TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
June 7, 2010
Approved June 21, 2010
In attendance: Richard Powers, Russell Perry and Stefanie Johnstone. Called to order at 7:30 pm.
CITIZEN’S FORUM – Urgent matters only –
· Michael Motherway presented a document regarding the right to know law as obtained from Bud Fitch, assistant Deputy Attorney General. He referenced the board conducting meetings by e-mail and the Demmons orientation not being posted. The Board agreed to review the document.
· Marilyn Niles said she wanted to set the record straight regarding her role in the Recreation Committee. She explained that she has been volunteering for 45 years and when she moved to Kensington wanted to continue volunteering. She joined the Recreation Committee, worked on a number of activities, and volunteered to head the summer camp program. She had worked on setting up the program for many months but then was told that due to the stipend of $600, which began last year, she would need to resign as a Recreation Committee member in order to continue with the camp program. She thought it very important as the Coordinator, regardless of the amount of the stipend, to be a part-time employee for the liability protection as she could not risk losing personal assets. She said she did not join the Recreation Committee with any intention of remuneration and was very upset that anyone would accuse her of this. She added that once summer camp ended she would no longer be a volunteer for the town.
· Chris Batchelder sent a message that the property at 242 Amesbury Road had numerous bags out with no stickers. A letter will be sent asking the owner to remove the trash.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Fire Department –Chief Charles LeBlanc presented bills to be signed since they were submitted too late to be included with the regular bills. Selectmen agreed to sign them later. Chief LeBlanc also requested they conduct a safety committee meeting soon. Richard Powers did not feel the town hall was ready at this time. They agreed to meet soon to conduct a meeting on one of the other town buildings.
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented 2 permits: Beverstock, 43 Moulton Ridge Road for a 12 x 20 shed; and Walsh, 5 Brewer Road for an in-ground pool. Russell Perry moved to approve the two permits as presented, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Road Manager – David Buxton explained that he had looked at the Kensington Place fire pond and the drawing from Christian Smith and thought some adjustments would help. Richard Powers and Norm Giroux will walk the site tomorrow at 5:30 pm. He also needs to register the patch machine before he can begin work with it. Richard Powers asked that he have John Bell look at Highland Road. Dave asked if someone could look at the lawn across the street as it isn’t doing well.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan presented a bill for locksmith work that had to be done when a new door was locked without keys to it. Steve Wilson will be contacted.
Assessing Office – Kathleen Felch presented eleven abatements. Avitar recommended approval for Tonry, Bunnell, Perkins and Pearce. Avitar recommended denial for the remainder. Two of these, Schofield and Perreault, were because they were not able to visit the property. The owners will make arrangements to have Avitar visit their properties prior to July 1. Kathy said there were errors on the card for Johnson, but the value remained the same. Loring and Consentino values were consistent with the 113.9% valuation. The valuation for Rand remained, but they understood the explanation, and Hale is pursuing abatement through the BTLA. Stefanie Johnstone moved that the Schofield and Perreault abatements be put on hold and that the remaining abatements be in accordance with Avitars recommendations, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Town Clerk – Jessica Dostie presented a warrant for unregistered dogs in town. Russell Perry moved to sign the warrant for unlicensed dogs, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Recreation Department – Kay Cardoni asked if the Board would be publicly reviewing the minutes. Richard Powers explained they would do so later in the evening. Kay asked if the Board would support the camp coordinator, Marilyn Niles. Richard and Stefanie replied that they would. Diane Chigas spoke of buses blocking Trundle Bed Road during the last field day and expressed concerns that this would not allow access for fire and safety personnel. The Board agreed to look into the issue.
Richard Powers asked if the Recreation Committee would be setting up officers. Stefanie Johnstone replied they would and she plans to attend the next meeting. Stefanie Johnstone moved to approve the appointments to the Recreation Committee for Jodi Lefebvre, exp. 2013, Leslie DelSesto, exp. 2011, and Amy Sanderson, exp. 2012, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. (Note: Appointments were staggered only due to requirements and do not reflect any individual commitments.)
NEW BUSINESS:
Potential zoning violation – Stumpfield Road – Howard Felch had submitted papers to the Board that the room over the Brown’s garage could not be used as an apartment. The Brown’s explained that they used it only as a guest room from time to time. The current septic system meets code for the number of bedrooms and they stated they realize it cannot be an apartment. Stefanie Johnstone moved that the Board did not find a zoning violation exists, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Granite State Quest – Road permit for bike ride on July 10, 2010 approved and signed.
W.H. Demmons – Service contract – tabled.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mosquito & Tick Policies – Amend and incorporate Municipal Pest Management’s warrant article proposal – Richard Powers explained that Municipal Pest Management has provided an updated spray schedule with costs as follows:
I offer the following information regarding the mosquito and tick work completed to date at Sawyer Park, Elementary School, Library and Town Hall
· On April 19, 2010, the Selectmen, concerned residents and Michael Morrison of MPMS met at a selectmen meeting and discussed mosquito and tick surveillance and control at Sawyer Park and the Elementary School. It was determined that a barrier application was necessary at Sawyer Park and the Elementary School to protect children attending an upcoming outdoor event.
· On April 20, 2010, Michael Morrison completed a tick survey at Sawyer Park and at the Elementary School and found deer ticks at the Elementary School and at Sawyer Park. No mosquitoes were observed.
· On April 21, 2010, barrier applications of bifenthrin were completed at the Elementary School and at Sawyer Park.
· Tick and mosquito surveys were completed at all four sites on April 27, May 4, May 10, May 17, May 25 and June 1. No ticks have been found at Sawyer Park or the Elementary School since the applications were completed. Mosquitoes were collected at all sites in small numbers. None of the species collected are considered threats for WNV or EEE at present.
· I have determined a threshold of one deer tick to justify immediate barrier applications. Proactive barrier applications are not dependant upon deer tick presence and are completed monthly
· Mosquito and tick barrier applications differ in intensity and cost. Mosquito applications are applied to trees, shrubs and perimeter vegetation to form a “wall” that is difficult for mosquitoes to land on or penetrate. Tick applications are completed to the low lying vegetation where ticks are commonly found. Applications include the first thirty feet of perimeter areas.
· The cost for mosquito and tick applications is relatively the same. The average cost for applications to Sawyer park is $550.00; Town hall $195.00; Library $195.00 and the Elementary School $345.00.
· Bifenthrin is the insecticide used for mosquito and tick applications. Bifenthrin is colorless and odorless. It has a residual of approximately one month at the rate it is applied. It is the control agent of choice for mosquito control agencies worldwide.
Stefanie Johnstone moved to implement the Warrant Article and go forward with Mike Morrison’s proposal, seconded by Russell Perry. Stefanie Johnstone and Russell Perry voted in favor, Richard Powers voted opposed. Andy White questioned if the spraying would be monthly for both ticks and mosquitoes which the proposal indicates. Stefanie Johnstone explained that the tick spraying would be during the spring and fall when they are most active and primarily the summer for mosquitoes; much of it dependent on monitoring results. Julie Hall expressed concerns about the lack of spraying with field day coming up shortly as she’s heard from parents that thought the park would be sprayed. Stefanie Johnstone said she will contact Municipal Pest Management and request they spray prior to field day. Felicia Motherway asked about the time for spraying and Stefanie Johnstone said she would ask that it be after park hours. Harold Bragg explained that it must be posted by law that it’s been applied. Stefanie Johnstone replied that she will ensure that Municipal Pest Management post in accordance with the requirements. Andy White emphasized that perimeter spraying is not consistent with the tick policy currently in place. Russell Perry replied that perimeter spraying is proactive and preventative as specified in the warrant article.
Town Park – Long term requests – Russell Perry explained that a request has been made by Legends Baseball for a three year proposal. He explained that he’s not comfortable with locking in and reducing rates and finds the proposal too aggressive as much of it conflicts with local usage. Stefanie Johnstone agreed to talk with the Trust.
OTHER BUSINESS:
MS-5 – Signed – Unreserved fund balance $700,472. Total revenue $7,109,176 and total expenses $7,077,405.
Capital Assets and Depreciation Policy – signed for 2010
Approval of May 17, 2010 Board minutes – Kay Cardoni requested some amendments to the Recreation Committee portion of the minutes. The differences were discussed. Russell Perry moved to amend the minutes of May 17th by adding that the Board voted to appoint Donna Carter to the Recreation Committee and to accept the remainder of the minutes as written, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Executive Session – RSA 91A:3, II(a) – Personnel & (e) Legal matter – Richard Powers moved to go into non-public session at 10:30 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with Powers, Perry and Johnstone voting in favor. The Board discussed a legal settlement that was being proposed. Richard Powers moved to sign the settlement and agreement, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor. A form was filled out relative to a personnel issue and Denise will mail it out. Richard Powers moved to end non-public session and return to regular session at 10:44 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with Powers, Perry and Johnstone voting in favor.
Review of June 9, 2009 sealed minutes – Russell Perry moved to reseal for one more year, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Any other business brought before the Board – Russell Perry moved to accept Hillside Landscaping, Inc.’s proposal to fix the irrigation for $746, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Next Meeting Date – June 21, 2010
Bills were reviewed and approved.
Richard Powers moved to adjourn at 10:53 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant