09/30/2024 SB Minutes
TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
2155 Main Street
Bethlehem, NH 03574
Bethlehem Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
September 30th, 2024
In person –Chairman Bruno, Select Woman Strand, Select Woman Hibberd, Selectman Morris, and Selectman Caplain.
Public Input- Allegra Wright updated the board on the recent Face Book posts regarding the concern over speeding vehicles in Bethlehem. Ms. Wright continued she is aware of the Traffic Calming work being conducted by Selectman Caplain but wondered if having an additional Police Department presence would be beneficial. Selectman Caplain added that he would be updating the board about the recent DOT meeting regarding the Traffic Calming recommendations.
HEB Contract- Chairman Bruno motioned to accept the HEB agreement. Select Woman Hibberd seconded, and all were in favor.
Rambling Woods Grant Agreement- Selectman Morris motioned to approve the grant agreement from BEA as the fiscal agent for the Rambling Woods demolition grant and give Mary Moritz signing authority. Selectman Caplain seconded and all were in favor.
Barn Roof Estimate- Chairman Bruno opened discussion regarding the barn roof estimate. The board agreed to purchase material directly and to accept the estimate provided.
Selectman Morris motioned to approve pool barn roof estimate up to $11,000. Selectman Caplain seconded, and all were in favor.
Body Cam Grant Agreement- Selectman Morris motioned to approve the grant agreement from the New Hampshire Department of Safety. Select Woman Strand seconded and all were in favor.
TSC- request from capital reserve- Select Woman Strand updated the board that the Transfer Station Committee had met with the managers from the Lancaster and Tri Town Transfer Stations. Select Woman Strand continued the managers offered practical recommendations and insight in running a transfer station and the committee would like to utilize one of them as a paid consultant. One of the recommendations made was that the town should look for a Transfer Station Manager in 2025 because finding a candidate could be challenging and the person hired could oversee the project construction. Chairman Bruno requested the committee draft a scope of work for the consulting position and outline objectives. Chris Jensen recommended approving the Transfer Station Committees request to hire a consultant and paying up to $2,000 from the Transfer Station capital reserve and the committee will provide a scope of services.
Selectman Caplain motioned approve spending up to $2,000 from the transfer station capital reserve for a consultant contingent on the Transfer Station Committee providing a scope of work for the consultant. Select Woman Hibberd seconded, and all were in favor.
Fire Truck Emergency Repair- Chairman Bruno explained the Fire Truck emergency expense of $6,800 plus labor for Engine 2 because it needed a new transmission. Chairman Bruno continued Engine 2 is going to be the truck that will be replaced when the new truck arrives however the estimated completion date isn’t until the end of 2025 and the town needs to have two working fire trucks. The board will discuss further once the final invoice is received.
Minutes 9/16- Select Woman Hibberd motioned to accept the minutes from 9/16. Select Woman Strand seconded, and all were in favor. Selectman Caplain abstained.
Updates and other business- Selectman Caplain updated the board on the meeting with DOT regarding the traffic calming recommendations. Selectman Caplain explained the next step is to outline the requests and seek DOT approval to implement.
Chairman Bruno updated the board regarding BTLA settlement for map 413 lot 66.
Chairman Bruno motioned to accept the BTLA settlement and abate 413-66 $1087.49. Select Woman Hibberd seconded, and all were in favor.
Select Woman Hibberd updated the board that Dawn Ferringo has been using the grant the Food Pantry received at local farms and the Food Pantry looks fantastic.
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 reputation. Selectman Morris seconded and roll call followed.
The board discussed a personnel issue.
Chairman Bruno made a motion to adjourn at 7:20. Selectman Strand seconded, and all were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Moritz
Town Administrator