Bethlehem Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
January 20, 2020
Present: Chairman Boisseau, Selectman Moore, Selectman Jensen.
Chairman Boisseau opened the meeting at 6:11.
Public Input
Chris McGrath asked if he could have a fire again on election day. He was told he could. He also asked the Board if it would be possible to have a clause in the country club deal if it sells to keep the snowmobile trails through it.
Chairman Boisseau opened the public hearing to discuss and review the proposed and default budget. He explained the budget is up 3% and praised the departments heads for doing a good job with their proposed budgets. He said the inflation rate is 2%.
The Board went through the budget and pointed out the highlights of why each budget increased or decreased. Town Clerk budget increased due to 4 elections in 2020, assessing decreased due to a one-time expense last year, legal decreased by 50%. General Govt. Buildings has a big increase due to 13,500 added to fuel in case the prices go up and that will cover all town departments. Most of the budgets were up because of salary increases.
There was discussion about the condition of the country club and the board trying to lease it.
Recreation revenues are up due to a banner agreement for $2000.00 a year for 5 years.
Victor Hoffman asked if the “hotel” is paying their taxes. Selectman Moore explained the process of liening and deeding when taxes are not being paid.
Selectman Moore moved to approve the default budget. Selectman Jensen seconded. Carried 3-0.
The Board reviewed the warrant articles.
#1 – a zoning article about manufactured homes. Selectman Jensen said the Planning Board may withdraw this due to a flaw.
Country Club warrant articles: Mr. Hoffman said there should be a time limit on the second article, so the board has a time frame they have to try to sell or lease it remaining as a golf course before they look at alternative uses. Chairman Boisseau said the board is doing their due diligence on what the town wants to see with the property. He also said the board could sell it without a warrant article but wants to get a read on people. Mr. Hoffman said 60% of business for Wayside was golf. Chairman Boisseau said the town was in favor of keeping it a golf course. He said the cost to maintain it and amount that needs to be put into it can’t happen by the town. Mary Lou Krambeer asked what alternative or mixed uses are; if McDonalds or Dollar store could go there or does the master plan dictate alternative or mixed uses. Selectman Jensen said the board can control who we sell to. He also said someone may want to operate a 9-hole and do something else with the rest of the property.
Chairman Boisseau moved to recommend country club articles. Selectman Jensen seconded. Carried 3-0.
Warrant article to change term of road agent from 2 to 3 years. Selectman Moore moved to recommend. Selectman Jensen seconded. Carried 3-0.
Warrant article to change treasurer from elected to appointed. Reasoning of this was explained
that the need for specific skills is required. Chris McGrath asked if they were appointed would they have to be a resident of Bethlehem and was told no. Selectman Moore moved to recommend. Selectman Jensen seconded. Carried 3-0.
Capital Reserve Funds – new one added for library and for highway equipment.
Petitioned warrant articles: Chairman Boisseau said in the past, board’s haven’t recommended the petition articles not as a reflection of their support or not but they have to either recommend or not recommend so they vote not recommend to “not” take a stance. Selectman Jensen moved to not recommend all petitioned warrant articles. Selectman Moore seconded. Carried 3-0.
Mary Lou Krambeer told the board she would like to speak with the town attorney before the deliberative. The Board told her they were okay with that. Selectman Moore told Ms. Krambeer they may not need a candidate’s night. They said they would consider it after they see who has signed up.
The Board discussed the marketing proposals they received to pick the ones to come meet with the Board. The Board all agreed Sullivan Creative and Drive were their top two so they will invite them to come to the board for a meet & greet on the 27th.
The Board discussed Bretzfelder Committee appointments. Selectman Moore moved to appoint Kevin Gordon to a 2-year term. Selectman Jensen seconded. Carried 3-0.
Selectman Moore announced the winter programs at Bretzfelder:
02/18 – Wildlife tracking, 02/26 – Porcupine talk, 03/04 – Meadowstone Farm, 03/11 – Ancient Trees & Forests.
The Board reviewed an abatement due to a disproportionate assessment. Chairman Boisseau moved to approve the abatement with a refund of $240.90. Selectman Jensen seconded. Carried 3-0.
The Board reviewed a supplemental tax collectors warrant. Chairman Boisseau moved to approve the warrant for $483.81. Selectman Jensen seconded. Carried 3-0.
The Board reviewed a mutual aid agreement with dues of $250.00/year. Chairman Boisseau moved to approve the agreement. Selectman Moore seconded. Carried 3-0.
The Board reviewed a membership for NH Health Officer Assoc. for $45.00 that has training resources. Chairman Boisseau moved to approve the membership. Selectman Moore seconded. Carried 3-0.
Minutes – tabled
At 8:24 Chairman Boisseau moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91A:3 II for matters of personnel. Selectman Moore seconded. Chairman Boisseau did roll call with all members agreeing to go into non-public session.
The Board discussed personnel matters.
At 8:36 Chairman Boisseau moved to adjourn. Selectman Jensen seconded. Carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
April Hibberd
Administrative Assistant
