TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
May 18, 2009
Approved June 8, 2009
In attendance: Michael Motherway, Richard Powers and Russell Perry. Called to order at 7:31 pm.
CITIZEN’S FORUM
Boy Scout, Dan Moore, 105 Drinkwater Road, requested permission from the Selectmen to repaint the Welcome to Kensington sign coming from Exeter along Rte 150. This would be a Life Project for him as he works toward Eagle Scout. He explained he would take the chips to Sherwin Williams and match the colors. David Buxton said there is an identical sign on Rte 108 near CP Lumber lying in the rubble. Dan agreed to repaint this sign as well if it can be found. Richard Powers moved to accept his offer on repainting the signs, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented 4 permits: 1) Bennett, 54 Moulton Ridge Road for a horse shed row; 2) Bodwell, 107 Stumpfield Road for a deck on the back of the house; 3) Price, Trundle Bed Lane for a screen house and 4) Worthen, 18 Hilliard Road for a 24’ x 24’ addition. Richard Powers moved to accept the permits, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Road Manager – Dave plans to begin town wide patching and they have patch on hand. He’d like to add a sign for Drinkwater Road at the 5 corners. He explained that the driveway permit approved off Osgood Road for Dick Welsh is for a one acre old house lot only. While the rip rap by town hall is a nuisance, he stressed that its intent is to slow the water, thus it must remain. He said the culvert after the Skewes property was fixed a few years ago, but when they reconstruct that section of road it may be modified. He and the Board agreed to go on a Moulton Ridge site walk on Saturday, May 23, at 8:00 am.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan addressed a Town Park issue stating that the officers will be checking before the end of shift and if an escort is needed they can call dispatch which will relay the message. Michael Del Sesto added that the parking lot will be lit up after closing.
S.A.L.T. will hold their annual cookout Monday, June 8 at the Town Park.
With regard to renting the park when the use of alcohol is requested, he suggested forming a committee to review the myriad issues and develop parameters. The Selectmen agreed and Michael Motherway suggested they develop a written policy. A resident in attendance offered to see what other parks do and what policies they may have.
Recreation Department – Kay Cardoni, summer camp booklets – Kay was not in attendance, but Michael Motherway commented that there was a lot of information on allergies, but little on the emergency treatment of first aid, such as parent notification, personnel, what could or should be done and overall protocol. Denise will consult with Attorney Mansfield.
Conservation Commission – Sydnee Goddard expressed concerns that Dick Welsh appears to her to be building a new road parallel to the old road. She emphasized that this would need confirmation as she wasn’t certain as to the lay out of everything. She explained that the DES approval of 2005 was contingent upon remediating the wetland issue, which hasn’t been done yet. She has asked DES to check on it.
NEW BUSINESS:
Attorney Scott Masse – Rosencrantz’s compliance with ZBA conditions of April 6, 2004 continued. Attorney Masse, Christopher Chetsas, Attorney Scott LaPointe, representing the Rosencrantzes and James and Kevin Rosencrantz were present. Attorney LaPointe explained that the original berm, running along James and Ruth’s property was to be 8 to 10 feet high, but is now 15 to 18 feet high, with a base of approximately 30 feet. With regard to the evergreens an arborist feels they would die and recommended doing Arborvitae. Attorney LaPointe questioned why screening fencing between the personal property and business was required by the Zoning Board of Adjustment and explained that the Rosencrantzes did place cement blocks thus keeping any equipment from going through. Attorney Masse stated that the building is an important part for reducing the noise and if they are not complying with the Zoning Board of Adjustment conditions then they should cease operations. Attorney LaPointe explained that until the economy turns around they can’t do the building. James Rosencrantz added that about 40% of the equipment goes from the factory directly to his Derry, NH business. Kevin Rosencrantz explained that they only have five storage trailers and they are not used every day as they don’t have the volume they used to have. At that time they ran 16 hours a day, now it’s no longer than 40 hours a week. As for allegations of noise, the business is not running on Sundays but he does feed his cows late sometimes after work.
Richard Powers stated that they would need to go before the Zoning Board of Adjustment to modify the original approval or seek clarification. The Selectmen agreed to consult with Town Counsel. A letter will be sent regarding a course of action so that they do not need to return to the Board of Selectmen.
Paul Steeves – Add 9 names to Memorial Stone at the Elementary School – Mr. Steeves explained that he is a member of the American Legion and nine more names need to be added to this Memorial Stone. His research indicates that possibly in 1969 the stone was set up but he could not find any information about it nor who originally put names on it. It will cost $540 to add these names and bring the stone up to date. Richard Powers moved that the Board agreed to do this, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. Paul added the work would not begin until after school is out.
Board of Health – 42 Osgood Road, M12, L19, septic waiver requests – Michael Motherway moved to go in to Board of Health Session at 8:32 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Tim Bodwell explained that the septic plan has been approved by Rockingham County Conservation District pending approval of two waivers. For waiver one, he was able to get the wetland setback to 50 feet, rather than 35 feet, which the state allows. Waiver two is from the seasonal water table. The town requires four feet, but he is able to do two feet (24”) which the state allows. Michael Motherway moved to waive the seasonal water table and wetland setbacks as requested provided they are approved by the state, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved to return to regular session at 8:42 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Julie Hall– Discussion regarding spraying for ticks – accompanied by Stefanie Johnstone, Julie explained that there has been a significant increase in the number of cases for Lyme Disease and Rockingham County is the highest. Michael Motherway replied that the current program is monitoring and larviciding. They are using IMP (Integrated Management Practices) by reducing habitat, such as cutting grass, trimming brush back and removing brush and debris. Julie Hall said she felt spraying the perimeters would be proactive and stressed that it is critical to take every step possible. She suggested bringing in companies to assess where best to spray.
Resident, Andy White, said he is concerned with the effect of the chemicals. Barrier spraying sounds good, but if a deer walks through ticks can go beyond the barrier. He added that well thought out policies should be achieved that take the least damaging effect for a positive result.
Michael Motherway said they are trying to learn effective approaches and explained that if a ball is kicked into the woods, has a false sense of security been created through spraying. He added that there is a Health Fair next week and this will bring awareness and education regarding proactive preventative measures.
Russell Perry stated that he would like to err on the side of caution and advocated spraying.
Michael Motherway explained that Municipal Pest Management traps and tests mosquitoes in target areas and works closely with the CDC. If there are positive findings then those areas are sprayed.
Conservation Commission Chairman, Sydnee Goddard, said ticks would become immune in a short time and the sprays damage wetlands that beneficial insects feed on such as mosquitoes and destroy water quality. In addition mosquitoes can fly a mile away. A natural predator, pea hens, feed on ticks.
Richard Powers said if there are positive findings, then they will spray for mosquitoes. With regard to ticks, he said he felt the best approach was to educate people. Felicia Motherway added that the CDC did a survey and only 9% of people follow effective practices.
All agreed to look at alternatives. Ideas included considering a resident warrant article with 25 registered voter signatures, creating effective policies and procedures, asking Municipal to drag the fields with white fabric for a tick count, and forming a committee. The school is working on it and Andy White suggested they contact his wife for more information. Julie Hall will contact experts and present ideas at the next Selectmen’s meeting in preparation for a public hearing.
Stefanie Johnstone emphasized that it shouldn’t just be the three Selectmen making the decisions. It should be from the town with defined procedures, an automatic response.
Juli Noyes – Reappoint as ACO – Richard Powers moved to reappoint Juli Noyes as ACO as an at will employee with no expiration date, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Kensington Place – A resident said she noticed work has started. Michael Motherway explained work has begun on the fire pond and that the Town Engineer and Fire Chief inspected today and will continue to monitor and report. Residents said they want to ensure work is done before the equipment is moved. One of them will be a contact person to the Town’s Engineer.
Town Park – Application request – Policies and procedures are being worked on. A draft will be prepared and reviewed with the Trustees. Legends Baseball sent a schedule for 2010 but they need to know if it’s acceptable as soon as possible since they would need to renew their contract with Endicott College in August. Revenue from park rental would be approximately $13,500, as well as revenue for the concession stand and the schedule would be predictable. This will be discussed at the Trustees next meeting. A work session at the park may be scheduled to discuss the concession stand schedule, review of vendors and mowing service. Michael Motherway had observed mowing when the grass was just 1 1/2” high, when the height should be a minimum of 3”. Michael Del Sesto agreed to address the issue. Also it was reported that a hand rail on the back bridge was broken and some cables/wires are exposed. Michael Motherway moved to approve the application of Michael Del Sesto for a birthday party to be held June 6, from noon to 4:00 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Comcast – An additional extension was signed by the Board.
Intent to Excavate – Town of Seabrook - signed
Handicap Walkway – town hall – Bill Grant will review tomorrow and bring the information to the next meeting.
2 Hoosac Rd – E-mail proposal regarding wetland restoration – Selectmen agreed the request was not within their purview.
Minutes of May 19, 2009 – Review sealed status – Michael Motherway moved to permanently seal the minutes, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Next Meeting Date – June 8, 2009 and a public hearing will be held for receipt of unanticipated funds; both FEMA and Dept of Justice grant funds.
Approval of May 4, 2009 meeting minutes – Michael Motherway moved to approve the minutes of May 4, 2009 as written, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 10:38 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant