02/26/2024 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

February 26th, 2024

In person –Chairman Morris, Selectman Strand, Selectman Hibberd, and Selectman Bruno.  Selectman Caplain attended remotely.

Public Input-Chris McGrath asked the board for permission to have a fire outside of the town building on March 12 from 12:00-7:00 for the election.  The board agreed.

EV Chargers-Selectman Caplain updated the board that there may be an opportunity to receive a donation of 2 headed level 2 charger that would come with a 5-year maintenance agreement and 3-year warranty.  Selectman Caplain continued that he was meeting scheduled to scope potential locations that included the pool and basketball court parking lot.  Chairman Morris recommended contacting the library because they already have the infrastructure in place to add an EV charging station.  Selectman Bruno asked Selectman Caplain to see first if a business could utilize the donated EV charging station.  Chris McGrath recommended installing the EV charger near the snowmobile trail because snowmobiles would potentially also be able to benefit.

Little Free Pantry-Chairman Morris opened discussion on the Little Free Pantry.   The board was updated that Primex agreed with Chief DeMoranville’s recommendation of locking the facility and adding a video camera to reduce risk however doing nothing would not increase insurance liability.  Selectman Bruno recommended asking the donors to cover the cost of the new lock because the Little Free Pantry benefits from utilizing town property and electricity.  Selectman Strand disagreed with the proposed measures stating locking the pantry is against the philosophy of Little Free Pantries.  Selectman Strand continued that people can see inside the pantry from the front door window.  Selectman Caplain agreed with Selectman Strand.  Selectman Hibberd stated ideally this would not be an issue and the pantry would be able to be open twenty-four hours a day however she feels this is a safety issue and Chief DeMoranville’s recommendation should be implemented.  Chris McGrath believes the proximity of the Little Free Pantry to the playground should be a consideration.  Selectman Bruno suggested the board may want to consider moving the Little Free Pantry to private property and Selectman Hibberd agreed.

Chairman Morris motioned to have the Little Free Pantry operate as it was.  Selectman Strand seconded.  The motioned carried 3-2. 

Minutes 2/12- Chairman Morris motioned to approve the February 12^th minutes.  Selectman Bruno seconded and all were in favor.  Selectman Caplain abstained. 

Liaison/Committee Update- Selectman Strand updated the board that the Transfer Station had received word that the Mascoma Foundation grant was denied.  Selectman Strand also updated the board that the Rec Parent Advisors, that were added after the last season, has been successful at improving communication between parents and the rec department.

Other- Chairman Morris motioned to refund in the amount of $250 for tax map 205 lot 202 because of over payment.  Selectman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.

Selectman Bruno motioned to nominate April Dee Sunshine and her husband Paul for a Bethlehem Bravo award for all of the baked goods and generosity they have shared with Bethlehem.  Selectman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.

Non-public Session per RSA 91A-3 II (personnel, reputation, and legal) Chairman Morris made a motion to go into non-public for reasons of legal and personnel. Selectman Strand seconded and roll call followed.

The board discussed legal.

Chairman Morris made a motion to adjourn at 8:00. Selectman Strand seconded, and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz

Town Administrator