TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
April 19, 2010
Edited by Andy White and approved May 17, 2010
In attendance: Richard Powers, Russell Perry and Stefanie Johnstone. Called to order at 7:30 pm.
CITIZEN’S FORUM – Urgent matters only –Norman Giroux of Kensington Place discussed the need to repair the fire pond as it has a leak. He met with the Town’s Engineer, Christian Smith, but would like to meet with him one more time as there are more issues to review. He said he feels this is an urgent matter since there won’t be sufficient water in it this summer. Richard Powers agreed contact Christian Smith.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Road Manager – David Buxton reported he’s been working on cost estimates for the road issues, but before finalizing would like to meet at the sites. Richard Powers agreed to meet with him. Dave also will be meeting with a FEMA representative tomorrow at 4:00 pm. Richard Powers stated he’s found cracks in some of the roads and questioned whether any might be covered by Bell & Flynn. Dave will check.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan confirmed he has spoken with Chief Charles LeBlanc and Road Manager, David Buxton and they have an emergency protocol in place. The Selectmen will be notified first, then PD, FD, RM and EM.
Richard Powers moved to go into Executive Session for personnel RSA 91-A:3, II(a) at approximately 7:45 pm, seconded by Russell Perry with Powers, Johnstone and Perry voting in favor. Chief Sheehan discussed some upcoming personnel changes. He will be out from May 6 to May 17. The Selectmen requested a resume(s) relative to any changes with a tentative promotion ceremony to be held at the next Selectmen’s meeting. Richard Powers moved to end Executive Session and return to regular session at 8:00 pm, seconded by Russell Perry with Powers, Johnstone and Perry voting in favor.
Richard Powers moved to appoint Scott Sanders as a full-time at will officer, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
Re-adopt Mosquito and Tick Policies – Mike Morrison of Municipal Pest Management provided a proposal specifically pertaining to mosquito and tick control at various town properties, as per the 2010 town warrant article.
1. All sites should be monitored for tick populations biweekly. This will be completed by tick “flagging”. Monitoring will determine the presence or absence of mosquito and tick populations and determine optimum times for control applications
2. All sites should be cleared of low lying vegetation and debris within the first thirty feet into the wooded perimeter areas. These are areas where people are most likely be exposed to mosquitoes and ticks.
3. The turfgrass areas of all sites should be mowed frequently. Tall grass provides excellent habitat for ticks and resting mosquitoes.
4. All sites should receive monthly mosquito and tick applications to provide both proactive and reactive protection. Applications should be completed in May, June, July, August and September 2010.
Mr. Morrison emphasized the need for habitat improvements and drainage issues at Sawyer Park. With stagnant water areas, he suggested reworking them to make them flow. He reported no mosquito activity now, in part because the heavy rains washed away the larvae. The state wants them to look at more habitat improvement, storm water systems and ponding. Red maple swamps are problem areas as well. He reported ticks are active now and explained that the first 30 feet of wooded areas are the worst, with mowed areas okay. Richard Powers asked about runoff from developments and Mike responded that the water should stay in the subdivision but in shallow pools that evaporate quickly.
Julie Hall asked to
have them spray before Earth Day and reported that teacher’s are finding ticks
on children in mowed areas. Andy White said he thought there were two
errors was one error in the Warrant Article approved at town meeting: 1)
the date and 2) the misspelling of a key term.-aracide, which should have
been spelled ‘acaricide’. Stefanie Johnstone explained the intent was to be a
general pesticide and has sent an e-mail to Charles Tucker, but has not had a
response yet. Andy White said he felt it should be an official legal opinion.
Julie Hall said she didn’t know the tick season would be so early, but Andy
replied that the warrant article must be adhered to. Stefanie Johnstone will
continue to check with Town Counsel. No
action was or will be made regarding the warrant article until the Board hears
back from legal counsel.
Mike Morrison said that in the past they would spray around May 15, but with what they’re finding recommended spraying this week. Kay Cardoni commented that for Earth Day the KES kids would only be on the mowed areas. Following discussion among the Board, Stefanie Johnstone moved to spray for ticks at the park before Earth Day, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. Stefanie Johnstone spoke of a letter to the editor by Justine Walsh whose grandfather died of triple E. If you’d like to read the letter this is the link: http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20100412-OPINION-4120321
Stefanie Johnstone moved to readopt The Arboviral Illness, Surveillance, Prevention and Response plan for the 2010 Season and the Tick Borne Disease Management Guidelines, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Recreation Department – Kay Cardoni explained they’d be holding a meeting on Thursday, April 22, 2010. Russell Perry agreed to attend. Mike DelSesto asked about getting the skateboard equipment set up. Kay replied that they are getting a quote to be done by a professional. Mike said he would be willing to set it up. Kay will discuss further with him.
OLD BUSINESS:
Peter Fournier – Requesting clarification of Selectmen decision – Mr. Fournier did not attend. Denise explained that he had called and left a message stating he did not understand the request. She had called back and left a message suggesting he attend tonight’s meeting for clarification.
OLD BUSINESS:
Emergency Protocol – Policy review discussed under Chief Sheehan. Matter resolved.
Town Park – The purchase of lock boxes was discussed – 1 for the bunker and the two sheds. There are several maintenance items that need to be taken care of, including the bathroom door, soap dispenser and the irrigation. Mike DelSesto said Bruce would take care of them, just needs the authorization. Russell Perry moved to authorize Bruce Cilley to take care of the maintenance items, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor. Russell Perry moved to authorize Bruce to spend up to $500 after notifying the Selectmen by e-mail, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor. Russell Perry moved to purchase the lock boxes, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Mike Del Sesto reported damage caused by erosion near the concession stand. The main drain clogged creating a gully under Ralph Furbush’s driveway and other holes thus creating a safety hazard. The Trust has received a proposal from Bell & Flynn for $5,800 and will review. Richard Powers explained that this damage might be covered by FEMA and should be looked at first.
Mike Del Sesto has volunteered to help organize the concession stand. Plans are under way to have it open for this coming weekend. He said the Trust will fund the initial stock, but expect to be reimbursed.
Michael Motherway was not able to attend but had sent an e-mail outlining the Adopt an Organic Field schedule. Stefanie Johnstone didn’t feel it outlined the schedule which is information the Board is still trying to obtain. Russell Perry said he would like to see dollar figures, such as the value of services, the cost of goods, and what items or expenses will be needed. He would like to see this submitted by the May 3rd meeting. He discussed a need for a post soil test program for the season with a rough schedule of when all applications (of all products) is needed and indication of which of these products and labor have been donated so far and which have not. Costs associated for all donated product and labor and all un-donated product and labor will be needed for this year's budget considerations and future budgeting considerations. Mike Del Sesto agreed, explaining that everyone was committed to the organic process, but the Trust would like to know the costs as well. Insurance requirements from the volunteers were discussed. Denise will check with the Local Government Center, the liability carrier for the town.
Town Hall – Progress is being made and the Police Department is now located in the upper rear floor of the town hall.
OTHER BUSINESS: 8:45 pm
Debco RT engineering fees – Since the auditors are working on closing the books for 2009, they suggested including these costs in the final balance. Richard Powers suggested paying them from the funds received. Following discussion of the pros and cons, Stefanie Johnstone moved to go with the auditors’ recommendations, seconded by Russell Perry with both voting in favor while Richard Powers was opposed.
Residential exemption – Residential exemptions for properties located in the commercial district were signed by the Board.
Grange Hall permit – A permit for the Historical Society of Kensington was approved for May 19th from 7 to 9 pm.
Vacuum cleaner – Purchase for town hall – Richard Powers moved to approve the purchase of a canister vacuum for approximately $300.00, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Next Meeting Date – May 3, 2010
Any other business brought before the Board
Thank you letters to John Bernier and Paul Steeves for their efforts and Paul’s initiative in removing and replacing the flag at town were signed.
A deed proposal from Davlynn Development was reviewed. Selectmen will forward to Town Counsel for review.
Julie Noyes said she thought the ambulance billing rates for the ComStar program are high. Richard Powers will look into it further.
Approval of April 5, 2010 Board minutes – Russell Perry moved to accept the minutes of April 5, 2010, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Bills were reviewed and approved.
Richard Powers moved to adjourn at 10:47 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant