Bedford Town Council Meeting - November 19, 2025

The Bedford Town Council met on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM under the leadership of Council Chair Lori Radke. Councillors Strand, Beemis, Lebeth, Sowell, and Griazzo were present; Councillor Carter had an excused absence. The meeting covered a public hearing on fee schedule updates, approval of major vehicle purchases, finalization of budget adjustments, a presentation on property tax calculation, and a detailed report on a community facility survey. Key votes were taken on budget line items and equipment purchases.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Carol Davis (17 Checkerberry Lane), representing the Craft Workers Guild, announced the organization's 100th anniversary as a continuous artisan support group in New Hampshire. She thanked the town for over 50 years of hosting the guild at the Oliver Kendall House and presented the council with a commemorative gift. She described the guild's offerings (fabric goods, glass, basket weaving, ceramics, cards) and noted the seasonal hours: Thursday–Sunday 10–5 through Thanksgiving, then Wednesday–Sunday in December.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing – Fee Schedule and Transfer Station Rate Updates Rick (Town Manager) outlined three changes: (1) $2 fee for Historic District Commission notification letters; (2) dog tag replacement fee corrected to $1.50; (3) removal of metal from bulky waste definition and addition of scrap metal (free disposal). Brian DeFosis (DPW) noted that accepting metal from both residential and commercial sources generates net revenue, and that encouraging metal recycling could offset any weight-based fee losses. The council discussed logistics for mixed loads and confirmed commercial metal is accepted.

• New Business – Police Vehicle Purchase Chief DeWitty requested $210,000+ from leftover wage funds (from unfilled positions in 2025) to purchase three vehicles ($147,495). The purchase was originally scheduled for 2026 in the CIP but funded early to avoid 2026 budget impacts. The fit-up work (up to $20,000 per vehicle) and reconditioning of cycled vehicles would be handled by the manager's office. Council discussed timing, CIP scheduling, and funding source (police department operating surplus).

• New Business – Ambulance Purchase Captain Kearney and Deputy Chief DeBoick presented a bid award: the ambulance committee recommended PL Custom (second-highest price at $384,609) for a replacement ambulance (mileage ~101,000). Build time is ~2 years, consistent with fleet standardization. Council discussed ambulance revenue (~$1.6M/year) going to the general fund, whether to create a dedicated replacement account, and the current capital reserve strategy (funds already set aside for this purchase).

• Budget Workshop Decisions and Continuation Rick presented six items from the budget workshop for finalization. The council voted on each item individually. A separate discussion on proposed new positions was postponed to the December council meeting at Councillor Carter's request, as he wished to be present. Councillor Beck then delivered a presentation explaining how the tax rate is calculated, using her own tax bill as an example to illustrate the relationship between warrant articles, assessed value, and the final tax bill. She noted that for a $700,000 home, taxes increased about $476 in 2025.

• Facility Survey Results Councillor Griazzo and Councillor Sowell presented results from a community survey on town facility needs (508 responses, ~3% of registered voters). Key findings: 85% agreed that facility improvements are needed; fire station was the top priority (43% ranked it first), with ambulance-only station as the preferred second option; cost and location were the main reasons for previous rejections; 65% supported relocating DPW to free up space. Common public comments: the $37M fire proposal was excessive, mistrust of the $9M proposal, desire to keep police at 55 Constitution, solve ambulance needs separately, and find creative funding (not all from taxes). The council discussed next steps: forming a Facilities Committee (3 council members + 5 community members) to develop holistic, phased solutions with multiple public checkpoints, aiming for a 2027 ballot article.

• Town Manager's Report Rick reported: property tax bills mailed, due December 1; Bills Road Bridge has base pavement and is on track; Greenfield Parkway Bridge deck poured; solar project at transfer station (most panels installed, ~200 on back order); drought improved (southern Bedford now 'abnormally dry'); no parking on town roads midnight–8 AM Nov 1–Apr 1; citizen petition zoning amendment period Nov 10–Dec 10; upcoming events (Bedford Boomers train show, holiday closures, Santa mailbox, Toys for Tots, Festival of Trees, library concert). He also announced the passing of IT director Nate after a battle with cancer.

• Councillor Comments & Committee Updates Councillors expressed condolences for Nate's passing. Councillor Strand noted the Water & Sewer Committee approved a project to improve flow accuracy for Manchester sewer billing. Councillor Beck reported the Historic Committee will receive consultant feedback on guidelines Dec 2. Councillor Sowell mentioned the Energy Commission discussed the solar array. Councillor Griazzo reported the Planning Board approved a sign waiver and a site plan for AJ LeBlanc demolition/parking, and reviewed ~10 proposed zoning amendments. Chair Radke congratulated Rick on completing his term as President of the NH City and Town Managers Association.

Key Outcomes

• Fee and Rate Schedule Update: Motion to approve changes (public hearing held) passed 6–0.
• Police Vehicle Purchase: Motion to award contract to Propony Forward for $147,495 and authorize the town manager to execute passed 6–0.
• Ambulance Purchase: Motion to award bid to Sugarloaf Ambulance Rescue Vehicles for $384,609 and authorize the town manager to execute passed 6–0.
• Budget Line Items (Individual Votes):
  • Increase council miscellaneous line by $2,000 → Passed 4–2 (Strand and Griazzo opposed).
  • Increase recreation administrative budget by $5,000 for part-time intern → Passed 4–2 (Beemis and Radke opposed).
  • Decrease property insurance line by $14,600 → Passed 6–0.
  • Decrease planning donation line by $500 → Passed 6–0.
  • Increase planning education reimbursement line by $5,000 → Passed 6–0.
  • Decrease default budget uniform allowance (fire) by $100,000 → Passed 6–0.
• Minutes Approval: Public session and non-public session of October 22, 2025, approved 5–0 (Beemis absent); budget workshop minutes of November 1, 2025, approved 5–0 (Beemis stepped out).