TOWN OF KENSINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
July 12, 2010
Approved July 26, 2010
In attendance: Richard Powers, Russell Perry and Stefanie Johnstone. Called to order at 7:30 pm.
PUBLIC HEARING
Proposal for fee purchase of 15 acres of the Sargent land, 144 Amesbury Road, M9, L7 by the Conservation Commission in partnership with the Southeast Land Trust.
Sydnee Goddard, Conservation Commission Chair, and David Viale of the South East Land Trust presented the proposal. Sydnee explained that they have walked the property, which abuts conservation land with a trail that connects to existing trails. David Viale highlighted features such as good habitat, supporting landscape, excellent soils, and wildlife and recreation opportunities. He added that the statewide goal for conservation land is 25%. Kensington is currently only about 16%. With regard to development potential, the current configuration would allow for an open space opportunity and if additional land was acquired the development could be much larger. The Conservation Commission’s intent is to purchase the land with the South East Land Trust having a conservation easement in perpetuity. Sydnee added that the value of this parcel is in adding it to the existing green space of 62 acres for a total of 77 acres of conserved land. Due to the fact that it’s backland, it reduces the cost of acquisition. The $80,000, already in the town’s conservation fund – thus no additional taxes – includes the cost of the survey, an environmental survey, and attorney fees.
John Sargent explained that the family, including his mother, have been involved with this proposal and it was just an oversight that her name was not listed. Mildred Sargent, in attendance, confirmed this. David Viale added that this is a time sensitive situation so it needed to be moved quickly to Public Hearing.
Resident Steve Smith spoke in favor of the proposal and suggested that when purchased there be a requirement that it be put in conservation. David said this could be addressed in a purchase agreement. Dick Welsh spoke against the proposal, citing tax concerns. Sydnee explained that the land was already in current use so the tax impact would be negligible. The majority of residents in attendance supported the proposal.
Russell Perry moved to approve the expenditure of Conservation Commission funds for the specific purpose of conservation of the Sargent property in perpetuity, subject to Planning Board approval of a Lot Line Adjustment and on an agreeable purchase and sale agreement, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.
CITIZEN’S FORUM – Urgent matters only –
Marilyn Niles explained that summer camp has started but there is a deficit of $337.50 due to a 2009 expense that was overlooked. Since the budget is very tight, Chief Sheehan offered to have the Police Association make a donation. The Selectmen were very appreciative of the offer and will provide a thank you letter for the donation.
DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Road Manager – David Buxton was not able to attend but had contacted Stefanie Johnstone asking about flaggers for Highland Road. Flaggers can be hired at a cost of $22/hr and carry their own liability, Fire Department flaggers are $32/hr and under the town’s liability. Chief Sheehan explained that Highland is a busy road and needs an officer to enforce the laws. He highlighted a situation that previously occurred and emphasized that he personally doesn’t do details, but has provided the Selectmen with a list of town roads that would be best served by a detail officer. The Selectmen agreed to go with the agreements already in place. Stefanie Johnstone relayed that Dave is waiting for bid on the Kensington Place fire pond.
Steve Smith commented that from Lupo’s to the top of Moulton Ridge Road was to be ditched for drainage and patched. He requested that the Selectmen honor this commitment. Stefanie Johnstone will follow up on this.
Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan said he thought the festival was well done. Stefanie commented that cars during the road race were a concern as she thought the road was going to be closed. They will address this issue for next year.
Recreation Department – Stefanie Johnstone moved to appoint Heather Ritter to the Recreation Committee with an expiration date of 2013, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
Gravel Tax Warrant – Signed
Appointment – Trustee of the Trust Funds – Stefanie Johnstone moved to appoint Jim Webber as Trustee of the Trust Funds, effective July 16, 2010, with an expiration date of March 2011, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Vicki True will be resigning as of July 16, 2010. The Selectmen extended appreciation for all her hard work.
Grant Funds – Through the collaboration of all staff members, a grant of $820 (100%-no matching funds required) for new floor mats throughout the town hall has been received from Primex’s, the town’s WC insurer, under the Worker’s Comp Safety Improvement Fund. These are a much needed addition not only for staff safety, but residents as well.
FEMA – FEMA has requested a written statement on how contractors are chosen. The Selectmen agreed that during emergency situations contractors are chosen usually based on the existing business relationship, including the quality, integrity and cost of the work needed at the time. If time allows, bids are solicited for clean up/restoration projects. Stefanie Johnstone moved to have Richard Powers sign the letter when ready, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mosquito & Tick Policies – A statement from the state regarding testing of mosquitoes was reviewed. (Essentially limits the species and quantity of mosquitoes that they will test.) Stefanie Johnstone will contact Municipal Pest Management for a statement regarding dragging protocol.
Town Park – Applications - Stefanie will follow up on all:
· EYSA – An application was received but due to the fact that it’s for over 100 people it will need to be a special events permit.
· Legends – fees owed and three year proposal
· East Kingston Tournament
Town Hall – Church request for use of town hall August 1st, 8th and 15th – approved
· Demmons Service Contract – Town Counsel reviewed and approved except that annual renewals cannot be automatic. The cost of $2781 will need to be added to the budget. Russell Perry moved to accept the proposal, minus the automatic renewals, subject to Stefanie Johnstone negotiating the cost, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
· Web Site – Russell Perry has been looking into options for upgrading and has found the Virtual Town Hall works well for many communities. He said the basic setup is around $4k with an annual service charge of $2k to $3k. He would be willing to donate his Selectmen stipend to this. The Board agreed to invite a representative to the next meeting for an informational discussion. http://www.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/index
OTHER BUSINESS:
Rockingham Planning Commission – Circuit Rider Planner assistance renewal-Richard Powers moved to approve, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
Annual generator service – JGB Electric estimate – includes oil changing, spark plugs, cleaning and filter replacements. Richard Powers moved to approve, seconded by Russell Perry with all in favor.
MD&A – Management discussion and analysis – Reviewed data. Russell Perry will send the final version to Denise tomorrow.
Executive Session – RSA 91A:3, II(a) – Personnel & (e) Legal matter-Richard Powers moved to go into non-public session at 10:00 pm with Powers, Perry and Johnstone voting in favor. Three separate personnel matters were discussed with no votes taken. Julie Noyes participated in the first. The Board agreed to seek Town Counsel input. Stefanie Johnstone moved to end non-public session and return to regular session at 11:40 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with Powers, Perry and Johnstone voting in favor.
Next Meeting Date – July 26, 2010
Approval of June 21, 2010 Board minutes – Richard Powers moved to accept the minutes of June 21, 2010, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Bills were reviewed and approved.
Richard Powers moved to adjourn at 11:59 pm, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Gregson
Administrative Assistant