TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
February 23, 2009
Amended and approved March 9, 2009
Amended March 23, 2009 to include vote on hiring officers
In attendance: Stefanie Johnstone, Michael Motherway and Richard Powers. Called to order at 7:30 pm.
CITIZEN’S FORUM
Skip and Cindy Heal of Osgood Road questioned why signs had been put up on Frying Pan Lane indicating the road was closed with snow plowed to block the entrance, since it hasn’t been voted on at Town Meeting yet. David Buxton read from RSA 229, explaining it was already closed subject to bars and gates, but a gate had never been erected. The warrant article is asking to abandon the road, which then becomes part of the abutters’ property to the middle of the road. If the voters vote it down, then a gate will likely be erected which will cost money. An abutter said he’s been maintaining it and it has become a dumping ground. He explained that in 1997, Vic Coehlo, the road agent, was told not to spend money on it. Signs had been up at one point. The Selectmen explained that the Planning Board had been consulted and the members agreed the road was not useful to the town, thus a warrant article was prepared to abandon it.
Sandy Chaisson requested permission to hold the annual Town Wide Cleanup on April 18th. She is hoping everyone in town will choose a portion of a road to clean up and will request assistance from area scouts and other groups. Blue bags will be available and anyone having questions can contact Betty Willoughby at the town hall.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented one permit for Andrews, 126 South Road for a garage. Michael Motherway moved to approve the permit, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor. Bill asked about the set back requirements and explained there is a small parcel of land with a house on it which doesn’t meet the current setbacks. He said Exeter requires the same footprint to be used as well as retaining one wall. Due to the small size of the lot, David Buxton suggested a licensed engineer certify what is there as well as getting a proposed plot plan with well and septic shown. Bill will continue to look into clarifying the procedure.
At this time, Michael Motherway explained that the budget may experience some costs not anticipated and the Selectmen will be requesting that all department heads do a pre-approval for any expenses not deemed essential to avoid having insufficient funds this year. The Board will be sending a letter.
Road Manager – Dave Buxton replied that he would hold off any extra work. He also asked the Selectmen to consider signing certificates of occupancy at the table. The Board requested he close the entrances to the town park so that residents know it is closed until the hazardous tree limbs are removed.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan presented a check of $215 for training reimbursement.
Acting Town Clerk – Sonya Batchelder was not able to attend tonight, so Kathy Felch explained that a Deputy Town Clerk, Jessica Dostie, was in training, but money had not been budgeted. Per the state requirements, training has to be for a month. Michael Motherway moved to pay the bill for $221.12 for Deputy Town Clerk training, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
New Business:
Deputy Town Clerk Appointment - Jessica Dostie - Michael Motherway moved to appoint Jessica Dostie as Deputy Town Clerk with one year probation, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
NH Dept of Agriculture IPM Grant – Felicia Motherway reported they received a grant for $4,999.00 from the Department of Agriculture for turf only to do the organic process and educate the public. The town hall lawn, across from the town hall and the library are the three areas involved in this “Turf Demonstration Project”. She said this will be the first state model. The grant provides funding up front with invoices then presented. Rich Powers asked if the funds are sufficient. Felicia explained that this is more like a three year project as it takes three to five years to become sustainable. Services will be donated and there will be some work to do in the spring. Michael Motherway moved to authorize the NHDA proposal to go forward and accept the grant funds of $4,999.00 and to authorize payment for work to be done in accordance with the grant, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor. Felicia asked about posting information on the website as part of the educational process and possibly a link to the NHDA site. She also asked about erecting temporary signs designating the areas as organic demonstration sites. The Selectmen said this request will need to be explored further.
Recycling – Peter Craig, Osgood Road, who has volunteered to work on the issues was in attendance. Michael Motherway explained that he contacted Don Moore at DES, Brenda in Manchester, and the Concord Co-op and the cost is going up. To dispose of trash is approximately $70/ton while recycling is estimated to be $40 to $50 per ton, so while it is less expensive for recycling it wasn’t budgeted for as the town has not previously had to pay. DES told him the town only averages about 12 ½% for recycling while the state average is 20%. Solutions for how to pay will need to be researched as well as any other options, such as reducing trash and increasing recycling using the difference to help pay, stricter adherence to the 32 gal. limit and possibly increasing the cost of trash stickers which has remained the same since 1992. In recent years trash sticker revenue has only covered 1/4 to 1/3 of the cost to dispose of trash. Raising sticker prices was discussed. The initial 1992 warrant article was referenced explaining that the original intent was for sticker revenue to cover the cost of trash disposal. At that time, $66,000 per year in revenue was expected. Revenue for the past 3 years was under $15,000 per year. Implementing an increased cost for trash stickers while encouraging and educating residents about recycling will be more cost effective and better for the environment than the current situation. Mike said he looked into using bags, but more research is needed. Peter agreed to make some phone calls and Holly Lovvik volunteered to assist him. Stefanie Johnstone asked to postpone any decisions until she has a chance to work the numbers. The Selectmen requested that Chris Batchelder, B&S Disposal, attend the next meeting for his input and suggestions.
Seacoast Tree – ice storm tree cutting proposal was reviewed. FEMA will only pay up to $72 per tree. Stefanie Johnstone proposed sending a letter to the trust. Michael Motherway agreed to sign the proposal for $16,000 so the park can be reopened and then talk to the trust. The hanging limbs present a safety hazard and need to be addressed as soon as possible. Michael Motherway moved to go ahead with the Seacoast Tree Care contract for $16,000.00, seconded by Rich Powers, with Michael Motherway and Rich Powers voting in favor and Stefanie Johnstone voting opposed as she doesn’t know where the money will come from.
Town Park – Michael Motherway reported that the Rec is reviewing the fee structure and Dave Macek will be hosting an adult softball league. John Andreasse submitted his resignation from the Rec Committee and the Selectmen thank him for his service.
Executive Session – RSA 91-A:3, II(b) – Hiring – Michael Motherway moved to go into Executive Session at 9:20 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with Johnstone, Motherway and Powers voting in favor. Chief Sheehan discussed a proposal for hiring two officers to replace vacancies, which the Selectmen supported. Michael Motherway moved to appoint John Faulkner as a part-time officer and Scott Sanders as a full-time officer effective March 1, 2009 subject to a one year probation. Michael Motherway moved to end Executive Session at 9:30 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with Johnstone, Motherway and Powers voting in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Kensington Place – Bob Long, French’s Lane, asked if the Board had received Bruce Nadeau’s proposal for resolution. The Selectmen replied that no detailed proposal has been received; however, a suit against the bond company has been filed. Mr. Cole asked if they would support warrant article 11, explaining they plan to do flyers and would like the Selectmen to confirm their support. Michael Motherway replied that whether it passes or not they will continue with the course of action and continue to pursue the bond company and the developer. He questioned whether it made sense for the selectmen to strongly advocate for the warrant article as there are many unanswered questions and many unknowns. The Selectmen emphasized they had amended and presented it at the Deliberative Session and the vote would be up to the residents. Stefanie Johnstone assured them that the Selectmen understand how important this matter is to the residents. Mike added that Andy White would like to get out the word to anyone interested in looking into the issues arising from the unfinished developments in town, to learn more about the situation, both in terms of what is going on right now and also in the broader context of the town's future.
Review of assessors/assessing companies – Betty Willoughby presented the two bids. After finally receiving complete pricing from Cross Country, their bid is $17,950 and Avitar’s bid is $17,235, which is more than what was budgeted for due to Cross Country not originally providing full disclosure. Betty explained that tax maps budgeted for $1500 can be postponed with those funds being used to cover some of the difference. Rich Powers moved to approve the Avitar bid, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
Employee Handbook – postponed.
TRM – request to lease land for a telecommunications tower- Stefanie Johnstone said she contacted them and a packet of information is being sent.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Next Meeting Date – March 9, 2009
Fuel surcharge – With fuel prices lower and budget constraints, Michael Motherway moved to remove the $5 surcharge, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Any other business brought before the Board
Bills were approved. A bill for recycling charges submitted by B&S was reviewed. Michael Motherway moved to approve the B&S Disposal bill, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor. However, the Selectmen declined to set up an account until after they talk with Chris Batchelder.
Michael Motherway moved to go in to Board of Health session at 11:10 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor. Dr. Karl Singer has given his resignation as Health Officer but has agreed to serve as Deputy Health Officer. Rich Powers moved to have Dr. Singer appointed as Deputy Health Officer as well as Chief Sheehan, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved for the Board of Selectmen to be appointed as Health Officer, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved to end Board of Health session at 11:15 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Approval of Feb. 2, 2009 meeting minutes – postponed.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 11:20 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant