8/23/2021 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

August 23, 2021

 

In person – Chairman Boisseau, Selectman Hibberd, Selectman Caplain, Selectman Jensen, Selectman Morris (after sworn in at 6:07 pm)

Chairman Boisseau opened the meeting at 6:02pm and reminded people to leave their microphones on mute.  He continued to remind in-person participants to use the microphone so Zoom participants can hear

 

New Select Board member appointment: Chairman Boisseau – Selectman Moore resigned, and the board discussed filling the vacant position. The board decided on Veronica Morris.  Ms. Morris’ engagement during meetings is high and she ran for the board in the past election and drew sizable support. The board appoints the new position through March and Veronica can run at that point if she would like to continue.

Chairman Boisseau made a motion to appoint Veronica Morris to the select board to fill Linda Moore’s vacant position. – Selectman Caplain second – roll call all – motion passed.

Veronica Morris was sworn in by Chairman Boisseau

Selectman Morris joined the meeting

 

Public Input:

Donna Willey – Cherry Valley Rd – asked for update on offensive signage in town – Chairman Boisseau explained that the town can not take action following legal advice from town counsel. The board discussed the history of the offending signs and the board’s actions to this point.

Margaret Gale – Asked why the town will not pursue litigation. – Selectman Jensen – not advised by legal counsel to pursue. The board explained that legal advice was based on supreme court rulings and recent cases.

Nancy Fages – Can obscenity laws be applied here? Chairman Boisseau – the town spoke with legal counsel on this issue specifically and it cannot be applied here.

 

Public hearing:

ARPA funds – accept funds from the American Rescue Plan Act in an amount of $134,735.57 for COVID relief.

 

Selectman Caplain made a motion to accept funds in amount of $134,735.57 – Selectman Morris second – roll call – all – motion passed.

 

Sunset Hill Stables:

Norman Pelletier – representing homeowners on route 116 regarding the Bethlehem Police firing range on route 116 at the old transfer station. Mr. Pelletier brought his concerns to the board regarding the safety of the use of the range and the noise caused using the range spooking his horses at his business. The board and Mr. Pelletier discussed the use of the range and possible alternative locations.  The discussion covered using the Alder Brook range, the safety of the existing range, the possibility of lead contamination at the range, and the closing of the existing transfer station in 2024 and possible move to the old transfer station.

Margaret Gale asked when the range was approved. Selectman Caplain – 2013 – Selectman Hibberd – August 26, 2013, meeting.

 

Other:

Liaison roles with new board member – the board discussed the liaison roles with Selectman Morris starting her position.  See attached list.

Selectman Jensen – Air BnB and short-term rentals – roughly 150 in Bethlehem – before budget season the board should look at licensing or other control in town. Selectman Morris – article in Conway Daily Sun – towns looking at short term rentals and a rental association set up to cover other side – Selectman Caplain – town tried to pass rules and organization formed and pushed it to the state level – Selectman Morris – good to discuss what issues we’re trying to resolve – noisy renters, fire at property, etc. – contact list or registration to reach owners

Selectman Hibberd – would like to discuss an agricultural commission at a future meeting – The board had a few questions to bring to the discussion in the future.

 

Selectman Hibberd littering on Lewis Hill – talked to chief and he is following up on.

 

Minutes 8/9/2021 and 8/12/2021

 

Selectman Caplain made a motion to accept minutes from 8/9 and 8/12/2021 – Selectman Hibberd – second – roll call all – Selectman Morris abstain – motion passed

 

At 7:31pm Chairman Boisseau made a motion to go to Non-public Session per RSA 91A-3 II (personnel, reputation,) Selectman Morris seconded – roll call – all  

 

Board discussed building inspections and delinquent properties.

Board discussed upping after school rec pay to $15/hr

 

Selectman Morris made a motion to adjourn at 8:16pm – Selectman Jensen – second – roll call  – all – motion passed

 

Respectfully submitted,

Tim Fleury

Administrative Assistant

 

 

 

 

 

 

2021 Bethlehem Select Board Liaisons

April Hibberd                              selectman1@bethlehemnh.org

Veronica Morris                         selectman4@bethlehemnh.org

Chris Jensen                                selectman5@bethlehemnh.org

Bruce Caplain                              selectman2@bethlehemnh.org

Gabe Boisseau                            selectman3@bethlehemnh.org

Department/Function	Primary Liaison	Secondary Liaison
Executive	April/Gabe
Town Clerk	April	Bruce
Tax Collector	Veronica	Bruce
Assessing/Wood Assessing	Gabe	Bruce
Legal	April/Gabe
Planning & Zoning	Chris	Veronica
Government Buildings	Bruce	Chris
Visitor Center	Bruce	Chris
Direct Assistance	April	Chris
Police/Animal Control	Chris/April
Fire/ Ambulance	Gabe	Veronica
Building Inspection	Bruce	Chris
Highway/Street lights	Gabe	Veronica
Energy Commission	Bruce	Veronica
Recreation	Veronica	April
Library	April	Chris
Conservat. Comm./Bretzfelder	Veronica	April
Debt. Serv./TAN/Treasurer	Board	Board
Safety Committee	Bruce	April
Bethlehem Village District	Bruce	April
North Country Council	Bruce	Chris
Transfer Station Committee	Chris	April
Capital Improvement Committee	Bruce	Veronica
Cable Consortium	Harry Newell
Bethlehem Cares	Chris	April