11/13/2023 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

November 13th, 2023

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

Chairman Morris opened the meeting at 5:15 and made a motion to go into non-public per RSA 91A-3 II for reason of personnel.  Selectman Bruno seconded and roll call followed.

Discussion with employee regarding information provided on an application.

Chairman Morris motioned to go out of non-public at 5:50. Selectman Bruno seconded, and all were in favor.

Selectman Bruno opened the meeting at 6:00.

Public Input- Bill Symons thanked North Country Counsel for the Traffic Calming report.

North Country Council Traffic Calming Report- Selectman Bruno introduced Michelle Moren Grey and Nick Altonaga from North Country Counsel who went over the findings of the Traffic Calming project.  The project included demonstrating how traffic calming measures on Main Street can improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and impact vehicle speeds, create an opportunity to experience temporary changes to the vehicular, pedestrian, and cyclist roadway network, and collection of traffic data that local, regional, and state agencies can use to analyze the impact of temporary traffic calming infrastructure. The results of the findings were the temporary features narrowing the roadway did slow traffic although were negatively received based on survey results.  North Country Counsel’s report included implementation suggestions which included time and cost consideration to implement.  Selectman Caplain thanked North Country Counsel for the extensive efforts to complete the study.  Bill Symons recommended adding better crosswalk signage similar the Franconia and noted Chief DeMoranville’s presence slowing traffic at the elementary school’s morning drop-off.  Chris McGrath thanked North Country Counsel and requested the board vote during town meeting on any permanent fixture.  Mr. McGrath also noted turning onto Main Street where some of the temporary fixtures were located was difficult and should be taken into consideration.  Chuck Phillips stated traffic needs to start slowing before Maplewood Country Club.  Often people do not start slowing until significantly after the 30 MPH reduction in speed.  Selectman Caplain noted he has been working with the owners of Presidential Mountain Resort and DOT regarding pedestrians by Baker Brook.  Selectman Bruno suggested creating a working group to investigate the options recommended in the North Country report.  Selectman Caplain agreed.

Selectman Caplain motioned to create a task force to work on the recommendations put forth in the North Country Counsel report.  Selectman Bruno seconded and all were in favor. 

Selectman Hibberd recommend that the board consider criteria for the working group before it is created.

 

Christmas in Bethlehem/Giving Tree- Selectman Bruno motioned to make Christmas in Bethlehem a town event.  Selectman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor. 

Minutes 10/30 and 11/6- Selectman Hibberd stated the minutes from 10/30 needed to be amended to include who seconded the motion for the food pantry.

Selectman Bruno moved to accept the minutes from 10/30 with the recommended change.  Selectman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor. 

Chairman Morris motioned to accept the minutes from 11/6.  Selectman Strand seconded and all were in favor. 

Purchase FD Airpack Repair and Service- Selectman Bruno opened discussion on the Fire Departments request to service and repair the Airpack’s that had been donated to the Fire Department.

Selectman Hibberd made a motion to pay Fire Safety of New England for the invoice in the amount of $5139.73.  Selectman Caplain seconded and all were in favor.  Selectman Bruno stated his concern for not receiving a quote in advance.

Liaison/Committee Update- Selectman Caplain stated the Energy Commission is working with Main Street businesses on funding solar projects.  Selectman Hibberd asked what the criteria was to be an approved business.  Selectman Caplain responded the business can not be a home business.

Selectman Strand updated the board on the rec departments two parent coordinators: Brittney Emmons and Christina Noyse.  The rec director is also hosting a coaching meeting to better address parent’s concerns.  Selectman Strand also updated the board that the Transfer Station Committee was meeting with Stephanie Weiner the local rep for Congresswoman Kuster’s office to get information on funding opportunities.

Chairman Morris updated the board that the Conservation Committee Thursday to discuss the Eversource Tower replacement project.

Selectman Bruno updated the board that he met with Laura Clerkin, Bethlehem Library and discussed working with key stakeholders on getting a sidewalk completed between the elementary school and the library.

Other Selectman Strand updated the board that town auction would be going live once the bank information has been updated to receive payments.

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

The board discussed personnel.

Chairman Morris made a motion to adjourn at 9:30. Selectman Strand seconded, and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz

Town Administrator