Bethlehem Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2018
Present: Chairman Moritz, Selectman Moore, Selectman Boisseau.
Chairman Moritz opened the meeting at 6:04 pm and opened the public hearing for the CDBG Project update. Chairman Moritz introduced Michelle Moren-Grey from North Country Council to give the update on the Friendship House Project. Ms. Moren-Grey explained Community Development Block Grant funds are available to municipalities through the NH Community Development Finance Authority. She said up to $500,000 annually is available for economic development projects, up to $500,000 for public facility and housing projects, up to $500,000 for emergency activities, and up to $12,000 is available per planning study grant. She also said all CDBG projects must directly benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Friendship House update:
• The project has completed construction of a new facility – the interior space is 17,588 square feet which included 32 beds total: 14 double occupancy rooms and 4 single occupancy detox rooms.
• Building was occupied on July 10th, paving topcoat and marking was completed last week. There is a small amount of site work to be included.
• Substantial completion date was 07/31/2018.
• Grand opening is scheduled for October 19th.
• Currently working on the close out process for the grant.
• The facility had shifted to being operated by North Country Health Consortium from Tri-county Cap.
• The CDBG grant was based on job creation and retention by the construction retaining and/or creating up to 25 jobs of which at least 60% will be made available to person of low and moderate income. To date this has been accomplished.
Chairman Moritz asked if there were any questions, being none, Chairman Moritz closed the public hearing at 6:09 pm.
Selectman Boisseau reviewed the memorandum of understanding for Bethlehem Trails with the Board. He explained the trail is 1/3 completed and getting a good amount of use. Selectman Moore moved to accept the memorandum of understanding. Chairman Moritz seconded. Carried 3-0.
Chairman Moritz gave an update on the Capital Improvement Plan and explained they have been meeting monthly and will be meeting with department heads to show them worksheets to fill out. She said it is too late for 2019 budget but will be in place for 2020 budget.
PUBLIC INPUT
Rita Farrell asked about extra pages being printed out when she prints the calendar off the town website. Mrs. Farrell also asked about the rules on signs and said the Dollar General has flags in front of their store. She also brought up a concern about sludge. Chairman Moritz will get back to her about the website question, Selectman Moore will get back to her about the flag question and Selectman Boisseau will get back to her about the sludge question.
The Board reviewed the minutes from 09/10/2018. Selectman Moore moved to approve the minutes. Selectman Boisseau seconded. Carried 3-0.
The Board discussed the Representatives for North Country Council from Bethlehem being Selectman Moore and Deb Bayley. Chairman Moritz moved to continue with Selectman Moore and Deb Bayley. Selectman Boisseau seconded. Carried 3-0.
Chairman Moritz said the Board voted to replace the flag pole at the last meeting but that didn’t include the cost of $350.00 to remove the old pole. Selectman Boisseau moved to pay $350.00 to remove the old pole. Selectman Moore seconded. Carried 3-0. Selectman Moore said she is looking into the lighting of the pole.
The Board reviewed the fuel bids. 2 bids were received. Irving bid on #2 fuel 2.68, propane 1.88, and diesel 2.52. Jesse Lyman bid on #2 2.78, K1 3.28, Diesel Summer 2.53, Diesel Winter 2.88, RNL 2.34, Propane 1.88. Chairman Moritz moved to do the rack price program with Jesse Lyman for the country club, have the library choose what they would like to do and go with Jesse Lyman for the rest. Selectman Moore seconded. Carried 3-0.
The Board reviewed the auction agreement for the lot that didn’t sell at the last auction. There will be a 15% buyer fee and minimum bid of $7500.00. Selectman Boisseau moved to accept the auction agreement and terms. Selectman Moore seconded. Carried 3-0.
Rita Farrell asked if the $500,000 grant is federal and if the town can use it. She was told yes if they meet the criteria.
At 6:40 Chairman Moritz moved to go into non-public session per RSA 91A:3 II for matters of personnel and reputation. Selectman Boisseau seconded. Chairman Moritz did roll call with all members agreeing to go into non-public session.
The Board discussed personnel and hiring paperwork issue.
Selectman Boisseau moved to approve AH to be added to the cell plan. Selectman Moore seconded. Carried 3-0.
At 7:00 Selectman Boisseau moved to adjourn. Chairman Moritz seconded. Carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
April Hibberd
Administrative Assistant
