TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
Approved December 1, 2008
In attendance: Richard Powers, Stefanie Johnstone and Michael Motherway. Called to order at 7:30 pm.
CITIZEN’S FORUM
Concerned Residents in the Hilliard Road Neighborhood – Lynne Monroe, on behalf of the group, presented a petition from more than fifty neighbors, “We the undersigned residents of the area described above, request that the Selectmen adhere to RSA 231:90 (Duty of Town After Notice of Insufficiency). We also request the Selectmen to immediately order the following: 1) Remove the berms and restore both intersections. 2) Remove the brush that obstructs vision from the Brewer and Hilliard intersection.”
Chief Sheehan reiterated that the goal was to make the intersections safer and as professionals, Bell & Flynn had to adhere to state regulations. David Buxton added that they followed the best practice possible given the narrow roads. Chairman Johnstone explained that citizen’s forum is an opportunity for residents to bring matters forward to the Board, which if needed are put on the next meeting’s agenda. The residents’ requested the Board act on the request tonight as this was their third meeting on the issue. The Selectmen asked them to wait until regular session for further discussion.
Kensington Place – Two residents attended expressing concerns with the unfinished state of the subdivision and lack of road signs. They expressed frustration with the process and the Selectmen reiterated their own frustration as well and explained that they are working aggressively with Town Counsel for viable resolutions.
Stefanie Johnstone called the agenda portion of the meeting to order at this time. With regard to the citizen’s petition presented, David Buxton suggested removing the berms, establishing a 2 foot gravel shoulder and reassessing at a future date. Michael Motherway moved to remove the berms, restore both intersections, and remove brush that obstructs vision from the Brewer and Hilliard intersections per the Request for Change in the petition from Concerned Residents in the Hilliard Road Neighborhood dated November 11, 2008, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department –Chief Charles LeBlanc reported they held their third safety meeting tonight and one more is scheduled for Dec. 1st. He believes they will be able to finalize the requirements for Grange Hall by December 1 and release the temporary restriction. The department would like to change cell phone service to Verizon for better coverage, thus he’ll need to amend the budget. They are still researching information regarding a full time position. As of 2009 all new houses have to have sprinkler systems which will require inspections, thus he will need to meet with Bill Grant to review the changes and establish inspection parameters.
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented one permit for Dobbins, 55 Osgood Road, for a 2 car garage with loft. Michael Motherway moved to approve the building permit as presented, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Road Manager – David Buxton reported the results of the tested sand, which for Severino and Barrington Sand & Gravel were satisfactory. He hopes to have prices by the next meeting but is expecting around $15/yd delivered. He explained that he is totally against removing the berms but will do as the Selectmen have requested. He added that he doesn’t like the cement walkways in front of the town hall building and doesn’t feel cement is historic for New England. He questioned if they will hold up to plowing, but Mike Del Sesto said they should as they are very thick and reinforced with rebar. Special calcium will need to be used, however, for icy conditions.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan reported the generator is ready to be set up, but a suitable location needs to be determined. Suggestions included utilizing a dog house style unit for aesthetics, having a meeting with the resident donating the equipment and others to determine the best location, and placing it down toward the back of town hall. The latter suggestion would require additional cost for the wiring, etc.
The Chief explained they are running out of room for records storage and he looked into renting a 5’ x 10’ space at a cost of about $800/yr. David Buxton suggested renting an 8’ x 10’ box trailer and said he would be willing to discuss this further with him.
In response to a letter of complaint from the Bunnell’s at 24 Cottage Road, Peter Kuegel has agreed to purchase a D.O.T. sign and put it on his right-of-way so trucks will see it.
In response to a letter of complaint from Ralph Sargent, Chief Sheehan explained that there was a careful, diligent effort to comply with state statutes and responsibilities to the community. He responded by letter explaining the situation as they could not respond in the manner being requested.
Recreation Department – Mary Jane Solomon presented an invoice for the basketball hoops. She said they had submitted their budget. It’s been suggested that they ask for donations for park activities rather than charge fees. Holiday tree lighting will be held Dec. 7th at Sawyer Park.
Town Park – Michael Del Sesto reported that the pavement for the 62 x 72 skateboard park is done. Some people apparently think it’s additional parking though. They are still pursuing information regarding organic maintenance for next year. He requested to have a trustee appointed as they will be getting in to a busy planning time. The Board discussed the vacancy with Kristy Blundell who was in attendance and had submitted a letter requesting appointment. Stefanie Johnstone also spoke of Gary Bonitatibus and Dave Podalsky who have volunteered for the position. Following discussion, Michael Motherway moved to appoint Kristy Blundell to the Town Park Board of Trustees. Stefanie Johnstone said she nominated Gary. Richard Powers looked at what each of the volunteers could offer. Kristy said she would be willing to take the minutes and act as a liaison to all of the groups. She explained she has a young child who is not currently in any sports, has almost unlimited availability and has skills in organizing and scheduling meetings, etc. Richard Powers seconded Michael Motherway’s motion. Michael Motherway and Richard Powers voted in favor and Stefanie Johnstone voted opposed.
NEW BUSINESS:
Zoning Board of Adjustment alternate appointment – Michael Motherway moved to appoint Elliot Fixler to the Zoning Board of Adjustment with an expiration date of 4/10, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Avitar 5-yr. Assessor’s Agreement – Betty Willoughby said she is looking in to other bids. Some of the things to consider are that Avitar’s software is very user friendly and the State is satisfied with the work done this year. She provided details on the process involved and will send letters to assessing companies as well as individuals.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Tax rate setting – Selectmen met with the Department of Revenue Administration today and expect to have an official rate by next week. Tax bills will then be prepared and mailed.
Review of correspondence – Ralph Sargent and Kristy Blundell – previously discussed.
Any other business brought before the Board
Mosquito Control – Board signed the reimbursement application. If approved, reimbursement may be as much as $4,640, which is 25% of the costs for larviciding and adulticiding.
Town Hall repairs – Arthur Wiggin explained that he had replaced some old wiring and replaced the bulbs. The upstairs of the building inside is now much brighter. He said he is ready to begin work on removing the old handicap ramp and will build a side porch similar to the new one at the Grange Hall. He found there may be an additional material cost of up to $250.00 but he is waiting for another bid. The Selectmen agreed that he should start now rather than wait.
Approval of Oct. 15 and Nov. 3, 2008 meeting minutes – Michael Motherway moved to approve the minutes of November 3 and October 15, 2008 as written, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Bills were approved.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 10:26 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant