Public Meetings - Bedford, New Hampshire

The Bedford Town Council convened on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM for a regular meeting. The meeting included presentations from the Executive Council, approval of several contracts, and discussions on the town's capital improvement plan, employee compensation, and other administrative matters. All votes were taken by roll call. Executive Counselor Presentation - Executive Counselor John Stevens (District 4) addressed the council, outlining his role in approving state contracts over $10,000, including highway safety, environmental remediation (PFAS), and emergency management funds. He noted a projected $400 million deficit in the state highway fund, attributing it to past borrowing and reduced gas tax revenue from electric vehicles. He encouraged the town to apply for grants and emphasized his availability for assistance. Council members asked about PFAS response, the highway fund deficit, and local zoning bills. Stevens stated the Executive Council does not set policy on zoning. Award of Voting Machine Contract - Town Clerk Tally Keller and Town Moderator Henry Bayou presented a recommendation to purchase seven Voting Works VX Suite tabulators, a laptop, and printer. The decision followed demonstrations and a mock election, with the town election team voting 10-0 in favor. The new machines use standard paper, handle write-ins efficiently, and are cheaper than the alternative (Dominion/LHS). The state will provide a $3,500 credit per returned AccuVote machine. The council approved the purchase 7-0. Award of Fire Department Turnout Gear Replacement Contract - Fire Chief Frank Fritzel requested approval to replace 55 sets of PFAS-free protective clothing from Bergeron Protective Clothing (Globe Manufacturing, Pittsfield, NH) for $199,727. The gear is NH-made, and the price was held from March 2024. The department has 10-12 sets expiring in December 2025. The council approved 7-0. Award of 2026 Mowing and Landscape Maintenance Contract Extension - Town Manager Rick Sawyer recommended extending the contract with Knott's Land Care for $156,750 for 2026, a 10% increase from the previous year. The vendor has performed well. The council approved 7-0. Award of Traffic Signal Improvements Bid - Assistant DPW Director Brian DeFosis presented a plan to convert six intersections (including South River Road at Meeting House Road) from wire loop/radar to camera-based vehicle detection systems, and upgrade two cabinet controllers. The total cost is $164,712 to Dagle Electrical Construction. Funding sources include $62,500 redirected from loop replacement, $25,000 from a developer, $54,212 from CIP, and $23,000 from highway maintenance. The system will enable signal coordination and improve safety. The council also approved a separate agreement with NHDOT for the state-owned signal at Market & Maine. Both votes were 7-0. Approval of Development Agreement for Ridgewood Road Sidewalk - A development agreement with Van Solwood Realty LLC was approved for construction of a sidewalk along Ridgewood Road and Atwood Drive, at no cost to the town (developer-funded, estimated $143,443.50). The 400-foot sidewalk will improve pedestrian access. The town will accept ownership and maintenance. The council approved 7-0. Award of Taser Devices and Body Worn Camera System Contract - Police Chief DeWitty and Deputy Chief Monahan requested a five-year contract renewal with Axon Enterprise for tasers and body cameras, totaling $516,484.60. The contract includes new tasers, 43 body cameras, unlimited cloud storage, training, and replacements at 2.5 years. The chief noted that competitor pricing was not significantly lower and that the bundled service saves about $100,000. The council approved 7-0. Approval of 2026 Employee Compensation Wage Ranges - Human Resources Director Pam Hogan presented the annual adjustment of non-union pay ranges. The maximums will increase by 3.2% (regional CPI), while minimums remain unchanged. This does not affect individual salaries directly; merit increases will be part of the budget process. The council approved 7-0. Submission of Draft 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan - Assistant Town Manager Gene Walker submitted the draft CIP. The total 10-year CIP is $72.3 million, with $8.5 million in 2026 (including $2.1 million debt service for local roads). No new facility construction is included. The plan is flexible and will be refined through budget discussions. The council received the plan for review. Appointment to Complete 2025 Perambulation - The council appointed the town engineer and GIS coordinator to conduct the statutory perambulation of town boundaries, as required by RSA 51. The vote was 7-0. Acceptance of Donation - The council accepted a $100 donation from Bedford Martial Arts Academy to the Parks and Recreation Department, per RSA 31:95-b. Vote 7-0. Approval of 2026 Council Meeting Dates - The council approved the 2026 meeting schedule, with the December meeting moved to December 9 (from December 16) at the request of Councilor Carter. Vote 7-0. Updates to Fee Schedule - The council approved changes to the fee schedule, except for the Historic District Commission abutter notification fee, which was deferred pending further discussion. Vote 7-0. Approval of Minutes - Minutes from August 13, 2025 (public and non-public) were approved 6-0-1 (Councilor Strand abstained for absence). Minutes from the September 10, 2025 retreat were approved 7-0. Town Manager Report - Rick Sawyer provided updates: the town's facility needs survey is open until October 17; drought conditions are worsening (Bedford is in "abnormally dry" category, bordering moderate drought); a statewide outdoor fire ban is in effect; upcoming events include the Fall Fair at Joppa Hill Farm (Sept 27), 10-Year Plan hearing (Sept 30), Police/Fire Open House (Oct 2), library concerts, and Halloween (Oct 31, 6-8 PM). Councilor Comments - Councilors gave updates on committee meetings (Conservation Commission, Historic District, Parks and Rec, Energy Commission) and reminded residents about school bus safety, local control meetings, and the volunteer appreciation breakfast. Key Outcomes - All formal votes were unanimous (7-0) except for the August minutes (6-0-1). - The council approved contracts for voting machines, fire gear, mowing, traffic signals, tasers/body cameras, and a sidewalk development agreement. - The 2026 wage ranges and meeting dates were adopted. - The draft CIP was received for further review. - The fee schedule was updated with one exception. - The council will discuss the skate park warrant article at a future meeting.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) of Bedford, New Hampshire, met on September 16, 2025, at 4:00 PM (UTC). Chair John Morne called the meeting to order with board members Joseph Fehey, Bob McPherson, Mark Schneider, Neil Casselli, Dave Gilbert, Alex Kellerman, and staff Colleen Olsen and Becky Hebert present. The board approved the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting and heard two variance applications for sheds, both approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board approved the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting by voice vote. No changes were requested; one board member abstained but the motion passed. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments during either application. The board asked for public input but received none. Discussion Items 1. Variance – Jennifer Vegato (applicant for 5 Galloway Lane) Note: The applicant identified himself as Michael Vergano and his wife Jenna; the agenda listed "Jennifer Vegato" as owner/applicant. This discrepancy is noted. - Request: Variance from Article 4, Section 275-34G(3) to permit a 16'x10' shed located 0.3 feet from the rear property line where 20 feet is required, on Lot 10-43-2, zoned RNA. - The applicants stated they originally believed the property line was farther based on a builder's marker; a survey later revealed the true line, placing the already-built shed pad (permitted by the town) closer than allowed. They argued the only feasible location is the proposed spot due to wetlands, a septic leach field, and the neighbor's front yard that they inadvertently own. The adjacent neighbor (Josh) was consulted and had no objection. - Board members asked about the pad size (12'x18'), orientation, and the discrepancy between the application stating 5 feet and the survey showing 0.3 feet. The applicants explained the shed will have double doors facing the street. - During deliberation, board members found that granting the variance would not alter the character of the locality, would not threaten public health/safety, would observe the spirit of the ordinance (preventing overcrowding on a large lot), would do substantial justice, would not diminish property values, and that literal enforcement would cause unnecessary hardship due to the unique lot layout and lack of feasible alternative locations. 2. Variance – Caitlin Hoole (applicant for 66 Runlett Hill Road, owners Leah and Joe Scopatulo) Note: The application listed "Leah Scupatelio" as owner; the applicant stated the owners are Leah and Joe Scopatulo. This discrepancy is noted. - Request: Variance from Article 3, Section 275-22A, Table 1 to permit a 16'x10' shed with a 4-foot overhang (total 16'x14') on a 15'x18' pad, located 5.7 feet from the side property line where 25 feet is required, on Lot 1-15, zone GR. - The applicant explained the proposed shed replaces an existing failing 8'x8' shed in the same location. The lot contains a garage and greenhouse; placing the shed elsewhere would destroy garden beds or interfere with backyard use. The abutting neighbors (George and Karen) were aware and had no objection. - Board members asked about orientation, the lack of a pad for the old shed, and the possibility of placing the shed next to the garage. The applicant stated garden beds would be destroyed and it would be awkward for movement. The board noted the lot has many trees, making the space appear smaller than the plot plan suggests. - During deliberation, board members found all five criteria satisfied: the shed replaces an existing structure with minimal visual impact, no threat to public welfare, spirit of ordinance observed (no overcrowding on a large lot), substantial justice (functional replacement), no diminution of property values, and unnecessary hardship due to the lot's tree coverage and layout limiting alternatives. The motion included a condition that the applicant update the plot plan to show the exact shed location prior to building permit issuance. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve minutes of August 19, 2025 passed by voice vote with one abstention noted. - Variance Granted – 5 Galloway Lane: Motion by Bob McPherson, seconded by Mark Schneider, to grant the variance for the shed at 5 Galloway Lane. Passed 5-0. - Variance Granted – 66 Runlett Hill Road: Motion by Bob McPherson, seconded by Mark Schneider, to grant the variance for the shed at 66 Runlett Hill Road, with the condition that the applicant submit an updated plot plan showing the exact shed location prior to building permit issuance. Passed 5-0. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned by voice vote after a motion and second.