07/14/2025 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

July 14th, 2025

In person – Chairwoman Strand, Select Woman Hibberd, Selectman Bruno, Selectman MacDonald, and Select Woman Knowles.

TCS- Transfer Station Bond/Loan 2026 Town Meeting- Chairwoman Strand opened the board discussion on the Transfer Station Committees recommendation to request a bond to fund the project noting it will guarantee the funds will be available for construction, the town must have a transfer station, avoids volatility and paying for the project over several years ensuring those who benefit the project will pay over time.  Barry Zitzer, Transfer Station Committee, explained that the committee would continue to assist seeking grant funding.  Barry Zitzer continued that the committee is aware that the town will also be planning for a Public Safety building and one question to ask is if the town would be able to combine the bond for the Transfer Station with a future project if it benefits the town.  Selectman Bruno agreed with the priorities of bonding the project and thanked the Transfer Station committee for their diligence in finding grant funding.  Selectman Bruno continued that the bond for the Profile School project would be paid off by 2027.  Frank Claffey, Treasurer, recommended all funding sources be considered.

Chairwoman Strand motions to direct the Town Administrator and Treasurer to seek loans or bonds for the Transfer Station project.  Select Woman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.

Visitor Center Roof- Chairwoman Strand introduced Steve Carter to update the board on the completion of the Visitor Center roof project.  Steve Carter informed the board that the project went great and his original estimate of resolving the issues for 10 years was conservative and he believes the building will be in good shape for another 25 years.  Selectman Bruno thanked Steve Carter and commented that the project was completed on time and on budget.  Clare Brown, Historical Society expressed her gratitude to the board for continuing to get the Visitor’s Center building repaired and Steve Carter for working with the team.

Skate Park RFP/Front Steps RFP/Transfer Station RFP- Chairwoman Strand introduced Nick Storella and Ed Shanshala to go over the two Skate Park proposals.  Nick Storella informed the board that he had reviewed the proposals and given the local experience of Artisan Nick would recommend moving forward with that proposal.

Selectman Bruno motioned to accept the Artisan skate park proposal for the new skate park for the max amount of $250,000.  Select Woman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor. 

Select Woman Hibberd motioned to accept the sand bid from JW Chipping Corp for $11 a yard contingent on the Road Agents approval.  Select Woman Knowles seconded and all were in favor. 

Minutes 6/16 and 6/30-  Selectman Bruno motioned to approve the amended minutes from 6/16. Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor. 

Updates and other business- Chairwoman Strand noted public comments on social media regarding the trash accumulated at a property in town and wanted to update that town was in communication with the property owner.  Chairwoman Strand updated the board that there had been a request for religious tax exemption for map 207 lot 16 and the assessor recommended denying the request because as of April 1^st the property wasn’t owned, used, and occupied.

Selectman Bruno, motioned to deny per the assessor’s recommendation the religious exemption for map 207 lot 16.  Select Woman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.

Chairwoman Strand updated the board that Washwick Insurance is donating a picnic table to the Historical Society for the park next to the Irving and the board was grateful for their donation.  Chairwoman Strand updated the board she had a call with National Fitness program regarding potential grant opportunities and Selectman Bruno agreed to partcipate.  Select Woman Hibberd updated the board that she met with Cheryl Jensen regarding the Noise Ordinance and they looked into different ways to better protect the town from Crypto currency including health, environmental, and possible code enforcement.  Selectman Bruno updated the board that he had talked to Laura Clerkin from the Library regarding their pavilion project and urged the library to reach out to the Planning Board regarding their project.  Select Woman Hibberd updated the board that the Planning Board had a subdivision request for the Bethlehem Country Club that has been denied until the prior agreement expires.  Mary Moritz updated the board that June Garneau is updating the Hazardous Mitigation Plan, and they are looking for a select board member and Selectman Bruno agreed to represent the select board.  Selectman Hibberd noted the more participants the broader information included in the plan.

Non-public Session per RSA 91A-3 II (personnel, reputation, and legal) Chairwoman Strand motioned to go into nonpublic per RSA 91A-3 II for reasons of personnel. Selectman Bruno seconded and roll call followed.

The board discussed personnel.

Chairwoman Strand made a motion to adjourn at 8:30. Selectman Bruno seconded, and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz

Town Administrator