TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
December 7, 2009
Approved December 28, 2009
In attendance: Michael Motherway, Richard Powers and Russell Perry. Called to order at 7:30 pm.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented two permits: Lowry, 2 Hoosac Road for a roof on an existing deck and Nicholls, 12 Whipple Way for remodeling. Michael Motherway moved to accept the two building permit as presented, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Fire Department – Chief Charles LeBlanc reported the burn went well with 13 burns in all. During the burn, there was a car fire on Trundle Bed Lane which wasn’t practice. Sixty fire fighters and explorers participated.
One more safety committee meeting will need to be held and Rich Powers agreed to participate. Following review and discussion, Michael Motherway moved to approve the payment request of $25/hr for an officer and $20/hr for a member, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Chief LeBlanc said the new forestry truck is being fixed up in Bow at a cost of $34,000 which has been raised, thus no cost to the town. It will have medical capabilities as well. The rescue squads need gear and he will be purchasing 9 sets from his budget to outfit everyone. The Jaws of Life is being upgraded to a single line, 100 foot hose at no cost to the town as they have funds for that as well. Michael Motherway moved to approve the CO (carbon monoxide detectors) policy for the town hall, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor and Chief LeBlanc agreed to forward a list of permit fees.
Town hall – Steve Wilson presented final designs, a budget for the work, and a status update. A few changes have been agreed to including holding off on the conversion to propane and eliminating two zones. He said there should be a credit from Demmons but asked that he be reimbursed for his time spend on negotiating with them.
Road Manager – Dave reported that there were some downed trees during the recent windy weather. There are numerous dead trees on many of the town’s roads including Cottage, Muddy Pond and Osgood. He presented a proposal from Dan Mellow of Seacoast Tree for $1800 plus 10 hours of detail at $45/hr for a total of $2250. Rich Powers moved to approve the proposal, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan presented revenue of $50 for 5 pistol permits. With regard to a resident’s complaint, he presented a report detailing six weeks of surveillance conducted undercover with no substantiated issues found and said he considers the matter closed. The portable generator will be set up thanks to the generosity of a Moulton Ridge Road resident who donated $1,000 toward this. Chief Sheehan asked about the possibility of receiving separate checks for detail work. He will check with the payroll person regarding this.
Recreation Department – Kay Cardoni reported the tree lighting was wonderful with 50 to 75 people attending. She extended a warm thank you to all who helped! They hope to have even more residents participate next year. Mike Spinosa plans to finish the bridges at the park by the end of December and a father/daughter dance will be held in February.
Setting up the ice skating rink is having its difficulties. They had hoped to install a frost free hydrant but the water table is too high. They are looking at other options including having a pump housed in the bunker, but concerns about responsibility were discussed. Charlie LeBlanc will look into the possibility of acquiring electronic equipment that will require codes rather than keys.
NEW BUSINESS:
Executive Session – RSA 91-A:3, II(a) – Employee Review – Michael Motherway moved to go into Executive Session at 8:45 pm, seconded by Russell Perry with Motherway, Powers, and Perry voting in favor. Betty Willoughby joined the Selectmen to discuss a personnel issue. No decisions or votes were made, but the matter was taken under advisement. Michael Motherway moved to end Executive Session at 9:10 pm and return to regular session, seconded by Russell Perry with Motherway, Powers, and Perry voting in favor.
Chigas, John and Diane – Discussion of potential zoning violation – They explained that they believe a property is being used to run a business without approval. A letter will be sent requesting the individual meet with the Selectmen to discuss.
OLD BUSINESS:
Employee Handbook – Tabled
Town Park – The plans are to close for the winter and they are making a list of what needs to be shut down.
Town Hall – Rich Powers explained that he had discussed a proposal to move the desks from the main hall to the back room so that heat could be provided. Russell Perry moved to have Steve Wilson clear out the back room and move the desks in for a cost of $350.00, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Kensington Place – Norman Giroux said he had looked at the proposed grading and didn’t feel it would work. He said he believes a pipe is broken as the water isn’t draining properly and the current contractor doesn’t appear to be doing anything with the overflow. Rich Powers will call Christian Smith and Mark of Sandbox Excavating and look into the matter further.
A resident asked about working with the Board on a warrant article to get the roads accepted at Town Meeting. Russell Perry suggested a work session. Michael Motherway commented that there are a few more things to work on for the project but suggested they work on wording that everyone could agree to.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Trash Stickers – Vendor bid review - Michael Motherway moved to approve the proposal by Alan Klein, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Denise will check on time frames.
Next Meeting Date – December 28, 2009 – The Board will not be meeting on Dec. 21, 2009.
Executive Session – RSA 91-A:3, II(e) – Michael Motherway moved to go into Executive Session at 11:10 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with Motherway, Powers and Perry voting in favor. Michael Motherway moved to go with town counsel’s recommendation, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved to end Executive Session and return to regular session at 11:12 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with Motherway, Powers and Perry voting in favor.
Approval of November 16, 2009 meeting minutes – Michael Motherway moved to approve the minutes of November 16, 2009, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Rich Powers will contact David Buxton to take a video of Oak Ridge Road.
Bills were reviewed and approved.
Russell Perry moved to adjourn at 11:35 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant