Selectmen Approve Bike Path and Trail Signage; Review Community Choice Aggregation
By Elizabeth Hacala
During their July 31 meeting, the Board of Selectmen reviewed several projects already underway.
Small Increase in Water and Sewer Rates Recommended
By Meredith McCulloch
“The recommended water and sewer rate increase for FY2018 at 1.2%, is the lowest since FY2013,” according to Finance Director Victor Garofalo. The recommendation and detailed analysis of costs were presented to the Selectman on July 17. Rates are based on projected costs of supplying water to residents. No increase in the irrigation rate for outdoor watering was recommended by Garofalo.
Updates from the June 26 Selectmen’s Meeting
By Debra Parkhurst
Bedford’s Selectmen considered drought management and a new MWRA agreement, a reserve fund transfer for the Fire Department, and awarded a new three-year contract for Bedford Community Access Television (Bedford TV) at their meeting on Monday night, June 26.
Bedford Chooses Good Energy for Community Choice Aggregation
By Debra Parkhurst
At their meeting on May 30, with the advice of the Bedford Energy Task Force, Bedford Selectmen joined with MAPC (Metropolitan Area Planning Council) in their choice of Good Energy as the “selected vendor” for consulting services for Community Electricity Aggregation. Good Energy works for communities to procure lower prices for electricity by going to national energy providers. It already provides aggregations for 290,000 households and 745,000 residents in Massachusetts with another nine communities under agreement.
Bedford is a Housing Hero
By Debra Parkhurst
Bedford is a “Housing Hero” according to the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP.)
Ad Hoc Dog Park Committee Moves Forward
By Meredith McCulloch
Ten enthusiastic dog owners and dog lovers attended the May 15 Selectmen’s meeting to express their interest in serving on the ad hoc Dog Park committee. Enthusiasm for a dog park was strong among the group. Many have used dog parks in other towns and felt it an amenity that Bedford should provide.
Fighting Climate Change Locally
By Debra Parkhurst
The Net Zero Study Group, residents concerned with the urgency of climate change, met with the Selectmen on April 24 to discuss their intention to submit an article at the Fall Special Town Meeting. Net Zero, represented by Dan Bostwick and Janet Powers, and in conjunction with the Bedford Energy Task Force, proposed an article for $10,000 to hire a consultant who would develop a Net Zero Plan for Bedford.
Selectmen Establish Dog Park Task Force
By Debra Parkhurst
As a follow up to a meeting with interested residents on April 3, the Selectmen established an Ad Hoc Dog Park Task Force at their meeting on April 24. The Task Force will consist of seven members, five at-large from the community and two Selectmen representatives.
The Task Force charge is to explore and evaluate locations that would be suitable for an off-leash fenced dog park as well as to analyze the advantages or disadvantages of each site, cost projections, and funding. Any subsequent action or funding would be subject to approval by the Selectmen. The Task Force would also assist with the development of any application for grant funding.
New Decking and Railing Approved for Depot Park
By Debra Parkhurst
At their meeting on April 3, the Selectmen awarded a contract to replace the Depot Freight House Deck.
Mark Siegenthaler Steps Down as Selectman after 21 Years
By Meredith McCulloch
Selectmen applauded the service of their colleague Mark Siegenthaler at their meeting on March 13, as he ended his final term on the board. Siegenthaler’s term ended Saturday with the election of his successor, Edward Pierce. Siegenthaler served seven terms, 21 years, as Selectman and decided not to seek another term.
“Everyone I ever served with always was there for the good of the town,” Siegenthaler said Monday night and went on to thank Town Manager Richard Reed for his professionalism and to thank his wife Diana and their three daughters for their support of his volunteer service.