Bedford Town Council Meeting - October 8, 2025

The Bedford Town Council met on October 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included public comment regarding a residential facility, approval of a community power coalition agreement, updates on a facility survey, and a town manager's report covering drought conditions, roadwork, and upcoming events. Councilors also engaged in a discussion about decorum and a non-public session on personnel.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kathy Schartzer (7 Roblin Road) detailed two incidents involving a residential home for people with mental illness run by Benchmark Human Services, a for-profit company headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She described a resident entering her home at 4 a.m. on June 7, 2025, and a September 6, 2025 incident where a resident was found screaming on the roadside. She expressed that taxpayer-funded services (Bedford PD) are being used to assist the facility, which she believes subsidizes the company's profits. She supported residential homes but argued that some individuals may not be suitable for such settings and called for a review of neighborhood impacts. Council Chair Laurie Radke acknowledged the issue, noting the state has preempted local regulation and that the town has worked with Benchmark and state officials. The council indicated they cannot stop the facility but encouraged further state legislative action.

Discussion Items

• Approval of Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) Complete Services Bundle: Assistant Town Manager Jean Walker and Energy Committee member Chris Bandesian presented a request to adopt the CPCNH cost-sharing agreement, energy portfolio risk management, retail rates, financial reserves policy, and data security/privacy policy. The March 2025 town vote authorized the Bedford Community Electric Aggregation Plan only if CPCNH rates were lower than Eversource's. Since then, rates have been higher, so the program is on hold. Approval of these documents does not commit Bedford to launch; it prepares for a potential launch in March 2026 if rates become favorable. The Energy Commission recommended approval on September 25, 2025. Councilor Sowell moved to adopt and appoint the town manager as authorized officer to launch or delay, with Councillor Strand seconding. After discussion about legal review (not yet done), potential rate manipulation by Eversource, and the need for council notification of launch, the council voted 7-0 to adopt the documents and appoint the town manager as authorized officer, with an understanding that the launch decision would be brought back to the council.
• Update on Facility Survey: Town Manager Rick announced the facility survey is live through October 17, 2025, and urged more responses. He will be at Hannaford's on October 9 to promote it. The survey is available on the town website.

Town Manager Report

• Drought Conditions: 100% of New Hampshire is in moderate drought, including Bedford. The state needs at least 6 inches of rain to improve conditions. Outdoor burning is banned, and well issues may arise soon. Residents are asked to limit outdoor water use and avoid power washing.
• Roadwork: South River Road paving (milling and repaving) is underway; expect delays for several weeks. Side streets will be done after the main corridor.
• Events: Halloween Bash on October 23 (6-7 p.m. at Bedford Village Common, moved indoors if bad weather); Trick-or-treating on October 31 (6-8 p.m.); National Drug Take Back Day on October 25 (10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Safety Complex); Red Ribbon Week (Oct 23-31); Trunk or Treat on October 25 (1-3 p.m. at Constitution location); Friends of the Library fundraiser through Oct 11; Library closed Oct 13 for staff training.
• Personnel: Announcement of passing of former town clerk Wanda Jenkins (served 1999-2008).

Councilor Comments & Discussion

• Councillor Sowell criticized an unnamed councilor for a comment overheard after the previous meeting: "if you cannot afford to live here, you should move." She called it elitist and condescending, noting rising property taxes and costs. She also cited past conflicts with historic district residents. Councillor Radke responded that the conversation was private and that Sowell's response was inappropriate. Chair Radke ended the exchange, stating it was not the time or place.
• Other councilors provided updates on the historic district workshop, highway meeting timing, candy donations for trunk or treat, and a planning board meeting on a proposed 308 South River Road manufacturing/warehouse project.

Key Outcomes

• Vote 7-0: Approved CPCNH cost-sharing agreement, energy portfolio risk management, retail rates, financial reserves, and data security policies. Town Manager appointed as authorized officer to launch or delay procurement, with the understanding that the launch decision will be reported to the council.
• Non-Public Session: Motion to enter non-public under RSA 91A:2a (dismissal, promotion, or compensation of public employees) passed 7-0. The meeting then adjourned to non-public session.