Here is a copy of the current Gardner MA City Charter. CLICK HERE.
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Gardner MA City Council – 2 Meetings on November 21, 2022
Informal Meeting 6:00pm
In August 2022, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson communicated to the City Council his desire for them to approve an “Act Relative to Establish a Special Act Charter Drafting Committee.” It was discussed at two meetings in September, removed from the calendar in October and was back on the calendar for this meeting.
Other matters before the Council included some routine financial matters and a Communication from the Mayor Regarding the Fiscal Year 2023 Supplemental Budget Proposal.
The Agenda listed here is for the informal meeting, contains the Mayor’s suggestions on Charter modifications, various Money orders, the Fire Department Union Contract, includes the Fiscal 2023 City Budget and expenditures through 10/20/22, and communications from City Auditor John Richard. Complete Informal Meeting Agenda, click here. Listen to the Informal Meeting on any device, CLICK Play.
Regular Meeting Items 7:30pm
| Free Parking: Whether there will be Free Parking at Downtown Gardner Parking meters for month of December 2022 APPROVED |
| Tax Rate: Whether to accept a single tax rate for residential, business, and industrial property as recommended by the Finance Committee. Request to set the tax rate at $16.16, reflecting various required certifications regarding property in the City. This would be welcome news to residents expecting a reduction to offset the larger than expected 1st and 2nd quarter bills. It would be the lowest tax rate in a decade. Various information regarding property taxes in Gardner is included in the 432 page packet. Decision: A Public Meeting will be scheduled. |
| Various money orders and notifications |
| Taxis and Ride Share: The Ordinance to amend the Code of the City of Gardner entitled, “Hackney and Other Carriages.” This would affect taxis and ride share vehicles, specifically excluding ride share vehicles from the same regulations applied to taxi and livery vehicles and contains provisions regarding taxi companies. One of the provisions concerns junky taxis – The Chief of Police will have the power to take an unsafe taxi out of service immediately. This was approved and sent to first printing. |
| City Charter; Discussion and possibly a decision on whether to establish a Special Act Charter Drafting Committee. More time was requested so no action was taken. |
| Fire Equipment; Various communications concerned the costs of needed replacement fire trucks and various options. |
| Veterans Treatment Court: Communication regarding a proposal for a Veterans Treatment Court in Gardner to serve surrounding communities and nearby Counties. Motion passed. |
| Money for pumps at the landfill was approved and authorization was given to proceed with the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Mini-Entitlement Block Grant. |