05/05/2025 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
May 5th, 2025
In person – Chairwoman Strand, Selectman Bruno, Selectman MacDonald, Select Woman Hibberd, and Select Woman Knowles.
Visitor’s Center Roof Project- Chairwoman Strand opened discussion on the proposal for the Visitor Center and Historical Society repair project. Selectman Bruno noted the proposal was detailed and thoroughly explained. Steve Carter, Bonnd Construction, explained that he spent a good amount of time investigating the project to ensure his proposal was accurate. Mr. Carter explained the work to the roof and foundation would not completely remedy the issues with the building however he is confident it will add significant time for the town to develop a long-term plan for the visitor’s center. Chairwoman Strand noted the roof portion of the project was estimated at $75,777 and the foundation work totaled $62,500 with additional work to the boiler room totaling $143,054. Select Woman Hibberd commented that the total project qualified to be appropriated from the $180,000 warrant article. Chairwoman Strand noted that the visitor’s center would be closed during construction and Mr. Carter responded that he would try and have the project completed before July 4th weekend. Bruce Caplain recommended not putting the money into the facility because it wouldn’t be a permanent solution. Selectman Bruno noted that the repair work would allow the town time to create a long term plan for the Visitor’s Center and Historical Society. Clare Brown, Historical Society, encouraged the board to move forward with the proposal. Ms. Brown continued that the Historical Society is at a pivotal point in a multi-year project that is critical for documenting Bethlehem’s history, and she is concerned if they are forced to stop and store all the material the project will not be completed. Ms. Brown also pointed out the Historical Society has had a recent resurgence in interest and volunteers and feels residents of Bethlehem would not have voted to appropriate the project if they didn’t believe it was important. Select Woman Hibberd noted the warrant article specifically stated that the $180,000 appropriated would not cover the full extent of the engineer report.
Select Woman Hibberd motioned to approve the bid to repair the Visitor’s Center. Selectman Bruno seconded and all were in favor.
Stella’s Dog- Selectman Bruno motioned to grant permission to Stella’s Dogs to have their cart located between the Visitor’s Center and Irving. Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor.
TSC RFP- Chairwoman Strand explained the TSC, specifically Barry Zitser, drafted an RFP for getting information on transporting municipal waste from the transfer station and potentially curb side pickup. The intent is to get information that will be beneficial before the final planning starts for the Transfer Station because it will help determine usage, traffic flow, and hours of operation. Selectman Bruno asked if the TSC considered partnering with NCES and utilizing their existing transfer station. Barry Zitser replied that the committee is still investigating options.
Chairwoman Strand motioned to approve the edited RFP for curbside pickup. Select Woman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.
To Do List Update- The board discussed the To-Do list and added: STR Ordinance completion date of 6/15, Light Ordinance enforcement procedure, and draft speeding ordinance.
Fire Department Capital Reserve Purchase- Selectman Bruno motioned to approve the quote for radios in the amount of $7125 to be paid from Fire Equipment capital reserve. Select Woman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.
Selectman Bruno motioned to accept the bid for the replacement air tanks in the amount of $22,500 to be paid for from the Fire Equipment capital reserve. Select Woman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.
Select Woman Hibberd motioned to approve the purchase of body armor in the amount of $795. Select Woman Knowles seconded and all were in favor.
Policy Review- The board reviewed the Copier and Notary Policy. Selectman Bruno recommended adding “when available” to the Notary Policy.
Selectman MacDonald motioned to approve the Copier Policy. Chairwoman Strand seconded and all were in favor.
Select Woman Hibberd motioned to approve the Notary Policy. Chairwoman Strand seconded and all were in favor.
Minutes 4/28- Selectman MacDonald motioned to approve the minutes from 4/28. Select Woman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor. Selectman Bruno abstained.
Updates and other business- Chairwoman Strand mentioned that the board is still working on a resolution for the STR implementation and it will be on a future agenda soon.
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 personnel. Selectman Bruno seconded and roll call followed.
The board discussed personnel.
Chairwoman Strand made a motion to adjourn at 7:00. Selectman Bruno seconded, and all were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Moritz
Town Administrator