03/16/2026 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

March 16th, 2026

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

Chairwoman Strand opened the meeting at 6:00 and read the following statement:

In our last meeting, there were concerns raised about the Select Board being “mowed over” by Mary Moritz, our Town Administrator. Mike responded well and I agree with his response, however at that time I did not want to continue the discussion any further than we had to.

However, my statement here is a response to that allegation.

As a Select Board, we rely on Mary’s knowledge often. She’s an invaluable source of information on town and state regulations, especially those governing Select Board business. As chair this past year, I’ve often asked her to explain an issue in a SB meeting, or add to what’s already been said, or to answer a question. This is for the benefit of everyone, getting the correct information out to the public.

The very nature of Mary’s job means that she knows a lot more about many aspects of town business than we do as SB members. We don’t often get into the everyday details of the dozens of tasks and projects that she juggles. However, one of her jobs is an administrator to the Select Board. She is always available to any of us if we have questions or concerns. When we have non-public discussions, or even in my one-on-one discussions with her, she presents the facts, often covering multiple views on an issue, and frequently says “It’s up to you – the SB – to make a decision.”

Mary is her own biggest critic and always cares about the customer service aspect of her work. I have witnessed many times when being in her office that we’re interrupted by a resident with a concern that she needed to address. She’s always happy to do so and makes this a high priority part of her job. We are lucky to have her.

I have never felt she overstepped and I wish I had responded in this way to the concern that was raised.

Finally, I don’t believe social media is the place to air grievances if you want to actually resolve something. I do invite anyone with concerns to come to public input at the SB meetings, or if you don’t like public exposure, reach out through email, or leave a message for any of us in the Town Office. Whatever your concern, we will do our best to respond – publicly or privately – and if needed, offer to meet for more information. Your input is welcome and important.

Public Input- Jason Mooney updated the board that he had met with Selectwoman Knowles and Rec Director Abbie Sawyer to adapt the snack shack plan and rehab the building rather than rebuild.  Sean Gawlick and Jason Mooney continued they estimate the rehab project around $1,000 and that would include a new roof and removing the wasp issue.  The board thanked Jason and Sean for their flexibility and efforts to rectify the snack shack.

Nominate a Board Chair- Chairwoman Strand nominated Selectman Bruno Chair.  Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor. 

Selectwoman Hibberd nominated Selectwoman Knowles Vice Chair.  Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor. 

Liaison- The board discussed liaisons and the completed Liaison list is Appendix A.

Select Board Procedures-The board discussed Select Board procedures, and it is Appendix B.

To-Do list- The board discussed the To-Do list and removed the 30% solar tax rebate because it is completed and added reviewing Master Plan goals, Granite State Ambassadors under Economic Development, and 79-E.  The revised To-Do list is Appendix C.

Updates and Other Business- Bruce Caplain, Bike the North Country, requested permission to add a gear shed at the Elm Street Ball fields.

Chairman Bruno motioned to approve adding a gear shed at the Elm Street Ball fields contingent on seeking input from Brett Jackson, Road Agent, and Abbie Sawyer, Rec Director.  Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor.

The board has decided on the following dates for future meetings: 3/23, 4/6, and 4/20.

Chairman Bruno motioned to adjourn at 7:30. Selectman MacDonald seconded, and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz