MassVoter.com← Bedford Select BoardBedford Select Board · 2023–2024 Board · Regular meeting
November 20, 2023
22 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Bopha Malone, Shawn Hanegan, Paul Mortenson, Margot Fleischman, Emily Mitchell
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
TOWN STAFF PRESENT
Open the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE for W.O.# 14205554 and waive the reading of the notice
Mr. Mortenson moved to open the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE for W.O.# 14205554 and waive the reading of the notice. Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Mortenson moved to open the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE for W.O.# 14205554 and waive the reading of the notice. Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Mortenson, second: Mitchell)
Close the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE- W.O.# 14205554
Mr. Mortenson moved to close the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE- W.O.# 14205554. Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Mortenson moved to close the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE- W.O.# 14205554. Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Mortenson, second: Hanegan)
Approve the petition to construct the utility as described and shown on the Order and Plans, dated October 6, 2023, for McMahon Road on behalf of NSTAR Electric Company DBA Eversource Energy-W.O.#...
Mr. Mortenson moved that the Town approve the petition to construct the utility as described and shown on the Order and Plans, dated October 6, 2023, for McMahon Road on behalf of NSTAR Electric Company DBA Eversource Energy-W.O.# 14205554. Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Mortenson moved that the Town approve the petition to construct the utility as described and shown on the Order and Plans, dated October 6, 2023, for McMahon Road on behalf of NSTAR Electric Company DBA Eversource Energy-W.O.# 14205554. Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Mortenson, second: Hanegan)
Open the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE for W.O.# 7005170 and waive the reading of the notice
Mr. Mortenson moved to open the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE for W.O.# 7005170 and waive the reading of the notice. Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Mortenson moved to open the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE for W.O.# 7005170 and waive the reading of the notice. Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Mortenson, second: Mitchell)
Close the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE- W.O.# 7005170 Ms. Mitchell seconded
Mr. Mortenson moved to Close the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE- W.O.# 7005170 Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Mortenson moved to Close the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE- W.O.# 7005170 Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Mortenson, second: Mitchell)
Approve the petition to construct the utility as described and shown on the Order and Plans, dated August 11, 2023, for Evergreen Avenue on behalf of NSTAR Electric Company DBA Eversource...
Mr. Mortenson moved that the Town approve the petition to construct the utility as described and shown on the Order and Plans, dated August 11, 2023, for Evergreen Avenue on behalf of NSTAR Electric Company DBA Eversource Energy-W.O. # 7005170. Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Mortenson moved that the Town approve the petition to construct the utility as described and shown on the Order and Plans, dated August 11, 2023, for Evergreen Avenue on behalf of NSTAR Electric Company DBA Eversource Energy-W.O. # 7005170. Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Mortenson, second: Mitchell)
Open the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE for W.O.# 12554759 and waive the reading of the notice
Mr. Mortenson moved to open the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE for W.O.# 12554759 and waive the reading of the notice. Ms. Fleischman seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Mortenson moved to open the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE for W.O.# 12554759 and waive the reading of the notice. Ms. Fleischman seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Mortenson, second: Fleischman)
Close the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE- W.O.# 12554759 Mr. Hanegan seconded
Mr. Mortenson moved to Close the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE- W.O.# 12554759 Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Mortenson moved to Close the Public Hearing for NSTAR/DBA EVERSOURCE- W.O.# 12554759 Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed5-0-0..” (Motion: Mortenson, second: Hanegan)
Approve the petition to construct the utility as described and shown on the Order and Plans, dated November 8, 2023, for Bacon Road on behalf of NSTAR Electric Company DBA Eversource Energy...
Mr. Mortenson moved that the Town approve the petition to construct the utility as described and shown on the Order and Plans, dated November 8, 2023, for Bacon Road on behalf of NSTAR Electric Company DBA Eversource Energy W.O.#12554759 Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Mortenson moved that the Town approve the petition to construct the utility as described and shown on the Order and Plans, dated November 8, 2023, for Bacon Road on behalf of NSTAR Electric Company DBA Eversource Energy W.O.#12554759 Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Mortenson, second: Hanegan)
Open the Public Hearing for Assessor Tax Rate Hearing and waive the reading of the notice
Mr. Mortenson movd to open the Public Hearing for Assessor Tax Rate Hearing and waive the reading of the notice. Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Mortenson movd to open the Public Hearing for Assessor Tax Rate Hearing and waive the reading of the notice. Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Mortenson, second: Mitchell)
Close the Public Hearing for Assessor Tax Rate Hearing
Mr. Mortenson moved to close the Public Hearing for Assessor Tax Rate Hearing. Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Mortenson moved to close the Public Hearing for Assessor Tax Rate Hearing. Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Mortenson, second: Mitchell)
On the matter of classifying the tax rate: To establish a residential factor that creates a 175% allocation of the tax burden from the Residential/Open Space property classes to the...
Ms. Fleischman moved to: On the matter of classifying the tax rate: To establish a residential factor that creates a 175% allocation of the tax burden from the Residential/Open Space property classes to the Commercial/Industrial/Personal Property classes. On the matter of an Open Space discount: Not to grant an Open Space discount because the Board of Assessors has not classified any properties as such for FY24. On the matter of a Residential Exemption: Not to grant a Residential Exemption, so as not to shift the tax burden within the residential class from residents to non-residents, or from certain low-valuation owner-occupied properties to high-valuation properties. On the matter of a Small Commercial Exemption: Not to grant a Small Business Exemption, so as not to shift the tax burden within the Commercial/Industrial/Personal Property classes from certain small commercial properties to other commercial and industrial properties. Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Ms. Fleischman moved to: On the matter of classifying the tax rate: To establish a residential factor that creates a 175% allocation of the tax burden from the Residential/Open Space property classes to the Commercial/Industrial/Personal Property classes. On the matter of an Open Space discount: Not to grant an Open Space discount because the Board of Assessors has not classified any properties as such for FY24. On the matter of a Residential Exemption: Not to grant a Residential Exemption, so as not to shift the tax burden within the residential class from residents to non-residents, or from certain low-valuation owner-occupied properties to high-valuation properties. On the matter of a Small Commercial Exemption: Not to grant a Small Business Exemption, so as not to shift the tax burden within the Commercial/Industrial/Personal Property classes from certain small commercial properties to other commercial and industrial properties. Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Fleischman, second: Mitchell)
Appoint Calpurnyia Robert to the Bedford Housing Partnership with a term to expire June 30, 2024, and authorize the Town Manager to sign the letter on behalf of the Select Board
Mr. Hanegan moved that the Select Board appoint Calpurnyia Robert to the Bedford Housing Partnership with a term to expire June 30, 2024, and authorize the Town Manager to sign the letter on behalf of the Select Board. Ms. Fleischman seconded. The motion passed5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Hanegan moved that the Select Board appoint Calpurnyia Robert to the Bedford Housing Partnership with a term to expire June 30, 2024, and authorize the Town Manager to sign the letter on behalf of the Select Board. Ms. Fleischman seconded. The motion passed5-0-0..” (Motion: Hanegan, second: Fleischman)
Approve the easement as described in the Public Works memo dated November 15th, 2023
Ms. Mitchell moved that the Town approve the easement as described in the Public Works memo dated November 15th, 2023. Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Ms. Mitchell moved that the Town approve the easement as described in the Public Works memo dated November 15th, 2023. Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Hanegan)
Approve the contract with Eversource Energy Service Company as described in the Public Works memo dated November 15, 2023
Ms. Mitchell moved that the Select Board approve the contract with Eversource Energy Service Company as described in the Public Works memo dated November 15, 2023. Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Ms. Mitchell moved that the Select Board approve the contract with Eversource Energy Service Company as described in the Public Works memo dated November 15, 2023. Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Hanegan)
Accept the donation of a bench at 2 Liberty Road as described in the Public Works memo dated November 15, 2023, and as agreed to in the referenced license agreement
Mr. Hanegan moved that the Select Board accept the donation of a bench at 2 Liberty Road as described in the Public Works memo dated November 15, 2023, and as agreed to in the referenced license agreement. Mr. Mortenson seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Hanegan moved that the Select Board accept the donation of a bench at 2 Liberty Road as described in the Public Works memo dated November 15, 2023, and as agreed to in the referenced license agreement. Mr. Mortenson seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Hanegan, second: Mortenson)
Approve the easements on 1 Railroad Avenue between the Town of Bedford and Larson Properties, LLC and as described in the Public Works memo dated November 16th, 2023
Mr. Hanegan moved that the Town approve the easements on 1 Railroad Avenue between the Town of Bedford and Larson Properties, LLC and as described in the Public Works memo dated November 16th, 2023. Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Hanegan moved that the Town approve the easements on 1 Railroad Avenue between the Town of Bedford and Larson Properties, LLC and as described in the Public Works memo dated November 16th, 2023. Ms. Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Hanegan, second: Mitchell)
Approve to include information regarding the Town of Bedford's Tax Aid Fund with mailing with the FY2024 Real estate tax bills to mail by January 1, 2024
Mr. Mortenson moved that the Select Board approve to include information regarding the Town of Bedford's Tax Aid Fund with mailing with the FY2024 Real estate tax bills to mail by January 1, 2024. Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Mortenson moved that the Select Board approve to include information regarding the Town of Bedford's Tax Aid Fund with mailing with the FY2024 Real estate tax bills to mail by January 1, 2024. Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Mortenson, second: Hanegan)
Authorize the chair to write a brief letter to the editor of The Bedford Citizen affirming the Select Board's support for compliance with the state statute and encouraging residents to seek out...
Ms. Fleischman moved to authorize the chair to write a brief letter to the editor of The Bedford Citizen affirming the Select Board's support for compliance with the state statute and encouraging residents to seek out forthcoming information from the Planning Board, including a Town-wide mailing, and participate in the process. Mr. Mortenson seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Ms. Fleischman moved to authorize the chair to write a brief letter to the editor of The Bedford Citizen affirming the Select Board's support for compliance with the state statute and encouraging residents to seek out forthcoming information from the Planning Board, including a Town-wide mailing, and participate in the process. Mr. Mortenson seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Fleischman, second: Mortenson)
Authorize the expenditure of $6,250 from available funds for the purpose of emissions testing near Hanscom Field, as presented
Mr. Mortenson moved that the Select Board authorize the expenditure of $6,250 from available funds for the purpose of emissions testing near Hanscom Field, as presented. Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Mortenson moved that the Select Board authorize the expenditure of $6,250 from available funds for the purpose of emissions testing near Hanscom Field, as presented. Mr. Hanegan seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Mortenson, second: Hanegan)
7. Pops Placement Update
Approve the consent agenda, minus the October 23rd minutes
Mr. Hanegan moved to approve the consent agenda, minus the October 23rd minutes. Ms. Fleischman seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Mr. Hanegan moved to approve the consent agenda, minus the October 23rd minutes. Ms. Fleischman seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Hanegan, second: Fleischman)
Adjourn
Ms. Fleischman moved to adjourn. Mr. Mortenson seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0.
From the minutes
“Ms. Fleischman moved to adjourn. Mr. Mortenson seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0..” (Motion: Fleischman, second: Mortenson)
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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