Select Board — June 15, 2026

a speaker cited US Surgeon General data on social isolation (16% statewide, 29% for ages 18-24, elevated rates and depression among older adults) and described Bedford efforts such as Rotary/Library/Middlesex Savings community dinners and meetings with the public health nurse; requested board support to coordinate departments for Good Neighbor Day and install more benches that encourage phatic communication.

Board allowed extended time for the comment; no formal action taken.

Application by ABRE for generators required due to fuel storage in the Aquifer Protection District; clarification provided on tank capacity vs. fill limit vs. containment (meets 110% rule); questions addressed tenant fit-out hazardous materials containment and that future tenants would apply separately if needed.

Public hearing opened and closed 5-0; special permit granted 5-0 subject to hazard contingency plan and biosafety permit if applicable.

Next review in approximately five years.

Request allows power connection for heating, lighting, and operations; paving of Great Road planned for spring after related work (fire station, traffic signals) and settlement period.

Hearing opened and closed 5-0; petition approved 5-0.

Street opening permit to follow; road repaving targeted for spring.

Overview of monitoring (537 homeownership units, 805 rental units), resales, SHI tracking, TBRA lottery, fair housing workshops, website migration, and Bedford-specific work (Carlisle Road local preference, Shawsheen condo support); slight budget decrease for Bedford noted.

Board expressed strong support for the partnership; three-year IMA extension with one-year budget approved 5-0.

Invoices to be sent in July; new website live by end of month.

Fund created FY24 to buffer volatile out-of-district and transportation costs; current balance $950k; legislature did not fully fund circuit breaker transportation reimbursement; school committee approved withdrawal June 9 and finance committee was consulted June 11.

Motion to transfer up to $250k approved 5-0.

$300k deposit scheduled for July 1; policy cap discussion to return on future agenda.

Transfers move surpluses within general government to cover deficits (snow & ice highest since 2015 at 119% over budget); police OT overage partially offset by vacancies; avoids finance committee reserve draw.

Authorization of year-end transfers approved 5-0.

Remaining balances fall to free cash.

Write-offs cover deceased patients, invalid addresses, Medicaid max-outs, and non-responsive accounts (including overseas visitors); collection rate >91% over 10 years; rate increase aligned with peer communities to cover fuel/maintenance. Chief outlined four categories for write-offs and noted rising category 4 cases.

Board approved $23,458 abatement for CY2024–CY2025 and adopted FY2027 rates at 2.5% increase.

Discussed rising irrigation meter adoption reducing sewer revenue, lack of irrigation restrictions (unique to Bedford), dynamic pricing challenges, affordability, and benefits of full MWRA assessment model. Board explored conservation options and rate structure tiers.

Board approved FY2027 water/sewer rates (including corrected irrigation rate of $16.90), DPW fee schedule updates, sewer fee deferral for 277 Great Road, and Weston & Sampson contract for Page Road pump station design ($296,900). All votes 5-0.

Board indicated interest in future discussion of voluntary irrigation conservation measures before next rate cycle.

Advocate cited Bedford's high vulnerable-road-user fatality rate and cut-through traffic. Board discussed enforcement mechanics, privacy protections, local control, and reluctance to endorse legislation routinely.

Motion to endorse S2344/H3754 made but received no second; no position taken.

Board will consider implementation only if/when legislation passes.

Candidates described firm structure, fixed/hybrid/hourly fee models, emphasis on responsiveness and acting as proactive counselors rather than reactive advisors, and experience representing 49 municipalities. Firm presented hourly, fixed-fee, and hybrid options; explained lead/backup counsel, same-day responsiveness, pre-town meeting logistics, office hours, and how they handle MBTA/ADU compliance while preserving local authority. Board asked about client prioritization, escalation paths, and transition timeline. In deliberation, members noted KP Law's reputation and resources, current counsel's six-year history, and Mitelman Acosta's engagement; some expressed preference for larger firms or continuity concerns. S48 noted KP Law's strong reputation among municipal clients and feedback from a city solicitor; S47 praised the energy and case made by KP Law presenters while observing the first firm did not sell itself as strongly. Both acknowledged all three firms were competent.

No firm selected; board agreed the three candidates are all strong but required more time for consideration. No decision reached; board agreed to table the item rather than vote immediately.

Discussion and decision tabled to next regular meeting; members may consult town manager individually before then. Discussion and possible motion at the next Select Board meeting; members may consult the town manager individually in the interim.

Members who fail to submit reappointment forms by June 30 may still attend meetings but cannot count toward quorum or cast votes until sworn in again. Staff will notify chairs and liaisons after the deadline. One member confirmed they were not on the list because they serve as a liaison.

Information shared; no formal action taken on specific individuals.

Staff liaisons and chairs will be notified after June 30 of any non-compliant members.