MassVoter.com← BedfordMunicipal votes · 2022–2023 Board
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. Shawn Hanegan joined the board after the March 2022 town election (first meeting March 21, 2022), succeeding William Moonan. On March 21, 2022 the board unanimously chose Emily Mitchell as Chair and Bopha Malone as Clerk (roll calls). Edward Pierce’s last meeting was February 27, 2023. Covers 31 meetings, March 21 to February 27, 2023.
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 FleischmanMember · At-large · at 30 of 31 meetings
Shawn HaneganMember · At-large · at 30 of 31 meetings
Bopha MaloneClerk · At-large · at 30 of 31 meetingsEdward PierceMember · 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 27Approve the removal of the public works shade tree…Motion: Mr. Hanegan moved that the Town approve the removal of the…Passed 3–1 · No: Pierce
February 27, 2023: Approve the removal of the public works shade tree at 50-52 Summer Street in accordance with the conditions described in the Public Works memo dated February 17, 2023
Mr. Hanegan moved that the Town approve the removal of the public works shade tree at 50-52 Summer Street in accordance with the conditions described in the Public Works memo dated February 17, 2023. Ms. Malone seconded. The motion passed 3-1-0, with Mr. Pierce voting nay.
Yes: Hanegan, Malone, MitchellNo: Pierce
From the minutes
“Mr. Hanegan moved that the Town approve the removal of the public works shade tree at 50-52 Summer Street in accordance with the conditions described in the Public Works memo dated February 17, 2023. Ms. Malone seconded. The motion passed 3-1-0, with Mr. Pierce voting nay..” (Motion: Hanegan, second: Malone)
Feb 13Appoint all six applicantsMotion: Mr. Pierce moved to appoint all six applicants. Ms. Malone seconded.…Passed 4–1 · No: Mitchell
February 13, 2023: Appoint all six applicants
Mr. Pierce moved to appoint all six applicants. Ms. Malone seconded. The motion passed 4-1-0, with Ms. Mitchell opposed.
Yes: Fleischman, Hanegan, Malone, PierceNo: Mitchell
From the minutes
“Mr. Pierce moved to appoint all six applicants. Ms. Malone seconded. The motion passed 4-1-0, with Ms. Mitchell opposed..” (Motion: Pierce, second: Malone)
Jan 30Recommend approval of Article 23Motion: Mr. Hanegan moved to recommend approval of Article 23. Ms. Malone…Passed 4–1 · No: Pierce
January 30, 2023: Recommend approval of Article 23
Mr. Hanegan moved to recommend approval of Article 23. Ms. Malone seconded. The motion passed 4-1-0; Mr. Pierce opposed.
Yes: Fleischman, Hanegan, Malone, MitchellNo: Pierce
From the minutes
“Mr. Hanegan moved to recommend approval of Article 23. Ms. Malone seconded. The motion passed 4-1-0; Mr. Pierce opposed..” (Motion: Hanegan, second: Malone)
Jan 17Approve the attached Right of Entry between Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical…Motion: Mr. Hanegan moved that the Town approve the attached Right of…Passed 4–0 · see note
January 17, 2023: Approve the attached Right of Entry between Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. and the Town of Bedford, as described in the Public Works memo dated January 9, 2023
Mr. Hanegan moved that the Town approve the attached Right of Entry between Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. and the Town of Bedford, as described in the Public Works memo dated January 9, 2023. Mr. Pierce seconded. The motion passed 4-0-1. Ms. Fleischman recused herself from voting on Ultragenyx, due to a family member's employment there.
Yes: Hanegan, Malone, Mitchell, PierceThe minutes say Margot Fleischman stepped aside (recused), so that member is not shown as voting. The count (4-0-1) lists the recusal as the third number; the other 4 members present are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Mr. Hanegan moved that the Town approve the attached Right of Entry between Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. and the Town of Bedford, as described in the Public Works memo dated January 9, 2023. Mr. Pierce seconded. The motion passed 4-0-1. Ms. Fleischman recused herself from voting on Ultragenyx, due to a family member's employment there..” (Motion: Hanegan, second: Pierce)
Jan 9Approve Amendment 5 to the Professional Services Agreement, dated…Motion: Mr. Pierce moved that the Board approve Amendment 5 to the…Passed 4–0 · see note
January 9, 2023: Approve Amendment 5 to the Professional Services Agreement, dated November 16, 2022 between VHB and the Town of Bedford for the Minuteman Bikeway Extension Project
Mr. Pierce moved that the Board approve Amendment 5 to the Professional Services Agreement, dated November 16, 2022 between VHB and the Town of Bedford for the Minuteman Bikeway Extension Project. Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed 4-0-0.
Yes: Fleischman, Hanegan, Mitchell, PierceBopha Malone arrived at 7:04 p.m., after this vote, and is not shown voting.
From the minutes
“Mr. Pierce moved that the Board approve Amendment 5 to the Professional Services Agreement, dated November 16, 2022 between VHB and the Town of Bedford for the Minuteman Bikeway Extension Project. Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed 4-0-0..” (Motion: Pierce, second: Hanegan)
Dec 5Appoint Sue Swanson to the Taxation Aid Committee for…Motion: Ms. Malone moved that the Select Board appoint Sue Swanson to…Passed 4–1 · No: Hanegan
December 5, 2022: Appoint Sue Swanson to the Taxation Aid Committee for a term ending June 30, 2023, and authorize the Town Manager to sign the appointment letter on behalf of the Select…
Ms. Malone moved that the Select Board appoint Sue Swanson to the Taxation Aid Committee for a term ending June 30, 2023, and authorize the Town Manager to sign the appointment letter on behalf of the Select Board. Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 4-1-0. Mr. Hanegan opposed.
Yes: Fleischman, Malone, Mitchell, PierceNo: Hanegan
From the minutes
“Ms. Malone moved that the Select Board appoint Sue Swanson to the Taxation Aid Committee for a term ending June 30, 2023, and authorize the Town Manager to sign the appointment letter on behalf of the Select Board. Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 4-1-0. Mr. Hanegan opposed..” (Motion: Malone, second: Mitchell)
Sep 12Submit a letter of support for the Zoning Board…Motion: Ms. Fleischman reported on the Zoning Board of Appeals and requested…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
September 12, 2022: Submit a letter of support for the Zoning Board of Appeals LIP at 330 South Road
Ms. Fleischman reported on the Zoning Board of Appeals and requested that the Select Board should submit a letter of support regarding the Zoning Board of Appeals LIP at 330 South Road. Ms. Fleischman moved. Mr. Hanegan seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Hanegan aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 5-0-0.
The minutes say Ms. Fleischman asked that the Select Board submit a letter of support for the ZBA LIP at 330 South Road, then “Ms. Fleischman moved. Mr. Hanegan seconded.” without writing out the motion.
From the minutes
“Ms. Fleischman reported on the Zoning Board of Appeals and requested that the Select Board should submit a letter of support regarding the Zoning Board of Appeals LIP at 330 South Road. Ms. Fleischman moved. Mr. Hanegan seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Hanegan aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Fleischman, second: Hanegan)
Aug 8Approve the change of ownership interest as outlined in…Motion: Ms. Malone moved that the Select Board approve the change of…Passed 5–0 · see note
August 8, 2022: Approve the change of ownership interest as outlined in the application of Red Heat Tavern of Bedford, LLC at 152 The Great Road, and authorize the Town Manager to sign…
Ms. Malone moved that the Select Board approve the change of ownership interest as outlined in the application of Red Heat Tavern of Bedford, LLC at 152 The Great Road, and authorize the Town Manager to sign on behalf of the Select Board. Mr. Pierce seconded. A roll call vote was taken: Ms. Fleischman, aye; Ms. Malone, aye; Mr. Hanegan, aye; Ms. Malone, aye; Ms. Mitchell, aye. The motion passed 5-0-0.
The roll call names Bopha Malone twice and does not name Edward Pierce (who seconded); the count is 5-0-0. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Ms. Malone moved that the Select Board approve the change of ownership interest as outlined in the application of Red Heat Tavern of Bedford, LLC at 152 The Great Road, and authorize the Town Manager to sign on behalf of the Select Board. Mr. Pierce seconded. A roll call vote was taken: Ms. Fleischman, aye; Ms. Malone, aye; Mr. Hanegan, aye; Ms. Malone, aye; Ms. Mitchell, aye. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Malone, second: Pierce)
May 9Appoint Stephanie Keep (term ending June 30, 2023) and…Motion: Ms. Fleischman moved that the Select Board appoint Stephanie Keep to…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
May 9, 2022: Appoint Stephanie Keep (term ending June 30, 2023) and Alethea Yates (term ending June 30, 2025) to the Historic Preservation Commission
Ms. Fleischman moved that the Select Board appoint Stephanie Keep to the Historic Preservation Commission for a term ending June 30, 2023, and authorize the Town Manager to sign the appointment letter on behalf of the Select Board. Ms. Fleischman moved that the Select Board appoint Alethea Yates to the Historic Preservation Commission for a term ending June 30, 2025, and authorize the Town Manager to sign the appointment letter on behalf of the Select Board. Mr. Pierce seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Hanegan aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 5-0-0.
The minutes write two motions by Ms. Fleischman (Stephanie Keep, then Alethea Yates) followed by one second (Mr. Pierce) and one roll call; shown as one vote.
From the minutes
“Ms. Fleischman moved that the Select Board appoint Stephanie Keep to the Historic Preservation Commission for a term ending June 30, 2023, and authorize the Town Manager to sign the appointment letter on behalf of the Select Board. Ms. Fleischman moved that the Select Board appoint Alethea Yates to the Historic Preservation Commission for a term ending June 30, 2025, and authorize the Town Manager to sign the appointment letter on behalf of the Select Board. Mr. Pierce seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman aye; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Hanegan aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Fleischman, second: Pierce)
May 9Appoint Karl Winkler to the Zoning Board of Appeals…Motion: Mr. Hanegan moved that the Select Board appoint Karl Winkler to…Passed 4–1 · No: Fleischman
May 9, 2022: Appoint Karl Winkler to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an associate member, for a term ending June 30, 2024, and authorize the Town Manager to sign the appointment letter…
Mr. Hanegan moved that the Select Board appoint Karl Winkler to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an associate member, for a term ending June 30, 2024, and authorize the Town Manager to sign the appointment letter on behalf of the Select Board. Mr. Pierce seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman nay; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Hanegan aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 4-1-0.
Yes: Hanegan, Malone, Mitchell, PierceNo: Fleischman
From the minutes
“Mr. Hanegan moved that the Select Board appoint Karl Winkler to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an associate member, for a term ending June 30, 2024, and authorize the Town Manager to sign the appointment letter on behalf of the Select Board. Mr. Pierce seconded. The Select Board was polled individually: Ms. Fleischman nay; Ms. Mitchell aye; Ms. Malone aye; Mr. Hanegan aye; Mr. Pierce aye. The motion passed 4-1-0..” (Motion: Hanegan, second: Pierce)
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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