02/09/2026 SB Minutes
TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
2155 Main Street
Bethlehem, NH 03574
Bethlehem Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
February 9th, 2026
In person – Selectman Bruno, Selectman MacDonald, and Selectwoman Knowles. Chairwoman Strand and Selectwoman Hibberd attended remotely.
Chairwoman Strand motioned to open the meeting at 5:30 and go into nonpublic per RSA 91-A for reasons of reputation and personnel. Selectman Bruno seconded and roll call followed.
Nonpublic- Selectwoman Hibberd motioned to change the stipend time from 12 hours to 10. Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor.
Updates- Selectman Bruno thanked Rich Southwell for representing Bethlehem at the public hearings on SB 536 and SB 593. Selectman Bruno also updated the board that there was a recent article that ranked Bethlehem 1st in the state for retirement communities and 12th overall. Chairwoman Strand updated the board that she attended the recent Energy Commission meeting where they discussed the 2024 solar savings for the Village Department which had a reduction from $33,000 to $15,000 for 2025. Chairwoman Strand continued she would like to contact the town of Dalton to see if there would be a possibility of collaborating when our transfer station is built.
Selectman Bruno motioned to have Chairwoman Strand speak to the Dalton Select Board regarding recycling efforts and collaborating. Selectwoman Knowles seconded and all were in favor.
Bethlehem Events- Sean Gawlick notified the board that he has been in touch with Chief Dube regarding plans for road closures for next summer’s events. Mr. Gawlick continued Bethlehem Events does not have the funding to hire Police details however they are willing to have training for their volunteers to do traffic control. Selectman Bruno noted he had met Chief Dube and Mr. Gawlick and one of the concerns Chief Dube had was regarding crowd safety and traffic control. Mr. Gawlick responded that Bethlehem Events works on having successful events for the town and they take safety into consideration. Selectman Bruno asked if the gazebo was too small location for the larger concerts and Mr. Gawlick responded he believes it is sufficient with planning. Selectwoman Hibberd recommended adding the cost of the Police detail to the warrant article for the concerts. Allegra Wright raised concern about closing Prospect Street for people who park and watch from their vehicle. Selectman Bruno recommended having a meeting with Chief Dube and Sean Gawlick to go over the logistics for next summer’s events.
Snack Shack Project- Jason Mooney and Sean Gawlick presented the plan for the snack shack project noting the estimated cost of the building is roughly $8,400. Jason Mooney noted he is working on getting donations for material and On the Fly Electrical has donated the electrical work. Selectwoman Knowles updated the board with the meeting she and Abbie Sawyer, Rec Director, had with Mr. Mooney and Mr. Gawlick. Mr. Mooney confirmed the project would be completed by the deadline.
Selectwoman Knowles motioned to work with Sean Gawlick and Jason Moddey who are volunteering their time to construct the new snack shack by May 4th. Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor.
Candidates Night- Selectman Bruno suggested having the candidate’s night immediately flowing the select board meeting on February 23rd. The board agreed.
Legislative Update- Rich Southwell updated the board that he attended the hearings on SB 536 and SB 593. Mr. Southwell explained SB 536, Senator Rochefort sponsored bill, proposes a site evaluation committee to help determine landfill applications instead of sole on NHDES. Andrea Bryant noted Mike Wimsatt, NHDDES Waste Management Division, spoke in favor of adding an SEC to help determine landfill applications. Mr. Southwell then gave an overview of SB 593 and thanked NCABC for their efforts. Chairwoman Strand thanked Mr. Southwell and wanted to state publicly that she found Senator Arvard rude. Andrea Bryant also noted Amy Manzelli, Attorney for NCABC, commented that she felt SB 593 was unconstitutional. Cheryl Jensen HB 1691 which changes current use and she is unclear how it could impact the town. Selectman Bruno asked if the Conservation Commission wrote a letter and Mrs. Jensen confirmed they had.
Selectman Bruno updated the board that there was abatement for a property that had a fire and the assessor was recommending approving the abatement.
Selectman Bruno motioned to abate 206-043 in the amount $918.17 as a result of fire damage. Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor.
Selectman Bruno made a motion to adjourn at 7:30. Selectman MacDonald seconded, and all were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Moritz