10/06/2025 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

October 6th, 2025

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

Nonpublic for Reasons of Personnel (5:30-6:00) Chairwoman Strand opened the meeting at 5:30 and motioned to go into nonpublic according to RSA 91A for reasons of personnel.  Selectwoman Hibberd seconded and roll call followed.

Public Hearing for Rambling Woods 6:00- Chairwoman Strand opened the public hearing and read the notice:

The Bethlehem Board of Selectmen will hold three consecutive Public Hearings on Monday, October 6 2025, at 6:00pm at the Town Offices, 2155 Main Street PO Box 189 Bethlehem, NH 03574 Office: (603) 869-3351, ext. 101  Community Development Block Grant funds are available to municipalities through the NH Community Development Finance Authority. Up to $500,000 annually is available for economic development projects; up to $500,000 for public facility and housing projects; up to $350,000 in emergency grants; and up to $25,000 is available for each planning grant. All projects must primarily benefit low and moderate income persons.  The subjects of the public hearings are as follows:

A proposed application to the Community Development Finance Authority for up to $25,000 in CDBG Planning Study Grant funds will be sub granted to Rambling Woods Cooperative for the purpose of an inspection and evaluation of the resident-owned community’s infrastructure, including drinking water distribution, sewer, electrical and services, and roadways and storm drainage.

 

The Town’s Housing and Community Development Plan.

The Anti displacement and Relocation Plan for the proposed CDBG project.

Provisions for persons with special needs can be made by contacting the Selectmen’s Office, via telephone (869-3351, ext. 10) or mail, at least five days prior to the public hearings.

Chairwoman Strand asked if there were any public comments or questions about the project and it was explained that Rambling Woods was applying for a planning grant, and the town would be the fiscal agent.

Chairwoman Strand motioned to readopt Bethlehem’s Housing and Community Development Plan and Anti Displacement and Relocation Plan.  Selectman Bruno seconded and all were in favor. 

DOT update-Bruce Caplain- Bruce Caplain updated the board of the recent meeting with DOT regarding the Traffic Calming requests for Main Street explaining the meeting went well.

Public Input- Bill Symons commented on how fast people drive on 302 during the morning drop off at Bethlehem Elementary and asked for more police presence. Rich Ubaldo asked the Select Board to consider negotiating the landfill expansion with NCES explaining the cost to build a transfer station would increase property taxes and would be a good opportunity to reduce taxes.  Rich Southwell addressed the select board regarding Rich Ubaldo’s statement noting that the select board and the Transfer Station Committee have been working on minimizing the tax impact.  Rich Southwell continued that the long-term environmental risks including PFAS should be considered.

Updates and other business-Selectwoman Knowles updated the board that she attended a Sustainability Working Group meeting and on 10/20-10/21 a voluntary food waste reduction consultant will be working with local businesses in reducing food waste. Selectman Bruno updated the board on the recent Cyber Security training.  Chairwoman Strand updated the board that the CIP committee would be doing their report on 10/27.

D4 Rubbish- Chairwoman Strand introduced Melissa and Doug Dano, the owners of D4 Rubbish, to discuss the proposal for trash pickup once the landfill closes.  Chairwoman Strand asked Doug Dano how many households were required for D4 Rubbish to be able to service the town and the response was 125 which would cost on average $8.00 a week.  Mr. Dano continued they may be able to provide bins at an additional cost however garbage bags are easier for them to maneuver.  Rich Ubaldo asked if D4 currently has a contract with Mt. Carberry pointing out that the bid does not include a tonnage fee.  Allegra Wright asked how D4 Rubbish pick up would impact the bear situation and Chairwoman Strand responded similarly to the current impact.

Town Auction Update- Chairwoman Strand updated the board that the town auction would be taking place on 10/25 at the town building with registration opening at 10:00 and the auction starting at 11:00

Minutes- Chairwoman Strand motioned to accept the minutes from 9/22.  Selectwoman Knowles seconded and all were in favor.

Chairwoman Strand made a motion to adjourn at 7:10. Selectman Bruno seconded, and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz

Town Administrator