TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
January 11, 2010
Approved 1/25/10
In attendance: Michael Motherway, Richard Powers and Russell Perry. Called to order at 7:34 pm.
CITIZEN’S FORUM – None
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department – FD to propose change to billing services for Ambulances. Currently collection rates are low. FD would like to use professional billing services for collection of Ambulance fees. Billing would be directly to Insurance and Medicare which would result in higher collection rates and amounts to the Ambulance fund. Any uninsured patients would be billed the same way now. Under the current plan patients are billed, and reminded a second time. If they don’t pay then, the bill is written off. They discussed further the use of a warrant article to allow for funds to be pulled from Ambulance fund to pay for the estimated $1,000 annually for costs of billing services. Mike M. mentioned to use other towns as examples for warrant article language. Richard Powers moved to reappoint Charles LeBlanc as Fire Chief for 2010 with an expiration date of Dec. 31, 2010, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Michael Motherway moved to open the Public Hearing for the budget at 7:55 pm, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Chief Sheehan explained that the cuts he proposed to his budget were inadvertently doubled. The PD portion of the budget was corrected resulting in a bottom line of $386,062 representing a decrease of $8,833 or 2.24% less than last year’s budget. He also presented $60 in revenue to the Board.
The Selectmen discussed the Budget Narrative and explained that they included a pie chart to show what piece is town versus other expenses. They wanted to level fund as much as possible this year and asked departments to reduce 5 % further. Dick Welsh commented that despite the cuts taxes continue to rise. Sarah Belisle urged all to look at the school which is approximately 80% of their taxes. Michael Motherway added that based on the tax rate setting meeting, the school portion is expected to increase. To further reduce expenses this year, the Selectmen suggested lowering the road reconstruction warrant article amount to $100,000 to offset loss of revenues. Harold Bragg asked if they had a plan to measure progress. David Buxton responded that the plan was to go around town and reconstruct the worst roads. Harold Bragg replied that he needed milestones. Dave said a major road that needs to be done is Drinkwater Road and cutting the amount will mean it will take four years if costs remain level. He added that the price for hot top depends on volume. If you’re only doing a little it costs more. No decision was made at this time.
Chief Sheehan explained that Special Detail earns $10/hr for the town through the cruiser and revenues are currently about $19,000. Dick Welsh asked why the rate for the detail officer is so high. The Chief explained that is the going rate for the area and Kensington is less than most of the surrounding towns. Flaggers can be utilized, but safety has to be the first priority. A resident questioned the cost for gas for the cruiser and the Chief explained they receive a reduced rate through the state and the cost is figured into the admin portion of the detail rate.
The Recreation & Park budget was reviewed. The Selectmen explained that the line items were restructured to be more consistent with expenditures. Donna Carter highlighted that the Rec had only spent $4,663 dollars last year and that the line item of $9,347 seemed high. Andy White pointed out that the Rec Dept can raise funds which other depts. can’t do. It was agreed to reduce the Special Events line to $4,700. If the committee feels more funds are needed they will do a warrant article.
The Library budget was cut $5,423. They would like to expand hours and it was agreed a Warrant Article could be proposed for the voters to decide.
Michael Motherway summarized that with the correction of the Police Department budget and the reduction of $4,647 to the Rec budget, the difference between the default and proposed budget is $3,229, with the proposed budget being less. Michael Motherway moved to go with $1,565,115 as the final proposed budget, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved to close the Public Hearing on the 2010 budget, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Town Clerk – Jessica Dostie – Harold Bragg questioned whether the town hall would be ready in time for Town Meeting or it they should get permission to use the school. The Selectmen replied that the contractors indicated renovations should be done within the next few weeks, thus they believe the voting can be held at the town hall.
OLD BUSINESS:
Chigas, Diane and John – Possible zoning violation – Diane Chigas reiterated the issues. Michael Motherway explained that they had looked into the matter and there doesn’t appear to be enough information to involve the town at this time.
Tick Borne Disease Management Guidelines – Russell Perry requested two changes be made: add the word ‘effective’ to the sentence, “The pest management professional will use the least toxic…” and delete the phrase ‘per current recommendation of the UNH Cooperative Extension”. Andy White will make the corrections. Michael Motherway moved to approve the two amendments to the Tick Borne Disease Management Guidelines, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Employee Handbook – Russell Perry will continue reviewing.
Town Park – Michael Motherway reported that Legends has reserved $8,000 worth of time for baseball in 2010. The grant was approved with $5,000 going to the park and $5,000 to town hall. He has talked with vendors willing to donate their work, including the deep tine application, and is working on scheduling them. Timberland will work a field day, scheduled for April 22, at the park with company volunteers spreading compost, lime, fertilizer, etc. Accurately securing high risk areas, such as electric panels, was discussed. Suggestions included changing the locks every year or utilizing other locking systems just at sensitive areas.
Town Hall – Contractors have said the work should be completed within five weeks.
Kensington Place – Gregg Lefebvre and Norman Giroux presented a document with signatures from the residents. All will work together with the Selectmen on how the money is spent. Norman asked to be contacted when the work begins.
NEW BUSINESS:
Bunnell – Request for resolution of increased gravel pit trucks – Selectmen agreed this is not something the town would have a role in resolving. A response to this effect will be sent.
Next Meeting Date – January 25, 2010
Approval of December 28, 2009 meeting minutes – Michael Motherway moved to approve the minutes of December 28, 2009, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Warrant Articles need to be finalized as they have to be previewed by DRA prior to posting. Selectmen agreed to work on them and potential meet the evening of the 18th to finalize. Petitioned warrant articles must be submitted by close of business tomorrow.
Russell Perry moved to adjourn at 10:10 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant