TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
February 2, 2009
Approved March 9, 2009
In attendance: Stefanie Johnstone, Michael Motherway and Richard Powers. Called to order at 7:32 pm.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Building Inspector – Bill Grant was in attendance but had no permits to present. He discussed the process of issuing CO’s (certificates of occupancy). There currently isn’t a place on the permit for the Road Manager to sign off on driveways. A property issued a CO was found not to have had a final driveway inspection and David Buxton will follow up tomorrow.
Road Manager – Dave Buxton said he had spoken with Dan Mello of Seacoast Tree Service and they had thought that instead of dragging the brush to the chipper they would pull it into the woods and burn it. Chief LeBlanc had given approval. Mike DelSesto explained that the chipping helps the paths but he was ok with burning as well. The Selectmen approved and Bruce Cilley and Dan Mello will choose the locations.
Mr. Buxton said he has determined that limbs hanging over the skating rink represent a hazard and requested the park be closed until the necessary trim work is done. It was discussed that only hazardous work could be done now per FEMA and the spring clean up would need to wait until a representative visits the town. They will discuss further at the next Selectmen’s meeting.
Dave said he has need of a digital camera for a variety of issues, but particularly now to take photos of the tree damage relative to FEMA. Michael Motherway agreed to research what would serve the needs without being too expensive.
Mr. Buxton volunteered to Chair an Emergency Plan Committee for the town and determine policies and procedures that would be put in place with the information passed out to residents. The Selectmen willingly agreed.
He explained that due to the snow and where it’s being placed there is no room for the trash trucks to turn around on Hickory and Bartlett Roads. Weare Road is also problematic and residents of all these may need to take the trash to the intersections. He asked that they take a look as well and discuss at the ext Selectmen’s meeting.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan said he has spoken with Mr. James with regard to setting up a generator and feels he will have a firm date by the next meeting.
At the recent SALT meeting he spoke with residents about instituting a notification system for house bound residents, whether due to snow or other situations. Ideas included the possibility of flashing lights for windows and utilizing signs in front and in back for information.
He shared a letter he received regarding potential litigation from a former resident. The town’s insurance company, the Local Government Center, will be working with the issue. He explained that they might need to meet in Executive Session once the town is served as they will need to respond within a certain time frame.
Walking safely at night, especially with the snow and narrowed roadways, was discussed. Wearing light colored clothing, preferably with reflective tape, and carrying a flashlight would all be helpful. These precautions will be put in the Community News.
Recreation Department – Mary Jane Solomon asked about the insurance program regarding park sports activities. Michael Motherway explained that he has been researching and talking with Richard Dwyer of the town’s insurance company as well as other town park personnel. If the activity is being sponsored under the Rec then the town’s insurance will cover. If not then a charge per person is usually instituted to cover the cost. Programs, such as TULIP, are available for such non-sponsored activities and can be purchased on line. It’s also important to screen people who work with children. The person he spoke with at Hampton, who spent about a year or so researching them, will send a copy of the policies they use. Mike also suggested scheduling Kensington youth first. Stefanie Johnstone suggested expanding the Rec with subcommittees. Rich Powers asked about availability of keys and Mike DelSesto agreed it would not be a problem. Michael Motherway explained that he wanted to shift a little this year and charge by the hour rather than a block of time. Stratham and Hampton charge $25/hr. He also recommended using types, I, II and III, so residents would have priority. Michael Motherway moved to accept the Recreation Field and Facility Use Application Request as written except for adding an e-mail, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor. They agreed with the $600 for Dave Macek’s adult co-ed softball if it’s done under the rec.
Mary Jane also announced that they will have sledding, cross country skiing or snowshoeing at Hodges Hill on Feb. 15th and there will be a Monarch’s game in Manchester, March 14th. She will provide details for the website.
New Business:
Seacoast Tree – Discussed under Road Manager. Michael Motherway moved to ask Dan Mello to write up a revised proposal separating out what is hazardous vs. cleanup and the Selectmen would sign the contract in between meetings, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Recycling – The Selectmen explained that the information they’ve received is that the market is slowing down. They are looking at the best alternatives if the cost for recycling increases, which include increasing the budget or using stickers as pay as you go. Betty Willoughby said she called BFI and was told they are still not charging and there appears to be some miscommunication regarding that. Michael Motherway said he was told they would need to charge in the near future. All agreed to resurrect the recycling committee and two residents, Peter Craig and Barbara Darby, are interested in participating. Michael Motherway explained that a major issue is how to deal with the extra cost if they do start charging and Rich Powers emphasized that they’d need to know as soon as possible. A suggestion was to create an e-mail list as a way to inform residents of any changes. It was agreed that for now, changes will be posted to the website.
Town Park – (Also see Rec) Mike Del Sesto reported that they will be going organic for the long term. They are reviewing new turf specs. They will hold a pre-bid meeting and accept sealed bids to be submitted to the Selectmen’s office. Details will be posted to the web. During the recent cold snap, the heat was shut off in the concession stand and the coffee maker was broken as well as pipes with damage to the flooring and two toilets. He has no idea why the heat was shut off, but suggested the Selectmen consider closing it down next winter.
Old Business:
Kensington Place – The Selectmen explained that they are still pursuing legal action for the snow plowing and will need to wait for the March 1 court hearing.
At this time a resident in attendance complained about the website, including expressing frustration with finding the agendas. He also said he did not feel the minutes were adequate. The Selectmen agreed that the website could use a redesign, but they did not want to incur additional costs at this time. Michael Motherway said he will try to work on it as time permits. The minutes are not designed to be a substitute for attendance, but a record of the important issues discussed and any decisions or motions. They have looked into the possibility of televising the meetings, but the set up would be quite expensive. Mike Del Sesto spoke of possibly using a webcam, which all thought might work. The Selectmen emphasized that having residents attend is most favored as they very much value their input in the decision making process.
Richard Welsh complained about the Road Manager’s salary, the $100 cost of driveway permits, the purchase of the paving machine and the legal requirement for scenic road hearings feeling it was not necessary. The Selectmen took his concerns under advisement.
Review of Assessors/Assessing Companies – Betty Willoughby reported that she contacted Cross Country, the company they had chosen, and reviewed the bottom line cost to the town. She was able to receive a verbal agreement but it resulted in a higher quote than originally given as the original quote had left out the regular work. She had asked for this quote to be faxed so she could present it tonight, but it not arrive. The Selectmen recommended Betty write a letter and ask them to attend the next meeting with a final contract.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Next Meeting Date – Since the 16th will be a holiday and March has 5 Mondays, the Selectmen agreed to meet Feb. 23 and the second and fourth Mondays in March, the 9th and the 23rd.
TRM – The Selectmen weren’t sure that there was a place in town that would be suitable. Stefanie Johnstone agreed to call and find out more information.
Issues with current fuel vendor were discussed. Michael Motherway moved to authorize Denise to look into the matter and if appropriate make the change, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Approval of January 19, 2009 meeting minutes – Rich Powers moved to approve the minutes of January 19, 2009, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
Bills were approved.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 10:58pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant