Gardner City Council August 7 2023

Listen to the entire meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Gardner Regular City Council Meeting August 7, 2023

Gardner MA City Council Meets on August 7, 2023

The City Council takes up a number of matters at the regular meeting. View complete packet and agenda. Sullivan “Sully” Hulette was confirmed at the Gardner Fire Department Therapy dog.

The Gardner City Council has a public hearing regarding a petition by National Grid to install a single pole on Manca Drive. —- Executive Session regarding collective bargaining or litigation —- Communications from the Mayor include 5 requests to accept donations and a memorandum from the Director of Public Works regarding staffing levels. See Public Service Committee Meeting Article —- Among authorizations requested would be to allow the City to borrow $550,000 for Waterford Street School Renovations. —- Measures include various appointments by the Mayor.

Councilor Dana Heath has submitted an ordinance to amend the code of the City of Gardner regarding certain parcels on Route 140, an ordinance to increase the number of allowed marijuana establishments, and an ordinance to add Sports Betting to the Zoning Table of uses. All 3 were referred to the Planning Board and a Joint Public Hearing will be scheduled. Concern was raised about possible use of Route 140 land by horse racing business. Councilor Heath explained his comments to a Gardner resident who subsequently emailed Councilor Walsh were taken out of context.

The Council as a Committee of the whole reviewed 2 recommendations: The Charter Review Committee Recommendations will be sent to the Law Department for the change to gender neutral pronouns. Open Space and Recreation Plan was granted more time and may be taken up in September.