01/19/2026 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

January 19th, 2026

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

Public Input (6:00)- Chris McGrath asked the board to consider adopting a policy that all town vehicles labeled as such within 30 days and consider purchasing a commuter vehicle for the PD.  Selectman Bruno, noted Chief Dube, has been looking for additional companies to brand the vehicles.

David Van Houten asked the board to consider requesting funds from the recent NCES settlement that was awarded in the amount of $1.9 million.  The board agreed to send a letter to DES Commissioner Scott.  Rich Southwell recommended asking if the settlement restricted the town’s ability to pursue future legal action against any of the cited violations and note the recent NCES annual report included their concern with attaining adequate insurance.  Rich Ubaldo suggested using some of the money from the NCES award if Bethlehem receives it for the town closed landfill and PFAS remediation.

Chairwoman Strand motioned to send a letter to Commissioner Scott to address the NCES settlement and ask for the award to designated to Bethlehem. Selectwoman Hibberd seconded and al were in favor. 

Budget Hearing Continued- Chairwoman Strand reopened the budget hearing and the board discussed the Noise Ordinance.  Cheryl Jensen explained that the Conservation Commission was trying to introduce a noise ordinance that would protect the residents of Bethlehem.  Rich Ubaldo asked if it would impact existing businesses because the definition of commercial includes restaurants and Selectwoman Hibberd explained that existing businesses would be exempt unless they came before the planning board again for a major project.  Chairwoman Strand noted article 9 zoning ordinance 8 would reintroduce impact fees.  Selectman Bruno stated that the town had impact fees, but they were removed from the zoning ordinances.  Selectman Bruno continued that he believes it is a good tool for the planning board to protect the town.  Chris McGrath noted he agreed with the impact fees, and it would not impact single residential projects only large subdivisions.

Selectwoman Hibberd motioned to recommend warrant article 9.  Selectwoman Knowles seconded and all were in favor. 

Cheryl Jensen asked the board to approve the information mailer on the noise ordinance that the Conservation Commission drafted.  Selectwoman Hibberd suggested changing from recommended to support.

Chairwoman Strand discussed the town’s capital reserves and funds, including police cruisers, fire trucks, and other equipment. She explained that the insurance claim for a damaged police cruiser only covered $14,000, not the full replacement cost, so the town still needs $35,000 for a new cruiser. Chairwoman Strand also highlighted the need to replace a fire truck and discussed several other capital reserve funds that require additional funding. She noted that the town is considering creating a new Ambulance Revolving Fund to help pay for ambulance-related expenses. Finally, Chairwoman Strand explained that a warrant article to combine the town clerk and tax collector positions into one role would help the town avoid potential costs and complications if a state bill passes requiring separate positions. The board discussed adopting the tax incentive RSA 79-E all agreeing it was good to move forward.

Selectman Bruno motioned to recommend articles 10 through 29. Selectwoman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.

Chairwoman Strand motioned not to recommend petition warrant articles 30 through 36. Selectwoman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.

Updates and Other Board Business- Chairwoman Strand updated the board that the Skate park would be constructed this summer.

Transfer Station RFP- The board discussed the RFP for a transfer station project. Martie Cook raised concerns about fire suppression systems, which Barry Zitzer confirmed were not specified in the RFP, though he noted the presence of a water system. The board also discussed the need for a project manager to oversee construction, with Barry Zitzer suggesting a part-time manager to be hired after selecting a bidder.

Snack Shack Project- The board discussed a proposal for constructing a 16×12 snack shack, with concerns raised about the high cost and limited usage period. They decided to discuss further, exploring alternative options such as demolition by the fire department and potentially using a concession trailer for multiple seasons. The board also agreed to consider cheaper alternatives for storage.

Chairwoman Strand made a motion to adjourn at 800. Selectman MacDonald seconded, and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz