Skip to content
Home » 02/10/2020 SB Minutes

02/10/2020 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
February 10, 2020

Present: Chairman Boisseau, Selectman Moore, Selectman Moritz, Selectman Caplain, Selectman Jensen.

Chairman Boisseau opened the meeting at 5:15 and moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91A:3 II (b) for matters of personnel. Selectman Moore seconded. Chairman Boisseau did roll call with all members agreeing to go into non-public session.

The Board met with potential police chief applicants.

At 6:15 Selectman Moore moved to come out of non-public session. Chairman Boisseau seconded. Chairman Boisseau did roll call with all members agreeing to come out of non-public session.

Department of Transportation representatives explained the bridge maintenance they will be doing on the Route 302 bridge. Mellie Dube, the environmental manager for the project said DOT has to investigate all projects for environmental issues and if any historical or archaeological structures will be affected. She said the bridge was built is 1983.
Jackie Hozza, project engineer, said the deck and substructure are in good condition but the expansion joints are failing and causing leaking. She said they will begin the work in 2021. She discussed with the Board doing phase construction with one lane open or having a detour. Ms. Hozza explained it would be completed quicker with a detour, but the detour is approx. 30 miles. Selectman Moritz asked about the culvert project and the possibility of both projects happening at the same time. She said that would impact the businesses to have both projects being done at the same time. Ms. Hozza said she would look into that. The Board all agreed the phase construction would be the best option.

Public Input

Chris McGrath asked when the police chief job would be advertised and said the next chief should not be given a vehicle. He also said if they do give a vehicle they should live in Bethlehem. Mr. McGrath also said he supports the Rec Dept. banner program and said he supports any revenue.

Tim Fleury, Recreation Director, came before the Board to discuss a banner program. Chairman Boisseau said it wasn’t a select few that had an issue with the Convenient MD banners. He said he applauds Mr. Fleury for looking into revenue sources. Mr. Fleury said he compared what other surrounding towns do and charge. He said banners could be hung up at the basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball diamonds and pool. He said BB courts and pool are the best spots. Mr. Fleury said he talked with Photo Factory and the cost would be $140.00 and Rec would charge $400.00 for the 1st year and $300.00 for additional years. He said they are 5×8 and there would be a $75.00 replacement or repair fee. There was discussion about who to allow to advertise. Mr. Fleury said we would have the right to cancel sponsorship at any time. He told the Board that Convenient MD is okay with cancelling or modifying. Selectman Jensen suggested putting off a decision on the banner program until we retain someone for the marketing plan. Mr. Fleury agreed.

The Board discussed the decision on the marketing firm to hire. Chairman Boisseau said both have worked in the area and are local people. He said he likes Sullivan because they are here in the community. He said Drive is in Conway which is close but not in this community. Selectman Caplain said he agrees that Drive is not local in Bethlehem but said he is concerned that Ms. Sullivan has another job and if she can give enough time for this. Selectman Jensen said Sullivan has a presence in the community and 4 out of 7 of her team live in Bethlehem, and also said there was no website in the Drive proposal. Selectman Moore said she wasn’t at the meeting for the meet and greet so she is going from proposals. She said is comfortable with Sullivan Creative and their local connection. She said it is invaluable to have someone from town. Chairman Boisseau moved to hire Sullivan Creative as marketing firm. Selectman Jensen seconded. Carried 4-0 (Selectman Moritz recused).
Rita Farrell said the emphasis is on the need for money and asked what the goal is of the Board. Selectman Moritz said the town will lose revenue stream and as we are losing revenue we have to plan for our future. She also said the landfill will be closing and the property taxes would go up and would force people out of their homes. Selectman Moritz said they have a plan and don’t anticipate taxes going up. She also said they have to keep planning towards that. Chairman Boisseau said the town is growing in responsible ways that fit.

The Board reviewed Bretzfelder Committee appointments. Selectman Moore moved to renew the terms for 3 years for Liz Carter and for Sarah Turtle. Selectman Moritz seconded. Carried 5-0.

The Board reviewed the warrant articles. Selectman Moritz said the Board has been in favor of warrant articles the Board put forward so it may be confusing if it shows a split vote (due to only 3 Board members at meeting when making recommendations it shows a 3-2 vote). Chairman Boisseau moved for warrant articles 1 – 19 to recommend contingent on DRA’s approval. Selectman Moritz seconded. Carried 5-0.
Chairman Boisseau moved to amend recommendation that Select Board does not recommend contingent on DRA’s approval. Selectman Moore seconded. Carried 5-0.

Selectman Caplain said the snowmobile group want to rebuild and reinstate the trail – Trudeau Road to Wayside. He said they got approval from Village District because it runs over water lines and Brett Jackson, Road Agent, also gave his okay. Selectman Moritz moved to approve the trail. Selectman Moore seconded. Carried

The Board discussed candidate’s night being on Feb. 25th and needing a Moderator.

Selectman Moritz suggested inviting DOT to come back to discuss the culvert project. Selectman Jensen said he will ask them.

The Board reviewed minutes from 01/20/20 and 01/27/20.
Selectman Moore moved to approve the minutes from 01/20/20. Selectman Jensen seconded. Carried 3-0 (Selectmen Caplain and Moritz abstained).
Selectman Caplain moved to approve the minutes from 01/27/20. Selectman Jensen seconded. Carried 3-0 (Selectmen Moritz and Moore abstained).

At 7:40 Chairman Boisseau moved to go into non-pubic session to discuss personnel, legal and real estate.
The Board discussed personnel.
The Board discussed the country club lease listing.
The Board discussed legal advice.
At 8:09 Selectman Moritz moved to adjourn. Selectman Moore seconded. Carried 5-0.

Respectfully submitted,
April Hibberd
Administrative Assistant