Select Board — January 26, 2026

Public Works Director requested board approval of a modified easement with Five Lane property owner for traffic signal equipment base, approximately 55 square feet, needed due to unexpected underground utilities discovered during Great Road and Loomis traffic signal work.

Board approved purchase of two Ford Police Interceptor hybrid vehicles (P6 and P9 replacements) at net prices of $46,187.40 and $45,413.80, with existing vehicles to be retained for school resource officers rather than traded in.

Board approved $92,000 contract with Woodard and Curran to design replacement for washed-out culvert near Shawsheen water facility, designed to 100-year storm standards using 2070 climate projections.

Board approved deferral of sewer connection and impact fees for 18 Loomis Street multifamily development, with all fees to be paid prior to certificate of occupancy issuance.

Treasurer Christine and consultant Brian Jamros presented proposal to adopt prudent investor rule for town trust funds, allowing broader investment diversification beyond current Mass General Law restrictions while maintaining appropriate risk levels.

Attorney Pam Brown and consultant Lynn Sweet presented proposed 40Y zoning bylaw for 49 Elm Street, allowing up to nine smaller homeownership units (maximum 1,850 sq ft) as overlay district to create more affordable housing options.

Town Manager presented proposed salary bylaw changes, maintaining same dollar ranges for full-time employees due to hour reduction from 40 to 37.5 hours, and adding new positions including maintenance supervisor and community planning roles.

Discussion of changes to employee hourly rates and salary ranges due to shift from 40-hour to 37.5-hour work week as part of four-day work week schedule. Full-time employee ranges kept same while hourly rates increased.

Proposal to add Community Planning and Sustainability Manager (Grade 5) and Community Planning Administrator (Grade 4) positions to expand department focus beyond traditional zoning to include housing, economic development, and sustainability initiatives.

Updated budget scorecard showing addition of $30,000 to town manager's budget for energy and sustainability consulting, bringing total to $60,000. Budget remains under 2.5% guideline with help from $150,000 in free cash.

Review of warrant articles including Special Education Reserve Fund request ($350,000 appropriation, $450,000 authorization), citizen petition on Energy and Sustainability Manager position, and Shawsheen Tech feasibility study assessment ($61,427).

Discussion of proposed charter changes including town manager hiring authority vs. board authority for superintendent and library director positions. Charter and Bylaw Committee recommended (4-1 vote) allowing school committee and library trustees to hire/fire their respective directors.

Extended discussion about proposed charter amendments regarding whether the town manager should have hiring/firing/supervision authority over library trustees and other board positions. Board debated leaving current charter language as-is versus accepting Charter and Bylaw Committee recommendations.

Town Manager presented Al Rigo (current Tewksbury Finance Director) for ratification as Bedford's new Finance Director, effective February 23, 2026. Rigo has over 5 years municipal experience and MBA from Suffolk University.

Board approved consent agenda for town election warrant, subject to town counsel review. Warrant includes three previously approved charter amendments: elimination of petitioners advisory committee, select board appointments for veterans positions, and volunteer coordinating committee duties.

Updates on fire station construction progress (on track and budget), food waste diversion utility credits, COVID test kit distribution, rent relief program, Cultural District grant, and employee recognitions including fire academy graduates and 30-year service milestone.