TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
Amended and approved June 16, 2008
In attendance: Richard Powers, Stefanie Johnstone and Michael Motherway.
Meeting called to order at 7:30 pm.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented two building permits: Brunault/Gilman, 96 Amesbury Road for a farmer’s porch and Dow, 128 Drinkwater Road for a two bedroom ranch; mobile is to be removed within 30 days of completion of the home; certificate of occupancy will not be issued until the mobile home has been removed. Richard Powers requested Mr. Grant issue a Cease and Desist on a Kensington Place site where water and mud have run across the road. Richard Powers moved to grant the two building permits presented and the issuance of a Cease and Desist on the Kensington Place lot creating the erosion problem, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan reported they
held the last SALT meeting before summer and enjoyed a great cookout at the new Town Park with guest speakers including a Planning Board member. He will start the
process for hiring two more part-time officers as two current officers will
be leaving have reduced availability.
Assessing Office – Betty Willoughby presented a warrant for gravel taxes of $580 due July 3, 2008, which was signed by the Board. With regard to the Intent to Cut report, Kensington Leadership Center Trust’s tax is to be abated since the land was donated to the town and the town’s portion is to be abated as well. The Selectmen signed both abatements.
Recreation Department – Mary Jane Solomon and John Andreasse presented a list of potential events. June 14 & 15 will be a girl’s softball tournament, an ice cream social is scheduled for the 16th by Kensington T-ball and Mike Del Sesto said they will be able to use the freezer. June 21 will be Rookie League Day and they would like to use the pavilion and concession stand for a barbeque from 10 am to 2:30 pm. A fee structure will need to be decided by the Trustees and it was suggested the Recreation Committee members attend the meeting. Most of the facilities are or will be ready. Other questions included parking when four events are being held, which John Andreasse will discuss with the police department. There is a Special Events Policy in place and John will stop by the office for a copy. Softball will probably not be ready until the fall.
Town Park – Michael Del Sesto reported Sawyer Field is moving along quickly. Irrigation, fencing, dugouts and sod should be completed next week, and then the parking lot will be paved. The binder coat is scheduled for next week at the Town Park. Trail work will continue next week as well. Although the playground is functional, it is off limits this week up until 5:00 pm due to on-going construction.
Conservation Commission – Sydnee Goddard reported she visited the site of a wetland’s violation at Kensington Place. The owner has agreed to have the two to three feet of fill removed and to replace the trees and shrubs removed with wetland plants. Sydnee asked that a letter of complaint be sent to Eben Lewis of DES about the violation.
The plan is to close soon on the Cole property. They have until June 29th to transfer the FRPP government funds approved to another property and have been researching various options.
They will be meeting with the Planning Board on June 17th at around 8:15 pm to discuss why developers are choosing traditional subdivisions vs. open space subdivisions, ways to make open space subdivisions more inviting and review the land/water protection plan in the Capital Improvement Plan. Sydnee invited the Selectmen to attend as well.
NEW BUSINESS:
B & S Disposal – Chris Batchelder explained that the recycling has been a problem since everything is mixed together. He proposed to do recycling every week instead of every other week, but have one week paper & cardboard and the next week, plastics, bottles, cans, etc. He will do flyers for the school and he would like to start July 1. He also wants to remind all residents that it’s one sticker per 32 gallon bag. Large bags require at least two stickers and if too heavy to lift will have to be left. Also recycling containers must be able to be lifted or they will have to be left. The Selectmen unanimously agreed to the changes. Chris Batchelder also asked them to consider changing to a bag system in the future as some other communities have done.
Paul Murphy – Rose Petal Lane, permission to erect a sign similar to Hudson Heights and Kensington Place. Mr. Murphy stated Avitar did not contact him. Denise will check with Betty and request that they do. The Selectmen asked for a copy of the explanation Avitar provides. Stefanie Johnstone explained that Town Counsel had been consulted and since the wall and sign will be on private land he does not need permission from the Board. A sign larger than 4 sq. ft. would need Zoning Board of Adjustment approval. Stefanie Johnstone moved that sign be limited to four square feet, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Hudson Heights – Easement deed and letter of complaint – postponed
Town Property – Haying agreement and waiver – to be forwarded to Town Counsel for review.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mosquito/tick update – Tick spraying was done at the school. Michael Motherway will contact Mike Morrison regarding what it would cost to monitor for ticks. Michael Motherway moved to accept the 2007 Mosquito Plan for the 2008 season, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Comcast franchise renewal negotiations - Postponed
Parking Ordinance – Michael Motherway moved to accept the Parking Ordinance as written, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. A copy will be posted to the website, the town hall and the store.
Local Government Center – Stefanie Johnstone explained that she had called and had been told that there had been no increase since 1994. The terms for a three year contract limit the increases to a maximum of 9%. The Board unanimously agreed and she will sign for the Board.
Web Hosting – Discussion regarding possible changes – postponed.
Executive Session – RSA 91-A:3, II (e) – Lawsuits – Michael Motherway moved to go into Executive Session at 10:10 pm for lawsuits, seconded by Richard Powers with Johnstone, Powers and Motherway voting in favor. A draft proposal from Town Counsel was reviewed. A few changes were suggested, but the Board unanimously agreed to have Counsel begin negotiations. Michael Motherway moved to end Executive Session and return to regular session at 10:20 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with Johnstone, Powers and Motherway voting in favor.
Any other business brought before the Board
Richard Powers moved to go into Board of Health session, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor. A letter regarding a health complaint was reviewed and Richard Powers will investigate. Michael Motherway moved to end Board of Health session, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Approval of May 19, 2008
meeting minutes – Michael Motherway asked to amend paragraph under Town Park to read, complete the application process as with the health inspector
rather than as. Michael Motherway moved to accept the minutes of May 19, 2008
as amended, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Michael Motherway
moved to approve the Executive Session minutes of May 19, 2008 as written,
seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Bills were approved.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 10:28 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant