Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson: “Gardner is a very special place and we’re very blessed to be here.”
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With a Grateful Spirit, Gardner MA Mayor Michael Nicholson Both Thanks and Updates the Chair City
A Message of Gratitude
No less than a dozen times in this week’s update, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson used the words Thank You. He thanked citizens for tuning in to the update, Lindsay Butler and Trevor Beauregard of Community Development, City Councillors for “your cooperation and partnership.”, department heads for their continued work, to GFA for sponsoring the horse-drawn carriage for the upcoming tree-lighting ceremony, Gardner Square Two for sponsoring additional Christmas decorations, to everyone who participated in the Memorial Lights campaign, to the members of the public for “all you do for the community….and staying involved,” to everyone who’s involved, and then a general “Thank You.” at the end.
Reminders to the Chair City
| Salvation Army Kettle campaign underway. Most of funds collected go to Gardner CAC. – Volunteers still needed. |
| Small Business Saturday is Saturday 11-26-22. However, it’s Small Business Month in Gardner with FREE Downtown parking entire month of December. (2 hr. parking limit still applies.) |
| Congratulations to various Gardner Sports Teams. The Mayor mentioned the soccer teams, the Cross Country team, and that the Gardner Cheerleaders will be headed for the National Competition in Dallas in January. He said he was “very proud of all of our student athletes…” |
| Sunday’s Christmas Parade – From City Hall setup at 4pm eventually to Monument Park for the tree lighting after 4:30pm. |
| Festival of Trees – at Gardner Museum until December 3rd. |
City Council Approvals
| Community Development Block Grant 2 year plan approved. Funding to go to demolition of Greenwood Pool Building and construction of new Pavilion, demolition of Rome building at corner of Main and Willow Street, covering athletic fees for low to moderate income students, and to the Gardner Emergency Housing Mission. |
| Tax Rate set at $16.16, down from $18.59. Next bills should go down. Public Hearing coming up 12-5-22 as to whether residential, business, and industrial properties will continue to be taxed at same rate. Mayor is in favor of a single tax rate to continue to encourage business. |
| Supplemental Budget approved. Additional inspector to be added in Health Department, will help in keeping up with food inspections. Domestic Violence Advocate position reinstated at Gardner Police Department after a 15 year absence. “Positions to be posted shortly.” |