09/22/2025 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

September 22nd, 2025

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

Nonpublic for Reasons of Personnel (5:30-6:00) Chairwoman Strand opened the meeting at 5:30 and motioned to go into nonpublic according to RSA 91A for reasons of personnel.  Selectwoman Hibberd seconded and roll call followed.

Selectman Bruno motioned to change the contract to 24 months.  Selectwoman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor. 

Public Input- Rich Ubaldo asked the board to consider negotiating a new contract with NCES to expand the landfill, so the town does not have to build a transfer station explaining he believes the circumstances are different.  He also asked the board if Dig Safe had been contacted regarding the E911 markers.  Kay Allen went over the Visitor Center summer visitor data which included 235 August visitors with 81 of those from out of state.

Updates and other business- Selectwoman Hibberd noted the Master Plan survey closed and there were 20 respondents.  Selectwoman Hibberd also updated the board that she had attended the first GACIT hearing and there would be a hearing on 10/14 in Bethlehem.  Selectman Bruno updated the board that the library will be starting the pavilion project and Selectman MacDonald updated the board the Conservation Commission had finalized the industrial noise ordinance to present to the Planning Board.  Chairwoman Strand updated the board that they would be discussing the D4 Rubbish proposal during the 10/6 meeting and that the town received the 90-day contract with North Country Council’s consultant starting 10/1 to cover Planning and Zoning.  Selectman Bruno wanted to ensure resident satisfaction with the application process and suggested utilizing the survey.  Chris Jensen asked what credentials the contractor had and it was explained that the contractor is a Sr. Planner who contracts similarly for other towns.

Chairwoman Strand motioned to accept the professional services contract for the circuit writer.  Selectwoman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.   

Chairwoman Strand suggested the board send a letter to Senator Rochefort and Governor Ayotte to retain local control regarding the Pearl amendment and the board agreed.  Chairwoman Strand also congratulated Bruce Caplain for being nominated for the Northern Star award from the Franconia Chamber and thanked DOT for the newly installed crosswalk signs.

Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Agreement- Selectwoman Hibberd motioned to accept the scope of the project provided by June Garneau to complete the Hazardous Mitigation Plan update.  Selectman Bruno seconded and all were in favor. 

Food Pantry moving to Bethlehem Community Dinner- Chairwoman Strand updated the board that Bethlehem Community Dinner was interested in taking over the food pantry.  BCD is a 5013C and they would be serving as both fiscal agent and operator.  Selectman Bruno thanked BCD for their contributions to the community and thought the transition was a fantastic idea.

Selectman MacDonald motioned to have BCD take over as fiscal agent and manager of the Bethlehem food pantry.  Selectwoman Knowles seconded and all were in favor. 

79-E FAQ- The board discussed the 79 E FAQ document that Chairwoman Strand created and agreed to add that to the website.

Minutes 9/8- Selectwoman Hibberd motioned to accept the minutes from 9/8.  Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor.   

Chairwoman Strand made a motion to adjourn at 7:15. Selectman Bruno seconded, and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz

Town Administrator