TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
Approved August 11, 2008
In attendance: Richard Powers, Stefanie Johnstone and Michael Motherway.
Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented three building permits: Unitil, Drinkwater Road to re-roof the building; Spaulding, 2 Amos Tuck Road for an in-ground pool; and Sinclair, 34 Cottage Road for remodeling the second floor and a dormer. Michael Motherway moved to approve the three building permits as presented, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Mr. Grant reported he has driven by the Kensington Place site but hasn’t seen any activity. Richard Powers said he hasn’t seen any work being done either.
Police Department –Chief Wayne Sheehan explained that a resident had commented on the lack of signs at the intersection of North Road and Drinkwater Road. He said he hasn’t been able to reach the Road Manager but feels the left needs a stop sign and the right a yield sign. Denise will try to contact David Buxton.
For the Town Park Grand Opening Ceremony he will have four additional officers on duty. Trundle Bed Lane will be shut down and there will be no parking allowed on the road as they need ample room for emergency personnel. Parking will be allowed on only one side of Stumpfield Road with a temporary order by the Selectmen. Michael Motherway moved that on July 12, 2008 a temporary order be put in place for parking on only one side of Stumpfield Road, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor. Mahalos Catering will be providing food and alcohol. Michael Motherway moved to grant a permit pending receipt of a liquor license and liability insurance, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Rules for the Town Park were discussed here as well and will be posted at the park: park open from sunrise to 10 pm; alcoholic beverages by permit only; authorized vehicles only; no open fires; grilling in designated area; permit required for organized groups of 25 or more; skateboards, roller blades, scooters, allowed only on multipurpose court; bikes & horses permitted on woodland trails only; dogs must be leashed; no dogs on playing field; and pick up after your dog or horse or scoop your poop. Chief Sheehan suggested the consequences be posted as well, which is failure to follow these rules will result in notification of the Police Department and removal from the park. Michael Motherway moved to approve the rules as presented, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. With regard to scheduling events, Michael Motherway moved to require any further scheduling of the 2008 season and any and all scheduling for the 2009 calendar year be approved by the Board of Selectmen prior to the schedule being approved, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Assessing Office – Betty Willoughby presented a letter from Avitar regarding the Sawin assessment. It was not a quality adjustment, but rather factual changes were found following completion. The assessment was thus reduced by $27,500, resulting in abatement of $482 plus 6% interest. Michael Motherway moved to grant the abatement, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
Health Officer – Dr. Karl Singer met with the Selectmen to discuss the position. He agreed to accept the nomination and the application was filled out, which will be sent to the state as they do the appointment. Stefanie Johnstone moved to approve the nomination and appointment of Dr. Singer as Health Officer, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
Health Inspection – request for foster home inspection – Michael Motherway moved to authorize Richard Powers to fill out the inspection form, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Hudson Heights – Michael Motherway explained that a revised plan is to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Board at their meeting on July 15th or the Cease and Desist remains in effect.
Mosquito/tick update – Monitoring results have so far been negative, both for Kensington and state wide.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Audit – The report on internal control was reviewed. Noted were increased bank reconciliation to be done; increased documentation for expenditures; and grants to be budgeted for either at Town meeting or through a public hearing to accept unanticipated funds.
Comcast franchise renewal negotiations – The Selectmen agreed to schedule a tele-conference sometime after July 12th.
Approval of June 16 & 26, 2008 meeting minutes – Michael Motherway moved to accept the minutes of June 16 and 26, 2008 as written, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Bills were approved, and an administrative Intent to Excavate for Beaver Dam Road was signed.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 9:30 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant