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Bedford Select Board
How the Bedford Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. Bopha Malone joined the board after the March 2020 town election (first meeting March 18, 2020), succeeding Michael Rosenberg. Meetings were held by remote conference call from March 2020. On April 1, 2020 the board unanimously chose Edward Pierce as Chair and Margot Fleischman as Clerk (roll calls). From March 18, 2020 the minutes call the board the Select Board. Covers 31 meetings, March 18 to March 8, 2021.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the Select Board do? It is the town’s executive board. It prepares the Town Meeting warrant (the list of articles voters decide), appoints members of many town boards, hires the town’s top staff, signs warrants to pay town bills, and grants licenses and permits.
Town Meeting, not the Select Board, votes the town budget and town bylaws.
Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budgetBoard years
Coming up
No upcoming meeting is posted yet. Check the official calendar →
Under the state Open Meeting Law, boards post notice at least 48 hours ahead, not counting weekends and legal holidays.
Members
Margot FleischmanClerk · At-large · at 31 of 31 meetings
Bopha MaloneMember · At-large · at 31 of 31 meetingsEmily MitchellMember · At-large · at 31 of 31 meetingsWilliam MoonanMember · At-large · at 31 of 31 meetings"At X of Y meetings" counts the members the minutes list as present at the start of each meeting in this record. Members who step out are listed on each meeting page.
Meetings
About missing minutes
Loaded: Bedford Select Board minutes from January 6, 2020 through September 14, 2026: 191 meetings and 1,763 votes. Nothing before 2020 is online: the town’s Agenda Center starts in January 2020, and the Select Board page says older meeting minutes are available on request. The minutes call the board the Board of Selectmen through March 11, 2020 and the Select Board from March 18, 2020 on. All the minutes loaded are typed documents with searchable text. Not here: executive-session minutes (including released executive-session minutes that a few 2020-2022 files append after the open-session minutes); votes of the Finance Committee, Board of Assessors and Fire Station Building Committee at joint meetings; meetings with an agenda but no posted minutes (among them December 12 and December 18, 2023, March 25, 2024, August 5, 2024 (the file posted for that date is a copy of the September 9, 2024 minutes), October 28, 2024 and November 3, 2025); and meetings after September 14, 2026 (the October 5, 2026 minutes are not posted yet). Bedford’s minutes name the mover and seconder and give the count (“The motion passed 5-0-0”); a count that matches the members present with no no votes is shown as every member present voting yes. In 2020 and 2021, and whenever a member takes part remotely, the board votes by roll call (“Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell aye …”), shown by name. When a member votes no or abstains the minutes sometimes name the member (“passed with a 3-2-0 vote: Mr. Mortenson and Ms. Malone voting nay”); where a split count names no one we show the count only, with a note (36 votes), and where the minutes give no count or names we show the result only (7 votes). Members who recused themselves are not shown in that vote; members who arrived late or left early are shown only in the votes they were there for. A motion with no recorded outcome (for example “moved to adjourn” followed only by “The meeting adjourned”) is not counted as a vote. In October 2025 and March 2026 the minutes record some Town Meeting article votes only in a table; those rows are shown as votes. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.
Votes where members disagreed
Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.
Feb 22Authorize the wording in the Charter Amendment and the…Motion: Mr. Moonan moved that the Select Board authorize the wording in…Failed 2–3 · No: Fleischman, Malone, Mitchell
February 22, 2021: Authorize the wording in the Charter Amendment and the Bylaw Amendment with language to change the Elected Assessors to Appointed Assessors to go into the warrant
Mr. Moonan moved that the Select Board authorize the wording in the Charter Amendment and the Bylaw Amendment with language to change the Elected Assessors to Appointed Assessors to go into the warrant. Ms. Fleischman seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman nay; Ms. Mitchell nay; Ms. Malone nay; Mr. Moonan aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion failed 2-3-0.
Yes: Moonan, PierceNo: Fleischman, Malone, Mitchell
From the minutes
“Mr. Moonan moved that the Select Board authorize the wording in the Charter Amendment and the Bylaw Amendment with language to change the Elected Assessors to Appointed Assessors to go into the warrant. Ms. Fleischman seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman nay; Ms. Mitchell nay; Ms. Malone nay; Mr. Moonan aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion failed 2-3-0..” (Motion: Moonan, second: Fleischman)
Feb 8Approve the FY22 Police dues in the amount of…Motion: Ms. Mitchell moved that the Select Board approve the FY22 Police…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Fleischman
February 8, 2021: Approve the FY22 Police dues in the amount of $8,000
Ms. Mitchell moved that the Select Board approve the FY22 Police dues in the amount of $8,000. Mr. Moonan seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman abstain; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Moonan aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 4-0-1.
Yes: Malone, Mitchell, Moonan, PierceAbstained: Fleischman
From the minutes
“Ms. Mitchell moved that the Select Board approve the FY22 Police dues in the amount of $8,000. Mr. Moonan seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman abstain; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Moonan aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 4-0-1..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Moonan)
Dec 21Allow Board of Health members to start taking part…Motion: A motion was passed allowing members of the Board of Health…Passed · see note
December 21, 2020: Allow Board of Health members to start taking part in meetings related to COVID-19
A motion was passed allowing members of the Board of Health to start participating in meetings that are related to COVID-19.
The minutes say only “A motion was passed”; they do not give the count or who made or seconded it. The minutes record the result but no count or names. The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“A motion was passed allowing members of the Board of Health to start participating in meetings that are related to COVID-19..”
Dec 7Approve the lease between the Town of Bedford and…Motion: Ms. Fleischman moved that the Select Board approve the lease between…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Mitchell
December 7, 2020: Approve the lease between the Town of Bedford and Bedford Babe Ruth Baseball and Softball at 80 Loomis Street, from January 1, 2021 until December 31, 2022
Ms. Fleischman moved that the Select Board approve the lease between the Town of Bedford and Bedford Babe Ruth Baseball and Softball at 80 Loomis Street, from January 1, 2021 until December 31, 2022. Ms. Malone seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell abstained; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Moonan aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 4-0-1.
Yes: Fleischman, Malone, Moonan, PierceAbstained: Mitchell
From the minutes
“Ms. Fleischman moved that the Select Board approve the lease between the Town of Bedford and Bedford Babe Ruth Baseball and Softball at 80 Loomis Street, from January 1, 2021 until December 31, 2022. Ms. Malone seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell abstained; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Moonan aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 4-0-1..” (Motion: Fleischman, second: Malone)
Nov 23Ms. Stanton send the proposed letter MBTA Service Reduction…Motion: Ms. Mitchell moved that Ms. Stanton send the proposed letter MBTA…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
November 23, 2020: Ms. Stanton send the proposed letter MBTA Service Reduction as drafted with edits from Mr. Moonan to the MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak
Ms. Mitchell moved that Ms. Stanton send the proposed letter MBTA Service Reduction as drafted with edits from Mr. Moonan to the MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak . Ms. Mitchell seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Moonan aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 5-0-0 .
The minutes name Emily Mitchell as both the mover and the seconder, so no seconder is shown.
From the minutes
“Ms. Mitchell moved that Ms. Stanton send the proposed letter MBTA Service Reduction as drafted with edits from Mr. Moonan to the MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak . Ms. Mitchell seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Moonan aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 5-0-0 ..” (Motion: Mitchell)
Nov 9The above candidates be reappointed for one-year terms ending…Motion: Mr. Fleischman moved that the above candidates be reappointed for one-year…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Moonan
November 9, 2020: The above candidates be reappointed for one-year terms ending June 30, 2021
Mr. Fleischman moved that the above candidates be reappointed for one-year terms ending June 30, 2021. Ms. Malone seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 4-0-1. Mr. Moonan abstained.
Yes: Fleischman, Malone, Mitchell, PierceAbstained: Moonan
From the minutes
“Mr. Fleischman moved that the above candidates be reappointed for one-year terms ending June 30, 2021. Ms. Malone seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 4-0-1. Mr. Moonan abstained..” (Motion: Fleischman, second: Malone)
Oct 26Approve the contract amendment between the Town and Tighe…Motion: Ms. Fleischman moved that the Select Board approve the contract amendment…Passed 4–0 · see note
October 26, 2020: Approve the contract amendment between the Town and Tighe & Bond, Inc., for Permit Years 3 and 4 for EPA Stormwater Permit and Compliance, for a contract fee of $111,150,…
Ms. Fleischman moved that the Select Board approve the contract amendment between the Town and Tighe & Bond, Inc., for Permit Years 3 and 4 for EPA Stormwater Permit and Compliance, for a contract fee of $111,150, and authorize the Town Manager to sign on behalf of the Select Board. Ms. Mitchell seconded. Mr. Moonan recused himself because a family member is an employee of Tighe & Bond. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 4-0-1. Mr. Moonan abstained.
Yes: Fleischman, Malone, Mitchell, PierceWilliam Moonan recused himself (a family member works for Tighe & Bond); the roll call lists the other four as aye and the minutes write the count as 4-0-1, adding “Mr. Moonan abstained.” He is not shown voting.
From the minutes
“Ms. Fleischman moved that the Select Board approve the contract amendment between the Town and Tighe & Bond, Inc., for Permit Years 3 and 4 for EPA Stormwater Permit and Compliance, for a contract fee of $111,150, and authorize the Town Manager to sign on behalf of the Select Board. Ms. Mitchell seconded. Mr. Moonan recused himself because a family member is an employee of Tighe & Bond. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 4-0-1. Mr. Moonan abstained..” (Motion: Fleischman, second: Mitchell)
Oct 26James Shea not be reappointed to the Community Media…Motion: Ms. Mitchell moved that James Shea not be reappointed to the…Passed 4–1 · No: Pierce
October 26, 2020: James Shea not be reappointed to the Community Media Committee
Ms. Mitchell moved that James Shea not be reappointed to the Community Media Committee. Mr. Moonan seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Moonan aye; Mr. Pierce nay. The motion passed 4-1-0.
Yes: Fleischman, Malone, Mitchell, MoonanNo: Pierce
From the minutes
“Ms. Mitchell moved that James Shea not be reappointed to the Community Media Committee. Mr. Moonan seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Moonan aye; Mr. Pierce nay. The motion passed 4-1-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Moonan)
Oct 26Mr. Moonan be reappointed to the HDC for a…Motion: Ms. Fleischman moved that Mr. Moonan be reappointed to the HDC…Passed 3–2 · No: Malone, Mitchell
October 26, 2020: Mr. Moonan be reappointed to the HDC for a term of 3 years ending in 2023
Ms. Fleischman moved that Mr. Moonan be reappointed to the HDC for a term of 3 years ending in 2023. Mr. Moonan seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell nay; Ms. Malone nay; Mr. Moonan aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 3-2-0.
Yes: Fleischman, Moonan, PierceNo: Malone, Mitchell
From the minutes
“Ms. Fleischman moved that Mr. Moonan be reappointed to the HDC for a term of 3 years ending in 2023. Mr. Moonan seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell nay; Ms. Malone nay; Mr. Moonan aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 3-2-0..” (Motion: Fleischman, second: Moonan)
Oct 13Approve the application for Wine and Malt Package Store…Motion: Ms. Mitchell moved that the Select Board approve the application for…Passed 4–1 · No: Moonan
October 13, 2020: Approve the application for Wine and Malt Package Store License at 349 Great Road, and authorize the Town Manager to sign on behalf of the Select Board
Ms. Mitchell moved that the Select Board approve the application for Wine and Malt Package Store License at 349 Great Road, and authorize the Town Manager to sign on behalf of the Select Board. Ms. Malone seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Pierce aye; Mr. Moonan nay. The motion passed 4-1-0.
Yes: Fleischman, Malone, Mitchell, PierceNo: Moonan
From the minutes
“Ms. Mitchell moved that the Select Board approve the application for Wine and Malt Package Store License at 349 Great Road, and authorize the Town Manager to sign on behalf of the Select Board. Ms. Malone seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Pierce aye; Mr. Moonan nay. The motion passed 4-1-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Malone)
From the Bedford Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center (Select Board). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos (the town’s website has no Select Board photos): The Bedford Citizen — Paul Mortenson and Bopha Malone (Piper Pavelich, February 2026), Terrence Parker and Shawn Hanegan (Wayne Braverman, January 2025), Daniel Brosgol (December 2023). Cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.
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