TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
June 21, 2010
Draft- subject to change prior to approval
In attendance: Richard Powers and Stefanie Johnstone. Called to order at 7:30 pm. Russell Perry attended at 8:54 pm.
CITIZEN’S FORUM – Urgent matters only –
· Richard Welsh asked if the Selectmen will be working on holding taxes and questioned the Conservation Commission’s interest in purchasing a conservation easement on the Sargent property. The Board explained that a Public Hearing will be held by them July 12th regarding this.
· David Buxton suggested the town consider an “Adopt an Intersection” program similar to the one in Exeter and perhaps something along that line with common land in subdivisions. Stefanie Johnstone said she was familiar with the program and will look into it more.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented one permit for Lefebvre, 4 Weare Road for a 3 season room on the back of the house. Stefanie Johnstone moved to accept the building permit as presented, seconded by Richard Powers with both in favor.
Road Manager – David Buxton discussed the Kensington Place fire pond and possible modifications that would increase water flow. Norm Giroux said he agreed it should work. Richard Powers expressed concerns regarding ice build up and the potential for the water to run back. Mr. Giroux suggested that if it doesn’t work leave the option open to run the drainage across the road into the catch basin. Richard Welsh said he thought it would fill with silt, but Norm replied that once completed it shouldn’t be a problem.
Bell & Flynn, Inc. submitted a proposal “to extend the current contract for road reconstruction services under the same terms, conditions and prices upon mutual agreement…” , with no price increase on pavement or the grinding. Richard Powers moved to agree to continue the contract with Bell & Flynn and do the road reconstruction on Highland Road, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with both in favor.
Road side mowing has been started.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan explained a worker had a screw break and shatter the window in his office. It was agreed he will check with Steve Wilson or contact Arthur Wiggin.
He asked about the Board’s plan for air quality testing. Stefanie Johnstone explained that they need to thoroughly clean the building first and get pricing. Denise will contact vendors for quotes.
Storage is a problem particularly for larger items. Chief Sheehan will look into the possibility of a shed.
The department will need hardwired smoke detectors and he will have Chief Charles LeBlanc evaluate. During a recent review by the Local Government Center, concern regarding the lack of a sprinkler system was expressed, but Chief LeBlanc had said it wasn’t needed. Selectmen will request a written report from him.
Two part-time officers have moved on to full time positions and the Chief requested the appointment of Dustin George, Dover, NH, an honorably discharged four year Navy veteran. The Chief plans to do a training agreement with part-time officers as he does with full time as it entails 200 hours at the Academy and 400 hours of field training. Following this training, Officer George would be ready to assume duty in Jan. of 2011. Stefanie Johnstone moved to appoint Dustin George as a part-time, one year probation employee at will, seconded by Richard Powers with both in favor. Stefanie Johnstone commented that she has been receiving lots of good words from kids and parents regarding Officer Sanders.
Recreation Department – Stefanie Johnstone asked if temporary signs for the upcoming festival could be erected. It was agreed they could and she will check on where best to put them.
NEW BUSINESS: - See above under Police Department
OLD BUSINESS:
Mosquito & Tick Policies – Amend and incorporate Municipal Pest Management’s warrant article proposal – Stefanie Johnstone thought this was completed but will check on it and final amended policies will be prepared and signed. The following from the last meeting has been repeated at the request of Julie Hall:
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.
Julie Hall also expressed concerns that someone else has a Sawyer Park page that she does not feel is representing the town and requested that this be noted in the minutes.
Town Park – Applications:
· Mike M - grant required educational workshop-NH Dept. of Agriculture – Richard Powers moved to waive the fees for this educational workshop application, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with both in favor.
· Exeter Youth Soccer Association – tabled – Stefanie Johnstone will check further regarding fees for the 2010 season.
W.H. Demmons – Service contract – tabled until further notice from the Board.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Rockingham MPO – Kensington appointees needed – no one has come forward.
Inventory inquiry – Signing – the Board signed that inventories would not be done.
Executive Session – RSA 91A:3, II(a) – Personnel & (e) Legal matter-Richard Powers moved to go into non-public session at 8:54 pm with Powers and Johnstone voting in favor. Russell Perry joined the Board at this time. Three items were discussed:
· Work space modifications relative to an employee – no votes
· Legal counsel suggestions regarding the hiring of a new employee – no votes
· Tax matter – Richard Powers moved to extend for 30 days per the written request, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with Powers, Perry and Johnstone voting in favor.
Stefanie Johnstone moved to end non-public session and return to regular session at 9:20 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with Powers, Perry and Johnstone voting in favor.
Any other business brought before the Board
Insurance waivers:
· Stefanie Johnstone moved to waive the insurance requirement for The Rock Daddy’s concert band, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
· Stefanie Johnstone moved to waive the insurance requirement for the Friday Addiction festival band, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
Approval of June 7, 2010 Board minutes – Russell Perry moved to accept the minutes of June 7, 2010, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Next Meeting Date – July 12, 2010 – due to the July 4th holiday.
Bills were reviewed and approved.
Richard Powers moved to adjourn at 10:02 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant