12/29/2025 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

December 29th, 2025

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

Public Input- Jason Mooney asked the board if there was a way to protect the town from future personnel situations with paid leave and the length of the Fire Chief’s contract.  Mary Moritz explained employee contracts do not have end dates.

Chairwoman Strand read the following statement: “Thank you for coming in and speaking with us face to face. I will do whatever I can to address your concerns and certainly understand the frustration that many of us feel with this situation.

The Chief was put on paid administrative leave on October 22nd. This is in accordance with legal council’s advice. Because this involves a town employee, the Town Select Board and Administration cannot comment any further on this matter at this time. We’ve been informed that this investigation could take many months. Please be assured that we are doing whatever we can but unfortunately cannot make this move any faster.

Another concern raised on social media was why we have a full time Chief at all. In 2008, the then part-time fire chief presented a plan to the Select Board to make his position full time. After consideration, the Select Board agreed to put it up as a warrant article and it was voted down 303 to 302. It was on the ballot again in 2010 and it passed 467 to 387. In essence, the voters make this decision.

I encourage everyone to have patience as this unfolds. I also want to commend the entire fire department team and especially Brian Charland, Deputy Fire Chief, and Captain John Miller for their leadership during this difficult time.

Crystal Gilman asked if there was a timeline of when this would be resolved noting legal issues can take a long time and that would be burdensome on taxpayers. Chairwoman Strand replied unfortunately we do not currently have a timeline.

Pat Doughty, Captain on the Fire Department, asked the board if they could bring Chief Galloway back and Chairwoman Strand stated we would be following the recommendation of legal counsel.

Chris Jensen agreed with Pat Doughty and suggested the board consider bringing him back.  Chairwoman Strand stated the select board wants to do what is best for the town.

Jason Mooney recommended caution when discussing bringing Chief Galloway back.

Rich Southwell asked if the Fire Department is adequately staffed during the leave and Chairwoman Strand said yes that Deputy Chief Charland has stepped up and the whole department should be commended.

Chris McGrath noted he asked the question if a full-time Chief was necessary given the cost noting he was seeking input from the Fire Department and given the response from members of the department he is more confident it is necessary.

Stephanie Davis, Bethlehem Fire Fighter EMT, wanted to reiterate her fellow members’ comments that they support their Chief and would ask those speculating on social media to stop.  Selectman Bruno thanked Staphanie Davis for her comments and agreed that the speculation on Facebook was unproductive.

Ben Lennox asked if it was possible to have the town attorney submit a statement about why he thought it was best to have Chief Galloway go on paid administrative leave.

Chris McGrath thanked the Highay Department for keeping the roads cleared and residents safe.

Updates and Other Board Business- Chairwoman Strand noted the Transfer Station Committee would be meeting on January 7^th at the Library.

Bids for 2000 Pumper- Chairwoman read the three sealed bids noting Asian Auto Services from Plaistow was the largest at $5,432.00.

Selectwoman Knowls motioned to accept Asian Auto Services bid for $5,432 and move to the next largest bidder for $2,500. Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor. 

SB 593- Chairwoman Strand opened discussion on SB 593 noting the bill takes away local control from land use boards and would directly impact Bethlehem and the contract we have with Cassella.  Pat Doughty stated SB 593 is a new bill so it will go to committee first and then be voted on later in the process.  Mr. Doughty continued Bethlehem currently receives .75 cents per ton in host fees and the bill would increase the host fee to $2.50.  Selectwoman Knowles opposes SB 593 because the residents of Bethlehem have voted on several occasions not to expand the landfill and if this bill passes would negate what residents have voted for and our land use ordinances.  Rich Southwell noted SB 593 would restrict Bethlehem’s ability to negotiate directly with Cassella, continuing that he believes it would be setting a bad precedent to allow Concord the power to negotiate on behalf of any municipality.  Mr. Southwell continued he has heard comments about property taxes increasing to pay for the future transfer station, but he notes people should be concerned about their property values decreasing noting a town in Ohio.  Chris Jensen commented that he is concerned that existing landfills would be identified as more ideal to permit if SB 593 passes.  Rich Ubaldo noted SB 593 does take away local control which is why he suggested the select board negotiate with Cassella.  Mr. Ubaldo continued there have been some concerns of PFAS, and he encouraged those questioning to go to DES One Stop to compare Cassella’s test results to other landfills. Mr. Ubaldo reiterated his concern with the tax impact of the landfill closing in both loss of revenue and the cost to maintain a municipal transfer station.  Chairwoman Strand suggested finishing discussion on SB 593 on 1/5 due to the disruption on zoom.

Minutes 12/1 and 12/8- Selectman MacDonald motioned to approve the minutes from 12/1 and 12/8.  Selectwoman Knowles seconded and the vote carried 3-0. 

Selectwoman Hibberd and Selectman Bruno were no longer available because of discontinuing zoom.

Chairwoman Strand made a motion to adjourn at 7:20. Selectman MacDonald seconded, and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz