10/21/2024 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

October 21st, 2024

In person –Chairman Bruno, Select Woman Strand, Select Woman Hibberd, and Selectman Morris.  Selectman Caplain attended the meeting remotely at 7:00.

Public Input- Ruth Heinz expressed her concern over NH Detox’s releasing patients without means of transpiration.  Ms. Heinz recently had a discharged patient come to her home and she is concerned that patients are being left stranded and it should be the responsibility of the facility to facilitate transportation.  The board agreed to send a letter to NH Detox and include NHDHHS.

Eversource Pole Agreement- Chairman Bruno motioned to approve the pole agreement with Eversource.  Select Woman Hibberd seconded, and all were in favor. 

TSC Consultant Scope of Work- Select Woman Strand explained the TSC would like to allocate $1,500 to be used for a consultant to complete the following: 1) a reduced Phase I construction cost option for a future transfer station; and 2) reviewing the most efficient and cost-effective equipment needed to operate a future transfer station.

Selectman Morris motioned to use $1,500 from the transfer station capital reserve to hire a consultant.  Select Woman Strand seconded, and all were in favor. 

Police Department Grant- Chairman Bruno updated the board that Chief Dube had contacted Spirit of Blue Foundation and received a grant to purchase safety equipment in the amount of $10,651.61.  The public hearing will be scheduled for November.

Municipal Software- The board discussed the Municipal software options and agreed with the recommendation to switch municipal software companies.

Select Woman Strand motioned to move forward with MTS municipal software solution.  Select Woman Hibberd seconded, and all were in favor. 

Visitor’s Center RFP Extension- The board discussed the Visitor’s Center Roof RFP and agreed to extend the deadline until November 15^th.

Energy Commission Appointment-Josh Lieberman- Chairman Bruno moved to appoint Josh Lieberman to the Energy Commission.  Selectman Morris seconded, and all were in favor.

Tennis Court Solar Lights- The board discussed adding solar light like the lights at the basketball court at the tennis court.  The board requested additional information because of the proximity of the tennis courts to the neighboring residence.  In addition, it was noted that the Conservation Commission would be requesting the Planning Board update the light ordinance for the 2025 town meeting.

Minutes 10/7- Select Woman Strand motioned to accept the minutes from 10/7.  Select Woman Hibberd seconded, and all were in favor. 

Updates and other business- Chairman Bruno open discussion regarding input that the meeting minutes were too vague regarding dialog at a recent meeting.  The board disagreed with the input, noting they would be willing to amend meeting minutes to correct errors.

Chairman Bruno explained the town had been contacted by NCES and there was an underpayment in their 2023 taxes to which they will be sending a check to rectify.  The board discussed the interest owed and decided to waive the $1,800 as a result of bringing the underpayment to the town’s attention.

Selectman Morris motioned to waive interest on the NCES 2023 underpayment.  Select Woman Strand seconded, and all were in favor. 

Chairman Bruno informed the board that Jeff Dube had to be added to the bank to be issued a debit card and Alan had to be removed.

Chairman Bruno motioned to remove Alan DeMoranville from Woodville Guarantee Bank and add Jeff Dube.  Selectman Morris seconded, and all were in favor. 

Selectman Morris informed the board that there would be a zoning board public hearing on 10/22 and 10/24 and a Planning board public hearing on 10/23 regarding the 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 8:00. Selectman Strand seconded, and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz

Town Administrator