07/28/2025 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

July 28th, 2025

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

TCS- Cassella proposal- Chairwoman Strand opened board discussion on the Cassella proposal noting three options were provided.  The first option was trash pick up and single stream recycling at an annual cost of $510,444 for weekly pick-up, $200 a ton for single stream processing, and $43,680 for both garbage and recycling containers.  The second option included weekly pick-up only at $417,636 and $21,840 for garbage containers and the third option was hauling from the transfer station to Mt. Carberry only $700 a trip with three container rentals at $360 a month.  Chairwoman Strand continued in addition the proposal is a three-year contract that would have an annual increase of 5% a 30 day notice to increase cost and an addition fuel fee.  Selectman Bruno thanked the TSC for their work to get the bid and noted the proposal is not sustainable.  Selectwoman Hibberd agreed.  Barry Zitzer noted the cost of curbside was prohibitive, but the town should continue to try and receive bids.  The board agreed to send a letter that the town would not be moving forward with the proposal but may seek hauling services in the future.

Selectman Bruno motioned to deny at this time the proposal submitted by Cassella.  Selectwoman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor. 

National Fitness Campaign- Chairwoman Strand updated the board about her meeting with Selectman Bruno and National Fitness Campaign about the possibility of adding fitness equipment by the skate park.  Chairwoman Strand explained that the cost was likely prohibitive even with grants but Bruce Caplain from Bike the North Country also was interested in investigating exercise equipment at a lower cost.

Traffic Calming Update- Bruce Caplain updated the board that he had been in contact with DOT regarding the Traffic Calming measures but his request had been stalled.  The board agreed that Bruce should send another request for an update and if it is still being stalled contact Executive Counselor Hill.

Winter and Inclement Weather Policy- Chairwoman Strand updated the board that the Winter and Inclement Weather Policy hadn’t been reviewed and signed in a long time.  Chairwoman Strand Continued the Road Agent has looked it over and doesn’t feel anything needs to be amended.

Chairwoman Strand motioned to readopt the Winter and Inclement Weather Policy.  Selectman Bruno seconded and all were in favor. 

Sherman Inn enforcement letter- Selectwoman Hibberd motioned to send the enforcement letter with seven business days to comply.  Selectwoman Knowles seconded and all were in favor. 

Bretzfelder Appointment for Kyle Winters- Chairwoman Strand motioned to appoint Kyle Winters to the Bretzfelder Committee. Selectwoman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor. 

Minutes 6/30 and 7/14- Selectwoman Hibberd motioned to approve the minutes from 6/30.  Selectwoman Knowles seconded and all were in favor. 

Selectwoman Hibberd motioned to approve the minutes from 7/14.  Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor. 

Updates and other business- Selectman Bruno updated the board that he and the Town Administrator met with Marc Morgan and John Cassella last week to discuss the closure plan that is scheduled for 2027.  Selectman Bruno continued that Mr. Cassella stated the company was still pursuing the Dalton landfill project and legislative changes to expand landfill operations and thanked Marc Morgan for community outreach efforts with the greenhouse.  Selectman Bruno updated the board that he had received an email from Stefan Shapiro from Bethlehem Elementary school who would like to add an orchard by the solar array.  The board agreed to contact Mr. Shapiro.  Chairwoman Strand complimented the Bethlehem Police Department and thanked them for everything they do.  Chairwoman Strand continued the board would be discussing RSA 79-E at the next select board meeting to decide if a warrant would be introduced at 2026 town meeting.

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 at 7:00. Selectman Bruno seconded and roll call followed.

The board discussed personnel.

Chairwoman Strand made a motion to adjourn at 8:00. Selectman Bruno seconded, and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz

Town Administrator