05/19/2025 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

May 19th, 2025

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

Fire Department Capital Reserve Purchase- John Galloway, Fire Chief, updated the board that he was requesting the purchase of the Bethlehem Village Utility Truck for the fire department.  Selectman Bruno noted the Fire Department has been without a utility truck and it has been previously identified.  Chief Galloway noted having a town vehicle is not only necessary for insurance coverage purposes it is also part of our mutual aid agreement.  Dick Robie mentioned having the vehicle inspected before committing. Chairwoman Strand updated the board that the CIP committee had reviewed the purchase requests from the Fire Department and was in favor of purchasing both the utility truck and the power lift for the ambulance.

Selectman Bruno motioned to purchase the utility truck from the Bethlehem Village Department for the Fire Department from the Fire Truck capital reserve.  Select Woman Knowles seconded and all were in favor. 

Chief Galloway informed the board that he had investigated purchasing a power lift for the ambulance because it would be safer for patients and ambulance personnel.  He continued the lift would be transferable to the new ambulance when it would be necessary to replace.

Chairwoman Strand motioned to approve the purchase of the powerlift for the ambulance from the Fire Equipment capital reserve and the purchase should not exceed $37,000.  Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor. 

CIP By-laws- Selectman Bruno shared his appreciation for the work the CIP committee has done. Chairwoman Strand noted the work conducted in 2024 was capturing current assets and the current work is planning for the future.

Selectman MacDonald motioned to approve the By-Laws for the CIP committee.  Select Woman Knowles seconded and all were in favor. 

Policy Review-Credit Card- The board discussed the CC policy.  Selectman Bruno recommended adding a provision that the Finance Administrator has the authority to deny approval for an expense if the expense was not properly submitted with documentation.  The board agreed.

Chairwoman Strand motioned to approve the credit card policy with Selectman Bruno’s recommendation. Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor.

RSA 79 E- Chairman Strand opened discussion on the possibility of adopting tax incentive 79-E stating the current discussion was to decide if the board as interested in getting more information and deciding to pursue for 2026 town meeting.  Chairman Strand continued she felt the benefit to adopting 79-E could be adding housing and encouraging development.  Selectman Bruno agreed that it was worth investigating the potential benefits of 79-E but was concerned about the potential loss of tax revenue. Rich Southwell stated adopting 79-E could encourage deferred tax revenue for developers and the town would need to adopt a system to implement. Select Woman Knowles stated the tax incentive allows for local control and the board would be authorized to create a criterion that would benefit Bethlehem’s need.  Selectman Bruno agreed that it was worth investigating including which districts to implement.  Chris McGrath asked if new construction would be eligible and that would be determined if the incentive was adopted. The board decided to reach out to other communities to inquire on how they adopted 79-E and if they had any issues. The board agreed it was worth continuing to investigate.

Chairwoman Strand motioned to continue to research adopting 79-E.  Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor. 

Minutes 5/5- Chairwoman Strand motioned to approve the minutes from May 5^th.

Updates and other business- Chryl Jensen, Conservation Commission, updated the board the HB 639 was not passed by the senate.  Ms. Jensen said the next step would be for the Conservation Commission to work with the Planning Board to ensure our ordinances would help protect Bethlehem if in the future HB 639 passes.

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 8:00. Selectman Bruno seconded, and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz

Town Administrator