05/22/2023 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

May 22nd, 2023

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

Public Input- Allegra Wright asked about the derelict properties.  Chairman Morris replied that phase one has occurred and letters have been sent.  Chairman Morris continued that a second letter from the select board would be mailed to the properties that didn’t respond or comply.

Minutes 5/15- postponed until June 5^th to add additional discussion regarding the Police Bike donation.

Pool Drain-Derek Brown updated the board regarding the estimate to replace the pool drain at $93,000.  Mr. Brown stated that the drain had been scoped twice and he was confident the proposed work would reduce the water leakage significantly.  Allegra Wright asked what the invoice included, and Chairman Morris explained the estimate which included the cement work and building the new drain.

Chairman Morris made a motion to approve pool repair as provided in the quote.  Select person Strand seconded and all were in favor.

Select person Hibberd updated the board regarding her recent NHMA board meeting and the importance of deciding how the remaining ARPA funds would be allocated because of the negotiations of the federal debt ceiling.

Liquor Commission approval process- A process was discussed for sending letters to the NH Liquor Commission on behalf businesses seeking a temporary event liquor license.  It was decided to seek counsel on wording of the motion.

Safety Committee recommendations for Rec properties- Chairman Morris opened discussion on the Safety Committees recommendations for the rec properties.  The select board recommended contacting a contractor and getting an estimate of the repair work cost.

Composting Bins Distribution- Select person Strand showcased one of the twenty composting bins that were ordered.  It was decided to have a drawing during the select board meeting on June 5^th and the deadline to submit a request would be noon on the date of the meeting.

Board Goals- The Board Goals document was discussed, and it was recommended to add an estimate for completing the goals.  The timeline was defined as: short term completed within the year and by next town meeting, medium term completed between 1 to 3 years, and long term longer than 3 years.  It was also decided to rank the goals by importance and have further discussion at a future meeting.

ARPA Funds Allocation- The board discussed the allocation of ARPA funds, and it was decided to distribute the funds as:

$56,000 pool repair

$30,000 rec infrastructure projects

$50,000 new fire truck

$10,000 additional parking at town building

$7,5000 professional fees for adding a sidewalk from the elementary school to the library

$10,000 cemetery repairs and work

$7,000 new voting booths

$20,000 4 solar speed signs

 

Select person Hibberd made a motion to allocate the remaining ARPA funds as stated.  Selectman Bruno seconded and all were in favor. 

 

Other- Selectman Caplain, representing Tri Town Bicycle, updated the board on the cost of the Police Bike donation at $850.00.

Selectman Bruno made a motion to accept the donation from Tri Town Bicycle.  Select person Strand seconded and the vote carried 4-0.  Selectman Caplain abstained. 

Select person Hibberd updated the board on the recent NHMA board meeting noting the Assessing Board is currently looking for volunteers.  Select person Hibberd also discussed the potential municipal impact if the debt ceiling negotiations were unsuccessful.

Select person Strand updated the board on the online auction platform, www.betterworld.org, that could be utilized for selling unused town assets.

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

Legal update

Chairman Morris made a motion to adjourn at 9:45. Select person Strand seconded and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz

Town Administrator