On the agenda: Bedford meeting — data center (Jul 6)

TOWN OF BEDFORD

Town Hall
10 Mudge Way
Bedford, MA 01730
Tel: (781) 918-4000 www.bedfordma.gov

SELECT BOARD

Daniel Brosgol, Chair
Terrence Parker, Clerk
Paul Mortenson
Bopha Malone
Shawn Hanegan

Select Board Agenda
Monday, July 6, 2026, 7:00 PM

In-Person: Select Board Hearing Room, Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way
Optional Zoom Webinar Link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81494639946?pwd=JZHaSOSjYGyjYw5OpEwQxaVgcmtsUi.1
1-309-205-3325 Web ID 81494639946 Passcode: 502991
1. 7:00 PM Public Comment
2. 7:05 PM Board & Committee Interview
a. Council on Aging - Susan Grieb
3. 7:10 PM Ratify Code Enforcement Director Appointment- Joseph Ready
4. 7:20 PM Recreation Contract – Josh Smith, Recreation Director
a. Weston & Sampson – Springs Road Athletic Field Renovation Design
5. 7:30 PM Discuss potential leaf blower regulations
6. 7:45 PM DPW Items
a. Weston & Sampson - 108 Carlisle Road Contract Amendment
b. Woodard & Curran - OpenGov Conversion Assistance Contract
c. Tree regulation discussion with BARC Tree Regulations – Dan Churella & David Manugian, DPW
Director
7. 8:05 PM Power Generation Discussion- Robert Kalantari
8. 8:20 PM Discuss Human Rights Commission
9. 8:30 PM Deliberate and appoint Town Counsel
10. 8:40 PM Discuss Upcoming Meeting Dates
a. Goal Setting – July 27, 2026, or August 3, 2026 (* Last year’s date - July 28, 2025)
b. Special Town Meeting – November 16, 2026
c. Board & Committee Holiday Celebration – December 7, 2026 or December 21, 2026 (*Last year’s
date - December 15, 2025)
11. 8:50 PM Consent
a. Reaffirm Public Building Operating Hours
b. Approve Amended Special Ed Stabilization Funding Policy
c. Board/Committee Reappointments Exp 6/30/26
d. 20(b)s – Cate Galante; Francesca Pellegrino
e. 6.15.26 Meeting Minutes
12. 9:00 PM Town Manager’s Report
13. 9:05 PM Liaison Reports

14. 9:10 PM Adjournment
Times are approximate
The Next Scheduled Meeting is July 20, 2026
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. To request an accommodation,
please provide a description of the assistance needed and include your contact information in case additional details are
required. Advance notice is requested to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made. Please contact the Town
Manager’s Office at (781) 275-1111 or email [email protected].
Please note that the in-person meeting will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the remote
connection.

TOWN OF BEDFORD

BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS 01730

To:
From:
Subject:

Select Board
Autumn Ledgister-Cummins, Executive Assistant
Board and Committee Appointment

The Volunteer Coordinating Committee met and voted to recommend the following candidate,
appearing before you on May 28, 2026, to the Select Board for an interview and consideration of
appointment:
Applicant

Board

Liaison

Vacancies

Term End

Susan Grieb

Council on Aging

Paul Mortenson

2

2028

The current membership is as follows:
Member
Kim Olson
Marilou Barsam
Thomas Flannery
David Santos
Roberta Ennis
Paul Fath
Thomas Kinzer

Term End
2027
2027
2027
2028
2028
2029
2029

Motion:
I move that the Select Board appoint Susan Grieb to the Council on Aging Board for a term
ending June 30, 2028, and authorize the Town Manager to sign letters on behalf of the Select
Board to this effect.

TOWN OF BEDFORD
BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS 01730

To:

Select Board

From:

Matthew J. Hanson, Town Manager, and Amy Fidalgo, Assistant Town Manager

Date:

July 6, 2026

Subject:

Code Enforcement Director Appointment

I am writing to recommend the ratification of the appointment of Joseph Ready, currently serving
as the Town’s Local Inspector, to the position of Code Enforcement Director/Inspector of
Buildings. The Human Resources Director and Assistant Town Manager managed the
Commissioner hiring process in coordination with former Code Enforcement Director, Chris
Laskey, and Interim Director Dan Sullivan, including interview coordination and transition
discussions regarding his readiness to move from Local Inspector into the Director role.
Mr. Ready’s appointment is supported by both his demonstrated performance in Bedford and the
breadth of his prior experience. In his current role as Local Inspector, he has performed core
Building Department functions including code enforcement, plan review, permitting, field
inspections, fee review, violation and enforcement notices, coordination with applicants and
design professionals, and support for the Zoning Board of Appeals.
As you can see in his resume, Mr. Ready has more than 15 years of supervisory construction,
land use, property management, budgeting, and operations experience, as well as relevant
building official and construction licenses.
During the recent departmental transition, Mr. Ready has already been relied upon for work that
is consistent with the responsibilities of the Building Commissioner. He has worked with Interim
Director Dan Sullivan and legal counsel on zoning enforcement matters, including revisions to
violation notices and procedural decisions involving enforcement options. He has also handled
public-facing permit issues, responded to applicants, and helped move routine matters from the
Town Manager’s Office to the Building Department.
Over the past year, Joe has gained institutional knowledge, developed strong working
relationships across departments, and built a solid understanding of the Building Department’s
policies, procedures, and decision-making framework. He also identifies opportunities to
improve internal systems, annual inspection procedures, workflow, and cross-department
coordination. This combination of proven performance, technical qualifications, institutional
knowledge, and continuity makes him well-suited for appointment as Building Commissioner.
Mr. Ready is recommended to start on July 13, 2026, at the beginning of the Grade 8 pay scale at
$120,000 per year.
Recommended Motion: I move that the Board ratifies the appointment of Joseph Ready to the
position of Code Enforcement Director/Inspector of Buildings as described.

FINAL CONCEPT

FINAL CONCEPT OPTION 1A |
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AGREEMENT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES
BY AND BETWEEN THE
TOWN OF BEDFORD
AND
WESTON & SAMPSON ENGINEERS, INC.
THIS AGREEMENT is made this
24th
day of
June
, 2026 , by and between
___the Town of Bedford__________ acting herein by and through its
Town Manager
,
hereinafter called the OWNER and WESTON & SAMPSON ENGINEERS, INC. with offices at
1 Washington Mall, 10th Floor, Boston, MA 02108 hereinafter called the ENGINEER
WITNESSETH, for the consideration hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1 - ENGAGEMENT OF THE ENGINEER AND STANDARD OF CARE
1.1

THE OWNER hereby engages the ENGINEER, and the ENGINEER hereby accepts the
engagement to perform certain professional engineering services for the Springs Brook
Park Athletic Fields Improvements, hereinafter called the PROJECT.

1.2

The ENGINEER’s services shall be performed in a manner consistent with that degree of
skill and care ordinarily exercised by practicing design professionals performing similar
services in the same or similar locality, and under the same or similar circumstances and
conditions (“the Standard of Care”). The ENGINEER makes no other representations or
warranties, whether expressed or implied, with respect to the services rendered hereunder.

ARTICLE 2 - SCOPE OF SERVICES
2.1

GENERAL
The scope of services is broken down per task, and the ENGINEER have provided subtasks
where necessary for clarity. Depending on funding availability and seasonal programming
and scheduling, the overall implementation and construction may be conducted in phases
concurrently or separately, which will be determined based on discussions throughout the
design phases. The project shall include two (2) rectangular athletic fields to be no smaller
than 192-feet long by 135-feet wide and shall be constructed of natural grass turf. Other
amenities to be designed and included with the construction of the fields shall include but
not be limited to field amenities including goals, team and spectator benches, trash
receptacles, drinking fountain, bike racks. All appurtenance for the operations and
maintenance of the fields shall be included in the design, such as but not limited to drainage,
irrigation, netting, fencing, landscaping, pavement striping, and signage.

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2.2

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ENGINEER
A. Task 1: Schematic Design – 25% Level Design Plans
The ENGINEER will engage a professional land surveyor, excavate stormwater test
pits, perform on-site soil sampling and lab testing, and prepare 25% level design plans.
This schematic design phase will also explore and “fit” out the current desired
recreation program, supporting amenities, and provide a schematic level opinion of
construction costs.
Upon the conclusion of the schematic design phase, the scope and design of all
improvements will be fixed. During this preliminary design phase, the ENGINEER will
be available to present the plans to the OWNER and attend up to one (1) virtual
meeting.
1) Task 1.1 Topographic Survey
The ENGINEER will engage a state of Massachusetts qualified topographic
field survey firm to survey the project limits. Work will include field instrument
surveys to pick up all relevant topographic and detailed information and
compile/verify utility information to the extent feasible. Property line survey is
included under this effort, and we will make use of available Town mapping or
assessors mapping to compile and best fit property lines onto the base plans, as
needed. If needed, survey will also include the locating and resource area
boundaries and flags of the nearby resource area (s) placed by a Massachusetts
certified wetland scientist.
2) Task 1.2 Subgrade Exploration
The ENGINEER will perform on-site top-soil sampling performed in
accordance with current applicable ASTM standards on a continuous basis
through fill and organic soil and at 25-ft intervals across each field area. We
will observe the explorations in the field areas. Following completion of hand
digging up to 18-inches depth, we will arrange to submit up to eight soil samples
for geotechnical index laboratory testing and one composite sample for suite
testing.
The ENGINEER will prepare a technical report that describes our
understanding of existing and proposed conditions at the site, our subsurface
exploration program and conditions encountered, and our recommendations for
soil and natural grass turf design and construction of the proposed athletic
fields.
The ENGINEER’s certified soil evaluators and engineers will manage this
groundwater test pit investigation. We will work with a town provided
excavator and operator to excavate five (5) test pits comprised of falling head
permeability test at each pit This groundwater investigation study will inform
the critical next steps related to 25% design documents and stormwater
permitting.
-2-

Subgrade Exploration Assumptions:
• The OWNER will provide right-of-entry and access to the site, including
clearing and earthwork if needed at the proposed test pit locations.
• Test pit excavations are performed during normal business hours (7:00 am to
4:00 pm) on consecutive non-holiday weekdays.
• Rock coring and groundwater monitoring well installation are not included in
our scope.
• We assume the OWNER can support the test pit excavation by providing and
Town owned backhoe and operator to excavate and backfill the test pits up to
8-ft. depth. We assume two (2) consecutive days for this effort. Should the
OWNER want the ENGINEER to engage a qualified contractor to provide the
backhoe and operator in lieu of providing one, we anticipate a daily cost of
approximately $8,500.00 and able to provide a final fee to the OWNER for
review. The cost of an outside contractor is
not included in this scope and fee.
3) Task 1.3 Wetland Delineation
The ENGINEER’s wetland scientists will field-identify the edges of the
wetland and flag the boundaries, and the 100-foot buffer zone. As part of the
delineation, the ENGINEER’s scientist will also identify existing vegetation
within the resource area(s), noting that The ENGINEER identified several areas
of invasive plant species throughout Springs Brook Park as part of the Master
Plan Study and could consider several methods that could be implemented
moving forward as part of a removal and management plan. The ENGINEER
will investigate the database of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species,
USFWS, and IPaC online database tools also.
We will provide a summary of the field investigation activities through a written
technical memorandum. This memo will include a summary of permits we have
anticipated to be required and identify the catalyst for each permit. At this time,
we believe only a Notice of Intent (NOI) will be required. See Task 3 permitting
below.
Deliverable
Task 1 schematic design documents will include 25% level complete plans, details and
estimates for the full, desired improvement program. The ENGINEER will work with
equipment manufacturers to determine the most suitable designs and coordinate with
Town staff in relation to the equipment designs and all other planned site
improvements.
25% Level Design Plan Set including:
• Existing Conditions Site Plan
• Overall Proposed Improvements Site Plan including resource area boundaries
and setbacks, public access, and proposed site amenities
• 20-scale plans, including:
o Materials and Layout Plans
-3-

•
•
•

•

o Grading and Utilities Plan
o Planting Plans
Standard construction details for drainage improvements
Outline specifications
Stormwater technical memorandum and report (simplified) that includes:
o Stormwater evaluation and analysis
o BMPs to improve water quality
o Estimated pollutant reduction for each BMP
o Stormwater controls by phase
A detailed construction opinion of probable cost based on the 25% design plans.

B. Task 2: Design and Contract Documents
Upon receipt of schematic design phase approvals and authorization in writing from
the OWNER, final design, and contract documents, including plans, details,
specifications, and opinion of probable cost estimates will be prepared. When
substantially completed, these design documents shall represent a 100% complete
level.
The ENGINEER will provide interim submissions to the OWNER for review at the
60% and 90% levels of drawings and specification completeness. Opinions of probable
cost reflecting these interim levels of completeness will also be provided to the
OWNER for review and consideration.
As required by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, a stormwater report will be
created for this project. This report will detail how the project will meet the stormwater
performance standards as required in the Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook. This
includes plans, calculations, and narratives associated with each standard.
After the receipt of final comments from the OWNER’s representatives and attendance
at up to two (2) virtual project review meetings, the final contract bid documents will
be prepared. The ENGINEER will provide a complete bid package, incorporating any
“boiler plate” requirements of the OWNER. The ENGINEER will furnish plans and
specifications in paper and electronic formats to the OWNER and will obtain prevailing
wage information and shall advertise the project in the Massachusetts Central Register.
The ENGINEER will provide the bid notice and information necessary for the OWNER
to advertise in a local newspaper and in CommBUYS.
Deliverable
100% Level Design and Contract Document Plan Set including:
• Cover Sheet
• General Notes and Legends
• Existing Conditions Site Plan
• Overall Proposed Improvements Site Plan including resource area boundaries
and setbacks, public access, and proposed site amenities
• Phase Plan
• 20-scale plans, including:
-4-

Materials and Layout Plans
Grading and Utilities Plan
Planting Plans
Enlargement Plans as warranted to convey detail and information
necessary for construction
o Irrigation Plans
Construction details for drainage improvements
Final specifications
A final construction opinion of probable cost based on the 100% design plans.
o
o
o
o

•
•
•

C. Task 3: Permitting
Making use of 90% design plans, specifications, reports, and memorandums as
appropriate, the ENGINEER will file the NOI to the Bedford Conservation
Commission for the anticipated improvement program at Springs Brook Park. The
ENGINEER staff will attend up to two (2) Conservation Commission hearings to
discuss the project with the commission. The NOI will include the following elements,
as applicable:
•
•
•
•
•
•

WPA Form 3
Project Narrative
Alternative Analysis (if required)
Wetlands Delineation Forms
Stormwater Report and Calculations
Project Plans & Specifications

The ENGINEER is not aware of additional local permits will be required pending the
final design improvements. This scope represents our present assumption as to the
permits required. If additional permits or work with each permit is necessary, a proposal
amendment will be provided.
Deliverable
The ENGINEER shall prepare and submit an NOI application to the Bedford
Conservation Commission to obtain an Order of Conditions. Included within this
delivery:
• Public notification to abutters
• Attend up to two (2) Conservation Commission meetings, present the project,
and respond to questions
• Adjust the plans, as required, to respond to the Commission’s comments
• Obtain an Order of Conditions
D. Task 4: Bidding
The ENGINEER will be available to attend a pre-bid conference and to answer the
inquiries of prospective bidders during the bid period. The ENGINEER will furnish all
information needed to issue any required Addenda. Upon the receipt of bids, the
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ENGINEER will coordinate with project representatives and make a recommendation
for awarding by the Town.
Deliverable
The ENGINEER shall prepare contract documents for bidding purposes including front
end specifications with assistance from the OWNER. We will provide hard copy prints
to the OWNER and electronic format files for issuance to prospective bidders. The
ENGINEER will attend and lead a pre-bid meeting at the Project Site and respond to
questions and issue addenda as necessary for prospective bidders during the bid period.
The ENGINEER will review proposals, check the apparent low bidder’s references,
and issue a recommendation to the OWNER.
E. Task 5: Construction Administration
(FOR REFERENCE ONLY – NOT IN CONTRACT)
The ENGINEER recommends at this time not including construction administration
services until further refinement of the project scope if known and in full alignment
with the final opinion of probable cost. The ENGINEER included a recommended
Construction Administration scope of services for reference only. Upon bidding, the
ENGINEER shall revisit the scope and fee of Task 5 herein to ensure it aligns with the
OWNER’s expectations.
The ENGINEER will provide construction administration services which shall include
attendance at a pre-construction meeting, processing of pay requisitions and shop
drawing reviews/approvals, attendance at weekly construction meetings and issuance
of corresponding construction meeting notes. The number of meetings will be
contingent on the expected construction timeline and final project phasing
requirements.
Deliverable
The ENGINEER shall prepare weekly construction meeting notes documenting the
basis of the design and construction revisions and updates that are anticipated upon
completion of the construction and installation of all design improvements. For
budgeting purposes, we assume eight (8) total reports.
2.3

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

SCOPE OF SERVICE EXCLUSIONS
Geotechnical Subsurface Design
Structural Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Sports Field Lighting and Security Camera Design
Traffic Study and Engineering
Utility (Water, Sanitary Sewer Improvements
The ENGINEER assumes no work within the main access drive currently

-6-

ARTICLE 3 - RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OWNER
The OWNER, without cost to the ENGINEER, shall do the following in a timely manner so as not
to delay the services of the ENGINEER:
3.1

Designate in writing a person to act as the OWNER 's representative with respect to work
to be performed under this AGREEMENT, such person to have complete authority to
transmit instructions, receive information, interpret and define the OWNER’S policies and
decisions with respect to materials, equipment elements and systems pertinent to the work
covered by this AGREEMENT.

3.2

Through its officials and other employees who have knowledge of pertinent conditions,
confer with the ENGINEER regarding both general and special considerations relating to
the PROJECT.

3.3

Assist the ENGINEER by placing at the disposal of the ENGINEER, all available
information pertinent to the PROJECT including previous reports and any other data
relative to design or construction of the PROJECT.

3.4

Pay all application and permit fees associated with approvals and permits from all
governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the PROJECT and such approvals and
consents from others as may be necessary for completion of the PROJECT.

3.5

Arrange for access to and make all provisions for the ENGINEER to enter upon public and
private lands as required for the ENGINEER to perform its work under this
AGREEMENT.

3.6

Furnish the ENGINEER all needed property, boundary and right-of-way maps.

3.7

Cooperate with and assist the ENGINEER in all additional work that is mutually agreed
upon.

3.8

Pay the ENGINEER for work performed in accordance with the terms specified herein.

3.9

Select a Public Participation Coordinator (PPC) to develop, organize and implement public
information and participation efforts.

3.10

Assist the ENGINEER in the distribution of the sewer needs survey questionnaires within
the planning boundary of the OWNER and return to the ENGINEER for evaluation.

3.11

Provide a public stenographer and transcript for each public hearing.

3.12

Pay for soils testing laboratory services as required for the PROJECT.

3.14

Provide all criteria and full information as to OWNER’s requirements for the Project,
including design objectives and constraints, space, capacity and performance requirements,
-7-

flexibility and expandability, and any budgetary limitations; and furnish copies of all
design and construction standards, which OWNER will require to be included in the
Drawings and Specifications.
3.15

Examine all studies, reports, sketches, Drawings, specifications, proposals and other
documents presented by ENGINEER, obtain advice of an attorney, insurance counselor
and other consultants, as OWNER deems appropriate for such examination, and render in
writing decisions pertaining thereto within a reasonable time so as not to delay the services
of the ENGINEER.

3.16

Attend the pre-bid conference, bid opening, pre-construction conference, construction
progress and job-related meetings, substantial completion inspections and final payment
inspections.

3.17

Give prompt written notice to ENGINEER whenever OWNER observes or otherwise
becomes aware of any development that affects the scope or timing of ENGINEER’s
services or any defect or non-conformance of the work of any Contractor(s).

3.18

Submit to ENGINEER the proposed language of certifications, affidavits and/or
assignments requested of ENGINEER or ENGINEER’s independent contractors and
consultants for review and approval at least 14 days prior to execution. OWNER shall not
request certifications and/or affidavits that would require expertise, knowledge or services
beyond the scope of this AGREEMENT.

ARTICLE 4 - TIME OF PROJECT
4.1

The ENGINEER will initiate work under this AGREEMENT following formal acceptance
of this AGREEMENT by the OWNER. The ENGINEER agrees to provide services for
the estimated duration of work, starting ( July 1, 2026 ) (within 7 days of signing
this AGREEMENT) and concluding (by December 31, 2026 ) .

4.2

If the specific periods of time for services provided under this AGREEMENT are changed
through no fault of the ENGINEER, the rates and compensation provided for herein shall
be subject to equitable adjustment.

4.3

If ENGINEER’s services are delayed or suspended in whole or in part by the OWNER for
more than three months through no fault of the ENGINEER, ENGINEER shall be entitled
to an equitable adjustment of the rates and compensation to be paid herein.

ARTICLE 5 - PAYMENTS TO THE ENGINEER
5.1

For services performed under this AGREEMENT, the OWNER agrees to pay the
ENGINEER the lump sum fee of $ 105,800
for the scope of services described in
Article 2 of this AGREEMENT. Fees for this PROJECT shall be billed monthly as they
-8-

accrue based upon the services performed as a percentage of the total lump sum fee. The
OWNER agrees to make payment to the ENGINEER within thirty (30) days of the invoice
date.
5.2

If the OWNER fails to make any payment due the ENGINEER for services and expenses
within thirty (30) days after receipt of the ENGINEER'S statement therefore, the
ENGINEER may, after giving seven (7) days' written notice to the OWNER, suspend
services under this AGREEMENT. Unless the ENGINEER receives payment within seven
(7) days of the date of the notice, the suspension shall take effect without further notice. In
the event of a suspension of services, the ENGINEER shall have no liability to the OWNER
for delay or damage caused the OWNER because of such suspension of services.

ARTICLE 5A – CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS
5A.1

Credit cards shall not be allowed as a payment method.

ARTICLE 6 - INSURANCE
6.1

General Liability Insurance
The ENGINEER shall secure and maintain, for the duration of this PROJECT, the
following General Liability Insurance policy or policies at no cost to the OWNER. With
respect to the operations the ENGINEER performs, the ENGINEER shall carry
Commercial General Liability Insurance for bodily injury, death, and property damage in
the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate.

6.2

Automobile Liability Insurance
The ENGINEER shall secure and maintain, for the duration of this PROJECT, Automobile
Liability Insurance covering the operation of all motor vehicles, including those hired or
borrowed, used by the ENGINEER in connection with this AGREEMENT, in the amount
of $1,000,000 combined single limit per accident.

6.3

Umbrella Liability Insurance
In addition to the above-mentioned coverage, the ENGINEER shall carry a minimum of
Three Million Dollar ($3,000,000) umbrella liability policy for the duration of the
PROJECT.

6.4

Professional Services Liability Insurance
The ENGINEER shall secure, at its own expense, a Professional Services Liability
Insurance policy with a limit of $3,000,000 per claim and in the aggregate and maintain
such policy for the duration of the PROJECT.
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6.5

6.6

Workers Compensation Coverage
6.5.1

The ENGINEER shall maintain statutory Worker’s Compensation insurance coverage
for all of its employees at the PROJECT as required by the State of Massachusetts.

6.5.2

The OWNER shall maintain statutory Worker’s Compensation insurance coverage
for all of its employees at the PROJECT as required by the State of Massachusetts.

Additional Insured
OWNER shall be named an additional insured for insurance coverage included in Articles
6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 only.

ARTICLE 7 - LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
7.1

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the total liability in the aggregate, of ENGINEER
and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and independent professional associates, and
any of them, to the OWNER and any one claiming by, through or under OWNER, for any
and all injuries, claims, losses, expenses, or damages whatsoever arising out of or in any
way related to ENGINEER’S services, the project, or this AGREEMENT, from any cause
or causes whatsoever, including but not limited to, the negligence, errors, omissions, strict
liability, breach of contract, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty of ENGINEER or its
officers, directors, employees, agents or independent professional associates, or any of
them, , shall not exceed the total amount recoverable from the available limits of the
insurance identified in Article 6. ENGINEER shall have no duty to defend the OWNER.

7.2

To the fullest extent permitted by law, and subject to the limitation of liability set forth in
7.1, the ENGINEER agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the OWNER and its officers,
directors, employees, agents, and independent professional associates, and any of them,
from any claims, losses, damages or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising
out of the death of, injuries, or damages to any person, or damage or destruction of any
property, in connection with the ENGINEER’S services under this AGREEMENT to the
extent caused by the negligent acts, errors, or omissions of the ENGINEER or its officers,
directors, employees, agents or independent professional associates, or any of them.

7.3

Hazardous Waste Indemnifications
7.3.1

The ENGINEER and its consultants shall have no responsibility for the discovery,
presence, handling, removal or disposal of, or exposure of persons to, hazardous
waste or viruses, in any form at the PROJECT site. Accordingly, the OWNER
hereby agrees to bring no claim for negligence, breach of contract, strict liability,
indemnity, contribution or otherwise against the ENGINEER, its principals,
employees, agents or consultants if such claim in any way arises from such services.
The OWNER further agrees to defend, indemnify and hold the ENGINEER and its
consultants and their principals, employees and agents harmless from and against
any claims, demands, loss or damage (including reasonable attorneys' fees)
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sustained by any person or entity arising from such services or circumstances. The
ENGINEER shall not be liable for any damages or injuries, of any nature
whatsoever, due to any delay or suspension in the performance of its services
caused by or arising out of the discovery of hazardous substances or pollutants at
the PROJECT site.
7.3.2

The OWNER hereby represents that, if it knows or has any reason to assume or
suspect that hazardous materials, including materials or persons with viral
contamination, may exist at the PROJECT site, it has so informed the ENGINEER.
The OWNER also warrants that it has done its best to inform the ENGINEER of
such known or suspected hazardous materials' type, quantity and location.

7.3.3

If, in the performance of the work, hazardous materials are encountered and are
judged by the ENGINEER to be an imminent threat to on-site personnel and/or the
general public, the ENGINEER shall take all steps immediately available which
are, in its judgment, prudent and necessary to mitigate the existing threat. The
OWNER agrees to compensate the ENGINEER for any time spent or expenses
incurred by the ENGINEER to mitigate the threat, in accordance with the
ENGINEER’S prevailing fee schedule and expense reimbursement policy.

7.3.4

The OWNER recognizes that special risks occur whenever engineering or related
disciplines are applied to identify subsurface conditions. Even a comprehensive
sampling and testing program, implemented with appropriate equipment and
experience with personnel under the direction of a trained professional who
functions in accordance with the prevailing standard of care may fail to detect
certain hidden conditions. For similar reasons, actual environmental, geological,
and technical conditions that the ENGINEER properly inferred to exist between
sampling points may differ significantly from those that actually exist. The passage
of time also must be considered, and the OWNER recognizes that due to natural
occurrences or direct or indirect human intervention at the Site or distance from it,
actual conditions may quickly change.
Subsurface sampling may result in unavoidable contamination of certain subsurface
areas, as when a probe or boring device moves through a contaminated area, linking
it to an aquifer, underground stream or other hydrous body not previously
contaminated and capable of spreading hazardous materials offsite and OWNER
accepts that risk. Because nothing can be done to eliminate the risk of such an
occurrence, and because subsurface sampling is a necessary aspect of the work
which the ENGINEER will perform on the OWNER’S behalf, the OWNER waives
any claim against the ENGINEER and agrees to defend, indemnify and hold the
ENGINEER harmless from any claim or liability for injury or loss which may arise
as a result of alleged cross-contamination caused by sampling. The OWNER
further agrees to compensate the ENGINEER for any time spent or expenses
incurred by the ENGINEER in defense of any such claim, in accordance with the
ENGINEER’S prevailing fee schedule and expense reimbursement policy.

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7.3.5

The ENGINEER will hold soil samples collected during the subsurface
investigation for three [3] months at its office after the submission of Geotechnical
Engineering Report to the OWNER. After the three-month period, the ENGINEER
will dispose of the soil samples unless requested otherwise by the OWNER in
writing. At the OWNER’S request, ENGINEER will either [1] deliver the samples
to the OWNER for the OWNER’S use or [2] continue to store the samples for an
agreed upon duration.

ARTICLE 8 - EXTENSION OF SERVICES
8.1

Additional Work
In the event the ENGINEER, as requested by the OWNER, is to make investigations or
reports on matters not covered by this AGREEMENT, or is to perform other services not
included herein, additional compensation shall be paid the ENGINEER as is mutually
agreed upon by and between the OWNER and the ENGINEER. Such services shall be
incorporated into written amendments to this AGREEMENT, or into a new written
AGREEMENT.

8.2

Changes in Work
The OWNER, from time to time, may require changes or extensions in the Scope of
Services to be performed hereunder. Such changes or extensions, including any increase or
decrease in the amount of compensation, to be mutually agreed upon by and between the
OWNER and the ENGINEER, shall be incorporated into written amendments to this
AGREEMENT.

8.3

Litigation Support Services
In the event the ENGINEER is to prepare for or appear in any litigation on behalf of the
OWNER, additional compensation shall be paid to the ENGINEER.
The OWNER agrees to compensate the ENGINEER for time spent and expenses incurred
in preparation for and attendance at meetings and appearances, including depositions. This
shall include appearances before the OWNER’S attorney and before the attorney of any
other party to the litigation, in addition to all other support services as requested by the
OWNER. Additional compensation shall be paid the ENGINEER as is mutually agreed
upon by and between the OWNER and the ENGINEER. Such services shall be
incorporated into written amendments to this AGREEMENT, or into a new written
AGREEMENT.

8.4

Hazardous Materials Encountered
If, in the performance of the work, hazardous materials are encountered and are judged by
the ENGINEER to be an imminent threat to on-site personnel and/or the general public,
the ENGINEER shall inform the Local and State Emergency Personnel of the release. The
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OWNER agrees to compensate the ENGINEER for any time spent or expenses incurred
by the ENGINEER to mitigate the threat, in accordance with the ENGINEER’S prevailing
fee schedule and expense reimbursement policy. Such services shall be incorporated into
written amendments to this AGREEMENT or into a new written AGREEMENT.
ARTICLE 9 - OWNERSHIP AND USE OF DOCUMENTS
9.1

Use of Documents
9.1.1

All Documents are instruments of service in respect to this Project, and the
ENGINEER shall retain an ownership and property interest therein (including the
right of reuse at the discretion of the ENGINEER) whether or not the Project is
completed.

9.1.2

Copies of Documents that may be relied upon by OWNER are limited to the printed
copies (also known as hard copies) that are signed or sealed by the ENGINEER.
Files in electronic media format of text, data, graphics, or of other types that are
furnished by ENGINEER to OWNER are only for convenience of OWNER. Any
conclusion or information obtained or derived from such electronic files will be at
the user’s sole risk.

9.1.3 Because data stored in electronic media format can deteriorate or be modified
inadvertently or otherwise without authorization of the data’s creator, the party
receiving electronic files agrees that it will perform acceptance tests or procedures
within 60 days, after which the receiving party shall be deemed to have accepted the
data thus transferred. The party delivering the electronic files will correct any errors
detected within the 60-day acceptance period. ENGINEER shall not be responsible
for maintaining documents stored in electronic media format after acceptance by
OWNER.
9.1.4 When transferring documents in electronic media format, ENGINEER makes no
representations as to long term compatibility, usability, or readability of documents
resulting from the use of software application packages, operating systems, or
computer hardware differing from those used by ENGINEER at the beginning of
this Project.
9.1.5 OWNER may make and retain copies of Documents for information and reference in
connection with use on the Project by OWNER. Such Documents are not intended
or represented to be suitable for reuse by OWNER or others on extensions of the
Project or on any other project. Any such reuse or modification without written
verification or adaptation by ENGINEER, as appropriate for the specific purpose
intended, will be at OWNER’s sole risk and without liability or legal exposure to
ENGINEER or to ENGINEER’s Consultants. OWNER shall indemnify and hold
harmless ENGINEER and ENGINEER’s Consultants from all claims, damages,
losses, and expenses, including attorneys’ fees arising out of or resulting therefrom.
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9.1.6

If there is a discrepancy between the electronic files and the hard copies, the hard
copies govern.

9.1.7

Any verification or adaptation of the Documents for extensions of the Project or for
any other project will entitle ENGINEER to further compensation at rates to be
agreed upon by OWNER and ENGINEER.

ARTICLE 10 – TERMINATION
10.1

The obligation to provide further services under this AGREEMENT may be terminated by
either party upon thirty (30) days' written notice in the event of substantial failure by the
other party to perform in accordance with the terms hereof through no fault of the
terminating party.

10.2

If the PROJECT is suspended or abandoned in whole or in part for more than three (3)
months, the ENGINEER shall be compensated for all services performed prior to receipt
of written notice from the OWNER of such suspension or abandonment, together with
other direct costs then due and all Termination Expenses as defined in Article 10.4. If the
PROJECT is resumed after being suspended for more than three (3) months, the
ENGINEER'S compensation shall be equitably adjusted.

10.3

In the event of termination by the OWNER under Article 10.1, the ENGINEER will be
paid a percentage of the lump sum fee based on work completed on the PROJECT through
the completion of services necessary to affect termination, in accordance with the
provisions of Article 5 of this AGREEMENT.

10.4

In the event of termination by the ENGINEER under Article 10.1, or termination by the
OWNER for the OWNER’S convenience, the ENGINEER will be paid a percentage of the
lump sum fee based on work completed on the PROJECT through the completion of
services necessary to affect termination, plus termination expenses. Payment for services
will be in accordance with the provisions of Article 5 of this AGREEMENT. Termination
expenses means additional costs of services and other direct costs directly attributable to
termination, which shall be an additional amount computed as the costs the ENGINEER
reasonably incurs relating to commitments, which had become firm before the termination.

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ARTICLE 11 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
11.1

Precedence
The terms and conditions in this AGREEMENT shall take precedence over any
inconsistent or contradictory provisions contained in any proposal, contract, purchase
order, requisition, notice to proceed, or like document regarding the ENGINEER’S
services.

11.2

Severability
If any of the terms and conditions in this AGREEMENT shall be finally determined to be
invalid or unenforceable in whole or part, the remaining provisions hereof shall remain in
full force and effect and be binding upon the parties hereto. The parties agree to reform this
AGREEMENT to replace any such invalid or unenforceable provision with a valid
enforceable provision that comes as close as possible to the intention of the stricken
provision.

11.3

Dispute Resolution
All claims, disputes or controversies arising between the OWNER and the ENGINEER
shall be submitted to non-binding mediation prior to and as a condition precedent to the
commencement of any litigation between those parties. The American Arbitration
Association, or such other person or mediation service shall conduct the non-binding
mediation as the parties mutually agree upon. The party seeking to initiate mediation shall
do so by submitting a formal written request to the other party to this AGREEMENT and
the American Arbitration Association or such other person or mediation service as the
parties mutually agree upon. The costs of mediation shall be borne equally by the parties.
All statements of any nature made in connection with the non-binding mediation shall be
privileged and will be inadmissible in any subsequent court or other proceeding involving
or relating to the same claim. The parties may engage in remote mediation if in-person
mediation is not possible or practicable, or if mutually agreed upon between the parties.

11.4

Subrogation
To the extent damages are covered by insurance, the owner and engineer/consultant/design
professional waive all rights against each other and against the contractors, consultants,
agents, and employees of the other, for damages, except such rights as they may have to
the proceeds of such insurance as set forth in this agreement. The owner or the architect,
as appropriate, shall require of the contractors, consultants, agents, and employees of any
of them, similar waivers in favor of the other parties enumerated herein.

11.5

Consequential Damages
ENGINEER and the OWNER mutually waive consequential, special and/or punitive
damages including but not limited to, such damages for lost profits, loss of use, lost
revenues and loss of reputation for claims, disputes or other matters in question arising out
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of or relating to this agreement or any applicable work order. This mutual waiver is
applicable, without limitation, to all indemnification obligations herein (other than thirdparty claims, claims arising from a breach of confidentiality and claims related to gross
negligence or willful misconduct) and consequential damages due to either party’s
termination of this agreement or any applicable work order, provided the foregoing shall
not apply to damages arising as a result of consultant’s gross negligence or willful
misconduct.
11.6

Sole Remedy
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, OWNER and ENGINEER
agree that their sole and exclusive claim, demand, suit, judgment or remedy against each
other shall be asserted against each other’s corporate entity and not against each other’s
shareholders, A/E’s, directors, officers or employees.

11.7

Third Party Obligations
Nothing contained in this Agreement shall create a contractual relationship with or a cause
of action in favor of a third party against either the OWNER or the ENGINEER.

11.8

Statute of Limitations
Causes of action between the parties to this Agreement pertaining to acts or failures to act
shall be deemed to have accrued and the applicable statutes of limitations shall commence
to run not later than either the date of completion of services performed for acts or failures
to act occurring prior to the date of completion of services performed or the completion
date contained in this AGREEMENT for acts or failures to acts occurring after the date of
completion of services performed. In no event shall such statutes of limitations commence
to run any later than the date when the ENGINEER’s services are substantially completed.

11.9

Engineer’s Liability for Construction Contract Award Recommendations
In consideration of the ENGINEER’S performance of its obligation to review and evaluate
the various bidders and bid submissions and to make recommendations to the OWNER
regarding the award of the construction contract, the OWNER agrees to hold harmless the
ENGINEER for all costs, expenses, damages and attorneys' fees which are incurred by the
ENGINEER as a result of any claims, allegations, administrative or court proceedings,
arising out of or relating to any bid protest or such other action taken by any person or
entity with respect to the review and evaluation of the bidders and bid submissions and/or
recommendations concerning the award of the construction contract. This paragraph shall
not apply in circumstances in which the ENGINEER is finally adjudicated by a court to
have actually engaged in intentional and willful conduct without any legitimate
justification, privilege or immunity.

11.10 Limitation of Engineer’s Responsibilities During Construction

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The ENGINEER shall not be responsible for the acts or omissions of any Contractor(s), or
of any subcontractor(s) or supplier(s), or any of Contractor(s)’ or subcontractor(s)’ or
supplier(s)’ agents or employees or any other persons (except ENGINEER’s own
employees and agents) at the site or otherwise furnishing or performing Contractor(s)’
work.
11.11 Engineer Not Responsible for Accuracy of Contractor-Supplied Information Used in
Record Drawings
The ENGINEER shall not be responsible for any errors in or omissions in the information
provided by Contractor that is incorporated in the record drawings or other record
documents. ENGINEER shall not check the Contractor’s record drawings information
unless included in the scope of the ENGINEER’s services contained in Article 2, and then
ENGINEER will only be responsible for checking what is not hidden behind walls, in the
floor or roof slabs, etc.
11.12 Opinions of Probable Construction Cost
The ENGINEER makes opinions of probable costs using its best judgement as an
experienced and qualified professional engineer generally familiar with the construction
industry. ENGINEER has no control over the cost of labor, materials, equipment or
services furnished by others, or the Contractor’s methods of determining prices, or
competitive bidding or market conditions or when the Project will be constructed.
ENGINEER cannot and does not guarantee that Contractor’s bids or actual construction
costs will not vary from opinions of probable construction cost prepared by ENGINEER.
If OWNER desires greater assurance as to probable construction cost, OWNER shall
employ an independent cost estimator.
11.13 Changed Conditions
If concealed or unknown conditions that affect the performances of the services are
encountered, that are not ordinarily found to exist or that differ materially from those
generally recognized as inherent in the services of the character provided for under this
AGREEMENT or which could not have reasonably been anticipated, notice by the
observing party shall be promptly given to the other party and, if possible before the
conditions are disturbed. If the ENGINEER makes the claim, ENGINEER’s schedule and
compensation shall be equitably adjusted to reflect additions that result from such changed
conditions.
11.14 Force Majeure
If delays or failures of performance of the ENGINEER are caused by occurrences beyond
the reasonable control of the ENGINEER, the ENGINEER shall not be in default of this
AGREEMENT. Said occurrences shall include Acts of God or the public enemy;
expropriation or confiscation; compliance with any quarantine or other order of any
governmental authority; pandemic; epidemic; public health crisis; labor or materials
shortage; changes in law; act of war, rebellion, terrorism or sabotage or damage resulting
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therefrom; fires, floods, explosions, accidents, riots, strikes or other concerted acts of
workmen, whether direct or indirect; delays in permitting; OWNER’s failure to provide
data in OWNER’s possession or provide necessary comments in connection with any
required reports prepared by the ENGINEER, or any other causes which are beyond the
reasonable control of the ENGINEER. ENGINEER’s scheduled completion date shall be
adjusted to account for any force majeure delay and ENGINEER shall be compensated for
all costs incurred in connection with or arising from a force majeure event or in the exercise
of reasonable diligence to avoid or mitigate a force majeure event.
11.15 Interpretation of Construction Documents.
The parties agree that should the ENGINEER’s services not include construction phase
services, the OWNER shall be solely responsible for interpreting any construction contract
documents and for observing any associated construction work in a manner consistent with
that degree of skill and care ordinarily exercised by practicing professionals performing
similar tasks at a similar site and under similar circumstances and conditions, including
with respect to discovery and correcting or mitigating errors, inconsistencies, or omissions
in such contract documents. If, under the foregoing circumstances, the OWNER authorizes
deviations from the documents prepared by the ENGINEER, the OWNER shall not bring
any claim against the ENGINEER and shall indemnify and hold the ENGINEER, its
agents, and employees from and against claims, losses, damages, and expenses, including
defense costs and the time of the ENGINEER, to the extent such claim, loss, damage, or
expense arises out of or results in whole or in part from such deviations.
ARTICLE 12 – DISCLOSURE RIGHTS
12.1

OWNER agrees the ENGINEER has the authority to use its name as a client and a general
description of the project as a reference for other prospective clients.

ARTICLE 13 – NOTICES
Any notice required under this Agreement will be in writing, addressed to the appropriate party at
the address that appears below, and given personally, by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, by facsimile, or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service. All notices shall
be effective upon the date of receipt.
Notices shall be provided to:
Owner:
Name Josh Smith______________
Title Director of Recreation
Address 12 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730

Engineer:
Name Brandon Kunkel, RLA________
Title Discipline Leader | Sr. Associates__
Address 1 Washington Mall, 10th Floor,
Boston, MA 02108_________

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ARTICLE 14 – CONTROLLING LAW
This Agreement is to be governed by the law of the principal place of business of the ENGINEER.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this AGREEMENT the day
and year first above written.
ACCEPTED FOR:
TOWN OF BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS

WESTON & SAMPSON ENGINEERS, INC.

By Its

By:

Town Manager

Brandon Kunkel, RLA
Discipline Leader | Sr. Associates

DATE

June 24, 2026
DATE

CERTIFICATION OF AVAILABLE FUNDS
Certification is herewith given that funds are available for payments required by the terms of this
AGREEMENT.
A TRUE COPY, ATTEST:
By:

OWNER Clerk

Date:

OWNER’S Massachusetts Sales and Use Tax Certificate Exemption Number

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TOWN OF BEDFORD, MA
Recreation Department

Date: June 24, 2026
To:
Select Board
From: Josh Smith, Recreation Director
Re:
Springs Road Athletic Field Renovation Design

This contract is for survey, landscape architecture, civil, geotechnical, and electrical engineering
services for athletic field construction at 171 Springs Rd. The proposed field renovation project,
which is planned for the following year in FY28, is for the renovation of the existing natural
grass rectangular athletic field plus demolition and removal of the existing baseball field and
construction of a two new natural grass rectangular athletic fields. Additional work proposed
include improvements to the existing parking lot and associated utility infrastructure
improvements to support the athletic fields and parking lot.
$108,500 in funding was approved at Annual Town Meeting 2026, article 5 from Community
Preservation. This design project is scheduled to be conducted between July 2026 - December
2026.
Recommended Motion:
I move that the Select Board approve the contract with Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc
for the Springs Road Alethic Field Design in the amount of $108,500 and authorize the
Town Manager to sign on their behalf.

TOWN OF BEDFORD
BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS 01730

To:

Select Board

From:

Matthew J. Hanson, Town Manager

Date:

July 6, 2026

Subject:

Leaf Blower Regulations

Should Bedford adopt limited regulations on gas-powered leaf blowers to reduce noise,
emissions, and neighborhood disruption, while avoiding a broad prohibition that may be
difficult to operate and enforce?
Rather than approaching the issue as a choice between “ban” and “no ban,” staff recommends
focusing on whether Bedford should adopt a narrow, practical regulation addressing the most
disruptive uses of gas-powered leaf blowers.
A targeted approach could regulate hours of use, seasonal use, and/or commercial use, while
preserving flexibility for residents, municipal operations, storm cleanup, large properties, and
other practical needs.
Key Policy Considerations
1. Noise and neighborhood impact
2. Health, emissions, and climate goals
3. Practical implementation and enforcement
4. Municipal operations and service delivery
5. Commercial versus residential use
6. Seasonal need
Municipal Implementation Considerations
In evaluating any potential regulation, the Town should consider not only the policy objectives,
but also the practical implications for implementation and enforcement. Questions such as which
department would be responsible for enforcement, how violations would be identified and
investigated, what exemptions would apply, and the administrative resources required to
administer the bylaw all affect whether a regulation can be implemented consistently and
effectively. These considerations should help inform any future draft bylaw.

TOWN OF BEDFORD
BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS 01730

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Should Bedford pursue a bylaw amendment or continue with education only?
2. Should the bylaw apply only to gas-powered leaf blowers?
3. Should commercial users be regulated differently from residents?
4. Should gas-powered blower use be limited to spring and fall cleanup seasons?
5. Should commercial gas-powered blower use be prohibited on Sundays and holidays?
6. What exemptions should apply?
7. Should staff return with draft bylaw language for further review?
Option 1: Education only
Choose not to adopt a bylaw at this time and instead issue guidance encouraging residents and
landscapers to:
•
•
•
•
•

Use electric equipment where practical;
Avoid early morning, evening, Sunday, and holiday use;
Limit prolonged blower use;
Avoid blowing debris into streets or onto neighboring properties;
Use mulching, raking, or lower-impact cleanup methods where feasible.

Advantages: Lowest burden; avoids enforcement issues.
Concerns: May not meaningfully address resident concerns.
Option 2: Hours-of-use regulation
Regulate when gas-powered leaf blowers may be used.
Possible framework:
•
•
•

Monday–Friday: permitted only between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: permitted only between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Sundays and legal holidays: prohibited or more limited.

Advantages: Simple, clear, and enforceable.
Concerns: Does not address emissions or routine summer use.
Option 3: Seasonal restriction
Allow gas-powered leaf blowers only during defined spring and fall cleanup periods.
Possible framework:
•
•
•

Spring cleanup season: April 1–May 31
Fall cleanup season: September 15–December 15
Electric blowers allowed outside those windows, subject to hours-of-use limits.

Advantages: Preserves use when most needed; limits routine off-season disruption.
Concerns: Weather and seasonal variation may require flexibility.

TOWN OF BEDFORD
BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS 01730

Option 4: Commercial-use limits
Regulate commercial landscapers more strictly than residents.
Possible framework:
•
•
•
•

Commercial gas-powered blower use allowed only during spring and fall cleanup
seasons;
No commercial gas-powered blower use on Sundays or legal holidays;
Commercial use subject to weekday and Saturday hour limits;
Residential use subject only to hours-of-use limits, at least initially.

Advantages: Targets the most intensive and frequent use.
Concerns: Landscapers and property owners may need time to adjust.
Option 5: Combined narrow regulation
Adopt a limited bylaw combining the most practical elements of the options above.
Possible framework:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Gas-powered leaf blowers may be used only during allowed hours.
Commercial gas-powered leaf blower use is limited to spring and fall cleanup seasons.
Commercial gas-powered leaf blower use is prohibited on Sundays and legal holidays.
Residential gas-powered use remains allowed during cleanup seasons, subject to hours.
Electric blowers remain allowed year-round, subject to hours.
Exemptions apply for municipal operations, emergency cleanup, storm debris, public
utilities, cemetery operations, athletic field maintenance, and large properties.
7. Enforcement begins with education and warnings before fines.
Advantages: Balanced; addresses the highest-impact uses without imposing a full ban.
Concerns: Requires careful drafting and public outreach.
A draft bylaw may include:
• Clear permitted hours;
• Defined spring and fall cleanup seasons;
• More restrictive rules for commercial use than residential use;
• Sunday and holiday limits for commercial use;
• Reasonable exemptions;
• A delayed effective date;
• An education-first enforcement period.
Proposed next step
Staff recommends that the Select Board direct the Town Manager’s Office, in consultation with
DPW, Police, Health, Town Counsel, and the Energy and Sustainability Committee, to prepare a
draft narrow bylaw for further discussion. The draft should focus on (OPTIONS: hours,
seasons, commercial-use limits, exemptions, and education-first enforcement,) rather than a
full ban.

TOWN OF BEDFORD
BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS 01730

BACKGROUND
Arlington and Lexington now prohibit gas-powered leaf blowers for both contractors and
private property owners, while allowing electric blowers only during specified hours. Arlington’s
full residential and commercial ban took effect March 1, 2026, after a phased rollout that began
with commercial and seasonal restrictions.
Cambridge, Newton, Martha’s Vineyard communities, Concord, Acton, Dedham, and
Belmont have adopted or are phasing in restrictions or bans on gas-powered leaf blowers
Outside Massachusetts, Greenwich, Connecticut offers a narrower regulatory model that may
be relevant to Bedford. Greenwich prohibits gasoline-powered leaf blowers in residential zones
during the summer season, limits hours for both gas and electric blowers, prohibits commercial
gasoline-powered blower use in residential zones on Sundays year-round, and limits smaller
parcels to one blower at a time.

TOWN OF BEDFORD
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
314 THE GREAT ROAD
BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS 01730
TEL: 781-275-7605
FAX: 781-275-9010

Date: July 1, 2026
To:

Matt Hanson, Town Manager

From: David Manugian, Public Works Director
Re:

Contract Amendment, 108 Carlisle Road
Weston and Sampson

Public Works (DPW) is recommending the attached contract amendment for approval. The contract is with
Weston and Sampson and is related to the proposed salt shed construction at the seasonal storage facility at
108 Carlisle Road.
In 2025 the Town contracted for the construction of a new salt shed at 108 Carlisle Road. Despite preliminary
subsurface investigations finding no contamination, the contractor encountered small amounts of asbestos
while excavating for the proposed building’s foundation. This necessitated a stoppage of work while
appropriate investigation and permitting from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
(MassDEP) was completed.
This work in this amendment includes meetings with the contractor, Town, and MassDEP; asbestos
containing material (ACM) sampling and analysis; development of a non-traditional (NT work plan) and
partial closure use plan (PCUP); and aid in the development of costs estimates for remediation alternatives.
The NT plan and PCUP provide guidance for activity on the site and help the Town evaluate the most cost
effective way to remediate the ACM and complete a salt shed.
The contract is in the amount of $78,800. Funding will come from account 50261925-580000-50081, DPW
Salt Shed.
DPW recommends the following motion:
“I move that the Select Board approve the contract amendment with Weston and Sampson in the
amount of $152,000 as described in the Public Works memo dated July 1, 2026, and authorize the Town
Manager to sign on its behalf”
DPW is happy to answer any questions.

55 Walkers Brook Drive, Suite 100, Reading, MA 01867
Tel: 978.532.1900

May 27, 2026
David Manugian
Director of Public Works
Town of Bedford, MA
314 The Great Road
Bedford, MA 01730
Re:

New Public Works Salt Shed
Amendment Proposal for Asbestos-Related Services

Dear Mr. Manugian:
As discussed, Weston & Sampson has prepared this amendment proposal for services following
the discovery of asbestos containing materials (ACM) at the 108 Carlisle Road project site for the
new salt shed. Following the identification of ACM at the site in August 2025, Weston & Sampson
has provided additional environmental, permitting, and project management support services
beyond the scope of the original Construction Administration Services outlined in our July 7, 2024
proposal. We also understand the Town would like us to provide these additional services as
necessary to arrive at a point where the project has received permitting approvals from the
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), as well as a revised cost estimate
from J&J Contractors (the Contractor). A summary of additional services performed and proposed
future services are described in more detail below.
ASBESTOS-RELATED SERVICES
Task 1 – Asbestos-Related Services Performed To-Date
Weston & Sampson performed the services outlined below to support the project following the
discovery of ACM at the site. These services were not included in the current agreement, however
were provided in order to facilitate the development of a path for continuing the project with
approval from DEP.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Initial meetings with Contractor and Town to discuss project approach and the possible
continuation of work
ACM sampling and analysis (including site visit; collection of ACM samples; laboratory
analysis)
Coordination and meetings with DEP regarding stockpiles containing ACM and other
comments issued from their initial site visit
Stop work order conversations with DEP, Contractor, and Town
Additional review of Contractor’s ground improvement methods given the presence of
ACM, how their chosen methods affect the continuation of work at the site, and evaluation
of possible alternative methods
Review of Contractor's initial work plan and cost estimates
Review of potential overall project costs

westonandsampson.com

Page 2

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Discussions with the Contractor and Town regarding debris sorting and decontamination
activities
Research of alternatives at the site, including stockpiling and closure in place of ACM
within the project area and on the nearby solid waste landfill cap
Development of a preliminary Non-Traditional Work Plan (NT Plan)
Coordination with DEP regarding the interconnection between the SW36 Post Closure Use
Permit (PCUP) application and NT Plan
Review of DEP comments on the NT Plan submission and subsequent discussions with the
Town, Contractor, and internal disciplines
Meeting with DEP to review work plan comments
Additional site visit to meet DEP and review current layout and status of stockpiles
NT Plan and figure updates following input received from the Town and Contractor
Additional project management to coordinate the services outlined above

Task 2 – Proposed Additional Asbestos-Related Services
Weston & Sampson will provide the services outlined below to help bring the project to a point
where DEP permit approvals have been received (NT Plan and PCUP), and the Contractor’s
expected costs to move forward with the project have been presented and are agreed upon.
•
•
•

Finalize and submit the revised NT Plan to DEP for approval
Coordinate the final scope of work with the Contractor
Review the Contractor’s proposed additional costs to complete the work required in the NT
Plan, provide recommendations to the Town

It is assumed that DEP comments on the revised NT Plan, if any, will be minimal and will not
require significant effort to address.
FEE OF SERVICES
The following is a summary of the fees associated with the scope of services identified above.
Phase 6 – Asbestos-Related Services
Task 1 – Asbestos-Related Services Performed To-Date

$

68,800

Task 2 – Proposed Additional Asbestos-Related Services

$

10,000

$

78,800

Total

westonandsampson.com

Page 3

We appreciate the opportunity to continue supporting the Town on this project. Please let us know
if you have any questions regarding this proposal.
Sincerely,
WESTON & SAMPSON ENGINEERS, INC.
By:
5/27/2026

Michael Richard, PE, Discipline Leader
ACCEPTED FOR:
Town of Bedford, MA

By Its

Date:

westonandsampson.com

Date

TOWN OF BEDFORD
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Date: July 1, 2026
To:

314 THE GREAT ROAD
BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS 01730
TEL: 781-275-7605
FAX: 781-275-9010

Matt Hanson, Town Manager

From: David Manugian, Public Works Director
Re:

OpenGov Conversion Assistance Contract
Woodard and Curran

Public Works (DPW) is recommending the attached contract for approval. The contract is with Woodard and
Curran and is related to the conversion of non-stormwater asset information from our current software
(PeopleGIS) to our new software (OpenGov).
In 2025 the Town applied for and received a MassDEP-funded Asset Management Program (AMP) grant for
the evaluation, purchase, and transition to asset management software related to stormwater and stormwaterrelated assets such as culverts. As part of that process the Town chose the application OpenGov, which
allows Public Works to increase its functionality related to asset work orders, documentation, and capital
planning. The Town has contracted to purchase the OpenGov software and, through the grant, convert its
stormwater-related assets to the new software.
This work in this contract consists of assistance in converting DPW’s other asset categories to OpenGov.
This includes water and sewer, highway/ fleet/ mechanical, grounds, cemetery, and trash/ recycling assets. It
include configuration and training.
The contract is in the amount of $152,000. Funding will come from the following accounts:
• 45355 578000 Sewer I/I Revolving Fund, $24,000
• 024000026 580000 9211 Water Quality Improvements, $23,300
• 50014005 58-0000 50046, Transportation Improvements, $20,400
• 0140902 530002, Administrative Consulting, $54,500
• 45015 578000 Trash/ recycling Revolving Fund, $29,800
DPW recommends the following motion:
“I move that the Select Board approve the contract with Woodard and Curran in the amount of
$152,000 as described in the Public Works memo dated July 1, 2026, and authorize the Town Manager
to sign on its behalf”
DPW is happy to answer any questions.

138 River Road | Suite 212
Andover, Massachusetts 01810
www.woodardcurran.com

T 800.426.4262
T 978.557.8150
F 978.557.7948

April 14, 2026
Michael Sprague
Town Engineer
Department of Public Works
314 Great Road
Bedford, MA 01730
Re:

Proposal for Technical Consulting Services
Asset Management Implementation

Dear Mr. Sprague:
Woodard & Curran is pleased to submit this proposal to provide technical consulting services to
support the Town of Bedford’s (Town) desire to implement OpenGov EAM for all Public Works
divisions. The following summarizes Woodard & Curran’s proposed scope of work, compensation,
clarifications and exceptions, schedule, and terms and conditions.

BACKGROUND
The Town previously contracted Woodard & Curran to assess the key functional requirements and
evaluate options to identify Enterprise Asset Management Software (EAMS) that would meet the
Town’s current and future asset management needs. Based on the assessment and vendor
demonstrations, the Town of Bedford Public Works Department selected OpenGov as their EAMS
to provide the most value given its capabilities for both work management and advanced asset
management/capital planning.
As part of the existing contract, Woodard & Curran is contracted to implement OpenGov EAMS
for the Town’s stormwater assets. The Town would also like to implement OpenGov EAMS to
manage all other assets within Public Works, including assets and work managed by the
Department’s Water and Sewer, Highway, Fleet, Mechanical, Grounds, Cemetery, and Trash/
Recycling divisions. The Town would like to fully move from PeopleGIS to OpenGov EAM as their
asset management software.

SCOPE OF SERVICES
Woodard & Curran will provide technical consulting services as outlined below.
Phase 1: Configure OpenGov EAM
Woodard & Curran will configure OpenGov EAM to replicate the current workflows and
maintenance activities conducted by each division within the Public Works Department. As part of
the existing contract, Woodard & Curran met with each division during an onsite workshop to
better understand their specific asset management configuration needs and to review the assets,
requests, work tasks and reports currently in PeopleGIS that need to be migrated to OpenGov
EAM. Based on this information, along with a review of the Town’s existing PeopleGIS modules,
the following implementation tasks were identified for each division.
Task 1 – Water and Sewer

Woodard & Curran will perform the following configuration tasks for the Town’s Water & Sewer
Division:
•

Create a configuration document summarizing all assets, requests, work orders and
inspections to be configured in OpenGov for the Town’s review and approval.

•

Prepare the water distribution and sewer collection asset data currently in the Town’s GIS
for integration with OpenGov EAM based on the Town’s requirements. Publish the data to
the Town’s ArcGIS Online environment.

•

Set up all water distribution and sewer collection asset classes in OpenGov. Set up a bidirectional integration between each asset class in ArcGIS Online and OpenGov EAM as
required. Configure custom layouts for the asset classes in OpenGov as needed.

•

Configure all requests, work activity tasks and inspections in OpenGov required by the
division, including those categories previously utilized in PeopleGIS. Create custom work
task layouts with custom fields as required for certain work tasks and inspections.

•

Configure Engineering Inspections as required by the Engineering department.

•

Provide one day of onsite training for division staff.

Task 2 – Highway/ Fleet /Mechanical
Woodard & Curran will perform the following configuration tasks for the Town’s Highway &
Mechanical Division:
•

Create a configuration document summarizing all assets, requests, work orders and
inspections to be configured in OpenGov for the Town’s review and approval.

•

Prepare the highway and mechanical division’s asset data currently in the Town’s GIS for
integration with OpenGov EAM. If required, set up new GIS feature classes matching the
OpenGov database schema in the Town’s ArcGIS Online for asset classes currently
managed by the Town but with no existing GIS data. Publish the data to the Town’s ArcGIS
Online environment.

•

Set up all transportation and walkability asset classes in OpenGov. Set up a bi-directional
integration between each asset class in ArcGIS Online and OpenGov EAM and configure
custom layouts for the asset classes in OpenGov as needed.

•

Configure all requests, work activity tasks and inspections in OpenGov required by the
division, including those categories previously utilized in PeopleGIS. Create custom work
task layouts with custom fields as required for certain work tasks and inspections.

•

Configure automations within the Vehicle Condition excel spreadsheet currently used by
the Division into OpenGov EAM.

•

Provide a half day of onsite training for division staff.

Task 3 – Grounds

Town of Bedford, MA (0234483.10)
Asset Management Implementation Proposal

2

Woodard & Curran, Inc.
April 14, 2026

Woodard & Curran will perform the following configuration tasks for the Town’s Grounds Division:
•

Create a configuration document summarizing all assets, requests, work orders and
inspections to be configured in OpenGov for the Town’s review and approval.

•

Prepare the Grounds division’s asset data currently in the Town’s GIS for integration with
OpenGov EAM. If required, set up new GIS feature classes matching the OpenGov database
schema in the Town’s ArcGIS Online for asset classes currently managed by the Town but
with no existing GIS data. Publish the data to the Town’s ArcGIS Online environment.

•

Support the Town in migrating their tree inventory assets from their Tree Management
platform to ArcGIS Online.

•

Set up the Parks and Recreation asset classes in OpenGov. Set up a bi-directional
integration between each asset class in ArcGIS Online and OpenGov EAM and configure
custom layouts for the asset classes in OpenGov as needed.

•

Configure all requests, work activity tasks and inspections in OpenGov required by the
division, including those categories previously utilized in PeopleGIS. Create custom work
task layouts with custom fields as required for certain work tasks and inspections.

•

Provide a half day of onsite training for division staff.

Task 4 – Cemetery
Woodard & Curran will perform the following configuration tasks for the Town’s Cemetery
Division:
•

Create a configuration document summarizing all assets, requests, work orders and
inspections to be configured in OpenGov for the Town’s review and approval.

•

Prepare the cemetery asset data currently in the Town’s PeopleGIS for integration with
OpenGov EAM, including asset classes for lots, graves and internments. Publish the
Cemetery asset data to the Town’s ArcGIS Online. Configure custom asset classes within
OpenGov for the cemetery assets, with support from OpenGov’s professional services
team as needed.

•

Set up a bi-directional integration between each asset class and OpenGov EAM and
configure custom layouts for the asset classes in OpenGov to match the forms within
PeopleGIS’s Cemetery module.

•

Configure all requests, work activity tasks, inspections and transactions in OpenGov as
required by the division, including those categories previously utilized in PeopleGIS. Create
custom work task and transaction layouts with custom fields to match the forms within
PeopleGIS’s Cemetery module.

•

Configure up to 2 reports currently used by the division in PeopleGIS within the OpenGov
EAM reporting module.

•

Provide a half day of onsite training for division staff.

Town of Bedford, MA (0234483.10)
Asset Management Implementation Proposal

3

Woodard & Curran, Inc.
April 14, 2026

Task 5 – Trash/ Recycling
Woodard & Curran will perform the following configuration tasks for the Town’s Trash/Recycling
Division:
•

Create a configuration document summarizing all assets, requests, work orders and
inspections to be configured in OpenGov for the Town’s review and approval.

•

Prepare the division’s asset data currently in the Town’s PeopleGIS for integration with
OpenGov EAM, including asset classes for trash accounts and bins. Publish the asset data
to the Town’s ArcGIS Online. Configure custom asset classes within OpenGov for the trash
and recycling assets, with support from OpenGov’s professional services team as needed.

•

Set up a bi-directional integration between each asset class and OpenGov EAM and
configure custom layouts for the asset classes in OpenGov to match the forms within
PeopleGIS’s Recylcing/ Trash module.

•

Configure all requests, work activity tasks, inspections and transactions in OpenGov as
required by the division, including those categories previously utilized in PeopleGIS. Create
custom work task and transaction layouts with custom fields to match the forms within
PeopleGIS’s Recylcing/ Trash module.

•

Configure up to 1 report currently used by the division in PeopleGIS within the OpenGov
EAM reporting module.

•

Provide a half day of onsite training for division staff.

FEE ESTIMATE
The table below presents our fee for the professional technical consulting services for the phase
listed herein, billed as a lump sum method on percent complete each month. This fee will not be
exceeded without prior written authorization. Monthly invoices will be submitted to the Town and
will include a summary of services provided during the invoice period.
The following table presents the budget allocation for each task:
Description

Fee

Phase 1: Configure OpenGov EAM

$152,000

Task 1: Water and Sewer

$47,300

Task 2: Highway/ Fleet/ Mechanical

$20,400

Task 3: Grounds

$21,500

Task 4: Cemetery

$33,000

Task 5: Trash/ Recycling

$29,800
Project Total Fee

Town of Bedford, MA (0234483.10)
Asset Management Implementation Proposal

4

$152,000

Woodard & Curran, Inc.
April 14, 2026

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The Scope of Services will be completed in accordance with the attached Standard Terms &
Conditions.

SCHEDULE
Woodard & Curran is prepared to commence work within two (2) weeks of receiving notice to
proceed, with all work anticipated to be completed within six (6) months thereafter.

ASSUMPTIONS AND UNDERSTANDINGS
The following assumptions and understandings apply to the scope of work, schedule, and fee
estimate described herein.
•

GIS data preparation does not include digitization, editing, or full dataset comparison
services. GIS data preparation services performed in Phase 1 will only include alignment
with OpenGov schema requirements.

•

Bi-directional integrations between the Town’s ArcGIS Online and the Town’s OpenGov
EAM will only be performed for asset classes that the Town requires an integration for. All
other asset classes will be managed solely through OpenGov EAM.

•

Other asset management services are not included, including gap analysis, condition
assessment, field verification, risk analysis, capital planning or funding analysis.

•

The Town will provide access to their ArcGIS Online environment at a Publisher level or
higher.

•

The Town will provide access to their OpenGov EAM environment at an Administrator
level.

•

Onsite trainings are anticipated to be conducted concurrently or in immediate succession
of one another.

CLOSING
We greatly appreciate this opportunity to offer our technical consulting services. If you accept this
proposal and wish to proceed with the Scope of Services, please sign the below Authorization to
Proceed and attached Terms and Conditions and return a copy for our files.
Please do not hesitate to contact either of the undersigned if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
WOODARD & CURRAN, INC.

Alisha Mayer
Project Manager
Enclosure(s):

Scott C. Salvucci, P.E.
Senior Client Manager

Woodard & Curran Terms & Conditions

Town of Bedford, MA (0234483.10)
Asset Management Implementation Proposal

5

Woodard & Curran, Inc.
April 14, 2026

The parties hereto have executed this Agreement by their duly authorized agents as of the date
indicated below.

AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED
WOODARD & CURRAN, INC.

BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS

4/14/26
Signature

Date

Signature

Date

Scott C. Salvucci, P.E.
Name (printed)

Name (printed)

Vice President
Title

Town of Bedford, MA (0234483.10)
Asset Management Implementation Proposal

Title

6

Woodard & Curran, Inc.
April 14, 2026

MASTER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
STANDARD TERMS & CONDITIONS
The following Standard Terms and Conditions, together with the attached scope of services dated April 14, 2026 (the “Services”),
constitute the terms of this agreement for professional and/or engineering services (“Agreement”) between Woodard & Curran, Inc.
(referred to herein as “Consultant”), with an address of 138 River Road, Suite 212, Andover, MA 01810, and the Town of Bedford,
Massachusetts (“Client”), with an address of 314 Great Road, Bedford, MA 01730 with respect to the performance of the Services and
any additional or future agreed upon scopes of services that reference and incorporate this Agreement. The parties shall be
individually and collectively referred to herein respectively as a “Party” or the “Parties”.
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Client to contract with the Consultant for the Services; and Consultant desires to perform the Services.
NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. The Services. Consultant shall perform the Services described in the attached proposal.
1.1 Assumptions. The Consultant’s Services and the compensation are conditioned upon, and are subject to, the assumptions
set forth in the attached proposal to the extent that nothing in this Agreement conflicts with the attached proposal.
1.2 Change in Scope of Services. Client may, at any time, by written order, request changes to the scope of Services or work to
be performed. If the scope of Services is changed in a manner that will increase or decrease Consultant’s costs or the time
required to perform the Services under this Agreement, there will be an equitable adjustment to this Agreement that must
be signed by both parties.
2. Consultant’s Responsibilities
2.1 Consultant shall be responsible for the following:
2.1.1

Consultant will perform all work in accordance with the scope of Services set forth in the attached proposal.

2.1.2
Consultant will perform all work in a professional manner that is consistent with other professionals performing
similar work in the geographic area at the time services are rendered. No warranty, express or implied, is made or intended
by Consultant’s undertaking herein or its performance of services, and it is agreed that Consultant is not a fiduciary or
municipal advisor to the Client.
2.1.3
Consultant shall make reasonable professional efforts to comply with all applicable laws and regulations applicable
to Consultant’s performance of the Services.
2.1.4
Consultant shall assign a project manager to act as Consultant’s representative with respect to the Services to be
rendered under this Agreement.
2.1.5
Consultant shall have and maintain all applicable professional licenses and permits required to perform the
Services.
2.1.6
When providing technology-based services, Consultant shall maintain a data-security program that is consistent
with industry standards, and will use processes and tools readily available in the marketplace. The parties recognize that due
to constant advancements and rapidly changing risks inherent in the field of data technology, which are beyond the control
of Consultant and Client, as long as Consultant observes the standard of care, Consultant is not responsible for any damages,
claims, incidents pertaining to said data-security program.
3. Client’s Responsibilities
3.1 Client shall do the following in a timely manner so as not to unreasonably delay the services of Consultant:
3.1.1
Designate in writing a person to act as Client’s representative with respect to the Services to be rendered under
this Agreement. Such person shall have complete authority to transmit instructions, receive information, and interpret and

W&C Professional Services Agreement (3/2022 ver.)

Page 1 of 10

define Client’s policies and decisions with respect to Consultant’s Services. Such person shall have complete authority to
bind Client financially with respect to the payment of the Services to be rendered under this Agreement.
3.1.2
Provide all criteria and full information as to Client’s requirements for the project relative to the scope of Services
(the “Project”), including design objectives and constraints, performance requirements, and any budgetary limitations; and
furnish copies of all design and construction standards which Client will require to be included in any drawings and
specifications.
3.1.3
Provide Consultant with all available information pertinent to the Project including previous reports and any other
documents and data relative to design or construction of the Project, all of which Consultant shall be entitled to use and
rely upon with respect to the accuracy and completeness thereof, in performing the Services under this Agreement.
3.1.4
Examine all studies, reports, sketches, drawings, specifications, proposals and other documents presented by
Consultant; and provide written comments within a reasonable time so as not to delay the Services of Consultant.
3.1.5
Give prompt written notice to Consultant whenever Client observes or otherwise becomes aware of any
development that may affect the Services or timing of the Services.
3.1.6
Ensure Consultant, its agents and representatives have safe access to the Project site, buildings thereon, and other
locations as required to perform the Services.
3.1.7
If applicable, retain its own Independent Registered Municipal Advisor (“IRMA”) pursuant to the Municipal Advisor
Rule of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and rely upon such advisor, it being the understanding that Consultant is
not providing the services of an IRMA.
4. Subcontracts
4.1 If requested by Client, the Consultant will recommend that the Client engage the services of laboratories, testing services,
subconsultants, or third parties in connection with the Project. Payment to these third parties will be made directly by the
Client and the Consultant is not responsible for the Client’s use of such third parties or for such third parties‘ means and
methods and will not be liable for their errors or omissions.
4.2 In the alternative, Consultant may subcontract any portion of the Services to a subcontractor and the Consultant will add a
10% surcharge on invoices paid directly by the Consultant for laboratories, testing services, subconsultants, or other thirdparties, and that surcharge will be reflected on Consultant’s monthly invoices submitted to Client. Both parties recognize
that the Consultant is being hired to perform the Work contemplated under this Agreement, and that Consultant cannot
subcontract out more than 50% of the Scope of Work.
5. Billing and Payment
5.1 Client shall pay Consultant in accordance with the payment methods, rates, and charges set forth in the scope of Services
set forth in the proposal or otherwise agreed upon. Consultant will submit monthly invoices for services rendered and
expenses incurred during the previous period.
5.2 Payment will be due upon receipt of Consultant’s invoice. Payments due Consultant and unpaid under the terms of this
Agreement shall bear interest from thirty (30) days after the date payment is due at the rate of one and one half (1.5) percent
per month and as permitted by applicable local law until paid in full. In the event that Consultant is compelled to take action
to collect past due payments, the Client will reimburse Consultant for all costs and expenses of collection including, without
limitation, all court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
5.3 If applicable, Reimbursable Expenses include actual expenditures made by Consultant, including, but not limited to:
5.3.1

transportation and living expenses incurred in connection with travel on behalf of the Client;

5.3.2

overnight or priority postage and costs for special handling of documents;

W&C Professional Services Agreement (3/2022 ver.)

Page 2 of 10

5.3.3

renderings and models requested by the Client;

5.3.4

expense of overtime work requiring higher than regular rates;

5.3.5
automobile expenses for personal vehicles at the prevailing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reimbursement rate,
plus toll charges, for travel in conduct of the work, or rental of vehicles plus gasoline and toll charges for traveling to conduct
the work;
5.3.6

use of company field vehicle will be charged according to Consultant’s current rates;

5.3.7
charges for materials and equipment provided directly by Consultant will be billed according to Consultant’s
current rates;
5.3.8

purchase or rental of specialized equipment and other supplies necessary to conduct the work; and

5.3.9

computer, drafting, typing and other services or labor provided by outside contract personnel or vendors.

5.4 If applicable, Miscellaneous Direct Expenses will be billed to the Client’s project(s) each month at 3% (or as otherwise set
forth in the scope of Services) of the current month’s labor fee (including project contract labor fee) to compensate
Consultant for expenditures for miscellaneous administrative costs such as production and communication/technological
expenses incurred on the Client’s project(s).
5.5 If the Project is suspended or abandoned in whole or part, Consultant shall be compensated for all services performed prior
to receipt of written notice from the Client of such suspension or abandonment, together with Reimbursable Expenses and
Miscellaneous Direct Expenses then due plus Project closeout costs actually incurred and documented. If the Project is
resumed after being suspended for more than three (3) months, Consultant’s compensation shall be equitably adjusted
between the Client and Consultant.
5.6 No deductions shall be made from Consultant’s compensation on account of sums withheld from payments to contractors,
nor shall payment to Consultant be contingent upon financing arrangements or receipt of payment from any third party.
5.7 If the Client fails to make payment when due Consultant for services, Reimbursable Expenses, or Miscellaneous Direct
Expenses, Consultant may, upon ten days’ written notice to Client, suspend performance of the Services under this
Agreement. Unless payment in full is received by Consultant within seven days of the date of the notice, the suspension
shall take effect without further notice. In the event of a suspension of Services, Consultant shall have no liability to Client
for delay or damage caused to Client or others because of such suspension of Services.
5.8 If Client objects to all or part of any invoice, Client shall notify Consultant in writing within two weeks of the date of the
invoice, and shall pay the portion of the invoice in accordance with Paragraph 5.2. Provided that an objection is made in
good faith, the parties shall immediately make every effort to settle the disputed portion of the invoice. If the dispute is
resolved in favor of Consultant, interest shall accrue on the unpaid portion of the invoice in accordance with Section 5.2 of
this Agreement.
5.9 If circumstances or conditions not originally contemplated or known and unforeseeable to Consultant are revealed and
affect the Services, compensation, schedule, allocation of risks or other material terms of this Agreement, Consultant shall
be entitled to an appropriate adjustment in its schedule, compensation or other terms of the Agreement in accordance with
its standard rates. Changed conditions include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) change in the instructions or
approvals given by Client that necessitate revisions in the instruments of service; (ii) decisions of the Client not rendered in
a reasonably timely manner; (iii) significant change in the Project including, but not limited to, size, quality, complexity,
Client’s schedule or budget, or procurement method; (iv) failure of performance on the part of the Client or the Client’s
consultants or contractors; (v) revision of documents (drawings and/or specifications) to reflect construction cost
modifications; (vi) modifications to any construction phase drawings and specifications due to changes in program, size,
quality, complexity, schedule, construction cost, financing, or method of bidding; (vii) additional program, feasibility or

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Page 3 of 10

planning studies for this or other project sites; or (viii) enactment or revision of codes, laws or regulations or official
interpretations which necessitate changes to the Services.
6. Ownership and Use of Documents
6.1 All documents including drawings and specifications prepared or furnished by Consultant (and Consultant’s subcontractors
and subconsultants) pursuant to this Agreement are instruments of service in respect to the Project and Consultant shall
retain an ownership and property interest therein whether or not the Project is completed. Client may take and retain copies
for information and reference in connection with the use and occupancy of the Project by Client; however, such documents
are not intended nor represented to be suitable for reuse by Client or others on extensions of the Project or on any other
project. Any reuse without written verification or adaptation by Consultant for the specific purpose intended will be at
Client’s sole risk and without liability or legal exposure to Consultant or to Consultant’s independent professional associates,
subcontractors and consultants, and Client shall defend and indemnify Consultant from all claims, damages, losses and
expenses including attorney’s fees arising out of or resulting therefrom. Any verification or adaptation will entitle Consultant
to further compensation rates to be agreed upon by Client and Consultant.
6.2 Submission or distribution to meet official regulatory requirements or for other purposes in connection with the Project is
not to be construed as publication in derogation of Consultant’s rights under this section.
7. Limitation of Liability
7.1 The total liability, in the aggregate, of Consultant and Consultant’s affiliates, subsidiaries, parent, officers, directors,
employees, agents, subcontractors and subconsultants, and any of them, to Client and any one claiming by, through or
under Client, for any and all injuries, claims, losses, expenses, or damages whatsoever arising out of or in any way related to
Consultant’s Services, the Project or this Agreement, from any cause or causes whatsoever shall not exceed the greater of
two times the fee for the applicable Services or the total insurance proceeds paid on behalf of or to Consultant by
Consultant’s insurers in settlement or satisfaction of Client’s claims under Consultant’s applicable insurance policies subject
to the minimum stated policy limits set forth herein, whichever is greater. This limitation shall apply regardless of available
insurance coverage, cause(s) or theories of liability, including but not limited to, the negligence, errors, omissions, strict
liability, breach of contract, or breach of warranty of Consultant or Consultant’s affiliates, subsidiaries, parent, officers,
directors, employees, agents or subcontractors or subconsultants, or any of them. Client may negotiate a higher limitation
for additional consideration.
7.2 Neither Party shall be responsible or held liable to the other for special, punitive, exemplary, indirect, incidental or
consequential damages, including, but not limited to, loss of profit, loss of investment, loss of product, business interruption,
or liability for loss of use of facilities or Client’s existing property, however the same may be caused.
8. Insurance
8.1 Consultant is protected by Workers’ Compensation Insurance in statutory amounts; General Liability Insurance of $1,000,000
per occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate; and Professional Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 per claim and in the
aggregate. Consultant will furnish client a certificate of insurance, upon written request, evidencing such coverage and limits,
and list Client as a certificate holder. Consultant’s General Liability policy shall be endorsed to include the Owner as an
additional insured for the duration for this Agreement to the extent a claim is related to the provision of services by W&C
to the Client under this Agreement and is proven to be caused by W&C’s negligence and as evidence that policies providing
the required coverages and limits are in full force and effect. The Client and Consultant waive all of their and their respective
insurers’ rights of subrogation against each other to the extent any loss is covered by their applicable insurance policies.
Furthermore, the Client shall require that any of its retained subcontractors list the Consultant as an additional insured on
their applicable insurance policies, and that such subcontractors and their insurers waive their rights of subrogation against
Consultant.
9. Indemnification Hold Harmless
9.1 Consultant agrees to indemnify and hold Client, its affiliates, subsidiaries, directors, shareholders, and employees harmless
from and against all third-party claims resulting in a judgment, or damages (“Losses”) to the proportionate extent such
Losses are caused by Consultant’s negligent acts or negligent omissions.

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9.2 To the extent allowed by law, Client agrees to indemnify and hold Consultant, its affiliates, subsidiaries, directors,
shareholders, and employees harmless from and against all third-party claims resulting in Losses to the proportionate extent
such Losses are caused by Client’s negligent acts or negligent omissions.
10.

Delays/Force Majeure
10.1 Neither Party shall hold the other Party responsible or liable for damages or delays in performance caused by acts of God,
interruptions in the availability of labor, or other events beyond the control of the other Party, or that could not have been
reasonably foreseen or prevented. For this purpose, such acts or events shall include but not be limited to weather affecting
performance of services, floods, epidemics, pandemics, war, riots, strikes, lockouts, or other industrial disturbances, protest
demonstrations, unanticipated Project site conditions, and inability, with reasonable diligence, to supply personnel,
equipment, or material to the Project. Should such acts or events occur, both parties shall use their best efforts to overcome
the difficulties arising and to resume as soon as reasonably possible the normal pursuit of the Services. Delays within the
scope of this provision which cumulatively exceed thirty (30) days in any six (6) month period shall, at the option of either
Party, make this Agreement subject to termination or to renegotiation. Both parties acknowledge that Consultant does not
have control over the review and approval times required by any public authorities that may have jurisdiction over the
Project and any Project times shall be equitably adjusted by the parties to account for such review and approval process.
Both parties acknowledge that the known and direct effects of the COVID-19 pandemic known as of the effective date of
this Agreement shall not constitute a force majeure event under this provision.

11.

Estimates of Opinions of Cost
11.1 If applicable, any estimates or opinions of Project or construction costs are provided by Consultant on the basis of
Consultant’s experience and qualifications as a Consultant and represents its best judgment as an experienced and qualified
Consultant familiar with the construction industry. Since Consultant has no control over the cost of labor, materials,
equipment or services furnished by others or over competitive bidding or market conditions, it cannot guarantee that
proposals, bid or actual Project costs or construction costs will not vary from any estimates or opinions of costs prepared
by Consultant. Similarly, since Consultant has no control over building operation and/or maintenance costs, Consultant
cannot and does not guarantee that the actual building system operating or maintenance costs will not vary from any
estimates given by Consultant. No fixed limit of construction costs is established as a part of this Agreement.

12.

Notice
12.1 All notices authorized or required between the parties, or required by any of the provisions herein, shall be given in writing
and shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, and deposited with an accepted postal service, postage prepaid,
and addressed to the other Party at the address set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement. Notices may also be
given by personal delivery or sent via a regionally recognized overnight carrier (i.e. FedEx, UPS). Notices shall be deemed
given when delivered.

13.

Dispute Resolution
13.1 Step Negotiations. The parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve all disputes ("Controversy") promptly by negotiation,
as follows. Any Party may give the other Party written notice of any Controversy not resolved in the normal course of
business. Managers of both parties at levels at least one level above the Project personnel involved in the Controversy shall,
within five business days after delivery of such notice, establish a plan to meet at a mutually acceptable time and place no
later than ten business days after delivery of such notice, and thereafter as often as they reasonably deem necessary, to
exchange relevant information and to attempt to resolve the Controversy. If the matter has not been resolved within thirty
days from the referral of the Controversy to the managers, or if no meeting has taken place within ten days after such
referral, either Party may initiate mediation as provided hereinafter. All negotiations pursuant to this clause are confidential
and shall be treated as compromise and settlement negotiations for purposes of the Federal Rules of Evidence and state
Rules of Evidence.
13.2 Mediation. In the event that any Controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement is not resolved in accordance with
the procedures provided herein, such Controversy shall be submitted to mediation with a mutually agreed upon mediator.
The mediation shall be filed at the regional office of the agreed upon mediator closest to the Project site. The mediation
shall take place at a Consultant's office unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. If the mediation process has not resolved
the Controversy within thirty days of the submission of the matter to mediation, or such longer period as the parties may
agree to, the mediation process shall cease. All mediation documents and discussions pursuant to this clause are
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confidential and shall be treated as compromise and settlement negotiations for purposes of the Federal Rules of Evidence
and state Rules of Evidence. Nothing herein shall limit the rights and remedies that the parties may have under this
Agreement or under other legal and equitable proceedings.
14.

Termination
14.1 Either Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement with respect to the Project for convenience, at its option, by
sending a written notice to the other Party (“Notice of Termination”). The Notice of Termination shall specify when and
which services will be discontinued and when termination shall be effective, provided that no termination shall be effective
less than ten (10) calendar days after receipt of the Notice of Termination. No later than thirty (30) calendar days after
termination, Client shall pay Consultant for all Services performed and charges incurred prior to termination, including,
without limitation, costs and expenses related to putting Project documents and analyses in order and rescheduling
personnel and equipment.
14.2 Either Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement for cause if the other Party commits a material breach of this
Agreement and fails to cure such breach within ten (10) days. A notice containing specific reasons for termination (“Notice
of Default”) shall be sent to the defaulting Party, and both Parties shall cooperate in good faith to cure the default or defaults
stated in the Notice of Default. Termination shall not be effective if the breach has been remedied within ten (10) days after
the defaulting Party's receipt of the Notice of Default or the later date specified in the Notice of Default, or, if the defaulting
Party has begun to cure such default within such period and such default cannot reasonably be cured within such period, if
such defaulting Party diligently prosecutes curing such default to completion (provided that such provision shall not apply
to Client's failure to timely pay an invoice). In the event of termination for cause, Consultant shall be paid the same as in
the case of termination for convenience and the Parties shall have their remedies at law as to any other rights and obligations
between them, subject to the other terms and conditions of this Agreement.

15.

Health and Safety
15.1 Consultant and its employees shall follow health and safety precautions which meet federal, state and local regulations. If
asked to conduct any activities which do not conform to said regulations, or which Consultant determines in its sole
discretion to be unsafe or unhealthy, Consultant shall have the option to stop work immediately and inform Client of
unacceptable health and safety conditions, and both Parties shall enter into good faith negotiations to remedy the
unacceptable conditions. If no remedy can be agreed upon, Consultant may terminate this Agreement in accordance with
Paragraph 14.1.
15.2 Consultant will not implement or be responsible for health or safety procedures for any other persons other than for its
own employees. Consultant shall not share any responsibility for the acts or omissions of other parties on the Project or
have control or charge of, or be responsible for safety precautions and programs of Client or other contractors. Unless
otherwise agreed in the scope of Services, Consultant’s observation and testing of portions of the work of other parties on
a Project site shall not relieve such other parties from their responsibilities for performing their work in accordance with
applicable plans, specifications, and health and safety requirements. Client agrees to notify such contractors or other parties
accordingly.

16.

Construction Contract Responsibilities
16.1 Where the scope of Services includes the performance of any Services during the construction phase of the Project,
Consultant and Client agree to the following:
16.1.1 It is understood that the purpose of any such services (including any visits to the Project site) will be to enable
Consultant to better perform the duties and responsibilities assigned to and undertaken by it as an experienced and qualified
design professional, and to provide the Client with a greater degree of confidence that the completed work of Client’s
construction contractor(s) (“Contractor”) will conform generally to the contract documents and has been implemented and
preserved by Contractor(s). Consultant shall not, during such visits or as a result of any observations of construction,
supervise, direct or have control over Contractor’s(s’) work nor shall Consultant have authority over or responsibility for the
means, methods, techniques, sequences or procedures of construction selected by the Contractor(s) or safety precautions
and programs incident to the work of Contractor(s) or for any failure of Contractor(s) to comply with laws, rules, regulations,
ordinances, codes or orders applicable to Contractor(s) furnishing and performing its (their) work. Consultant does not
guarantee the performance of the construction contract by the Contractor(s), and does not assume responsibility for
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Contractor’s(s’) failure to furnish and perform its (their) work in accordance with the contract documents. Client shall include
a requirement in all construction phase contracts requiring that the Contractor(s) shall indemnify, defend and hold the
Consultant harmless from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, costs, fines, penalties and expenses,
including attorneys’ fees, property damage, environmental damage, bodily injury, personal injury, losses, or liability based
on, arising out of or alleged to arise from the Contractor’s(s’) performance of the work described in the construction phase
contracts.
16.1.2 If Consultant’s contract with the Client so requires, Consultant shall review (or take other appropriate action in
respect of) shop drawings, samples and other data which Contractor(s) is (are) required to submit, but only for conformance
with the design concept of the Project and compliance with the information given in the contract documents. Such review
or other actions shall not extend to means, methods, techniques, sequences or procedures of manufacture (including the
design of manufactured products) or construction, or to safety precautions and programs incident thereto. Consultant’s
review or other actions, as described above, shall not constitute approval of an assembly or product of which an item is a
component, nor shall it relieve the Contractor(s) of (a) its (their) obligations regarding review and approval of any such
submittals; and (b) its (their) exclusive responsibility for the means, methods, sequences, techniques and procedures of
construction, including safety of construction.
17.

Environmental Conditions and Subsurface Risks
17.1 Where the scope of Services includes or requires on-site work, visits, investigations, or explorations, Consultant and Client
agree to the following:
17.1.1 Hazardous Substances. Client acknowledges that Consultant has neither created nor contributed to the creation
of any hazardous waste, hazardous substance, radioactive material, toxic pollutant, asbestos, or otherwise dangerous
substance (collectively referred to as “Hazardous Substance”), or dangerous condition at the Project site. Consequently,
Client agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Consultant harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, fines,
suits or causes of action relating to personal injury, property damage, non-compliance or liability arising under
environmental laws including, but not limited to, RCRA, CERCLA or similar federal or state laws, to the extent that such claims
are based on or arise from the existence or release of any Hazardous Substances.
17.1.2 Client’s Duty to Notify Consultant of Hazards. Client shall provide Consultant with all information known to Client
with respect to the existence or suspected existence of any Hazardous Substances at, on, or in close proximity to the Project
site. Client will advise Consultant immediately of any information which comes into Client’s possession regarding the
existence of any such potentially hazardous substances, or any condition known to Client to exist in, on, under or in the
vicinity of the Project site which might present a potential danger to human health or the environment.
17.1.3 Consultant shall take reasonable precautions for the health and safety of its employees while at the Project site
with consideration for the available information regarding existing hazards.
17.1.4 Control of Project Site. Client acknowledges that it is now and shall remain in control of the Project site at all times.
Consultant shall have no responsibility or liability for any aspect or condition of the Project site, now existing or hereafter
arising or discovered. Consultant does not, by entry into an agreement with Client or its performance of services under any
such agreements, assume any responsibility or liability with respect to the Project site; nor shall any liability or responsibilities
be implied or inferred by reason of Consultant’s performance of any work at the Project site.
17.1.5 Right of Entry. Unless otherwise agreed, Client will furnish right-of-entry on the land for Consultant to make the
planned borings, explorations, or field tests. Consultant will take reasonable precautions to minimize damage to the land
from use of equipment, but has not included in its fee the costs for restoration of damage that may result from Consultant’s
operations, or the operations of any person or entity engaged by Consultant in the performance of the Services under this
agreement. If Consultant is required to restore the land to its former condition, such work will be accomplished and the
costs, plus fifteen percent (15%), will be added to Consultant’s fee.
17.1.6 Subsurface Risks. Client recognizes that special risks occur whenever engineering or related disciplines are applied
to identify subsurface conditions. Even a comprehensive sampling and testing program, implemented with appropriate
equipment and experience by personnel under the direction of a trained professional who functions in accordance with a
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professional standard of practice may fail to detect certain hidden conditions. For similar reasons, actual environmental,
geological, and geotechnical conditions that the Consultant properly inferred to exist between sampling points may differ
significantly from those that actually exists. The Client acknowledges these risks.
17.1.7 Consultant will exercise reasonable and professional care in seeking to locate subterranean structures in the vicinity
of proposed subsurface explorations at the Project site. Consultant will contact public utilities and review plans and
information, if any, provided by public utilities, public agencies and Client. So long as Consultant observes such standard of
care, Consultant will not be responsible for any unavoidable damage, injury, or interference with any subterranean structures,
pipe, tank, cable or any other element or condition if not called to Consultant’s attention prior to commencement of services
or which is not shown, or accurately located, on plans furnished to Consultant by Client or by any other party, or which could
not have been reasonably identified by Consultant.
18.

Samples
18.1 Where the scope of Services involves the collection of non-hazardous or hazardous samples, Consultant and Client agree
to the following:
18.1.1 Non-Hazardous Samples. Consultant will dispose of all soil, rock, water, and other samples thirty (30) days after
submission of Consultant’s initial report. Client may request, in writing, that any such samples be retained beyond such
date, and in such case Consultant will ship such samples to the location designated by Client, at Client’s expense. Consultant
may, upon written request, arrange for storage of samples at Consultant’s offices at mutually agreed storage charges.
Consultant will not give Client prior notice of intention to dispose of samples.
18.1.2 Hazardous Samples. Although the Client shall have the obligation to dispose of any “hazardous” samples, if
samples collected from the Project site contain substances defined as “hazardous” by federal, state, or local statutes,
regulations, codes, or ordinances, Consultant shall, at its option, have the right to: (1) dispose of samples by contract with a
qualified waste disposal contractor; (2) in accordance with Client’s written directions, ship such samples by an appropriately
licensed transporter to a licensed disposal site; or (3) return such samples by an appropriately licensed transporter, to Client.
Client shall pay all costs and expenses associated with the collection, storage, transportation, and disposal of samples. If
Client requests in writing, that any such sample be retained for a period in excess of thirty (30) days, Consultant will store
such samples at Client’s expense and Client will pay an additional fee as charged by Consultant in accordance with its
standard laboratory schedule for storage of samples of a “hazardous substance.”

19.

Miscellaneous
19.1 This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the state where the Project is located.
19.2 Any action to enforce or interpret this Agreement shall be commenced or maintained only in the judicial or administrative
tribunal in the jurisdiction of the state where the Project is located, and each Party waives any venue, convenient forum,
removal, jurisdiction, or other rights to the contrary.
19.3 The Client and Consultant respectively, bind themselves, their partners, successors, assigns and legal representatives to the
other Party to this Agreement and to the partners, successors, assigns and legal representatives of such Party with respect
to all covenants of this Agreement. Neither the Client nor Consultant shall assign, sublet or transfer any interest in this
Agreement without the written consent of the other.
19.4 This Agreement represents the entire and integrated Agreement between the Client and Consultant, and supersedes all
prior negotiations, representations or agreements, either written or oral, and may be amended only by written instruments
signed by both Client and Consultant.
19.5 If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of final jurisdiction, it is the intent of the
parties that all other provisions of this Agreement be construed to remain fully valid, enforceable and binding on the parties.
19.6 The parties acknowledge and agree that, due to local licensing and other laws and regulations, Consultant may be required
to perform services in the name of an affiliate or subsidiary for certain jurisdictions, primarily:

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a)
b)

Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, Michigan, Vermont – Woodard & Curran Engineering and Geological Services, P.A.
New York – Woodard & Curran Engineering and Geological Services, P.A. P.C.

In the event Client requests services in the states identified above, the parties agree and acknowledge that the requested
services may be performed in the name of the affiliate or subsidiary identified above under the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
(Signatures on next page)

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date set forth below

CONSULTANT:

CLIENT:

WOODARD & CURRAN, INC.

TOWN OF BEDFORD, MA

By: ________________________

By: ________

______

______________________

Printed: _Scott Salvucci, P.E._________

Printed: ______________________________

Title: __Vice President________________

Title: _________________

Thereunto duly authorized

Thereunto duly authorized

Date: _April 14, 2026___________________

Date: ____________

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_____________

________________

Town of Bedford Tree Regulations
I.

Applicability

These regulations apply to the care and preservation of trees within the public right-of-way pursuant
to Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 87 and facilitates additional notification,
compensation, and enforcement requirements related to the harm or removal of such trees. It
separately also applies to the harm or removal of trees on Town-owned property subject to the
control of the Bedford Select Board under Article 64 of the Town Bylaws.
Any officer, commission, board, committee or other public or private individual or entity seeking to
cut, trim, or remove, in whole or in part, any tree with any portion of its trunk on land owned by the
Town of Bedford shall be subject to these regulations with certain exclusions. They shall be referred
to as the applicant.

II.

Exclusions

These regulations do not apply to the following:
1. Trees under the jurisdiction of the Bedford Conservation Commission, Planning Board,
Zoning Board of Appeals, or Historic District Commission;
2. Trees with a DBH of 3 inches or less;
3. Hazard trees or limbs;
4. Trees under the jurisdiction of the Sudbury Valley Trustees or federal lands;
5. State highway in accordance with MGL Chapter 87; and
6. Utility-initiated work in accordance with MGL Chapter 87.

III.

Definitions

Terms
Bedford Arbor Resources Committee (BARC): An advisory committee to the Select Board established by
Town Bylaw Article 62 whose mission is to enhance the quality of life in Bedford by protecting,
preserving, developing and managing the arbor resources on publicly-owned lands and by
encouraging preservation and development of resources on private lands.
Damages: Measurable and significant damage caused intentionally or unintentionally to a public tree
as determined by the Tree Warden.
DBH: Diameter at breast height, or DBH, is a standard method of expressing the diameter of
the trunk or bole of a standing tree. For the purposes of this regulation it is measured at
approximately 54 inches from the ground. For trees with multiple trunks, it is the sum of the
diameters of the multiple trunks.
Hazard Tree: A Town tree that is dead or dying, has significant dead parts, or is unstable due to
structural defects or other factors and is also within striking distance of people or property. Hazard
Trees have the potential to cause property damage, personal injury or fatality in the event of a
failure. The Tree Warden has the authority to remove Hazard Trees without a public hearing or

6-303-24-26

remediation. If there is a Hazard Tree on private property that may have an impact on the public
way, the Tree Warden may require the property owner to have the tree removed at the owner's
expense.
Tree Warden: The Tree Warden is an employee of the Town, appointed by the Select Board to serve
at their will and under their jurisdiction. Their duties and responsibilities shall conform to MGL
Chapter 87, and shall include management of all trees within the public right-of-way and on Town
property. The Tree Warden may undertake other responsibilities consistent with the purpose and
intent of this regulation, including, but not limited to: expending funds appropriated for planting and
maintaining trees on Town property, granting or denying tree removal permits, and enforcement as
laid out in this regulation.
Trim: The act of removing branches/limbs from a public tree to such an extent that, in the opinion
of the Tree Warden, the trees health could be compromised.
Violation. A violation shall be defined as the unacknowledged identification of an individual tree that
has been cut, trimmed, or removed without prior approval as laid out in this regulation.

IV.

Procedures for Cutting, Trimming, or Removing Town Trees

Application
An applicant seeking to cut, trim, or remove a public tree shall apply to the Tree Warden for
approval on a Town-approved form including the following information:
1. Applicant’s name, mailing address, subject property address, email address, and phone
number;
2. A $200 application fee;
3. A site plan showing the trees subject to these regulations. If an area greater than 500 square
feet is being cleared, an applicant shall consult with the Tree Warden as to how to quantify
the number and type of trees. Otherwise, individual trees noting DBH and species shall be
specified; and
4. A statement attesting that the applicant is familiar with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter
87, the Town Bylaw Chapter 64 (Public Tree Protection), these Regulations, and Bedford’s
Tree Policy, and acknowledges responsibility to pay for the required public notices for a
Chapter 87 Tree Hearing.
Review
The Tree Warden shall review the application for applicability and completeness. The Tree Warden
shall provide guidance to the applicant as to next steps no later than 21 calendar days after the
application is submitted. A public meeting or hearing to review an application shall be scheduled no
later than 45 calendar days after the Tree Warden has received a complete application.
Notification
Trees being removed under this Regulation shall be clearly identified by the Tree Warden using tree
tags with the following characteristics:
1. A tree tag will be affixed to an individual tree or small number of trees and shall include the
tree species and DBH. Large groupings of trees, defined at the discretion of the Tree
6-303-24-26

Warden, may be enclosed by colored tape and tags can be affixed to a prominent tree or
trees in the group.
2. Tags should be reasonably visible to passersby, including pedestrians and motorists, as
applicable.
3. Tags will include contact information for the Bedford Department of Public Works.
4. In the case of a tree scheduled for a Chapter 87 tree removal hearing, the date of the hearing
will be included, as well species and DBH.
Public Hearing or Meeting
Trees being cut, trimmed, or removed within the public right-of-way will receive a public shade tree
hearing following a notification process described in MGL Chapter 87 Section 3. BARC shall be
notified in advance of the hearing. An optional meeting with BARC prior to the hearing is highly
recommended.
Trees being removed on Town property will be discussed at a regularly posted BARC meeting.
At the public hearing/meeting, the Applicant shall explain their reasons for their application, and the
public will have an opportunity to provide comment. The Tree Warden or their duly authorized
representative shall approve the application outlining the required mitigation unless an objection is
made in writing by one or more persons leading up to or prior to the close of the public
hearing/meeting. If the application has been objected to, the Applicant is referred to the Select
Board for adjudication.
Authority
Chapter 87 (public
right-of-way trees)
Article 64 (other
subject Town trees)

V.

Notice
MGL Chapter
87 Section 3
Posted BARC
agenda

Review Process
Shade Tree Hearing with BARC notified by the Tree
Warden
BARC meeting

Mitigations

a. Mitigation shall be required by the Tree Warden or their duly authorized representative for
the removal of Town trees with a DBH greater than three inches. All Town trees being
removed must be counted and measured. A compensation value will be assessed on each
tree according the following requirements:
1. $300 per inch of DBH of removed trees less than 24” DBH
2. $600 per inch of DBH of removed trees 24” DBH or greater
b. Activities funded with public funds shall be exempt from the payment of mitigations.
c. Once the application is approved at the public hearing/meeting, the Applicant must submit
the calculated payment prior to the start of any related work.

VI.

Sunset Provision

Approved requests age out if the Applicant fails to remove the tree after a period of time starting
from the date of the approved application.

6-303-24-26

1. Private requests sunset after three years. Private requests are considered as tied to the
petitioner, and not to the property. If the property is sold, the right to remove any tree does
not pass to the new owner.
2. Public requests are tied to the specific project, and sunset when plans are cancelled,
rescinded, or the project is not pursued for five years.

VII. Violations
Procedures for Review of Allegations
Any officer, commission, board, committee or other public or private individual or entity may refer
to the Tree Warden possible violations of MGL Chapter 87 and/or Article 64 of the Town Bylaws.
Decision by the Tree Warden
The Tree Warden shall determine applicability, mitigation, and enforcement of these Regulations in
accordance with these and other applicable laws, bylaws, regulations, and other guidance documents.
Fines
The Tree Warden or their duly authorized representative may impose fines on any person who is
found to have violated these regulations. Payment of such fines shall be made to the Town of
Bedford via the Bedford Tree Mitigation Revolving Fund, as established by and managed under
Bedford General Bylaws, Art. 13.4.5.8. Fines, as enumerated in Article 64, shall be up to $XXXX as
determined by the Tree Warden.
Payment of fines related to violations does not preclude the need for compliance with all other
portions of this Regulation including mitigation payments. Each tree so impacted shall be a separate
violation. A violation shall be considered suspended if the violator pays the fine and submits an
application in accordance with this Regulation OR if the applicant appeals the violation to the Select
Board. A violation shall be considered addressed once all fines and mitigations have been paid.
Each day violations have not been suspended or addressed shall be grounds for issuing a new
violation.
Appeal of Decisions by the Tree Warden
Notice of violations made by the Tree Warden may be appealed to the Select Board. The appeals
discussion and decision of the Board shall be taken up in a public meeting of the Board. BARC will
be notified of the time and date of the appeal no later than one week prior to the meeting.

6-303-24-26

TOWN OF BEDFORD
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
314 THE GREAT ROAD
BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS 01730
TEL: 781-275-7605
FAX: 781-275-9010

Date: June 25, 2026
To:

Matt Hanson, Town Manager

From: David Manugian, Public Works Director
Re:

Tree Removal Cost Comparison

The Arbor Resources Committee and Public Works Department are in the process of revising the Town’s
2018 Tree Policy (attached) with a new document called the Town of Bedford Tree Regulations (attached) for
the purpose of revising the process for applying to remove a town-owned tree, the mitigations for doing so,
and the penalties for not first getting approval.
One element of the new policy is the increase in fees associated with mitigating the loss of the removed tree.
The chart below shows examples of tree sizes, fees in the 2018 Policy, and fees in the proposed Tree
Regulations. While the 2018 Policy allowed for replanting the proposed regulations do not.
Sample
Size,
DBH
Example

15”

33”

44”

2018
Mitigation
Proposed
Mitigation

Two trees of 3.5”DBH or
$1,000
$4,500 (15X$300)

Three trees of 3.5” DBH or
$1,500
$19,800 (33X$300X2)

Three trees of 3.5” DBH
or $1,500
$26,400 (44X$300X2)

Poplar, 30’-40’ tall

White oak, ~70’ tall

White pine, ~ 80’ tall

The proposed mitigations are based a survey of tree policies and regulations of area towns. The following chart
researched and prepared by the Arbor Resources Committee shows the 2024 remediation fees plotted against the
tree diameter (DBH).

Remediation Fee vs Diameter
Fee, Thousand $

$35
$30
$25
$20
$15
$10
$5
$0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Tree Diameter, inches
Bedford - current

Lexington

Medford

Arlington

Concord

Wellesley

Weston

Somerville

Cambridge

Bedford Proposed
The dashed blue line shows that the proposed remediation schedule is comparable to the other towns (except
Cambridge), including the increase in valuation at 24 inches.

Introduction to Power Generation &
Premature move to electrify residential
and commercial energy uses
Presented by: Robert Kalantari
To Town of Bedford Select Board
July 6, 2026

How electricity is mass produced?
– By a large generator
– Generator needs to spin
– Generator is connected to a turbine
– Turbine turns by steam, hydro or wind power
– Steam can be produced by fossil fuel or nuclear

reaction

Steam Cycle Power Plants







Burn oil, coal, natural gas
(or wood, garbage!) or heat using nuclear energy
To turn water into Steam
Steam pressure turns the turbine. Turbine turns the generator
Generator makes electricity
Combustion Waste Gases sent to atmosphere
Ash waste transport to disposal site

Thermal Power Plant

Hydro Plants
Dams are built to collect water
 Water is collected in the reservoirs
 Water is released through openings at the reservoir
 Water is routed through hydro turbines
 Turbine turn the generator
 Generator makes electricity


Wind Farms
Wind farms are becoming popular
 Very long blades (some over 150 meters) mounted
on the top of a tower.
 Usually, several wind turbines are installed in a wind
farm (can be over 100)
 New large units in an ideal location should be able to
produce up to 15MW of electricity
 Limitations, no wind = no power generation


Solar Power


Electric Power Generation from Solar Power panels has been Increasing



A solar panel is used to take the energy from the speeding photons and turn that into an electrical current.



Solar panels are comprised of many smaller units called photovoltaic cells converting sunlight into
electricity



Can only produce power during daylight and mainly when sun is shining



Efficiency depends (location, direction, exposure, amount of sunshine)



In Massachusetts, as good as solar power is, it is out of sync with a winter peaking grid region like New
England



We only get about eight hours of sunlight a day near the winter solstice, and of course, the dawn and dusk
hours are lousy for solar power generation



As a result, we only have maybe six hours of usable sunlight per winter day



Not a good resource to rely on for heating



Resulting in the need to build a lot of very expensive storage batteries to do the job which will be very
costly, drive our electric bills through the roof

Geothermal Plants

 Geothermal plants generate electricity by using heat from

beneath the Earth's surface
 Typically, through steam or hot water to drive turbines
 Currently we generate about 4GW of electricity from

geothermal
 Potential to grow to 60GW by 2050
 Great source of carbon free electricity generation

Nuclear Power


How does it work?
 Just like a fossil plant, a nuclear power plant makes steam
 By splitting atoms in uranium
 In process of splitting atoms, heat is generated
 The chain reaction creates steady heat
 This results in heating/boiling the water, creating steam
 Steam is piped to a turbine, to spin the generator, like a
fossil steam plant to make electricity

Current Nuclear Reactor Designs

Public Misconceptions About Nuclear
Power


Nuclear waste disposal is an unresolved problem
 There is no unresolved technical waste issue
 It is a purely political issue
 Currently the spent fuel is stored on site in safe guarded storage facilities
 There are no conceivable threats



Nuclear power plants are not safe
 It is far safer than other power plants
 Far safer than any other industrial facilities
 Far safer than transportation and even office workers

Countries that Rely on 20% or More of
Electricity Generated by Nuclear Power










France 75%
Slovakia 52%
Belgium 51%
Ukraine 48%
Hungary 42%
Armenia 40%
Sweden 35%
Germany 27%
Romania 20%

The end goal is to reduce carbon emission and
affordability


Premature move to try to electrify residential and commercial energy uses will
have the exact opposite effect



It will increase carbon emissions



We need to be careful with our mandates when it comes to energy policies



While I am 100% in support of using electricity to heat our homes driving electric
cars, using rechargeable battery-operated devices and appliances



We currently don’t have the clean power generation capacity to achieve this goal



We can more efficiently and cleanly achieve our goal by using things like natural
gas, at least until we have largely decarbonized the sources of electricity supplying
the grid

We need to be careful not to put the
cart before the horse


Putting more demand on the grid, like heating our homes with electricity



This approach will force utilities to build new gas-powered plants



Currently, there are no other alternatives to build large units, fast



Gas plants are fast to build and cost a lot less



Solar and wind cannot keep up with the demand



Heating homes with electric power that is generated by fossil fuel like
natural gas is not the solution

Achieving net-Zero in the US by 2050


Will require 550 to 770 GW of additional clean, firm capacity



This means ~400 new nuclear power plants



Impossible to build this many units in such a short time



Solar and wind generation will help, but they will fall far short of the demand



Solution


Start building the infrastructure, including wind, solar, geothermal and nuclear



Delay putting demand on the grid until the grid is ready



Assess progress every 5 to 10 years and adjust net zero goals accordingly

Current state of US electricity
production


43% from natural gas



18% from nuclear



16% from coal



10% from wind



6% from solar



5% from hydro



2% other

In Massachusetts


64% from natural gas



25% from solar



11% other

Pilgrim nuclear power plant was providing 60% of our clean energy at the time it was
shut down in 2019

Why premature move to electrify residential
and commercial uses is not a good idea


We don’t have the capacity to generate enough clean electric power to meet the demand



With more demand, the utilities will be forced to build new gas-powered plants



Generating electricity by gas, on average, is 38% to 50% efficient, few plants may be at 60%
efficiency



The rest of the energy goes to waste



Generating electricity by gas at 50% efficiency and then transmitting it to our homes for
heating is not cleaner and better for the environment



Today, new gas home heating units are 98% efficient



Most people don’t realize this. They think the electricity coming out of the wall is clean, but
that is not true. The only way to generate carbon-free electric power is from:


Hydro, solar, wind, geothermal, or nuclear

What is the alternative?


As previously stated, solar and wind generation will help, but they alone will fall
far short of the demand



We are not building hydro plants anymore; so, the only other option is to build
nuclear plants



And yes, there is a huge push to start building new nuclear power plants in the US



A study by DOE estimates that we need 380 new reactors to achieve net zero goal
by 2050



And this study did not fully account for the power needs for power hungry AI and
data centers. The power demand from these centers is enormous

How fast can we build new nuclear
power plants?


Not fast at all



It will be impossible to build this many units in such a short period of time



Why? many reason, simply said, we killed the industry



We don’t have the resources to build these units



We have built only two new nuclear power plants in the past 30 years, it
took 15 years, and $32B to build them, three times the original budget



But now, there is a huge effort and bipartisan support to start building
new units

In Massachusetts


Our governor realizes the need for clean baseload power



She has introduced legislation to build 10GW of nuclear power in our state



That is 10 very large nuclear power plants or 30 Small Modular Reactors
known as SMRs



Great initiative, but it will take several decades with enormous efforts to
build this many units



FYI, we shut down the only running nuclear power plant in our state in
2019.
 Pilgrim nuclear plant was only 700MW!

My advice


We need to be smart and realistic



We can’t rush into this



Educate the public and government



We must evaluate every decision very carefully



Start building the infrastructure and monitor the progress



Form a committee to work with Federal and State government



Be patient, rushing into this will backfire



Reverse some of the decisions we have already made, (i.e., no more gas
heating for new builds)

In Summary


We all have the same end goal, decarbonization



I am not against wind and solar



I am not against heating our homes with electric power



I am not against cooking with electric power



I am not against driving electric cars



What I am against is a premature move to electrify residential and commercial
energy use



It will result in MORE carbon emission if we rush into it

Resources
 Data presented in this presentation are from various sources
 The following websites can provide additional information about this topic
 www.nei.org
 https://www.nrc.gov/
 www.ans.org
 https://www.energy.gov/ne/office-nuclear-energy
 https://local.ans.org/ne/

Thank you for Listening

Hope this was helpful and educational
Questions?

Draft Charge: Ad Hoc Human Rights Committee
Purpose
The commission personifies the core values of the town:
•

•
•

Equal opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, non-religious identity, marital, family or military status, socio-economic status, ex-offender status, source of income, or disability;
Freedom from bigotry, hatred, discrimination, and disrespect;
Supports for diversity and equity while fostering inclusion and belonging for every
member of the community.

The commission is available to offer support and guidance when issues related to equity and human rights arise in areas such as housing, employment, education, and public services.
Membership
The commission shall consist of seven voting members, chosen by the Select Board. To the
greatest extent possible, the members of the committee shall be diverse and drawn from underrepresented groups, with experience in human rights/equity, community engagement, municipal government, and advocacy for individuals who are targets of mistreatment or discrimination.
Community response
The commission serves as a community resource and point of contact for issues of hate, bias, and
discrimination. It helps facilitate community-based solutions and dialogue when such incidents
arise, and works with town officials to address concerns about mistreatment or harassment
Community education
The commission promotes a sense of welcome, mutual respect, and acceptance of differences.
The commission educates the community on issues through presenting programming and events;
partnering with groups; encouraging learning about common ties; collaborating with individuals,
civic and faith-based organizations, and government to support and promote respect and human
rights.
Promoting human rights
The commission promotes human rights through the development of policies or resolutions,
community events, public speaking programs, and other community actions. It also serves as a
resource for community members who have concerns about discrimination.
Public transparency
The commission provides an annual written report to be included in the Town’s Annual Report,
which describes the actions it has taken regarding community response, community education,

and promotion of human rights, and shares its findings and observations regarding human rights
in the community.

Melrose
The Melrose Human Rights Commission (MHRC) was established to provide a mechanism for
resolving disputes among citizens that may involve an element of racial, religious, or ethnic prejudice, and to develop programs for promoting a spirit of diversity and respect for others regardless of their differences. The MHRC takes a proactive approach towards the support and defense
of human rights in the city. Collaborating with various community partners, civic and faith-based
organizations, and city agencies, the commission supports such efforts as the annual International
Welcome Reception, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and dinner/program, and the
Global Education in Melrose (GEM) program at Melrose High School. MHRC meetings are held
monthly, with a public forum period during the first 1/2 hour. The MHRC’s mission involves
work in the areas of housing, employment, education, public accommodation, city services, insurance, banking, credit and health care.
Stoneham
Creation of a Stoneham Human Rights Commission is intended to affirm that the Town supports
a core value of freedom from bigotry and hatred, discrimination and disrespect. The HRC shall
consist of 9 members who shall be residents of the Town for staggered 3 year terms. The Town
Administrator shall be an ex-officio member of the HRC. All members, other than the Town Administrator, shall be appointed by the Stoneham Select Board and shall include a member recommended by the Commission on Disability; an employee of the Town of Stoneham recommended
by the Town Administrator; a high school student recommended by the Stoneham Superintendent; a senior (age 65 or older) recommended by the Director of the Senior Center; and at least
one member must be a member of the LGBTQ community.
The HRC, as an advisory board to the Select Board and Town Administrator, shall work to ensure that all residents enjoy equal opportunity to participate regardless of their race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, marital, family or military status, socio-economic status, or disability. The HRC shall also support human rights codified in the Constitution and laws of the United States and of Massachusetts against discrimination in housing, employment, education, public accommodations, town services, insurance, banking, credit and health care. The HRC shall advocate against unlawful discrimination and provide
information and education about human rights issues. The HRC works with diverse individuals
and community groups to support and promote tolerance, mutual respect and human rights.
The HRC shall report complaints of unlawful treatment, harassment or discrimination involving
the town and complaints concerning other state and federal officials, agencies or committees to
the Town Administrator and with the approval of the Town Administrator to appropriate authorities, provide information to the public about civil rights, promote public awareness of human
rights issues through educational resources, work with municipal departments and Town Counsel
to ensure compliance of local, state and federal laws and regulations, work to raise the level of
awareness and sensitivity to human rights issues in municipal business with the public.

Wakefield
Our mission is to promote the civil and human rights of all people in Wakefield. Our goal is to
reinforce positive relationships in the community and to create educational programs to foster a
greater understanding and appreciation for diversity. Such educational activities help communities become more harmonious, respectful, and cohesive. Through working with other groups and
agencies within our community, we will strive to eliminate prejudice and intolerance, promote
mutual respect and human rights and accept individual differences.
Hamilton
The purpose of this Commission is to affirm that the Town of Hamilton is an inclusive community that has, as one of its core values, the freedom from discrimination, intolerance, disrespect,
bigotry, other forms of micro- or macro-aggressions, hatred and oppression, and to reaffirm the
Town’s commitment to upholding and defending the rights of all individuals to enjoy the free
and equal exercise of their rights and privileges, as secured by the Constitutions of the United
States and Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Ipswich
The mission of the Ipswich Human Rights Commission is to uphold the civil and human rights of
all people in Ipswich. The IHRC‘s vision is to reinforce positive relationships, cultivate a greater
appreciation of diversity, eliminate prejudice and intolerance, and promote mutual respect and
acceptance of individual differences based on, but not limited to race, ethnicity, color, religious
views, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, citizenship, age, ancestry, family/marital status, sexual orientation, disability, source of income, and military status. We are a group of
10 citizens appointed to advise the Town Manager, Select Board and other Town Departments.
The IHRC will focus on: Responding to incidents of hate, bias, and discrimination; educating the
community on issues through programming and events; community building by partnering with
groups in and around Ipswich and by encouraging community members to learn about common
ties that connect the people who make up our community.
Hingham
The purpose of the Human Rights Commission is to advise the Hingham Select Board on how to
ensure the town of Hingham supports diversity and equity while fostering inclusion and belonging for every member of the community. The Commission will make recommendations to the
Hingham Select Board on programs and policies that will help identify conscious and unconscious biases and prejudices. The Commission will work to identify and reject discrimination including but not limited to race, color, ancestry, national origin, language, citizenship status, sex,
sexuality, gender identity, disability, marital, family, military or veteran status, class, socio-economic status, age, exoffender status, and religious/non-religious identities.

Amherst
The Human Rights Commission’s mission is to ensure that no power goes unchecked, and that
all citizens are afforded equal protection under the law. The Human Rights Commission shall act
to promote the Town of Amherst’s Human Rights Policy, to insure that no person, public or private, shall be denied any rights guaranteed pursuant to local, state, and/or federal law on the basis of race or color, gender, physical or mental ability, religion, socio-economic status, ethnic or
national origin, affectional or sexual preference, lifestyle, or age for all persons coming within
the Town of Amherst.
The Commission shall advise the Town and assist the Town Manager and Human Rights Director
(DEI Director) in the achievement of affirmative action/equal opportunity objectives, conduct
and participate in educational activities related to its responsibilities, provide mediation, and review matters brought to its attention.
Watertown
The Human Rights Commission works to ensure that all persons enjoy equal opportunity to participate in local affairs, including but not limited to housing, employment, education, public accommodation, access to City services regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, age, religion, disability, health status,
marital or familial status, military or veteran status, socioeconomic status, ex-offender status, genetic and/or protected class status. The Commission promotes human rights in Watertown
through outreach, dialogue, educational forums, the development of an Action Plan, serving as a
resource to persons with concerns of discrimination within the City, recommending policies or
resolutions for adoption by the City Council, City Manager or other City departments, boards,
councils or commissions. The Commission provides an annual written report to the City Council
and City Manager and holds an annual public forum.
Arlington
The Arlington Human Rights Commission was created by Town Meeting in 1993 to advance issues related to the fair and equal treatment of individuals and to create a mechanism for addressing complaints arising out of these issues.
The mission of the AHRC is to work individually and collaboratively with other groups in our
community to celebrate the ever-changing tapestry of our Town, and to emphasize through educational outreach the danger of intolerance at every level.

Easton
Mission: To promote Easton’s vision of a community that has as its core values freedom from
bigotry, hatred, intolerance, and disrespect. To build a stronger, more unified Town that respects
and recognizes both our diversity and our commonalities. To work with community groups and
agencies to educate and to promote understanding to eliminate prejudice and intolerance.To confront statements and actions that conflict with the core values expressed above.
The membership shall consist of a minimum of seven (7) and a maximum of twelve (12) members. Membership will include: one member of the Board of Selectmen, appointed by its Chair,
one member of the School Committee, appointed by its Chair, and a minimum of four to a maximum of 9 at-large members, appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The at-large members shall
be residents of Easton. The Town of Easton Civil Rights Officer shall also serve, with voting
rights.
The EHRC may form a non-voting advisory council reflecting the diversity of Easton in order to
tap the wealth of experience in the various organizations and groups in the Town. The Advisory
Council shall assist and advise the EHRC in carrying out its duties. Residents from the community shall be encouraged to participate in EHRC meetings.
Committee’s responsibilities will include Organize community events to constructively promote
diversity and tolerance; respond to issues that challenge the human rights of any individual or
group in our community. The Easton Human Rights Committee may work with like committees
of other localities and with organizations with which it shares a common purpose, and should use
any available materials, advice, or assistance from other organizations, that may be helpful in accomplishing its mission.
Wayland
The purpose of creating the Wayland Human Rights, Diversity, Equity[1], and Inclusion Committee is to affirm that the Town of Wayland is an inclusive community that has, as one of its
core values, the freedom from discrimination, disrespect, bigotry, other forms of microaggressions, macroaggressions, hatred and oppression, and to reaffirm the Town’s commitment to upholding and defending the rights of all individuals to enjoy the free and equal exercise of their
human and civil rights and privileges.
To that end, the Committee strives to ensure that all persons enjoy the equal opportunity to participate in local affairs, including but not limited to housing, employment, education, public accommodation, access to Town services, insurance, credit, banking and health care, regardless of
race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, health status, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, socioeconomic status,
and/or ex- offender status.
The Committee shall consist of nine (9) voting members and may have up to an additional seven
(7) non-voting members. The non-voting membership of the Committee shall include two (2)

youth members. To the greatest extent possible, the members of the Committee shall be diverse
and be drawn from underrepresented groups. To that end, the Board of Selectmen shall strongly
endeavor to ensure that its members represent: (1) historically marginalized communities, and (2)
relevant experience in human rights/equity, community engagement, municipal government, and
advocacy for individuals who are targets or mistreatment or discrimination.
Duties. The Committee shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Selectmen, and shall
have the following charge and responsibilities: Create action plans for advancing the purpose and
goals of the Committee, and periodically conduct equity assessments and audits in collaboration
with appropriate Town officials and for resolving issues identified in any such assessment. Serve
as a portal for residents or visitors to make a report about concerns, complaints or questions of
discriminate*on or unequal treatment of individuals within the Town of Wayland. Recommend
programs and initiatives to promote diversity, inclusion, awareness and anti-discrimination in the
Town; Promote an understanding of the diverse cultures within the Town and surrounding areas
by working with governmental and non-governmental human rights organizations through education, organization of community events, conferences, public speaking programs, educational
panels, celebrations and other community actions; Serve as a resource to the Board of Selectmen
with respect to issues that challenge any individual or group’s enjoyment of their basic human
rights in the Town; Collaborate with representatives from historically disadvantaged groups to
better understand barriers to inclusion, diversity, and equity in the community, promote mutual
understanding and respect for differences, develop strategies for ending inequities and eliminating these barriers;

https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/human-rights-commission
https://www.belmont-ma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif12826/f/file/file/charge.pdf
https://records.lexingtonma.gov/WebLink/docview.aspx?dbid=0&id=87994&cr=1

TOWN OF BEDFORD
BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS 01730

To:

Select Board

From:

Matthew J. Hanson, Town Manager

Date:

July 6, 2026

Subject:

Public Building Hours

Recommendation
I recommend that the Select Board continue the current schedules for public building hours.
Suggested motion:
I move that the Select Board authorize the continuation of the current public building hours for
Town Hall, Town Center, and applicable administrative offices, with continued monitoring of
resident feedback and service delivery as needed.
Background
The modified schedule began on July 7, 2025, following Select Board approval of a trial period
for Town Hall, Town Center, Public Works administrative offices, and related administrative
functions. The intent was to preserve public access, retain extended Monday evening hours,
improve internal consistency, and provide an equitable alternative to prior work-from-home
practices.
The current schedule remains:
Monday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday:
Certain administrative buildings are closed to the public, with online services, drop-box access,
emergency coverage, and department-specific responses continuing as needed. Municipal
operations continue on Fridays, including public safety, public works, recreation programming,
and other essential Town functions. In addition, Department Heads and other management
employees routinely work Fridays to oversee projects, respond to operational needs, and support
Town business.
Six-Month Review
At the conclusion of the first 6-month trial, administration felt strongly that the modified hours
were successful at accomplishing the goals of preserving public access while increasing
equitable and competitive working conditions. Due to lingering resident concerns and the
program's newness, the Board chose to extend the trial before making a more formal adoption at
that time.
2nd Six-Month Review
Over the past six months, the modified schedule has continued to work well. The Town
Manager’s Office has received near-zero complaints. There have only been occasional Friday

TOWN OF BEDFORD
BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS 01730

calls, and those issues have generally been routine matters that could be addressed online,
referred to staff, or resolved early the following week.
No material service disruption has been identified. Residents continue to access most routine
services through online permitting, online payments, email, phone follow-up, and the Town Hall
drop box. Essential services, including Police, Fire, emergency response, trash collection,
Library, Council on Aging, Recreation programming, and other off-hour services, have not been
reduced as a result of this trial.
Service, Staffing, and Fiscal Impact
The prior pilot review found no measurable decline in resident services. Importantly, the
modified schedule affects public counter hours rather than the Town's overall operations, as
many municipal services and employees continue working and serving residents on Fridays. In
some areas, service delivery improved due to better staff coordination, more consistent in-office
coverage, and expanded online service options.
Staff feedback has remained positive. The schedule supports morale, work-life balance,
recruitment, and retention at no new direct cost to the Town. In an increasingly competitive
municipal labor market, this schedule has become an important component of Bedford’s strategy
to attract and retain qualified employees. It allows Bedford to remain competitive with nearby
public employers that have implemented flexible workplace practices or modified public service
hours.
The modified schedule continues to offer small fiscal and sustainability benefits. We estimate
approximately $10,000 in annual energy savings from reduced heating, cooling, and electricity
use in certain public buildings.
Conclusion
After one full year of implementation, the modified public building hours have proven to be a
stable and well-understood service model. The Town has seen near-zero complaints, only
occasional manageable Friday calls, no material service disruption, and continued benefits for
service delivery, staff recruitment and retention, operational efficiency, and energy savings. For
these reasons, I recommend continuing the current modified public building hours, with
continued monitoring and the ability to revisit the schedule if a material service issue arises.

File: DIBA - TOWN OF BEDFORD RESERVE POLICY SPECIAL EDUCATION RESERVE FUND
Objective: Pursuant to Section 24 of Chapter 218 of the Acts of 2016, special reserve accounts are allowed by
Massachusetts General Law to allow savings to be set aside. The Special Education Stabilization Fund (Fund)
provides a proactive, strategic approach to planning for unforeseeable special education costs and to provide
stability in the delivery of public education that could otherwise be adversely impacted by unanticipated
expenses. This policy will be reviewed periodically for modification to ensure that the reserve fund is meeting its
objective and financial goal.
Financial Goal: The purpose of the Fund is to provide for payment of unbudgeted or unforeseen special
education expenses in any year, without forcing cuts to other school services during that year.
Note: Confidentiality of student records is of the utmost importance to the Bedford Public Schools. The Town of
Bedford and its committees acknowledge the need to maintain student confidentiality per state and federal law
(FERPA and IDEA).
Transfers In
The balance of the Fund shall not exceed the limit established under M.G.L. c. 40, §13E, as amended, or any
successor statute governing stabilization or special reserve funds and shall have a target floor of $200,000.
The Town and School Department shall establish and periodically review a target funding level to ensure the
Fund maintains sufficient reserves to meet anticipated needs.
If the balance of the Fund falls below the established target level, the Town and School Department shall
consider strategies to restore the Fund based on available resources.
• The first funding source will be free cash derived from year-end surpluses from the appropriated school
budget. The Town may also consider designating Medicaid Reimbursements for the Fund.
• The second funding source will be free cash derived from any other funding source.
• If other available funding sources are identified, they may be considered by the School Committee,
Select Board, and Finance Committee through the standard budget process prior to a Town Meeting.
Transfers Out: To request a transfer out of the Fund, the School Department will provide a report comparing the
aggregate special education expense of the line items below. This report will compare actual expenses versus the
originally budgeted line-item amounts.
1. Out-of-District Tuitions
2. Special Education Transportation Contract Services
3. Special Education staffing contracted services
4. Special Education other contracted Services (e.g. evaluation, tutoring, testing)
Withdrawal Procedures: Below is an outline of the specific procedure for executing withdrawals from the Fund:
• The School Committee will annually create a budget for each of the line items above.
• The Select Board will annually place an article in the town warrant to authorize an expenditure limit
from the Special Education Stabilization Fund in the event that it may be needed.

• If the School Committee determines that a withdrawal from the Fund is necessary, it must make a
request by a majority vote of the School Committee. The School Committee will prepare a budget report
that will be shared with the Finance Committee prior to presenting a formal withdrawal request to the
Select Board.
• The Select Board must approve any transfer out request by a majority vote.
LEGAL REFS.
M.G.L. c. 40, §13E
School Committee Approved: May 19, 2026

TOWN OF BEDFORD

Town Hall
10 Mudge Way
Bedford, MA 01730
Tel: (781) 918-4000 www.bedfordma.gov
Date:

July 3, 2026

To:

Select Board

From:

Autumn Ledgister-Cummins, Executive Assistant

Subject:

Board and Committee Reappointments — July 6, 2026

SELECT BOARD

Daniel Brosgol, Chair
Terrence Parker, Clerk
Bopha Malone
Shawn Hanegan
Paul Mortenson

The following committee members have submitted forms requesting reappointment to their current positions
on various Town of Bedford Boards and Committees:
3 Year Term Ending June 30, 2029:
Name
Molly Haskell
Robin Steele
Andreas Uthoff
Thomas Kinzer
John Linz
John Cooper
Kelly Korenak

Committee
Arbor Resources Committee
Community Preservation Committee
Conservation Commission
Council on Aging
Historic Preservation Commission
Patriotic Holiday Committee
Volunteer Coordinating Committee

1 Year Term ending June 30, 2027:
Name
Peter Desjardins
Peter Ricci
Joseph Gallagher
Cherly Milroy
Quinn Ricci
Heather Cooprider

Committee
Trails Committee
Tricentennial Committee
Tricentennial Committee
Tricentennial Committee
Tricentennial Committee
Willson Park Committee

Motion:
I move that the Select Board reappoint _________ [name] to _________ [committee name] for a term ending
June 30, ______ [year] and authorize the Town Manager to sign the reappointment letter on behalf of the
Select Board.
OR
I move that the Select Board reappoint the indicated board and committee members for terms as described and
authorize the Town Manager to sign the reappointment letter on behalf of the Select Board.