Bedford Town Council Meeting - February 11, 2026

At the Bedford Town Council meeting on February 11, 2026, the council held public hearings on two ballot questions regarding the prohibition of Keno and games of chance, approved an ordinance to increase the disabled veterans tax credit, discussed potential future increases to veterans' credits, granted a stormwater waiver, and awarded a road reconstruction contract. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call (Councillors Carter, Strand, Beemis, LeBec, Sole, Griazzo, and Radke). No public comments were made during the initial public comment period.

Public Hearing: Article 12 (Keno Prohibition) and Article 13 (Games of Chance Prohibition)

• The council heard a presentation from Kelly J. Rosberg, Chief Product and Program Officer of the New Hampshire Lottery, who provided an overview of Keno and games of chance. Key points: Keno is an electronic bingo-style game played in pubs/taverns and C-stores; 94 municipalities currently allow it; the legislature changed the opt-in to opt-out model in 2025. For games of chance (table games like blackjack, poker), a license is required and only straight table games (no VLTs/HHR) are currently allowed for new facilities; 35% of house revenue goes to charities. The public hearing was opened and closed with no audience speakers. No vote was taken; these are ballot items for the March 10, 2026 election.

Discussion: Ordinance 2026-01 – Disabled Veterans Tax Credit Increase

• Assessor Doug Irvine presented an ordinance to amend Chapter 251, Article 9, increasing the total disability exemption from $2,000 to $2,500. This consolidates two existing credits (a $2,000 disabled credit and a $500 all-veterans credit) into one, per a 2025 legislative change. The council opened a public hearing, heard no comments, and closed it. The motion to approve the ordinance passed 7-0.

Discussion: Future Veterans Credit Increases

• Assessor Irvine provided data on the optional $500 credit (unchanged since 2007) and the disabled credit. He noted that the number of recipients for the $500 credit has declined from ~1,000 in 2012 to ~780 in 2025, while disabled veteran recipients have increased. He presented options for increasing both credits and their tax impacts. The council discussed phasing in increases over three years to the maximum allowed, with the intention to bring an ordinance for first reading in March 2026. A consensus was reached to pursue a phased approach, but no formal vote was taken.

New Business: Stormwater Waiver – 308 South River Road

• Brian DeFosis, DPW Director, and Keith Coran (Bowler Engineering) presented a request to waive Section 1.03.b.9 of the stormwater regulations to allow a 0.11 cfs increase in the one-year storm event only, to ensure a detention pond drains within 72 hours for vector control. All other storm events and control points show reduced flows. The waiver was approved 7-0.

New Business: Award of Bid – Road Reconstruction and Surfacing 2026-2027

• The council awarded contract #12-2025 to Continental Paving Inc. for road reconstruction and surfacing, subject to available funding. The contract includes priority projects (Tinker Road, Liberty Hill Road) and additional roads contingent on budget approval. The motion passed 7-0.

Town Manager’s Report

• Town Manager Rick provided updates: March 10, 2026 election details (7 a.m.-7 p.m. at Bedford High School); sample ballots online; last day to register before election day is February 28; candidates forums on February 18 (town council) and 19 (school board) at BCTV; Lions Club pancake breakfast on March 8; Citizens Police Academy starting April 2; PB&J drive for food pantry; Super Sunday 4-miler postponed to February 15; Winterfest on February 15; President's Day closures; Clean Up Bedford Day April 8-18; thanks to DPW for winter storm work.

Council Comments

• Councillor Carter congratulated Animal Control Officer Haley Galino for carrying the torch at the Special Olympics USA Games. He also promoted Clean Up Bedford Day. Councillor Strand acknowledged a Scout working on a citizenship merit badge. Councillor Beemis reported on historic district commission meeting. Councillor LeBec mentioned highway safety committee. Councillor Sole encouraged voter turnout. Councillor Griazzo reported on planning board conditional use permits (gas station/convenience store on Technology Drive and 21-unit cottage court on Constitution Drive). He also asked councillors to check their availability to work at the polls on March 10. The meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 2026-01 (disabled veterans tax credit increase to $2,500) – Approved 7-0.
• Stormwater waiver for 308 South River Road – Approved 7-0.
• Road reconstruction contract awarded to Continental Paving Inc. – Approved 7-0.
• Minutes of January 14, 21, and February 2 approved (all 7-0).
• Future direction: Council agreed to develop a phased increase of veterans' credits (both $500 and disabled) over three years, with first reading of the ordinance targeted for March 2026.
• Public hearings on Keno and games of chance: No action taken; these are ballot questions for March 10, 2026.