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Kensington officials report officer injuries and winter maintenance squeeze after heavy snowfall
Summary
Police reported three officer falls on black ice with two injuries and one transport; the road manager said the recent storm produced ~20 inches of snow and that 70% of the winter maintenance budget is spent amid a regional salt shortage requiring an emergency purchase of 68 tons at $73.90/ton.
Kensington officials reported public-safety and winter-maintenance impacts from recent severe weather at the Board of Selectmen meeting on Feb. 2.
Police: Chief Scott Cain told the Board that three officers fell in the police parking area during the week, with two sustaining injuries and one head injury requiring transport to Exeter Hospital. He said black ice near where cruisers idle appeared to be a factor and that the department is exploring mitigations including covered parking, surface repairs, re-parking plans and increased camera coverage.
Road maintenance: Road Manager Matt Armstrong reported roughly 20 inches of snow in about 24 hours from the last storm and significant post-storm cleanup. He said the town faced a statewide salt shortage: contracted supplier Morton could not deliver for about a month, prompting purchase of 68 tons from Eastern Minerals (Granite State) at $73.90 per ton to restock the shed; additional Morton shipments were reportedly unloading at Portsmouth. Armstrong estimated the winter-maintenance budget was roughly 70% spent to date.
Fire/EOC: Fire Chief Jeff DiBartolomeo reported no departmental issues and announced a tabletop/drill scheduled for Feb. 4 (8 a.m. to roughly noon/1 p.m.), asking for Select Board presence; Selectman Michael Schwotzer volunteered.
Why it matters: the combination of staff injuries, heavy snowfall and supply-chain constraints on road salt has operational and budgetary implications for public safety and winter services.
Next steps: officials will evaluate mitigation options for parking and cruiser safety, continue to manage salt procurement and monitor winter budget impacts; the EOC tabletop exercise is scheduled for Feb. 4.
