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10/07/2024 SB Minutes

TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
2155 Main Street
Bethlehem, NH 03574

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

October 7th, 2024

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

Sullivan Creative Summer Marketing Report- Pam Sullivan and Joanne Brunk presented the results of the summer advertising results that were focused on the 250th anniversary.  The board thanked Sullivan Creative for their efforts to make the 250th anniversary a successful event.

Bethlehem Police Chief- Jeffery Dube- Chairman Bruno announced Jeffery Dube’s promotion to Chief of Police.  Chairman Bruno continued that Chief Dube has been working in Bethlehem for the last 15 years and the board is happy he accepted the promotion.

Fire Chief Job Description- The board announced the retirement of Chief Anderson effective 12/31/2024 and agreed to post the full time Fire Chief position 10/8/2024.  Chris Jensen asked the board why they are pursuing a full-time position.  Chairman Bruno explained they were expanding the role to include EMT management and feel the fulltime position is necessary.

Master Plan Goals- The board discussed the 2016 Master Plan goals noting several have been achieved.  Chairman Bruno continued the goals pertaining to the Bethlehem Country Club were no longer relevant and hoped the Planning Board would consider Chapter 4 goal 1: Increase Broadband met with the Consolidated/Fidium broadband expansion.

FEMA BRIC Grant-Hazardous Mitigation Plan- Chairman Bruno motioned, in a majority vote, accepted the terms of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) as presented in the amount of $13,927.50 for updating the local hazard mitigation plan. The Board acknowledges that the total cost of this project will be $18,570.00, in which the town will be responsible for a 25% match ($4,642.50). Furthermore Mary Moritz, Town Administrator is authorized to sign all documents related to the grant.  Selectman Morris seconded, and all were in favor.

Minutes 9/30- Select Woman Strand motioned to accept the minutes from 9/30.  Select Woman Hibberd seconded, and all were in favor.

Chairman Bruno updated the board that the Odd Fellows will be having a fund-raising event on 10/19 and have requested a 50/50 raffle.

Selectman Morris motioned to approve the Odd Fellows request to have a 50/50 raffle at their 10/19 fund raiser.  Select Woman Hibberd seconded, and all were in favor.  Chairman Bruno abstained.

Allegra Wright asked the board for an update regarding the Eversource PUC and SEC hearing.  Selectman Morris responded that at this time they are working on future hearing dates, and it is unclear if either proceeding will be resolved by the end of the year.

Selectman Morris updated the board that the Planning Board meeting on Wednesday was for a conceptual of the HINEC senior housing project.

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 7:15. Selectman Strand seconded, and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz

Town Administrator