TOWN OF KENSINGTON

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MEETING MINUTES

October 5, 2009

Approved October 19, 2009

 

In attendance: Michael Motherway, Richard Powers and Russell Perry.  Called to order at 7:30 pm.

PUBLIC HEARING

Emergency Expenditure and Overexpenditure for Town Hall

      Michael Motherway provided an overview of the moisture and mold issues resulting in displacement of the employees.  While the mold has been assessed and removed, much renovation work is needed.  The cost to date has been about $30,000, but renovation and remediation is expected to be considerably more.  Since none of this was budgeted and they cannot exceed the bottom line of the budget, they are requesting to utilize some of the fund balance through the Department of Revenue Administration which requires a Public Hearing as part of the process.  (The fund balance is money set aside for emergency situations and can also be used to reduce the tax rate.  The DRA requires that all towns maintain a certain percentage.  Use of these funds does not increase the tax rate, but does reduce the ability to offset the tax rate.)  Their choices are to renovate this fall or wait until Town Meeting which in not a reasonable time frame.  The focus now is on drainage and air exchange units.  The Board is seeking recommendations and bids at this time.  It was agreed that a decision did not need to be made tonight, electing to continue the hearing to the next meeting on Oct. 19, 2009.

      Stan Buxton asked if this was a discussion for the budget committee, but Michael Motherway explained that it was not.  The building doesn’t meet code and there is no mechanical ventilation.  The bids range from $10k for basic equipment to $80k to bring it to code, not including flooring and construction repair.

      Doug Martin of H.W. Demmons, Inc. of Maine explained that the problems are multiple, including high humidity, no zoning control and offices that have no fresh air.  Without the introduction of outside air it becomes stagnant and unhealthy.  He highlighted that there are a number of code issues that need to be remediated.  He expressed concerns with the underground oil tank, done around 1983, and felt it should be removed.  He recommended conversion to propane, removing the upstairs furnace and installing an air handling system as well as an economizer.  He also recommended installing seven zones for both heating and cooling.  He spoke of two types of dehumidifiers that can be installed that would control the moisture so that it could be used for storage of documents that by law must be retained.  He agreed that it would not be cheap, but he can guarantee it will meet all codes with a five year warranty.  His current bid of $67k does not include removing the oil tank nor purchase of the desiccant dehumidifier, which would be around $10k.  The biggest hurdle is getting fresh air into the building.

      The Selectmen discussed the best way to proceed and agreed to look at more proposals and what is best.  David Buxton volunteered to work on the fuel tank and drainage.  Andy White volunteered to create a scope of work needed and scale the proposal down to the minimum, such as dropping a/c to the upstairs.  He also will look into the cost to convert to propane and whether or not the existing compressor can be used.  Norman Giroux of Kensington Place explained he was a general contractor and would like to look at the proposal, as well as Stan Buxton and Mike RigordaEva.  Michael Motherway moved to continue the public hearing to October 19th at 6:30 pm.  The public hearing was closed at 8:50 pm.

 

DEPARTMENT HEADS:

Fire Department – Chief Charles LeBlanc and training officer Dennis Smith presented a list of radio equipment received through a grant which the Selectmen signed.  Chief LeBlanc explained that they’d received a generous donation of a house to burn for training purposes from David Haynes of South Rd.  The department will be hiring a professional fire training company, which will be licensed and meet all regulations, so that department personnel can participate in the training.  The road may need to be closed for an hour or so. 

      The Chief explained that all heating devices as well as auxiliary back up generators need to be permitted.  Permits can be obtained at the town hall.  He will prepare a list of the fees as some devices will require more than one visit to the residence.

      Another Safety Meeting was held at the Library but attendance was low.  They’ll need to hold one more meeting.  He recommended that lock boxes be installed at the town hall that include a radio signal.  The cost for each is $125.00. 

      He asked if checks had been received for the ambulance fund.  Kathy Felch will check.

      With regard to Hudson Heights, he explained he had not been contacted for the last engineering inspection.  The cistern about two months ago kept overflowing and needed adjustment.  Denise will check with Christian Smith.

 

Road Manager – Dave said he would be ordering sand from the same company as last year as it met the required specs.  With regard to 8 Weare Road at Kensington Place, his recommendation is to watch and see how it does.  It may need heavier stone.  The blocks are a deficiency of Bruce Nadeau and he needs to create a drainage easement.  The owner has agreed that no further work is to be done.  The Selectmen agreed to lift the Cease and Desist order and Chief LeBlanc said he won’t sign off on anything until he consults with Attorney McGowan. 

 

Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan presented revenue of $90 received from permits and fees.  He made some suggestions for the current littering ordinance to include a graduated fine system.  This will need to go to town meeting for amendment.  He explained that they need to add some skirting to the trailer to help with keeping the heat in.  They can purchase the supplies for $900 and officer Scott Cain and others will volunteer their services to install.  It was agreed to wait until after the next meeting on the 19th.  Chief Sheehan reminded the Board that the town’s insurer, the Local Government Center, would be viewing the town hall on the 13th at 10:00 am.   

 

Assessing Office – Kathleen Felch presented some current use changes and the tax collector’s warrant.

 

Recreation Department – Kay Cardoni said they’d be meeting this Thursday.  The Holiday Stroll will be held either Nov. 29 or Dec. 6.  They’ll publicize when the date is finalized.  She said they still have not heard from Donna Carter regarding the Halloween Party, thus no longer feel they can sponsor it as a Rec activity.  Cegis has ordered the skateboard equipment.  Russell Perry presented a permit to use the Grange Hall for a Father – Daughter Rec sponsored event on February 13, 2010.  It was approved and the Selectmen agreed to waive the fees.  He presented another for a possible Brownie sleep over but will gather more information regarding it.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Town Park – Michael Motherway as Director of Operations discussed two recent issues.  He explained that the irrigation was still operating even though recommendations were to stop it, but was unable to adjust it as it was locked.  Additionally, the mowing heights, which were discussed at the Trustees meeting and agreed to remain the same, appeared to be mowed shorter this past week.  Russell Perry and Rich Powers agreed that as the Director of Operations he can deal with these issues without consulting with them.

      Mike M. updated regarding the Adopt an Organic Field program efforts. In addition to the NH Dept. of Ag. grant for $4900, there are several companies who have committed fertilizer and product for weed control to the project. To date fertilizer has been committed for all 4 playing fields and the common areas. Half the recommended product for weed control has been committed, and several turf care providers have agreed to donate skill and labor to provide needed turf care. Chip Osborne, nationally recognized speaker and consultant for Organic Sports Field Turf Care visited the park last week and spoke with Mike at length regarding structuring the adopt a filed program to work well for all concerned. He will continue to consult and be a resource throughout the project. Javier Gil of J.Gil Organic Landscaping has agreed to work with the Town and turf care providers involved in the project to keep applications consistent and ensure the project is successful. The main components of the project are to provide low or no cost chemical and pesticide free turf care for the park, develop a sustainable growing environment, educate the public, and foster community involvement in the park through organized volunteer efforts for parts of the project.  Mike also explained that there was enough in the rec account to purchase a top dresser spreader, which would be a great asset, for around $3500.  Rich Powers moved to support the purchase for the best price, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.

 

Tick control – The committee will meet next Tuesday at 6:30 pm at the town hall.  The next three meetings will be held on the same date and time but at the Library.

 

Rosencrantz – Rich Powers moved that per town counsel advice, a letter will be sent directing them to go back to the Zoning Board of Adjustment to address the outstanding issue of the building within the next 60 days, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.

 

Auditor quote – Following review for a lower quote than last year, Michael Motherway moved to approve the quote, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.

 

Kensington Place – Rich Powers detailed that there had been a site meeting with a few concerns noted which Christian Smith wrote up.  They also want to document that the subdivision lacks a top paving coat and determine an estimated age for the road as it is now.

 

Grange Hall permit application – A request by Noreen Hall was approved.

 

Employee Handbook – Postponed

 

Approval of September 21, 2009 meeting minutes – Michael Motherway requested to amend the minutes under the town park as the information was incorrect.  The sentence will be changed to read:  “With regard to money, Michael Motherway explained that the cost last this year was $25,000, this year was $13,000 and next year is planned to be even less around $5,000.”  Michael Motherway moved to amend and approve the minutes of September 21, 2009, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.

 

Next Meeting Date – October 19, 2009

 

Bills were approved.

 

Russell Perry moved to adjourn at 11:00 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 Denise Gregson

Administrative Assistant