved to end Executive Session at 10:55 pm, seconded by Michael Motherway with Johnstone, Motherway and Powers voting in favor. Legal was not discussed.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 10:56 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant