TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
May 4, 2009
Approved May 18, 2009
In attendance: Michael Motherway, Richard Powers and Russell Perry. Called to order at 7:30 pm.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Road Manager – With regard to Moulton Ridge Road, Dave explained he has been contacting residents regarding their input and would like to conduct a site walk with the Selectmen, then schedule a meeting with everyone. The Selectmen agreed.
He received bids for work on the Rose Petal Lane detention pond. The lowest is Rome Construction at $5995.
He received quotes from two vendors regarding brush. The lowest bid from Seacoast Tree Care requests a detail. He will check with Dan Mello to determine how much detail work is needed. If minor, he suggested an on-duty officer might be able to handle it a significant savings to the town.
Michael Motherway moved to accept the bid from Rome Construction, Inc. of $5995 for the detention pond work at Rose Petal Lane and the bid from Seacoast Tree Care, LLC of $3800 for brush work, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Frying Pan Lane was inadvertently left off the agenda and discussed at this time. Dave Buxton reported he spoke with Shawn Hanson from Hampton Falls who agreed that gates without locks are a good idea. The gate in mind will look like the one at the Osgood side of Round Hill Rd. Mr. Hanson responded that if the Kensington Board of Selectmen agree, the HF Board of Selectmen will discuss at their next meeting. Stan Buxton addressed the Board explaining that before he was speaking as an individual but was now representing the Buxton Family Trust. He said they are willing to donate the gate with the town doing the installation work. Russell Perry moved to accept the donation of a gate with the town installing it, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Stan Buxton also asked if they would be allowed to clean it up, maintain the vegetation and keep the road somewhat open for emergency vehicles, essentially bring it back to what it was. Trash was found with a HF’s address and he contacted Eric Small. Michael Motherway moved to allow upkeep of brush and cosmetic enhancements, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan addressed the detail issue for the brush work explaining he would work with David Buxton regarding this.
He said he attended a recertification hearing in Concord and Detective Faulkner won’t be rejoining the agency, thus the decision is out of their hands. Therefore, he’ll be looking to hire two part-time officers; one certified and one probably non-certified due to budget constraints. The department only has two part-time officers at this time, Officer Gorski and Officer Young, when they typically carry four or five. They aren’t necessarily struggling to fill the shifts, but the potential exists and they need a pool to draw on in the event of an emergency. Richard Powers asked if the Board could send a letter stating they disapproved of their decision with regard to Detective Faulkner. Chief Sheehan said he had told them the Board unanimously approved his joining the force, but it did not sway their decision.
Chief Sheehan requested to attend the NH Chiefs of Police conference this year. He explained that there are two he likes to attend; the NH and the International. He skipped both last year to save money, but would like to attend this year’s NH conference which is a cost of $597.00. Richard Powers moved to approve Chief Sheehan attending the NH Chiefs of Police conference, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. The Board complimented the Chief for his diligent attention to his budget.
The Police Standards and Training Council has chosen Officer Scott Cain to receive the Criminal Arrest from a Traffic Stop – Town Award. The Chief stated that this is a prestigious award explaining that Officer Cain during a routine traffic stop determined the subject was in possession of both drugs and arms, thus a felon was removed from the road. Unfortunately the luncheon is in the early afternoon, so both Mike and Russell had to decline. Richard Powers said he might be able to attend.
The Chief received the Memorandum of Understanding with regard to the grant request. He will need two copies signed by the Selectmen. He reported the projects discussed were approved.
He is currently looking into a grant package for a public safety building – PD & FD. The town would need to provide the land however.
Recreation Department – Cengiz Satir introduced himself to the Board. He commented that he had observed a railing broken on the back bridge and some wiring exposed along the trail at the Town Park. Kay Cardoni presented three booklets regarding summer camp procedures and policies for the Selectmen’s signature. Each agreed to take one home, review and discuss at the next meeting. Russell Perry moved to appoint rec members Kay Cardoni and Cengiz Satir with expiration dates of 4/2012, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Assessing Office – Kathleen Felch presented abatement applications totaling $1,701.47. All were signed. She also presented 15 elderly exemptions totaling $2,605,000. On one exemption she did not receive adequate information, thus it was not approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Attorney Scott Masse – Rosencrantz’ compliance with ZBA conditions of April 6, 2004. Attorney Masse, representing Christopher Chetsas, detailed the issues. Mr. Chetsas purchased his home in 1996, and then in 2001 the Rosencrantz business began moving closer to his home. There were numerous meetings, a court proceeding and a ZBA meeting April 6, 2004 listing conditions:
The following conditions were made a part of the approval: 1) Screen fence to run from the chain link fence to the southeast corner of the property. 2) No storage outside of the delineated area on the plan showing extent of lot lines. 3) Evergreens to be planted on the top of the berm. 4) Building to be insulated for noise reduction. 5) Berm to be extended to antique tractor building.
Attorney Masse stated that while condition four has been met, the others remain outstanding five years later. In addition, business activities are being conducted after 10:00 pm and there is a noise issue. The Board requested a letter be sent requesting the Rosencrantz’s to come to the next meeting. A copy of Attorney Masse’s letter will be included. Mr. Chetsas granted permission to Richard Powers to observe from his property.
Kensington Equestrian Center – request for 60 day extension on temporary sign. Selectmen reviewed the written request and Richard Powers moved to accept the request to extend to July 1, 2009, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Kensington Place – The Selectmen explained that they have received some funds from the sale of lot 29 which has been put in escrow. Mr. Nadeau has until July to complete the fire pond and remove the fill. With regard to grading the hill, Michael Motherway explained that the goal is to have it done so the water flows into the pond but they have no signed agreement at this time, though they are moving in that direction. As for lot 14, there are as yet no decisions.
Board of Health – information discussion and dissemination – Michael Motherway moved to go into Board of Health at 8:45 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Mr. Motherway explained that there have been conferences on Swine Flu as well as general preparedness for a potential epidemic. Michael Motherway moved to end Board of Health and return to regular session at 8:46 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Integrated Pest Management – The larviciding and monitoring have begun. As for ticks, KES did a clean up on Earth Day and the park vegetation has been trimmed back.
Town Park – Michael Motherway reported they have held work sessions to work on policies and procedures and are working toward developing a clearer process overall.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Intent to cut – Peter Kuegel - signed
Handicap Walkway – Michael Motherway explained that they will need to determine if it is a walkway or a ramp before they can proceed. He said Bill Grant would check on it.
ZBA appointment – Michael Motherway moved to appoint David Buxton as an alternate with an expiration date of 4/2012, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Next Meeting Date – May 18, 2009
Any other business brought before the Board – Michael Motherway explained they have been reviewing the cost of the lights at the Town Park and determined it was necessary to charge for their use. Michael Motherway moved to approve $25 per night game per field for residents and $50 for non-residents. This will be from 1/2 hr before dusk to 10:00 pm. The motion was seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. They will need to work out who will make the computer changes. Denise will make the change on the form.
The water pump for the town hall is not working well. Richard Powers spoke with an individual who indicated it might need cleaning. Mr. Powers will look into the matter. Michael Motherway moved to approve looking at the pump issue and authorizing Richard Powers to contract for services, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Approval of April 20, 2009 meeting minutes – Michael Motherway moved to accept the minutes of April 20, 2009 as written, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Any other business brought before the Board – Richard Powers moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the paperwork for the new forestry truck, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 9:22 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant