Gardner City Council Meetings

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Gardner MA City Council Meetings

Jump to: Public Meetings – Meeting Agendas – Community Events

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.

• BOH 10-27-25

  

  Board of Health Deals with Bed Bug Infestation at Local Complex

  During the Board of Health Meeting of October 27, 2025, a severe bed bug infestation at a local apartment complex was discussed among the Board members, Acting Board of Health Director Angella DiPrima, and a tenant. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  A significant portion of the meeting addresses an ongoing, severe bed bug infestation at a local apartment complex, with public comments from a tenant highlighting issues like non-compliant residents, inadequate treatment, and a lack of communication from property management.

  The board discusses several Health Department updates, including recent staff resignations which included former Director Micah Blondeau. Also discussed: new hires, progress on the landfill transfer station projects, and multiple ongoing issues with food establishments and housing violations, including a new case in housing court. The meeting concludes with discussions on public health emergency preparedness.

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• CDBG 10-28

  

  CDBG Steering Committee Meeting Focuses on Various Project Funding

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

  The meeting focused on discussions and motions related to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Key actions include transferring $102,447 in unused demolition funds from the 205-213 Main Street project to complete the Greenwood Pool demolition, which is nearing completion. A significant portion of the meeting addresses the proposed transfer of $618,200 from the cancelled School Street School Demolition Project to fund the construction of a new Greenwood Pool Pavilion, pending a revised cost estimate that complies with the Build America Buy America Act. The committee also reviewed potential future projects for unallocated CDBG funds, including an expansion of the St. Paul’s Community Garden and discussing the requirements for a potential multi-unit housing rehabilitation project. Finally, the committee received updates on the approval status of the FY2025 CDBG application and progress on the sale of the former 205-213 Main Street property.

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• Conservation 10-27-25

  

  Sludge, Sewer, Drainage and Excavation Subject of Conservation Commission Meeting.

  The Gardner Conservation Commission met on October 27, 2025. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Members discuss various municipal and development issues, including ongoing enforcement orders related to the Gardner Sludge Landfill and properties at Nicole Terrace and Brookside Drive, with updates on monitoring and vegetation reestablishment. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to a Request for Determination of Applicability for a new sewer line installation at a bus facility, necessitated by the existing flat sewer line frequently backing up, where the commission ultimately grants approval contingent on erosion control measures. Additionally, the commission addresses a Notice of Intent for drainage improvements and repaving at Dunn State Park, focusing on the need for an updated Operation and Maintenance (O&M) plan before granting approval, and also discusses a property status update where excavation work deviated from the original engineered plans due to hitting ledge.

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• Golf Feasibility Study

  

  Golf Commission Takes First Step Towards $7 Million Project

  At the Golf Commission Meeting of October 20, 2025, the commission approved a $33,000 feasibility study which is needed before seeking City Council approval for the overall $7 Million project. Gardner Mayor Nicholson and Councilor Judy Mack were also at the meeting. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  The discussion centered on a proposed building feasibility study for a new facility, including the complex financing structure—an estimated $7 million project with an 80/20 funding split between the city’s general fund and the golf enterprise fund—and the legal necessity of conducting the $33,000 study before seeking City Council approval for the overall project. Other topics addressed include managing ongoing golf course maintenance challenges like severe water issues and aeration, the planned leasing of new equipment totaling about a quarter of a million dollars, and updates on the management of tournament and handicap committees within the golf department. The commission ultimately votes to proceed with the planning and fund the feasibility study, concluding with financial updates and setting the next meeting date.

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• ZBA 10-21-25

  

  Is it a Sign or Architectural Feature? – Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals

  The Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals met on October 21, 2025. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  The Meeting focused on a variance request on behalf of Nouria, a convenience store brand. Nouria sought relief regarding the placement of a wall sign that was designed to protrude above an existing parapet wall on a building currently under renovation. The board members and the applicants debated the definition of a parapet wall, the concept of financial hardship required for a variance, and potential alternative architectural solutions that might allow the sign to conform to the ordinance without needing the variance. Ultimately, the board continued the case to the following month, advising the applicants to consult with the building commissioner to explore whether their proposed design could be classified as an architectural feature rather than a sign violation.

  

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• GRA 10-22-25

  

  Gardner Redevelopment Authority Meets with Added New Members

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

  Executive Director is Jason Stevens, Gardner’s Director of Community Development and Planning. The Chairman is City Councilor Paul Tassone. Other members include State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik, City Councilor Judy Mack, and Paul Carlberg, Tim Horrigan. The City of Gardner website has a page for the GRA, CLICK HERE.

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• Haunted House GHS

  

  Gardner High School to Feature Haunted House

  The Gardner High School Haunted House is Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 5 to 8pm. Admission is $5. There will also be a bake sale and basket raffle. City Councilor Elizabeth Kazinskas spoke of the event during the Gardner City Council Meeting. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  Councilor Judy Mack spoke of an event earlier in the day for younger children, the Pumpkin Palooza. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  The Pumpkin Palooza is Saturday, October 25^th from 9am to noon at the Gardner High School gym. There will be games, a bouncy house, arts and crafts, raffles, and a bake sale.

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• Council 10-20-25

  

  The Gardner City Council unanimously approved a Single Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2026.

  Gardner to have Single Tax Rate Once Again

  The Gardner City Council met on October 20, 2025. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  A major focus of the meeting was the FY2026 tax classification hearing, where the Mayor and the Board of Assessors successfully advocated for continuing a single tax rate (factor of one) across all property classifications to encourage commercial growth. The measure was approved unanimously. A single tax rate means that all property in the City is taxed at the same rate.

  Tthe Council addressed a series of Mayoral appointments to various boards and positions, including the Redevelopment Authority and the Industrial Development Finance Authority, confirming several individuals like Jonathan Zlotnik and Judy Mack. The meeting included comprehensive departmental updates from the Safety Committee, highlighting staffing shortages in the Health Department and Police Department, but noting full staffing in the Fire Department and progress on infrastructure projects. Finally, the Council handled several routine motions, including adopting a measure for the upcoming City election*and confirming the status of various financial certifications.

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• Ad Hoc October

  

  Ad Hoc Compensation Proposal Committee Holds Half Hour Meeting

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

  
  The meeting begins by addressing a new legal opinion that restricts the discussion of salaries for certain department heads because a collective bargaining process is underway for some positions, though specific department heads like the Police Chief and City Clerk are still in scope. Committee members then discuss the need for detailed financial data to determine the affordability of any proposed salary increases, emphasizing the necessity of clarifying cost projections and the calculation method to ensure the city can fund the changes without raising taxes or cutting services. The conversation further explores establishing a salary structure using grades and steps, reviewing comparable data from other municipalities, and considering whether to tie compensation increases to longevity rather than performance reviews to maintain objectivity and predictability in budgeting.

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• Public Safety 10-17-25

  

  Public Safety Committee 10-17-25

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

  
  Gardner Public Safety Committee Meeting on October 17, 2025, featured updates from several municipal departments. Commissioner Melissa McDonald of the the Building Department highlighted staffing shortages, long permit review and inspection lead times, and the potential adoption of the GovWell platform to streamline workflows. Fire Chief Greg Lagoy stated the Fire Department is fully staffed, received a significant FEMA grant for new portable radios, and has issues with the maintenance of their ambulance fleet. Crucially, the Public Health Department raised concerns about severe staffing vacancies, the resignation of the current director Micah Blondeau, the critical need for funding to repair the landfill’s leachate collection system, and challenges in managing increasing bed bug infestations among vulnerable residents. Finally, the Police Chief Eric McAvene discussed a new grant to make a domestic violence advocate position full-time and progress toward deploying body cameras by early 2026.

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Public Meetings

Meeting Agendas

Community Events posted on City of Gardner Website