TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
Approved December 22, 2008
In attendance: Richard Powers, Stefanie Johnstone and Michael Motherway. Called to order at 7:39 pm.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department Chief LeBlanc was not in attendance, but was reappointed. Michael Motherway moved to reappoint Charlie LeBlanc as Fire Chief, exp. December 2009, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Road Manager David Buxton reported sand has been delivered and they are ready for storms. Since the highway shed is now gated, it was decided that one Saturday per month a time would be set up for residents to bring a 5 gallon pail for sand. This will begin on Saturday, December 13th from 9:00 am to noon. Residents must bring proof of residency.
Kensington Farms subdivision has rocks that need to be removed for plowing safety reasons. Sawyer Field will not be plowed but the entrances to Sawyer Park will be as well as a portion of the parking area. Usage will determine how much is plowed. The plowing crew will try to keep the conservation parking area off Stumpfield Road open if warranted.
Police Department Chief Wayne Sheehan presented the first of 18 checks from former Officer Roy Jones, who moved to Texas, as reimbursement for training expenses. He also presented a check for $76.58 reimbursed from the cruisers. He added that there would be no need to replace a cruiser until 2011.
He reported that water is seeping into the Police Department again. David Buxton looked at the issue and said the drainage needs to be improved and contoured away from the building. The carpeting is now saturated in that area and needs immediate remediation. Denise added that the carpeting throughout needs to be replaced but a different flooring material might work better, such as tile to retard mold and mildew formation. Options will be looked into. Chief Sheehan will contact a local vendor to see if cleaning the carpet in the short term will help.
Recreation Department Mary Jane Solomon reported that the Holiday tree lighting is all set and will be held Dec. 7th at Sawyer Park from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
Assessing Department Betty Willoughby presented abatements for three properties as they resulted in negative bills, explaining that they are abating part of the July bill. They were signed by the Selectmen.
OLD BUSINESS:
Review of assessors/assessing companies - Betty Willoughby explained that she sent nine letters out for bids and is waiting for responses which are due next Monday. She also sent bid letters to auditors and auditing firms.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Winthrop Hale explained that he felt one of his lot assessments was too high. He said he has not filed for abatement. The Selectmen said they would seek clarification and someone would get back to him.
Approval of Nov. 17, 2008 meeting minutes Michael Motherway moved to approve the minutes of November 17 as presented, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Bills were approved.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 8:59 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson, Administrative Assistant