TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
July 20, 2009
Approved August 3, 2009
In attendance: Michael Motherway, Richard Powers and Russell Perry. Called to order at 7:34 pm.
Public Hearings
Comcast’s Cable Franchise Renewal Agreement Proposal
Attorney Katherine Miller provided history and an outline. Some items that can be negotiated by the Selectmen including those for public benefit and franchise fees; however, rates for tv and costs are not negotiable. With this new agreement Kensington has an option for obtaining an educational shared channel for SAU 16, which is the first in NH, and Exeter and Stratham are currently negotiating as well. The cost is estimated to be $10k to $20k for set up if the town wishes to pursue the option. The term for this renewal agreement is five years, which maximizes the town’s opportunity to negotiate in case of competition or changing technology. Michael Motherway moved to approve the cable television franchise with Comcast, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Concord Co-op Single Stream Recycling Agreement
Jim Presher and Elizabeth Bedard provided the presentation. Mr. Presher explained that they started in 1985 as a non-profit municipality dealing with solid waste. The tipping fee increased from $45 to $65/ton. They looked at ways to reduce solid waste by recycling more and found that single stream or mixed recycling worked best for most people. All recyclables can go into one container including all plastics numbered 1 through 7. They are currently looking for recycling partners as they need 25k to 30k tons to make it work. The combined members now are at approximately 21k tons, so they need associate members. They have purchased the property, have an operator as well as bids on the facility. A six minute video was shown. This would be the first in NH. There is one in Portland, ME, and Vermont and several in MA. They explained there would be no capital outlay to buy in. The term is 15 years and they will always take recyclables regardless of the market. The capital return would be worked into the budget as agreed by all the member towns.
He emphasized that this is still in the planning process and they estimate it will take a year or so. They will be holding an education program. This will be a green building. They’ve found that communities that have single stream increase recycling by 28 to 30% thus reducing trash costs. Joining now would be less expensive for the town as joining later would cost more. The town would be able to budget for the year. If the market increased, offsetting revenues would be realized. If not, costs would be budgeted.
Michael Motherway moved to agree to go ahead provided the Town’s Attorney reviews the agreement, the co-op starts up as presented and it doesn’t start until after the town’s current recycling contract expires, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Michael Motherway moved to close the public session at 8:38 pm, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
CITIZEN’S FORUM – A resident explained that a tree at 34 Wild Pasture Road was hit and is in danger of falling. Officer Young did a report. David Buxton, Road Manager, agreed to go and assess it. The resident also explained that at 3 Palmer Drive the owner paved into the swale thus dirt is being dumped on his lawn. David Buxton agreed to also look at this and suggested rip rap which would slow the water down. The resident also said he didn’t feel his abatement issues were addressed and the Board referred him to the assessing office for more information.
Julie Hall commented that grass at the intersections is tall and unattractive after being cut. David Buxton explained that they can’t afford to pick the grass up and roadside mowing is only done once or twice a year. He suggested residents adopt an intersection and maintain them. David Buxton will assess pot holes.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Road Manager – David Buxton reported that the mower had broken but has been repaired and Chris will resume roadside mowing.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan recommended Matthew Gailing as a replacement part-time officer. He explained that they’ll be moving into the mobile office tomorrow and the admin offices will be moved upstairs. Russell Perry moved to appoint Matthew Gailing to fill the part-time officer vacancy for a one year probationary period, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Town Park – The Board agreed that all went well. The Fire Department cooked, lots of people contributed and the band and fireworks were very good. Michael Del Sesto suggested starting a little later next year.
Michael Del Sesto explained that Kristy Blundell would be resigning, preferably by July 31, 2009, and Gary Bonitatibus is interested in the position. Mike highlighted that Gary’s been a member of KYAA for 3 to 4 years. Gary said he’d work to improve communication between the groups. Richard Powers moved to appoint Gary Bonitatibus, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
It has been requested that the utility and phone bills be put in the town’s name as they are currently under Michael Del Sesto’s personal name. Michael Motherway is working on finding out why the Sawyer side has been so expensive and why the costs are spiking. They are currently running about $1k/month. Mike D said the Trustees would be meeting the 3rd Wednesday in August, the 19th. Richard Powers moved to pick the next meeting for the trust to discuss financial issues, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor. Russell Perry moved to change the utility and phone bills to the town and take out of Michael Del Sesto’s name, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Town Hall – The Selectmen explained that there is a significant mold issue in the downstairs of the town hall and that they would be moving the staff out until it’s removed. They will be moving essential items upstairs and the Police Department will be located in the mobile unit in the back yard. The costs for remediation will have to be compiled and they may need to hold a special town meeting or address at the next town meeting.
Kensington Place – Ongoing – nothing further to report at this time.
Tick and mosquito control – tick and mosquito control policies – All agreed the meeting at the school was very informative. Russell Perry said he will continue to go through the proposed policy and asked that the Board allow 20 minutes or so at each meeting to review.
Auditors – MD&A approved
OTHER BUSINESS:
Michael Motherway –
Moved to accept $189 from the 50/50 raffle and deposit to the rec revolver account, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor
Moved to deposit the Trust check in to the rec revolver account, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
He explained he is checking with organic vendors and looking at adopt a field programs with the goal being not to have turf care cost the town.
Next Meeting Date – August 3, 2009
Approval of July 6, 2009 meeting minutes- Russell Perry moved to approve the minutes seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
Bills signed.
Michael Motherway moved to adjourn at 11:00 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant