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 7:32 pm.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department –Chief Charles LeBlanc asked to be included at all Board meetings, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment as well. The Selectmen thanked the Fire Department for their participation at the Sawyer/Kensington Park Celebration.
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented two building permits; Miyamura, 56 Osgood Road to replace a shed; and DeCosta, 139 South Road for an above ground pool. Michael Motherway moved to approve the two building permits as presented, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Mr. Grant said he would check on a South Road property.
Road Manager – David Buxton requested that when roads are ready for town acceptance, the Selectmen consider doing a group site walk no later than November or early December. This will provide a better opportunity to determine if everything is working as designed and completed per plan requirements. He said that he visited Bartlett Road and feels it needs work. He spoke with John Bell about the cost to reconstruct it.
Hudson Heights – discussion and update – Chris Albert of Jones and Beach Engineering was in attendance. The results of the site walk were reviewed and it was agreed that the C & D could be partially lifted to allow Rome Construction to begin cleaning up the road on Wednesday. The time estimate to complete the work in the right-of-way and drainage easements was about one week. No other work was permitted to be done at this time. Michael Motherway moved to lift the Cease and Desist just for the right-of-way and drainage easements, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved to amend the motion by adding and utility easements, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Following completion of this another site walk will be scheduled. Michael Motherway moved to authorize a Selectman, the Road Manager and Christian Smith of Beals Associates to lift the remaining Cease and Desist during this second site walk if work completed is satisfactory, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Residents in attendance asked about working on the inside of a home under construction and it was agreed that this would need to wait until after the final Cease and Desist is released.
Mr. Buxton commented on how everyone had a good time at the Grand Opening Celebration and he asked permission to host another next July 11th. What will be provided will depend on donations received, but he’d like to structure it along the same idea. He’s already received an offer to have fireworks displayed and volunteers to handle the parking. He will talk to the Rosencrantz’s regarding the wagons as everyone seemed to really enjoy and appreciate them.
Executive Session - Michael Motherway moved to go into Executive Session for consultation with Town Counsel, seconded by Richard Powers with Johnstone, Motherway and Powers voting in favor. Katherine Miller of Donahue, Tucker and Ciandella met with the Selectmen to discuss the Cable renewal proposal for the town. The Board requested she prepare a counter proposal to be reviewed at an August meeting. Michael Motherway moved to end Executive Session and return to regular session at 8:30 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with Johnstone, Motherway and Powers voting in favor.
Town Park - process/protocol – Michael Motherway moved to hire Ralph Furbush to clean and open bathrooms at the Sawyer/Kensington Park in the mornings, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor. Mr. Furbush will be paid from the town with the Trust reimbursing the amount.
Police Department –Chief Wayne Sheehan recommended Miguel Morales be appointed as a part time officer. He explained that Mr. Morales had previously worked part time for the town, then received an offer for a full time position, but is willing to work additional hours. He is a fully trained, full-time certified officer. Richard Powers moved to appoint Miguel Morales as a part-time officer in the Town of Kensington, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor. The Chief added he is still interviewing two other candidates.
Slowing traffic on Trundle Bed Lane was discussed. Toni is working with Unitil regarding the utility pole. Michael Motherway suggested speed tables which he has observed in another community. They will consult with Christian Smith of Beals Associates as they would like to incorporate something in conjunction with the reconstruction of the road.
Recreation Department – Mary Jane Solomon explained
that more basketball hoops are needed at the school at a cost of approximately
$6,000 $12,000. They are more expensive as they must be able to
retract. She said the school is willing to pay half and KYAA and the Rec
Committee would split the other half. Richard Powers moved to accept, seconded
by Michael Motherway with all in favor. She also presented a copy of what they
believe their roles and responsibilities are and should continue to be at the Town Park. The Rec will continue to be responsible for overseeing town recreation
facilities and programs and make recommendation to the Board of Selectmen
regarding scheduling, usage policies and fees for said programs and
facilities. It listed the current programs and stated it would be desirable to
expand recreation programs. Maintenance of the facilities should continue to
be reviewed and monitored by the Rec., as a town entity, to be best prepared to
take over the cost of maintenance should this become the sole responsibility of
the town in the future and requested the opportunity to review all bids and
contracts for maintenance in order to provide an informed recommendation to the
Selectmen. The document explained that each Rec. member has been recruited
based on strengths and interests in overseeing these roles and
responsibilities. To remove one or more responsibilities would remove the
purpose of the committee member(s) who has volunteered for that role. It would
be the ideal to see our committee grow along with the park, rather than shrink
due to changing its purpose.
Michael Del Sesto and the Selectmen agreed that is the goal. Since this is the start up year, dollar figures for maintenance are yet to be established, but are expected to be greater than before the expansion. Fees have not increased at this time. The goal for the future will be for the park to be financially self sustaining. Costs at the end of the season will need to be reviewed and fees adjusted as appropriate. As for procedures, in addition to the already established protocol, anyone wanting to hold a tournament will need to meet with the trustees and rec. committee for their approval and then approval by the Selectmen.
OLD BUSINESS:
Health Officer – payment for services/salary discussion - Richard Powers moved to approve payment of $100.00 for salary, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
Mosquito update – The prior minutes should have read that mosquito monitoring has been negative. The town is not currently monitoring ticks.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Amend Town Park permit – Add Trustee review and fee for concession stand workers, etc.
Michael Motherway moved to accept the amended permit, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Richard Powers moved to accept the Buxton permit for use of the pavilion and concession stand for a school reunion on August 3rd from 12 to 3 pm, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor. Following discussion, Michael Motherway moved to approve the KYAA permit for a “Kensington Tent City” fundraiser Sat., August 23 starting at 3 pm through Sun, the 24th ending 11 am subject to the payment of fees including 1 concession stand worker Saturday and 1 on Sunday, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. The Board agreed to consult with Town Counsel regarding fees.
Audit responses - MD&A – The Selectmen requested a meeting with the auditors before responding.
Executive Session – RSA 91-A:3, II (e) – Lawsuits – Michael Motherway moved to go into Executive Session, seconded by Richard Powers with Johnstone, Motherway and Powers voting in favor. Michael Motherway moved to authorize filing suit and seeking the prejudgment attachment, seconded by Richard Powers with Johnstone, Motherway and Powers voting in favor. Michael Motherway moved to authorize the Selectman attending the hearing to act on behalf of the Board, seconded by Richard Powers with Johnstone, Motherway and Powers voting in favor. Michael Motherway moved to end Executive Session and return to regular session, seconded by Richard Powers with Johnstone, Motherway and Powers voting in favor.
Bookkeeping & payroll position – Selectmen agreed the position will require an individual to work in the office during regular business hours. The position will be reposted.
Any other business brought before the Board
Carl Rezendes requested use of the town hall facilities during the first three Sundays of August for the Church. Michael Motherway moved to approve the request, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Approval of July 8, 2008 meeting minutes – Postponed
Bills were approved.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 11.05 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant