09/08/2025

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

September 8th, 2025

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

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.

Chairwoman Strand motioned to approve Dawn Ferringo for a 90-day trial for the new remote Welfare Director with a $1,200 monthly stipend and the creation of the Deputy Welfare Director.  Selectman MacDonald seconded and the vote carried 4-1. 

Selectman Bruno did not agree with the position being remote.

Chairwoman Strand thanked the Fire Department for their recent quick and efficient response at a neighbor’s house and thanked taxpayers for the new fire truck that arrived.  Chairwoman Strand continued that for a reimbursement of the new ballot counting machine the board needs to vote to purchase and use the counting machine.

Chairwoman Strand motioned that the Bethlehem Select Board, in accordance with the provisions of RSA 656:40, vote to authorize the purchase and use of an electronic ballot counting device approved by the ballot law commission for the purpose of counting ballots at local, state, and federal elections held in the Town of Bethlehem.  Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor. 

Chairwoman Strand updated the board that Hazardous material day at NCES was being held on 9/13 and NCES would be having an open house on 9/20.

Selectwoman Knowles updated the board that the Rec Department had the first annual golf tournament on 8/18, and it made over $6,500.  Selectwoman Knowles continued Brittney Emmons, Rec Parent Coordinator, was especially helpful and we are grateful for everything she does for the rec department.

E911 Markers – Chairwoman Strand updated the board that installation of the E911 markers hasn’t been fully funded however we are only an estimated 50% done with the installation.  Selectman Bruno recommended setting the pay rate for the installation at $15 rather than the hourly rate for the fire department members.  Rich Ubaldo asked the board to consider an alternative installation metyhod to paying personnel for installation.  Chief Galloway said he would have the E911 markers available in his office for residents to pick up and install on their own.

Budget Schedule- The board agreed to start the budget discussions on 11/3, 1/10, and 11/17 and have Chief Dube present his budget on 10/27.

Minutes 8/25/2025- Selectman MacDonald motioned to approve the minutes from 8/25.  Chairwoman Strand seconded and all were in favor. 

Rich Ubaldo asked the board if they were aware of the Grafton County Court House project.

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 7:15. Selectman Bruno seconded and roll call followed.

The board discussed reputation.  Selectwoman Hibberd motioned to get a draft repurchasing agreement for 200 River Road at $850 a month for 24 months.  Chairwoman Strand seconded and all were in favor.

Chairwoman Strand made a motion to adjourn at 7:00. Selectman Bruno seconded, and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz

Town Administrator