Bedford Town Council Meeting and Committee Interviews - April 22, 2026

The Town of Bedford held a combined committee interview session and regular Town Council meeting on April 22, 2026. The evening began with interviews for committee appointments, followed by the regular meeting which featured the annual report from the Trustees of the Trust Funds, appointments to various boards and commissions, and a public hearing on a rehearing request regarding a citizen petition to remove two properties from the Historic District. The council voted on multiple appointments and ultimately denied the rehearing motion.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the minutes of the April 8, 2026 interview session and the public session of the same date (one abstention).
• No other consent items were considered.

Public Comments & Testimony

• James Dumont (316 Wallace Road) presented as the petitioner for a rehearing, arguing that procedural defects – including lack of mailed notice to abutters, failure of the Planning Board to consider the Historic District Commission's formal opposition, defective ballot language, and spot zoning – rendered the March 10, 2026 town meeting vote on Zoning Amendment No. 9 unlawful. He requested nullification of the vote and a new hearing with proper due process. He expressed concern that the liaison from the Historic District Commission did not convey the commission's 4-1 vote to the Planning Board.
• Laura Gandia, attorney for Devine Millimet representing property owners Frank Robinson (324 Wallace Road) and Pat & Jerry MacModical (320 Wallace Road), argued that the movants lack standing (specifically for 324 Wallace Road), that the rehearing is the current proceeding, and that the petitioners failed to show any legal violation. She asserted that the Planning Board was informed of the Historic District vote during its public hearing, that the town provided proper notice (the district includes over 100 properties, so no mailed notice was required), and that the vote does not constitute spot zoning because the properties lack historical significance (homes built after 2018) and the change serves the public welfare by removing arbitrary geographic constraints.
• Lisa Muscat (49 Church Road), Historic District Commission member and abutter, stated she never received notice of the petition (though she considers herself an abutter) and emphasized the need for clear communication protocols to avoid future procedural confusion.
• David Clark (62 Bedford Center Road), Historic District Commission member, expressed concern that removing two properties sets a precedent that could erode the Historic District, and that the Planning Board either ignored or did not properly receive the HDC's opposition.
• Susan Tuftsmore (27 Bedford Center Road) testified that she attended all relevant meetings and confirmed that the HDC's official vote was not formally relayed to the Planning Board; the liaison gave only his personal opinion.
• Linda Camrada (16 Waymouth Drive) supported the original vote, stating the process was well-presented and the voters made an informed decision.
• A written letter from Kathleen Beamis (15 Cooper Lane) was received and noted for the record.

Discussion Items

• Annual Meeting with Trustees of the Trust Funds: Ryan Callahan, chair, reported on the two portfolios managed: private trusts totaling $154,025 with a three-year average annualized return of 12.1%, and capital reserves totaling $12,692,618 with a three-year average return of 4%. He thanked outgoing trustees Ken Peterson, Mac McMahon, and Lair Cheatham. The council asked about fund uses and investment policies.
• Appointment to Trustee of the Trust Funds: With three highly qualified applicants (Edward Comiskey, Don Giroux, Mark Bartram), the council debated and voted 5-1 to appoint Don Giroux to fill the vacancy (term expires March 2027). Councillor Bader voted no, favoring Mark Bartram.
• Appointments to Boards, Committees, and Commissions: The council discussed and voted on numerous appointments. Key decisions included:
  • Library Trustees: Appointed Catherine Rombo and Kevin R. Brown as alternates (term to May 2027). Unanimous.
  • Planning Board: Retained Hal Newberry and Patricia Malcolm as regular members (2029), moved Chris Bandesian to regular (2028), retained Logan Johnson as alternate (2029), and appointed Mark Snyder as alternate (2028). Unanimous.
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment: Appointed Joe Fahy (regular, 2029), Michael Riopel (regular, 2029), Elizabeth Kershaw (regular, 2027), Danielle Ivanzik (alternate, 2029), Nary Bordis (alternate, 2028), and Evan McCombs (alternate, 2027). Unanimous.
  • Parks and Recreation: Reappointed Spencer Hawks (regular, 2029) and Jamie Stein (alternate, 2029). Unanimous.
  • Historic District Commission: Appointed Lisa Muscott (regular, 2029) and Min Conant (alternate, 2029). Unanimous.
  • Conservation Commission: Retained Joanne Smith (regular, 2029), moved Diane Sumenez (regular, 2029) and Erin Crowley (regular, 2027), and appointed Chris Campin (alternate, 2029) and Ken Cash (alternate, 2028). Unanimous.
  • Energy Commission: Reappointed Monty O'Boffman (2029), appointed Kenneth Cash (2029) and Chris Campin (2027). Unanimous.
  • Water & Sewer Advisory Committee: Reappointed Michael Sills and Danielle Ivanzik (both to 2029). Unanimous.
  • Highway Safety Committee: Appointed Bruce Thomas (regular, 2029) and David Bergeron (alternate, 2028). Unanimous.
  • BCTV/BCNH Board: Appointed Glenn Smith (2029). Unanimous.
  • Cemetery Trustees: Appointed Albert Ho (2029) and Edward Comiskey (2027). Unanimous.
  • Town Treasurer: Appointed Glenn Smith (2027). Unanimous.
• Rehearing on Zoning Amendment No. 9 (Citizen Petition to Remove 320 and 324 Wallace Road from Historic District): The council conducted the rehearing as required by RSA 677:2. After hearing from both sides and public comment, council members discussed the merits. Key points: Councillor LeBec noted the Planning Board held multiple hearings and the public was informed; Councillor Bader found no persuasive evidence of statutory violations; Councillor Strand acknowledged potential process concerns but saw no legal basis to overturn; Councillor Fahy and Chairman Griazzo concurred. The council denied the motion for rehearing and a special town meeting.
• Other New Business: The council established two ad hoc committees: a Data Gathering Committee (Councillors Sullivan, Fahy, and Strand) and a Facilities Committee (Councillors Bader, LeBec, and Griazzo). Councillor Strand will serve as an alternate to both.
• Town Manager's Report: Rick Sawyer announced upcoming events: National Library Week, Drug Take Back Day (April 25), dog licensing deadline (April 30), cleanup at Pulpit Rock Conservation Area (May 2), Cinco de Mile 5K (May 3), International Firefighters Day (May 4), library closure (May 7), solar array ribbon cutting (May 11), Farmers Market starts (May 12), Be Bold fundraiser, Pre-Memorial Day Parade (May 17), and party affiliation change deadline (June 2). He also noted that 90 bags (over 320 lbs) were collected during Cleanup Bedford.

Key Outcomes

• Trustees of Trust Funds Appointment: Don Giroux appointed by a vote of 5-1 (term expires March 2027).
• All Board and Commission Appointments: Approved unanimously (6-0) as detailed above.
• Rehearing on Zoning Amendment No. 9: Denied (motion by Councillor LeBec, seconded by Councillor Fahy; all in favor, none opposed). The council found the procedures lawful and reasonable and that the amendment did not constitute spot zoning.
• Minutes Approval: Interview minutes and public session minutes from April 8, 2026 approved with one abstention.
• Ad Hoc Committees Established: Data Gathering and Facilities committees formed; members assigned.
• Next Meeting: May 6, 2026 at 5:30 PM for town clerk interviews; May 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM for regular meeting and retreat.