01/06/2025 SB Minutes
TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
2155 Main Street
Bethlehem, NH 03574
Bethlehem Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
January 6th, 2025
In person –Chairman Bruno, Select Woman Strand, and Selectman Morris. Selectman Caplain attended remotely.
Public Input- Chris McGrath asked the board to consider a warrant article to ask residents if they wanted the town to fund the legal issues with Eversource. Selectman Morris explained one of the legal issues with Eversource was a result of Eversource petitioning the Public Utility Commission because the Planning board denied the height exception for the tower project. She continued that the Site Evaluation Committee that Eason and Bethlehem requested oversight for the Eversource tower project is a result of the fact that both towns felt the size and scope of the project required experts to help ensure the project was completed correctly. Rich Southwell agreed with Mr. McGrath about the expense of legal action on a corporation and that the board should take that expense into consideration on how to move forward with Eversource. Mary Moritz noted having a separate warrant article for specific legal action may set the wrong precedent.
Alder Brook Road- Chairman Bruno explained there would be a warrant on the 2025 town meeting ballot to clarify the classification of Alder Brook Road. NHDOT has Alder Brook Road classified as VI, town road not maintained by the town, but Bethlehem has the road classified at private. Chairman Bruno continued the question of classification has come up, and as the town does not have the records to support the classification so it requires a warrant to clarify. Selectman Morris noted Littleton was able to provide DOT the town meeting vote from the 1950’s classifying Alder Brook as private.
Warrant Article Review- Chairman Bruno went over the warrant articles that will be on the 2025 town meeting ballot. Select Woman Strand recommended amending the warrant article on the visitor’s center roof to make it clearer that the town is not requesting an additional $180,000.
ACT Letter of Support- Selectman Caplain informed the board that ACT is seeking letter of support from Bethlehem town boards to purchase the 750-acre lot that abuts the Ammonoosuc River. Cheryl Jensen, Bethlehem Conservation Commission, updated the board that they were submitting a letter of support to ACT for this acquisition, and they felt it is very important for the town to do so as well. Ms. Jensen continued that there is an important aquifer located on this land and ACT intends to add trails and continue to pay the current use taxes on the land even though they are exempt.
Selectman Morris motioned to submit a letter of support to ACT for the purchase of the 750-acre lot. Selectman Caplain seconded and all were in favor.
Domestic Partner Benefits- Selectman Morris motioned to add domestic partner benefits in accordance with the affidavit process outlined by our insurer. Select Woman Strand seconded, and all were in favor.
Minutes 12/2, 12/9, and 12/16
Updates and other business
Non-public Session per RSA 91A-3 II (personnel, reputation, and legal) Chairman Bruno motioned to go into nonpublic per RSA 91A-3 II for reasons of personnel, and Legal. Selectman Morris seconded and roll call followed.
The board discussed a personnel issue and legal.
Chairman Bruno made a motion to adjourn at 7:30. Selectman Strand seconded, and all were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Moritz
Town Administrator