TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
March 22, 2010
Amended and approved April 5, 2010
In attendance: Richard Powers, Russell Perry and Stefanie Johnstone. Called to order at 7:30 pm. The meeting was not taped.
Change of Chairmanship, Duties, and Planning Board Liaison – Richard Powers took the role of Chairman, Russell Perry the budget and Stefanie Johnstone the Planning Board.
CITIZEN’S FORUM – Andy White presented three items: 1) Kensington Place – Richard Powers explained that the Town’s Engineer has compiled a list and the Board will move forward to complete; 2) Town Communication Policy – Richard Powers replied that issues affecting the town should be addressed only by the Board of Selectmen. The Board will consider adopting a set communication policy; 3) Warrant Article regarding spraying – Stefanie Johnstone suggested they consult with the current vendor Mike Morrison of Municipal Pest Management Services. Richard Powers pointed out that this additional spraying will go against recommended treatments, thus they are not sure how to use the money efficiently.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department –Chief Charles LeBlanc reported the Forestry Truck is 100% complete. The total cost was just under $70,000 with no cost to the taxpayer. He presented a signed statement of approval regarding the Special Event Application for Grand Circle Corp. He requested approval to pay a bill of $150 for 2009 dues, which was overlooked. Russell Perry moved to pay the $150 bill from last year, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
He inquired again about the ComStar billing company for ambulance services. Stefanie Johnstone said she has been looking into it. Charlie explained that they charge 10% of what they collect. If they don’t collect there is no payment due. Richard Powers moved to accept the billing process, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor. Chief LeBlanc will set up a meeting.
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented one permit for Fairpoint for a switch pedestal on land owned by CP Lumber, but on their easement. Richard Powers moved to accept the permit for Fairpoint limited to 27 feet from Old Amesbury Road, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Road Manager – David Buxton said they have been cleaning up after the storm. No pavement was lost. There was some rutting at the Town Park but Dan Mello will take care of it. He thanked both the Police Department and Fire Department for their assistance, complimenting them on a smooth operation. Richard Powers added that communication with the power company was very good.
Kensington Place signs – Dave will put no parking signs by the fire pond. He asked the Board about going with the 9” signs, vs 6” signs, as he’s been told the larger size will be required in 2012. He will order the signs which will be paid for from the money received.
Moulton Ridge – water washed out the side of the road. Dave explained that there had been a blockage by plywood which he removed. He recommended when they redo the road, two 15” pipes be installed for water flow. He will get a quote.
Frying Pan Lane – Stan Buxton reported there were washouts and two vehicles were towed. He asked the Board if the town was going to repair it, private owners, or just close it. The Selectmen replied that the town would not be repairing it. David Buxton said that mud flows on to Drinkwater Road from Frying Pan Lane. He will look at Drinkwater to see what can be done.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan presented $55 collected for permits, etc. He reported Officer Sanders will graduate April 9th. He explained that during the last storm, there were problems with people driving around the signs. He emphasized that the decision to close a road is not an easy one. It’s done because the road is not safe to pass. People who disregard them and drive around create not only problems for themselves, but rescue personnel as well. Correspondence to the Selectmen from a resident who experienced problems as a result of the road closing was reviewed. It was agreed that the closing of the road was necessary and handled properly.
Tax Collector – Carlene Wiggin – Executive Session RSA 91-A:3, II(c) – The Board signed the annual tax lien. Richard Powers moved to go into Executive Session at 8:47 pm, seconded by Russell Perry with Powers, Perry and Johnstone voting in favor. A request for additional time was reviewed with Richard Powers moving to approve a sixty day request, seconded by Russell Perry with Powers, Perry and Johnstone voting in favor. Another issue was reviewed with no vote taken. Selectmen agreed to take the matter under advisement. Richard Powers moved to seal the minutes permanently, seconded by Russell Perry with Powers, Perry and Johnstone voting in favor. Richard Powers moved to end Executive Session at 9:23 pm, seconded by Russell Perry with Powers, Perry and Johnstone voting in favor.
Richard Powers moved to go back into public session at 9:25 pm, seconded by Russell Perry with Powers, Perry and Johnstone voting in favor.
Recreation Department – Kay Cardoni provided an overview of upcoming activities. The fees for summer camp will be $85 and $130. They have hired an assistant director for summer camp, Kelsey Lampman. They are considering having Wednesday’s as beach day since the mowing at the park is typically done then. They will check further though.
NEW BUSINESS:
Planning Board Reappointments – Richard Powers moved to accept the appointments of Joan Whitney and Kate Mignone as members and Steve Wilson as an alternate member with expiration dates of 4/2013, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Intent to Excavate – Wiggin, Jr., Welsh, Kuegel, Felch – signed.
Intent to Cut – Wiggin, Jr. - signed
2010 Irrigation Contract – Hillside Landscaping, Inc. – Russell Perry will discuss it with the Park Trustees tomorrow night.
OTHER BUSINESS:
MS-2 Signing – Appropriations voted in – signed
John Sargent, Jr. explained he had talked to Sydney Goddard about a conservation easement on a 15 acre back lot parcel. He said they’d had a verbal agreement and an appraisal was done with the cost split 50-50, but he hasn’t heard anything further. Stefanie Johnstone said she would look into the matter.
Next Meeting Date – April 5, 2010
Executive Session – RSA 91-A:3, II(a) – Richard Powers moved to go into non-public session at 10:00 pm for personnel, seconded by Russell Perry with Powers, Perry and Johnstone voting in favor. Juli Noyes and Chief Charles LeBlanc participated. Changes within the department were discussed with no motions or votes taken. Richard Powers moved to end non-public session and return to regular session at 10:30 pm, seconded by Russell Perry with Powers, Perry and Johnstone voting in favor.
March 8, 2010 Board minutes – Russell Perry moved to approve the minutes of March 8, 2010, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Any other business brought before the Board
A letter from Michael Motherway was reviewed. Although he stepped down from the position of Park Coordinator, he agreed to continue volunteering to coordinate the turf care with the Board's approval. Russell will be bringing the information to the Trust meeting tomorrow night. Following brief discussion, which included Russell Perry expressing that Mike will have to work closely with the board and will also have to allow the other vendors to carry out their duties, Richard Powers moved to accept Michael Motherway’s proposal to co-ordinate the Turf Care Program for Sawyer Park for the year 2010, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Bills were reviewed and approved.
Russell Perry moved to adjourn at 11:10 pm, seconded by Rich Powers with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant