TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
May 17, 2010
Draft- subject to change prior to approval
In attendance: Richard Powers, Russell Perry and Stefanie Johnstone. Called to order at 7:40 pm as the Selectmen had an orientation with W. H. Demmons, Inc. regarding the air handler.
CITIZEN’S FORUM – Urgent matters only –
· Destinee DiPrima requested to post some pamphlets for a fund raiser walk, including coupons. The Selectmen agreed and suggested posting at Sawyer Park or in the message board at the front of town hall.
· Donna Carter requested the Selectmen sign a letter that the Town has no objection to the state issuing a beer and wine license to W. Grant Carter Jr., D/B/A Kensington Grocery. Donna explained this has to be done each time a new person operates the store.
· Paul Kimball requested to clean up some of the downed wood in the conserved area. He has contacted various agencies involved and stated he will need a letter from the Selectmen that the town doesn’t have jurisdiction. He also asked how much he can cut for personal use.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented 2 permits: Kirwin, 39 Cottage for a kitchen remodel; and Kolifrath, 11 Palmer Drive for an in-ground pool. Stefanie Johnstone moved to approve the two permits as presented.
Road Manager – David Buxton was not in attendance but Richard Powers reported the work on Field C at Sawyer Park is nearly complete and the road project for this year is Highland with an estimated cost of around $80k.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan presented a bill for Capital One, part of which is for renovation, and explained that there are still issues with the air in the building. Richard Powers explained that once everything is done the plan is to have all the duct work cleaned and request Steve Wilson to locate a cleaning company and supervise it. It was agreed during the orientation with H. W. Demmons that for a month the unit would be set to run longer and come on earlier which may help to improve air quality for staff.
Recreation Department – Kay Cardoni discussed an issue regarding summer camp. Last year the camp coordinator was a paid position. Marilyn Niles, a Recreation Committee member, agreed to take this on but per Paul Anderson at LGC, she cannot be a volunteer and take a paid position. The pay is up to $600 depending on the funds received. Russell Perry and Stefanie Johnstone questioned why she had joined as a volunteer but is now taking a paid position. Kay explained that the hiring should have been done in January but wasn’t and summer camp is coming up. Stefanie suggested the rec plan for it next year. Kay presented Marilyn Niles’ resignation as a rec member as counsel said would need to be done.
During camp use of the pavilion it was agreed to look into options to rope or tape off the area needed to segregate the campers from the general public and post signs letting the public know camp was in session. There were some issues regarding the meeting called by the rec to authorize Michael Del Sesto to do the installation of the skateboard equipment. Kay explained they have been trying to get the equipment erected and Mr. Del Sesto who has the expertise, is willing to get volunteers and oversee the project. The only cost is for the concrete. Kay agreed there were some areas of the rec that could use assistance and Stefanie Johnstone moved that a member of the Board of Selectmen attend Recreation Committee meetings for a while to help with the structure, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. Denise will check with LGC and the RSAs regarding requirements. Kay presented her resignation as well.
NEW BUSINESS:
Intent to Cut – Peter Sawyer - signed
Intent to Excavate – Ricci - signed
Muddy Pond Rd – Mike Spinoza explained that a neighbor’s tree is leaning toward his property and he has concerns that it could come down and hurt his children. Richard Powers agreed to consult with David Buxton, Road Manager, and see if something can be worked out.
OLD BUSINESS: 8:30 pm
Chigas – Mr. Fournier attended the meeting and acknowledged that he has not closed up the stone wall. Richard Powers read from the minutes of Aug. 28, 2000 the stone wall was to be restored. If a second driveway is desired, he will need to apply for a driveway permit. Mr. Fournier agreed to restore the wall within thirty days and apply for a driveway permit if a second driveway is desired.
Warrant Article re Spraying – Stefanie Johnstone explained that it is common practice to include the school and other towns do this as well. The Warrant Article will be added to the surveillance program as well as the mosquito and tick policy. Andy White expressed concerns that the spraying done was not in accordance with the tick policy. Richard Powers explained when an issue involves safety, the Selectmen have broad powers. The policy, Warrant Article and health and safety were all taken into account. Mike Morrison of MPM had explained that due to the early spring this year, tick activity, which normally begins more in May, was extremely high and because of the number of people, including KES children that would be at the park on Earth Day, the Board found they needed to make an immediate decision. Town Counsel was consulted, as well as Health Officer, Dr. Singer, and Superintendent Paul Flynn, who reported that numerous parents were calling concerned about the safety of their children. The collective decision was to spray and the school paid for their portion of the Earth Day spraying. Andy White asked additional questions on how the warrant article would be incorporated with the existing policies and asked about the proposal by MPM. Russell Perry explained that the Board had planned on reviewing these items at the meeting that night. The Board expressed many times throughout the discussion that the Town voted on this issue at Town Meeting, it passed and it is their job to implement the warrant article.
Andy White explained that there have been recent reports regarding increase cancer risks due to pesticides and recommended the Board look into the reports. Felicia Motherway also expressed concerns regarding the spraying. The Board will review Mr. Morrison’s proposal and work on amending the tick and mosquito policies at their next meeting.
(After note: It has been confirmed that Municipal Pest Management dragged on the morning of April 21 and found thirteen deer ticks and three dog ticks at Sawyer Park. They sprayed later that night and it was posted at the entrance of the Park that spraying had taken place.)
Approval of April 19, and May 3, 2010 Board minutes – Andy White requested corrections to the April 19th minutes – he had only referred to one error which was the misspelling and did not consider the date an error. Russell Perry moved to accept the edits for the April 19, 2010 minutes as requested, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Richard Powers moved to accept the minutes of April 19, 2010 as amended, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. Richard Powers moved to accept the minutes of May 3, 2010 as read, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Town Hall – Richard Powers explained that 500 gallons of water was run down the drain pipe on the road side of town hall, but did not come out as it should. He suspects a broken pipe and will consult with Christian Smith and David Buxton.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Grange Hall permit – A permit for the Kensington Public Library Summer Reading Program Finale Party was approved for August 12th from 1 to 3 pm.
Denise will be on vacation from May 24 through May 27 with Betty Willoughby filling in.
Executive Session – RSA 91A:3, II(a) – Personnel – Richard Powers moved to go into non-public session at 10:45 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with Powers, Perry and Johnstone voting in favor. It was agreed that Richard Powers would take a more assertive role in resolving a personnel issue. No motions made or votes taken. Richard Powers moved to end non-public session and return to regular session at 10:50 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with Powers, Perry and Johnstone voting in favor.
Next Meeting Date – June 7, 2010
Bills were reviewed and approved.
Richard Powers moved to adjourn at 11:10 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant