TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
August 17, 2009
Approved September 8, 2009
In attendance: Michael Motherway, Richard Powers and Russell Perry. Called to order at 7:33 pm.
CITIZEN’S FORUM
Michael and Barbara RigordaEva stated that the tree that was struck by a car on Wild Pasture Road was not cut down. David Buxton explained that he and Rich Powers had looked at the tree as well as several others and since it was in better condition than two others, they were cut down instead. They submitted a letter of complaint regarding several items that they did not feel were properly addressed by the Road Manager. The Selectmen agreed to take it under advisement and Rich Powers agreed to meet with Mrs. RigordaEva to look again at the tree in question.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department – Chief LeBlanc reported the old truck has been sold at a bid of $5,632.30 and that money will be used toward refurbishing the new truck. The fire department will be purchasing a diesel fuel tank so they can fuel the trucks. Denise will check with the current vendor, Victory Fuel, to see if they can service it. He also reported that there appears to be a South Road property running a business without approval. The Selectmen will look into the matter further.
Road Manager – David Buxton reported there was some shimming work left to be done. The town line sign on Drinkwater Road is gone. He requested a letter be sent to a Palmer Drive resident regarding driveway alterations without a permit. He requested the Police Department ask a resident on Cottage Road to remove the trees cut down that are in the right of way.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan presented two more training reimbursement checks. He explained that Officer Gailing has been sworn in and he requested that Kevin Henelan, currently certified which saves the town money, be appointed as a part time replacement officer. Michael Motherway moved to hire Kevin Henelan as a part time officer, at will, with a one year probationary period, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. He discussed a current report regarding the town hall plumbing which needs to be replaced as it is leaking. Michael RigordaEva stated he is a licensed plumber and would volunteer his time if the Selectmen purchased the materials. The Selectmen agreed. Michael Motherway said the estimate to finish up the work if additional testing is positive is approximately $2500. Rich Powers moved to go with the estimate as well as if it’s a little over, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. Michael Motherway discussed the proposal from Armstrong to clean the air ducts. Rich Powers moved to approve it to get all the duct work done, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor. Russell Perry signed the proposal.
With regard to special details, Chief Sheehan explained that they don’t charge for the cruisers when working for the town. All agreed to hold a workshop on Monday, Aug. 24th, at 6:30 pm to review requirements and strategies.
Chief Sheehan complimented ACO Julie Noyes on doing a great job for the town!
NEW BUSINESS:
Hudson Heights – A report dated Aug 13, 2009 from Beals Associates was reviewed. Christian Smith had written, “It is appropriate for the developer to be allowed to conduct finish course paving and shoulder shim/compaction based on my findings during the site inspection. I did review with Mr. Rislove pavement sweeping will be necessary prior to paving operations and we reviewed pavement grinding to create an area to ‘key-in’ the final pavement course at the entrance. Finally, the detention ponds and swales will also need to be monitored and may need further dredge and/or repair prior to any consideration of road acceptance by the municipality due to the continual flow from the slopes as described above.” David Buxton pointed out that the developer should be responsible for the maintenance and silt for at least one year following completion before a warrant article for acceptance is presented at Town Meeting. Fire Chief Charles LeBlanc added that he needs to meet with the developer regarding the cistern as this will be the first one turned over to the town. Dave will contact Christian Smith tomorrow.
OLD BUSINESS:
Tick and mosquito control – tick and mosquito control policies – Andy White who has volunteered to head up a committee presented an outline so they can determine recommendations for the Selectmen. The plan is to meet at the library. Michael Motherway explained that the natural spraying done at the park for the July 18th festival was over a year long thoughtout process. It required working through the state to determine if it could be done under the current license. The goal was to deter the mosquitoes during the celebration by applying a natural deterrent. Consensus was that it seemed to help. Resident Julie Hall said she would prefer to discuss the tick policy at the Selectmen’s meeting as Mr. Perry had suggested, but would be willing to work on a committee. Andy emphasized it would be advisory only, with the goal being to gather the information, reduce it and make recommendations to the Selectmen. All agreed for now to post both the original tick policy proposal done by Kathleen White and the edited proposal done by Russell Perry to the website for residents to review.
Employee Handbook – Review and discussion – postponed
Investment and Asset policy – renewal – postponed to solicit comments from the treasurer, Sara Belisle, and deputy treasurer, Mike Schwotzer.
Town Park – Next Tuesday, Aug. 25th, approximately 60 yards of compost will be spread. Interested residents are encouraged to help with the work. Mike explained that Sat., Sept. 19th, will be a busy day at the park as the I Will Organization will be holding their road race fund raiser and Legends will be holding a baseball tournament. The main problem is parking and he will be working on the logistics of making it as stream lined as possible.
Town Hall – AEC Planning & Design Consultancy proposal – on hold at this time.
Kensington Place – No update at this meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Grange Hall – Permit approved for Steeves for an Oct. 31, 2009 wedding.
Legal Correspondence - A letter will be sent requesting updated information.
MS-1 – Extension signed by the Board.
Next Meeting Date – Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Approval of August 3, 2009 meeting minutes – Michael Motherway moved to accept the minutes of August 3, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Russell Perry moved to adjourn at 10:52 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant