Gardner City Council Meetings

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Gardner MA City Council Meetings

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Weekly Gardner City Council Meetings. To watch, CLICK PLAY

If you prefer to listen to the City Council Meetings, visit our City Council audio page and Listen on any device. CLICK HERE.

• George Tyros – June Update

  

  Gardner City Council President George Tyros Releases Update Covering End of Fiscal Year

  On July 10, 2026, Gardner City Council President George Tyros released his end of June 2026 update. Below is the text of the update:

  Third Time’s the Charm: FY2027 Budget is Set
  This month, the City Council successfully passed the final budget orders for Fiscal Year 2027, navigating one of the toughest financial cycles Gardner has faced in years. Facing steep economic pressures and rising inflation, the Council worked tirelessly across multiple sessions, introducing a brand-new, transparent process that required counselors to submit budget amendment proposals well ahead of the final hearing.

  The Council stood united behind maintaining critical services, and a proposed $1 million reduction to the school budget was ultimately voted down after much discussion. The body agreed that cutting school funding to manage temporary revenue projections posed too steep a risk to the school system, particularly because a shortfall could drop funding below required net school spending limits.

  The legislative oversight paid off across multiple categories. The new budget process allowed the Mayor to adjust his budget after receiving feedback in the Committee of the Whole reviews and the Council held an organized and focused debate on submitted amendments. This resulted in successfully trimmed underutilized funding, including excess office supplies and Mass Municipal Association dues, allowing for reallocating resources into more critical municipal services. In total, Council feedback reduced spending by more than $2 million from the beginning of the process. 

  Good Projects Deserve Good Process: Building Confidence, Not Just Buildings
  In a unanimous vote, the Council approved an appropriation to fund extensive enhancements to the Gardner High School C-Wing. Though the initial project approved last year was scoped strictly as a $2 million locker room replacement, it evolved during the design phase into a massive renovation encompassing upgraded team rooms, office spaces, public restrooms, and a reconfigured gym wing designed to extend the high school’s structural life for decades.

  While the project itself is a vital investment for Gardner’s students and athletes, the lack of timely transparency from the executive office left the Council on an incredibly tight decision window, with very little time to evaluate the expansion. 

  Moving forward, the Council made it clear that “engineered timelines” that force votes at the eleventh hour must stop, demanding a holistic, collaborative approach to capital improvement planning between the administration, the City Council, and the School Committee.

  June Wrapped Up

  Holding Accountability: The Council officially launched a formal investigation under Section 25 of the City Charter following a sophisticated cyber fraud incident where an external scammer successfully diverted $40,000 in public funds. While the treasury acted swiftly to ensure the city will likely be made whole, a counselor will formally review cross-departmental vendor onboarding processes to eliminate internal vulnerabilities. Additionally, the Council invoked Section 25 to audit the Building Department following a recent discovery by the City Auditor that mandatory financial checks and assessor reviews were being bypassed on building permits.

  Swearing in the New Clerk: Following a transparent and comprehensive search process that brought in 49 applicants, the Special Search Committee unanimously nominated Atty. Jennifer Pelavin to the office of City Clerk. In a unanimous 9-0 roll call vote, the Council officially elected and swore in Atty. Pelavin to a three-year term beginning July 6, 2026, ensuring a smooth transition for City Hall’s primary administrative artery.

  Closing Out Fiscal Year Accounts: To ensure a clean slate before the June 30th deadline, the Council voted to approve essential end-of-year transfers. This included fully funding the snow and ice deficit with $573,186 from free cash, allocating $285,820 to police department overtime, and utilizing salary vacancies to clear $100,000 for emergency leachate pump repairs at the city’s closed solid waste landfill.

  See you all next month!

  George

  

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• Board of Assessors 7-8-26

  

  Article and Commentary: Lessons in Precision from a Three Minute Board Meeting

  Listen to the exciting Board of Assessors Meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  While public attention is often captured by the high-drama debates of city councils or state legislatures, the foundational work of a municipality happens in much quieter, leaner settings. On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the Gardner Board of Assessors convened at 11:00 a.m. for a meeting that lasted under three minutes. In a room occupied by only two people—a stark reminder of the lean efficiency often required in local administration—the board moved through a series of actions that underscored the meticulous nature of municipal finance and law.

  This session was not merely a formality; it was a masterclass in how administrative precision ensures the city’s legal and financial machinery remains in perfect alignment.

  The “Double-Check” Standard: Why Multiple Reports Matter

  The meeting opened with the swift approval of the minutes from April 27, 2026, before transitioning into a review of the June 2026 motor vehicle abatements. To the uninitiated, signing off on tax abatements might seem like a clerical footnote. However, the board’s workflow reveals a sophisticated commitment to data integrity through redundancy.

  The board reviewed multiple reports to ensure that the total abatement figures were consistent across all datasets. This process is not just for internal peace of mind; it is a critical intersection between the Assessors and the City Auditor. The board specifically noted that while multiple reports are run for verification, not every copy requires a signature—only the primary report destined for the Auditor’s office. This ensures a clean paper trail for the city’s financial oversight while maintaining a secondary “check” system to prevent clerical errors before they reach the general ledger.

  “What’s great about having multiple reports you can run more than one and make sure your numbers [match].”

  The Seasonal Pivot: Why ‘Involved’ Exemption Work Demands More Than Routine Scrutiny

  Municipal governance is a cyclical endeavor, and this July meeting marked a clear transition point in the fiscal calendar. As the board finalized the routine motor vehicle abatements from the previous month, they prepared for the shift toward more complex territory: statutory exemptions.

  While motor vehicle abatements are often high-volume and standardized, the upcoming focus on exemptions represents a more “involved” phase of work. For the board, this means a shift from data verification to the nuanced evaluation of individual applications. This seasonal pivot requires a higher level of scrutiny, as exemptions directly impact the city’s tax base and require strict adherence to eligibility criteria. The transition from the “routine” to the “involved” is where the expertise of the board is most tested, moving from broad oversight to the detailed vetting of personal and financial qualifications.

  Behind Closed Doors: The Legal Weight of “Chapter Land”

  As the clock neared 11:04 a.m., the board moved into an executive session, a transition that highlights the delicate balance between government transparency and the privacy of individual property data. Invoking the motion as stated—under Mass General Law Chapter 3A, section 21A7—the board shifted focus to a specific discussion regarding “Chapter land on Smith Street.”

  From an analyst’s perspective, the mention of “Chapter land” refers to properties classified under MGL Chapters 61, 61A, or 61B. These laws provide tax incentives for land used for forestry, agriculture, or recreation. Because discussions regarding these classifications often involve sensitive financial data, usage commitments, and personal property details, the law mandates a move from open session to a private, legally protected session. By adjourning the open meeting to address the Smith Street property in executive session, the board demonstrated a disciplined adherence to the legal protocols that protect both the taxpayer’s privacy and the city’s statutory obligations.

  The Efficiency of Oversight

  The transition from the public review of abatements to the private scrutiny of land use was handled with the same brisk efficiency that defined the start of the meeting. By 11:04 a.m., the Gardner Board of Assessors had approved past minutes, verified the Auditor’s abatement reports, and moved into a legally mandated session for sensitive land classification.

  This brevity is not a sign of a lack of depth; rather, it is the byproduct of prepared oversight. When the data is verified and the legal authorities are clearly understood, the machinery of government can move with surgical speed. It prompts a vital question for the modern citizen: How often do we consider the administrative precision and the quiet, three-minute increments of labor required to keep our own cities running smoothly? The most critical work of a municipality is often finalized not in the heat of a public forum, but in the focused silence of a room where the numbers must always match. Kudos to Assessor Christine Kumar and member Paulette Burns for their diligent work.

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• City Council 7-6-26

  

  Gardner City Council Meets with New City Clerk at the Desk

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

  The Gardner City Council meeting held on July 6, 2026, focused on administrative appointments, fiscal reallocations, and the resolution of procedural complaints. Key outcomes included the dismissal of two Open Meeting Law complaints, the formal step designation for the newly appointed City Clerk, and the approval of a significant transfer of over $200,000 to fund a non-union compensation rubric.

  A notable point of contention involved a proposed $4,116 transfer for signage at the Greenwood Memorial Pool. While the historical significance of the site was acknowledged, the Council opted to refer the matter back to the Finance Committee due to concerns over timing and the appropriateness of the funding source. Additionally, the Council authorized facility upgrades for Growing Places LLC and renewed a long-standing intermunicipal agreement for animal control services.

  The Council ratified the step designation for the new City Clerk, Jennifer Pelavin, who began her first day of service on the date of the meeting.

  • Step Designation: The Council approved setting the Clerk’s pay to Step 1.
  • Experience Credit: Despite having over 20 years of experience as an attorney and in municipal roles, she was credited with 4.5 years of experience under the current system (which allows for a maximum of 10 years).
  • Fiscal Impact: Counselor Mack noted that the difference on the step scale for this designation is $1,579.

  Special Municipal Employee Designation

  The Council designated the position of Transfer Station Safety Program Development and Compliance Coordinator as a “special municipal employee” under MGL Chapter 268A.

  • Purpose: This allows Mr. Babin of the Health Department to hold two roles within the city simultaneously.
  • Rationale: The roles do not conflict, as the inspector duties occur during the week while the transfer station coordinator role takes place on weekends.

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  Open Meeting Law Complaints

  The Council addressed two complaints (Items 11878 and 11879) filed by Paul DeMeo regarding the June 15, 2026, meeting. The Council authorized the President to respond that no violations occurred.

  • Context: One complaint pertained to a National Grid petition.
  • Council Defense: Counselor Mack clarified that National Grid changed its request from a joint relocation to a new installation of poles mid-process. The company was instructed to submit a new request and attend a subsequent meeting, which they failed to do. The Council maintained that because the process remains pending under Rule 22, no violation has taken place. Another public hearing will be scheduled.
  • Context: 2nd complaint pertained to the procedure regarding the election of the City Clerk
  • Council Defense: Motion was simply to respond that no open meeting law violations had occurred.
  • Council Action: Unanimous vote on both complaints to respond that no Open Meeting Law violations had occurred.

  Hazard Mitigation Plan:Item 11836, regarding the adoption of the city’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, was referred back to the Finance Committee for further study and reporting.

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  Waterford Community Center Upgrades:The Council approved a measure allowing Growing Places LLC to make specific changes to the Waterford Community Center per their lease agreement.

  • Authorized Changes: Installation of a backup generator and two 3-square-foot condensers on the kitchen roof.
  • Justification: These upgrades are essential for maintaining refrigeration and ensuring the continuity of the organization’s mission during power outages.

  Greenwood Memorial Pool Signage Dispute: A proposed transfer of $4,116 from the City Council salary and wages account to fund signage for the Greenwood Memorial Pool (Item 11877) was withdrawn and referred back to committee after debate.

  Point of Discussion	Details
  Historical Value	The pool is a 111-year-old gift from the Greenwood and Heywood families.
  Funding Source	Unused FY26 City Council salary funds, which must be allocated by August or they revert to free cash.
  Opposition	Counselors Dernolowicz and Kazinskas expressed concerns about “rushing” the signage in the middle of the season and preferred to wait until the new pavilion was complete.
  Alternatives	There were inquiries regarding local options like Monty Tech or grant funding, though the latter was confirmed to be unavailable.

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  Non-Union Compensation Rubric: The Council passed a roll-call vote (9-0) to transfer $205,127.80 from the Mayor’s unclassified salary reserve to various salary accounts.

  • Objective: To fund the new non-union compensation rubric previously passed by the Council.
  • Implementation: The transfer covers multiple line items and positions as detailed in the budget chart provided by the Mayor.

  Animal Control Services: The Council authorized an Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) with the Town of Hubbardston for animal control services.

  • Term: July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.
  • Correction: While the initial packet contained incorrect dates, the Finance Committee reviewed and approved a corrected version provided by the Mayor.

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  Key Quotes

  “The Greenwood Pool is… a 111-year-old gift to the city from the Greenwood and Heywood families… the current design [of the new pavilion] does not have any plan for signage… we need to preserve the initial intent of the remaining outdoor pool.” — Counselor Mack on the importance of signage.

  “I have concerns about running towards this right now… this money will then fall into free cash. It could be expended later… I would like more time myself to look at other options.” — Counselor Dernolowitz on the signage funding transfer.

  “I too… would like to welcome our new clerk and just as we have done and said and demanded of other departments to improve process, procedure, and documentation, she also has a long road ahead of her to look at improvements.” — President Tyros on the expectations for the new City Clerk.

  

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• Airport July 2026

  

  The Exciting Story of Gardner Airport Runway 18

  Listen to the Gardner Airport Commission meeting of July 1, 2026 on any device,, CLICK PLAY.

  
  The Gardner Airport Commission meeting on July 1, 2026 focused primarily on securing navigation easements for runway 18. A representative from Gale Associates details a revised project scope that involves identifying six specific parcels to ensure legal access for clearing aerial obstructions. The process requires conducting title searches to resolve ownership discrepancies between the city and private owners, followed by fair market value appraisals and legal reviews. To comply with FAA and MassDOT regulations, the commission voted to authorize an independent fee estimate to verify project costs before seeking federal reimbursement. The discussion concludes with a brief update on vegetation management and a logistical plan to relocate future summer meetings to City Hall for better climate control.

  
  Formal shift in strategy for obstruction management:, Moving away from Runway 36 due to forestry division challenges and focusing instead on Runway 18. The Commission reviewed a revised scope of work for Phase 1 navigation easement acquisitions involving six parcels. A critical procedural step involves an Independent Fee Estimate (IFE) to validate project costs, estimated at approximately $405,000, to ensure 95% reimbursement through federal and state grants. Finalizing these easements is a prerequisite for FAA-funded tree removal.

  Gardner Magazine has prepared 4 separate infographics intended to illustrate the complexities involved in the airport runway issues. 1. Glossary for the Runway 18 Project 2. Project Scope Statement 3. Meeting Briefing 4. Runway 18 – $405,000 Paperwork

  

  

  

  

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• Finance Committee 7-1-26

  

  The First Gardner Finance Committee Meeting of Fiscal Year 2027

  The City of Gardner MA Finance Committee met on July 1, 2026. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  Key discussions included proposed ordinances for financial transparency, the ratification of a new City Clerk’s salary step, and the acceptance of various donations, such as a police vehicle and a commemorative flag. The committee also debated a Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) agreement for a downtown housing development, weighing the benefits of market-rate housing against the risks of setting a 10-year tax-free precedent. Additional items involved infrastructure upgrades at the Waterford Community Center and historic signage for the Greenwood Pool. Finally, the members scrutinized a remote-work administrative position for the golf course, ultimately requesting further legal and personnel reviews regarding salary and policy. Infographic below summarizes the meeting. Other infographics focus on details or related subjects.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  CLICK any IMAGE for a larger view.

  Have a topic for Gardner Magazine? Email News@GardnerMagazine.com or leave a voicemail at (978) 632-6324

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• Golf Commission 6-29-26

  

  Essential Infrastructure and Ongoing Maintenance Focus of Golf Commission

  Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  Discussed was essential infrastructure updates and ongoing maintenance at the local course. A major focus of the meeting was the restoration of the irrigation system, which is now operating at full capacity following the repair and replacement of critical pump house components. This improvement allows for comprehensive watering of greens and fairways at significantly higher volumes than previous weeks. Beyond water management, the commission addressed the status of a new feasibility study and the delivery of a site plan for future architectural proposals. Ground staff also outlined a strategic seeding plan to repair turf damage once extreme summer temperatures subside. These efforts collectively aim to return the facility to optimal playing conditions through technical upgrades and diligent labor.

  We also have the meeting from earlier in the month. CLICK PLAY.

  

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• Projects and Progress Gardner MA

  

  

  Listen to the AUDIO of either or both meetings. View the various infographics below documenting the progress in Gardner.

  Gardner MA Projects and Progress Discussed During Pair of Meetings

  Listen to the CDBG Meeting from June 23rd on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Listen to the Economic Development Committee Meeting from June 24th. CLICK PLAY.

  
  The CDBG program in Gardner is currently managing a complex transition between the closeout of FY22/23 projects and the commencement of FY24 and FY25 initiatives. Key highlights include the successful conclusion of the Greenwood Pool demolition, allowing the facility to reopen for the season, and the awarding of the base bid for the new Greenwood Pavilion. Financial and regulatory hurdles remain for specific projects, notably the Waterford Street Community Center—which faces strict federal benefit requirements—and the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Community Garden expansion, which requires rigorous adherence to accessibility and labor standards. Administratively, the department is preparing for a leadership transition following the departure of the Assistant Director and the Conservation Agent. The Assistant Director was “scouted” by another community and the Conservation Agent is going back to school for his MBA.

  The Economic and Community Development Committee meeting held on June 24, 2026, highlighted a period of significant transition and strategic milestone achievement for the City of Gardner. Key developments include the successful adoption of foundational planning documents—the Master Plan, Housing Production Plan, and Municipal Surplus Property Plan—which now provide a unified roadmap for the city’s growth. The Hazard Mitigation Plan is currently awaiting FEMA approval and was granted an extension until October 1st.

  The city has secured substantial funding for major infrastructure, most notably a $2 million-plus grant from MassDOT for the Keyes Road Culvert replacement and a Mass Trails grant for the North Central Pathway Phase 2. Renovations at the Waterford Street Community Center face a temporary delay due to the discovery of asbestos-containing tiles in the two-story wing and a state-level accessibility review. Despite these hurdles, the city’s housing analysis confirms a robust demand for at least 250 new units over the next five years, supported by a low rental vacancy rate of 1% to 2%.

  

  

  

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• Conservation 6-22-26

  

  Conservation Commission: Property Compliance, Ecological Restoration Efforts, Cease and Desist, Delayed Culvert Repairs. North Central Pathway Timeline, and Agent Resignation.

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

  
  Local officials and environmental consultants reviewed several ongoing property compliance cases. Representatives for sites on Nicole Terrace, Brookside Drive, and Crawford Street updated the board on ecological restoration efforts, including successful tree plantings and the removal of unauthorized materials. The commission also addressed a cease and desist order for Linwood Street and discussed long-term maintenance permits for nuisance vegetation at Kendall Pond.

  Significant attention was given to National Grid’s delayed culvert repairs and the potential safety risks posed by the current state of the utility’s work site. Additionally, members reviewed plans for a 1.45-mile asphalt extension of the North Central Pathway, which involves a complex timeline involving state management and federal land rights. The session concluded with the resignation of the commission’s agent, Justin Enright, and a discussion regarding the warranty and survival of trees planted along a local nature trail. Infographic below has further detail.

  

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• City Council 6-22-26

  

  Gardner City Council Passes FY27 Budget with Numerous Reductions

  AUDIO of meeting presented here has the silence of the recess periods edited out. That’s is why the length differs considerably from the video which will be presented on the City’s YouTube channel. Listen to the entire meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  The City Council first met as a Committee of the Whole during which Council President George Tyros explained how the process differed this year in order to increase transparency. Following this meeting, the session continued with the Special City Council meeting during which each order was brought up, amendments were outlined, discussed, and voted upon. When needed, a recess was called so that the final order to be voted upon could be prepared by the Clerk and the Auditor.

  
  Key outcomes include the passage of a $14,534,400 salary and labor budget and a $31,808,793 expense budget (following various reductions). A significant point of debate centered on a proposed $1,000,000 strategic reduction to the school department budget, which ultimately failed due to concerns regarding state-mandated “net school spending” requirements. The Council ultimately approved $38,143,689 for the school department. The council approved $11,644,138.35 (as amended) for various enterprise accounts. Infographic below further illustrates the budget and other items from the meeting.

  

  City Clerk issue: We received a response from Council President George Tyros and are pleased to report the following: From Council President George Tyros: “This is an obvious question and as it turned out, Atty. Pelavin had already contacted the state ethics commission before applying as a precaution regarding a conflict of interest issue. She has informed me that it is her intention to resign her seat on the school committee prior to beginning to serve as City Clerk on July 6th 2026. “

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• Was Pelavin’s Election Legal?

  Update 6-22-26 11:48am – No response to email has been received.

  Update 6-22-26. Council President George Tyros contacted us before the City Council meeting. From Council President George Tyros: “This is an obvious question and as it turned out, Atty. Pelavin had already contacted the state ethics commission before applying as a precaution regarding a conflict of interest issue. She has informed me that it is her intention to resign her seat on the school committee prior to beginning to serve as City Clerk on July 6th 2026. “

  

  Was Jennifer Pelavin’s Election Legal?

  Preliminary Research by Gardner Magazine indicates that the recent vote of the Gardner City Council to elect Jennifer Pelavin City Clerk effective July 6^th may have been illegal. It is our understanding that both a City Council member and/or a School Committee member must first resign their position and then wait 30 days before accepting any municipal position.

  Jennifer Pelavin was at the School Committee meeting on June 8, 2026. The earliest date she could have resigned would have been the next day or June 9^th , and if our information is correct, she wouldn’t have been eligible for the position until 30 days later in July. As far as we know, Pelavin was still a School Committee member on June 15^th and was thus not eligible for any job working for the City. The City Clerk is a paid City of Gardner position. The Big Question: Because Pelavin did not accept a job directly under the jurisdiction of the School Committee, could the 30 day period be legally waived?

  Gardner Magazine has sent an email today to Council President George Tyros and Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson regarding the matter: This is the text of the email: “Dear Council President Tyros, Will you be asking the City Council to open an investigation into the possible illegal election of Jennifer Pelavin to the position of City Clerk.  My understanding is that in order to be eligible for the position in the first place, she would have had to resign first and then wait 30 days.    Did this occur?  Had Pelavin already resigned prior to being selected for the position?         Mayor Nicholson, could you ask the City Solicitor to look in to this?   If this is a problem it should be corrected immediately at the City Council meeting tomorrow(Monday) with a rescinded vote. “

  Gardner Magazine will let you know when we get more information.

  We do know that a rant by a former City Council member on a Rogue Gardner Facebook Group relating to the matter is completely incorrect. The assertion is that any elected official can’t accept a municipal position unless elected to it by the people – this of course makes absolutely no sense as the City Charter clearly specifies that the City Council interviews for and elects a City Clerk. The actual issue is whether the election was illegal and premature without a 30 day waiting period being served after the individual resigned from any elected City positions before accepting a municipal job.

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