TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
September 8, 2009
Approved September 21, 2009
In attendance: Michael Motherway, Richard Powers and Russell Perry. Called to order at 7:34 pm.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department – Chief LeBlanc said he would contact Bill Grant regarding a South Road property he believes is running a business without approval. He explained he needs to order sets of turnout gear at $1800 per set as many are beyond the legal age limitations. This had been budgeted for and the Board approved the expenditure. He reported that no one from Hudson Heights has contacted him with regard to the cistern. He will be inspecting a South Road business to review compliance update requirements.
Road Manager – Michael Motherway explained that he received a phone call from an Attorney relative to the Palmer Drive driveway alterations, with the owner denying putting in gravel. David Buxton suggested they put fabric down on the last 4 feet with rip rap. This should adequately slow the water flow. He will discuss with the resident.
David said he’s received numerous phone calls regarding Osgood and Drinkwater Roads. They will be shimmed as soon as possible but Bell & Flynn are currently waiting for the machine.
In response to a report by the Town’s Engineer, Dave will look at lot 32 in Kensington Place regarding crushed stone and pipe in the town’s right-of-way. Richard Powers moved to issue a Cease and Desist pending David Buxton’s assessment, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Dave reported he noticed some wet spots in the area of the dirt pile at Kensington Place that could be original ground but could also be contaminants. Dave will contact Mr. Nadeau’s representative who has the equipment as well as the town’s attorney to do some testing.
With regard to the Frying Pan Lane signs, he put up the one that states it’s a class VI road, but the other sign regarding no dumping, littering, etc., calls for a fine up to $1,000.00. He did some checking and without a town ordinance, the maximum they can fine is the state’s decree of $288.00 plus 4%, thus he didn’t put the sign up. He contacted the Hampton Falls’ Road Agent to let him know. It was agreed to add this item to the next agenda.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan submitted a $15 report fee. He explained that there have been some burglaries and property thefts recently with one in town, during which a fire arm was stolen. Newton and other surrounding towns have also had criminal activity. A few weeks ago an astute Moulton Ridge Road resident alerted them to suspicious activity and an arrest was made. He encouraged everyone to lock their cars, doors, windows, etc. and if they see suspicious activity to call the Police Department.
He also said that there was a recent hit and run and through joint work with other towns, the suspect was caught, arrested and is expected to face serious charges.
Michael Motherway moved to re-appoint Detective Ryan Ford as a police officer with an expiration of 9/10/10, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
With regard to town hall, Captain O’Sullivan may be willing to serve on a committee. Chief Sheehan suggested having someone from the Local Government Center assess. He will draw a plan of space needs for the Police Department.
NEW BUSINESS:
Rosencrantz – James Rosencrantz explained that the only thing that hasn’t been done is the building and due to the economy he cannot afford it at this time. The berm has been built much larger than was required and trees have been planted. He said the equipment down back is his personal antique tractor collection and his son Kevin has cows down there as well. About 40% of the equipment is shipped to Derry. The Selectmen agreed to conduct a site visit with one or more members of the Zoning Board of Adjustment who placed the conditions to assess.
Driveway compliance – 3 Palmer Drive – discussed under Road Manager
Business operation – Code compliance – A letter had been sent to Mr. & Mrs. Hattenbrun regarding the possible operation of a bakery business. They explained they were not running a business of any kind and the Selectmen will contact Chief LeBlanc for clarification of the correct address.
OLD BUSINESS:
Tick and mosquito control – tick and mosquito control policies – Richard Powers suggested finding out where the bus stops are and moving any to more suitable locations if they are near wet areas due to the EEE threat. Kensington is one of the town’s now eligible for reimbursement of some of the perimeter application expense. With regard to the tick policy, Russell Perry and Andy White will get together and work on it.
Employee Handbook – Review and discussion – postponed
Investment and Asset policy – renewal – Michael Motherway moved to amend the investment policy per M. Schwotzer’s recommendation to change “C. Marking to Market to C. Statements” then adopt it as well as the asset policy, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Town Park – Michael Motherway reported he is working on adopting an organic field program and a $5,000.00 donation has been made to the park which will be accepted at a Public Hearing to be held at the next Board meeting on September 21, 2009. In order to continue to coordinate and set up operations, he asked to be appointed as the Director of Operations. He presented an outline of what this entails. Richard Powers moved to appoint Michael Motherway as Sawyer Park Director of Operations for a period of one year, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. Michael Motherway also presented a proposal to add a statement about parking to the park permit application, “Parking - Parking spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. In the event there are a number of activities going on at the same time and the lots get full, people may need to park as far away as the parking lot at Town Hall and walk.” Michael Motherway moved to add the parking statement, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Town Hall – Mike RigordaEva having inspected the upstairs toilets, plumbing and water pressure, suggested minor changes that would improve usability. The Board approved and authorized him to purchase the items needed. With regard to safety and security concerns, the Board agreed to look at available options and incorporate during renovations. Russell Perry will check on possible HVAC systems. A bid spec will be put together for the work needed.
Kensington Place – Previously discussed under Road Manager.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Intent to Excavate – Ricci Construction – signed
Southeast Watershed Alliance – Dealing with water quality issues within the watershed – referred to Planning Board.
Next Meeting Date – September 21, 2009
Approval of August 17, and Sept. 2, 2009 meeting minutes – Michael Motherway moved to approve the minutes of August 17 and Sept. 2, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Russell Perry moved to adjourn at 10:58 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant