TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
June 8, 2009
Approved July 6, 2009
In attendance: Michael Motherway, Richard Powers and Russell Perry. Called to order at 7:30 pm.
Public Hearing
The Board of Selectmen held a Public Hearing in accordance with RSA 31:95-b for receipt of unanticipated FEMA 75% reimbursed funds of $60,139.95 for the 2008 Ice Storm and 2009 Recovery Act Grant Funds of $16,441.65 for the Police Department. Michael Motherway explained that of this amount $14,114.55 was to be paid to the Fire Department for wages, $6,381.08 for equipment, and $420.00 to Peter Kuegel for contract work. Additionally $17,944.50 is to reimburse contracted expenses for clean up done in 2009. Michael Motherway moved that of the $42,195.44 incurred in Dec. 2008, $20,915.63 be paid to the Fire Department with the remaining $21,279.82 to back to the general fund and the $17,944.50 2009 FEMA funds be applied to offset the costs from the 2009 budget, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
The 2009 Recovery Act Grant Funds of $17,307.00 for the Police Department, previously discussed at the April 20, 2009 Selectmen’s meeting will be disbursed in the following estimates:
· Rockingham County Sheriff’s Dept – 5% admin fee $865.35 – Balance to town of $16,441.65.
· Generator for Town Hall & Police Department - $6,800.00 estimated
· Upgrade cruiser laptops to utilize S.P.O.T.S. - $5,500.00 estimated
· R.A.D. training equipment - $2,300.00 estimated
The remaining $976.30 will be used for additional costs for these estimates as needed.
Michael Motherway moved to accept these grant funds of $16,441.65 for the town, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
CITIZEN’S FORUM – A resident from Rose Petal Lane, believed to be Mr. Remo, stated that the culvert pipe at the end of his driveway is getting worse and needs to be reset. He said he would take care of the hot top. The Board asked him to wait to discuss further when the Road Manager came to the table.
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented 4 permits: 1) White, 43 Wild Pasture Road for a 210 sq. ft. screened porch; 2) LeFebvre, 4 Weare Road for a dormer on the back of the house; 3) Kirwin, 39 Cottage Road to enclose an existing porch and 4) Batchelder, 7 Pine Lane for a 30’ x 36’ pole barn. Michael Motherway moved to accept the four permits as presented, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department –Chief Charles LeBlanc stated that the fire pond refill rate at Kensington Place does not meet the ordinance which requires a 1,000 gpm for a period of not less than one hour the year round. Additionally drainage to the left of the pond has not been completed. Suggestions included a self feeding well which would have a pump that would turn on and fill automatically.
He said that the new 2009 forestry truck, Ford F350, purchased through fund raising and donations with no cost to taxpayers, has been received. The department will hold fund raisers for funds to equip the truck. All in attendance applauded their efforts.
Chief LeBlanc presented a letter regarding deficiencies found at a South Road residence.
Road Manager – David Buxton addressed the Rose Petal Lane issue stating that if the culvert is reset, the same situation could arise in the near future. Town Counsel had provided advice previously, (RSA 236:13 (VI)”…unless the access is a public highway, the owners of property to which the access is appurtenant shall have continuing responsibility for the adequacy of the access and any grades, culverts, or other structures pertaining to such access, whether or not located within the public right of way.) David’s thoughts were that the ditches many not have been deep enough to begin with. He invited the Board to meet with him at the site. He suggested the gentleman attend the next Selectmen’s meeting.
Moulton Ridge Road – Steve Smith commented that he thought David Buxton did a great job with the site walk and overall it was a good procedure. Peter Sawyer said the overall proposal by and large looked good but disagreed with widening the road as it could encourage speeding and represent a safety hazard. He didn’t feel it would be an improvement as it would damage trees and take away from the aesthetics, adding that the stonewall is undermined. He also disagreed with the proposed drainage modifications stating they would require maintenance. The current culvert works adequately and does not require maintenance. David Buxton referenced Christian Smith’s report of June 1, 2009, (“I feel this tack in the future phase is well thought out as the 17’ width will better facilitate vehicles traveling in opposite directions (most notable emergency response vehicles) to pass without incident.”) He urged the Selectmen to decide soon as the price for hot top is only good until July 1. At question, is the $50,000 set aside for Moulton Ridge Road. The Board agreed to schedule a meeting next Monday at 7:30 pm for this issue.
Michael Motherway brought up a budget item at this time, stating that the Town Park was voted in with the goal that it be self-sustaining. Revenues are through the fees paid for field use, the concession stand and the assistance of volunteers. The intent was not for Kensington residents not to pay, but rather for the park to be self sustaining. In response to a statement by a resident, he suggested that complaints regarding broken items be reported to the town hall.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan presented a warrant for unlicensed dogs. He reported that he had four pages of residents not registering animals and the Animal Control Officer will be following up.
The SALT cookout was held today and it was an excellent outing all around. The guest speaker spoke regarding the Rockingham Day Care Facility.
The Drug Task Force Grant is budgeted from July to June. With cutbacks, the grant has been reduced from $44k to $30k and they will need to absorb roughly $14k to $15k. There has been a request to increase the grant by $5k and he will prepare the application and requested that the Board sign. Richard Powers was authorized by the Board to sign on their behalf.
Julie Hall – Discussion regarding spraying for ticks – Dr. Karl Singer was in attendance at the request of the Selectmen to look at creating a policy and process regarding this. Michael Motherway said he spoke with Municipal Pest Management, which is also doing work for the SAU, and was told they are dragging but not seeing many ticks due to the dry spring.
Julie Hall thanked the Selectmen for being on the agenda and keeping the educational process on the fore front. She quoted statistics which can be obtained from the NH Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC, and ILADS (International Lyme And Associated Diseases Society). She said she wants weekly dragging at the school and the park as the summer camp program will be held there. The cost for application is $250 to $600 per spraying and she would like to create a poster and hang it at the Town Park to include educational information. For potential experts, she listed Dr. Eaton, State Entomologist, Municipal Pest Management, an individual from Maine Medical and others including State Representative, Jim Webber, and Senator, Maggie Hassan.
Dr. Singer explained that spraying is a small part of the program. Per the CDC it may be of small benefit, thus it’s important to follow the recommendations for Prevention and Control which is to wear light colored clothing so the ticks can be seen, tuck pants legs into socks, apply repellents, etc., and do a tick check every night. In a recent report dated May 8, 2009 from the NHDHH, the IDSA (Infectious Disease Society of America) updated their guidelines for the clinical assessment, treatment and prevention of Lyme Disease and these can be obtained free of charge at the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/index.htm.
Andy White asked what the process for reviewing the list of names would be. In terms of policy he suggested establishing a threshold and when the ticks are found then spray, which is an integrated pest management. Michael Motherway agreed. Julie Hall disagreed. Richard Powers explained that when spraying town property it exposes everyone, even people who don’t want spraying. There was discussion regarding creating a warrant article and putting the issue to the residents for a vote. Michael Motherway encouraged developing a policy & procedure. Richard Powers suggested doing a weekly drag; Julie Hall will do a poster at the Town Park. All agreed to meet on Wednesday, July15th for an educational panel to consist of six experts at the most, with across the board representation. Julie Hall will send Denise the list of panel members.
Assessing Office – Kathleen Felch presented a gravel tax report for signing and abatements. She received one late elderly exemption but per the state they can submit and it would apply to their next tax bill.
There has been a request to pay payroll twice a month. Michael Motherway moved to authorize Kathleen Felch to contact the state and to proceed with getting twice monthly payroll implemented, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Recreation Department – Donna Carter discussed the possibility of holding a lower key festival on July 18th, such as pot luck and a bouncy house. If there is interest in fireworks and money can be raised, the Lewis family would be willing to contribute toward them. Michael Motherway moved to go with the date of July 18th and come back to the next meeting with more ideas, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Town Park – Permit applications and general discussion-close to public for school field day.
Michael Motherway discussed having the concession stand open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm during the summer, since there will be summer camp, softball leagues and baseball practice. This will help toward making the park self-sustaining. In addition he suggested hiring one or more people. Michael Del Sesto said he was in favor. Russell Perry moved to adopt 11:00 am to 7:00 pm for the hours of operation for the concession stand and the ability to hire part time workers as necessary, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Michael Motherway explained that the field usage policy was working well for non-residents, but not as well for residents. In addition the volunteer system was not working well. He reiterated that Legends Baseball sent a schedule for 2010 for playing every weekend and he is looking at the needs of Kensington. Looking through the schedules, Michael Motherway moved to work with Legends but open up three Saturday nights to work with the Kensington leagues, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. Russell Perry commented that when the games are going the concession stand really needs three people. Without volunteers, they lose money as people won’t wait in a long line. It was suggested to charge $10 if someone isn’t able to volunteer and agreed to look at the policy at the next meeting.
Michael Motherway further stated that permits and applications have not been filled out for the Kensington teams and he’s recently learned that there are 24 local teams playing on June 20th. If volunteers cannot be provided then fees must be charged. A proposal for a waiver of fees in exchange for labor was discussed. People who either intended to play in this league or play in other adult leagues spoke in favor of charging fees. Thus the consensus was not to waive the fees, but continue to request volunteers. Michael Motherway moved that the request be denied for waiver of fees for softball, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved that if there are sufficient volunteers the fees be waived, if not fees for field use and light will need to be paid, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Recreation Department – Kay Cardoni, summer camp booklets-Dave Macek, adult softball
Michael Motherway moved to approve the Summer Camp Booklet with the addition of first aid, except under emergency procedures the lock down be changed to the bunker, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. Michael Motherway also moved to go with providing the summer camp director a key to the gate, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved to go with the hold harmless agreement for the town, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Kensington Place – Selectmen were not able to discuss specifics regarding the process of litigation to attending residents, but agreed progress is being made. Richard Powers reviewed a proposal of $4k for putting a small pond near the drainage, but the Board agreed the estimate appeared high.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Conservation Commission reappointments – Michael Motherway moved to appoint Joan Skewes and Rob Garneau to the Conservation Commission for three year terms with an expiration date of April 2012.
Intent to Cut – Avery, Drinkwater Road – signed.
Comcast Franchise Renewal – extension signed.
Vachon Clukay & Company – Additional “single audit” required due to federal funds received in 2008 – approximately an additional $1000. Board approved and signed.
Next Meeting Date – June 22, 2009
Any other business brought before the Board
Michael Motherway moved to approve the request of Granite State Quest to hold a road race July 11, 2009, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Michael Motherway moved to approve the request for use of the Grange Hall for a wedding reception, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Approval of May 18 and 23, 2009 meeting minutes – Michael Motherway moved to approve the minutes of May 23, 2009, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved to approve the minutes of May 18, 2009, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Executive Session – RSA 91-A:3, II(e) – Lawsuits – Michael Motherway moved to go into non-public session at 12:00 midnight, seconded by Richard Powers with Motherway, Powers and Perry voting in favor. Michael Motherway moved to postpone making a decision for clarification with Town Counsel and to reconvene tomorrow night, seconded by Russell Perry with Motherway, Powers and Perry voting in favor. Michael Motherway moved to end Executive Session and return to regular session, seconded by Russell Perry with Motherway, Powers and Perry voting in favor.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 12:10 am, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant