TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
Approved February 2, 2009
In attendance: Stefanie Johnstone, Michael Motherway and Richard Powers. Called to order at 7:37 pm.
Public Hearing on the 2009 Budget and Warrant Articles
Mike Schwotzer, a member of the Advisory Budget Committee, presented the information explaining the increases and decreases throughout the line items. A Budget Narrative, prepared by Andrew White, was distributed further explaining the budget details. Highlights included a reporting change for the Police Department grant of $46,475. Although most is paid from the grant, it must be reported in the Police Department budget with the grant reported as revenue. Comparison of the 2008 and 2009 budgets results in an in increase of 9.9%, including the bond for the Kimball Conservation Easement, which represents 42% of the actual increase in the town’s expenses. M. Schwotzer also explained that the town budget covers the expenses of town government, with Warrant Articles an additional “off-budget” expense, which as recommended by the Selectmen is the one for road reconstruction. Revenues from various fees offset part of the expenses and the balance is paid by property taxes. These taxes also pay the cost of the town’s public K-12 schools and county government, after grants and revenues are taken into account. Based on the budgets and revenues, the resulting distribution of the property tax is as follows:
Town 14%
County 5%
Schools 81%
The state sets the tax rate by adding those balances and dividing the total by the current assessed value of all the taxable property in town. The schools and the county hold public meetings on their respective budgets and Mr. Schwotzer strongly recommended residents attend these meetings as well. Stefanie Johnstone added that the school budget is slightly lower this year. The Deliberative Session will be held February 4, 2009 at the town hall at 7:30 pm. Michael Motherway moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
CITIZEN’S FORUM
David Buxton addressed the recycling issue. He explained that after tomorrow, Tuesday, January 20, 2009, recycling will be suspended as recycling companies are no longer accepting any recyclables. Therefore, what residents had been recycling will now need to be bagged as regular trash with trash stickers attached until further notice. Dave cautioned that even if a recycling truck is seen, it may just be in service due to another truck being down. A town wide mailing will be done. M. Schwotzer, who works for Hampton, explained that they are looking into setting up a center, but it will be at least a year to 2 years out but could be a potential future recycling station for Kensington.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department –Chief LeBlanc reported the new phone system is done. With regard to the Sawyer/Kensington Park, he stated that there is to be no burning without a permit whether there is snow or not. They cannot burn in the warming hut. Michael Motherway commented that they may need to change the wording of the permit as originally ‘no open fires’ were allowed. He will discuss with the Trustees.
Building Inspector – Bill Grant was not in attendance but had submitted two permits for approval: Carignan, 25 Highland Road for remodeling; and Yaross, 71 Wild Pasture Road to add a bedroom – septic is a three bedroom and this would be the third bedroom. Michael Motherway moved to approve the two building permits as presented, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Road Manager – Sand for Residents – Mr. Buxton explained that the Highway Department will have a barrel with a sand/salt mix inside the gate on the right hand side at the Salt Shed. Residents can reach through or climb through the fence and fill a five gallon pail. These measures had to be taken due to unauthorized removal of materials. He also reported there are dead pines at the Salt Shed and Seacoast Tree will be taking them down. Hanging limbs from the ice storm will be taken down over the next few days as well.
With regard to the Brewer/Hilliard intersection, Mr. Buxton stated that he will not pursue a meeting with the Planning Board but will restore it to the original configuration in the spring.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan explained that he had attended the Jan. 15th FEMA meeting and feels confident that 42 hours of overtime during the ice storm will be covered at 75%. He is continuing to work on obtaining and setting up a generator and believes he should be able to move fairly soon.
Recreation Department – Mary Jane Solomon presented a letter of resignation from Dave Macek. The Selectmen thanked him for his time with the Recreation Committee. During their last meeting, she said they had one recruit. She presented a revised draft for the park permit and will add the charge for lights and change the contact information. She reported that they are not able to find Field Managers who are able to stay for a full game at this time. They will continue to look at ways to accomplish this.
Assessing Department - Kathy Felch presented a detail of library appropriations which was signed by the Board members as well as the Primex Worker’s Comp coverage payment schedule.
NEW BUSINESS:
Sand for Residents – Discussed under Road Manager.
OLD BUSINESS:
Kensington Place – The Selectmen reported that the bills for plowing and sanding have been sent to Bruce Nadeau and they are looking into the bond at this time. Michael Motherway explained that the Board wants to pursue legal remedies and exhaust all avenues before recommending a warrant article. He emphasized that any and all Warrant Articles can be further discussed and/or amended at the Deliberative Session. Michael Motherway moved to not recommend warrant article ten (10), seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Review of assessors/assessing companies – Postponed.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Warrant, MS-6 (Department of Revenue Administration Budget requirement), and Default Budget were signed.
Non-Public Session – RSA 91-A:3, II(e) – Lawsuits - Richard Powers moved to go into non-public session at 10:10 pm, seconded by Michael Motherway with Powers, Motherway and Johnstone voting in favor. The Board discussed a recent situation in a lengthy lawsuit and possible courses of action. No decisions or motions were made. Richard Powers moved to end non-public session at 10:20 pm and return to regular session, seconded by Michael Motherway with Powers, Motherway and Johnstone voting in favor.
Approval of January 5, 2009 meeting minutes – Michael Motherway moved to approve the minutes of January 5, 2009 as written, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Bills were approved. NHPR (New Hampshire Public Radio) is again inviting towns to participate in the 2009 Interactive Town Meeting Map project. The Selectmen agreed to pass on the invitation at this time.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 10:24pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant