Bedford Town Council Meeting – June 24, 2026

The Bedford Town Council held its regular meeting on June 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included a presentation of a public service award, confirmation of a new Information Technology Manager, a legislative update from state representatives, and approval of a civil forfeiture warrant for unlicensed dogs. The meeting adjourned after councilor reports.

Presentation of VFW Public Service Award

• Gary Backis of VFW Post 8401 presented the VFW National EMT Award to Firefighter Paramedic Aiden DeRosher. The award recognized his exceptional clinical skills, mentorship, and commitment to public service. DeRosher thanked the council and expressed pride in serving the town.

Confirmation of Information Technology Manager

• Town Manager Rick Sawyer presented the appointment of Paul Connolly as Information Technology Manager, effective July 20, 2026. Connolly is a Bedford resident, 24-year Marine veteran, with 25+ years in IT. The selection process included over 60 resumes, a consultant, and a committee. The council voted unanimously to confirm the appointment (7-0). Connolly briefly addressed the council, thanking them for the opportunity.

Legislative Update with Senator Rasharty and Representative Rombo

• Senator Rasharty and Representative Catherine Rombo provided an update on the 2026 legislative session. Key points included:
  • Restoration of meals and rooms revenue sharing, now over $2.5 million for Bedford (up 102% since SB 99).
  • Transportation funding over $1 million; Bedford Adequate Education and SWEPT funding increased by over $165,000 from FY20.
  • $10 million for Invest NH, $25 million for affordable housing, and $5 million for a municipal housing champions pilot program.
  • Update on PFAS settlements: $4.68 million deposited into the NH Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund, with $45 million allocated to municipalities.
  • Senator Rasharty highlighted passage of bills requiring pharmacies to offer the best price (SB 614) and creating daycare risk pools (SB 614) to help families return to work.
• Both legislators expressed strong opposition to bills eroding local control, particularly regarding housing, data centers, and electioneering. They noted that SB 84 (a harmful bill) was killed, but many other bills passed. They urged the council to engage early for next session’s priorities.
• Councilor Strand asked about the statement that local control is not a New Hampshire value. Both disagreed, noting that local control remains a core value and that they fought against overreaching legislation. Representative Rombo highlighted that bills on tax caps (HB 1300) and electioneering (HB 340) passed and are before the governor. Councilor Sullivan expressed concern about the electioneering bill’s impact on municipal employees’ ability to inform the public. The legislators encouraged the public to contact the governor to veto HB 340.
• Councilor Strand raised the issue of school funding and unfunded special education mandates. Both acknowledged the challenge and noted that the tax cap bill (HB 1300) is another example of state overreach.

Approval of Civil Forfeiture Warrant for Unlicensed Dogs

• Town Clerk Bill Carter presented a warrant to authorize civil forfeiture letters for 587 unlicensed dogs (down from 720 in prior years). The process is mandated by state law (RSA 466:14). The council debated the effectiveness and burden of the law. Some councilors voted no, citing the law’s antiquity and low compliance. Ultimately, the motion passed 4-3 (Councilors Strand, Sullivan, Fahy voted no; Bader, Sowell, LeBec, Griazzo voted yes). Clerk Carter noted that the town has never seized a dog and that the goal is to encourage compliance.

Town Manager’s Report

• Rick Sawyer announced:
  • The town pool opened on Father’s Day.
  • Touch-a-Truck event held at the library was a success.
  • Summer concert series began June 24 at Bedford Village Common (Wednesday nights at 6 PM).
  • Special 250th birthday celebration for the USA on July 5 at 3 PM at Bedford Village Common.
  • Tax bills mailed; due July 1.
  • Farmers market continues Tuesdays 3-6 PM at Murphy’s Taproom.
  • Drought: Bedford remains in moderate drought; voluntary outdoor watering restrictions encouraged.
  • Household Hazardous Waste Day on August 1 from 8:30 AM to 3 PM at the highway garage.
  • Independence Day closures: Town office, library, BCTV closed July 3; library and transfer station closed July 4.

Councilor Reports

• Councilor Strand reported on the conservation committee, asking about recognition for businesses that volunteer. Town Manager Sawyer noted certificates of appreciation are sent.
• Councilor Fahy noted trail improvements at Joppa Hill starting August 17.
• Councilor Sowell reported that the skateboard park was closed briefly for repairs, now open. She also noted a highway safety meeting discussed the Merrill Farm proposal, which was sent back to the planning board with concerns.
• Councilor LeBec reported that facility planning meetings will begin soon, with a cadence of twice monthly over the summer.
• Councilor Griazzo suggested using recreation impact fees to improve the skate park, but Town Manager Sawyer clarified those fees cannot be used for maintenance.

Key Outcomes

• VFW Award: Presented to Firefighter Paramedic Aiden DeRosher.
• IT Manager Confirmation: Paul Connolly confirmed unanimously (7-0).
• Civil Forfeiture Warrant: Approved 4-3, authorizing the town clerk and animal control officer to send civil forfeiture letters for unlicensed dogs.
• Minutes Postponed: Due to a complaint about the accuracy of minutes, the council deferred approval to a future meeting.
• Adjournment: Motion carried unanimously.

Next Steps

• The council will review the minutes and address the complaint before the next meeting.
• Facility planning committee will begin meeting twice monthly.
• The town will continue to communicate with the delegation on legislative priorities for next session.