TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2010
Approved March 22, 2010
In attendance: Michael Motherway, Richard Powers and Russell Perry. Called to order at 7:30 pm. The meeting was not taped.
Steve Wilson provided a brief update to the ongoing renovations. Despite a few changes he has been able to hold to budget. It’s estimated that the upstairs will be ready for the Police Department in approximately two weeks.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan read a memo regarding a meeting he held Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 at noon for key emergency personnel. The issues discussed included: areas with and without power; road issues and hazards; checking on elderly and vulnerable residents; Unitil updates; declared State of Emergency by Governor Lynch; potential FEMA issues; and Police Department staffing levels for the previous 48 hours and the upcoming 48 hours. The Police Department had on-call coverage beginning Thursday, Feb. 25th and had continuous coverage in town throughout the remainder of the declared emergency. The Police Facility was up and running via generator during the entire power outage due to the generosity of a resident. Michael Motherway commented on the improved communication with the Police Department and Fire Department as well as Unitil. David Buxton said he felt it needed improvement for his department as he was not called until Saturday morning and found the Fire Department taking care of the road problems. He requested a work session to discuss and asked to be called immediately in the future for any road related work.
Chief Sheehan explained that an upgrade through the grant is available which will allow them to upgrade the cruiser laptop computers so they can access information when stopping drivers. There are two bills and he requested that they be paid from the cruiser portion of the Special Detail Fund, thus will not impact the budget.
Recreation Department – Kay Cardoni provided an overview of upcoming activities. It was questioned why the fees had increased $40 for summer camp. She replied that this year’s fee also includes the buses which were charged for separately. Kay said she will provide a breakdown, but overall they found that the estimate was too low last year.
Town Clerk – Jessica Dostie explained that by law she needs to hire a deputy, who will train for approximately 30 days. She added up the costs, which include pay for the hours of training in Concord and estimates the minimum to be $795 and maximum $1,080. Since this expense was not budgeted for she has no money in her budget. The Selectmen agreed they will need to look through the budget for the funds. She will post the position to the website when ready.
Road Manager – David Buxton presented a proposal from Dan Mello of Seacoast Tree, who was also present, for tree work needed at the park due to the storm. There were 26 downed trees, numerous hangers, uprooted and leaning trees as well as a split tree. Richard Powers thanked him for putting the proposal together so quickly. Dan explained that the manicured areas would need special handling and he plans to rent an all terrain lift which will not impact the soils as much and will go through the trails. It is expected to take 8 days, thus the park should be ready for April 15th. Richard Powers agreed to be the contact person, with Bruce Cilley as back up if needed. Richard Powers moved to accept the contract from Seacoast Tree Care, LLC for Sawyer Park for $13,850, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
Flags along town center – Bruce Cilley reported that the Fire Department has offered to take on the responsibility of putting them up, taking them down and storing them. The plan is to have them put up on the Memorial Day weekend and taken down at Thanksgiving. The question of whether they need to be lit was discussed and Bruce will check with the other towns that display similar flags. Richard Powers will make calls regarding using the existing poles.
Special Event App – Grand Circle Corp. – A completed application was presented by Bruce Cilley. Michael Motherway moved to approve the application for a Soccer Game and Barbecue for fields A, B, and Multipurpose and the Pavilion to be held June 10th from noon to 7:00 pm, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Emergency Protocol – David Buxton will prepare a list for the next meeting.
Powder Mill Trust – Current Use Application – Michael Motherway moved to approve the application, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Osmun-Culver Drainage Easement – Following review of Christian Smith’s report, Michael Motherway moved to enter into the Drainage Easement Agreement as presented, thus relinquishing any rights or obligations it may have had relative to the prior location and description of the drainage easement, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Michael Motherway also moved to authorize Richard Powers to sign the Agreement on behalf of the Board, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Revised MOA (Memorandum of Agreement-PSIC Grant) – Michael Motherway moved to accept the revised Memorandum of Agreement relevant to the Public Safety Interoperable Communication Grant Investment Justification #2, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. He explained that this will allow the Department of Safety to reprogram over 13,000 P-25 compliant radios, including Kensington’s, using funds granted and approved for this purpose.
Intent to Excavate – Seabrook, NH – signed by the Selectmen.
Next Meeting Date – March 22, 2010
Any other business brought before the Board
Grange Hall Permit – Russell Perry moved to approve the permit for the Annual Friends of the Library Plant, Book and Bake Sale to be held Saturday, May 8th from 9 am to 1 pm at the Grange Hall, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
February 22, 2010 Board minutes – Michael Motherway moved to approve the minutes of February 22, 2010, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Bills were reviewed and approved. Chief LeBlanc had presented a bill for $53.87 for pizza in preparation for the wind storm. Michael Motherway said he had discussed this with the personnel involved and Chief LeBlanc had explained that they were called out at 2:30 pm and all agreed to stay on for the storm so they stopped for supper. The Selectmen approved and it was suggested that Chief LeBlanc add a line item next year to his budget to cover instances such as this.
Executive Session – RSA 91-A:3, II(a) – Michael Motherway moved to go into non-public session at 9:00 pm for personnel, seconded by Russell Perry with Motherway, Powers and Perry voting in favor. A worker’s comp claim recently received was reviewed. No motions or votes made. Michael Motherway moved to end Executive Session and return to regular session, seconded by Russell Perry with Motherway, Powers and Perry voting in favor.
Russell Perry moved to adjourn at 9:20 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant