TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
Approved January 19, 2009
In attendance: Stefanie Johnstone, Michael Motherway and Richard Powers. Called to order at 7:30 pm.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department –Chief LeBlanc presented bills from the ice storm. He reported they used a tank of oil during the storm and there are more bills that will be coming in. He will review them with Mark Pride to see if they are eligible for reimbursement under FEMA. The department will be changing their phone service to Fair Point for increased usability. They will be flooding the basketball court at Sawyer Park and request that there be no fires inside the park at this time.
Road Manager – David Buxton reported he had put out drums of salt for Kensington Place residents. The Selectmen explained that the town will be plowing the roads for now, but will need separate bills. Mr. Buxton said he will track both the material used and time. Michael Motherway moved that for safety reason, if Bruce Nadeau is not in compliance with the court order, the town will plow Kensington Place and bill Bruce Nadeau for the expense, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor. Town counsel will be sending a letter.
With regard to the Brewer/Hilliard intersection, Mr. Buxton asked to review again with the Planning Board the current configuration and then return to the Selectmen for a final decision. The Board agreed.
The Selectmen asked about the surcharge and what the triggers are. Dave will look at prior determinations.
Conservation Commission – Sydnee Goddard – With regard to the NHACC warrant articles previously discussed with the Board, the Selectmen agreed that they should be done as petitioned warrant articles. With regard to a warrant article for a code enforcement officer, although one is very much needed, the Board agreed to not pursue the matter at this Town Meeting.
Recreation Department – Mary Jane Solomon presented revised copies of the town park permit form which now includes language potentially allowing a waiver of fees for town groups. Michael Motherway suggested adding all of the park rules to the permit including hours of operation. Mary Jane agreed to pursue this. She announced that Dave Macek would be resigning and invited anyone interested in joining the rec to contact her or attend their next meeting on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm.
OLD BUSINESS:
Kensington Place – Stefanie Johnstone explained to the residents in attendance that the Selectmen met with town counsel and as discussed under the Road Manager would be plowing and sanding for safety reasons, but billing Bruce Nadeau for the services.
Review of assessors/assessing companies - Betty Willoughby requested to carry over the vacation time she had remaining from 2008. Rich Powers moved to extend the vacation time for 30 days, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
With regard to the assessing companies, three submitted bids but one withdrew. Of the two remaining, she endorsed Cross Country as the cost was less and felt the service would be comparable. She also explained that she hasn’t been satisfied with some of the practices by the current assessing company and has called to complain. The bottom line for the Cross Country proposal wasn’t quite clear. Michael Motherway moved that if the bottom line is $65,000, with the allowances for overage as listed, to go with Cross Country, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
With regard to the state requirement that tax maps be updated every year, Betty explained that it isn’t needed at this time as no major development has taken place since they were last done. Stefanie Johnstone moved to wait one year, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Employee Handbook status – Stefanie Johnstone presented the report as she has reviewed and noted and requested it be sent to Attorney Mansfield.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Correspondence – Stefanie Johnstone said she would call and speak with the resident.
Library – The Library has asked if they could sell trash stickers as a convenience to the residents. The Board agreed provided the trustees consent.
Assistance payment schedule update – Annual update was reviewed and approved.
Any other business brought before the Board – Chief Sheehan is looking into the cost for a gas generator. A check for the Police Association has been received but inadvertently made payable to the Police Department. Michael Motherway moved to send the check to the Police Association, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Approval of Dec. 22, 2008 meeting minutes – Stefanie Johnstone requested that the minutes be amended to read that she voted opposed to encumbering the funds for redoing the town hall windows. Stefanie Johnstone moved to approve the minutes of December 22, 2008 as amended, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
Bills were approved.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 9:40 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson, Administrative Assistant