TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
Approved 10/6/08
Note: Executive Session was cancelled
In attendance: Richard Powers, Stefanie Johnstone and Michael Motherway.
Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm.
CITIZEN’S FORUM – Kristy Blundell and Felicia Motherway brought up the issue of establishing a chemical free park. Kristy said she entered the Town Park recently through the wooded path and didn’t realize until she was on her way out and saw a small sign that the park had been sprayed and her two year old daughter had been playing for approximately two hours. Both will attend the next Selectmen’s meeting and present a new chemical free park policy that they hope the Selectmen will take under consideration.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented one building permit for Littlefield, 10 Lamprey Road, for a 10’ x 35’ addition. Richard Powers moved to accept the building permit, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor. Mr. Grant said that he will have anyone requesting a building permit for a garage to show how it will be accessed.
Road Manager – David Buxton - Many residents were in attendance to discuss the recent road reconstruction modifications. Mr. Buxton explained that the telephone pole at the intersection of Trundle Bed and Amesbury/Rte 150 will be removed and then a curved radius will be placed in the area of the large cement blocks. The plan is not to go right to the wall and there was discussion about possibly placing a split rail fence or something that will complement what will be done on the other side of Trundle Bed Lane. He emphasized that the changes are to improve safety at the intersection and he has had both Chief Sheehan and Captain O’Sullivan review. Linda Bennett of Moulton Ridge Road said she is not able to turn her vehicle and horse trailer very well at the Trundle Bed Lane intersection and the Hilliard intersections. Janice of Moulton Ridge Road commented that going down the berm doesn’t feel as safe as it was. David Buxton said that signs will be erected warning residents that there are new road designs and reiterated that the goal was safety and slowing traffic. It appeared most were in agreement that traffic needed to be slowed. To address the speed issue, a traffic study would need to be budgeted for.
Steve Smith, Moulton Ridge Road, added that he has been reading the town minutes and doesn’t feel the residents were provided an opportunity to be involved. He stressed that safety is important but aesthetics are too and asked for a fair and formal process to be implemented. All agreed this would be in everyone’s best interest. A suggestion was for the Road Manager and Police Department Chief to make a presentation in writing prior to work being done.
Lynne Monroe explained that she does Historic Preservation with the Department of Transportation which is very keen on process. She would be willing to do research on effective ways to slow traffic. Richard Powers said he had called various surrounding towns and found that they did not go with speed bumps because they were not good for rescue vehicles, drainage or plowing.
David Buxton explained that plans were to put a split rail fence to go along Rte 150 to the Ellsworth property and thought it might look good on the other side of Trundle Bed Lane to tie into the park. Lynne Monroe said she felt the Prescott house introduces the historic district and was concerned with tying it to the park. Steve Smith suggested doing an advisory group to include the Road Manager, Town Engineer and an architect. Chief Sheehan suggested starting in April do three meetings on any design changes. Peter Merrill question that if the roads are to be modified should the Planning Board be involved. David Buxton replied that the intersections done were only narrowed.
The Selectmen offered to discuss further at the next two Selectmen meetings stressing that the public is welcome and encouraged to participate. Michael Motherway said he thought three issues should be addressed; pole work scheduled at Trundle Bed Lane, safety and aesthetics with regard to the work already done, and implementing an effective process.
With regard to driveways, David Buxton explained that he was going to waive the permit fee for Paul Kimball since the Kimball family allowed the town to put a road through their property. The Selectmen were in agreement with this.
David is looking for sand for the winter. He has been checking locally, but has found that some isn’t worth testing. He said he may ask for a Selectman to participate.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan presented checks from court and a copy of the 3 year lease agreement for the new cruiser. He said Town Counsel provided an Opinion of Counsel. Total cost of the 2008 Chevy Impala is $21,110.50 plus trade in of one of the ’05 Chevys. This year’s payment will be $7,763.01. The new vehicle is more economical in gas.
The current split for the grant for Detective Ford has been changed from 75%/25% to 63%/37% due to the change in health insurance. He explained that the state forfeiture funds are drying up due to a change in the law, so starting July 1 there will be a maximum available grant of $40,000. If the funds dry up completely, Detective Ford would return to the department full time. Since receiving grant funds requires they be budgeted for, the chief will send a letter to residents explaining the process.
Recreation Department – Mary Jane Solomon reported that KYAA would be meeting next Tuesday. She didn’t know if they’ve made any final decisions yet.
OLD BUSINESS:
Town Park – Discussion, form approval, and approval of request(s) – Approvals were granted for two Town Park requests and the permit form was approved and signed. Michael Motherway has requested that the plans and other pertinent information be collected and placed at the library. A suggestion was made to hire a person to do maintenance year round for the town properties and buildings including grounds keeping and carpentry duties.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Appointments – Clarification about status before being sworn in. Michael Motherway suggested including a time period. Another suggestion was to state that the appointment would not be official until sworn in. Town Counsel will be contacted.
Credit Card Use Policy – Stefanie Johnstone will research.
Assessing Office Position – Review of applications – Selectmen will review the applications and schedule interviews.
Updating Employee Handbooks – Attorney Doug Mansfield will be consulted
Boiler replacement – Richard Powers is working on a quote.
Approval of meeting minutes:
August 11, 2008 - Stefanie Johnstone moved to amend the minutes to read under Citizens’ Forum, actively working with Town Counsel to remedy these issues with the developer, seconded by Richard Powers, with Stefanie Johnstone and Richard Powers voting in favor and Michael Motherway voting opposed due to the inclusion of the letter.
August 25, 2008 – Michael Motherway moved to approve the August 25, 2008 minutes, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Warrant signed for the November 4, 2008 election.
Bills were approved.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 10:30 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant