Bethlehem Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
January 27, 2020
Present: Chairman Boisseau, Selectman Caplain, Selectman Jensen.
Chairman Boisseau opened the meeting at 6:09 and explained they would be meeting with the two marketing companies they picked out of 10 and would make their decision in 1 – 1 1/2 weeks.
He invited Sullivan Creative to come up to the board table. Pam Sullivan introduced her team and pointed out that many of her team either live or have lived in Bethlehem. She said they have done a lot of work and branding in the north country. Ms. Sullivan said it is important to have the community invested in the plan. Chairman Boisseau asked how they work with people that are resistant to it. Ms. Sullivan said by telling success stories. She said stories get people engaged. She talked about the website, creating an email list, social media campaign, partnerships and writing grants.
Carter Davidson and Kristopher Mariani from Drive Brand Studio came before the board. Mr. Mariani told the board they do good work for good people and said they have a great team that are very creative. Mr. Davidson said he has been with Drive for 5 years and branding is his niche and said they have been very successful with public relations. Mr. Mariani said they get community involvement to get people engaged by giving them a sense of ownership. They would have community brand forums.
Sarah Levy came before the board to ask if she could have her wedding ceremony (10/24/20) on the bridge (Pierce). She said she wants to put lights and flowers on it. It was explained there is a question if we own it or if the state does. Selectman Jensen will call DOT to find out. Chairman Boisseau moved to permit Sarah Levy to use the bridge on 10/24/2020 contingent on it being town property. Selectman Caplain seconded. Carried 3-0.
Public Input
Rita Farrell talked about the Master plan community survey and what the biggest concern is with present and future of Bethlehem. She said the answers were taxes, environment, box stores, clean up main street businesses, keep small town feel, more commercial development. The businesses people want the most are restaurants, tourism, recreation, professional offices, doctors, inns and hotels and the least wanted are fast food, storage and gambling.
The Board reviewed the building permit updates. Chairman Boisseau explained there was discussion about changing it, but they are going back to square footage fee based but explaining the square footage (living area vs. total) and also updating new building codes. Selectman Caplain moved to accept all proposed changes. Chairman Boisseau seconded. Carried 3-0.
The Board discussed the assessment review done by department of revenue. It was explained we can submit comments based on the review and Nicole McGrath proposed some comments to send back. The Board reviewed Mrs. McGrath’s comments. The Board agreed to send her comments.
Selectman Jensen notified the board the Planning Board voted to withdraw the warrant article on manufactured homes.
Selectman Caplain said in reference to the snowmobile trail change even though it is not state maintained the town is not liable. He said they need to make sure they know that. Chairman Boisseau moved to allow Mt. Agassiz Trail Club to construct trail south of ballfield. Selectman Jensen seconded. Carried 3-0.
The Board reviewed the minutes from 01/06/20. Chairman Boisseau moved to approve the minutes. Selectman Caplain seconded. Carried 3-0.
At 7:15 Chairman Boisseau moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91 A:3 II for matters of personnel and legal. Selectman Caplain seconded. Chairman Boisseau did roll call with all members agreeing to go into non-public session.
The Board met with Police Chief Mike Ho-Sing-Loy who told the Board of his resignation. The Board will post the position internally first with resumes due by Feb. 6th.
The Board reviewed new hire applicants.
Chairman Boisseau moved to hire Ernest Patch for the Fire Dept. Selectman Jensen seconded. Carried 3-0.
The Board decided to get advice from Primex for another applicant. Will discuss at next meeting.
The Board discussed an ongoing legal issue and advice from attorney on how to proceed.
At 8:20 Chairman Boisseau moved to adjourn. Selectman Caplain seconded. Carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
April Hibberd
Administrative Assistant
