TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
November 16, 2009
Approved December 7, 2009
In attendance: Michael Motherway, Richard Powers and Russell Perry. Called to order at 7:30 pm.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department –Chief Charles LeBlanc reported the department will be burning the house around 7:30 pm on Saturday, Nov. 21. Signs will be put up and the road will close for about an hour. Five other towns will be participating.
He presented 2 CO detectors for downstairs, but requested the Selectmen write a policy that if they alarm, everyone leave the building, close the doors and call the Fire Department.
A Safety Committee meeting was held recently but only 3 members attended; two from the Fire Department and Juli Noyes from the Police Department. Michael Motherway moved to appoint Richard Powers as Selectmen representative to the Safety Committee, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. Chief LeBlanc added that per state law, they need to be paid and suggested $25/hr for an officer and $20/hr for a member. Selectmen will check with other towns.
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented two permits: Watkins, 11 Whipple Way for an in-ground pool and Siciliano, 47 Cottage Road for a garage addition. Michael Motherway moved to accept the two building permit as presented, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Road Manager – Dave reported that sand and salt have been delivered and they’re ready for winter. The issue at Kensington Farms has been resolved. An issue regarding potential road damage due to extensive logging on Hampton Falls land was discussed. The only access to the land is via Kensington and the Selectmen agreed to consult with town counsel regarding the posting of a bond.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan presented a list of roads he recommends for a detail officer for safety reasons. He explained that an officer has been assigned to a regional team dealing with the recent area burglaries.
Assessing Office – Kathleen Felch presented the Avitar agreement. Among the options, it was agreed that the four year level funding was the most cost effective. Michael Motherway moved to go with the level funding of $22,903 per the Avitar proposal, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. It was agreed to pass on the tax mapping agreement at this time.
Recreation Department – Kay Cardoni reminded all that the Candlelight Stroll will be Sunday, December 6th at 3:00pm beginning at Sawyer Park. They are scheduling activities at Kensington Elementary School and are giving thought to hiring a coordinator and paying for the position from the fees collected. They will seek more information on this.
The skateboard equipment is in the bunker. They are looking at a quote on a spigot that won’t freeze and they have been working on a draft budget.
Conservation Commission – Sydnee Goddard and Dave Viale of the Southeast Land Trust presented information regarding possible conservation land acquisition from the Sargents. Sydnee explained that although back land it abuts 2 other easements which are held by the SLT. They discussed the possibility of purchase by the town vs. easement and the Board will consult with Town Counsel. Sydnee also explained that they are also working on the Ryder land and are looking to obtain both utilizing funds they already have. Selectmen agreed with them pursuing more information.
OLD BUSINESS:
Town Hall – Michael Motherway explained that they had three parties interested in presenting proposals for the reconstruction work needed. Arthur Wiggin reported he had taken pictures and found everything downstairs to be dry and questioned how the water came in. Chief Sheehan explained that it was primarily when the ground was frozen and the town received heavy rains. Art suggested putting a 4 foot apron along the south side of the building so that the rain could drain better. Steve Wilson added that he’d found a broken pipe and recommended running the condensate into the plumbing.
All proposals were based on the same scope of work and all proposals have been submitted by residents of town. Michael Motherway read Steve Wilson’s proposal and reviewed his experience which has been extensive. His fee would be the cost of direct labor, materials and subcontracts plus a fixed fee of 7% overhead plus 8% profit within an established Guaranteed Maximum Price.
Randy Bonnevie presented his proposal for a lump sum price of $65,935.00 and Norman Giroux presented his proposal for $41,620.22. Selectmen agreed to meet tomorrow night at 7:30 pm to review and discuss further as there are multiple pages.
Employee Handbook – Postponed
Kensington Place – Richard Powers will contact Christian Smith tomorrow as the trenching they had planned may not work.
Town Park – The Board discussed expenses related to the park such as propane and whether or not to heat through the winter. Mike explained that there was a generator and other cold sensitive items. Questions regarding how much the rec revolver can cover and how much needs to be from the operating budget will need more research.
Michael Motherway outlined the Turf Care Program: 1) Grant; 2) Concept of the organic adopt a field program, 3) Individual to manage either paid or volunteer; and 4) Language for contracting. Following review of each and the cost effectiveness, Richard Powers moved to accept the grant and organic field program now and continue to work on the other details, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Health Insurance renewal – the rate has increased 16.4% and the Board reviewed other policy options, which were deemed unsatisfactory. Michael Motherway moved to stay with the same coverage and discuss further, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Grange Hall Permit – A request for use by the Brownies for Nov. 20th was reviewed. Michael Motherway moved to approve contingent upon submission of satisfactory paperwork and a list of names be provided to the Fire Department, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Next Meeting Date – December 7, 2009
Approval of November 2, 2009 meeting minutes – Michael Motherway moved to approve the minutes of November 2, 2009, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Executive Session – RSA 91-A:3, II(c) Michael Motherway moved to go in to Executive Session as Welfare Officers at 9:50 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with Motherway, Powers and Perry voting in favor. Following receipt of additional information, two applications for assistance were reviewed. Michael Motherway moved to approve both subject to standard requirements, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved to close Executive Session and return to regular session at 11:00 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with Motherway, Powers and Perry voting in favor.
Bills were approved.
Russell Perry moved to adjourn at 11:10 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant