07/17/2023 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

July 17th, 2023

In person –Chairman Morris, Selectman Strand, and Selectman Hibberd.  Attending remotely- Selectman Bruno.

Fire Department Personnel Update- Chairman Morris gave an update on the Fire Department personnel changes including Chief Anderson retiring from full time to part time.  Brian Charland will be promoted to Deputy Chief which will give him the authority to be acting Chief during Chief Anderson’s leave.  The board thanked Chief Anderson for his years of service.

Derelict Properties Update- Chairman Morris updated the board on the derelict properties stating there were originally 7 properties that received letters, 4 of which cleaned up their properties and 3 the town will be seeking legal action against.

Town Auction Reminder- Chairman Morris reminded the board that the town owned property auction will be taking place on August 5^th at 10:00 at the town building.

Public Input- Chris Jensen asked if the town would be cleaning the properties up and putting a lien on to recover the cost.  Chairman Morris said she assumed that would be the process based on prior conversations with the attorney however could not confirm until after the meeting with the attorney.

Minutes 6/26 and 7/10- Selectman Hibberd made a motion to approve the minutes from 6/26.  Selectman Strand seconded and all were in favor.  Selectman Hibberd made a motion to approve the minutes from 7/10.  Selectman Strand seconded and all were in favor. 

Bethlehem Bravo Award- Selectman Strand introduced her initiative to recognize and thank all the volunteers who contribute to Bethlehem.  Selectman Strand continued her intent by adding the “Bravo” award is showcase the current volunteers and inspire new volunteers.   The board decided to nominate one volunteer a month and showcase the recipient on the select board’s Facebook page.

Town Property Use Policy- Chairman Morris opened discussion on adopting a Town Property Use Policy and suggested making minor adjustments to the Town of Guilford’s policy.  The discussion arose because someone requested the use of the town forest and there wasn’t a policy to determine if it was allowed.  Selectman Strand asked if the town of Guilford’s policy may be more than Bethlehem requires if there hasn’t been a problem.  Selectman Bruno continued that the town of Guilford’s policy may consider a lot of factors that are not necessary to Bethlehem.  The board decided to look for a policy that may not be as restrictive as the town of Guilford and continue discussion at a future meeting.

Liaison/Committee Update- Selectman Strand updated the board that the Transfer Station Committee was notified that the town did not receive the USDA grant for the future transfer station however will be continuing to search for other grant opportunities.

Chairman Morris updated the board that Conservation Commission will be meeting on 8/3 to discuss the Fish & Wildlife funding opportunity.

Selectman Strand asked for an update on what has been spent regarding the approved ARPA funding projects at the next meeting.  Selectman Strand also asked for a special Thank you to Chief Anderson’s years of service.

Non-public Session per RSA 91A-3 II (personnel, reputation, and legal) 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, personnel, and reputation.  Select person Strand seconded and roll call followed.

Chairman Morris made a motion to adjourn at 9:00.  Selectman Strand seconded and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz

Town Administrator