05/18/2026 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

May 18th, 2026

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

Selectwoman Knowles opened the meeting at 5:30 and motioned to go into Nonpublic for reasons of Reputation.  Selectman MacDonald seconded and roll call followed.

The board discussed a resident request.

Selectwoman Knowles motioned to come out of Nonpublic at 6:00.  Selectman MacDonald seconded and roll call followed.

Agassiz Trail Association- Johnny Stevenson- Johnny Stevens updated the board that Mt. Agassiz Trail association had to revise their plan for the trail they are requesting use of town property for.  Mr. Stevens continued that the revised location will be Pond View Road and they have already sought permission from the road agent and he had no objections.

Selectwoman Strand motioned to give Mt. Agassiz Trails Association permission to use Pond View Road for snow mobile access. Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor.

Raffle Permit Policy- Raffle Application Bethlehem Emergency Services- The board discussed the proposed Raffle Ticket policy to ensure the town was in line with New Hampshire laws.

Selectwoman Hibberd motioned to approve the Raffle Ticket policy and authorize the Town Administrator approving authority.  Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor.

HB 707- Selectwoman Knowles gave the following statement

The Bethlehem Select Board supports the amended HB 707 because it creates a more comprehensive review process for major solid waste disposal facility proposals by allowing consideration of impacts beyond the traditional environmental permitting review conducted by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES). The amended legislation specifically allows evaluation of broader regional and community impacts such as property values, tourism, traffic, noise, odor, recreation, aesthetics, economic impacts, and overall public interest considerations.

 

The Select Board also supports the legislation because the Site Evaluation Committee (SEC) model has historically worked well in New Hampshire for the siting of major utility infrastructure projects, including the Northern Pass review process, by creating a transparent forum that balances statewide needs with local and regional concerns.

In addition, the Select Board recognizes that the amended HB 707 does not invalidate or alter existing host community agreements or contracts currently in place between the Town of Bethlehem and Casella. Instead, the bill establishes an additional state-level review framework for future major solid waste disposal facility proposals while maintaining existing contractual relationships.

We would like to especially thank NCABC for their continued support and advocacy on behalf of Bethlehem.  In addition, we would like to thank Senator Rochefort for his efforts in protecting the interests of our town and Governor Ayotte for her leadership in moving this legislation forward.  Last, we would like to express our gratitude to Senator Pearl for his willingness to address our concerns over the original language of HB 707.  We are optimist that this legislation will move into law at the betterment of the entire state. 

The board also thanked Rich Southwell for going to Concord on behalf of Bethlehem in opposition for the original language of the bill.

Letter of Intent- Town Building EMC, Inc- The board discussed EMC, Inc letter of intent with the town to create a plan to complete the necessary repairs to the town building.  Selectwoman Strand noted EMC’s reputation for thorough work.  Cheryl Jensen asked if the project started at Bethlehem Elementary School and Selectwoman Strand replied it had.

Selectwoman Knowles motioned to accept the letter of intent to EMC, Inc. Selectwoman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.

Minutes 5/4 and 5/11- Selectwoman Strand motioned to accept the minutes from 5/4 and 5/11.  Selectwoman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.

Updates and Other Business- Selectwoman Strand reminded the board that Bethlehem on Main will be taking place on June 6^th. Selectwoman Hibberd announced that Bethlehem has a new Fire Chief Joe Wood who would be starting on June 1^st. Selectwoman Knowles thanked Sean Gawlick and Jason Mooney for their efforts replacing the dug out at the ball fields. Selectwoman Knowles continued there would be a round table discussion on June 12^th from 10:00-12:00 in the third-floor meeting room.

Selectwoman Knowles motioned to go into Nonpublic for reasons of Reputation.  Selectman MacDonald seconded and roll call followed.

The board discussed a resident request.

Selectwoman Hibberd motioned to adjourn at 7:00. Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz