01/26/2026 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

January 26th, 2026

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

Public Input- Chris McGrath about the rate increase for Community Power.  Selectman Bruno explained the increase had been discussed at a recent Select Board meeting.

Updates and Other Board Business- Chairwoman Strand noted the annual report cover had to be decided.  Selectwoman Hibberd recommended Dave Wiley who recently died because of his service as a Planning Board member and Fire Department.  Selectman Bruno agreed.  Chris Jensen recommended Community Dinners.

Selectwoman Hibberd motioned to nominate Dave Wiley for the 2025 annual report cover.  Selectman Bruno seconded and all were in favor.

Selectman Bruno motioned to nominate Community Dinners for special appreciation.  Selectwoman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor. 

Chairwoman Strand motioned to reappoint KP Petersen, Colin Lunetta, and Wendy Aldrich Jordan for a 3-year term and Rachelle Lyons to a two-year term on the Conservation Commission.  Selectwoman Hibberd seconds and all were in favor. 

New Cruiser- Chairwoman Strand motioned to approve up to $45,248 for a new cruiser depending on availability.  Selectwoman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.

Snack Shack Project- Rec Director, Abbie Sawyer, addressed some of the concerns over the cost of the snack shack.  Crystal Gilman asked why the structure needed drywall and insulation.  Ms. Swayer replied the contractor used the existing building as a reference to what the new building should include.  Jason Mooney offered to organize volunteers with Sean Gawlick to build the new Snack Shack at cost of materials.  The board agreed to investigate volunteers as a solution and thanked Mr. Mooney and Mr. Gawlick for their generosity.

Abatement- Chairwoman Strand motioned to approve the abatement for 410-01-003 in the amount $3,382.91.  Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor.

Tech Capital Reserve- Chairwoman Strand motioned to approve $12,000 from the tech capital reserve to pay for the new municipal software.  Selectwoman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.

Meeting Schedule- The board discussed the future meeting schedule and decided: 2/9, 2/23, 3/9, and 3/16.

Minutes 1/12 and 1/19- Selectman MacDonald motioned to accept the minutes from 1/12 and 1/19.  Selectwoman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz