Council approves winter‑maintenance memorandum of understanding with Bedford School District

The Bedford Town Council on Aug. 13 authorized the council chair and town manager to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Bedford School District clarifying winter‑maintenance responsibilities for school properties and shared facilities.

Town staff brought the MOU back to the council after prior discussion to provide an estimated annual cost for the program. Town staff told the council the estimated cost for an anticipated 30 winter storms is approximately $18,857. The council approved the MOU without adding a separate requirement that the school district reimburse the town for the service; councilors noted the school district provides other in‑kind services and that separate arrangements (for example, field‑use agreements) exist for other shared uses.

Town staff said the MOU arose after a liability concern in which a slip‑and‑fall claim led the municipal insurance carrier to request a formal agreement clarifying responsibilities for snow clearing and related liabilities. The council voted 6‑0 to authorize the chair and town manager to sign the MOU. The motion does not change existing field‑use agreements already in place with leagues or other outside groups; staff said they will pursue negotiations with the school district if the council later decides to make the maintenance program a cost‑recovery arrangement.