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10/28/2019 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
October 28, 2019

Present:  Chairman Boisseau, Selectman Moritz, Selectman Moore, Selectman Jensen, Selectman Caplain (via phone).

Chairman Boisseau opened the meeting at 6:03 pm and explained that it is a work session and there wouldn’t be any public input.  He said there would be a public hearing next week and they would take public input then.  He explained the town received some unanticipated money from the state for municipal aid and would be talking about the possibility of using that to market and brand the town of Bethlehem.
Pam Sullivan from Sullivan Creative came before the Board to discuss what her company does.  Selectman Moore said a few of the Board members have met with Ms. Sullivan when they were applying for the Tillotson grant because she helped them with that process.  Ms. Sullivan said she has been in business for 32 years and recently moved to Bethlehem.  She said she is the lead marketing company for Coos company for Brand NH and said destination marketing is what they specialize in.  She also said she works with Twin Mountain, Bretton Woods, did the marketing for Highland Games, craftsman fair etc.  Ms. Sullivan told the Board she also helps to secure funding from grants and said her team develops websites and will do research on why people will visit an area.  She explained she has worked with budgets of all sizes and said it is very important to measure and track results.  She explained in order to do that a website that has google analytics is needed and said they will track on a monthly basis.  Ms. Sullivan discussed with the Board how all stakeholders should meet to come up with brand identity and pointed out there is a lot going on in Bethlehem that appeals to all ages and has so many different niches.  She said the Board needs to know what the community wants from the marketing plan – more tourism?  Selectman Jensen said he would like to attract more businesses and homebuyers.  Ms. Sullivan said social media campaign is also important and need to tell people why they should live here year-round or have a second home here.  Ms. Sullivan suggested Bethlehem join Twin Mtn or Franconia’s Chamber.  Chairman Boisseau said some people think they should use this money for infrastructure, but the Board sees this as economic growth.  He asked what the buy back was for this and she said 8 or 9 dollars but said part of the plan should be how to sustain it to go forward.  Chairman Boisseau asked if they need a large sum at front of plan and then a smaller budget to sustain for 4-5 years.  She said yes and that branding will take up front money.  Chairman Boisseau asked what a 5-year plan would cost to get up and running.  Ms. Sullivan estimated between 15 – 17 thousand the first year and approx. $10,000 a year for the next 4 years.  She said if they find partners the $10,000 will be lower.  Chairman Boisseau asked about her helping with grant funding and if that could be put back into the marketing plan and was told yes, it is ideal to get match funding.  Selectman Jensen said he is worried if the town is doing enough for economic development and feels this will be proactive.  Ms. Sullivan said 1 business has left and another has struggled since she has been here.  Selectman Moritz asked about the benefit to the whole town and not just businesses and was told that the businesses are bringing in more people who will hopefully buy a second home or a business here.  Ms. Sullivan said all the stories about people coming here and buying a second home or starting a business need to be told and put out there on social media or press releases.  Selectman Jensen asked how long to see change and was told we should see growth every year.

The Board discussed their thoughts on spending the money on a marketing plan.  Selectman Jensen said he doesn’t think they are doing enough for marketing and to help businesses so this would be taking action.  Selectman Moore said she agrees and believes we need the branding.  Selectman Caplain said he also agrees and said his motive to be a Selectman was to move Bethlehem forward and this will help move Bethlehem forward and said this is the next step.  He also said he thinks it is a great idea.  Selectman Moritz said the money is available in 2020 also so need to strategize.  She said maybe they could use the 2020 money for a highway truck or something.  She also said this ties into the UNH Business Retention & Expansion the town participated in and will help retain and expand businesses.  Chairman Boisseau said we have a lot of non-profits in town so would be nice to include them because they offer benefits to bring people to town.  There was discussion about pairing up with another town but may pair up with different towns for different pieces and the Board decided the branding plan for Bethlehem should be done first.
The Board discussed how to summarize for the public hearing and reviewed the benefits.

• Good investment in future of town
• Takes Board out of being passive
• More thriving town
• Supporting businesses
• Attracting new businesses
• Increase tax base

The Board discussed how to plan to sustain this.  Selectman Moritz said they should budget for it for # of years needed.  Selectmen Caplain said they could reduce the expense if we could do it ourselves.  Selectman Moore said the cost may be less than $10,000.  Selectman Jensen said this is a way to lower taxes.  Selectman Jensen said it may be a good idea for a couple of Board members to meet with Benoit Lamontagne (economic development guy).  The Board agreed.  Carol Kerivan said Bethlehem Reimagined (BRI) have met with him a couple of times.  She also said BRI should meet with the Board about this.  Chairman Boisseau said Ms. Sullivan talked about all stakeholders meeting.  Mrs. Kerivan said BRI can get grants.  Chairman Boisseau pointed out that $5000.00 expense a year instead of $10,000 would be taxes for one second home.  Selectman Moritz said they have great momentum and have an opportunity and strategy to keep it going.  Chairman Boisseau said it is the Board’s role to look for opportunities.
Rita Farrell said businesses are not taxed on income.  Selectman Moritz said income is part of the assessment process.  Mrs. Farrell said 2nd homeowners are what has kept this town going and said schools will be burdened if the town grows.

Chairman Boisseau said the Bethlehem Trails Assoc. has a new development they want to do on town land.  He said he wants them to come in to give a formal presentation on that.

The Board reviewed the minutes.
Selectman Moore moved to approve the minutes from 10/21/19.  Selectman Moritz seconded.  Carried 5-0.

At 7:30 Chairman Boisseau moved to adjourn.  Selectman Moore seconded.  Carried 4-0.

Respectfully submitted,
April Hibberd
Administrative Assistant