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 7:34 pm.
CITIZEN’S FORUM –
David Buxton recalled that the trailer on the Gleason property at 6 Lamprey Road was allowed to remain temporarily for hardship reasons for a relative only, after which it was to be removed due to non-conformance with zoning regulations. He has determined that the property is being advertised for sale but the mobile home has not yet been removed. Mr. Buxton also noted that a business is being conducted without zoning approval. The files will be researched regarding both and discussed at the next meeting.
He inquired about the possibility of putting four sugar maple trees across the street and will talk with Harold Bragg. He also will donate a sugar maple to the old Brick School House.
Donna Carter explained that there is a buyer for the grocery store and he will be seeking a liquor license. A letter will be coming from the State and the Selectmen will need to respond to it. She asked if the trash sticker arrangement could remain the same. Selectmen agreed to discuss later in the meeting.
Paul Murphy of Rose Petal Lane stated that he had concerns regarding the culverts and drainage. David Buxton was asked to go and look at the issues.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented two permits: George Cole, Stumpfield Road for a new barn – the old one has been demolished; and Paul Cuty, 13 Oak Ridge Road for an in-ground pool. Michael Motherway moved to accept the two building permits as presented, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Road Manager – Mr. Buxton reported that Seacoast Tree is cutting dead trees including two on Drinkwater Road and a large branch hanging down. With regard to Rose Petal Lane, he explained that hay bales were not removed and some swales are not consistent and some can’t be maintained. He would request that the town’s engineer be more thorough before granting final approval.
He reported that he had gone out to view lot 9 at Hudson Heights at the Board’s request. He met with the owner today and found the back yard at a 1 to 1 slope, the well out of the ground by only two inches, large depressions possibly due to buried stumps, and no loam, seed or hand work done. He reviewed the plan and read portions including the erosion, drainage and sediment control notes and stressed that the lots should be stable and shimmed with all necessary erosion control measures in place. Currently, he stated, full measures have not been taken, for example, a 2 to 1 slope for septic should be 3 to 1, and the lots are not done in accordance with the plan. It was agreed that a site meeting will be held Wednesday, May 7th at 5:00 pm with Richard Powers, Christian Smith, David Buxton, David Storey and Jones and Beach Engineering. Michael Motherway moved that if David Buxton, Christian Smith and Richard Powers agree with the course of action, Richard Powers is authorized to act for the Board, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Mr. Buxton requested that Road Reconstruction be added to the next agenda. He will contact John Bell.
With regard to Rose Petal Lane, he said the location of the sign is outside the 66’ right-of-way and would be located on the lot 1 easement. He said he felt the residents just needed to follow the ordinance regarding the size of the sign.
Assessing Office – Betty Willoughby presented 4 qualifying veterans’ credit applications; McNamara, Arthur Chapman, Stanley Buxton, and Henry Brown. Stefanie Johnstone moved to approve the four veterans’ credit applications as presented, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
She presented three abatements with recommendations from the town’s assessing company, Avitar Associates:
1) Sawin, 3 Rose Petal Lane, M5, L36-2 which was tabled to the next meeting;
2) Schwotzer, 49 Cottage Road, M8, L33 – Stefanie Johnstone moved to go with Avitars’ recommendation to deny the abatement, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor;
3) Portrait, 12 Rose Petal Lane, M8, L63 – garage had been listed as finished when it was unfinished. Richard Powers moved to accept Avitars’ recommendation to reduce, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Mrs. Willoughby also presented 14 qualifying elderly exemptions. She explained that this would reduce the overall value by $2,450,000.00. Stefanie Johnstone moved to approve all fourteen elderly exemptions as presented, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Recreation Department – Mary Jane Solomon reported the summer camps were filling up quickly. She requested that they be allowed to do one expense report at the end of the summer camps, which was unanimously approved by the Board.
Conservation Commission – Although no one from the CC was in attendance, Michael Motherway explained that he had received an e-mail that they approved the easement language for the Cole property. Richard Powers added that he had spoken with Mr. Cole who was not happy with the last minute request for public access. It was agreed to consult with town counsel and that they would possibly need to meet on this issue before the next scheduled meeting.
Town Park – was discussed at this time and will continue to be discussed under Department Heads. Michael Del Sesto reported that the concession stand is 90% complete, the water test is done, the septic is approved and the playground equipment should be arriving next week. There were a number of completions this week and they are planning for Sawyer Field to be completed for late summer/early fall softball. The goal is to have an official ceremony, July 12th, complete with a fire works show. He presented a signed landscape maintenance agreement as awarded to Down To Earth and explained that the Recreation Committee would pay the first third, and the trust would pay the second, third and the overage. Michael Motherway moved to authorize Stefanie Johnstone to sign for the Selectmen, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Chair Mary Jane Solomon sign on behalf of the Rec.
NEW BUSINESS:
Paul Murphy – The Fire Chief, Police Department and Road Manager have given their ok. It was reviewed that the size of the sign could not exceed 12 square feet, which Mr. Murphy agreed to. Stefanie Johnstone agreed to contact town counsel to see if there needed to be any further involvement by the town. She agreed to call Mr. Murphy with her findings.
Donna Carter – The Board addressed the issuance of a letter relative to the liquor license. Michael Motherway moved to respond to the letter and cite that the Board had no concerns, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Ticks/Lyme disease – A resident had requested the Board discuss this but was unable to attend. Stefanie Johnstone reported she had spoken with Mike at Municipal Pest Management and the process would be the same as last year and the effect would last about three weeks. When Municipal receives the state approval permit, they will advertise. She added that the SAU is independently spraying.
Health Officer – Discussion of changing – Richard Powers explained that he had asked Dr. Singer to be the Health Officer. Michael Motherway said he felt that the three Selectmen as Board of Health allows for greater discussion. Richard Powers responded that he felt Dr. Singer’s expertise would be an asset and one less task for the Board thus freeing up time to focus on other issues. Further discussion was tabled due to the lateness of the hour.
Health Insurance Policy – Amendment – Michael Motherway moved to amend the current health insurance personnel policy for all full-time Town employees to allow 100% coverage by the Town for a single plan, 90% coverage by the Town for a two person plan and 80% coverage by the Town for a family plan. This is to be effective immediately and begin with the next appropriate check once the procedure is in place but by no means later than June 1, 2008, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Town Property – Haying agreement and waiver – tabled.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Local Government Center – renewal signing - tabled
Granite State Quest – Permit approval – Michael Motherway moved to approve the permit for Granite State Quest’s July 12, 2008 bicycle race, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Bills were approved.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 11:02 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant