The Mayor is required each year to issue a proclamation proclaiming Patriot’s Day as Colonel Thomas Gardner Day. From the City Code, “Whereas history is prologue, and it is important that our children be cognizant of our past, especially the early sacrifices that established the freedom and democracy we enjoy today, annually, on or before the 19th of April, the Mayor shall officially designate Patriots Day as Colonel Thomas Gardner Day in the City of Gardner and shall cause a proclamation to be issued and read in all the schools of Gardner, to honor this patriot who died of wounds received during the Battle of Bunker Hill and for whom our beloved community was named.” Did you know that Gardner died at Bunker Hill on July 3, 1775 and his funeral services were attended by General George Washington. City Code
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Interesting Rules in the Chair City You May Not Know About
There are usually rules to cover almost everything and the City of Gardner is no exception. However, we thought it would be interesting to highlight some you might not know or think about.
| Interesting Rules in Gardner |
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| Giving your dog junk food may subject you to a fine. (unless it’s in addition to good food) “No owner of any dog shall fail to provide such dog with a sufficient quantity of wholesome, nutritious food and potable water; adequate shelter from inclement weather; a humane means of exercise; and the necessary veterinary care upon sickness, disease or injury.” City Code |
| The City Engineer is the official authorized to issue numbers for houses and other buildings. Numbers must be at least 3 inches in height. If you don’t display a house number properly, you could be fined $20. City Code. |
| Every March the Mayor appoints someone to measure lumber in the City. City Code |
| The Chief of Police is the “Keeper of the Lockup” City Code |
| The City Clerk is the Keeper of the City Seal. All deeds given by the City shall be sealed with the City Seal. City Code |
| You can’t wear roller skates or user roller blades in the City of Gardner while visiting a cemetery. Fine is $5. If you get caught 3 or more times, the fine increases to $25 each time. City Code |
| After you bring something to the dump, it becomes the property of the City of Gardner. So don’t throw away your gold bars by mistake. You can’t get them back! City Code |
| You need a permit for a harangue in any street or public way within the City. A harangue is defined as lecturing someone at length in an aggressive and critical manner. Therefore, parents pay attention. If you’re going to lecture your child at length in public, get that permit first. It’s also needed for a parade or a public address. City Code |
| Only 1 temporary storage unit can be placed on a property at any one time. So no more getting 10 dumpsters at a time folks! However, if the area is zoned industrial, the rule doesn’t apply. City Code |
| If a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces dies, the U.S. Flag shall be flown at half mast on all City Buildings until burial. City Code |
| Like to have a yard sale every week? Can’t do it. You’re limited to 4 days each year between the hours of 8am and 4pm. Register at least 48 hours prior to the sale with the Building Commissioner. And you can’t sell stuff for a neighbor, only your own stuff is allowed. However, recognized charitable, religious, or benevolent organizations are exempt. City Code |
| You are not allowed to offend someone in public. “No person shall address any offensive, derisive or annoying word to any person who is lawfully in any street in the City of Gardner, or any other public place, nor deride, offend or annoy him, or prevent him from pursuing his lawful business, occupation or duty.” The fine is $50. City Code |
| Graffiti Removal must be Supervised by the Police Chief or someone the chief designates. Fines for placing graffiti on property carries steep fines. City Code |
| There is a list of streets on which any vehicle exceeding 2 ½ tons in weight can’t go except for local deliveries. The fine for not complying is $25 City Code |
| You can’t be in a City Park, recreational area, cemetery, or land owned by the City of Gardner from sunset until 8am of the following day unless you get permission from the Director of Public Works. So don’t forget your “Dane Arnold Letter.” However, if the land is under the control or jurisdiction of the School Committee, you need written authorization to go there (from the School Committee) between the hours of 8pm and 7am. Given they meet about once a month, you’d have to plan ahead. City Code |