TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
December 28, 2009
Approved January 11, 2010
In attendance: Michael Motherway, Richard Powers and Russell Perry. Called to order at 7:30 pm.
CITIZEN’S FORUM – Dick Welsh expressed concerns with rising taxes and questioned a number of budget items including the special detail rates versus the possibility of using flaggers. The Selectmen suggested he attend tomorrow night’s budget work session when they will be looking at various ways to reduce expenses.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department – Chief Charles LeBlanc presented two additional bills and requested to set aside the remainder of his budget for fuel. The Board explained that they can only encumber funds for what is under contract. Chief LeBlanc reported the Forestry Truck is almost completely accessorized including a new winch.
Building Inspector – Bill Grant was unable to attend but had requested one permit be presented for Kimball, 21 Kimball Road for remodeling. Michael Motherway moved to accept the one building permit as presented, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Road Manager – Dave Buxton reported he had some money left in his budget and requested to set it aside for loader rental and cutting some more dead trees. The Board reiterated that they can only encumber funds for what is under contract. Richard Powers suggested the money be used for more salt or sand. Dave agreed and will order tomorrow and have the bill faxed to the office. Dave also said the old shed is beyond repair and the Fire Department is interested in burning it for training. The Selectmen agreed.
Recreation Department – Kay Cardoni reported they are continuing to work on the skating rink. David Buxton added that they are trying to locate devises that can be inflated to plug the drains. He said he would like to try them to see if they work before buying them. Russell Perry suggested using a plastic liner which would be inexpensive and effective. Donna Carter presented a bill for $253.00 to be encumbered for Signs of the Times for a plaque and post. Michael Motherway moved to encumber, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Town Clerk – Jessica Dostie – Michael Motherway explained that Sonya Batchelder had let the Selectmen know that she would no longer be a resident of Kensington, effective December 15, 2009; thus Jessica Dostie, Deputy Town Clerk, has assumed the position as Acting Town Clerk. Michael Motherway moved to formally accept Sonya Batchelder’s resignation as Town Clerk, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved to appoint Jessica Dostie as Acting Town Clerk until Town Meeting, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. The Board signed a letter needed for the state.
NEW BUSINESS:
Fournier, Peter – Mr. Fournier denied running a business from his home. He stated that through this year he may have brought 5 to 10 yards of mixed loam, bark mulch, etc. to his property to use on his numerous flower beds. The Board will seek advice on whether this activity constitutes business activity. The Chigas’ also said there is a continuing driveway issue. David Buxton will check on it and report back to the Board at the next meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Tick Committee Report – Michael Motherway thanked all who participated in the tick committee and read the summary of the Tick Borne Disease Management Guidelines. Andy White explained that they had researched the topic and these three practices are the best approach per the experts: 1) public outreach and education stressing the importance of personal protection; 2) selected habitat alterations that reduce tick populations to minimize human risk; and 3) if deemed necessary, the properly timed, limited use of pesticides as a targeted treatment. It was emphasized that since no tick control method is 100% effective, personal protection should always be practiced. With regard to spraying, the options are no spraying, spray when nymphs and ticks are at peak, or spray for nymphs only.
Michael Motherway moved to adopt the tick management guidelines for public outreach, habitat, and limited use of pesticides for targeted treatment, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved to go with the fall and spring option but insert the word "municipal" so that it reads - high risk municipal areas and add "or in consultation/recommendation with the town's provider”, seconded by Rich Powers with Motherway and Powers voting in favor and Perry voting opposed.
Employee Handbook – Review and discussion – Russell Perry presented an outline of proposed changes to be reviewed at the next meeting.
Town Park – The building has been shut down and they’ll work on developing a schedule of what needs to be done for maintenance.
Town Hall – Following review, Michael Motherway moved to encumber $87,465 contracted toward completion of town hall reconstruction, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Kensington Place – It was agreed to set up a possible meeting time of Weds, at 4:00 pm at the Grange Hall to review the current status and remaining issues.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Encumber Funds – No additional funds. One invoice remains outstanding from Arthur Wiggin.
Welfare Assistance – Level funding for allowable levels was approved.
Planning Board – Zoning change for preliminary plans was signed.
Next Meeting Date – January 11, 2010.
Approval of December 7, 2009 meeting minutes – Michael Motherway moved to approve the minutes of December 7, 2009, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Any other business brought before the Board – Potential zoning violations involving dog day care were reported to the Board. Letters will be sent requesting the owners apply for Special Exception for Home Occupation to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Bills were reviewed and approved.
Russell Perry moved to adjourn at 10:10 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant