TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
Approved July 8, 2008
In attendance: Richard Powers, Stefanie Johnstone and Michael Motherway.
Meeting called to order at 7:28 pm.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented one building permit for Raslavicus, 80 Wild Pasture Road for 240 sq. ft. shed. Richard Powers moved to accept the building permit, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor. Richard Powers asked Mr. Grant about the Cease and Desist on a Kensington Place site as he had seen workers. Mr. Grant explained he’s had difficulty with contacting the developer, but it will be placed at the site tomorrow.
Road Manager – David Buxton reported that the gate at the salt shed has been installed. A property on Stumpfield Road was discussed and Mr. Buxton said he thought they could not store landscaping debris. Denise will look up the approvals and send a letter.
Police Department – Although Chief Wayne Sheehan was not in attendance, Stefanie Johnstone moved to reappoint both Roy Jones full time subject to a grant, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor, and Scott Cain full time, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Recreation Department – Mary Jane Solomon reported that Chris Hsieh doesn’t want the plaques on the dugouts if they’re changed. The changes would be to comply with Cal Ripken regulations. She will investigate the changes further. The Recreation Committee continues to work on policies, but she said it’s been difficult to get everyone together. Mary Jane commented that it was brought to her attention that the locks on the Town Park bathroom doors lock inside as well as outside and this was considered a possible hazardous situation. It was clarified again that due to ongoing construction, the Town Park is closed Monday through Saturday until 5:00 pm until July 12th. Stefanie Johnstone will ask Mike Del Sesto to adjust the signs for clarity.
Conservation Commission – Sydnee Goddard stated that the CC had agreed to allow Steven Hale to hay the Rte 108 property for 3 years. After that they will review. The haying agreement was signed and Mr. Hale said a copy of the insurance would be faxed to Denise tomorrow.
The Conservation Easement on the Cole property is scheduled for closing tomorrow. With reference to the Public Hearing held December 17, 2007 regarding the Cole Farm, Michael Motherway moved to accept the donation of $150,000.00 and expend toward the completion of the Cole easement, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved to authorize Richard Powers to sign all documents necessary for the closing of the Cole conservation easement, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
With regard to the site of a wetland violation at Kensington Place, she requested the Selectmen assertively pursue to restore to its’ original condition. Michael Motherway moved to engage Town Counsel on this matter, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
Hudson Heights – The Board approved the easement language. Philip Mattera was present to discuss his issues. Richard Powers explained that he doesn’t feel the Board of Selectmen have jurisdiction, however, Mr. Mattera stated he felt some of the issues were zoning violations. He detailed that the sink holes were not filled in and no hay bales were placed around his neighbor’s well. Jones and Beach Engineering were to send weekly reports to Christian Smith. Denise will contact him to see if he has received any. It was agreed to schedule another meeting. Michael Motherway moved to allow Richard Powers as Selectman, Road Manager David Buxton and the Town’s Engineer Christian Smith to do another inspection, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor. Mr. Mattera will be invited to attend.
State of NH – Comments on 272 South Rd application for retail vehicle dealer – the approved Site Plan allows for up to 25 cars for retail sale. Michael Motherway moved to sign the application for retail vehicle dealer, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Executive Session – RSA 91-A:3, II (a) – Personnel – Stefanie Johnstone moved to go into Executive Session at 9:15 pm, seconded by Michael Motherway with Johnstone, Motherway and Powers voting in favor. Treasurer Sara Belisle joined in the discussion. Stefanie Johnstone moved to authorize Michael Motherway to ask an employee to resign/step aside as the employee is unable to work the hours originally requested in the initial job description, seconded by Richard Powers with Johnstone, Motherway and Powers voting in favor. Stefanie Johnstone moved to end Executive Session and return to regular session at 9:35 pm, seconded by Michael Motherway with Johnstone, Motherway and Powers voting in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mosquito/tick update – Stefanie Johnstone said a mosquito update was coming.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Intent to Cut – Avery, 178 Drinkwater Road - signed
Meeting and holiday schedule – Town Offices will be closed Monday, July 7, 2008 in observance of July 4th and the next Selectmen’s meeting will be Tuesday, July 8, 2008.
Health Officer Information – Following review of information received from the state regarding the roles and responsibilities, the Selectmen agreed to invite a possible candidate to the next meeting.
Comcast franchise renewal negotiations – Binders were received from Comcast for the Selectmen to review.
Local Government Center – Stefanie Johnstone was authorized by resolutions and signed on behalf of the Board: the Application and Participation Agreement for property liability and health insurance, effective July 1, 2008; Exhibit 1, PLT Resolution for Participation in the Multi Year (3 yrs) Rate Guarantee Program of 9% maximum; and the Certificate of Authorizing Resolution.
Town Park – Michael Motherway explained that the license to sell food has been received and approval for the public water supply has been granted but will need to be monitored.
Grange Hall – The Grange Hall Trustees received bids to remove the old oil tank, put a new oil tank inside the building and construct a handicap ramp totaling about $11,500. Richard Powers said he was in favor of removing the oil tank and setting up a new one, but asked about the ramp and its location. Stefanie Johnstone, while in agreement that the work was needed, said she was not sure that the town should pay the full amount and asked if some of the Eastman funds could be used. Michael Motherway explained that the Trustees plan to purchase shutters and appliances for the kitchen with those funds. Michael Motherway moved to approve the oil tank removal and installation and the handicap ramp, seconded by Richard Powers with two voting in favor and one opposed.
Executive Session – RSA 91-A:3, II (e) – Lawsuits – Michael Motherway moved to go into Executive Session at 10:49 pm for lawsuits, seconded by Richard Powers with Johnstone, Powers and Motherway voting in favor. No updates had been received from Town Counsel. He will be contacted for an update. Michael Motherway moved to end Executive Session and return to regular session at 10:55 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with Johnstone, Powers and Motherway voting in favor.
Approval of June 2, 2008 meeting minutes – (Chief Sheehan later asked that the paragraph under the Police Department be amended to read that the current officers have reduced availability and this author amended them accordingly on June 17, 2008). Michael Motherway moved to accept the minutes of June 2, 2008, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Bills were approved, dog warrant signed and Department of Revenue Administration MS-5 was signed.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 10:58 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant