08/21/2025 CC Minutes

Bethlehem Conservation Commission Minutes

August 21, 2025

Bethlehem Public Library

Minutes by Chris Jensen

 

Present: Cheryl Jensen, Joanne Jones, Rachelle Lyons, KP Petersen, Colin Lunetta. Alternate: Chris Jensen

 

Absent: Veronica Morris, Wendy Aldrich Jordan, Ivan Ash (alternate).

 

The meeting began at 5:03 p.m.

 

Ms. Jensen appointed Mr. Jensen as a voting member.

 

Welcome
The commission welcomed Ms. Petersen as a full, voting member.

 

Minutes

Ms. Lyons made a motion to accept the July 17^th minutes. The motion was seconded by Ms. Petersen and passed unanimously.

Ms. Jones made a motion to accept the July 31^st minutes. It was seconded by Ms. Lyons and unanimously passed.

 

Treasurer’s Report

Ms. Jensen made a motion to appoint Ms. Jones as treasurer. The motion was seconded by Ms. Petersen and unanimously passed.

 

Ms. Jones reported that the checking/appropriations account has $254.92 and the savings account had $14,480 and thirty-three cents. There are no outstanding bills, she said.

 

Meeting Wrangler

Ms. Petersen said she would take over the job of arranging meeting locations and times, a job previously held by the treasurer.

 

 

 

Sustainability Working Group

Ms. Lyons said she has had trouble matching her work schedule with meetings of the working group, if anyone else wants to take over as a liaison.

 

Liaison Ammonoosuc Riverlands Property

Ms. Jensen announced that Ms. Jones has agreed to represent the commission in its dealings with the Ammonoosuc Riverlands Property.

 

Commercial/Industrial Noise Regulations

There was a discussion about the wording and intent and creating regulations that are fair and still effective. Topics included the noise levels, intermittent noise and the overall need to protect residents’ health and quality of life.

 

It was also noted that there will be no need for the town to purchase any equipment or have employees undergo training. Should enforcement become an issue, a consultant could be hired – possibly at the expense of the business.

 

The commission favored specifications including a lower decibel limit at night and regulating daytime noise.

 

Ms. Jensen said at the next meeting the commission should expect more details and information from Mr. Les Blomberg, the noise-pollution consultant.

 

Town Forest Signs

Ms. Jones said 50 no-hunting signs that meet the commission’s goals and regulatory requirements will cost $197. Ms. Jensen made a motion to purchase the signs. The motion was seconded by Mr. Jensen and unanimously approved.

 

Ms. Jones also provided an update on her visits to the forest, including noting patches of Japanese Knotweed. There was also a discussion about commission members visiting the town forest.

 

 

 

Natural Resources Inventory Update

Ms. Lyons said electronic copies have been sent to the previously designated parties, including the North Country Council.

Adjournment

Mr. Jensen made a motion to adjourn. It was seconded by Ms. Jones and unanimously passed.

 

The meeting ended at 6:20 p.m.