TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
Approved October 20, 2008
7:00 pm
Executive Session-Comcast franchise renewal negotiations – Discussion with Town Counsel at 7:00 pm. Stefanie Johnstone and Richard Powers met with Attorney Kate Miller of Donahue, Tucker and Ciandella to review the highlights of a draft renewal counterproposal with Comcast. Michael Motherway joined them at 7:15 pm. The Board agreed to have Attorney Miller make a few changes, forward to Comcast and request an extension. Stefanie Johnstone moved to end Executive Session at 7:33 pm and begin the regular meeting, seconded by Richard Powers with Johnstone, Powers and Motherway voting in favor.
7:30 pm
In attendance: Richard Powers, Stefanie Johnstone and Michael Motherway. Called to order at 7:34 pm.
CITIZEN’S FORUM –
Michael Motherway addressed the issue of inappropriate comments during the last few meetings, which are detrimental to having a clear and open process regarding any town issue(s). He asked that everyone be courteous and professional and encourage residents to participate without being chastised or subject to negative comments.
Felicia Motherway explained that they are applying for a grant from a pesticide group that is working to reduce chemicals around the state. The Concerned Citizens Organization would like to transform the front of the town hall and treat it organically to 1) show that it would work and 2) beautify the town hall; but this will depend on whether they receive the grant (which is renewable) and how much. Selectmen were in favor.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented four permits: 1) Kimball, 21 Kimball Road for a barn/shed/garage/storage building; 2) Mabardy, 283 South Road for a 50 x 80 barn on the left side; 3) Houston, 165 Amesbury Road, 1280 sq. ft. barn; and 4) Talis, 3 Whipple Way to finish part of the basement. Michael Motherway moved to accept the four building permits as presented, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Road Manager – David Buxton reported he visited Hickory Lane and the state has granted permission to cut the underbrush around Rte. 107. Dave told the state he had the owner’s permission and the state said they are allowed to do this anytime, but requested a courtesy call first. He and Richard Powers spoke with a resident who lives on the island area of Hickory & Bartlett Roads who indicated that Bartlett was closed subject to gates and bars. David is only aware of the section from the Dingman property to the E Kingston town line being subject to gates and bars. This will be clarified. (Per town records, from Bartlett Farm to the E. Kingston line was closed and abandoned at the 1946 TM and beyond the property of Kenneth Wilbur is subject to gates and bars. From Hickory Lane west 800’ is a re-lay road-BOS1987.)
Crosswalks have been done on Trundle Bed Lane and they will patch the end of Bartlett Road. Some sand samples have been delivered but he has a quote with no sample. He has agreed to wait the week but no longer. David Buxton suggested having a group meeting regarding the triangle piece that abuts Wild Pasture and Drinkwater Road. Richard Powers suggested checking with Town Counsel regarding closing Frying Pan Lane.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan reported that a server had failed and Dell replaced two hard drives at no cost. They are in the process of recovering files which will be a long ordeal. The crime software is fine though. He would like to check into getting another dedicated line for the PD from Comcast. He will put together the costs and pursue potential grants.
Recreation Department – Mary Jane Solomon reported they will be meeting with the Conservation Commission regarding the trails. Signs have been ordered for use at the pavilion. Stefanie Johnstone said the Board will be sending a thank you letter to Nancy Roffman for her twenty five years of volunteer service for all that she’s done for the town. Mary Jane added that they received 800 bulbs as a result of their roadside cleanup and will be trying to plant them. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact her. Hanging some art work was discussed, with possibilities of placement at the town hall.
Town Park – Michael Del Sesto reported they will have entrance signs for the park and are moving ahead with the skate board park. They met with the organic group and will be doing their last scheduled chemical fertilizing on Monday, Oct. 13. They will post signs. A permit for Kristen Krauss’ I Will Organization to hold a road race Sept. 19, 2009 was approved. Checks had been sent, but it was agreed to return them at this time and have them resent next summer. Richard Powers expressed concerns with kids climbing up the wall and requested they look at options for safety, including fencing or asking an engineer for suggestions. Michael Del Sesto said he will look in to it.
A trustee position is available and Michael Motherway questioned what might be an appropriate process for choosing a volunteer. He asked what the role of the Recreation Committee is for the town park and if not sports, what is in the best interest of the town. It was agreed to meet to review these issues and agree on a process. Date and time to be determined.
NEW BUSINESS:
Budget Committee – Stefanie Johnstone said Mike Schwotzer and Russell Perry are willing to serve on an advisory committee. An official budget committee requires many steps to set up. Michael Motherway said that Bob Noll and Andy White are also willing to serve.
Diane Chigas – She explained that she is concerned with her neighbor dumping yard debris on wetlands. It was agreed to ask the Conservation Commission to determine where the wetland areas are. The driveway and access will be reviewed by David Buxton. She thought the stone wall removal should have had a Public Hearing, but RSA 231 requires municipalities and utilities to have a Public Hearing if they plan to remove trees or stone walls, not home owners. The matter was continued to the next agenda.
Executive Session – RSA 91-A:3 II(b) Personnel
Michael Motherway moved to enter non-public session for personnel at 9:20 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with Johnstone, Motherway and Powers voting in favor. The Selectmen conducted an interview for a candidate regarding the assessing office position as the individual was not able to attend the scheduled interview meeting to be held this coming Thursday. No decisions made or votes taken. Michael Motherway moved to end Executive Session and return to regular session at 9:55 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with Johnstone, Motherway and Powers voting in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Concerned Citizens Organization – Postponed to the next agenda
Hudson Heights – Revised lot 4 grading plan
Mosquito update – Mosquitoes continue to be a threat. Stefanie is working on obtaining a tick count.
OTHER BUSINESS:
CIP review – To be reviewed by the Advisory Budget Committee.
Electrical Inspector – Michael Motherway moved to reappoint Jim Boyd as electrical inspector until Oct. 31, 2011, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Boiler replacement – One bid received was reviewed. More are expected.
Any other business brought before the Board – A confidential letter from town counsel was reviewed and Richard Powers moved to share this letter dated 10/1/08 with the Planning Board, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Approval of Sept. 8, 14 and 22, 2008 meeting minutes – A request was made to amend the minutes of September 22 to read under town park that, “Bruce Cilley said he will have a completed spreadsheet of the town park records…” and “…Michael Motherway will e-mail the minutes to me.” Michael Motherway moved to accept the minutes of September 8 and 14 as written and September 22 as amended, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Bills were approved.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 10:25 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant