The Bedford Water and Sewer Advisory Committee met on February 12, 2026. Ms. Hebert moved to approve the November 13, 2025 meeting minutes; Ms. Evansic seconded, and all were in favor. Ms. Sills nominated Ms. Evansic as Committee Chair. Ms. Douglas seconded the nomination, and all were in favor. Ms. Evansic accepted.
Regarding Alpine Court, Ms. Douglas reported 2 million gallons of high flow charges were due to a grease blockage in Manchester’s metering manhole. The line was cleaned, and the Town is seeking a credit from Manchester. The committee discussed the flow metering study and continued I&I concerns.
The committee reviewed a potential conversion of a sewer sleeve under Route 101 for water use. Ms. Douglas recommended keeping the Pines, Boynton Street, and Sebbins Pond areas in the sewer master plan. Ms. Evansic recommended removing the Route 101/Nashua Road to Covenant Way area. Mr. Sills moved the committee proceed with the master plan update using these study areas, with Ms. Evansic asking for "All in favor?" to which all responded in favor. The next meeting is May 14, 2026.
Source: https://www.bedfordnh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02122026-2916
The Bedford Planning Board approved a 35-unit workforce housing development at 9 Sunset Lane with a 7-0 vote. The Board granted a density waiver to allow 35 units instead of the permitted 13, plus four additional waivers for landscaping and dumpster placement. Additional conditions include obtaining necessary state and town permits, providing water service confirmation, restricting 30 units as workforce housing for 30 years, and creating a bus stop pad and caution sign. Regarding Potter Properties' 15-lot subdivision at 410 Wallace Road, the Board continued discussion due to outstanding issues, primarily regarding public water requirements versus private wells, without taking a vote. The next meeting is August 17, 2026.
Source: https://www.bedfordnh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07132026-2977
The Facilities Committee elected Gail Levesque as Chair and John Bator as Vice Chair via a 5-0 roll call vote. The Committee adopted a scope covering the Fire, Police, DPW, Highway garage, and Town Office facilities. Financial context noted a previous fire station estimate of $8.9M and a potential 25-30% tax increase on $100 million in spending. Near-term steps include scheduling tours of local and external facilities (including Salem's police station) in late August, and adopting a bi-weekly meeting schedule on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 5:30 PM. The Committee agreed to explore an "owner's representative" consultant model to assist with planning and cost estimates, utilizing available CIP budget funds. The next verified meeting dates were set for August 13 and August 20 at 5:30 PM.
Source: https://www.bedfordnh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07302026-2981
The committee tabled February 12, 2026 minutes approval due to insufficient attendance. Regarding the Greenfield Parkway sewer system, Brian Desfosses and Archie Jackson reported critical defects, including wooden thrust blocks, duct-taped end caps, and improper fittings, serving over 350 homes. No vote was taken; Erica Douglas sought the committee's support to generate a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) for emergency repairs and a full engineering consultant inspection. On flow metering, 17 new meters and rain gauges indicated inflow and infiltration, particularly along the interceptors, with data pending correlation to rainfall. Brian Desfosses announced a potential development request regarding the sewer sleeve across Route 101 for a future meeting. The next meeting was set for August 6, 2026.
Source: https://www.bedfordnh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05142026-2954
The Bedford Town Council interviewed Kelleigh Gleason for the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) on June 10, 2026. Participating Councilors included Greazzo, Levesque, Bator, Fahey, Strand, Soule, and Sullivan, with Town Manager Rick Sawyer present.
Councilors questioned Gleason on her experience and approach to zoning. She emphasized local control and stated she would treat the ZBA as a quasi-judicial board, applying five specific criteria to individual applications without pre-judging. Gleason declined to offer opinions on specific state legislation, data centers, or development types, noting that forming public opinions could preclude her from voting on related matters later.
Councilor Strand asked about controlling development. Gleason clarified that spot zoning is illegal, but the Council could change local ordinances if they wish to prevent certain developments. She suggested the Council resume meetings with legislators to address state law concerns. No votes, budget items, or appointments were made during the session.
Source: https://www.bedfordnh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06102026-2973