04/14/2025 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

April 14th, 2025

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

Public Hearing to accept unanticipated funds for the skate park- Chairwoman Strand opened the public hearing for the skate park at 6:00 and read the hearing notice.

“The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing Monday, April 14, 2025, at 6:00pm, during the regularly scheduled Select Board meeting in the Town Building Meeting Room, 2155 Main St., Bethlehem, NH to accept unanticipated funds from the Tillotson Fund in the amount of $50,000 to be added to the Bethlehem Skate Park fund”.

Chairwoman Strand introduced Ed Shanshala and Nick Storella from the Skate Park Committee.  Ed Shanshala updated the board that they have been working with a skate park designer, and they would like to break ground 2025.  To date the committee has raised over $250,000 from private donations and the HUD Federal grant.  Derek Brown, Bethlehem Village Department, explained the village scoped the sewer line and marked where they should not build. Nick Storella said he noted the markings, and that area will not be built on the identified location.

Selectman Bruno motioned to accept the unanticipated funds from the Tillitson Fund for the skate park. Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor.

Chairwoman Strand closed the public hearing at 6:17 and thanked Mr. Shanshala and Mr. Storella for their efforts.

Angela McShane- Safe Routes to School update Tri-town agreement- Chairwoman Strand introduced Angela McShane to discuss the Safe Routes to School project. Ms. McShane gave a brief history of how this project came about including her background as a Profile Physical Education teacher.  Ms. McShane continued she saw an opportunity to increase the pedestrian trail system in the area and applied for a grant to fund the project.  Ms. McShane updated the board that she was seeking the town to enter into the Tri Town agreement with Franconia and Sugar Hill. Selectman Bruno stated he felt the project benefited the trails association more than a safe route for kids to travel to school and requested the project go before the Planning Board.  Bruce Caplain agreed the project would be discussed at a Planning Board meeting.  Mr. Caplain continued that they have been working with Wright and Pierce and the scope of the project has changed from construction to only the engineering work and trail design including ensuring that the trail is ADA compliant. Selectman Bruno suggested the sponsor co-sponsor agreement remove any language that stated construction because the scope did not include construction.  Ms. McShane agreed.

Bethlehem Events- Sean Gawlick- Chairwoman Strand introduced Sean Gawlick from Bethlehem Events.  Mr. Gawlick explained there has been a leadership change on the Bethlehem Events Board and they continue to be dedicated to Christmas in Bethlehem, Summerfest, and adding events such as a box car derby and a youth entrepreneurial fair.  Mr. Gawlick asked the board for continued support including storage.  The board agreed to ask Brett Jackson if the empty storage facility could be brought to the parking lot and thanked Mr. Gawlick and Bethlehem Events for everything they did.

Chairwoman Strand motioned to approve Bethlehem Events the use of a stage facility on town property to hold Christmas in Bethlehem supplies contingent on Brett Jackson’s approval. Select Woman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor. 

Civil Standby Policy- Chairwoman Strand stated that a resident had asked the board to consider adding a Civil Standby policy if the town did not have one. Chairwoman Strand continued that Police Chief Dube researched civil standby policy’s and recommended not adding one based on a single event rather for the department to continue to receive the appropriate training regarding the civil standby processes.  Selectman Bruno stated he was in law enforcement and typically civil standby policies are in reference to domestic violence and under the purview of the county sherif’s office. Martie Cook stated that civil standby can also be regarding landlord tenant situations and giving consent to enter the premise. Ms. Cook thanked the board for their consideration.

To-Do list update- The board discussed the previously drafted to-do list and removed the following items as completed or no longer a board priority:

Agricultural Commission, Addiction Committee, Food Truck/Peddlers License, Community Power, new clothing bin, procurement policy, attraction sign, drone ordinance, purchase request form, FEMA grant for fire truck.

The board reinstated the Public Safety Committee and will continue to revise the to-do list.

Ordinance Fine- Chairwoman Strand opened discussion on the ordinance fine explaining that Chief Dube will be creating a ticket for the police department to administer.  Chief Dube recommends that the board consider the civil penalty fine at $100 and subsequent fines at $250.

Select Woman Hibberd motioned to approve Chief Dube’s suggested ordinance fine. Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor. 

Traffic Calming update- Bruce Caplain updated the board that he has been in touch with DOT and has requested the traffic calming measures be implemented including the rumble strips, gate way signs, and pedestrian cross walk signs.

Policy Review- Chairwoman Strand suggested moving the board discussion on the ethic’s policy to the next meeting and the board agreed.

Cemetery Trustees- appoint Steve Allen as an alternate- Selectman Bruno motioned to appoint Steve Alan as a Cemetery Trustee Alternate. Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor.

Minutes 3/10 and 3/31– Select Woman Hibberd motioned to accept the minutes from 3/10.  Chairwoman Strand seconded and all were in favor.

Selectman MacDonald motioned to accept the minutes from 3/31.  Select Woman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.

Updates and other business- Selectman Bruno, asked for an update on the visitor center  roof.  Mary Moritz, Town Administrator, explained she had tried to contact SPB Builders and has a meeting with another contractor scheduled.  Selectman Bruno welcomed Officer Redmond to the Bethlehem PD.

Select Woman Hibberd motioned to approve the abatement for map 415-108 because it is town owned.  Selectman Bruno seconded and all were in favor. 

Select Woman Hibberd updated the board that the legislative session has been incredibly busy and controversial this session.  She will be contacting NHMA to find out how to be most impactful.  Select Woman Hibberd also updated the board on the recent planning board meeting.

Non-public Session per RSA 91A-3 II (personnel, reputation, and legal) Chairwoman Strand motioned to go into nonpublic per RSA 91A-3 II for reasons of reputation, and Legal. Selectman Bruno seconded and roll call followed.

The board discussed a personnel issue and legal.

Select Woman Hibberd made a motion to abate Rambling Woods lot 21 contingent on a signed agreement with the town stating the town will not be charged the rental fee on taxes deeded properties within the Rambling Woods Coop. Chairwoman Strand seconded and all were in favor.

Chairwoman Strand made a motion to adjourn at 9:00. Selectman Bruno seconded, and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz

Town Administrator