Town of Bethlehem

The meeting addressed public input concerning personnel issues, specifically a Fire Chief placed on paid administrative leave following a legal council's advice, and the historical context of the full-time Fire Chief position being approved by voters. The Board awarded the bid for a 2000 Pumper to Asian Auto Services. A significant discussion focused on State Bill 593 (SB 593), which proposes changes to host fees and local control regarding landfill operations, with members expressing concerns about negated resident votes and land use negotiation powers. The Board adjourned discussion on SB 593 until the next scheduled meeting.

Key discussions included the budget, where the small remaining appropriation balance is planned for transfer to savings, which now totals over $16,000 including land use change tax funds. Regarding the noise ordinance, the Planning Board voted to place it on the March 10th ballot, and the Commission plans to coordinate the design and mailing of an informational graphic by mid-February. Future priorities for 2026 involve reducing major new projects to focus on educating residents about existing dark sky and noise regulations, ensuring environmental concerns are included in the new town master plan, reviving Adopt-a-Spot, and monitoring state legislative efforts. Updates were provided on posting no-hunting signs at the Johnson-Tellman Town Forest and the possibility of an interpretive trail. The Commission also reviewed an Alteration-of-Terrain (AOT) permit filed by North Country Environmental Services concerning the CAP 5 closure, with the consensus being that commenting was not necessary due to the already disturbed nature of the soil. One member volunteered to serve as liaison for monitoring Eversource regulatory documents before the Site Evaluation Committee. Finally, tenure clarification was made regarding a member's planned departure at the end of 2026.

The agenda for the Selectmen's Meeting includes a period for Public Input. Board Business focuses on budget reviews for multiple departments including the Library, Town Clerk/Tax Collector, Tan, Legal, Planning/Zoning, Welfare, and GGB. The meeting also covers the approval of an RFP for an Assessing Company, updates regarding the need for a Bethlehem member on the Ammonoosuc LAC, and information on Community Power hearings. Finally, there is an allowance for Liaison/Committee Updates, Other business, and a potential Non-public Session per RSA 91A-3 II regarding personnel, reputation, and legal matters.

The agenda for this meeting included the continuation of a Budget Hearing, updates and other general Board business, and specific board business items. Key discussion topics for board business involved the Transfer Station Request for Proposal (RFP) and the Snack Shack Project. The meeting structure allows for time dedicated to public input.

The Bethlehem Community Power Electric Aggregation Plan outlines the establishment and operation of a community power program for residents and businesses under RSA 53-E. The plan focuses on offering lower electricity rates, expanding renewable energy options, ensuring fiscal stability, and protecting consumers. It also aims to promote cleaner local power, enhance community resilience, and foster regional collaborations to reduce fossil fuel consumption, enhance grid reliability, create customer savings, and support local businesses.