Gardner public meetings in 2025

Board of Health

The Board of Health will receive updates on various department operations, including staffing and food establishments. The body will also discuss the replacement of a landfill leachate pump and emergency dispensing sites.

• Landfill leachate pump replacement
• Emergency Dispensing Site discussion
• PHEP Tabletop Exercise
• Review of minutes from September 22, November 24, and November 19, 2025

The Board signed and approved the July 21 and September 22 meeting minutes and unanimously approved the November 19 Executive Session minutes. The November 24 minutes were held pending a question for the City Clerk. Susan Avallone submitted her resignation after 18 years of service. The Board voted to appoint Emma Chaitin as interim Chairperson for a three‑month term.

• Approved July 21, 2025 meeting minutes (signed)
• Approved September 22, 2025 meeting minutes (signed)
• Unanimously approved November 19, 2025 Executive Session minutes
• Held November 24, 2025 minutes pending City Clerk question
• Susan Avallone submitted resignation from Board of Health
• Elected Emma Chaitin as interim Board Chair for 3 months

Retirement Board

The Gardner Contributory Retirement Board will consider approving its trial balance, general ledger, and the City Treasurer’s bank reconciliation. It will also review the November 2025 investment statement and discuss disability retirements in process. New‑business items include approving retirements and acknowledging deceased members, setting an election timetable, appointing an interim ex‑officio member, updating insurance rates for retirees and survivors, and a request from a member who was previously excluded.

• Approve trial balance, general ledger, and City Treasurer’s bank reconciliation
• Review November 2025 investment (PRIT) statement
• Approve retirements and acknowledge deceased member(s)
• Discuss retirement board election timetable and appoint interim ex‑officio member
• Update insurance rates for retirees and survivors

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the November 24, 2025 meeting, the October 2025 trial balances and the City Treasurer’s bank reconciliations, and Warrant #12/25 for $789,995.58. It also appointed Jacqueline Leger as an interim ex‑officio board member, approved the 2026 Medex health‑plan rates for inclusion in the December payroll mailing, and granted Dennis Ashe twelve weeks of creditable service makeup. David Walsh was appointed Election Officer and the election timetable for the 2026 board election was approved.

• Approved minutes of the November 24, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved October 2025 trial balances, general ledger histories, and Treasurer’s bank reconciliations (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #12/25 for $789,995.58 (unanimous)
• Appointed Jacqueline Leger as interim ex‑officio board member (unanimous)
• Approved inclusion of 2026 Medex Plan rates in the December 31, 2025 payroll mailing (unanimous)
• Approved twelve weeks creditable service makeup for Dennis Ashe (unanimous)
• Appointed David Walsh as Election Officer (unanimous)
• Approved election timetable for the 2026 board election (unanimous)

Gardner Redevelopment Authority

The Gardner Redevelopment Authority will meet to approve minutes from November 2025 and discuss updates on the Summit Industrial Park and Main Street projects. The agenda includes a review of the 2026 financial budget and a tentative schedule for future meetings.

• Approval of Regular Meeting minutes from November 26, 2025
• Update on 155 Mill Street and 85 Winter Street
• Update on 205-213 Main Street
• Discussion of 2026 Financial Budget
• Discussion of 2026 Meeting Schedule

The Gardner Redevelopment Authority approved the November 26 minutes (4‑0). It decided to wait until the January 2026 meeting before ordering a new appraisal for the Rear Main South parcels. The board entered and later closed an executive session to discuss a land sale/purchase (both 4‑0) and placed the November financial statements on file (4‑0). The regular meeting schedule was confirmed and the meeting was adjourned (4‑0).

• Approved November 26, 2025 minutes (4‑0)
• Postponed decision on new land appraisal for Rear Main South until Jan 2026
• Entered executive session to discuss land sale/purchase (4‑0)
• Closed executive session (4‑0)
• Placed November 2025 financials on file (4‑0)
• Confirmed monthly meetings on last Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

Traffic Commission

The Traffic Commission will approve September meeting minutes and discuss Edgell Street parking, the city-wide 25 mph speed limit, and a proposed hybrid winter parking ban. The commission will also address a new sign request for a purchased property on Pleasant Street.

• Approval of September 3, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion on Edgell Street parking status
• Update on city-wide 25 mph speed limit adoption
• Update on proposed hybrid winter parking ban
• Request for slow children sign on Pleasant Street

The commission unanimously approved the September 3, 2025 meeting minutes. The city council voted not to take action on the proposed hybrid winter parking ban, citing timing. The commission also unanimously adjourned the meeting at 9:37 a.m.

• Approved September 3, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Council declined to act on hybrid winter parking ban (no action)
• No further commission vote on Edgel St parking restriction (already decided)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:37 a.m. (unanimous)

Bandstand Committee

The Bandstand Committee will meet to approve previous minutes and review correspondence. The body will discuss finalizing the 2026 concert season and potential sponsors, as well as review financial statements.

• Finalizing 2026 concert season
• Potential sponsors
• Financial statements

The committee accepted the November 20, 2025 minutes. It approved a $500 sponsor check from Nancy. Concert dates for the 2026 season were finalized, with rain‑date Sundays from 2 pm‑4 pm, evening hours of 5 pm‑7 pm after August 8 2026, no July 4th concert, and a concert during the food‑truck festival. The next meeting was scheduled for April 23 2026 at 3:30 pm.

• Accepted minutes from 11/20/2025
• Received sponsor check for $500.00 from Nancy
• Finalized concert dates for the 2026 season
• Scheduled rain‑date Sundays 2 pm‑4 pm
• Set post‑8/8/2026 concert hours to 5 pm‑7 pm
• Cancelled July 4th concert; added concert during food‑truck festival
• Scheduled next meeting for 4/23/2026 at 3:30 pm
• Moted to adjourn the meeting

Gardner Housing Authority

The Gardner Housing Authority will consider several reports and updates, including a vote to accept the minutes from the November 20, 2025 meeting. A vote is also required on the November 2025 invoice history report. Additional items include updates on the housing authority fidelity card, vacancy task force activities, and the emergency management plan.

• Acceptance of minutes – Regular Mtg. November 20, 2025 (vote needed)
• Invoice History Report – November 2025 (vote needed)
• Housing Authority Fidelity Card report
• Vacancy updates, including GarWest Unit 114 offline vote
• Emergency Management Plan update

Gardner Redevelopment Authority

The Gardner Redevelopment Authority will review progress on several urban renewal projects, including the Rear Main Project North and South, Summit Industrial Park, and updates on 155 Mill Street, 85 Winter Street, and 205‑213 Main Street. The board will also examine the November 2025 financial statements and discuss the financial budget and meeting schedule for 2026. No decisions are indicated; the items are listed for discussion.

• Rear Main Project North (urban renewal update)
• Rear Main Project South (urban renewal update)
• Summit Industrial Park (urban renewal update)
• 155 Mill Street and 85 Winter Street (project updates)
• Discussion of Financial Budget for 2026

School Subcommittees

The Gardner Public Schools Policy Subcommittee meeting will consider approval of the November 19, 2025 meeting minutes. Committee members will discuss a series of policy items, including a local wellness initiative, budget planning, transfer authority, fiscal year budget, a funding proposal, use of school facilities and equipment, signature authority, bonded employees, fiscal accounting, audits, purchasing and bidding requirements. No specific decisions are detailed in the agenda.

• Approval of meeting minutes from 11/19/2025
• Discussion of Local Wellness Initiative policy
• Review of Budget Planning policy
• Consideration of Funding Proposal policy
• Review of Purchasing and Bidding Requirements policies

The subcommittee approved the minutes from the November 19, 2025 Policy Meeting. It reviewed several policies and, with unanimous votes, recommended changes and sent those policies to the full School Committee for a first read in January. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved November 19, 2025 Policy Meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended removal of dates from policies DD, DH, DIE and sent to January full School Committee for first read (unanimous)
• Recommended addition of source information to policies DBD, DBJ, DGA, DJ and sent to January full School Committee for first read (unanimous)
• Recommended adopting MASC model language for policy DI and sent to January full School Committee for first read (unanimous)
• Recommended changes to policies IJOA and IJOA‑E on on‑campus trips and sent to January full School Committee for first read (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board

The Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding two special permit requests. The board will consider a change of use for a multi-family property and the establishment of a fueling station with a convenience store.

• Case 2025-12-01: Change of use relief for 3 multi-family use at 69 Oak St.
• Case 2025-12-02: Fueling Station with a Convenience Store at 677 Timpany Blvd.

The Board granted a continuation of the Nanda Patil rezoning hearing to the next meeting. It also approved the Special Permit for the proposed Walmart gasoline station and convenience store. Both actions were approved unanimously. The Board also approved the minutes from the October 21 and November 18, 2025 meetings.

• Granted continuation of Nanda Patil hearing to next month (unanimous)
• Approved Special Permit for Walmart gasoline station and convenience store (unanimous)
• Approved October 21, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved November 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Historical Commission

The Gardner Historical Commission will meet on December 16, 2025 to review prior minutes and discuss several preservation and development items. Topics include a request for public comment on a proposed telecommunications project at 677 Timpany Boulevard and a Section 106 environmental review of the North Central Pathway Extension (MassDOT Project No. 613260). The board will also receive updates on historic markers, the Old Burying Ground restoration, and other community‑heritage projects.

• Approval of November 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• MHC Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund Round 32 & virtual workshops
• Invitation to comment on proposed telecommunications project at 677 Timpany Boulevard
• Old Burying Ground Restoration Project
• North Central Pathway Extension, MassDOT Project No. 613260 – Section 106 review

The commission approved the November 18 minutes, filed a Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund communication, and sent its determination on a proposed telecommunications project to Terracon. It also adopted the calendar of meeting dates and locations for 2026. No other business was taken. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

• Approved November 18, 2025 minutes (motion by Huntoon, seconded by Agnelli, voted)
• Placed MHC Preservation Projects Fund communication on file (motion by Huntoon, seconded by Agnelli, voted)
• Transmitted determination to Terracon on telecommunications project (motion and second, voted)
• Adopted 2026 meeting schedule with dates and locations (motion and second, voted)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:20 p.m. (motion by Huntoon, seconded by Agnelli, voted)

License Commission

The Gardner License Commission will consider approving all complete 2026 liquor license renewals for dozens of establishments, including the Colonial Hotel, Price Chopper, and Gardner Ale House. It will also vote on the 2026 AAD and poker machine permit renewals for venues such as Acadien Social Club, Paramount Café, and Yen Yen. In addition, the commission will review pending items from previous meetings, including a license transfer for Sawa Asian Cuisine & Lounge and officer changes for the Gardner Fish & Gun Club.

• Approve 2026 liquor license renewals for listed establishments (e.g., Colonial Hotel, Price Chopper, Gardner Ale House)
• Approve 2026 AAD permit renewals for establishments (e.g., Acadien Social Club, American Legion Post 129, West End Beagle Club)
• Approve 2026 poker machine permit renewals for Paramount Café and Yen Yen
• Review transfer of license for Sawa Asian Cuisine & Lounge (file complete, pending ABCC response)
• Review officer change for Gardner Fish & Gun Club (approved and submitted to ABCC)

The License Commission voted unanimously to approve all complete 2026 ABCC liquor license renewals for the listed establishments. It also unanimously approved all 2026 AAD and poker permit renewals for the listed establishments. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved 2026 liquor license renewals for listed establishments (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 AAD and poker permit renewals for listed establishments (unanimous)

Golf Commission

The Golf Commission will consider approval of the November 17, 2025 meeting minutes. Commissioners will receive an update on the building feasibility study. The commission will review and approve its financial statements and expense report. Additional updates from members Dan Berry and Bill Frank will be discussed.

• Approve meeting minutes from November 17, 2025
• Update on building feasibility study
• Review and approve the financials
• Review expense report
• Updates from Dan Berry and Bill Frank

The Golf Commission accepted the November 17, 2025 meeting minutes with a 4‑0 vote. They also approved the FY26 year‑to‑date financial report, again by a 4‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous 4‑0 vote. No new business was taken up.

• Accepted November 17, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Approved FY26 financials (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Council

The Gardner City Council will consider an ordinance establishing a 'Winter Parking Ban' from January 1 to March 1 and amending parking fines. The body will also vote on transferring funds between department accounts and review applications for motor vehicle dealer licenses.

• Winter Parking Ban ordinance (Jan 1–Mar 1, 11 p.m.–5 a.m.)
• Transfer of $10,867.80 to Auditor Department Professional Services
• Transfer of $1,622.79 to City Council Department Office Supplies
• Applications for Class II and III Motor Vehicle Dealer Licenses
• Review of Maki Park Project investigation report

The council voted 8 yeas to grant Class II motor vehicle dealer licenses to ten applicants, including AC Auto Clinic and Gardner Auto Mart. It also approved a Class III license for Riverside Auto. Additionally, two appropriation transfers were adopted, moving $10,687.80 to Auditor Department operating expenses and $1,622.79 to City Council department expenditures.

• Approved Class II motor vehicle dealer licenses for ten businesses (8 yeas)
• Approved Class III motor vehicle dealer license for Riverside Auto (8 yeas)
• Adopted order transferring $10,687.80 from Auditor Dept Salaries & Wages to Auditor Dept Operating Expenditures (8 yeas)
• Adopted order transferring $1,622.79 from City Council Dept Salaries & Wages to City Council Dept Expenditures (8 yeas)
• Placed on file November Public Service Committee Update (8 yeas)
• Withdrew Councillor Cormier’s amendment to parking ordinance (8 yeas)
• Removed from calendar the ordinance amending Chapter 600 Section 24 (8 yeas)
• Placed on file November Public Safety Committee Update (8 yeas)

Economic and Community Development Committee

The Economic and Community Development Committee reviewed the November 21, 2025 minutes and gave a status report on the Maki Park Project, noting the ramp is complete and railings are pending with final payment due Dec 12. The committee voted to recommend that Director Stevens present a full project update and report packet at the second December City Council meeting. The item will stay with the committee until the project is finished.

• Review and approval of the November 21, 2025 meeting minutes
• November Economic and Community Development update
• Item 11746 – upcoming community development projects (first time on agenda)
• Item 11454 – report on the Maki Park Project, including Change Order No. 5 status and pending railing installation
• Motion passed to recommend Director Stevens give a full Maki Park update at the December City Council meeting

The committee voted to waive the reading of the November 21, 2025 minutes and accepted them as the official record. A motion to adjourn was made and approved, ending the meeting at 1:45 p.m. No other actions were decided during this session.

• Waived reading of November 21, 2025 minutes and accepted them
• Adjourned meeting at 1:45 p.m.

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review and approve meeting minutes, sign an excise abatement denial, and discuss FY26 exemption applications and FY27 Chapter Land Applications. The meeting is rescheduled from December 3.

• Review and approve meeting minutes of October 17, 2025
• Sign MV Excise Abatement denial
• Discuss, Review, Approve/Deny FY26 Exemption Applications
• Review FY27 Chapter Land Applications
• Executive Session under G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(7)

The Board accepted the minutes from the October 17, 2025 meeting by a 2‑0 vote. It then voted 2‑0 to go into Executive Session without returning to open session. In Executive Session the Board approved several tax clauses and denied one clause, and also denied a motor vehicle excise tax abatement.

• Accepted October 17, 2025 minutes (2-0)
• Approved motion to enter Executive Session without return (2-0)
• Approved Clause 17D (4)
• Approved Clause 22A-F (7)
• Approved Clause 22E (5)
• Approved Clause 37 (1)
• Denied Clause 22E (1)
• Denied one motor vehicle excise tax abatement

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee reviewed several updates, including a $31,000 municipal road safety grant for electronic speed signs and a signed body‑camera contract slated for deployment by Jan. 1 2026. The Fire Department reported a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $363,941.96 for new portable radios, with the city required to provide a $33,085.64 match. Additional items discussed were a $224,828 bid to repair the landfill leachate collection system and a $25,000 purchase of a used ambulance from Westminster.

• Body‑camera contract signed; deployment expected no later than Jan 1 2026
• Municipal Road Safety Grant of $31,000 for electronic speed signs ($4,000–$5,000 each)
• FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $363,941.96; city match $33,085.64 required
• Leachate collection system repair bid totaling $224,828
• City Council approved $25,000 to buy a used ambulance from the Town of Westminster

The Public Safety Committee waived reading and accepted the October 17, 2025 minutes (3 yeas). It voted to recommend City Council approval of nine Class II motor vehicle dealer licenses and one Class III license (each 3 yeas). The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 a.m. (3 yeas).

• Waived reading and accepted Oct 17, 2025 minutes (3 yeas)
• Recommended Class II dealer licenses for nine applicants to City Council (3 yeas)
• Recommended Class III dealer license for Riverside Auto to City Council (3 yeas)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:20 a.m. (3 yeas)

Disability Commission

The Gardner Disability Commission will review and approve the minutes from its October 8, 2025 meeting. Commissioners will receive updates on a city councilor, the Ovila Case playground project, and plans to improve accessibility in the Council Chamber. Additional items include an ADA Coordinator update, the commission’s new email address, a self‑evaluation and transition plan, and a discussion of Maki Park.

• Review and approve October 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• City Councilor update
• Ovila Case playground project
• Council Chamber accessibility improvements
• ADA Coordinator update and self‑evaluation plan

Finance Committee

The Gardner Finance Committee will review and approve minutes from July, September and October 2025. It will decide on three first‑time agenda items: two orders transferring specific dollar amounts between department accounts and a measure confirming a $10,643.67 gift from the Department of Public Works to the Gardner Community Action Committee. The committee will also discuss the City’s health‑insurance payments and trust fund.

• Order 11743 – Transfer $10,867.80 from Auditor Department Salary and Wages to Auditor Department Expenditure Account (Professional Services)
• Order 11744 – Confirm gift of $10,643.67 from Department of Public Works to Gardner Community Action Committee
• Order 11745 – Transfer $1,622.79 from City Council Department Salary and Wages to City Council Department Expenditure Account (Office Supplies)
• Discussion 11482 – City’s Health Insurance Payments and Trust Fund

The committee waived reading and accepted the minutes from July, September and October 2025. It approved two fund transfers: $10,867.80 for the Auditor Department and $1,622.79 for City Council office supplies. Two items – the DPW scrap‑metal gift and the health‑insurance trust fund discussion – were deferred for further review. The meeting was adjourned at 4:14 p.m.

• Accepted July, September and October 2025 minutes – motion passed (3 yeas)
• Approved transfer of $10,867.80 from Auditor Dept Salaries to Operating Expenditures – motion passed (3 yeas)
• Approved transfer of $1,622.79 from City Council Dept Salaries to Office Supplies – motion passed (3 yeas)
• Deferred DPW gift of $10,643.67 to Gardner Community Action Committee – more time granted
• Deferred discussion of City health‑insurance payments and trust fund – more time granted
• Adjourned meeting at 4:14 p.m. – motion passed

Planning Board

The Gardner Planning Board will vote to approve minutes from its November 4 and November 25 meetings. It will hold public hearings on a building addition and site improvements for Mount Wachusett Community College at 42 Linus Allain Avenue, and on a proposed building construction and site improvements for GAAMHA, Inc. at 827 Green Street. The board will also receive a Master Plan Update presentation and consider a MassDEP referral for the Templeton Pond Expansion.

• Vote to approve minutes of the November 4, 2025 regular meeting
• Vote to approve minutes of the November 25, 2025 regular meeting
• Public hearing: Building addition and site improvements for Mount Wachusett Community College, 42 Linus Allain Avenue
• Public hearing: Proposed building construction and site improvements for GAAMHA, Inc., 827 Green Street
• New business: Master Plan Update presentation; definitive site plan review for GAAMHA; MassDEP referral – Templeton Pond Expansion

The board approved the minutes from the November 4 and November 25 meetings by a 4‑0 vote. It approved the withdrawal of Mount Wachusett Community College’s building addition project without penalty, also 4‑0. The hearing on GAAMHA, Inc.’s proposed building at 827 Green Street was continued to the January 13, 2026 meeting, vote 4‑0. The board declined to act on the Hubbardston Pond expansion and referred the matter to the State and the Building Department.

• Approved November 4 & 25 minutes (4-0)
• Approved withdrawal of Mount Wachusett Community College project (4-0)
• Continued GAAMHA hearing to Jan 13, 2026 (4-0)
• Referred Hubbardston Pond expansion to State and Building Dept. (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

School Committee

The School Committee will hold a first reading for eight policies and a second reading for six others. The body will also consider removing two policies regarding the duties of the Vice Chair and Secretary.

• Vote on second reading of policies: BDB, BDD, BDFA, BEDG, IGB, and JLCD
• First reading of policies including Educational Equity (JBB) and Staff Communications (BHC)
• Proposed removal of policies BDBB (Duties of Vice Chair) and BDBC (Duties of Secretary)
• Warrant # 26-19: $170,510.57
• Warrant # 26-20: $139,835.48

The committee accepted the Consent Agenda, ratifying Warrants #26-19 ($170,510.57), #26-20 ($139,835.48) and #26-21 ($268,644.06) and a $2,500 donation. It approved six policies on second reading and removed two redundant policies from the manual. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved Consent Agenda, including three warrants totaling $578,990.11 and a $2,500 donation – vote so voted
• Approved second reading of six policies (BDB, BDD, BDFA, BEDG, IGB, JLCD) – vote so voted
• Approved removal of two policies (BDBB – Duties of Vice Chair, BDBC – Duties of Secretary) – vote so voted
• Adjourned meeting – vote so voted

Conservation Commission

The Gardner Conservation Commission will meet to vote on minutes, address enforcement orders, and hold public hearings on wetlands protection for several projects.

• Vote to approve minutes of 11/24/25
• Hearings for carport at 31 Travers St.
• Hearings for building at 827 Green St.
• Hearings for fuel station at 677 Timpany Blvd.
• Continued discussion on 170 Mill St.

The Conservation Commission approved the prior meeting minutes and issued a full Certificate of Compliance for DEP#160-0670 at 68 Acadia Road. It voted to continue hearings for projects at 827 Green Street, 677 Timpany Boulevard, and 170 Mill Street to future meetings. The commission determined the DAV Victory Lane Veterans Housing project is outside its jurisdiction and will have a letter confirming this. The meeting was adjourned.

• Approved minutes of 11/24/25 (5-0-0)
• Issued full Certificate of Compliance to DEP#160-0670 (68 Acadia Rd.) (5-0-0)
• Continued hearing for 827 Green Street to 1/12/26 (5-0-0)
• Continued hearing for 677 Timpany Boulevard to 1/12/26 (5-0-0)
• Continued hearing for 170 Mill Street to 1/26/26 (5-0-0)
• Determined DAV Victory Lane Veterans Housing outside commission jurisdiction (decision)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Gardner Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on wetlands protection applications for a carport, a building construction, and a fuel station redevelopment. The meeting also includes approval of minutes and continued enforcement orders.

• Hearings on wetlands permits at 31 Travers St, 827 Green St, and 677 Timpany Blvd
• Approval of minutes from November 24, 2025
• Continued enforcement orders for Sludge Landfill, 36 Nicole Terrace, and 282 Brookside Drive
• Discussion on DAV Victory Lane Veterans Housing preliminary plan
• Continued discussion on a contractor building at 170 Mill St

Cemetery Commission

The Municipal Grounds/Cemetery Commission will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and review the Cemetery Department's financial statement. The body will also receive updates on the conditions of municipal grounds and the cemetery department.

• Approval of minutes from September 4 and October 30, 2025
• Review of Cemetery Department Financial Statement
• Update from Bandstand Committee
• Department Head update on Municipal Grounds and Cemetery Department conditions

School Subcommittees

The Gardner Public Schools Finance Sub‑Committee will meet on Dec 4, 2025 at 5 PM in Room 201 of 160 Elm Street. The agenda includes approval of prior minutes, review of expense reports, project updates, and discussion of gifts and donations, with any new business that may arise. No specific decisions or dollar amounts are listed in the agenda.

• Approval of Minutes of the Previous Finance Subcommittee Meeting
• Expense Report Review
• Projects Update
• Gifts & Donations
• New Business

The committee carried over approval of the meeting minutes to the next meeting. A motion by Ms. Pelavin, seconded by Mr. LaFreniere, to accept a $2,500 donation from Yen Yen was approved. The meeting was adjourned at 5:46 pm.

• Approval of minutes carried over to next meeting
• Accepted $2,500 donation from Yen Yen (motion by Ms. Pelavin, seconded by Mr. LaFreniere)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:46 pm

Airport Commission

The Commission will meet to discuss old business regarding Gales Associates, Inc. and a wildlife hazard site visit. The meeting includes a review of the Environmental Assessment (EA) and Obstruction Analysis. The Airport Manager will also report on guard counts, fuel gallons, and monthly expenditures.

• Environmental Assessment (EA) and Obstruction Analysis
• Wildlife Hazard Site Visit by Gales Associates, Inc.
• Monthly fuel gallons and expenditure report

The commission approved the minutes from the November 5, 2025 meeting. They reviewed the environmental assessment for Gales Associates' tree‑clearing and easement project, noting that funding is pending and a follow‑up meeting with the city is needed. A proposal to start a remote‑jet aircraft club was presented and received positive comments, but no formal action was taken.

• Approved November 5, 2025 minutes (approval recorded)
• Reviewed Gales Associates environmental assessment and easement needs (no decision, funding pending)
• Discussed remote‑jet aircraft club proposal (no decision, positive comments only)

Board of Assessors

The Gardner Board of Assessors will review and vote on FY26 property tax exemption applications and examine FY27 Chapter Land applications. The meeting will also approve the minutes from the October 17, 2025 session and receive an assessor update about a new static database and online property card PDFs. An executive session will be held under G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(7).

• Approve minutes of the October 17, 2025 Board of Assessors meeting
• Assessor update: create static database, save FY26 property cards as PDFs on Vision Portal, mail income & expense forms in January
• Enter executive session under G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(7)
• Discuss, review, approve or deny FY26 exemption applications
• Review FY27 Chapter Land applications (filing deadline December 1)

Special Search Committee for the City Auditor

The Special Search Committee for the City Auditor will meet on Dec 1, 2025 to review the City Auditor position. Members will discuss the job description, required qualifications, and the recruitment process. The meeting also includes a notice about open‑meeting recording rules.

• Review of the City Auditor Position
• Discussion of required qualifications (CPA or CGA preferred; Certified Government Management Accountant required)
• Examination of the job description and essential functions
• Consideration of the recruitment and selection process
• Announcement of open‑meeting recording policy

The Special Search Committee voted to accept the City Auditor job description with a single edit to line 20, as proposed by Councillor Mack and seconded by Councillor Dana Heath. The motion passed with five yeas. The committee then voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:04 p.m.

• Accepted City Auditor job description with edit (5 yeas)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

City Council

The Gardner City Council meeting will consider several public hearings, committee reports, and a series of financial orders. Items include a flammable license application for E.J. Wyson Trucking, National Grid infrastructure plans, and ordinances affecting zoning and housing. The Finance Committee will vote on appropriations, including a $100,975 transfer to the City Stabilization Account.

• Public hearing scheduled for E.J. Wyson Trucking flammable license at 163 & 169 Colony Road
• National Grid plan #3082599 to install a hand hole, transformer pad, and duct bank on Pleasant Street, Main Street, and W Lynde Street
• Ordinance to amend Chapter 675 to allow cottage kitchens in residential districts
• Ordinance to amend Chapter 675 to promote housing growth and production in the city
• Order appropriating $100,975 from Free Cash to the City Stabilization Account

The Gardner City Council voted 11‑yeas to approve National Grid's plan to install a new hand hole, transformer pad and duct bank on Pleasant Street, and a second plan to install a hand hole and conduit on W Lynde Street. The council also approved a flammable license for E.J. Wyson Trucking at 163 & 169 Colony Road (11‑yeas) and placed the Attorney General’s ruling on an Open Meeting Law complaint on file (11‑yeas).

• Approved National Grid Plan #3082599 for Pleasant Street sidewalk, transformer pad and duct bank (11 yeas)
• Approved National Grid Plan #31105017 for Derby Drive/W Lynde Street hand hole and conduit work (11 yeas)
• Approved flammable license for E.J. Wyson Trucking at 163 & 169 Colony Road (11 yeas)
• Placed Attorney General ruling on Open Meeting Law complaint on file (11 yeas)
• Accepted minutes of August 4, 2025; August 18, 2025 Committee of the Whole; and September 2, 2025 meetings (11 yeas)
• Placed communication from Traffic Commission on file regarding winter parking ban (vote not recorded)
• Granted motion to place AG ruling on file (11 yeas)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will consider an ordinance amending Chapter 600 to create an all‑night winter parking ban from January 1 to March 1, 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., with emergency exceptions. The ordinance also establishes a “Noticed Parking Ban” that the Mayor or designee may order, outlines notification methods, and lists designated streets and lots where parking is prohibited during the bans. It sets fines for violations, including a $25 penalty for obstructing snow or ice removal, and authorizes the Gardner Police Department to enforce the bans through tagging, towing, and removal. The measure would become effective upon passage and publication.

• Amendment to Chapter 600, Section 23(a) adding a Winter Parking Ban (Jan 1–Mar 1, 11 p.m.–5 a.m.)
• Creation of a Noticed Parking Ban authority for the Mayor or designee with required public notifications
• Designation of specific streets and lots (e.g., West Street, Knowlton Street, Pleasant Street, West Lynde Street Parking North Lot, George Sweeney Park) where parking is prohibited during bans
• Fines for violations, including $25 for obstructing snow/ice removal and a schedule of fines ranging from $15 to $200
• Enforcement provisions allowing the Gardner Police Department to tag, tow, and remove vehicles violating the bans

The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on the winter parking ban and related ordinance. The committee voted to recommend the traffic commission communication (item 11552) to the full Council, with the motion passing unanimously (3 yeas). It also voted to recommend the parking ordinance amendment (item 11737) to the full Council, with the motion passing unanimously (3 yeas). The meeting was then adjourned by a passed motion.

• Recommend item 11552 (traffic commission communication) to full Council – motion passes (3 yeas)
• Recommend item 11737 (parking ordinance amendment) to full Council – motion passes (3 yeas)
• Adjourn meeting – motion passes (viva voce)

Gardner Redevelopment Authority

The Gardner Redevelopment Authority will vote to approve the minutes from its October 22, 2025 meeting. It will discuss updates on the Rear Main Project North and South, as well as the 155 Mill Street, 85 Winter Street, and 205‑213 Main Street sites. The board will also review current financial matters and the renewal of its limited liability insurance.

• Vote to approve minutes of Regular Meeting, October 22, 2025
• Discussion of Rear Main Project North (2.4.14)
• Discussion of Rear Main Project South (2.1,2___)
• Update on 155 Mill Street and 85 Winter Street
• Update on 205‑213 Main Street

The Authority approved the minutes from the October 22 meeting (vote 4‑0). It approved moving forward with a land appraisal of the Cumberland Farms property for no more than $4,600 (vote 4‑0). The board entered an executive session to discuss the 155 Mill Street and 85 Winter Street transactions (vote 4‑0) and then adjourned (vote 4‑0). A motion to approve the presented finances was made, but no vote tally was recorded.

• Approved Oct 22 meeting minutes (4‑0)
• Approved land appraisal up to $4,600 for Cumberland Farms parcel (4‑0)
• Entered executive session to discuss 155 Mill St & 85 Winter St (4‑0)
• Motion to approve finances presented (vote not recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider a City Council amendment referral, Item 11704. The proposed ordinance would amend Chapter 675 of the City of Gardner's zoning code to promote housing growth and production. No other business is listed for this special meeting.

• Item 11704 – Ordinance to amend Chapter 675 (Zoning) to promote housing growth

The board approved Item 11704, an amendment to Chapter 675 of the City of Gardner zoning code that changes language about ADU rentals and occupancy to encourage housing production. The motion passed unanimously with a 3‑0 vote. After the approval, the board moved to adjourn the meeting, which also passed 3‑0.

• Approved zoning amendment (Item 11704) to promote housing growth (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Community Development Block Grant Steering Committee

The Steering Committee will discuss FY2022-23 and FY2024 CDBG mini‑entitlement budget changes, including a $158,206.52 transfer to the Gardner Community Action Committee and Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center for social services, and a transfer of up to $791,342.51 to a new Greenwood Pool Pavilion, cancelling the School Street School demolition. The meeting will also review the FY2026 CDBG application schedule, update the status of the FY2025 CDBG Mini Entitlement Grant, and approve minutes from the October 28 regular meeting.

• Transfer $158,206.52 from 205‑213 Main Street demolition and Downtown Phase 4 projects to Gardner CAC and MVOC for public social services
• Transfer up to $791,342.51 from the School Street School demolition project to a new Greenwood Pool Pavilion project
• Cancellation of the School Street School demolition project
• Review of FY2026 CDBG application schedule
• Approval of minutes from the October 28, 2025 regular meeting

The Steering Committee approved two fund transfers: $158.206.52 to the Gardner Community Action Committee and Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, and up to $791,342.51 from the School St. School demolition project to the Greenwood Pool Pavilion, cancelling the demolition. Both motions passed unanimously (4‑0). The minutes of the October 28 meeting were also approved unanimously.

• Approved $158.206.52 transfer to CAC and MVOC (4-0)
• Approved up to $791,342.51 transfer to Greenwood Pool Pavilion and cancellation of School St. demolition (4-0)
• Approved minutes of October 28, 2025 meeting (4-0)

Finance Committee

The Gardner Finance Committee reviewed and approved several appropriations from the city's certified free cash, including funds for the City Stabilization Account, the Other Post‑Employment Benefits Trust, road resurfacing, and a landfill closure fund. It also discussed a five‑year on‑call engineering services contract for the municipal airport. Some items, such as the landfill closure appropriation and the stabilization account request, were deferred pending additional information.

• Appropriation of $95,000 from free cash to the Landfill Closure Account (item 11726) – deferred for more information.
• Appropriation of $201,951 from free cash to the Department of Public Works Road Resurfacing Account (item 11725).
• Appropriation of $20,196 from free cash to the Other Post‑Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund (item 11724).
• Appropriation of $100,975 from free cash to the City Stabilization Account (item 11723) – deferred for more information.
• Authorization of a five‑year on‑call engineering services contract for Gardner Municipal Airport (item 11719).

Board of Health

The Gardner Board of Health will review minutes from the October 27 meeting, receive health department updates on staffing, landfill leachate pump replacement and groundwater monitoring, the DEP annual report for the closed landfill, food establishments, housing, household hazardous waste collection, a PHEP tabletop exercise, and an emergency dispensing site. The board will then consider any new business, set the next meeting date, and hold an executive session to discuss health department staffing.

• Landfill leachate pump replacement and groundwater monitoring
• DEP annual report for the closed landfill
• Food establishments update
• Household hazardous waste collection
• Emergency dispensing site discussion

The Board approved the minutes from the October 27 and November 12 executive sessions. After extensive staffing discussion, the board moved into executive session and voted by majority to extend an offer for the Health Director position, with HR to finalize the hire. The next Board of Health meeting was scheduled for December 2, 2025, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved October 27 and November 12 executive session minutes (unanimous)
• Motion to move into Executive Session approved (majority vote)
• Offered Health Director position to selected candidate (majority vote)
• Set next Board of Health meeting for Dec 2, 2025
• Closed Transfer Station Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving holiday
• Motion to adjourn the meeting passed

Special Search Committee for the City Auditor

The Special Search Committee meeting will review the City Auditor position after the auditor's resignation effective Dec 8 2025. Committee co‑chairs Councillors Aleksander Dernalowicz and Dana Heath will discuss the recruitment, review, and recommendation process. Members Kazinskas, Mack, and Heglin will also participate in the discussion.

• Review of the City Auditor position following resignation (last day Dec 8 2025).
• Appointment of a Special Search Committee co‑chaired by Councillors Dernalowicz and Heath.
• Committee members include Councillors Kazinskas, Mack, and Heglin.
• Discussion of recruitment, review, and recommendation procedures for a new auditor.
• Potential next steps for hiring a qualified City Auditor.

The Special Search Committee adopted all edits to the City Auditor job description by unanimous voice vote. It also approved the plan to post the vacancy, explore interim auditing services, and conduct the candidate review process, again by unanimous vote. The meeting was adjourned at 5:24 p.m.

• Approved all job description edits (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved posting the Auditor position internally and externally (unanimous)
• Approved exploring interim auditing services (unanimous)
• Approved using applicant numbers for public review (unanimous)
• Approved future brief meeting to review final materials (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:24 p.m. (motion passed)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings regarding a proposed building and parking at 827 Green Street and a new carport at 31 Travers Street. The body will also continue discussions on a contractor building at 170 Mill Street and review enforcement orders.

• Public Hearing: Proposed building, parking, and utilities at 827 Green Street
• Public Hearing: Proposed carport installation at 31 Travers Street
• Public Hearing: Contractor building and site improvements at 170 Mill Street
• Enforcement Order reviews for Sludge Landfill, 36 Nicole Terrace, and 282 Brookside Drive
• Review of 2025 Year End Report for Kendall Pond Aquatic Management

The Conservation Commission approved the November 10 minutes (5‑0‑1). It ratified an emergency certification for a newly built beaver dam breach on Lachance Street (6‑0‑0). The board also voted to continue the sludge landfill enforcement order discussion and two wetlands hearings to future meetings, each with a 6‑0‑0 vote.

• Approved 11/10/25 minutes (5-0-1)
• Ratified Emergency Certification for Lachance St beaver dam breach (6-0-0)
• Continued Sludge Landfill Enforcement Order discussion to 1/26/26 (6-0-0)
• Continued 31 Travers St hearing to 1/12/26 (6-0-0)
• Continued 827 Green St hearing to 12/8/25 (6-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:53 PM (6-0-0)

Retirement Board

The Gardner Contributory Retirement Board meeting on November 24, 2025 will review and approve the pre‑close trial balance, general ledger, and city treasurer’s bank reconciliation. It will also discuss the FY’26 budget trial balance, investment review, and old business on disability retirements. New business includes approving retirements, acknowledging deceased members, and reviewing a draft audit report and financial statement for 12/31/2024.

• Approve pre‑close trial balance, general ledger, and city treasurer’s bank reconciliation
• Review FY’26 budget to trial balance as of 08/31/2025
• Approve retirement(s) and acknowledge deceased member(s)
• Draft audit report and financial statement as of 12/31/2024
• Investment review

The Gardner Contributory Retirement Board approved the October 28, 2025 meeting minutes, the September 2025 trial balances and bank reconciliations, and Warrant #11/25 for $734,297.85. It also approved the draft financial statement and management representation letter from CBIZ/Marcum, maintained the 3.00% correction‑of‑error interest rate, granted superannuation benefits to David L. Suchocki, and denied Scott J. Graves' request to buy back refunded service time.

• Approved October 28, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved September 2025 trial balances, general ledger histories, and city treasurer's bank reconciliations (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #11/25 dated Nov 26, 2025 for $734,297.85 (unanimous)
• Approved draft financial statement and required supplementary information as of Dec 31, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved Management Representation Letter for CBIZ/Marcum (unanimous)
• Denied Scott J. Graves' request to buy back previously refunded time (unanimous)
• Approved maintaining the correction‑of‑error interest rate at 3.00% (unanimous)
• Granted superannuation retirement benefits to David L. Suchocki, Option C, effective Sep 30, 2025 (unanimous)

Economic and Community Development Committee

The Economic and Community Development Committee will review item 11454, a report on the investigation of the Maki Park Project. It will consider a request to transfer $14,772.53 from the Downtown Phase III project account to Maki Park expenses. The committee will also discuss letters to the mayor seeking clarification on excess Downtown Phase III funds and departmental updates on the Maki Park project.

• Review of item 11454 – Report on the investigation of the Maki Park Project
• Consideration of a $14,772.53 transfer from Downtown Phase III to Maki Park expenses
• Discussion of a letter to the mayor requesting explanation of excess Downtown Phase III funds
• Request for year‑to‑date departmental updates on the Maki Park project (Community Development, Auditing, Purchasing, Engineering)
• Approval of meeting minutes

The Economic and Community Development Committee voted to waive the reading of the September 9, 2025 minutes and accepted them as presented. The meeting was then adjourned at 1:08 p.m. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Waived reading of September 9, 2025 minutes and accepted them (motion by President Tyros, seconded by Councilor Heath)
• Adjourned meeting at 1:08 p.m. (motion by President Tyros, seconded by Councilor Heath)

Bandstand Committee

The Bandstand Committee will approve the minutes from its previous meeting. It will discuss correspondence about the prior season's performances and consider potential performers for upcoming events. The committee will also review its financial statements and address any other business items.

• Approve minutes from previous meeting
• Discuss previous season of band performances
• Consider potential performers for upcoming season
• Review financial statements
• Other business

The Bandstand Committee accepted the minutes from the October 30, 2025 meeting. It confirmed the 2026 concert lineup and rain‑date schedule for Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Polish American Club submitted a $1,000.00 sponsorship donation. The meeting was adjourned.

• Accepted minutes from 10/30/2025 (motion passed)
• Confirmed 2026 concert dates and rain‑date Sundays
• Recorded $1,000.00 sponsorship from Polish American Club
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Gardner Housing Authority

The Gardner Housing Authority will hold its regular meeting on November 20, 2025. Agenda items include a motion to open the meeting, a public comment period, review of fiscal year 2025 and 2026 financial matters, acceptance of the October 23, 2025 meeting minutes, an executive director’s report, and an invoice history report for October 2025. The meeting will conclude with a motion to adjourn.

• Motion to open meeting
• Public comment period
• Review of FY 2025 and FY 2026 financial reports
• Acceptance of October 23, 2025 meeting minutes
• Invoice History Report – October 2025

Gardner Cultural Council

The Gardner Cultural Council will review applications submitted to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for fiscal year 2026. The council will decide which applicants receive funding and set a schedule for posting approvals or denials on the MCC website. The meeting also includes adjournment of any old business.

• Review of Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) applicants for FY26
• Decision on allotments awarded to approved MCC applicants
• Schedule to approve or deny applicants on the MCC website

Board of Health

The Gardner Board of Health will hold an executive session at 6:00 p.m. The session will include second interviews for the Director of Public Health candidate. No other agenda items are listed.

• Executive Session – Director of Public Health candidate second interviews

The Board of Health opened an executive session and completed second interviews with the final two candidates. Members then voted unanimously to hold another executive session at the November 24 meeting to finalize the decision on hiring the next Health Director. No other actions were taken.

• Opened executive session (unanimous)
• Approved holding executive session on 11/24 to finalize health director hiring (unanimous)

School Subcommittees

The Gardner Public Schools Policy Subcommittee will meet to approve the minutes from the October 15, 2025 meeting and to review a series of policy items, including procedures, communications, conferences, and member compensation. The committee will also discuss the annual school budget, field trip approval forms, and educational equity initiatives. The next meeting is scheduled for December 17, 2025.

• Approval of meeting minutes (10.15.2025)
• Review of school committee procedures and communications policies
• Consideration of school committee member compensation
• Discussion of the annual school budget
• Review and approval of field trip approval form

The Policy Subcommittee unanimously approved the October 15 minutes and voted to table two field‑trip policies until the December meeting. It also approved recommended changes to eight other policies and directed that each be sent to the full School Committee for a first read in December.

• Approved October 15, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled Policy IJOA – Field Trips and IJOA‑E – Field Trip Approval Form to Dec meeting
• Sent Policy BGD – School Committee Review of Procedures with changes to Dec full committee (unanimous)
• Sent Policy BHC – School Committee – Staff Communications with changes to Dec full committee (unanimous)
• Sent Policy BIBA – School Committee Conferences, Conventions, and Workshops with changes to Dec full committee (unanimous)
• Sent Policy CB – School Superintendent with changes to Dec full committee (unanimous)
• Sent Policy CH – Policy Implementation with changes to Dec full committee (unanimous)
• Sent Policy JBB – Educational Equity with DESE‑required changes to Dec full committee (unanimous)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on three pending applications. They will consider a request for sign requirement relief at 4 Oak Street (PID M22-4-57), a proposal for a new multi‑family dwelling by Walnut Heritage House Trust at 63 Walnut Street (PID R27-22-20), and an application for a motor‑vehicle light service business by Patrick J. Comiskey at 381 East Broadway (PID W12-18-4A). The meeting will also cover routine new‑business items such as announcements, correspondence, and acceptance or correction of prior minutes.

• Public hearing: sign requirement relief request – 4 Oak St (PID M22-4-57)
• Public hearing: 7‑unit multi‑family dwelling proposal – 63 Walnut St (PID R27-22-20)
• Public hearing: motor‑vehicle light service (fuel sales, oil changes) – 381 East Broadway (PID W12-18-4A)
• New Business: announcements and correspondence
• New Business: acceptance or correction of previous meeting minutes

The board accepted the withdrawal of a sign variance application without prejudice. It approved a special permit for Walnut Heritage House Trust to develop seven multi‑family dwellings at 63 Walnut St., subject to pre‑established conditions. It also approved a special permit for Center Auto to provide motor‑vehicle light service at 381 E Broadway. Minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting were tabled until the next month.

• Accepted withdrawal of NH Signs variance application (unanimous yeas)
• Approved special permit for Walnut Heritage House Trust, 63 Walnut St., with conditions (unanimous yeas)
• Approved special permit for Center Auto, 381 E Broadway, under Table of Uses #45 (unanimous yeas)
• Tabled October 21, 2025 meeting minutes until next month

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will review a communication from Tighe & Bond regarding the North Central Pathway Extension (MassDOT Project No. 613260). The body will also discuss administrative rules for historic preservation special permits and several local preservation projects.

• North Central Pathway Extension MassDOT Project No. 613260 Section 106 Review
• Law Department review of Rules & Regulations for Historic Preservation Special Permits
• Old Burying Ground Restoration Project
• Greenwood Memorial Pool Artifacts/Demolition
• Sauter School & School Street School disposition status

The commission voted to accept the minutes of the October 21, 2025 meeting. They approved a motion authorizing Chair Chris Pera to prepare and submit a letter to the Building Commission about the historic significance of City Hall. The members agreed to schedule a site visit by two commissioners to review the North Central Pathway Extension project. The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.

• Approved acceptance of October 21, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by La Haye, seconded by Huntoon)
• Authorized Chair to prepare and submit City Hall historic significance letter (vote passed)
• Agreed to schedule a site visit by two members for North Central Pathway Extension review
• Adjourned meeting at 7:28 p.m. (motion by Huntoon, seconded by La Haye)

Public Welfare Committee

The Public Welfare Committee will meet to receive updates from several city departments and commissions. No specific votes or new ordinances are listed on the agenda.

• Recreation Department update
• Airport Commission update
• Greenwood Pool update
• Disability Commission update

The committee heard updates from the Recreation Department, Airport officials, and received reports on Greenwood Pool and the Disability Commission. No motions or votes on policy, budget, or projects were taken. The meeting was adjourned at 5:52 p.m.

Golf Commission

The Gardner Golf Commission will consider approving the minutes from its October 20, 2025 meeting. It will receive an update on the building feasibility study. The commission will review and approve its financial statements and expense report. Additional updates from Dan Berry and Bill Frank will be presented.

• Approve meeting minutes from October 20, 2025
• Building feasibility study update (old business)
• Review and approve the financials
• Expense report
• New business updates from Dan Berry and Bill Frank

The commission voted 4‑0 to accept the September 15, 2025 meeting minutes. A motion also passed 4‑0 to keep the upcoming season's golf rates the same. The FY26 financial report was accepted by a 4‑0 vote, and the meeting was adjourned with a 4‑0 vote.

• Accepted September 15, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Approved keeping season rates unchanged (4-0)
• Accepted FY26 financials (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Council

The Gardner City Council meeting will consider several financial appropriations, including $201,951 for the Department of Public Works Road Resurfacing Account and $20,196 for the OPEB Stabilization Account. It will also discuss ordinances to allow cottage kitchens in residential districts and to promote housing growth, as well as a measure to contract on‑call engineering services for the municipal airport. Public hearings are scheduled for National Grid projects on Pleasant Street and Derby Drive.

• Appropriation of $201,951 from free cash to the Public Works Road Resurfacing Account (Item 11725)
• Ordinance to amend Chapter 675 to allow cottage kitchens in residential districts (Item 11688)
• Ordinance to amend Chapter 675 to promote housing growth and production (Item 11704)
• Measure to authorize a five‑year contract for on‑call engineering services for Gardner Municipal Airport (Item 11719)
• Public hearing for National Grid installation of a hand hole and transformer pad on Pleasant Street (Item 11730)

The City Council approved a five‑year on‑call engineering services contract for the municipal airport (10 yeas). It also appropriated $20,196 to the Post‑Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund, $201,951 to the Public Works road‑resurfacing account, and $100,000 to the landfill pump repair account (each 10 yeas). Several ordinance amendments were sent to first printing, including changes to non‑union compensation and lifeguard pay (10 yeas). A motor‑vehicle dealer license was granted to FJ Drive Zone Corp. at 407 Chestnut Street.

• Authorized five‑year on‑call engineering services contract for Gardner Municipal Airport (10 yeas)
• Appropriated $20,196 to Other Post‑Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund (10 yeas)
• Appropriated $201,951 to Department of Public Works – Road Resurfacing Expense Account (10 yeas)
• Appropriated $100,000 to Landfill Pump Repair Account (10 yeas)
• Granted Motor Vehicle Dealers License Class 2 to FJ Drive Zone Corp., 407 Chestnut St. (vote not recorded)
• Sent ordinance amending Chapter 8, Attachment E (Non‑Union Compensation Schedule) to first printing (8 yeas, 2 nays)
• Amended lifeguard and head lifeguard compensation rates (10 yeas)
• Approved ordinance to amend Chapter 675 for cottage kitchens in residential districts (10 yeas)

Williams-Rockwell

The committee will review outstanding awarded grants and receive an investment update from Raymond James. The body is scheduled to vote on opening the grant application process for the 2025-2026 school year.

• Review of outstanding awarded grants
• Raymond James Investment update (vote required)
• Opening of 2025-2026 School Year Grant Application Process (vote required)

The committee approved the minutes from the February 26, 2025 meeting. It voted to withdraw and segregate $322,769.70, representing 90% of the fund's assets. The financial report for the Williams‑Rockwell Educational Gift Fund was accepted, and the 2025‑2026 grant application period was extended to Jan. 30 with $322,769.70 available. All motions passed with all members present voting in favor.

• Approved minutes of Feb 26 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved withdrawal and segregation of $322,769.70 from the fund (all in favor)
• Accepted the financial report for the Williams‑Rockwell Educational Gift Fund (all in favor)
• Approved opening the 2025‑2026 grant application season, extending deadline to Jan 30 and allocating $322,769.70 (all in favor)
• Adjourned the meeting (all in favor)

Ad-Hoc Compensation Proposal Committee

The Ad-Hoc Compensation Proposal Committee will meet to discuss the creation of a proposed compensation ordinance for non-union employees. The agenda includes financial forecasting and budget data for various city positions and revenue sources.

• Discussion on proposed compensation ordinance for non-union employees
• Financial forecasting for General Fund (FY2025: $3,109,647.21 to FY2030: $3,614,037.33)
• Enterprise Fund forecasting (FY2025: $400,729.39 to FY2030: $873,255.99)
• Review of FY2026 Revenue projections totaling $82,278,176.00
• Analysis of Proposition 2 1/2 tax levy limits and excess levy capacity

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will consider an ordinance to amend Chapter 600, Section 24 of the City of Gardner Code. The amendment would create an all‑night parking ban, known as a snow ban, from January 1 to March 1 each year, effective nightly from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. The ban would apply to all public ways, highways, and city‑controlled parking lots, with exemptions for emergency vehicles. The ordinance would take effect upon passage and required publication.

• Amend City Code Chapter 600, Section 24 to add an all‑night parking ban (snow ban)
• Ban period: January 1 through March 1, nightly 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Applies to all public ways, highways, and city‑controlled parking lots
• Exempts vehicles acting in an emergency
• Ordinance becomes effective upon passage and publication

The committee voted 3 yeas to recommend holding a public hearing on the winter parking ban towing issue before the next City Council meeting. It also voted 3 yeas to accept the flammable‑license application for E.J. Wyson Trucking at 163 & 169 Colony Road and forward the item to the full Council. Additionally, the committee voted 3 yeas to recommend the Class 2 license application for FJ Drive Zone Corp. at 407 Chestnut Street to the full City Council.

• Recommend public hearing on winter parking ban towing issue (3 yeas)
• Accept E.J. Wyson Trucking flammable license application, send to full Council (3 yeas)
• Recommend FJ Drive Zone Corp. Class 2 license to full Council (3 yeas)

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee will interview and discuss several mayoral appointments to city boards and commissions. The body is reviewing candidates for roles related to planning, zoning, and educational fund oversight.

• Planning Board Member appointments: Richard Roux ($750 stipend) and Paul Cormier ($750 stipend)
• Zoning Board of Appeals appointments: Robert Rice, Alternate Member ($200 stipend) and Melory Cornett, Member ($750 stipend)
• Williams-Rockwell Educational Gift Fund Trustee appointment: James Faust (Volunteer)
• Redevelopment Authority Member appointment: Magnus Paul Carlberg
• Industrial Development Finance Authority Member appointments: Magnus Paul Carlberg and Timothy Horrigan

The Appointments Committee voted to recommend the City Council confirm the mayor’s appointments of Paul Cormier (Planning Board), James Faust (Williams‑Rockwell Educational Gift Fund Trustee), Magnus Paul Carlberg (Redevelopment Authority and Industrial Development Finance Authority), and Timothy Horrigan (Industrial Development Finance Authority). Each motion was made by Councilor Kazinskas, seconded by Councilor Heglin, and passed with three yeas. The committee deferred decisions on Richard Roux, Robert Rice, and Melory Cornett, requesting more time.

• Recommended confirmation of Paul Cormier as Planning Board Member (3 yeas)
• Recommended confirmation of James Faust as Williams‑Rockwell Educational Gift Fund Trustee (3 yeas)
• Recommended confirmation of Magnus Paul Carlberg as Redevelopment Authority Member (3 yeas)
• Recommended confirmation of Magnus Paul Carlberg as Industrial Development Finance Authority Member (3 yeas)
• Recommended confirmation of Timothy Horrigan as Industrial Development Finance Authority Member (3 yeas)
• Deferred decision on Richard Roux, Planning Board Member (requested more time)
• Deferred decision on Robert Rice, Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate Member (requested more time)
• Deferred decision on Melory Cornett, Zoning Board Member (requested more time)

Board of Health

The Gardner Board of Health will meet at 5:10 p.m. in the Hubbard Conference Room for an executive session. The session will include interviews of candidates for the Director of Public Health. An announcement will remind attendees of the policy on video or audio recordings. A notice states that agenda items are anticipated by the Health Agent and may change.

• Executive session at 5:10 p.m.
• Interviews of Director of Public Health candidates
• Announcement on recording policy for open session
• Notice that agenda items are anticipated and may change

The Board of Health voted to proceed with the interview process as outlined, with all members present voting in favor. Two candidates will be called back for a second interview on November 19 at 6 pm in the Executive session. The Chair will contact the HR Director in the morning to update on the interview process. The next meeting is set for Monday, November 19, 2025 at 5:00 pm in the Hubbard Conference Room.

• Approved interview process (unanimous)
• Scheduled second interviews for two candidates on Nov 19 at 6 pm
• Chair to call HR Director in the morning for interview update

Disability Commission

The Disability Commission will review October meeting minutes and discuss updates on the City Accessibility project and a donation to the Community Action Committee. The meeting will also cover a monthly CODA call update and other business.

• Review and approve October 8, 2025, meeting minutes
• Monthly CODA call update
• ADA Coordinator update
• City Councilor update
• Donation to CAC

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review and approve the meeting minutes and consider several agenda items. It will receive the mayor’s communication that the Massachusetts Department of Revenue certified Gardner’s FY2026 tax rate at $13.77, establishing a total levy of $35,085,926.81 for the fiscal year. The committee will also consider appropriations from free cash to the City Stabilization, OPEB Stabilization, and Public Works Road Resurfacing accounts, an $11,000 transfer within the Health Department, and a measure to award a five‑year on‑call engineering contract for the Gardner Municipal Airport.

• Certification of FY2026 tax rate at $13.77 (Mayor’s communication)
• Authorization of up to five‑year on‑call engineering services contract for Gardner Municipal Airport
• Appropriation of $100,975 from free cash to the City Stabilization Account
• Appropriation of $20,196 from free cash to the City Other Post Employee Benefits (OPEB) Stabilization Account
• Transfer of $11,000 from Health Department Salary and Wages to Health Department Operating Expenditure Account

The Finance Committee made several approvals, including a $201,951 appropriation for the Department of Public Works road resurfacing account and a $20,196 transfer to the Other Post‑Employment Benefits Trust Fund. It also authorized a five‑year on‑call engineering contract for the municipal airport and payment of a $750 prior‑year health commission salary expense. Several items were deferred for more information or removed from the agenda.

• Recommended to place FY2026 tax rate certification on file (3 yeas)
• Authorized a five‑year on‑call engineering services contract for Gardner Municipal Airport (3 yeas)
• Authorized payment of $750 prior‑year Board of Health/Conservation Commission salary expense (3 yeas)
• Recommended to place FY2025 free cash certification on file (3 yeas)
• Appropriated $20,196 from free cash to the Other Post‑Employment Benefits Trust Fund (3 yeas)
• Appropriated $201,951 from free cash to the Department of Public Works road resurfacing account (3 yeas)
• Removed the $95,000 Landfill Closure appropriation from the agenda (3 yeas)
• Appropriated $100,000 from free cash to the Landfill Pump Repair Account (3 yeas)

School Committee

The Gardner School Committee will adopt a consent agenda that includes a $44,910 grant for social‑emotional learning and four warrants totaling $2,267,593.80. It will conduct first and second readings of several policies, including the annual budget and student discipline, and vote to move the School Improvement Plan from the policy manual to the procedures manual. A vote on a surplus of equipment and several informational updates will also be considered.

• Accept $44,910 grant for FY26 Social Emotional Learning, Behavioral & Mental Health program
• Approve Warrants #26‑15 ($206,992.59), #26‑16 ($263,460.63), #26‑17 ($887,325.63), #26‑18 ($409,814.25)
• First reading of policies: DB – Annual Budget; DBG – Budget Adoption Procedures; EFD – Nutrition Policy; JIC – Student Discipline
• Vote to remove the School Improvement Plan from the policy manual and place it in the procedures manual
• Vote on surplus of equipment

The committee accepted the consent agenda, which included a $44,910 grant and four warrants ranging from $206,992.59 to $887,325.63. It declared 91 kitchen items surplus and authorized their disposal. The board approved a second reading of four policies and removed one policy from the manual. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted Consent Agenda – grant $44,910.00 and Warrants #26-15 ($206,992.59), #26-16 ($263,460.63), #26-17 ($887,325.63), #26-18 ($409,814.25) – Vote so voted (Mayor abstained)
• Declared Item #3732 (91 kitchen items) surplus and authorized disposal – Vote so voted (Mayor abstained)
• Approved second reading of policies DB, DBG, EFD, JIC – Vote so voted (Mayor abstained)
• Removed policy BDFA-E-1 (School Improvement Plan) from policy manual to procedures manual – Vote so voted (Mayor abstained)
• Adjourned meeting – Vote so voted (Mayor abstained)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings regarding wetlands protection for projects at 31 Travers St., Dunn State Park, 42 Linus Allain Avenue, and 827 Green Street. The body will also consider reimbursement for an enforcement workshop.

• Public hearing for carport installation at 31 Travers St.
• Public hearing for drainage and resurfacing at Dunn State Park (289 Pearl Street)
• Public hearing for building addition and parking at 42 Linus Allain Avenue
• Public hearing for building construction at 827 Green Street
• Vote on reimbursement up to $595.00 for enforcement workshop participation

The Commission approved the minutes from the October 27 meeting. It continued the public hearing for 31 Travers Street and for 827 Green Street until the November 24 meeting. It closed the hearings for Dunn State Park and 42 Linus Allain Avenue and issued standard Orders of Conditions for each project. The board also approved a $595 reimbursement for staff training and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved minutes of 10/27/25 (5-0-0)
• Continued hearing for 31 Travers St until 11/24/25 (5-0-0)
• Closed hearing for Dunn State Park and issued standard Order of Conditions (5-0-0)
• Closed hearing for 42 Linus Allain Avenue and issued standard Order of Conditions (5-0-0)
• Continued hearing for 827 Green St until 11/24/25 (5-0-0)
• Approved reimbursement up to $595 for staff participation (5-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (5-0-0)

License Commission

The Gardner License Commission will consider four one-day permits for holiday events at the Perry Auditorium. The board will also discuss the status of several liquor license applications pending state approval.

• Holiday event permits for Heywood Hospital, Gateway Fiber, Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce, and Women’s Circle of Giving
• Status update on Sawa Asian Cuisine & Lounge transfer pending new state certificates
• Status update on Sawa to Go new license application pending state review
• Status update on South Gardner Hotel license transfer pending state review
• License renewal deadline set for November 26, 2025

The License Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved four one‑day alcohol permits for events at the Perry Auditorium. The Commission approved the transfer of the Sawa Asian Cuisine & Lounge license, the new on‑premises license for Sawa to Go, and the officer change for the Gardner Fish & Gun Club. All approved items were submitted to the ABCC for final action.

• Approved October 14, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Heywood Hospital 1‑Day All‑Alcohol permit (unanimous)
• Approved Gateway Fiber Meet & Great 1‑Day Beer & Wine permit (unanimous)
• Approved Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce 1‑Day All‑Alcohol permit (unanimous)
• Approved Women’s Circle of Giving 1‑Day Beer & Wine permit (unanimous)
• Approved Sawa Asian Cuisine & Lounge license transfer (unanimous)
• Approved Sawa to Go new on‑premises annual All‑Alcohol license (unanimous)
• Approved Gardner Fish & Gun Club officer change (unanimous)

Gardner Cultural Council

The Gardner Cultural Council will review applications submitted to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for fiscal year 2026. The council will decide which applicants receive allotments. It will also set a schedule for posting approvals or denials on the MCC website.

• Review of Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) applicants for FY26
• Decision on allotments for approved MCC applicants
• Schedule to post approval or denial of applicants on the MCC website

School Subcommittees

The Facilities Sub-Committee will meet to discuss project updates and other old or new business. The agenda does not list specific projects or proposals for decision.

• Projects update

The Facilities Sub‑Committee approved the September 2, 2025 meeting minutes. It voted to recommend a list of ninety‑one excess kitchen equipment items to the school committee for disposal. The committee also noted that only assistant principals may now submit maintenance work orders. The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m.

• Approved September 2, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Recommended surplus kitchen equipment list of 91 items for disposal by school committee (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:25 p.m. (motion passed)

School Subcommittees

The Gardner Public Schools Finance Subcommittee will meet on November 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM in Room 201 of 160 Elm Street. The committee will consider approval of the previous meeting’s minutes, review an expense report, receive updates on school projects, discuss gifts and donations, and consider any new business. Items listed are anticipated by the chair but may not all be discussed.

• Approval of minutes from the previous Finance Subcommittee meeting
• Expense report review
• Projects update
• Gifts & donations discussion
• New business

The sub‑committee approved the minutes from the September 2, 2025 Finance meeting. The meeting was then adjourned at 5:10 p.m. No other actions were taken.

• Approved September 2, 2025 Finance Subcommittee minutes (so voted)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:10 p.m. (so voted)

Airport Commission

The Gardner Airport Commission will first approve the minutes from the previous meeting. It will then review the environmental assessment and obstruction analysis prepared by Gales Associates, Inc. The commission will hear the airport manager’s report. Finally, the board will consider a Letter of Agreement with MIT/LL.

• Approve previous meeting minutes
• Review Gales Associates’ environmental assessment and obstruction analysis
• Airport manager’s report
• Consider Letter of Agreement with MIT/LL

The meeting consisted of updates on wildlife hazard payments, the draft obstruction study, and the airport's Capital Improvement Plan. The manager reported available funds and expenses, and noted that the MIT usage agreement has not yet been received. No motions, votes, or approvals were recorded.

Planning Board

The Gardner Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a building addition and site improvements for Mount Wachusett Community College at 42 Linus Allain Avenue. It will review preliminary site plans for a GAAMHA building at 827 Green Street and a Walmart fueling station at 677 Timpany Blvd. Two zoning ordinances will be considered: one to allow cottage kitchens in residential districts and another to promote housing growth. The board will also vote to approve the minutes from the October 14, 2025 regular meeting.

• Public hearing: Mount Wachusett Community College building addition, 42 Linus Allain Avenue
• Preliminary site plan review: GAAMHA proposed building, 827 Green Street
• Preliminary site plan review: Walmart proposed fueling station, 677 Timpany Blvd
• Ordinance to amend Chapter 675 to allow cottage kitchens in residential districts
• Ordinance to amend Chapter 675 to promote housing growth

The Board approved the October 14th minutes (4-0). It continued the Mount Wachusett Community College site plan hearing to Dec. 9 (4-0). It approved sending an ordinance to allow cottage kitchens in residential districts to City Council (4-0). It also approved sending an ordinance to promote housing growth and production to City Council (4-0).

• Approved October 14 minutes (4-0)
• Continued MWCC site plan hearing to Dec. 9 (4-0)
• Sent cottage‑kitchen zoning amendment to City Council (4-0)
• Sent housing‑growth zoning amendment to City Council (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss borrowing $6,911,028.00 for the Gardner Middle School Accelerated Repair Roof Replacement Project. The city expects to receive up to 80% reimbursement from the Massachusetts School Building Authority for eligible costs. A public hearing is also scheduled regarding a flammable license application.

• Proposed borrowing of $6,911,028.00 for roof replacement at 297 Catherine Street
• Public hearing for a flammable license application by E.J.Wyson Trucking at 163 & 169 Colony Road
• October Economic and Community Development Update

The City Council voted 11-0 to appropriate $6,911,028 for the Gardner Middle School roof replacement project. It also approved a flammable license for E.J. Wyson Trucking at 163 & 169 Colony Road and scheduled a public hearing. The council placed the October Economic and Community Development Update on file. The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

• Appropriated $6,911,028 for Gardner Middle School roof replacement (11 yeas)
• Granted flammable license application for E.J. Wyson Trucking, 163 & 169 Colony Rd (11 yeas)
• Placed October Economic and Community Development Update on file (11 yeas)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:54 p.m. (motion passed)

City Council

The Gardner City Council and Planning Board will hold a Joint Public Hearing on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, Room 219, City Hall, 95 Pleasant Street. The hearing will consider two ordinances to amend Chapter 675 of the zoning code: Ordinance 11688 to allow cottage kitchens in residential districts, and Ordinance 11704 to promote housing growth through new Small Home provisions, ADU rules, and expedited permitting. All interested residents may attend and offer testimony.

• Ordinance 11688 – amendment to allow operation and use of cottage kitchens in residential districts.
• Ordinance 11704 – adds Section 675‑850 for Small Homes (tiny and efficiency homes) permitting up to 10 units per acre in specified residential districts.
• Ordinance 11704 – replaces Section 820 with new ADU rules allowing accessory dwelling units up to 1,250 sq ft by right in all residential zones.
• Ordinance 11704 – creates Section 675‑860 to streamline and expedite permitting for residential development projects.

The council and Planning Board heard public testimony on Ordinance #11688 to allow cottage kitchens in residential districts and Ordinance #11704 to promote housing growth. No members of the public spoke, and council members asked questions but did not vote. The hearing was closed at 7:30 p.m. with no formal decisions recorded.

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission will hold a special meeting to act on a proposal for the Old Burying Ground Assessment. The commission is reviewing an estimate for a master plan to assess and categorize gravestones for repair and preservation.

• Proposal for Old Burying Ground Assessment
• Estimate from Gravestone Services of New England, LLC for $4,500.00

The commission voted to approve the consensus to proceed with an assessment estimate from Gravestone Services of New England, requesting a new date for the estimate. The motion passed with all members in favor. The meeting was then adjourned at 8:30 a.m.

• Approved moving forward with Gravestone Services assessment estimate (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:30 a.m. (unanimous)

Bandstand Committee

The Bandstand Committee will first approve minutes from its previous meeting. It will then discuss the previous season's activities and consider potential performers for upcoming events. The committee will review its financial statements before addressing any other business.

• Approve minutes from previous meeting
• Discuss previous season of band performances
• Discuss potential performers for upcoming season
• Review financial statements
• Other business

The committee approved the minutes from 10/15/2025 with corrections. Members agreed to add a QR code to the 2026 concert flyers for donations and information. The meeting was adjourned at 4:05 p.m. after a motion to adjourn.

• Accepted minutes from 10/15/2025 with corrections
• Agreed to print QR code on 2026 concert flyers
• Will not hold a concert on July 4th, but will hold one during the food‑truck festival
• Adjourned meeting at 4:05 p.m.

Community Development Block Grant Steering Committee

The Community Development Block Grant Steering Committee will consider budget changes for FY2022‑23 and FY2024 CDBG mini‑entitlement funds, including transfers of $102,447 and $618,200 to Greenwood Pool projects and the cancellation of the School Street School demolition. The committee will discuss how to select new projects using the remaining FY2022‑23 funds of $158,206.52 and FY2024 funds of $173,142.51 if the transfers are approved. The meeting also includes project updates and a vote to approve the September 23, 2025 regular‑meeting minutes.

• Transfer of $102,447 from the 205‑213 Main Street demolition project to the Greenwood Pool demolition project
• Transfer of $618,200 from the School St. School demolition project to a new Greenwood Pool Pavilion project and cancellation of the School St. School demolition project
• Discussion of selecting new projects for $158,206.52 (FY2022‑23) and $173,142.51 (FY2024) funds pending transfer approvals
• Updates on demolition of 205‑213 Main Street and Greenwood Pool demolition and construction of an outdoor pavilion
• Vote to approve minutes of the Regular Meeting held on September 23, 2025

The steering committee voted 4‑0 to move $102,447 from the completed 205‑213 Main Street demolition project to the Greenwood Pool demolition project. It also voted 4‑0 to postpone the public hearing on a $618,200 transfer for the Greenwood Pool Pavilion until the November meeting. Additional motions to continue the discussion at the next meeting and to accept the September minutes both passed unanimously.

• Approved $102,447 transfer to Greenwood Pool demolition (4:0)
• Postponed public hearing on $618,200 transfer for Greenwood Pool Pavilion until November (4:0)
• Continued discussion of fund reallocation at next meeting (4:0)
• Accepted September 23, 2025 minutes without reading (4:0)

Retirement Board

The Gardner Contributory Retirement Board will review and approve the pre‑close trial balance, general ledger, and the City Treasurer’s bank reconciliation. It will also consider accounts payable and payroll warrants, an investment review for September 2025, the final actuarial valuation report for 2025, and approve retirements while acknowledging deceased members.

• Approve Pre‑Close Trial Balance, General Ledger, and City Treasurer’s Bank Reconciliation
• Accounts Payable & Payroll Warrants #10/25
• Investment Review – PRIT Statement, September 2025
• Final Actuarial Valuation Report as of 01/01/2025
• Approve retirements; acknowledge deceased member(s)

Board of Health

The Gardner Board of Health approved the final draft of the Well Regulations, which will become effective on January 1, 2026. The board also authorized a Title 5 Local Upgrade Approval for 9 Stone Street, reducing the required setback to 3 feet. Health department updates included a $40,000 funding shortfall for the landfill leachate pump replacement and a pending $168,000 bid for a full leachate system repair. The board discussed recent improvements at the town transfer station, such as new stairs, erosion controls, and a change in metal hauler service.

• Adopted Well Regulations to be effective Jan 1 2026
• Approved Title 5 Local Upgrade Approval for 9 Stone Street (setback reduction to 3 ft)
• Identified $40,000 funding gap for landfill leachate pump replacement, pending city council vote
• Opened bid for $168,000 leachate system repair; $115,000 already encumbered
• Transfer station upgrades: new stairs with railings, erosion control, and switch to EL Harvey metal hauler

The Board approved the July 1, 2025 meeting minutes and tabled the September 22, 2025 minutes for the November meeting. Angela DiPrima was named Acting Director and Dewan Falzon started a new position on October 22, 2025. A contract for leachate pump replacement at the landfill was awarded and signed. A housing unit was condemned and the owner ordered to complete repairs within set timeframes.

• July 1, 2025 minutes approved by all members present
• September 22, 2025 minutes tabled for November meeting
• Angela DiPrima appointed Acting Director of the Health Department
• Dewan Falzon began new position on 10/22/2025
• Leachate pump replacement contract awarded and signed
• One housing unit condemned; occupant to be housed for at least 3 nights
• Owner ordered to complete repairs within 30 days and remaining violations within 60 days
• Annual food, tobacco and sanitation permits opened for renewal (Oct 1–Nov 30, 2025)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings regarding a new sewer line and improvements at Dunn State Park and 42 Linus Allain Avenue. The body will also discuss a contractor building at 170 Mill Street and a project with the North County Land Trust.

• Proposed sewer line installation at 150 Linus Allain Avenue
• Drainage improvement and resurfacing at Dunn State Park (289 Pearl Street)
• Building addition and parking improvements at 42 Linus Allain Avenue
• Contractor building construction at 170 Mill Street
• Vote for $1,680.00 for seasonal mowing of the Alisauskas Property off Howard Street

The Conservation Commission approved the September 22 minutes and issued a Certificate of Compliance for 95 Peason Boulevard. It voted to continue enforcement discussions for the Sludge Landfill, 36 Nicolle Terrace, and 282 Brookside Drive. The commission closed the hearing on the 150 Linus Allain Avenue sewer line and issued a Negative 3 Determination. It also approved a $1,680 payment for seasonal mowing of the Alisauskas Property.

• Approved minutes of 9/22/25 (6-0-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for DEP#160-0617, 95 Peason Blvd (6-0-0)
• Continued Sludge Landfill enforcement discussion until 11/24/25 (6-0-0)
• Continued enforcement for 36 Nicolle Terrace until 5/11/26 (6-0-0)
• Continued enforcement for 282 Brookside Drive until 5/11/26 (6-0-0)
• Closed RDA hearing for 150 Linus Allain Ave and issued Negative 3 Determination (6-0-0)
• Continued NOI hearing for Dunn State Park (DEP#160-0680) until 11/10/25 (6-0-0)
• Approved $1,680 payment to Alan LaPierre for seasonal mowing (6-0-0)

Gardner Housing Authority

The Gardner Housing Authority will open its regular meeting, accept the minutes from the September 23, 2025 meeting, hear the Executive Director’s report on other matters, review the September 2025 invoice history, allow public comment, and then adjourn.

• Motion to Open Meeting
• Acceptance of Minutes – Regular Mtg. September 23, 2025
• Executive Director’s Report – Other Matters
• Invoice History Report – September 2025
• Public Comment

Gardner Redevelopment Authority

The Gardner Redevelopment Authority will consider approval of the minutes from its September 24, 2025 regular meeting. It will receive an update on the Urban Renewal Plan, including the status of properties at 155 Mill Street, 85 Winter Street, and 205‑213 Main Street, and discuss current financial information. The meeting will also include the introduction of new board members.

• Vote to approve minutes of the September 24, 2025 regular meeting
• Update on 155 Mill Street and 85 Winter Street under the Urban Renewal Plan
• Status report on prospective buyers for 205‑213 Main Street
• Discussion of current financials for the Urban Renewal Plan
• Introduction of new board members

The Gardner Redevelopment Authority approved the September 24 minutes with a 5‑0 vote. It then voted 5‑0 to enter an executive session to discuss a land sale. The meeting was adjourned by a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved September 24 minutes (5-0)
• Entered executive session for land sale (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Zoning Board

The board will hold a public hearing on a request to modify sign requirements for the property at 4 Oak Street (PID# M22-4-57). The board will also consider routine new‑business items, including announcements, correspondence, and acceptance or correction of the previous meeting’s minutes.

• Public hearing: request for sign‑requirements relief at 4 Oak St. (PID# M22-4-57)
• Acceptance of and/or corrections to minutes of previous meeting(s)
• Announcements and correspondence

The Zoning Board accepted the September meeting minutes by unanimous vote. It also voted unanimously to grant a continuation of the variance request for NH Signs at 4 Oak Street, directing the applicant to meet with the Building Commissioner before a final decision.

• Accepted September minutes (unanimous)
• Granted continuation of NH Signs variance application until next month (unanimous)
• Directed applicant to meet with Building Commissioner to re‑evaluate parapet wall status

Historical Commission

The Gardner Historical Commission will meet on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at the Gardner Museum Resource Room, 28 Pearl Street. The agenda includes approval of the September 23, 2025 meeting minutes, administrative items such as membership recruitment and a law department review of historic preservation rules, and discussion of several projects. Project topics include historic markers, the Old Burying Ground restoration, Greenwood Memorial Pool artifacts, school disposition status, community‑center archives, and a MACRIS update. No specific decisions or votes are indicated in the agenda.

• Old Burying Ground Restoration & Preservation
• Greenwood Memorial Pool Artifacts/Demolition
• Sauter School & School Street School Disposition Status
• Gardner Community Center/Archives Development
• Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS) Update

The Gardner Historical Commission approved the September 23, 2025 meeting minutes. It accepted a $4,500 assessment proposal from Gravestone Services for the Old Burying Ground, pending Cemetery Commission approval. Commissioners voted to send a collaborative letter to local institutions and provided forms to a resident seeking historic register status. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

• Approved September 23, 2025 minutes
• Accepted $4,500 assessment proposal from Gravestone Services (subject to Cemetery Commission approval)
• Approved sending collaborative letter to Levi Heywood Library, Gardner Museum, Mount Wachusett Community College, and South Gardner Historical Society
• Provided historic register forms to resident Heather Mount
• Adjourned meeting at 7:25 p.m.

Golf Commission

The Gardner Golf Commission will meet to approve meeting minutes, discuss a building feasibility study, and review financial reports.

• Approve September 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Vote on building feasibility study
• Review and approve financials
• Review expense report

The Golf Commission accepted the September 15 minutes (5‑0). It approved a $33,600 building feasibility study to inform a potential new building (4‑1). The commission also accepted FY26 year‑to‑date financials (5‑0) and adjourned the meeting (5‑0).

• Accepted September 15 minutes (5-0)
• Approved $33,600 building feasibility study (4-1)
• Accepted FY26 YTD financials (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

The Gardner City Council will discuss the FY2026 Tax Classification Hearing and consider a measure to borrow $6,911,028 for the Gardner Middle School roof replacement project at 297 Catherine Street. The council will also review an ordinance adding an Assistant Youth Center Director position to the Non‑Union Compensation Schedule and confirm several mayoral appointments. Additional items include a measure related to the November 4, 2025 city election and other public hearing matters.

• Measure to borrow $6,911,028 for Gardner Middle School roof replacement at 297 Catherine Street
• Ordinance amending the Non‑Union Compensation Schedule to add an Assistant Youth Center Director position
• FY2026 Tax Classification Hearing (public hearing)
• Confirmation of mayor's appointments to Redevelopment Authority, Industrial Development Finance Authority, and other boards
• Measure relative to the November 4, 2025 City Election

The City Council adopted a residential factor of one for real‑estate taxation for FY2026. It voted to request additional time to consider borrowing $6,911,028 for the Gardner Middle School roof replacement project. An ordinance adding an Assistant Youth Center Director position at $20 per hour was approved. Two mayoral appointments of Jonathan Zlotnik to authority boards were confirmed.

• Adopted residential factor of one for FY2026 real‑estate taxation (11 yeas)
• Granted request for more time on borrowing $6,911,028 for Gardner Middle School roof project (11 yeas)
• Approved ordinance adding Assistant Youth Center Director position at $20.00 hourly (11 yeas)
• Placed on file Public Safety Committee update (11 yeas)
• Confirmed Mayor's appointment of Jonathan Zlotnik to Redevelopment Authority (10 yeas, 1 abstention)
• Confirmed Mayor's appointment of Jonathan Zlotnik to Industrial Development Finance Authority (10 yeas, 1 abstention)
• Placed on file Communication from Mayor regarding FY2026 LA‑4 certification (11 yeas)
• Placed on file Communication from Mayor regarding FY2026 LA‑13 certification (11 yeas)

Ad-Hoc Compensation Proposal Committee

The Ad-Hoc Compensation Proposal Committee will meet to discuss creating a proposed compensation ordinance for non-union employees. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, at 6:30pm in the City Council Chambers.

• Discussion regarding creation of proposed compensation ordinance for non-union employees
• Ad-Hoc Compensation Proposal Committee meeting
• City Council Chambers, Gardner City Hall, 95 Pleasant Street

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will begin the meeting, approve the minutes from the September 24, 2025 meeting, and consider its recommendation to the City Council on adopting either a single or split property tax rate for fiscal year 2026. The board will also hold an executive session under state law and will discuss, review, and decide on FY26 exemption applications.

• Approve minutes from the September 24, 2025 Board of Assessors meeting
• Vote on recommendation to adopt a single or split tax rate for FY2026
• Enter executive session under G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(7)
• Review and approve or deny FY26 exemption applications

The Board approved the September 24, 2025 minutes (2‑0). It voted to recommend a Residential Factor of 1, creating a single tax rate, to the City Council (3‑0). The Board entered Executive Session (3‑0) and approved Clauses 17D (2), 22A‑F (1) and 41C (2) while denying Clause 22E (2).

• Accepted September 24, 2025 minutes (2-0)
• Recommended Residential Factor of 1 to City Council (3-0)
• Entered Executive Session (3-0)
• Approved Clause 17D (2)
• Approved Clause 22A-F (1)
• Approved Clause 41C (2)
• Denied Clause 22E (2)

Public Safety Committee

The committee discussed a recommendation to shorten the winter parking ban from five months to three months (December to March) to reduce towing volume and DPW delays. The police department provided updates on staffing, grant funding, and a request for supplemental body camera funding.

• Proposal to change winter parking ban dates to December through March
• Police department reported $128,000 in overtime spent since July 1, 2025
• Request for supplemental funding for body cameras to be brought to full council
• Discussion of potential updates to parking signage and overnight parking inventory
• Report of three upcoming police retirements and budget cuts to Shannon state grants

The Public Safety Committee waived reading and accepted the minutes from August 28 and September 12, 2025 (3 yeas). It also voted to place a traffic commission measure regarding a 25‑mph speed limit on file pending law department review (3 yeas). No other substantive actions were decided.

• Waived reading and accepted minutes of Aug 28 & Sep 12, 2025 (3 yeas)
• Placed traffic commission speed‑limit measure on file (3 yeas)

Public Welfare Committee

The Public Welfare Committee voted to forward two items to the full City Council for approval. One is Measure 11683, authorizing the mayor to sign an intermunicipal agreement that extends Gardner’s veteran services to Hubbardston, with an intermunicipal fee of $2 per resident prorated for six months. The second is Ordinance 11688, amending the zoning code to permit cottage‑kitchen operations in single‑family, rural residential, and general residential districts.

• Measure 11683 – Intermunicipal agreement for veteran services with Hubbardston; fee $2 per resident, prorated for six months; district population would rise to 57,195.
• Ordinance 11688 – Zoning amendment allowing cottage kitchens in residential districts (single‑family, rural residential, general residential).

The Public Welfare Committee approved waiving the reading and accepting the September 30, 2025 minutes. It voted 3 yeas to increase the maximum square footage for an accessible dwelling unit from 900 to 1,250. The committee also voted 3 yeas to send the amended housing ordinance to the full City Council for passage.

• Accepted September 30, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Amended accessible dwelling unit maximum size from 900 sq ft to 1,250 sq ft (3 yeas)
• Referred amended housing ordinance to full council for passage (3 yeas)

Bandstand Committee

The Bandstand Committee will meet to review the previous season and discuss potential performers. The body will also review financial statements and approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Discussion of previous season
• Discussion of potential performers
• Review of financial statements

The committee accepted the minutes from the October 15 meeting. It decided not to hold a concert on July 4th and will instead include a concert during the food‑truck festival. The Polish American Vet pledged a $1,000 donation as a sponsor. The next meeting is set for October 30, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.

• Accepted minutes from 10/15/2025 (motion passed)
• Cancelled concert on July 4th (no concert scheduled)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review and approve the previous meeting minutes. It will consider the mayor’s communications certifying the FY2026 LA‑4 property valuation and the FY2026 LA‑13 new‑growth assessment, which affect the upcoming tax rate. The committee will discuss a measure setting the November 4 2025 city election schedule. In subcommittee, members will discuss health‑insurance payments and a measure to declare the land at 13‑17 West Lynde Street surplus, authorizing its sale for at least $1,000.

• Review and approval of meeting minutes
• Mayor’s certification of FY2026 LA‑4 property valuations
• Mayor’s certification of FY2026 LA‑13 new‑growth valuations
• Discussion of the City’s health‑insurance payments and trust fund
• Measure to declare 13‑17 West Lynde Street land surplus, minimum sale price $1,000

The Finance Committee recommended that the full Council place the FY2026 LA‑4 and LA‑13 tax certifications on file. It also adopted the City Election Order setting the November 4, 2025 election date. The committee granted additional time for discussion of health‑insurance payments and the disposition of land at 13‑17 West Lynde Street.

• Recommend to full Council to place FY2026 LA‑4 certification on file (3 yeas, motion passes)
• Recommend to full Council to place FY2026 LA‑13 certification on file (3 yeas, motion passes)
• Adopt City Election Order for November 4, 2025 election (3 yeas, motion passes)
• Grant more time for Health Insurance Payments and Trust Fund discussion (3 yeas, motion passes)
• Grant more time for disposition of land at 13‑17 West Lynde Street (3 yeas, motion passes)
• Adjourn meeting at 4:07 PM (3 yeas, motion passes)

School Subcommittees

The Gardner Public Schools Policy Subcommittee will approve the minutes from September 17, 2025 and review a series of school policies, including duties of the Vice Chair, Secretary, and other officers, the superintendent contract, support services, student progress reports, graduation requirements, and medication administration. The committee will also discuss the August 2025 MASC policy updates. The meeting will set the next subcommittee dates for November 19 and December 17, 2025.

• Approve meeting minutes from 9/17/2025
• Review duties of Vice Chair
• Review superintendent contract
• Review student progress reports to parents/guardians
• Discuss MASC policy updates – August 2025

The Policy Subcommittee unanimously approved the September 17 minutes and marked two policies as reviewed with no changes. It recommended combining policies BDBB and BDBC into Policy BDG and sent the revised Policy BDB to the full School Committee for a first read. Several policies were approved for removal of source dates and one was moved from the policy manual to the procedures manual. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved September 17, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Marked BDF and BEDD policies as reviewed with no changes (unanimous)
• Sent revised Policy BDB (combining BDBB and BDBC) to full School Committee for first read (unanimous)
• Sent Policy BDD with date removals to full School Committee for first read (unanimous)
• Sent Policy BDFA with date removals to full School Committee for first read (unanimous)
• Recommended moving BDFA‑E‑1 (School Improvement Plan) to procedures manual (unanimous)
• Sent Policy BEDG with date removals to full School Committee for first read (unanimous)
• Sent Policy IGB and Policy JLCD with date removals to full School Committee for first read (unanimous)

Appointments Committee

The Gardner Appointments Committee will interview and discuss a series of mayoral appointments. Members will vote on measures confirming appointments to the Redevelopment Authority, Industrial Development Finance Authority, city director positions, and various commissions. The agenda also includes a communication from the mayor regarding the department title and a discussion of committee rules.

• Measure 11653 – Confirm Jonathan Zlotnik as Redevelopment Authority Member (term expires Aug 21 2030)
• Measure 11657 – Confirm Jonathan Zlotnik as Industrial Development Finance Authority Member (term expires Aug 22 2030)
• Measure 11652 – Confirm Judy Mack as Redevelopment Authority Member (term expires Aug 21 2030)
• Measure 11656 – Confirm Judy Mack as Industrial Development Finance Authority Member (term expires Aug 22 2030)
• Measure 11643 – Confirm Joshua Cormier as Director of Purchasing/Civil Enforcement (term expires Aug 21 2028)

The committee approved the amended minutes from the September 24, 2025 meeting with three yeas. It voted to recommend the mayor’s appointments—including Director of Purchasing, Redevelopment Authority members, Industrial Development Finance Authority members, Youth Commission member, and others—to the full council, each passing with three yeas. The committee also voted to keep the Information Technology Director appointment item on the agenda, with three yeas.

• Approved amended minutes from Sep 24, 2025 (3 yeas)
• Recommended confirmation of Joshua Cormier as Director of Purchasing/Civil Enforcement (3 yeas)
• Recommended confirmation of Jonathan Zlotnik as Redevelopment Authority Member (3 yeas)
• Recommended confirmation of Jonathan Zlotnik as Industrial Development Finance Authority Member (3 yeas)
• Recommended confirmation of Judy Mack as Redevelopment Authority Member (3 yeas)
• Recommended confirmation of Judy Mack as Industrial Development Finance Authority Member (3 yeas)
• Voted to keep Robert O'Keefe appointment item on agenda (3 yeas)
• Recommended confirmation of Philip Baczewski as Youth Commission Member (3 yeas)

School Committee

The Gardner School Committee will meet to approve minutes and warrants totaling over $1.7 million, discuss policy updates, and vote on superintendent goals and the district improvement plan.

• Approval of warrants totaling $1,795,302.89
• Vote required on Superintendent Goals (Item #3723)
• Vote required on District Improvement Plan (Item #3724)
• First reading of policies including school nutrition and discipline
• Donation of $16,000 to GHS Music Program

The Gardner School Committee approved the Consent Agenda, ratifying five warrants and a $16,000 music donation. The Committee also approved the Superintendent’s FY26 goals and the District Improvement Plan for 2024‑2027. A first reading was scheduled for four new policies, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Accepted Consent Agenda, including September 8, 2025 minutes (approved)
• Approved Warrant #26-10 for $504,988.41 (approved)
• Approved Warrant #26-11 for $470,112.04 (approved)
• Approved Warrant #26-12 for $153,463.04 (approved)
• Approved Warrant #26-13 for $288,178.13 (approved)
• Approved Warrant #26-14 for $396,564.27 (approved)
• Accepted $16,000 donation to Music & Education Fund (approved)
• Approved Superintendent’s FY26 goals (approved)

Conservation Commission

The Gardner Conservation Commission will vote to approve the minutes from the September 22, 2025 meeting. It will conduct a joint public hearing under MGL Ch. 131 §40 to determine applicability of the Wetlands Protection Act and the city’s Wetlands Protection Ordinance for a proposed sewer line at 150 Linus Allain Avenue, which falls within a Buffer Zone of an Isolated Vegetated Wetland and a Riverfront Area. Public comment will be limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Approve minutes of 9/22/25 meeting
• Joint public hearing on applicability of wetlands protections for sewer line at 150 Linus Allain Avenue
• Public comment limited to 2 minutes per individual
• Request filed by Williams & Sparages, LLC on behalf of JJ McCarthy, LLC

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a continuation of public hearings, including a vote to approve the minutes from the September 12, 2025 regular meeting. It will review the definitive site plan for a building addition and site improvements at Mount Wachusett Community College, 42 Linus Allain Avenue. The board will also consider two zoning amendment ordinances: one to allow cottage kitchens in residential districts (Item 11688) and another to promote housing growth and production (Item 11704).

• Vote to approve minutes of the September 12, 2025 regular meeting
• Public hearing on the definitive site plan for Mount Wachusett Community College, 42 Linus Allain Avenue
• Item 11688 – Ordinance to amend Chapter 675 to allow cottage kitchens in residential districts
• Item 11704 – Ordinance to amend Chapter 675 to promote housing growth and production

The Planning Board voted to continue the Mount Wachusett Community College public hearing to November. It approved the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes. The Board also scheduled joint public hearings with the City Council for Ordinance Items 11688 (cottage kitchens) and 11704 (housing growth) on November 3, 2025, with a follow‑up Board meeting on November 4, 2025. The meeting was adjourned at 6:36 p.m.

• Continued Mount Wachusett Community College public hearing to November (vote 3‑0)
• Approved September 9, 2025 meeting minutes (vote 3‑0)
• Scheduled joint public hearings for Items 11688 and 11704 with City Council (vote 3‑0)
• Set date for joint hearings on November 3, 2025 and Planning Board meeting on November 4, 2025 (vote 3‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:36 p.m. (vote 3‑0)

License Commission

The License Commission will open with announcements and approve the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes. It will hold a hearing on the Gardner Fish & Gun Club’s application to change officers. The commission will review status updates on several pending license transfers and manager changes, including Sawa Asian Cuisine, Sawa to Go, South Gardner Hotel, and Gardner Lodge. New business includes introducing a new clerk, Dewan Falzon, and noting the upcoming liquor‑license renewal deadline of November 26, 2025.

• Hearing: Gardner Fish & Gun Club – application for change of officers
• Old business: Transfer of license for Sawa Asian Cuisine & Lounge – approved, pending ABCC status
• Old business: New on‑premises annual all‑alcohol application for Sawa to Go – approved, pending ABCC status
• Old business: Transfer of license/change of manager for South Gardner Hotel – pending ABCC review
• New business: Introduction of new License Commission clerk Dewan Falzon, starting 10/21/25

The commission unanimously approved the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes and a change of officers for the Gardner Fish & Gun Club. It also approved several pending license actions—including a transfer for Sawa Asian Cuisine & Lounge, a new on‑premises all‑alcohol license for Sawa to Go, and a change of manager/officers for Gardner Lodge 1426 BPO Elks—though these remain subject to ABCC approval. Additional actions included deferring a trade‑in advisory, adopting fee increases for 1‑day liquor licenses and amendment applications, and setting the November meeting for November 10, 2025 in the Council Chamber.

• Approved September 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved change of officers for Gardner Fish & Gun Club (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of license for Sawa Asian Cuisine & Lounge (pending ABCC)
• Approved new on‑premises all‑alcohol license for Sawa to Go (pending ABCC)
• Approved change of manager/officers for Gardner Lodge 1426 BPO Elks (pending ABCC)
• Deferred consideration of on‑premise wine & malt license trade‑in advisory
• Approved fee increases for 1‑day liquor licenses and added fee for liquor license amendments (unanimous)
• Scheduled November meeting for 11/10/25 in the Council Chamber (unanimous)

Development Review Committee

The Development Review Committee will consider two conceptual site plans submitted as new business. One plan, from GAAMHA, Inc., proposes a 74‑by‑100‑foot structure for offices, meeting rooms, and a barn area for residents working with support animals at 827 Green Street. The second plan, from Walmart Real Estate Business Trust, proposes a self‑service fueling station with eight multi‑product dispensers at 677 Timpany Boulevard. The committee will discuss these proposals.

• Conceptual site plan – GAAMHA, Inc. – 74’ × 100’ office, meeting rooms, and barn for support‑animal work at 827 Green Street
• Conceptual site plan – Walmart Real Estate Business Trust – self‑service fueling station with eight dispensers at 677 Timpany Boulevard

City Council

The Gardner City Council approved several actions, including a $183,317.62 increase to the operating‑expenditure budget, a $5,795 transfer of Building Department funds, and an intermunicipal agreement for veteran services. It also adopted an ordinance creating an Assistant Youth Center Director position and confirmed multiple fire‑department appointments and an airport commission appointment. All motions passed unanimously with eleven yeas.

• Authorized Intermunicipal Agreement with Hubbardston for veteran services (11 yeas)
• Transferred $5,795 from Building Dept Salaries & Wages to Operating Expenditures (11 yeas)
• Raised and appropriated $183,317.62 for various operational expenses (11 yeas)
• Adopted ordinance adding Assistant Youth Center Director position at $20/hr (11 yeas)
• Confirmed fire chief appointment of Timothy Frank as permanent firefighter (11 yeas)
• Confirmed fire chief appointment of Brighton Cormier as permanent firefighter (11 yeas)
• Confirmed fire chief appointment of Alissa Innamorati as permanent firefighter (11 yeas)
• Confirmed appointment of Andre Guertin to Airport Commission (11 yeas)

Ad-Hoc Compensation Proposal Committee

The Ad‑Hoc Compensation Proposal Committee will meet to discuss creating a compensation ordinance for non‑union employees of the City of Gardner. No vote or final decision is indicated; the item is listed as a discussion topic. The meeting also includes standard procedural announcements.

• Discussion of a proposed compensation ordinance for non‑union employees

Economic and Community Development Committee

The Economic and Community Development Committee will receive a September update and discuss a report on the Maki Park project. The body is seeking explanations from the Mayor regarding project funding and departmental updates.

• Investigation of the Maki Park Project (Item 11454)
• Review of September Economic and Community Development update
• Request for explanation on Downtown Phase III excess funds
• Request for quarterly departmental updates on Maki Park project

The committee voted to waive the reading of the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes and accept them as presented. A motion to adjourn the meeting was approved, ending the session at 1:08 p.m. No other actions were voted on; the remaining agenda items were informational updates.

• Waived reading of September 9, 2025 minutes, accepted as presented
• Adjourned meeting at 1:08 p.m.

Airport Commission

The Gardner Municipal Airport Commission is meeting to discuss old business regarding environmental assessments. The body will review reports from Gales Associates, Inc. and the Airport Manager.

• Wildlife Hazard Site Visit
• Environmental Assessment (EA)
• Obstruction Analysis
• Airport Managers Report
• Financial Reports

Bandstand Committee

The Bandstand Committee will consider approving the minutes from its previous meeting. It will discuss the prior season and possible future performers, review financial statements, and handle any other business before adjourning. No other specific actions or contracts are listed on the agenda.

The committee approved the minutes from the June 5, 2025 meeting. Members were assigned to contact specific performers for the upcoming summer concert series, and the next meeting was scheduled for October 15, 2025 at 3 p.m. A proposal to expand the series from 8 to 10 shows was discussed but not decided. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted minutes from 6/5/2025 (motion passed)
• Assigned Denise to contact Green Sisters, Rita Tolman Band, Neal Diamond
• Assigned Nancy to contact Dave Malouin, Big Dave & Captain, Big Random, The Remedy, 4Ever Fab
• Assigned Mike to contact Mr. Strickland
• Assigned Ed to contact Verge & Gold Dust
• Assigned Chris to contact The Long Run, Traveling Homebodies
• Scheduled next meeting for 10/15/2025 at 3 p.m.
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Ed, seconded by Nancy)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will discuss several funding requests, including a large borrowing measure for school repairs and a general fund supplemental budget. The body will also review RFP committees for two schools and a land disposition proposal.

• Borrowing of $6,911,028.00 for Gardner Middle School roof replacement at 297 Catherine Street
• Appropriation of $183,171.62 for the General Fund Supplemental Budget
• Transfer of $5,795.00 from Building Department Salary and Wages to Professional Services
• Declaration of land at 13-17 West Lynde Street as surplus for disposition
• Intermunicipal Agreement for Veterans Services with the Town of Hubbardston

The Finance Committee approved a $5,795 transfer from Building Department salaries to operating expenses and adopted a supplemental budget of $183,317.62 for police body‑camera equipment, grant‑writing services, school e‑rate internet, tree removal and an ambulance vehicle. It also authorized the City to borrow up to $6,911,028 for the Gardner Middle School roof replacement project. Additional actions included authorizing a veteran‑services intermunicipal agreement and placing two RFP review committee proposals on file.

• Approved $5,795 transfer from Building Dept Salaries to Operating Expenses (3 yeas)
• Adopted $183,317.62 supplemental operational budget (Police body‑cameras $35,000, Grant writing $54,000, School e‑rate $39,171.62, DPW tree removal $30,000, Ambulance vehicle $25,000) (3 yeas)
• Authorized borrowing up to $6,911,028 for Gardner Middle School roof replacement (3 yeas)
• Authorized intermunicipal agreement with Town of Hubbardston for veteran services (3 yeas)
• Recommended placing on file RFP review committee for 130 Elm Street – Helen Mae Sauter School (3 yeas)
• Recommended placing on file RFP review committee for 53 School Street – School Street School (3 yeas)
• Granted more time on Health Insurance Payments and Trust Fund item (3 yeas)
• Granted more time on land surplus designation for 13‑17 West Lynde Street (3 yeas)

Public Welfare Committee

The Public Welfare Committee voted to recommend a zoning map amendment and a veterans services agreement with Ashby to the full council. The committee also reviewed a proposed agreement to provide veterans services to the Town of Hubbardston starting January 1, 2026.

• Recommended approval of Zoning Map Amendment for Parcel W32-5-5 Dinan Drive/Zub Lane
• Recommended approval of renewed intermunicipal agreement with Town of Ashby for Veterans Services through June 30, 2028
• Proposed intermunicipal agreement with Town of Hubbardston for Veterans Services (Jan 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028)
• Hubbardston veterans services cost schedule: FY2026 $4,328.00, FY2027 $8,915.68, and FY2028 $9,183.15

The Public Welfare Committee accepted the August 4, 2025 minutes. It voted to forward the intermunicipal veteran‑services agreement with the Town of Hubbardston to the full council. It also voted to forward an ordinance allowing cottage kitchens in residential districts to the full council. The meeting was adjourned at 5:36 p.m.

• Accepted August 4, 2025 minutes (waived reading)
• Approved forwarding Intermunicipal Agreement with Hubbardston to full council (2 yeas, motion passes)
• Approved forwarding Cottage‑Kitchen zoning amendment to full council (2 yeas, motion passes)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:36 p.m.

Retirement Board

The Gardner Contributory Retirement Board will consider several financial items, including the pre‑close trial balance, general ledger, and payroll warrants for September 25. It will review the investment report and discuss disability retirements in process. The board will also vote on approving retiree payments, acknowledging deceased members, and authorizing veterans’ buyback purchases. A procurement request for legal services will be presented.

• Approve Pre‑Close Trial Balance, General Ledger, and City Treasurer’s Bank
• Approve Accounts Payable & Payroll Warrants #09/25
• Investment Review
• Disability Retirements in Process
• Approve Veterans’ Buybacks

The board unanimously approved the September 30 warrant for $732,837.49 and adopted the July 2025 trial balances and ledger histories. It also approved the August 26 meeting minutes, the January 1 actuarial valuation draft, veterans’ buybacks, and survivor benefits for Frederick P. Bernhardt. Permission was granted for board members and the administrator to attend the MACRS Winter Conference. The meeting was adjourned at 11:16 a.m.

• Approved August 26, 2025 minutes with spelling correction (unanimous)
• Approved July 2025 trial balances and general ledger histories (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #09/25 dated September 30, 2025 for $732,837.49 (unanimous)
• Approved January 1, 2025 actuarial valuation draft report (unanimous)
• Approved veterans’ buybacks for Joshua Willis, Scott Marigliano, David White, Patrick Fohy, Sean Lafrennie, Joseph Lynch, and Richard Rossi (unanimous)
• Approved survivor benefits for Frederick P. Bernhardt under M.G.L. Chapter 32, Section 12(2)(d) (unanimous)
• Granted permission for board members and administrator to attend the MACRS Winter Conference (unanimous)

Appointments Committee

The Gardner Appointments Committee will meet to discuss and vote on measures confirming the mayor's appointments to the Conservation, Airport, Cemetery, Municipal Grounds, and Historical Commissions. The committee will also discuss its own rules.

• Confirm Greg Dumas to Conservation Commission
• Confirm Andre Guertin to Airport Commission
• Confirm David Urquhart to Airport Commission
• Confirm James Woods to Airport Commission
• Confirm Alan Cosentino to Airport Commission

The Appointments Committee waived reading the August 26 minutes and then voted to recommend confirmation of the mayor's appointees to several commissions, including the Airport, Cemetery, Municipal Grounds, Historical, and Golf commissions. The committee also discussed a draft format for future appointment documents and requested more time to review it. The meeting was adjourned at 5:57 p.m.

• Recommended confirmation of Andre Guertin to Airport Commission
• Recommended confirmation of David Urquhart to Airport Commission
• Recommended confirmation of James Wood to Airport Commission
• Recommended confirmation of Alan Cosentino to Airport Commission
• Recommended confirmation of John Awdycki to Cemetery Commission
• Recommended confirmation of John Awdycki to Municipal Grounds Commission
• Recommended confirmation of Denise Merriam to Cemetery Commission
• Recommended confirmation of Denise Merriam to Municipal Grounds Commission

Gardner Redevelopment Authority

The Gardner Redevelopment Authority will vote to approve the minutes from its September 3, 2025 regular meeting. The board will receive an update on the Urban Renewal Plan’s Rear Main Project, covering 155 Mill Street, 85 Winter Street, and 205‑213 Main Street, with discussion of prospective buyers and current financials. The authority will also discuss appointments to the GRA board.

• Vote to approve minutes of the September 3, 2025 regular meeting
• Update on the Rear Main Project: 155 Mill Street, 85 Winter Street, 205‑213 Main Street – prospective buyers
• Discussion of current financials for the Urban Renewal Plan
• Consideration of appointments to the Gardner Redevelopment Authority board

The Gardner Redevelopment Authority approved the September 3, 2025 meeting minutes by a 4‑0 vote. It then entered and later exited an executive session, each by unanimous vote, and adjourned the meeting with a 4‑0 vote. No other actions were decided; project updates were discussed but not acted upon. The next meeting is set for October 22, 2025.

• Approved September 3 minutes (4-0)
• Entered executive session (4-0)
• Exited executive session (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to approve meeting minutes and sign the 2025 MV Excise Commitment 5. The board will also enter an executive session to discuss, review, and approve or deny FY26 exemption applications.

• Review and sign Warrant/Commitment for 2025 MV Excise - Commitment 5
• Review and approve/deny FY26 Exemption Applications

The Board of Assessors accepted the August 5, 2025 minutes with a 2‑0 vote. It then moved the meeting into executive session, also by a 2‑0 vote, and approved several assessment clauses. The approved items were Clause 17D (4), Clause 22A‑F (10), Clause 22E (9), Clause 37 (4) and Clause 41C (2).

• Accepted August 5, 2025 minutes (2-0)
• Approved entry into Executive Session without return to Open Session (2-0)
• Approved Clause 17D (4)
• Approved Clause 22A-F (10)
• Approved Clause 22E (9)
• Approved Clause 37 (4)
• Approved Clause 41C (2)

Gardner Housing Authority

The Gardner Housing Authority regular meeting on September 23, 2025 will open with a motion, approve the minutes from the August 21, 2025 meeting, and hear the Executive Director’s report and an invoice history report for August 2025. The agenda also includes a public comment period and a motion to adjourn.

• Motion to open the meeting
• Acceptance of minutes from August 21, 2025 meeting
• Executive Director’s report – other matters
• Invoice history report for August 2025
• Public comment period

Historical Commission

The Gardner Historical Commission will approve the August 19, 2025 meeting minutes and discuss several administrative items, including a resignation, volunteer recruitment, a code of ethics for public historians, and a law department review of historic preservation rules. The commission will also receive updates on historic markers, the Old Burying Ground restoration, Greenwood Memorial Pool artifact work, school property disposition, the community center archives project, and MACRIS revisions.

• Resignation of Paul Gaj from the Historical Commission
• Membership and volunteer recruitment efforts
• Adoption of a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Public Historians
• Law Department review of historic preservation rules and special permits
• Updates on Old Burying Ground restoration and Greenwood Memorial Pool artifact demolition

The Gardner Historical Commission voted to accept the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting. It also thanked Paul Gaj for his service and filed his resignation letter. The Commission acknowledged the National Council on Public History's Code of Ethics and placed it on file. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved August 19, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by LaHaye, seconded by Agnelli)
• Filed resignation of Paul Gaj and expressed thanks (motion by Agnelli, seconded by LaHaye)
• Acknowledged and filed the National Council on Public History Code of Ethics (motion by LaHaye, seconded by Huntoon)
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:36 p.m. (motion by LaHaye, seconded by Huntoon)

Community Development Block Grant Steering Committee

The Community Development Block Grant Steering Committee will review the status of the FY2025 application and provide updates on FY2022-24 projects. The body will also discuss potential new projects to utilize remaining CDBG funds.

• Demolition updates for 205-213 Main Street and School Street School
• Greenwood Pool demolition and construction of an outdoor pavilion
• Proposed $50,150 expansion of St. Paul's Community Garden at 79 Cross Street
• Proposed rehabilitation of 94 Pleasant Street
• FY2025 CDBG Mini Entitlement Application status

The Steering Committee approved the minutes from the April 18, 2025 meeting with a 4‑0 vote. A motion to place the FY2022‑23 social service projects on the official file was also approved 4‑0. The meeting included updates on CDBG funding status, completed demolition of 205‑213 Main Street, and ongoing work on the Greenwood Pool project and School St. School demolition, but no further actions were voted on.

• Approved minutes of Regular Meeting, April 18, 2025 (4-0)
• Placed FY2022-23 social service projects on file (4-0)

Board of Health

The Gardner Board of Health will review minutes from the July 21 meeting, then vote on the final draft of its private well regulations. It will consider a Title 5 Local Upgrade Approval application for 9 Stone St and discuss the Board's authority over such approvals. Health Department updates will be presented, covering landfill leachate pump replacement, groundwater monitoring, food establishments, housing, disease prevention, arboviruses and tickborne illnesses. The meeting will conclude with new business and scheduling the next session.

• Vote on final draft of Board of Health regulations for private wells
• Title 5 Local Upgrade Approval Application — 9 Stone St
• Discussion on authority for Title 5 Local Upgrade Approval
• Health Department updates: landfill leachate pump replacement, groundwater monitoring, food establishments, housing, prevention, arboviruses, tickborne illnesses
• New Business

The board postponed voting on the July 21, 2025 minutes because a quorum was not present. It unanimously accepted the final draft of the Well Regulations, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. It also unanimously approved a Title 5 Local Upgrade for 9 Stone St to replace a failing well system. Discussion on the authority for Title 5 upgrades was moved to the next meeting and the meeting was adjourned.

• Hold off voting on July 21, 2025 minutes due to lack of quorum (postponed)
• Accept final draft of Well Regulations – approved unanimously
• Approve Title 5 Local Upgrade for 9 Stone St – approved unanimously
• Move discussion on Authority for Title Five Local Upgrade Approval to next meeting (postponed)
• Delay leachate system bid closing to October 1 (decision to extend deadline)
• Adjourn meeting – motion passed unanimously

Conservation Commission

The Gardner Conservation Commission will meet to approve minutes and hold public hearings on wetlands protection applications, including a drainage project at Dunn State Park and a building addition at 42 Linus Allain Avenue. Several items are continued to a future meeting.

• Approval of minutes from 9/8/25
• Public hearing: Dunn State Park drainage project at 289 Pearl Street
• Public hearing: 42 Linus Allain Avenue building addition
• Continued hearing: 170 Mill Street contractor building
• Continued hearing: 71 Kendall Pond East sandy fill

The Conservation Commission approved the September 8 minutes unanimously. It granted a Negative 3 determination, with required ESCs and BMPs, for the sandy‑fill addition at 71 Kendall Pond East. The commission also voted to continue the hearings for the Dunn State Park drainage project and the 42 Linus Allain Avenue building addition until the October 27 meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved 9/8/25 minutes (6-0-0)
• Issued Negative 3 determination for 71 Kendall Pond East (6-0-0)
• Continued Dunn State Park hearing to 10/27/25 (6-0-0)
• Continued 42 Linus Allain Avenue hearing to 10/27/25 (6-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0-0)

Economic and Community Development Committee

The Economic and Community Development Committee will approve the August 22, 2025 meeting minutes, introduce the new Economic Development & Finance Manager, receive a report on the investigation of the Maki Park project, and discuss the cancelled Regional Planning Commission onboarding training. No formal decisions beyond discussion are indicated.

• Approve August 22, 2025 meeting minutes
• Introduce Economic Development & Finance Manager
• Report on investigation of the Maki Park project (item 11454)
• Discussion of Regional Planning Commission training cancellation (item 11529)

The committee waived the reading of the August 22, 2025 minutes and accepted them as presented. It approved sending a letter to Mayor Nicholson asking why excess Downtown Phase III funds are available despite unfinished work on Park Street. It also approved a second letter requesting the year‑to‑date quarterly departmental updates for the Maki Park project. Finally, the committee placed the Regional Planning Commission discussion on file.

• Waived reading of August 22, 2025 minutes and accepted them as presented
• Approved sending a letter to the Mayor requesting explanation of excess Downtown Phase III funds
• Approved sending a letter to the Mayor requesting quarterly departmental updates for the Maki Park project
• Placed the Regional Planning Commission discussion on file

School Subcommittees

The Gardner Public Schools Policy Subcommittee will meet to review and discuss a list of policies, including the superintendent contract, the annual budget, and student discipline.

• Approval of meeting minutes from May 15, 2025
• Review of Superintendent Contract policy
• Review of Annual Budget policy
• Review of Student Discipline policy
• Discussion of SCOTUS Decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor

The subcommittee approved the May 15, 2025 Policy Meeting minutes unanimously. It tabled the Superintendent Contract policy for further review in October. It voted unanimously to forward the Annual Budget, Budget Adoption Procedures, School Nutrition Program, and Student Discipline policies—with recommended changes—to the full School Committee for a first read in October.

• Approved May 15, 2025 Policy Meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled Policy CBD – Superintendent Contract (postponed to October Subcommittee)
• Sent Policy DB – Annual Budget with recommended changes to full committee for first read (unanimous)
• Sent Policy DBG – Budget Adoption Procedures with recommended changes to full committee for first read (unanimous)
• Sent Policy EFD – School Nutrition Program Charge Policy with recommended changes to full committee for first read (unanimous)
• Sent Policy JIC – Student Discipline with revised section order to full committee for first read (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board

The Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on two applications for 63 Walnut Street. One application (Case 2025-07-02) seeks to maintain the existing seven‑unit residential apartment building. The other application (Case 2025-08-01) proposes converting a vacant office building at the same address into seven condominium units. The board will also address announcements, correspondence, and any corrections to prior meeting minutes.

• Public hearing – Case 2025-07-02 (SP): request to keep 7‑unit residential apartments at 63 Walnut St., PID #R27-22-20.
• Public hearing – Case 2025-08-01 (SP): request to convert vacant office building to seven condominium units at 63 Walnut St., PID #R27-22-20.
• Announcements and correspondence (new business).
• Acceptance and/or corrections to minutes of previous meetings.

The Zoning Board voted to deny Trevor Brown’s special permit for converting the existing structure at 63 Walnut St into seven residential apartments after the applicant failed to appear. A motion to deny Steven Nogueira’s similar application was withdrawn and no vote was recorded on that case. The board also noted that the site‑visit minutes for 0 Emerald Street required no vote.

• Denied Trevor Brown’s special permit application (no show)
• Motion to deny Steven Nogueira’s application withdrawn
• No vote taken on Steven Nogueira’s application
• Site‑visit minutes for 0 Emerald Street accepted without vote

Master Plan Steering Committee

The Master Plan Steering Committee will review the finalized Master Plan’s values and vision statements. Members will consider additional input on the drafted inventory and assessment, and discuss the process for developing goals and recommendations. The committee will also set the schedule for an open‑house to gather public feedback.

• Overview and discussion of finalized Master Plan values and vision statements
• Additional thoughts on drafted inventory and assessment
• Discussion of process to develop goals and recommendations
• Schedule of open house for public feedback

Golf Commission

The Golf Commission will meet to review financial reports and receive updates from the Pro Manager and Superintendent. The body is scheduled to discuss a proposed plan for a new restaurant.

• Proposed new restaurant plan
• Review and approval of financials
• Expense report review

The commission accepted the August 25, 2025 meeting minutes by a 4-0 vote. It also approved the FY25 end‑of‑year and FY26 year‑to‑date financials by a 4-0 vote. The motion to accept the feasibility study for the proposed building did not receive a second and was tabled. The meeting was adjourned by a 4-0 vote.

• Accepted August 25, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Accepted FY25/26 financials (4-0)
• Tabled feasibility study for proposed building plan (no second vote)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Council

The Gardner City Council will consider two finance committee orders appropriating additional sums from enterprise funds: $154,951.06 allocated to Sewer, Water, Golf Course, and Solid Waste funds, and $205,589.23 to the Mayor's Unclassified Reserve Account. The agenda also includes a measure declaring 25 Main Street (Parcel B) surplus for commercial lease at a minimum of $10 per year, and an ordinance to amend zoning Chapter 675 to permit cottage kitchens in residential districts. Additional items are a public hearing, a mayoral communication about forming an ad‑hoc committee, and standing committee reports.

• Appropriation of $154,951.06 from enterprise funds to Sewer ($40,608.33), Water ($40,608.33), Golf Course ($58,756.30), and Solid Waste ($14,978.10) departments
• Appropriation of $205,589.23 to the Mayor's Unclassified Reserve Account
• Measure declaring 25 Main Street (Parcel B) surplus for commercial lease at a minimum value of $10 per year
• Ordinance to amend Chapter 675 zoning to allow cottage kitchens in residential districts
• Mayor's communication regarding the formation of an ad‑hoc committee

The City Council voted 10‑yeas to appropriate $205,589.23 from the Mayor's Unclassified Reserve for the FY 2025‑2026 expense budget. It also approved a $154,951.06 appropriation from Enterprise Funds and declared 25 Main Street surplus for commercial lease (9 yeas, 1 nay). The council placed on file the mayor’s proposal to form an Ad‑Hoc Compensation Committee and referred a zoning ordinance for cottage kitchens to the Planning Board and Welfare Committee for a joint public hearing.

• Approved $205,589.23 appropriation from Mayor's Unclassified Reserve (10 yeas)
• Approved $154,951.06 appropriation from Enterprise Funds (10 yeas)
• Declared 25 Main Street surplus for commercial lease at $10/yr (9 yeas, 1 nay)
• Placed on file Mayor's communication to form Ad‑Hoc Compensation Committee (10 yeas)
• Referred cottage‑kitchen zoning ordinance to Planning Board and Welfare Committee, schedule public hearing (10 yeas)
• Placed on file September Public Service Committee update (10 yeas)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will hear a request from the Traffic Commission to opt‑in to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 §17C, lowering the statutory speed limit to 25 mph on city‑owned roads in thickly settled or business districts. The committee will also review the Traffic Commission’s analysis of vehicle towing under the winter parking ban and a proposed hybrid parking‑ban model that would shift the city‑wide ban to January 1–March 1 with overnight restrictions. A list of streets proposed for the 25 mph limit will be presented for possible inclusion in a new municipal traffic ordinance.

• Request to adopt M.G.L. Chapter 90 §17C to lower speed limits to 25 mph on city‑owned roads in thickly settled or business districts
• Proposed list of streets for inclusion under the 25 mph statutory limit (e.g., Pine Street, Main Street, Elm Street, Union Square, etc.)
• Traffic Commission communication presenting vehicle‑towing data for winter parking bans from 2010 through September 9 2025
• Recommendation for a hybrid winter parking‑ban model: city‑wide ban Jan 1–Mar 1, 11 PM–5 AM, with storm‑by‑storm code‑red bans outside those dates

The committee heard updates from police, fire, building, public health, and waste departments. Topics included staffing, budget constraints, grant applications, equipment purchases, and a proposed change to the winter parking ban system. No motions were voted on or approved during the meeting.

Airport Commission

The Airport Commission is meeting to discuss old business regarding Gales Associates, Inc. The agenda includes a wildlife hazard site visit and an environmental assessment and obstruction analysis.

• Wildlife Hazard Site Visit by Gales Associates, Inc.
• Environmental Assessment (EA) and Obstruction Analysis
• Airport Manager's Report

The meeting covered updates on runway reconstruction payments, the wildlife hazard site visit report, and a change from an Environmental Assessment to a CATEX review. The airport manager reported bill payments and requested further financial data. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Disability Commission

The Disability Commission will review and approve the minutes from its June 11, 2025 meeting. The commission will hear a Legislative Advocacy training presentation from Nora Bent, Director of Government Affairs for ARC MA.

• Review and approve June 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Legislative Advocacy training presentation by Nora Bent (ARC MA)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will consider Measure 11683 to authorize the Mayor to enter into an intermunicipal agreement with the Town of Hubbardston for shared veterans services from 2026 to 2028. The committee will also review measures designating surplus land at 25 Main Street for commercial lease at $10 per year and at 13‑17 West Lynde Street for disposition. Additional agenda items include orders to appropriate extra funds from enterprise accounts and to raise the fiscal‑year budget, and a discussion of non‑union salaries for the golf course and library.

• Measure 11683 – authorize Mayor to enter intermunicipal veterans services agreement with Hubbardston (FY26‑FY28 cost shares $4,328; $8,915.68; $9,183.15)
• Measure 11684 – declare parcel B at 25 Main Street surplus for commercial lease, minimum $10 per year
• Measure 11685 – declare land at 13‑17 West Lynde Street surplus for disposition
• Measure 11689 – order appropriating additional sum from available enterprise funds for FY 2025‑2026
• Measure 11690 – order to raise and appropriate additional sum for expense budget for FY 2025‑2026

The committee voted 3 yeas to declare the parcel at 25 Main Street surplus and authorize its lease for commercial use at a minimum value of $10 per year. It also approved an order to appropriate $154,951.06 from available enterprise funds to several department enterprise accounts and an order to raise $205,589.23 for the Mayor's Unclassified Reserve Account, each passing with 3 yeas. Two other measures – the intermunicipal veterans services agreement with Hubbardston and the sale of the West Lynde Street parking lot – were tabled for further discussion with more time granted.

• Approved lease of 25 Main Street surplus land (3 yeas)
• Approved appropriation of $154,951.06 from enterprise funds (3 yeas)
• Approved raise of $205,589.23 to Mayor's Unclassified Reserve Account (3 yeas)
• Postponed measure to authorize intermunicipal veterans services agreement with Hubbardston (more time granted)
• Postponed sale of 13-17 West Lynde Street parking lot (more time granted)

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee will interview and discuss several mayoral appointments for city boards and department leadership. The meeting includes reviews for positions in the Redevelopment Authority, Industrial Development Finance Authority, and various city commissions.

• Interview and discussion of Jonathan Zlotnik and Judy Mack for Redevelopment Authority and Industrial Development Finance Authority
• Interview and discussion of Joshua Cormier for Director of Purchasing/Civil Enforcement
• Interview and discussion of Robert O'Keefe for Information Technology Director
• Discussion of appointments for Cultural Council, Housing Authority, and Historical Commission
• Correspondence regarding the use of the title 'Department of Inspectional Services'

Planning Board

The Gardner Planning Board will hold a public hearing on September 9, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. The hearing will consider the definitive site plan submitted by Dominic Allain for a proposed building addition and other site improvements at Mount Wachusett Community College, 42 Linus Allain Avenue. The meeting will be in the Hubbard Conference Room 203 at the Manca Annex, 115 Pleasant Street.

• Public hearing on definitive site plan application by Dominic Allain for building addition at Mount Wachusett Community College (42 Linus Allain Avenue)

The board approved the July 8, 2025 regular meeting minutes by a 4‑0 vote. It voted to continue the public hearing on the Mount Wachusett Community College addition to the October 14, 2025 meeting, also 4‑0. The board approved the release of escrow accounts for the Compass Lane Subdivision and PrivateOversight LLC with a 4‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned by a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved July 8, 2025 meeting minutes (4‑0)
• Continued public hearing for Mount Wachusett Community College project to Oct 14 (4‑0)
• Released escrow accounts for Compass Lane Subdivision and PrivateOversight LLC (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

Planning Board

The Gardner Planning Board will hold a public hearing to review the definitive site plan for a building addition and site improvements for Mount Wachusett Community College at 42 Linus Allain Avenue. It will also consider releasing escrow accounts related to the Compass Lane Subdivision held by PrivateOversight LLC. Additionally, the board will vote to approve the minutes from the July 8, 2025 regular meeting.

• Definitive site plan review for Mount Wachusett Community College building addition at 42 Linus Allain Avenue
• Release of escrow accounts for Compass Lane Subdivision, PrivateOversight LLC
• Vote to approve minutes of the July 8, 2025 regular meeting

The Planning Board approved the July 8, 2025 meeting minutes (4‑0). It voted to continue the public hearing on the Mount Wachusett Community College addition to the October 14 meeting (4‑0). It also approved releasing the escrow accounts for the Compass Lane Subdivision and PrivateOversight LLC (4‑0). The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

• Approved July 8, 2025 minutes (4‑0)
• Continued public hearing for Mount Wachusett Community College project to Oct 14 (4‑0)
• Released escrow accounts for Compass Lane Subdivision and PrivateOversight LLC (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

License Commission

The Gardner License Commission will hear applications for a one-day beer and wine license for Otter River Hotel, a one-day all-alcohol license for Acadien Social Club, and a license transfer for South Gardner Hotel. The body will also discuss the status of several previously submitted applications with the ABCC.

• Otter River Hotel: 1-Day Beer & Wine license for Oktoberfest
• Acadien Social Club: 1-Day All Alcoholic Beverages license for fundraiser
• South Gardner Hotel: Transfer of License/Change of Manager
• Gardner Lodge 1426 BPO Elks: Change of Manager/Officers discussion
• Sawa Asian Bistro: Code enforcement citation for fire alarm failure

The License Commission approved the August 8, 2025 meeting minutes and issued 1‑Day beer & wine licenses for Otter River Hotel and Acadien Social Club. It approved the transfer of the South Gardner Hotel license, sending the application to the ABCC for review. The Commission adopted a $100 fee for new and amendment license applications and increased 1‑Day license fees to $50 for wine/malt and $75 for all‑alcohol, effective Jan. 1, 2026. A tentative date of Nov. 12, 2025 was set for the November meeting.

• Approved August 8, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Issued 1‑Day beer & wine license for Otter River Hotel Oktoberfest (all in favor)
• Issued 1‑Day all‑alcohol license for Acadien Social Club fundraiser (all in favor)
• Approved transfer of South Gardner Hotel license; application sent to ABCC (all in favor)
• Adopted $100 amendment application fee for new and amendment licenses (all in favor)
• Raised 1‑Day license fees to $50 (wine/malt) and $75 (all‑alcohol) (all in favor)
• Set tentative November meeting date for Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 (all in favor)

School Committee

The committee accepted the consent agenda, which included multiple warrants and a $500 donation. It approved a second reading of several district policies. The AFSCME contract for 2025‑2028 with revisions was ratified. Robert Swartz was appointed as the district’s MASC delegate.

• Approved consent agenda (warrants #25‑49 to #26‑09 and $500 donation) – vote passed
• Approved second reading of listed district policies – vote passed
• Ratified AFSCME contract 2025‑2028 with revisions – vote passed
• Appointed Robert Swartz as MASC delegate – vote passed
• Adjourned meeting – vote passed

Cemetery Commission

The commission unanimously accepted the minutes from the June 5, 2025 meeting and the financial statement. It also agreed to solicit a quote for the Old Burying Ground restoration project. The meeting was then adjourned at 8:34 am.

• Accepted minutes of June 5, 2025 (all in favor)
• Accepted financial statement (all in favor)
• Agreed to solicit a quote for Old Burying Ground restoration (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:34 am (all in favor)

Traffic Commission

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the September 3, 2025 meeting. They reported that the city council voted not to adopt the proposed hybrid winter parking ban because it was too late in the year to change it. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved September 3, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Council declined to adopt hybrid winter parking ban (reported)
• Motion to adjourn meeting passed unanimously

Gardner Redevelopment Authority

The Gardner Redevelopment Authority approved the minutes from April 25, May 28, June 25, and July 30, 2025 with a 4‑0 vote. The board entered an executive session, also by a 4‑0 vote, during which loan repayment details were presented. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously (4‑0).

• Approved minutes of Apr 25, May 28, Jun 25, Jul 30 2025 (4-0)
• Entered executive session (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Council

The Gardner City Council will consider an ordinance to rezone a property on MA-101 from Commercial 2 to Industrial 1 and confirm the Mayor's appointments for police officers and election officers. The agenda also includes a report on the August Economic and Community Development Update.

• Ordinance to amend Gardner Zoning Map on MA-101
• Confirm Mayor's appointment of Russell Counts as Police Officer
• Confirm Mayor's appointment of Mario Guay to Board of Registrars
• Confirm Police Officer Assignments to Polling Locations
• Confirm Mayor's appointment of Election Officers for 2025-2026

The City Council unanimously accepted the minutes from the June 2, 2025 meetings. It approved an ordinance changing the zoning district of a parcel on the easterly side of MA‑101 from Commercial 2 to Industrial 1 with a Summit Solar overlay. Councillors elected Craig Cormier as President Pro‑tem and voted to suspend Rule 5 to allow extended discussion.

• Accepted June 2, 2025 minutes (10 yeas)
• Approved zoning amendment to change parcel on MA‑101 to Industrial 1 (10 yeas)
• Elected Craig Cormier as President Pro‑tem (10 yeas)
• Closed nominations for President Pro‑tem (10 yeas)
• Suspended Rule 5 for the duration of discussion (unanimous)

School Subcommittees

The Facilities Sub‑Committee voted to approve the meeting minutes of Mary 1, 2025 and then voted to adjourn the meeting. No other substantive actions or approvals were recorded.

• Approved meeting minutes of Mary 1, 2025 (motion made and seconded)
• Adjourned meeting (motion made and seconded)

School Subcommittees

The committee approved the May 1, 2025 Finance Subcommittee minutes. They accepted a $500 donation from Jason and Alyssa Zelesky for the GHS Athletic Banquet. The meeting was adjourned at 5:19 p.m.

• Approved May 1, 2025 Finance Subcommittee minutes (vote passed)
• Accepted $500 donation from Jason & Alyssa Zelesky for GHS Athletic Banquet (vote passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:19 p.m. (vote passed)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee waived the reading and accepted the minutes from August 1, 2025. It then voted 3‑yeas to recommend giving more time to consider item #11552, the traffic‑commission proposal to shorten the winter parking ban. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 a.m. after a viva voce vote.

• Waived reading and accepted minutes of August 1, 2025 (3 yeas)
• Recommended more time for item #11552 (parking‑ban review) (3 yeas)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:35 a.m. (motion passed viva voce)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee reviewed departmental updates on elections, city clerk operations, human resources, and purchasing. No motions were adopted, no votes were recorded, and no actions were approved, denied, or tabled during the meeting.

Appointments Committee

The Gardner Appointments Committee will interview and discuss measures to confirm the mayor's appointments of a police officer and election officers for the 2025-2026 term. The committee will also discuss police officer assignments to polling locations.

• Confirm appointment of Russell Counts as Police Officer
• Confirm appointment of Mario Guay to Board of Registrars
• Confirm police officer assignments to polling locations
• Confirm appointment of Election Officers for 2025-2026

The Appointments Committee waived the reading of the July 30 minutes and approved recommendations for several mayoral appointments, including Officer Russell Counts, Board of Registrars member Mario Guay, police officer assignments to polling locations, and election officers for 2025‑2026. The committee also noted multiple resignations in city departments but took no action on them. The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.

• Waived reading of July 30 minutes (motion passed)
• Recommended Mayor's appointment of Officer Russell Counts (motion passed)
• Recommended Mayor's appointment of Mario Guay to Board of Registrars (motion passed)
• Recommended police officer assignments to polling locations (motion passed)
• Recommended Mayor's appointment of election officers for 2025‑2026 (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:50 p.m. (motion passed)

Retirement Board

The Gardner Contributory Retirement Board unanimously approved the minutes from July 29, 2025, the June 2025 trial balances and bank reconciliations, and Warrant #08/25 for $721,164.09. It also unanimously adopted a 7.00% actuarial discount rate with a funding schedule that includes 7.25% annual increases. The board agreed to request an updated PTG agreement that removes the optional Member Self Service feature. The meeting was adjourned at 10:48 a.m.

• Approved July 29, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved June 2025 trial balances, general ledger histories, and bank reconciliations (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #08/25 for $721,164.09 (unanimous)
• Approved Actuarial Discount Rate of 7.00% and Funding Schedule with 7.25% annual increases (unanimous)
• Agreed to request updated PTG agreement without Member Self Service (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review and vote on a final draft of regulations governing the siting, construction, and testing of private wells. The meeting will also include health department updates on housing, food establishments, and landfill monitoring.

• Vote on final draft of private well regulations
• Proposed well permit fees: Construction $50, Repair $25, Destruction $25, Plan Alteration $10
• Update on landfill leachate pump replacement and groundwater monitoring
• Updates on food establishments, housing, and arboviruses/ticks

Golf Commission

The commission voted 5-0 to accept the July 28, 2025 meeting minutes. They also approved the year‑to‑date financial report for FY 26 with a 5-0 vote. Finally, the meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 5-0 motion.

• Accepted July 28, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved FY 26 year‑to‑date financials (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings regarding a parking lot expansion and drainage improvements. The body will also address enforcement orders and discuss local infrastructure issues.

• Request for Determination of Applicability for parking lot reclamation and expansion at 538 Clark Street
• Notice of Intent for drainage improvement and resurfacing at Dunn State Park (289 Pearl Street)
• Notice of Intent for a contractor building and site improvements at 170 Mill Street
• Enforcement order discussion for Sludge Landfill
• Discussion of Perley Brook Culvert Failure

The commission approved the minutes from 8/11/25, 10/28/24 and 3/24/25 with votes of 3‑0‑1, 3‑0‑1 and 4‑0‑0. It voted to keep the Enforcement Order on the sludge landfill open until the 10/27/25 meeting (4‑0‑0). It issued a Negative 3 determination rejecting the Gardner Fish & Gun Club parking‑lot repave and expansion project (4‑0‑0). It also continued the Dunn State Park drainage improvement hearing until the 9/8/25 meeting (4‑0‑0) and adjourned (4‑0‑0).

• Approved minutes of 8/11/25 (3-0-1)
• Approved minutes of 10/28/24 (3-0-1)
• Approved minutes of 3/24/25 (4-0-0)
• Continued Enforcement Order on sludge landfill until 10/27/25 (4-0-0)
• Issued Negative 3 determination for Gardner Fish & Gun Club parking lot project (4-0-0)
• Continued Dunn State Park hearing until 9/8/25 (4-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0-0)

Economic and Community Development Committee

The committee waived the reading of the June 27, 2025 minutes and accepted them as presented. It approved that Councilor Kazinskas will report the August update to the full City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 1:28 p.m. after a motion was passed.

• Waived reading of June 27, 2025 minutes, accepted as presented (motion passed)
• Approved Councilor Kazinskas to report August update to full City Council (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 1:28 p.m. (motion passed)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board denied the petition to modify the special permit at 163‑165 Pine St, reducing the dwelling units from eight to seven and parking spaces, with a 3‑Nay, 2‑Yea vote. It approved the withdrawal of Sean Keane’s driveway permit request. It unanimously approved the re‑allocation of two parking spaces for the Hannaford To Go program. It also approved a continuance for the Walnut St case and adopted the July 28 and July 15 meeting minutes.

• Denied special permit modification for 163‑165 Pine St (3 Nays, 2 Yeas)
• Approved withdrawal of Sean Keane driveway permit request
• Approved re‑allocation of two parking spaces for Hannaford To Go (unanimous)
• Approved continuance of 63 Walnut St case
• Approved minutes from July 28, 2025
• Approved minutes from July 15, 2025

Historical Commission

The Gardner Historical Commission will meet to approve minutes, review communications from the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and discuss administrative matters and specific preservation projects including the Old Burying Ground and artifacts at the Gardner Museum.

• Approval of June 17, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of Mass. DCR communication regarding Dunn State Park
• Discussion of City Hall & Police HQ artifacts documentation
• Review of Old Burying Ground Restoration & Preservation
• Review of AT&T proposal at 58 Main Street

The commission accepted the June 17 minutes and placed a Mass. DCR communication on file. It approved letters acknowledging donations from Councillor Calvin Brooks and Rebecca Martin. The scope of the request for proposals to assess the Old Burying Ground was approved, and the City Engineer’s report on the AT&T antenna proposal was accepted and filed.

• Approved June 17, 2025 meeting minutes
• Placed Mass. DCR Dunn State Park communication on file
• Authorized letter to Councillor Calvin Brooks for desk donation
• Authorized letter to Rebecca Martin for WWII book donation
• Approved scope of RFP for Old Burying Ground assessment
• Accepted City Engineer report on AT&T antenna proposal and filed it

City Council

The City Council will discuss an ordinance to replace the existing non-union compensation schedule. The proposal includes corrections to decimal errors in hourly rates and updates regarding a Youth Center director and a part-time local inspector position.

• Ordinance 11539 to amend Chapter 8 (Personnel) regarding the Non-Union Compensation Schedule

Council voted 10‑yeas to nominate Councillor Craig Cormier as President Pro‑tem for the evening and to close nominations. Council President George Tyros recused himself from the personnel compensation ordinance due to a conflict of interest. No vote was taken on the ordinance; council members asked the Mayor for additional salary study information before any decision can be made.

• Nominated Craig Cormier as President Pro‑tem (10 yeas)
• Closed nominations (10 yeas)
• Council President Tyros recused from personnel compensation ordinance (self‑recusal)
• Requested five items of information from the Mayor regarding the salary proposal (pending)

License Commission

The Commission unanimously approved the July 8, 2025 meeting minutes and issued several 1‑Day beer and wine licenses for Oktoberfest and other events, including an amended wine‑and‑malt license and six licenses for late‑summer Friday nights. One parking‑lot party license was approved pending resolution of a City Collector funding issue. The board tabled the state advisory on trading on‑premise wine & malt licenses for all‑alcohol licenses and requested a fee‑schedule report from neighboring towns for the next meeting.

• Approved July 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 1‑Day beer & wine licenses for Red Apple Farm, Acadien Club, and Moon Hill Brewing Oktoberfest (unanimous)
• Approved amended Wine & Malt 1‑Day license for Moon Hill Brewing Celebration of Life (unanimous)
• Approved pending 1‑Day beer & wine license for Moon Hill Brewing Parking Lot Party, pending City Collector approval (unanimous)
• Approved 1‑Day beer & wine license for Moon Hill Brewing Exhibit Opening at Gardner Museum (unanimous)
• Approved six 1‑Day beer & wine licenses for Moon Hill Brewing Late Summer Friday Nights (unanimous)
• Tabled ABCC advisory on On‑MW to On‑AA license trade for further review (unanimous)
• Requested report on neighboring towns’ license fee schedules for next meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved the minutes from the August 2024 and July 2025 meetings. It voted 4‑0‑0 to close the public hearing and issue a Negative 3 Determination of Applicability for the patio project at 90 Kendall Pond West, effectively denying the permit. The commission also voted to continue the Dunn State Park drainage improvement hearing until 8/25/25 and to postpone discussion of the 170 Mill St project until the 9/8/25 meeting.

• Approved minutes of 8/12/24 (3‑0‑1)
• Approved minutes of 7/28/25 (4‑0‑0)
• Closed RDA hearing and issued Negative 3 Determination for 90 Kendall Pond West (4‑0‑0)
• Continued Dunn State Park NOI hearing until 8/25/25 (4‑0‑0)
• Continued discussion on DEP#160‑0658 (170 Mill St) until 9/8/25 (4‑0‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:22 PM (4‑0‑0)

Board of Assessors

The Board accepted the June 3, 2025 minutes (2‑0). It moved into Executive Session for the remainder of the meeting (2‑0). The Board reviewed and signed the July 2025 motor vehicle excise abatements and the 2025 motor vehicle excise tax commitments. It also approved a series of tax clauses listed in the record.

• Accepted June 3, 2025 minutes (2-0)
• Entered Executive Session, no return to Open Session (2-0)
• Reviewed and signed July 2025 motor vehicle excise abatements
• Reviewed and signed 2025 motor vehicle excise tax commitments
• Approved Clause 17D (6)
• Approved Clause 22A-F (47)
• Approved Clause 22C (2)
• Approved Clauses 22D (6), 22E (36), 22F (1), 37 (5), 41C (3), 42 (1)

City Council

The City Council elected Councillor Aleksander Dernalowicz as President Pro-Tempore to preside over the informal meeting, using a voice vote with eight yeas and no objections. The meeting featured a presentation by the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority on rider and pedestrian safety, ridership trends, and service improvements, following a request from Councillor Karen Hardern. No other actions were approved, denied, or tabled.

• Elected Aleksander Dernalowicz President Pro-Tempore (voice vote, 8 yeas)

City Council

The council elected Jennifer Dymek as City Treasurer, receiving nine votes. They approved licenses for GameStop Inc. and EcoATM LLC to operate second‑hand article businesses on Timpany Boulevard, each passing with nine yeas. Additional actions included creating a $10,000 revolving fund for LifeLine senior services, adding a Youth Center Director position with a $65,000 salary, renewing the intermunicipal veterans‑services agreement with Ashby, and transferring $10,000 from Building Department salaries to operating expenditures, all approved unanimously.

• Aleksander Dernalowicz elected President Pro-Tempore (voice vote, nine yeas)
• GameStop Inc. license for second‑hand articles at 376 Timpany Blvd approved (9 yeas)
• EcoATM LLC license for second‑hand articles at 677 Timpany Blvd approved (9 yeas)
• LifeLine Service revolving fund authorized with $10,000 limit (9 yeas)
• Youth Center Director position added to non‑union compensation schedule with $65,000 salary (sent to second and final printing)
• Mayor authorized to renew intermunicipal agreement with Town of Ashby for Veterans Services (9 yeas)
• $10,000 appropriations transferred from Building Dept salaries to operating expenditures (9 yeas)
• Jennifer Dymek elected City Treasurer (9 votes)

Public Welfare Committee

The Public Welfare Committee waived reading and accepted the May 30, 2025 minutes. It voted to recommend the Petition for Zoning Map Amendment (Parcel W32-5-5 Dinan Drive/Zub Lane) to the full council. It also voted to recommend the renewed intermunicipal agreement with the Town of Ashby for veterans services to the full council. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 a.m.

• Waived reading and accepted May 30, 2025 minutes (3 yeas, motion passes)
• Recommended zoning map amendment for Parcel W32-5-5 Dinan Drive/Zub Lane to full council (3 yeas, motion passes)
• Recommended renewed intermunicipal agreement with Town of Ashby for veterans services to full council (3 yeas, motion passes)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:35 a.m.

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee waived the reading of the June 27, 2025 minutes. It voted to recommend approval of a license for EcoATM LLC, 677 Timpany Blvd., and a license for GameStop #3725, 376 Timpany Blvd., to the City Council. Both recommendations passed with three yeas. The meeting adjourned at 8:02 a.m.

• Waived reading of June 27, 2025 minutes (3 yeas)
• Recommended EcoATM LLC second‑hand article license to City Council (3 yeas)
• Recommended GameStop #3725 second‑hand article license to City Council (3 yeas)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee approved three motions: waiving the reading of prior minutes; recommending the City Council adopt an order letting the Mayor enter a renewed intermunicipal agreement with the Town of Ashby for veteran services through fiscal year 2028; and recommending the transfer of $10,000 from the Building Department salary account to the operating expense account for an interim commissioner. The committee also kept the health‑insurance payment item on the agenda for further information and removed the sexual‑harassment‑policy item from the calendar.

• Waived reading and accepted April 30, May 14, and May 29, 2025 Finance Committee minutes (3 yeas)
• Recommended adoption of order authorizing Mayor to enter renewed intermunicipal agreement with Town of Ashby for veteran services FY 2026‑FY 2028 (3 yeas)
• Recommended adoption of order transferring $10,000 from Building Dept Salary & Wages to Operating Expenses for interim commissioner (3 yeas)
• Granted more time and kept health‑insurance payments item on agenda
• Removed sexual‑harassment‑policy discussion item from calendar
• Adjourned meeting at 8:45 AM

Gardner Redevelopment Authority

The Authority moved to discuss 205‑213 Main St. in an executive session; the motion was made by Magnus Carlberg, seconded by Tim Horrigan, and the session was entered at 8:53 a.m. The session was later closed at 9:16 a.m. after a motion to close, also made by Carlberg and seconded by Horrigan. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Entered executive session to discuss 205‑213 Main St.
• Closed executive session
• Adjourned meeting

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee voted to recommend the Mayor’s appointment of Stephen Hirons as Sealer of Weights and Measures to the full Council. It also voted to recommend the election of Jen Dymek as City Treasurer and City Collector of Taxes. The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

• Recommended Stephen Hirons appointment as Sealer of Weights and Measures (passed)
• Recommended Jen Dymek election as City Treasurer and City Collector of Taxes (passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:30 p.m. (passed)

Retirement Board

The Gardner Contributory Retirement Board unanimously approved the June 24, 2025 and May 27, 2025 meeting minutes, a $953,412.22 payment warrant, and the Actuarial Draft Report as of Jan 1 2025. It also approved the July 2025 payroll mailing list and health‑insurance rates for retirees and surviving spouses. The board tabled discussion of the funding schedule until the August 2025 meeting. No retirements were approved for July 2025.

• Approved June 24, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved May 27, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved May 2025 trial balances, ledger histories, and City Treasurer’s bank reconciliations (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #07/25 for $953,412.22 (unanimous)
• Approved Actuarial Draft Report as of Jan 1 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved list of Board Members to be mailed with July 2025 payroll (unanimous)
• Approved health‑insurance rates for retirees and surviving spouses for July 2025 payroll (unanimous)
• Tabled funding schedule discussion until August 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Golf Commission

The commission accepted the June 23, 2025 meeting minutes and approved a fall membership promotion. Both the FY25 and FY26 financial reports were accepted, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted June 23, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Approved fall special membership rollout (4-0)
• Accepted FY25 financials (4-0)
• Accepted FY26 financials (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Conservation Commission

The commission approved the July 14 minutes (4‑0‑1) and ratified an emergency certification for the Beaver Dam breach off Lachance Street (5‑0‑0). It voted to continue discussions on the Sludge Landfill, 36 Nicolle Terrace, 282 Brookside Drive, and 170 Mill Street projects at future meetings. The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 PM (6‑0‑0).

• Approved minutes of 7/14/25 (4-0-1)
• Ratified emergency certification for Beaver Dam breach (5-0-0)
• Continued Sludge Landfill discussion until 8/25/25 (6-0-0)
• Continued 36 Nicolle Terrace discussion until 10/27/25 (6-0-0)
• Continued 282 Brookside Drive discussion until 10/27/25 (6-0-0)
• Continued 170 Mill Street discussion until 8/25/25 (6-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:57 PM (6-0-0)

Zoning Board

The Board heard a presentation on the updated special‑permit development plan for 163‑165 Pine Street, including changes to parking, lighting, and grading. Members discussed concerns raised by the neighboring property owner about runoff, steep parking, and lighting. The Board did not render a final decision and scheduled further work, including a guard‑rail proposal, a professional lighting plan, and completion of the property survey.

• Motion to continue discussion approved (motion made by Member Comett, seconded by Member Antaya)

Board of Health

The Board of Health reported that the Super 8 motel is no longer being used as a shelter and will resume motel operations. The board reviewed proposed well regulations, including radiological testing limits and a tenant right to request new water testing if results are older than five years. Updates were given on a $40,000 leach system replacement cost, groundwater monitoring results, food and housing inspections, and a West Nile virus case in wildlife. The next meeting is scheduled for August 25, 2025.

• Super 8 motel will revert to motel use (announcement)

Zoning Board

The board voted to continue the special‑permit case for 63 Walnut Street, allowing the potential buyer more time to finalize the purchase. Member Hanks made the motion, Member Antaya seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. No other motions were approved or denied during the meeting.

• Continuance of 63 Walnut St. special permit case – approved unanimously

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved several sets of meeting minutes, issued a partial Certificate of Compliance for 380 Leo Drive (DEP#160-0261), and voted to postpone discussion of the sludge landfill, 36 Nicolle Terrace, 282 Brookside Drive, and 170 Mill Street to the July 28, 2025 meeting. All motions carried with the vote totals recorded in the minutes.

• Approved minutes of 6/9/25 (amended) (3-0-1)
• Approved minutes of 6/23/25 (4-0-0)
• Approved minutes of 6/24/24 (3-0-1)
• Issued partial Certificate of Compliance for 380 Leo Drive (DEP#160-0261) (4-0-0)
• Continued Sludge Landfill discussion to 7/28/25 (4-0-0)
• Continued 36 Nicolle Terrace discussion to 7/28/25 (4-0-0)
• Continued 282 Brookside Drive discussion to 7/28/25 (4-0-0)
• Continued 170 Mill Street discussion to 7/28/25 (4-0-0)

Planning Board

The Board approved the June 10, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved the definitive site plan for the multi‑family residential units at 0 Emerald Dr with conditions. It also recommended changing the zoning of the parcel east of MA‑101 from Commercial 2 to Industrial 1 with a Summit Solar Overlay. Both motions passed unanimously.

• Approved June 10, 2025 public meeting minutes (4‑0)
• Approved definitive site plan for Multi‑Family Residential Units at 0 Emerald Dr (4‑0)
• Recommended zoning change for parcel east of MA‑101 to Industrial 1 with Summit Solar Overlay (4‑0)
• Adjourned public hearing (4‑0)
• Adjourned regular meeting (4‑0)

License Commission

The commission approved several license applications, including a 1‑day all‑alcohol permit for Moon Hill Brewing and an amendment for South Gardner Mini Mart. It also approved manager changes for Gardner Lodge 1426 BPO Elks and the Lithuanian Outing Association, and approved transfers and new licenses for Sawa Asian Cuisine & Lounge and Sawa to Go, pending ABCC review. The commission adopted a new requirement that 1‑day alcohol permit applications be submitted 45 days before the event. Minutes from the June 10 and June 17, 2025 meetings were approved.

• Approved 1‑Day all‑alcohol permit for Moon Hill Brewing event on 7/16/2025 (all in favor)
• Approved amendment to South Gardner Mini Mart annual wines & malt beverages license (all in favor)
• Approved change of manager for Gardner Lodge 1426 BPO Elks (commission approval)
• Approved change of manager for Lithuanian Outing Association (commission and ABCC approval, matter closed)
• Approved transfer of license for Sawa Asian Cuisine & Lounge (commission approval, pending ABCC documents)
• Approved new on‑premises annual all‑alcohol license for Sawa to Go (commission approval, pending ABCC approval)
• Adopted amendment requiring 45‑day submission period for 1‑Day alcohol permit applications (all in favor)
• Approved minutes for June 10 and June 17, 2025 meetings (all in favor)

City Council

The City Council approved several zoning amendments, licensing grants, and budget measures. It also authorized the construction of a wall at the Waterford Community Center and created a new Youth Center Director position with a $65,000 salary. The council declared the land and buildings at 130 Elm Street surplus, establishing a $300,000 minimum price for any sale.

• Declared 130 Elm Street surplus, minimum $300,000 sale price (8 yeas, 1 recuse)
• Approved Youth Center Director position with $65,000 salary (9 yeas)
• Approved ordinance amending Floodplain Overlay District (9 yeas)
• Approved amendment adding Commercial Overlay Classification on Central Street (9 yeas)
• Approved historic preservation project zoning amendment (9 yeas)
• Granted EcoATM LLC license to collect second‑hand articles at 560 Main St (9 yeas)
• Granted Ten Pins bowling alley license at 560 West Broadway St (8 yeas, 1 recuse)
• Authorized Gardner Community Action Committee to construct wall in Waterford Community Center (9 yeas)

City Council

The City Council and Planning Board held a joint public hearing on July 7, 2025 to consider an ordinance amending the Gardner zoning map. No members of the public spoke for or against the amendment. The council later accepted the amendment on November 17, 2025, changing the parcel from Commercial 2 to Industrial 1 with a Summit Solar overlay.

• Amendment to change zoning of parcel east of MA‑101 from Commercial 2 to Industrial 1 with Summit Solar Overlay accepted (Nov 17 2025)

Airport Commission

The commission meeting opened at 5:35 pm with no quorum, so no votes or approvals occurred. Items such as the runway project closeout, stormwater plan approval, and wildlife survey were discussed, but no actions were formally decided. The meeting adjourned at 6:11 pm.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee recommended that the full City Council declare the land and buildings at 130 Elm Street surplus and authorize their disposal with a minimum sale price of $300,000. The recommendation was adopted by a 3‑yea vote. The Committee also approved several orders for the Gardner Community Action Committee to alter the Waterford Community Center and increased revolving‑fund limits for senior‑center programs.

• Recommended full Council adopt measure declaring 130 Elm Street surplus with $300,000 minimum price (3 yeas)
• Recommended full Council adopt order authorizing Gardner CAC to construct a wall in Waterford Community Center (3 yeas)
• Recommended full Council adopt order amending lease with Gardner CAC to add Unit D at Waterford Community Center (3 yeas)
• Recommended full Council adopt order authorizing Gardner CAC to build a kitchen in Unit D of Waterford Community Center (3 yeas)
• Recommended first printing of ordinance adding Youth Center Director position to City personnel schedule (3 yeas)
• Recommended full Council adopt order raising Council on Aging revolving fund limit to $60,000 (3 yeas)
• Recommended full Council adopt measure creating Lifeline Service Activities revolving fund (3 yeas)
• Removed facilities‑management discussion item from calendar (3 yeas)

Economic and Community Development Committee

The Economic and Community Development Committee approved a motion to waive the reading of the May 30, 2025 minutes and accept them as presented. A second motion to adjourn the meeting was also approved. No other formal actions were taken.

• Waived reading of May 30 minutes (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 1:21 p.m. (motion passed)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee waived reading the May 22 minutes and accepted them. It recommended the mayor's parking‑meter communication be placed on file. It voted to recommend the City Council approve a license for EcoATM LLC at 560 Main Street and a bowling‑alley license for Ten Pins at 560 West Broadway Street. All motions passed with three yeas.

• Waived reading and accepted May 22 minutes (3 yeas)
• Recommended mayor's parking‑meter communication be placed on file (3 yeas)
• Recommended City Council approve EcoATM LLC second‑hand article license (3 yeas)
• Recommended City Council approve Ten Pins bowling‑alley license (3 yeas)

Gardner Redevelopment Authority

The Rear Main Project was reported to have restarted, with drainage work beginning this week. Parking on the rear service road was noted as an issue due to a crane. The Authority granted an extension for the project’s completion until June 30, 2026, and some reimbursements have already been submitted. Presentations were given on the S. Bent and Garbose properties and the Authority’s year‑end financials.

• Extension granted for Rear Main Project completion until June 30, 2026

Retirement Board

The Gardner Contributory Retirement Board bypassed the agenda to interview applicants for the Fifth Board Member seat. Four candidates—Magnus Carlberg, Sai Saathvik Domala, Jacob Cormier, and Thomas Burgomaster—were interviewed, while William Cardaropoli cancelled his interview. No votes or formal decisions were recorded during the meeting.

Golf Commission

The commission accepted the June 9 meeting minutes with a 4‑0 vote. A motion was made to post commission policies on the City and Golf Course websites. The commission accepted the presented financials for FY26 by a 4‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned with a 4‑0 vote.

• Accepted June 9 minutes (4-0 vote)
• Motion to post commission policies to City and Golf Course websites (outcome not recorded)
• Accepted FY26 financial statements (4-0 vote)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0 vote)

Conservation Commission

The commission voted 6-0 to table the June 9 minutes until the July 14 meeting. It also voted unanimously to continue discussion on the Sludge Landfill, 36 Nicolle Terrace, 282 Brookside Drive, and the 170 Mill Street project at the July 14 meeting. The board approved a $385 expenditure for yearly MACC dues. The meeting was adjourned.

• Table minutes of 6/9/25 until 7/14/25 (6-0-0)
• Continue Sludge Landfill enforcement discussion to 7/14/25 (6-0-0)
• Continue 36 Nicolle Terrace enforcement discussion to 7/14/25 (6-0-0)
• Continue 282 Brookside Drive enforcement discussion to 7/14/25 (6-0-0)
• Continue 170 Mill St project discussion to 7/14/25 (6-0-0)
• Approve $385 expenditure for yearly MACC dues (6-0-0)
• Adjourn meeting (6-0-0)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a special permit for BCF Investment LLC to change a two‑family house at 75 Oak Street to a three‑family dwelling, with conditions on driveway spacing and curb cuts. It also unanimously granted a special permit for Stephen Seney to build two multi‑family dwellings at 0 Emerald Street. The board denied variances requested by Gary and Joe Collette for individualizing driveways at 21‑19 Stephanie Drive, and approved a variance amendment for Donald S. Foster II to reduce the front yard setback to 30 feet. Additionally, a five‑year extension for a variance and special permit was approved for Glenn Maki at 0 Linus Allain Avenue.

• Approved special permit for 75 Oak St. conversion (unanimous)
• Approved special permit for 0 Emerald St. multi‑family project (unanimous)
• Denied variances for Lots C, E, and D at 21‑19 Stephanie Drive
• Approved amended variance for 0 Talcott Ave. setback reduction (all in favor)
• Approved five‑year extension for variance and special permit at 0 Linus Allain Ave.

Historical Commission

The Gardner Historical Commission approved the Council on Aging's invitation to co‑host a Boston Tea Party Museum 250th‑anniversary speaking event at the senior center. The FY2026 budget received an additional $3,000 and funds were earmarked for a professional assessment of the Old Burying Ground. The commission also voted to offer the Greenwood Memorial Record Holders Board to John Hochard. Officers and associate members for the 2025‑2026 session were elected.

• Approved minutes of the May 20, 2025 meeting (as amended)
• Elected officers for 2025‑2026: Chair (Chris Pera), Vice Chair (Chuck LaHaye), Clerk (Alan Agnelli)
• Elected Associate Members Steven Rockwood and Marcia White
• Accepted invitation to co‑host Boston Tea Party Museum 250th‑anniversary speaking event
• Approved FY2026 budget addition of $3,000 and allocation for Old Burying Ground assessment
• Voted to offer Greenwood Memorial Record Holders Board to John Hochard
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:37 p.m.

License Commission

The Gardner License Commission voted to approve Sawa To Go's application for a new all alcoholic beverage license at 360 Timpany Blvd. The approval allows the restaurant to serve alcohol and operate a dining room and bar for eat‑in service. All commission members voted in favor. No other business was conducted.

• Approved new all alcoholic beverage license for Sawa To Go at 360 Timpany Blvd (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board accepted the minutes from the May 19, 2025 meeting. It granted a variance allowing a private well to be placed within 10 feet of the right‑of‑way at 0 Minott Street, pending Conservation Department approval. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted minutes of May 19, 2025 (motion by Michele Parker, seconded by Emma Chaitin)
• Granted variance for well setback at 0 Minott Street to 10 ft from right‑of‑way, pending Conservation approval (motion by Michele Parker, seconded by Emma Chaitin)
• Motion to adjourn adopted (motion by Michele Parker, seconded by Emma Chaitin)

City Council

The City Council voted unanimously to send three zoning amendments to first printing. It also adopted a series of appropriation orders, transferring funds to police, sewer, water, public works, and emergency services. The largest single appropriation was $260,000 to the Fire Department for overtime. All motions passed with 11 yeas.

• Sent Floodplain Overlay amendment to first printing (11 yeas)
• Sent Commercial Overlay amendment to first printing (11 yeas)
• Sent Historic Preservation Project amendment to first printing (11 yeas)
• Transferred $70,000 from Police Dept operating expenditures to salaries & wages (11 yeas)
• Appropriated $130,000 from Sewer Surplus to Chemical Treatment (11 yeas)
• Appropriated $260,000 from Free Cash to Fire Department overtime salary expense (11 yeas)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee voted to recommend a series of appropriations to the City Council, including large transfers for police overtime, fire overtime, sewer chemical treatment, and a $575,000 allocation for Department of Public Works snow and ice removal. The committee also removed item 11516 concerning a special committee for the Waterford Community Center from the subcommittee agenda. All motions passed with three yeas.

• Removed item 11516 (Special Committee for Waterford Community Center) from agenda (motion passed)
• Approved $575,000 appropriation from Free Cash to DPW Snow & Ice Removal (3 yeas)
• Approved $260,000 appropriation from Free Cash to Fire Department Overtime (3 yeas)
• Approved $170,000 appropriation from Free Cash to Police Department Overtime (3 yeas)
• Approved $130,000 appropriation from Sewer Surplus to Chemical Treatment (3 yeas)
• Approved $70,000 transfer from Police Operating Expenses to Salaries & Wages (3 yeas)
• Approved $30,000 appropriation from Free Cash to Mayor’s Unclassified Telephone Expense (3 yeas)
• Approved $25,000 appropriation from Free Cash to DPW Street Lighting Expense (3 yeas)

Airport Commission

The Gardner Airport Commission voted to approve signing the Aero Study. The commission also noted the signing of a lease agreement for Dakota Nielson. No other substantive actions were recorded.

• Approved signing Aero Study (vote passed)
• Approved signing lease agreement for Dakota Nielson

Disability Commission

The commission approved the May 14, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It voted to suspend all commission meetings for July and August, planning to resume regular meetings in September, also unanimously. The legislative advocacy (ARC) training was scheduled for July 9, and the commission signed up to attend the 12th Annual Greater Gardner National Night Out. The meeting was formally closed at 2:00 PM by unanimous vote.

• Approved May 14, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Suspended commission meetings for July and August, resume September (unanimous)
• Scheduled ARC legislative advocacy training for July 9
• Signed up to attend 12th Annual Greater Gardner National Night Out
• Closed meeting at 2:00 PM (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved the May 13 meeting minutes and postponed the definitive site plan for multi‑family units to the July 8 meeting. It accepted an amendment to the Floodplain Overlay District and recommended the city council adopt a historic preservation zoning amendment for Central Street. The board also set July 7 for a joint public hearing on a zoning map change and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved minutes of May 13, 2025 meeting (4-0)
• Motion to continue definitive site plan discussion to July 8 meeting (4-0)
• Accepted amendment to the Zoning Floodplain Overlay District (4-0)
• Recommended city council adopt zoning amendment for Central St. historic preservation project (4-0)
• Set July 7 date for joint public hearing on zoning map change (Item 11591) (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

License Commission

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the May 13, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved 1‑day beer and wine licenses for Tavern 13 and Moon Hill Brewing for the July 12, 2025 Food Truck Festival. All other items on the agenda were tabled for the July meeting.

• Approve May 13, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approve Tavern 13 1‑day beer & wine license for July 12, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approve Moon Hill Brewing 1‑day beer & wine license for July 12, 2025 (all in favor)
• Table Gardner Lodge 1426 BPO Elks manager change – pending update (July meeting)
• Table Lithuanian Outing Association manager change – pending update (July meeting)
• Table Sawa Asian Cuisine & Lounge license transfer – pending update (July meeting)
• Table South Gardner Hotel boarding house renewal – missing CORI report (July meeting)

Golf Commission

The Golf Commission approved the minutes from the May 5 and May 12 meetings with a 4‑0 vote after correcting a vote error. The discussion of golf‑course policies was postponed until the June 23 meeting. The commission then adjourned the meeting by a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved May 5 and May 12 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Tabled discussion of golf course policies until June 23
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

School Committee

The Committee accepted the consent agenda, ratifying four warrants totaling $978,806.57. It adopted several policies on first and second readings and removed two redundant policies. The superintendent’s end‑of‑cycle evaluation report was accepted, and a 5% salary increase for Dr. Pellegrino was approved.

• Accepted consent agenda and ratified Warrants #25-45, #25-46, #25-47, #25-48 (total $978,806.57)
• Approved first reading of seven new policies (e.g., BGF Suspension of Policies, CA Administrative Goals)
• Approved second reading of six policies (e.g., BDB School Committee Officers, BEDF Voting Method)
• Removed policies BDBA Duties of Chair and BDBD Duties of Finance Officer as redundant
• Accepted Superintendent Dr. Mark Pellegrino’s 2024‑2025 evaluation report
• Approved a 5% salary increase for Superintendent Dr. Mark Pellegrino

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission accepted the refurbishment plan for the New England Power A1/B2 transmission line and required a two‑year monitoring program. It also issued a Certificate of Compliance for 525 Parker Street and approved the minutes from three prior meetings. The discussion on the 170 Mill St project was postponed to the July 14 meeting, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved April 28, 2024 minutes (4‑0)
• Approved May 12, 2025 minutes (5‑0)
• Approved February 10, 2025 minutes (4‑0)
• Provided Certificate of Compliance for DEP #160-0482, 525 Parker Street (5‑0)
• Closed hearing on New England Power transmission line (5‑0)
• Accepted transmission line plan with 2‑year monitoring stipulation (5‑0)
• Continued discussion on 170 Mill St to July 14, 2025 (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:42 PM (5‑0)

City Council

Council members discussed budget items, staffing, and facility needs but did not vote on any measures. Topics included sewer and water funding, pool repairs, library staffing, airport maintenance, and upcoming storm‑water permit requirements. No approvals, denials, or amendments were recorded.

City Council

The joint public hearing on June 9, 2025 presented three zoning amendments: a floodplain overlay update, a commercial overlay for Central Street, and a historic preservation project amendment. No public opposition was voiced for any amendment. The City Council formally accepted the historic preservation zoning amendment, with the acceptance dated October 20, 2025. No vote tally was recorded in the minutes.

• Historic Preservation Project zoning amendment accepted (no vote tally recorded)

Zoning Board

Board members Melory Cornett, David Antaya, Richard Hanks and Chairman Raymond LaFond visited 0 Pine St on June 7, 2025. Applicant Stephen Seney showed the proposed multifamily structures, driveways, retainer wall and drainage system. Two neighbors attended and the board left the property at about 10:00 a.m. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Cemetery Commission

The Municipal Grounds/Cemetery Commission approved the minutes from the March 5, 2025 meeting. It also accepted the financial statement and directed the Director of Public Works to provide the total balance of cemetery accounts. The meeting was then adjourned at 8:12 a.m., with all motions passing unanimously.

• Accepted minutes of March 5, 2025 (all in favor)
• Accepted financial statement and directed director to provide total cemetery account balance (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:12 a.m. (all in favor)

Bandstand Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the May 15 meeting after corrections. It confirmed a $2,000 donation from the Culture Council and a sponsor check from David Lapointe. Concert start times were set: the first two weeks of August will run 6 p.m.–8 p.m., and the final two weeks will run 5 p.m.–7 p.m. No next meeting date was scheduled.

• Accepted minutes from 5/15/2025 (approved)
• Set concert times for first two weeks of August to 6 p.m.–8 p.m. (approved)
• Set concert times for last two weeks of August to 5 p.m.–7 p.m. (approved)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors voted 2‑0 to accept the minutes from the April 22, 2025 meeting. A second 2‑0 vote approved the motion to adjourn the session at 2:06 p.m. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Accepted April 22, 2025 minutes (2‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:06 p.m. (2‑0)

City Council

The Gardner City Council approved a series of FY2026 budget appropriations without objection, covering revolving funds, parking meter receipts, sewer and water surplus earnings, landfill surplus, cable commission fees, enterprise funds, and school and city department budgets. A motion by Councillor Elizabeth Kazinskas, seconded by Councillor Dana Heath, to request additional information on the salary study and to table the ordinance amending the non‑union compensation schedule passed with 10 yeas. A subsequent motion by Councillor Brad Heglin, seconded by Councillor Aleksander Dernalowicz, to amend that motion and refer it to the Committee of the Whole also passed with 10 yeas.

• Approved FY2026 revolving funds measure (11549) – no objections
• Approved $50,590 parking meter receipts appropriation (11540) – no objections
• Approved $512,699.17 sewer surplus appropriation (11541) – no objections
• Approved $232,406.71 water surplus appropriation (11542) – no objections
• Approved $94,310 landfill surplus appropriation (11543) – no objections
• Approved $264,092 cable commission fees appropriation (11544) – no objections
• Approved $12,211,026 enterprise funds appropriation (11545) – no objections
• Approved $36,715,187 school department budget (11546) – no objections

City Council

The Gardner City Council voted 10 yeas to adopt an ordinance adding the Economic Development and Finance Manager position to the non‑union compensation schedule. It also approved licenses for two businesses to sell second‑hand articles, and referred a zoning map amendment and a spending‑limit order for the Council on Aging to committees for further study. The council authorized acceptance of donations for the Council on Aging and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved ordinance adding Economic Development and Finance Manager position (10 yeas)
• Granted license to Gardner Coins & Cards, Inc. for second‑hand articles at 18 Parker St (10 yeas)
• Granted license to House of Peace and Education, Inc. d/b/a HOPEful Boutique for second‑hand articles at 29 Pleasant St (10 yeas)
• Referred zoning map amendment (Commercial 2 to Industrial 1 with Summit Solar Overlay) to Public Welfare Committee and scheduled joint public hearing (10 yeas)
• Referred spending‑limit order for Council on Aging Recreational Activities Revolving Account to Finance Committee (10 yeas)
• Authorized acceptance of donations and gifts for the Council on Aging (10 yeas)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:45 p.m. (10 yeas)

Economic and Community Development Committee

The committee voted to waive the reading of the April 4, April 22, and May 16 minutes and accepted them as presented. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, seconded, and approved, ending the session at 1:36 p.m. The subcommittee items on the Maki Park project and the Regional Planning Commission were each retained for future consideration. No other actions or approvals were recorded.

• Waived reading of April 4, April 22, and May 16 minutes; accepted as presented
• Adjourned meeting at 1:36 p.m.
• Retained Maki Park project investigation item with subcommittee pending future updates
• Retained Regional Planning Commission discussion item with subcommittee pending future discussion

Public Welfare Committee

The Public Welfare Committee approved Ordinance 11519 to amend Section 510 of the zoning code, updating the floodplain overlay district, with a vote of 3 yeas. The committee also referred Measure 11577, creating a revolving fund for Lifeline services, to the Finance Committee, passing 3 yeas. Additionally, the reading of the May 20, 2025 minutes was waived and accepted. The meeting adjourned at 11:47 a.m.

• Approved floodplain overlay district amendment (Ordinance 11519) – passed 3 yeas
• Referred Lifeline revolving fund measure (11577) to Finance Committee – passed 3 yeas
• Waived reading and accepted minutes of May 20, 2025 – motion passed
• Adjourned meeting at 11:47 a.m. – motion passed

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee approved a series of appropriations and measures for the FY2026 budget. Highlights include a $1,000,000 appropriation for the Transmission Main Replacement Project and funding for public works, police, fire, and water services. The committee also adopted the FY2026 Capital Improvement Plan and created a revolving account for Youth Center Services.

• Approved $1,000,000 appropriation from Water Enterprise Retained Earnings to Transmission Main Replacement Project (11589)
• Approved $575,000 appropriation from Free Cash to Department of Public Works Snow and Ice Removal Expense Account (11570)
• Approved $350,000 appropriation from Free Cash to Employee Benefits Health Insurance Account (11584)
• Approved $260,000 appropriation from Free Cash to Fire Department Overtime (11560)
• Approved $170,000 appropriation from Free Cash to Police Department Overtime (11557)
• Approved $130,000 appropriation from Sewer Enterprise Retained Earnings to Sewer Enterprise Chemical Treatment Account (11555)
• Adopted FY2026 Capital Improvement Plan for the City of Gardner (Measure 11576)
• Created Revolving Account for Youth Center Services with balance limit $100,000 (Measure 11587)

Gardner Redevelopment Authority

The Gardner Redevelopment Authority meeting opened with updates on the Rear Main Project change order of $588,000, the MassDevelopment loan repayment of $173,690.72, and deposits received for 155 Mill and 85 Winter Streets. No substantive actions or votes were taken on these items. The only formal decision was the motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously with a 4‑0 vote.

• Motion to adjourn approved (4-0)

Retirement Board

The Gardner Contributory Retirement Board approved the FY2026 operating budget of $616,760.00 and entered seven‑year contracts with two law firms for legal services. It also approved a three‑year contract for the Board Administrator, authorized late applications for the open board‑member seat, and granted retirement benefits to Cheryl K. Slack. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Approved FY2026 Operating Budget $616,760.00 (unanimous)
• Approved 7‑year legal services contract with Sacco & Collins, P.C. (unanimous)
• Approved 7‑year legal services contract with Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, LLP (unanimous)
• Approved three‑year contract for Board Administrator (July 1 2025‑June 30 2028) (unanimous)
• Approved allowing late applications for Fifth Board Member position (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #05/25 dated May 30 2025 for $751,074.36 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Retiree/Survivor Annual Affidavits (unanimous)
• Granted superannuation retirement benefits to Cheryl K. Slack, effective April 11 2025 (unanimous)

Traffic Commission

The Traffic Commission unanimously voted to request that the Mayor accept special 25 mph speed zones citywide under Chapter 218, Sec. 193. It also approved a 60‑day parking‑restriction trial on West Broadway and Union Street and referred the Douglas Street parking trial to Public Safety. Additional actions included moving Item 9 to the start of the agenda and approving the minutes from the January 30, 2025 meeting.

• Approved minutes of Jan 30 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Moved Item 9 (New Business) to beginning of agenda (unanimous)
• Requested Mayor adopt citywide 25 mph speed zones under Chapter 218 Sec. 193 (unanimous)
• Approved 60‑day trial of parking restrictions on West Broadway & Union Street (unanimous)
• Referred Douglas Street parking trial matter to Public Safety (unanimous)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee waived the reading of the March 28, 2025 minutes and accepted them (3 yeas). It voted to recommend the FY2026 budget to the City Council for approval (3 yeas). It also recommended approval of two second‑hand dealer licenses—Gardner Coins and Cards at 18 Parker Street and Hopeful Boutique at 29 Pleasant Street (each 3 yeas). The meeting was adjourned at 8:57 a.m.

• Waived reading of March 28, 2025 minutes (3 yeas, motion passes)
• Recommended FY2026 budget to City Council for approval (3 yeas, motion passes)
• Recommended approval of license for Gardner Coins and Cards, 18 Parker St (3 yeas, motion passes)
• Recommended approval of license for Hopeful Boutique, 29 Pleasant St (3 yeas, motion passes)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:57 a.m. (motion passes)

Historical Commission

The Gardner Historical Commission adopted its revised Rules and Regulations. It approved the minutes from the April 15 meeting as amended. The commission voted to send the Mayor a letter outlining FY2026 expenditure plans for the budget.

• Adopted Commission Rules and Regulations (motion by Pera, seconded by Agnelli)
• Approved April 15, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (motion by Pera, seconded by Huntoon)
• Voted to provide the Mayor with FY2026 expenditure plans (motion by Pera, seconded by Gaj)
• Agreed to submit draft special‑permit advisory opinions to the City Solicitor for legal review

Public Welfare Committee

The Public Welfare Committee voted to place the FY'26 Montachusett Vocational Technical School budget presentation on file, to keep the floodplain overlay amendment on the agenda pending further input, and to approve several orders and zoning amendments, including a commercial overlay on Central Street and a historic preservation provision. All motions passed with three yeas.

• Placed FY'26 Montachusett Vocational Technical School Budget Presentation on file (3 yeas)
• Kept Floodplain Overlay District amendment on Welfare Committee agenda and requested representatives to attend (3 yeas)
• Authorized spending limit for Council on Aging Recreational Activities Revolving Account to $60,000 or available balance, whichever is lower (3 yeas)
• Approved order accepting gifts and donations to the Gardner Senior Center (3 yeas)
• Amended City Zoning Code Chapter 675 to add Commercial Overlay Classification on certain parcels of Central Street (3 yeas)
• Amended Zoning Ordinance Chapter 675 to add Historic Preservation Project provisions (3 yeas)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to continue the special permit case for 163‑165 Pine Street until the July meeting. It also voted unanimously to continue the special permit case for 75 Oak Street until the June meeting. No other substantive actions or approvals were taken.

• Continue 163‑165 Pine St special permit case until July meeting (unanimous)
• Continue 75 Oak St special permit case until June meeting (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board of Health unanimously accepted the minutes from the April 28, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved the proposed increases to transfer‑station fees, with the changes taking effect on July 1, 2025. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote. Other well‑regulation items were discussed but not formally adopted.

• Accepted April 28, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved transfer station fee increases (e.g., annual pass $20→$30) effective July 1 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council met informally on May 19, 2025 to hear Superintendent Mark Pellegrino’s FY2026 school budget presentation. A discussion and vote on approving the $37,676,548 budget were called, but the minutes do not record the vote outcome or any formal decision.

City Council

The City Council accepted the amended minutes from the April 7 meeting and placed on file the Mayor’s FY2026 budget communication. It approved several large appropriations, including $36,715,187 for the School Department, $29,332,133 for the city’s expense budget, and $14,587,314 for the salary and labor budget. The Council also adopted an ordinance amending the non‑union compensation schedule, authorized the Gardner Community Action Committee to alter its leased space at the Waterford Community Center, and confirmed the Mayor’s appointment of Jason Stevens as Director of Community Development & Planning.

• Accepted amended minutes of April 7, 2025 (9 yeas)
• Placed on file Mayor’s FY2026 budget communication (9 yeas)
• Appropriated $36,715,187 for School Department FY2026 budget (9 yeas)
• Appropriated $29,332,133 for Various Department expense budget FY2026 (9 yeas)
• Appropriated $14,587,314 for Salary and Labor FY2026 budget (9 yeas)
• Adopted ordinance amending Personnel chapter non‑union compensation schedule (9 yeas)
• Authorized Gardner Community Action Committee to construct alterations at Waterford Community Center (9 yeas)
• Confirmed Mayor’s appointment of Jason Stevens as Director of Community Development & Planning (9 yeas)

Zoning Board

Board members Melory Cornett, David Antaya, and Chairman Raymond LaFond conducted a site visit at 163-165 Pine Street on May 17, 2025 from 9:30 am to 10:00 am. Applicant Jonathan Bombaci showed the proposed additional parking space and explained design changes. The board completed the visit and left the property. No formal decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Economic and Community Development Committee

The committee waived the reading of the February 18 and March 14 minutes and accepted them as presented. It voted to recommend approval of the Economic Development and Finance Manager position and its job description to the full City Council, and to amend the compensation to $85,000 and send the ordinance to first printing. The discussion of the Regional Planning Commission item was postponed to a future meeting with the mayor. The meeting was adjourned at 1:04 p.m.

• Waived reading of February 18 and March 14 minutes (motion passed)
• Recommended approval of Economic Development and Finance Manager position to full Council (motion passed)
• Recommended approval of job description for the new position (motion passed)
• Recommended amendment of compensation to $85,000 and send ordinance to first printing (motion passed)
• Postponed discussion of Regional Planning Commission item (item remains on agenda)
• Adjourned meeting at 1:04 p.m. (motion passed)

Bandstand Committee

The committee accepted the minutes from the April 24, 2025 meeting. It approved a $500.00 donation from Price Chopper. Rain dates were confirmed for several scheduled performers. The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

• Accepted minutes from 4/24/2025
• Approved $500 donation from Price Chopper
• Confirmed rain dates for listed performers
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

School Subcommittees

The subcommittee approved the minutes from the April 16, 2025 Policy Meeting. It tabled the Superintendent’s Contract policy for further review at the next meeting. Several policies were left unchanged, deemed redundant, or had formatting changes approved and were sent to the June full School Committee for a first read. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved minutes of the April 16, 2025 Policy Meeting
• Tabled Policy CBD – Superintendent’s Contract for further review
• Confirmed no changes needed for policies BE, CB‑E, CEBB (updated as "Reviewed May 2025")
• Declared policies BJ and CCB redundant; not recommended for full committee adoption
• Approved formatting changes for policies BGF, CA, CB, CBI, CEA and sent to June full School Committee for first read
• Approved removal of the last sentence in Policy BIA and formatting change; sent to June full School Committee for first read
• Approved addition of "any person" language to Policy JICH and formatting change; sent to June full School Committee for first read
• Adjourned the meeting

Appointments Committee

The committee waived reading of the minutes and accepted them as presented. It voted to send a letter to the mayor requesting clarification about the Department of Inspectional Services concerning recent resignations. The committee recommended the mayor’s appointments of Jason Stevens as Director of Community Development & Planning, Michael Budwick to the Golf Commission, and Brian Hall to the Conservation Commission to the full council. No decision was made on Stephen Hirons’s appointment, pending further interview.

• Waived reading of minutes, accepted as presented
• Voted to send clarification letter to Mayor about Department of Inspectional Services
• Recommended Mayor’s appointment of Jason Stevens, Director of Community Development & Planning
• Recommended Mayor’s appointment of Michael Budwick, Golf Commission member
• Recommended Mayor’s appointment of Brian Hall, Conservation Commission member
• Deferred decision on Stephen Hirons’s appointment as Sealer of Weights and Measures
• Adjourned meeting at 5:41 p.m.

Disability Commission

The Disability Commission unanimously approved the May 14 meeting minutes. The commission signed up to participate in the Small Business Saturday and Gardner Festival on June 21. The meeting was closed unanimously at 2:00 PM. Grant opportunities and park accessibility were discussed but no actions were voted on.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Commission will participate in Small Business Saturday and Gardner Festival on June 21
• Closed meeting (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The committee waived the reading and accepted the April 7, 2025 Finance Committee minutes. It recommended that the City Council approve the Gardner Community Action Committee’s request to build a wall in the Waterford Community Center lease space. The committee also approved a motion to resend the vote on naming the council chambers and to purchase a bronze plaque honoring Ronald F. Cormier. Several discussion items, including health‑insurance trust funds and policy updates, were kept on the agenda for future consideration.

• Waived reading and accepted April 7 minutes (3 yeas)
• Recommended City Council approve CAC wall modification (3 yeas)
• Resent vote to name council chambers and approved purchase of plaque (3 yeas)
• Kept health‑insurance trust fund discussion on agenda
• Kept proposal for Waterford Center special committee on agenda
• Kept city policy update discussion on agenda
• Kept facilities‑management review on agenda
• Adjourned meeting at 4:31 p.m.

Planning Board

The board voted 3-0 to close the public hearing on the West Mini Storage definitive site plan. It then voted 3-0 to continue the public hearing on the 0 Emerald Street project until June 10. Finally, the board voted 5-0 to close the public hearing.

• Closed public hearing on West Mini Storage definitive site plan (3-0)
• Continued public hearing on 0 Emerald Street project until June 10 (3-0)
• Closed public hearing (5-0)

License Commission

The License Commission approved the minutes from the February/April 8, 2025 meeting with all members in favor. It also approved a one‑day license for Moon Hill Brewing Co’s July 12, 2025 customer‑appreciation event, with all members in favor. Two pending manager‑change requests for Gardner Lodge 1426 BPO Elks and the Lithuanian Outing Association were tabled for the June meeting.

• Approved February/April 8, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved Moon Hill Brewing Co 1‑Day License for July 12, 2025 event (all in favor)
• Tabled Gardner Lodge 1426 BPO Elks manager change (to be revisited June)
• Tabled Lithuanian Outing Association manager change (to be revisited June)

Golf Commission

The Golf Commission approved the 12/16/24 meeting minutes (3-1) and corrected the 4/7/24 minutes (4-0). A public‑record request from John Curran for the December 16 minutes was approved (4-0). Discussion of golf course policies was tabled until June 9, 2025, and the meeting was adjourned (4-0).

• Approved 12/16/24 minutes (3-1)
• Approved edits to 4/7/24 minutes (4-0)
• Approved sending requested December 16 minutes to John Curran (4-0)
• Tabled discussion of Golf Course Policies until 6/9/25
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

School Committee

The committee accepted the consent agenda, approving four warrants totaling $1,224,827.76. It gave first reading approval to a set of new policies and second reading approval to three specific policies. The committee adopted one policy on member resignation and approved the Program of Studies, including the Competency Determination. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted Consent Agenda, approving Warrants #25-41 ($61,126.50), #25-42 ($335,572.79), #25-43 ($224,079.17), #25-44 ($604,149.30) (so voted)
• Approved first reading of multiple policies (ADDA, BDB, BEC, BEDA, BEDB, BEDF, BEDH, BG, BGB, BGC, BGE) (so voted)
• Approved second reading of policies BBAA, BBBA, BDE (so voted)
• Adopted policy BBBC School Committee Member Resignation (so voted)
• Approved Program of Studies, including the Competency Determination (so voted)
• Adjourned the meeting (so voted)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved the single‑family home project at 0 Betty Spring Road, adopting the standard order and requiring an annual operations‑and‑maintenance report. Enforcement orders for 36 Nicolle Terrace and 282 Brookside Drive were continued through June 9, 2025. Hearings on the New England Power transmission line and the 170 Mill St project were also continued to the June 9 meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 PM.

• Approved Jan 27, 2025 meeting minutes (4‑0‑2)
• Continued enforcement order at 36 Nicolle Terrace to June 9, 2025 (6‑0)
• Continued enforcement order at 282 Brookside Drive to June 9, 2025 (6‑0)
• Closed hearing and approved project at 0 Betty Spring Road with O&M report (6‑0)
• Continued New England Power A1/B2 transmission line hearing to June 9, 2025 (6‑0)
• Continued discussion on 170 Mill St project to June 9, 2025 (6‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (6‑0)

Golf Commission

The commission voted 5-0 to approve the FY25 financials, including a $22,869 stipend for the Financial Administrator. Minutes from the December 16 and April 7 meetings were tabled for future review. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved FY25 financials (5-0)
• Tabled December 16 and April 7 minutes
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

The council approved an order authorizing the city to enter an intermunicipal agreement with the Town of Winchendon to provide veterans' services, passing unanimously (9 yeas). It also amended a zoning ordinance to correct parcel identifiers and referred three separate zoning amendments—adding a commercial overlay on Central Street, creating a historic preservation project provision, and updating the floodplain overlay to meet FEMA requirements—to the Planning Board and Public Welfare Committee for further study and a joint public hearing, each passing with 9 yeas. The council accepted the March 17, 2025 meeting minutes and placed on file two mayoral communications regarding FY2024 financial audit reports, all with unanimous approval.

• Approved intermunicipal agreement with Winchendon for veterans' services (9 yeas)
• Amended ordinance to correct parcel numbers to R27 17-13 and R27 17-18 (9 yeas)
• Referred commercial overlay amendment on Central Street to Planning Board & Public Welfare Committee, schedule joint hearing (9 yeas)
• Referred historic preservation project amendment to Planning Board & Public Welfare Committee, schedule joint hearing (9 yeas)
• Referred floodplain overlay amendment to Planning Board & Public Welfare Committee, schedule joint hearing (9 yeas)
• Accepted March 17, 2025 meeting minutes (9 yeas)
• Placed on file Mayor's FY2024 Single Financial Audit Report (9 yeas)
• Placed on file Mayor's FY2024 Final Financial Audit Report (9 yeas)

School Subcommittees

The Facilities Sub‑Committee made and seconded a motion to approve the March 4, 2025 meeting minutes. A second motion to adjourn was also made, seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 5:25 PM. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Motion to approve March 4, 2025 minutes made and seconded
• Motion to adjourn meeting made and seconded; meeting adjourned at 5:25 PM

School Subcommittees

The sub‑committee voted to approve the minutes from the April 3, 2025 Finance meeting. After reviewing expense reports, the committee adjourned the session at 5:10 p.m.

• Approved April 3, 2025 Finance Sub‑Committee minutes (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:10 pm (motion passed)

Finance Committee

The committee voted unanimously to authorize the City Council to enter an intermunicipal agreement with Winchendon for veterans services for FY2025‑2027. It also approved recommendations to place the FY2024 single‑financial‑audit and full‑financial‑audit communications on the council’s file. The three proposals on waterford center, sexual‑harassment policy, and facilities management were kept on the calendar for future discussion.

• Authorized intermunicipal veterans services agreement (all in favor)
• Recommended placing FY2024 single audit communication on file (all in favor)
• Recommended placing FY2024 full audit communication on file (all in favor)

Board of Health

The Board reviewed a draft set of well and water supply regulations, covering purpose, definitions, permit terminology, setback distances, water quantity, quality, construction, and decommissioning requirements. Members discussed language changes, technical details, and enforcement challenges, and agreed further discussion is needed at the next meeting. No formal approvals, rejections, or votes were recorded.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved the minutes from the April 14 meeting. It issued an Emergency Certification for the municipal golf course irrigation pipe failure and gave a negative three determination for the 0 Talcott Avenue project. The commission approved the breach of Old Duck Pond Dam with an Order of Conditions, and continued several pending matters to future meetings.

• Approved minutes of 4/14/25 (5-0)
• Issued Emergency Certification for Gardner Municipal Golf Course (5-0)
• Continued Sludge Landfill discussion to 5/12/25 (5-0)
• Negative three determination for 0 Talcott Avenue project (5-0)
• Continued Notice of Intent for 0 Betty Spring Road to 5/12/25 (5-0)
• Continued Notice of Intent for New England Power transmission line to 5/12/25 (5-0)
• Approved breach of Old Duck Pond Dam with Order of Conditions (5-0)
• Continued discussion on 170 Mill St to 6/9/25 (5-0)

Retirement Board

The Gardner Contributory Retirement Board unanimously approved the March and February meeting minutes, the January‑February trial balances and bank reconciliations, and a $724,490.42 payment warrant. It also approved withholding $234.90 from retiree Brian Gemborys' May 2025 payroll, accepted the GASB 67 & 68 draft report, and adopted a legal‑services RFP and a three‑year salary contract for the Board Administrator.

• Approved March 26, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved February 25, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Jan‑Feb 2025 trial balances, ledger histories and Treasurer’s reconciliations (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #04/25 for $724,490.42 (unanimous)
• Approved withholding $234.90 from Brian Gemborys payroll in May 2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted GASB 67 & 68 draft report from Stone Consulting (unanimous)
• Approved Request for Proposals for legal services (unanimous)
• Approved three‑year salary contract for Board Administrator (unanimous)

Gardner Redevelopment Authority

The Gardner Redevelopment Authority approved the minutes from the April 17, 2025 meeting by a 5‑0 vote. It unanimously voted to enter an executive session to review offers for 155 Mill Street. The meeting was then adjourned by a 5‑0 vote. No other business was taken.

• Approved April 17, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Entered executive session to review 155 Mill Street offers (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Bandstand Committee

The Bandstand Committee accepted the minutes from 4/24/2024. They confirmed Dan Kororeac for the Eagles Tribute concert on August 9, 2025, with a rain‑date on August 10, 2025. Members were assigned outreach to sponsors and the sign department to prepare flyers. The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 pm.

• Accepted minutes from 4/24/2024 (motion by Denise, seconded by Nancy)
• Confirmed Eagles Tribute concert with Dan Kororeac for 8/9/2025, 5‑7 pm (rain date 8/10/2025, 2‑4 pm)
• Assigned members to contact sponsors and the Sign Dept to complete concert flyers
• Adjourned meeting at 4:00 pm (motion by Nancy, seconded by Denise)

Economic and Community Development Committee

The Economic and Community Development Committee voted to recommend item 11514, the mayor's communication about an ad‑hoc advisory committee for the city’s first master plan, be placed on the file. No vote count was recorded. The meeting was then adjourned by a motion of Councilor Heath. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Recommend item 11514 (ad‑hoc advisory committee for master plan) placed on file – approved
• Adjourn meeting – approved

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors accepted the March 25, 2025 minutes with a 2‑0 vote. It then voted 2‑0 to enter executive session and not return to the open session. The board approved FY25 Clause 22E exemptions and the FY25 Clause 22A‑F exemption. It also approved the submission of Veterans and MDM‑1 exemption reimbursement forms to the State.

• Accepted March 25, 2025 minutes (2‑0)
• Entered executive session, not to return (2‑0)
• Approved FY25 Clause 22E exemptions
• Approved FY25 Clause 22A‑F exemption
• Approved submission of Veterans and MDM‑1 exemption reimbursement forms

City Council

The City Council approved a five-year contract for on-call engineering services. It referred an intermunicipal veterans services agreement with Winchendon to the Finance Committee, authorized a $282.36 solid‑waste salary payment, transferred $5,000 between appropriations, and approved acceptance of donations for the flowerpot program and the animal‑control shelter. The council also created an Economic Development and Finance Manager position and placed an economic‑development update on file.

• Approved five-year contract for on-call engineering services (8 yeas)
• Referred intermunicipal agreement with Winchendon for veterans services FY2025‑27 to Finance Committee (8 yeas)
• Authorized payment of $282.36 FY2024 transfer station monitor salary (8 yeas)
• Transferred $5,000 from Community Development Clerk/Asst salaries to Professional Services operating expenditures (8 yeas)
• Approved acceptance of donations for the flowerpot program (8 yeas)
• Approved acceptance of donations for the Gardner Animal Control Shelter (8 yeas)
• Adopted order creating Economic Development and Finance Manager position and approved job description (8 yeas)
• Placed April Economic and Community Development update on file (8 yeas)

Community Development Block Grant Steering Committee

The meeting was informational only, with no votes on any proposals. Updates were provided on the FY25 CDBG application, FY22/23 project status, and FY24 grant activities. A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and carried, ending the meeting at 9:03 a.m.

• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Gardner Redevelopment Authority

The Gardner Redevelopment Authority unanimously approved the April 2 minutes. It voted to keep the MassDevelopment loan repayment item on the docket. The board entered an executive session to review offers for 155 Mill Street, also unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved April 2 minutes (4‑0)
• Kept MassDevelopment loan repayment on docket (4‑0)
• Entered executive session to review 155 Mill Street offers (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Planning Board

The Gardner Planning Board held a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance to create a Historic Preservation Project provision. The board voted unanimously to close the hearing, to recommend that the City Council accept the ordinance as presented, and then adjourned. No other actions were taken.

• Motion to close the public hearing – approved (5-0)
• Motion to recommend City Council accept the zoning ordinance amendment – approved (5-0)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting – approved (5-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board held a public hearing on an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to add a Historic Preservation Project section. The board voted unanimously to close the hearing, to recommend that the City Council accept the ordinance as presented, and then adjourned the meeting.

• Motion to close the public hearing – approved (5-0)
• Motion to recommend City Council accept the zoning ordinance amendment – approved (5-0)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting – approved (5-0)

Finance Committee

The committee unanimously approved several financial actions, including a $282.36 prior‑year salary payment, a $5,000 appropriation transfer, and acceptance of donations for the flower‑pot program and animal shelter. It also authorized a five‑year on‑call engineering services contract. Additional procedural motions were passed, such as waiving the reading of March 12 minutes and keeping the health‑insurance item on the agenda.

• Approved payment of $282.36 prior‑year solid waste salary (3 yeas)
• Approved transfer of $5,000 from Community Development salaries to professional services (3 yeas)
• Approved acceptance of donations for the 2025 Gardner Flower Pot Program (3 yeas)
• Approved acceptance of donations for the Gardner Animal Control Shelter (3 yeas)
• Authorized a five‑year on‑call engineering services contract (3 yeas)
• Waived reading and accepted March 12, 2025 Finance Committee minutes (3 yeas)
• Removed internal salary study review item from the calendar (3 yeas)
• Kept health‑insurance payments and trust‑fund item on agenda for next council meeting (3 yeas)

School Subcommittees

The subcommittee unanimously approved the minutes from the March 12 policy meeting. It tabled Policy BE – School Committee Meetings for further review at the May subcommittee meeting. It voted to forward several revised policies—including background checks, officer duties, executive sessions, meeting notifications, agenda, voting method, and public comment—to the May full School Committee for a first read.

• Approved March 12 policy meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled Policy BE – School Committee Meetings to May subcommittee meeting
• Sent Policy ADDA – Background Checks to May full School Committee (unanimous)
• Sent Policy BDB – School Committee Officers to May full School Committee (unanimous)
• Sent Policy BEC – Executive Sessions to May full School Committee (unanimous)
• Sent Policy BEDA – Notification of School Committee Meetings to May full School Committee (unanimous)
• Sent Policy BEDB – Agenda to May full School Committee (unanimous)
• Sent Policy BEDF – Voting Method to May full School Committee (unanimous)

Public Welfare Committee

The Public Welfare Committee considered a measure to authorize an intermunicipal agreement with the Town of Winchendon for veteran services for FY2025‑2027. Councilors moved and seconded a motion to have the agreement presented to the full City Council for approval. The motion passed with three yeas. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Motion to present intermunicipal agreement with Winchendon to full council – passed (3 yeas)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting – passed

Historical Commission

The Gardner Historical Commission approved amendments to its Rules and Regulations, including revising the introductory purpose statement and removing the 75‑year age requirement for a historic structure. It voted to have the clerk draft correspondence to Gardner High School outlining concerns about several school artifacts. The commission endorsed the proposed Historic Preservation Zoning Amendment and will present testimony to the Planning Board. Members also agreed to pursue recruitment of additional commission members.

• Approved amendment to Rules and Regulations Section 1 introduction and purpose (motion by Pera, seconded by Huntoon)
• Approved removal of the “minimum of 75 years of age” definition for historic structures (motion by Pera)
• Directed clerk to prepare correspondence to Gardner High School regarding artifact findings (motion by Agnelli, seconded by Pera)
• Endorsed the proposed Historic Preservation Zoning Amendment and will present testimony to the Planning Board (motion by Pera, seconded by Huntoon)
• Agreed to pursue recruitment of new commission members
• Approved the minutes of the March 18, 2025 meeting as amended

Zoning Board

The board reviewed the special permit for 163‑165 Pine Street, including parking modifications and compliance issues. Members asked for clarification on parking dimensions, accessibility, and easement details. No vote or formal decision was recorded during the meeting.

School Committee

The Gardner School Committee unanimously approved the FY 2026 school budget of $37,676,548. It also accepted the consent agenda items, approved several policy actions, appointed Superintendent Mark Pellegrino to two collaborative boards, and adopted the CAPS agreement and new competency standards. All votes were recorded as "so voted" or unanimous.

• Approved FY 2026 school budget $37,676,548 (8 yes, unanimous)
• Accepted Consent Agenda, including warrants #25-37 to #25-40 (so voted)
• Approved second reading of JKAA Physical Restraints policy (so voted)
• Approved moving Policy BDEE - Athletic Council to District Procedure Manual (so voted)
• Appointed Superintendent Mark Pellegrino to Keystone Collaborative Board (so voted)
• Appointed Superintendent Mark Pellegrino to CAPS Collaborative Board (so voted)
• Approved CAPS Collaborative Agreement effective July 1, 2025 (so voted)
• Adopted GPS competency language for graduating class (so voted)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved the emergency certification for the March 27 sewage overflow at Heritage Village with a 6‑0 vote. It also approved the minutes from four prior meetings. Several enforcement orders and pending permit items were postponed to the April 28 meeting.

• Approved Emergency Certification for Heritage Village sewage overflow (6-0)
• Approved minutes of July 8, 2024 meeting (4-0-2)
• Approved minutes of February 10, 2025 meeting (4-0-2)
• Approved minutes of February 24, 2025 meeting (4-0-2)
• Approved minutes of March 10, 2025 meeting (5-0-1)
• Continued Enforcement Order on Sludge Landfill to 4/28/25 (6-0)
• Continued Enforcement Order on 36 Nicolle Terrace to 4/28/25 (6-0)
• Continued Enforcement Order on 282 Brookside Drive to 4/28/25 (6-0)

Development Review Committee

The Gardner Development Review Committee met on April 11, 2025 to discuss a proposed 23‑lot subdivision on Pearl Street. Committee members asked questions about road access, fire safety, water and sewer, wetlands, and unit sizes, but no approvals or actions were taken. The meeting was adjourned with a 6‑0 vote.

• Adjourned meeting (vote 6‑0)

Planning Board

The Gardner Planning Board voted unanimously to suspend the public hearing on the Emerald Street multifamily site. It also suspended the hearing on the West Mini Storage site. Finally, the board rescheduled the public hearing on Zoning Amendment Item 11506 to April 16 at 6:30 p.m.

• Suspend public hearing on Emerald Street multifamily site (vote 4‑0)
• Suspend public hearing on West Mini Storage site (vote 4‑0)
• Reschedule public hearing on Zoning Amendment Item 11506 to April 16, 6:30 p.m. (vote 4‑0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved the March 11, 2025 meeting minutes. It voted to continue discussion of the Floodplain Overlay District Ordinance at the next meeting as a public hearing. The board then adjourned the session.

• Approved March 11, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Continued floodplain overlay district ordinance discussion to next meeting as public hearing (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

License Commission

The commission approved the February 11, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved a license transfer for Sawa Asian Cuisine and Lounge, two special‑day licenses for Fitness Concepts, and seasonal renewals for PACC, Lithuanian Outing and Zoe’s on the Green, all pending satisfactory inspections. The commission also appointed Brandi Caisse as the new License Commission clerk.

• Approved February 11, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved transfer of license for Sawa Asian Cuisine and Lounge (all in favor)
• Approved two special 1‑day licenses for Fitness Concepts (all in favor)
• Approved seasonal renewal for PACC, pending inspection (all in favor)
• Approved seasonal renewal for Lithuanian Outing, pending inspection (all in favor)
• Approved seasonal renewal for Zoe’s on the Green (all in favor)
• Appointed Brandi Caisse as new License Commission clerk (all in favor)

Golf Commission

The Golf Commission approved the March 10, 2025 minutes and tabled the December 16, 2025 minutes, each with a 5‑0 vote. A motion to approve the discussion of the upcoming water bill was also passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned with a 5‑0 vote.

• Accepted March 10, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Tabled December 16, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved water bill discussion (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

The City Council voted 8-2 to adopt a resolution expressing disapproval of the Building Commissioner’s proposed permit fee increases. It also approved an informal meeting with MART Transportation Services and granted a Class II motor vehicle dealer license to MTM Auto at 207 E Broadway, each by unanimous 10‑yea votes. The council waived and accepted the minutes from the February 3, 2025 meeting with a 10‑yea vote. Additionally, the council confirmed four mayoral appointments to the Zoning Board, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Board of Health, all by unanimous 10‑yea votes.

• Waived reading and accepted Feb 3, 2025 minutes (10 yeas)
• Approved informal meeting with MART Transportation Services (10 yeas)
• Granted Motor Vehicle Dealers License, Class II, MTM Auto, 207 E Broadway (10 yeas)
• Adopted resolution opposing proposed building permit fee increases (8 yeas, 2 nays)
• Confirmed Laurie Wiita appointment to Zoning Board (10 yeas)
• Confirmed Eric Flint appointment to Planning Board (10 yeas)
• Confirmed Nicholas Summerhayes appointment to Conservation Commission (10 yeas)
• Confirmed Emma Chaitin appointment to Board of Health (10 yeas)

Finance Committee

The committee waived reading and accepted the February 12 and February 26 Finance Committee minutes (2 yeas, motion passed). It voted to recommend that the full City Council discuss and review the resolution opposing the proposed Building Department fee increases (2 yeas, motion passed). The committee also agreed to keep the health‑insurance trust fund item and the Ronald F. Cormier Memorial Committee report on the agenda, and then adjourned the meeting.

• Waived reading and accepted Feb 12 & Feb 26 minutes (2 yeas, passed)
• Recommended full Council discuss building fee increase disapproval (2 yeas, passed)
• Kept health‑insurance trust fund item on agenda
• Kept Ronald F. Cormier Memorial Committee report on agenda
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Economic and Community Development Committee

The Economic and Community Development Committee approved motions to keep three items—11510 (creation of an Economic Development and Finance Manager), 11511 (ordinance to amend the personnel code for that position), and 11454 (report on the Maki Park Project investigation)—on its agenda for future consideration. A separate motion to adjourn the meeting was also approved.

• Motion to keep item 11510 (creation of Economic Development and Finance Manager) on agenda – approved
• Motion to keep item 11511 (ordinance amending personnel code for the new position) on agenda – approved
• Motion to keep item 11454 (Maki Park Project investigation report) on agenda – approved
• Motion to adjourn the meeting – approved

School Subcommittees

The subcommittee approved the minutes from the March 4, 2025 Finance Subcommittee meeting. Members discussed a higher‑than‑normal occurrence of plumbing and elevator repairs and reviewed the current budget deficit driven by indirect costs, especially health insurance. Project updates were given on the GHS Auditorium Phase II completion and a proposed elevator overhaul. The meeting was adjourned.

• Approved March 4, 2025 Finance Subcommittee minutes (passed)
• Adjourned meeting (passed)

Airport Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the March 5, 2025 meeting. It voted unanimously to accept Gale Associates' fee of $221,400 for the environmental assessment and obstruction study and to forward the grant application to Mayor Nicholson for final funding approval. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved March 5, 2025 meeting minutes (decision)
• Unanimously accepted $221,400 fee for EA/Obstruction Study and forwarded grant application (unanimous vote)

Gardner Redevelopment Authority

The Authority approved the February 28 minutes and the IDFA meeting notes. It voted to keep the Rear Main Project on the docket, sign the contract with Lewis Property Care, add three vacant Summit Industrial Park parcels to Tracy Salden's inventory, and move toward repayment of the $172,179.59 MassDevelopment loan. The board also postponed discussion of broker services to the next meeting and adjourned.

• Approved February 28 minutes (3-0)
• Approved IDFA meeting notes (3-0)
• Kept Rear Main Project on docket (3-0)
• Signed contract with Lewis Property Care (3-0)
• Added three vacant Summit Industrial Park parcels to inventory (3-0)
• Moved toward repayment of $172,179.59 MassDevelopment loan (3-0)
• Postponed broker services update to next meeting (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee interviewed four mayoral appointees and voted to recommend each appointment to the full council. The recommended positions are Zoning Board member Laurie Wiita, Planning Board member Eric Flint, Conservation Commission member Nicholas Summerhayes, and Board of Health member Emma Chaitin. The committee also reported two staff resignations and adjourned at 6:12 p.m.

• Recommend Laurie Wiita appointment to Zoning Board to full council
• Recommend Eric Flint appointment to Planning Board to full council
• Recommend Nicholas Summerhayes appointment to Conservation Commission to full council
• Recommend Emma Chaitin appointment to Board of Health to full council
• Adjourn meeting at 6:12 p.m.

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee voted 3‑yeas to waive the reading and accept the minutes from December 6 and December 16, 2024. The committee also approved the renewal of the $47,000 Shannon grant, the Emergency Operations Center kitchen project, and the Monty Tech cabinet‑making program for students. No other motions were recorded.

• Waived reading and accepted Dec 6 & Dec 16, 2024 minutes (3 yeas, motion passes)
• Approved renewal of Shannon grant (~$47,000)
• Approved Emergency Operations Center (EOC) kitchen project
• Approved Monty Tech cabinet‑making program for students

Retirement Board

The board unanimously approved the February 2025 meeting minutes and a $946,078.31 warrant. It also adopted a 3.0% cost‑of‑living adjustment for FY 2026. The board accepted the PERAC annual statement and the board’s 2024 annual report, and granted permission for members to attend the MACRS Spring Conference.

• Approved February 25, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #03/25 for $946,078.31 (unanimous)
• Adopted 3.0% Cost of Living Adjustment for FY 2026 (unanimous)
• Accepted PERAC Annual Statement for Dec 31, 2024 (unanimous)
• Accepted Gardner Contributory Retirement Board Annual Report for 2024 (unanimous)
• Granted permission for Board members and Administrator to attend MACRS Spring Conference (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:37 A.M. (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board accepted the March 12, 2025 minutes with a 3‑0 vote. A motion to go into executive session was passed unanimously (3‑0). The Board reviewed and decided on several FY25 exemptions, approving three Clause 22 exemptions and one real‑estate abatement request, while denying one Clause 22 exemption, two Clause 17D exemptions, and four real‑estate abatement requests.

• Accepted March 12, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Entered executive session (3-0)
• Approved three FY25 Clause 22 exemptions
• Denied one FY25 Clause 22 exemption
• Denied two FY25 Clause 17D exemptions
• Approved one FY25 Real Estate abatement request
• Denied four FY25 Real Estate abatement requests

Board of Health

The Board of Health voted to table further discussion of the updated private‑well regulations until the next meeting. A motion to accept the January 27, 2025 minutes with corrections was approved. The board considered a public‑comment policy but made no change, and adjourned the meeting.

• Accepted January 27, 2025 minutes (motion by Michele Parker, seconded by Geoff Tobia)
• Tabled discussion on new private‑well regulations (no vote tally recorded)
• No change to public‑comment policy (discussion left as‑is)
• Motion to adjourn approved (motion by Geoff Tobia, seconded by Michele Parker)

Conservation Commission

The Gardner Conservation Commission unanimously voted to continue discussion of several enforcement orders and pending public hearings, moving them to future meetings in April. Items were set for either the April 14 or April 28 meeting, with no approvals or denials made at this session.

• Continue Sludge Landfill enforcement discussion to April 14 (6-0-0)
• Continue 36 Nicolle Terrace enforcement discussion to April 14 (6-0-0)
• Continue 282 Brookside Drive enforcement discussion to April 14 (6-0-0)
• Continue 125 Snake Pond Road hearing to April 14 (6-0-0)
• Continue Betty Spring Rd Notice of Intent hearing to April 14 (6-0-0)
• Continue New England Power A1/B2 Transmission Line hearing to April 28 (6-0-0)
• Continue Ebenezer Keyes Conservation Area amendment hearing to April 14 (6-0-0)

Public Welfare Committee

The committee waived the reading and approved the minutes from the December 12, 2024 meeting. A FY2026 budget presentation for Montachusett Vocational Technical School was delivered. The meeting was then adjourned at 9:24 a.m.

• Accepted December 12, 2024 minutes (motion by Dana Heath, seconded by David Thibault-Munoz)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion by Judy Mack, seconded by Dana Heath)