TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
October 19, 2009
Approved November 2, 2009
In attendance: Michael Motherway, Richard Powers and Russell Perry. Called to order at 6:30 pm.
PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED
Emergency Expenditure and Overexpenditure for Town Hall
Norman Giroux presented a scope of work. He explained that he has an unrestricted contractor supervisor license and stepped forward as it appeared they needed a general contractor. The scope essentially involves strategies for overall functional use of the space. Norman also suggested a temporary wall for upstairs so that electric heat could be contained and utilized.
Doug Martin of W.H. Demmons, Inc. presented a revised proposal with reduced costs. The zones were reduced from 7 to 5; the existing Lennox air conditioner can be used, but will need additional items. The existing oil fired burner would remain. Controls can be installed on a computer for trouble shooting. The upstairs would not be air conditioned but if meetings were held in the evening and the offices were closed, air conditioning could be deflected to the up stairs. An air handling system could also be installed upstairs. Currently no fresh air is coming into the building which is a code violation. The revised quote is $56,260. Installing the control program on the town’s computer plus training would be an additional $4,208.00.
Norman Giroux passed out an estimate for renovations of $46k, not a bid, just what is needed to go for bid. $3k is for electrical upgrade, both up and down stairs. This estimate doesn’t include a break room which would be another $2k to $3k. He will be on vacation until November 12th but would be willing to walk the board through. Norman also addressed the oil vs. gas, stating that there are positives in going with gas as there would be no charge for the tank, the cost per gallon is currently cheaper, it’s more stable, and as part of the stimulus package there would be a $1500 credit from the federal government.
David Buxton explained that he had looked into the cost to remove the oil tank. Excavation would run about $2k plus $500 for a licensed environmentalist to oversee the project. Another option would be to have a company come in, cut off the top, fill with sand, and leave it as is. Richard Powers said he recommends pulling it out.
Michael Motherway summed that they are now in the area of $140 to $150k and will need to petition the DRA for permission to use the fund balance. Norman Giroux added that for code reasons a sprinkler system might need to be done which is quite expensive. Michael Motherway moved to apply to the Commissioner of Revenue to increase the operating budget to $150,000 to install an air handling system and renovate the downstairs, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Richard Powers moved to grant permission for a temporary wall upstairs with minimal impact, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department – Chief Charles LeBlanc presented a check of $150 for ambulance services. He also presented a bill for $4,137.73 for turnout gear. He clarified that an invoice was to be paid directly to Country Brooke Café for lunch served during a fire prevention exercise.
Road Manager – Dave reported some road patching has been done and he will be ordering 400 yds sand and 6 loads of salt. He explained that the salt cost is down from last year, but sand is the same. With regard to shoulders, his expectation is that they will be done on Thursday morning.
Assessing Office – Kathleen Felch presented a tax map contract and an Avitar contract. Both were tabled at this time and the Selectmen will review. The 2009 DRA parcel count request was signed. Kathy explained that Avitar Associates will be mailing out data verification letters later in the week to some residents. There will be instructions on when to call and the number to call to set up an interior inspection of your property. Only the residents that are mailed the letter will be able to respond at this time.
Recreation Department – Kay Cardoni reported that they are working on scheduling activities at KES including basketball, adult volley ball, and men’s basketball. Kathy Cook presented a letter of resignation to them and a recommendation for a camp coordinator for next season. December 6th will be the tree lighting but per Charlie LeBlanc there is to be no fire in the pit. Paul Lovvik explained that he is working on developing a website for the Recreation Committee. There are four phases and they are hoping to launch it on November 2nd. Details on how it will be linked or connected to the town’s website will be worked out. Cengis reported the equipment for the skateboard board park was shipped out today and takes about 5 to 7 days for delivery. The truckers will call with a date and time and it will be stored in the bunker for now. He will also be presenting a preliminary design of what it will look like. They are still working on the skating rink. Kay reported they are not sponsoring the Halloween Event as noted in their recent minutes. They are planning to plant a tree for a former rec member. With regard to their budget needs, Michael Motherway suggested looking at what they will need for next year.
Tax Collector – Carlene submitted a request for appointment of a deputy tax collector. Michael Motherway moved to appoint Jessica Dostie as Deputy Tax Collector for a probationary one year appointment, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
Donna Carter – Donna asked when warrant articles will be due, which will be January 13th, however it is strongly recommended that they be submitted as early as possible. She explained that the KPA (Kensington Police Association) is sponsoring the Halloween Event this year and expressed frustration that she was not able to work with the Recreation Committee this year on this event as has been done for many years.
OLD BUSINESS:
Employee Handbook – Postponed
Town Park – Michael Motherway reported that they had reached the end of the mowing season and the irrigation system had been blown out for the winter. The concession stand has minimal hours and the Adopt a Field Program has received 66k sq ft of organic fertilizer for the athletic fields. The park will be closing in mid-November and he will be working on scheduling the fertilizer applications for the next season.
With regard to his position as Park Trustee, he resigned effective immediately and moved to appoint Russell Perry to fill the position, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Kensington Place – Rich Powers offered to get a price on stabilizing the hill.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Vachon Clukay – Auditor proposal was signed.
Correspondence – Bunnell letter of complaint - Michael Motherway moved that since the letter addressed traffic issues, it be forwarded to Chief Sheehan asking that the Police Department look into the matter and report back to the Selectmen, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Next Meeting Date – November 2, 2009
Executive Session – RSA 91-A:3, II(i) – Legal matter - Following review, Michael Motherway moved to approve Town Counsel’s October memorandum proposal, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved to close Executive Session and return to regular session at 9:25 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Approval of October 5, 2009 meeting minutes – Richard Powers moved to accept the minutes of October 5, 2009, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Any other business brought before the Board
Russell Perry moved to accept H.W. Demmons, Inc. revised proposal pending Richard Powers’ walk through tomorrow with another vendor, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor. The application and letter to Department of Revenue Administration will be prepared and the scope of work will be put out for bid.
Bills were approved.
Russell Perry moved to adjourn at 9:50 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant