Bethlehem Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
January 6, 2020
Present: Chairman Boisseau, Selectman Moore, Selectman Jensen, Selectman Caplain.
Opened at 6:04.
Todd and Jon from Verizon called in to answer questions for the Board. Selectman Caplain asked if it is analog? Do we need to update to Digital? Is it just equipment?
Todd said it includes all equipment and service and should run through existing internet. He said he is not sure about cabling. Jon said the phone would plug into internet or Wi-Fi if needed. He said they would do a speed test and check to make sure everything is all set for cabling. Selectman Caplain said it would be good if they could come in to see if we have enough internet at each workstation. He said we don’t want to buy them and have them not work so why not make sure we have the capacity and adequate cabling. Jon said If internet there they will work. Verizon would become phone provider and we would keep our internet provider. Selectman Jensen asked if we have to use Verizon forever where it is Verizon equipment. He was told no and also told when updates are done, they will automatically send new equipment. Call quality was discussed, and the Board was told it stays consistent. Selectman Jensen said we have 16 phones and if 14 or 15 are being used at same time how is service. Jon said the internet would be slow during that time and said there are mobile apps as well so can make calls with that so can use smart phones and tablets to make calls. Monthly fees one talk, auto attendant. Chairman Boisseau asked if any infrastructure changes need to be made. Todd said they would have to check but as long as internet goes to each phone it will work. They were told we have Cat 2 – Cat 5 cabling. It was decided they will do a physical assessment.
PUBLIC INPUT – NONE
Bethlehem Trails Development came before the Board to do a presentation. They are hoping to seek grant from Tillotson Foundation.
Asa, 6th grader at BES and Tanner, 5th grader at BES did the presentation. ASA went over the Skills Park – bridges, jumps, drops, log rollers. He said it is for beginner riders to advance their skills and advanced riders to have fun.
Tanner said it is behind BES and is easy access with a downhill slope and is wide open so less clearing of trees.
ASA explained it will include picnic area to rest, strider zone for little kids, technical area, drop zone, jump lines, pump track and flow lines.
Tanner said there will be signs to explain responsibility code and difficulty levels and will have trail maps. He also explained the funding from the Tillotson grant focuses on extra-curricular activities for youth and it is up to $10,000. He said there would be coordination with BTA trail builders and volunteers.
Asa said the benefits to community which are BTA’s greater vision and mission are opportunity for beginners to learn new skills and gain confidence; space for individuals to connect and gather; promote tourism and generate income.
Asa also talked about the liability and said insurance (town) would provide coverage at no charge as long as there are no trail fees.
It was stated that maintenance will be done by BTA and volunteers and reclamation if town wanted to use property for something else, will be easy because trails are made of dirt.
Lastly, they said areas to park in are the basketball court and in the summer the elementary school and the area for the trails is 26.1 acres and there is zero cost to the town.
Chairman Boisseau asked if they have talked to the rec department to get their thoughts on signage and stuff they do anyways.
Matt Toms said they have talked with Tim about utilization of this for rec program but haven’t talked about signage etc.
Chairman Boisseau asked if all 3 phases will be done at once and Asa said a phase for each summer. There was discussion about volunteers signing off on liability on volunteer form. It was noted the grant application is due the 16th. Selectman Caplain said he thinks it is great. Selectman Moore agrees.
Sue Greenlaw said she was excited when the boys approached her about it. Wealth of kids would benefit from it and said the grant process is educational.
Chris McGrath said he supports it and thinks it is great the kids spoke on it.
The Board said they will provide a letter of support.
Selectman Caplain moved to approve the use of the land. Selectman Moore seconded. Carried 4-0.
Selectman Caplain said he was approached about the snowmobile trail with a request. One to move the trail opening to the beginning of the parking lot (Elm Street) so they don’t have to go through parking lot. The Board talked about abutters and noted the library and Tucker house are abutters. Brain Thompson said the trail is not a state trail and the shoot off will not be groomed. He said there are RSA’s about it, and it is not an official trail but can be added. He also said the groomer can’t go there now because it needs a new bridge. Ask NHMA? Gabe – is the bridge a liability? Mr. Thompson said it is great access to the restaurant which is valuable but need to make sure it is done accurately. The Board decided to call NHMA and Selectman Caplain will make the call.
Rita asked if the trail is part of Boston & Maine. Chairman Boisseau said it would be that bed but is on town property. Mrs. Farrell also asked the decibel level of snowmobiles. Mr. McGrath said you cannot modify it louder than factory.
Selectman Caplain said the Rail Trail is coming in and small section going through Bethlehem and the snowmobile club would like to turn it into snowmobile trail with parking. He said Whitefield is bringing it into Bethlehem and Carroll will be connecting on other side. Mr. McGrath said they want to use parking at old Transfer Station, but the trail is stopping at Crowe Logging and not coming to Wing Road. He also said it is 2 years out. Selectman Caplain said the person who requested it just wants approval to start exploring it. Mike Bruno said the existing railroad line by transfer station already exists. He said when there is not enough snow you don’t want to use it. Rita Farrell said trails in southern NH were taken away and establishing trains again. She also asked if it goes to Bethlehem Junction and was told no.
The Board reviewed the draft warrant articles. The Board agreed to send entire warrant to legal for review.
#1 – Selectman Jensen said it originally said it wasn’t allowed in District 1 Main St. but was removed.
#6 & #7 – Country Club articles. 6 – Keep as a golf course. 7 – Not keep as a golf course.
Selectman Moore – take out “other than a golf course”. Selectman Jensen – doesn’t board already have authority to sell it anyways? Do we want to limit ourselves? Selectman Moore – we have asked them all along so to stop that now wouldn’t be right. Chairman Boisseau – change to in favor of instead of authorize.
Change #6 – To see if the town “is in favor of” the BOS “negotiating and ¬executing”.
Highway – may have to change wording due to loader and not truck.
Gazebo concerts – Mr. Mcgrath would like it to remain a petition warrant and wouldn’t want to see the amount increase. The Board agreed to put it on the warrant.
Check with Walter on salary pay for salaried employees for extra week.
Board signed the audit and copier maintenance agreement.
Cemetery salary – Selectman Moore will talk with Clare to see if she will be using the same employee, we use for GGB.
Increase fuel – The Board decided to add $13,500 to GGB fuel to cover fuel in case prices increase.
Chairman Boisseau moved to approve supplemental tax warrant. Selectman Jensen seconded. 4-0
Selectman Moore moved to approve minutes from 12/16/19 & 12/27/19. Selectman Jensen seconded. 4-0.
At 8:08 Chairman Boisseau moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91A:3 II for matters of personnel, legal, and reputation. Selectman Moore seconded. Chairman Boisseau did roll call with all members agreeing to go into non-public session.
Chairman Boisseau moved to increase rate of pay for Samantha Donahue. Selectman Moore seconded. 4-0.
Legal – The Board agreed to have attorney draft agreement for deeding property.
At 9:00 Chairman Boisseau moved to adjourn. Selectman Caplain seconded. Carried 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
April Hibberd
Administrative Assistant
