Greater Gardner MA Local News August 2024 – Gardner News Magazine: Local News & Articles in Gardner MA

Greater Gardner MA Local News August 2024

CMS Ratings (8/12/2024)

Heywood Healthcare Scores Big in CMS Hospital Quality Rating

When Heywood Hospital filed for Chapter 11 last Fall, it announced that priority was patient care. An objective rating of both Heywood and Athol Hospitals proves it has kept that promise and then some. Both Heywood Hospital and Athol Hospital have received a 4-Star CMS Hospital Quality Rating in July 2024 results. Just under 25% of all hospitals in the entire country (and there are 4,658) have this rating or higher. Only 8.2% of hospitals in the country have a higher rating. Hospital Quality Ratings measure Safety of Care, Mortality, Patient Experience, Readmission Rates, and Timely & Effective Care.

To learn more about the CMS Hospital Quality Star Rating, CLICK HERE.

More information on the distribution of ratings, CLICK HERE.
Weed Removal (8/12/2024)

Environmentally Safe Weed Removal in Gardner MA

Gardner City Hall has announced that the Department of Public Works “will be working to remove the weeds from the sidewalks in areas of the Downtown beginning this week. To be environmentally friendly and safe to our pets, the solution used is a mixture of water, dish soap, and vinegar. As a result, areas treated may smell like vinegar for a brief period while the solution settles. This should fade shortly after applied.” Weed removal is week of August 12, 2024.

Gardner Magazine’s graphic shows an accurate before and after photo when this solution has been applied elsewhere.

Gardner’s Mayor, Michael Nicholson received an Environmental Endorsement in 2023. See previous article, CLICK HERE. At the time, the Mayor stated, “I’m proud of the work we’ve done in Gardner to reduce our carbon footprint, improve our energy efficiency, and be more green. I look forward to continuing that work in the future here in the Chair City.” In Gardner, the Conservation Commission and Planning Board take the lead on protecting the environment as projects come their way.
Proactive 2024 (8/12/2024)

Residents who are interested can contact the Town Manager via email at bmckinney@winchendon-ma.gov

Winchendon’s Town Manager Takes Proactive Action in Advance of Budget Concerns

Inflation is causing budget problems for Massachusetts communities including Winchendon. Very simply, costs are going up quicker than tax levies can keep up. Solution is cutting costs or raising property taxes through Proposition 2 ½ overrides. Winchendon Town Manager Bill McKinney is attempting to get out ahead of a projected problem with the Fiscal 2026 Town Budget. Of the $35 million budget, $15 million comes from property taxes, and it’s off by at least $1.5 million for the next fiscal year. We spoke with McKinney about the ad hoc committee he is forming to study the budget in detail and we talked about some of the numbers. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Bill McKinney Interview 8-12-24

The ad hoc committee being formed to study the budget in detail will be composed of the Town Manager, representatives from Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Finance Committee, and 3 residents. Meeting schedule will be created once it has been formed and it will likely meet a couple of times per month. McKinney stated, “I want the residents to, you know, to have a say in what kind of town they want.”

McKinney told us about 3 big problems totaling a one million dollar increase. 1. Debt is increasing with principal payments due in Fiscal 2026. 2. Health insurance is going up 10%. 3. Pension contribution is going up 10%. Other items include the significant increase in school transportation costs. Town Manager Bill McKinney explained that “everything is out on our website” Visit Town of Winchendon website, CLICK HERE.
Magazine Milestone (8/12/2024)

Gardner Magazine Starts 25th Year

Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel stated, “Gardner Magazine was started as GreaterGardner.net on August 4, 2000 with the Gardner Magazine name added later. We are proud to serve a circulation exceeding 20,000+ unique households. Businesses wishing to establish an advertising presence with our publication may leave a voicemail at (978) 632-6324. We can handle almost any desired ad format whether text, visual, AUDIO, or VIDEO.”

Are you a reader and wish to support us? We do not charge any subscription fees but do accept donations via this secure paypal link, CLICK HERE.
Week of Meetings (8/12/2024)

Every day in the City of Gardner MA, the work goes on….

Busy Work Week of Commissions, Boards, and Committees in Gardner MA – 7 Meetings

August 12^th: Conservation Commission meets regarding Wetlands issues regarding various properties. AGENDA

August 13^th: Gardner Planning Board meets regarding the Definitive Site Plan for the new Salt Shed at DPW. AGENDA

August 14^th: Airport Commission meets regarding a runway and master plan update and hears the Airport Manager Report. AGENDA

August 14^th: Capital Improvement Plan Meeting of the Capital Improvement CommitTee with the purpose of discussing and comments on revisions to the Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Project/Item List. AGENDA

August 15^th: Public Welfare Committee meets regarding the addition of an “Agricultural Commission” . This item was first on the calendar back in March. AGENDA

August 15^th: Historical Commission meets regarding the Old Burying Ground and tombstone replacement and resetting stones. AGENDA

August 20^th: Zoning Board of Appeals meets regarding various properties. Agenda, CLICK HERE.
One Dollar House (8/11/2024)

Gardner Has Rooming House for Sale – for $1 – So What’s the Catch?

The former rooming house is located at 94 Pleasant Street in Gardner, next to the Fidelity Bank parking lot and across the street from Gardner City Hall. An appraiser gave it an appraised value of $0 for two reasons: (1) Repairs needed on the property exceed its value (2) Cost to demolish the building exceeds the value of the lot.

If you’re very handy, perhaps you can make it work. You would submit the Request for Proposal. All of the RFP’s on this property will be reviewed. While the minimum bid is $1 due to the appraised value, approval would hinge on what you would do with the property. Gardner will approve whatever is deemed in the best interests of the City. So do you want your $1 Rooming House?

The property at 94 Pleasant Street in Gardner has been vacant for years. For more information, contact the City of Gardner.
Ashburnham Rescue (8/11/2024)

Ashburnham Fire Department Trains with new Rescue Boat

On August 11, 2024, The Ashburnham Fire Department posted pictures and this statement online, “AFD’s new rescue boat (2B1) on its maiden training run. Crews practiced navigation and multiple water rescues utilizing new equipment including throw ropes, flotation devices and onboarding victims from the water. More training to come to be able to deliver appropriate resources to Ashburnham and surrounding towns. Shout out to FF/Medic Mark Vitale for managing the purchase and leading the training for this new resource.”
August – Westminster (8/11/2024)

Westminster MA is Active in August 2024

The Town of Westminster held its Town Benefit Day on Sunday August 11, 2024. If you missed it, don’t miss the rest of the Westminster “South Street Sentinel” for August. It features a useful list of suggested supplies for Westminster Elementary School students which is helpful for students enrolled in any district. There is an extensive list of events coming up this Summer and Fall. The Ashburnham – Westminster National Night Out is being held August 13, 2024 from 5:30 to 89pm at Oakmont Reginal High School, 9 Oakmont Drive in Ashburnham. The Westminster Farmers’ Market is open Fridays from 3-6pm on Academy Hill. The Health Department has tips on preventing rats. There’s 15 pages of information in the August South Street Sentinel. CLICK HERE.

Westminster Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series is presenting The Final Mike on August 24^th from 5-7pm at Academy Hill. Admission is FREE. Food and Ice Cream available to purchase.
Winchendon News (8/11/2024)

New Superintendent – New Ad Hoc Committee in Winchendon MA News

The Town of Winchendon has been making news this year with its budget challenges. The Town meeting overwhelmingly approved the Fiscal Year 2025 School Budget at a July town meeting after rejecting it at a previous meeting. At the July 18^th School Committee meeting it was suggested that the initial rejection was a rebuke of Superintendent Goguen who was not well-liked by residents and was the subject of a no confidence vote by teachers. Goguen opted not to continue in the role and at this July meeting new interim Superintendent Dr. Marc Gosselin was selected. Gosselin started work this past Monday August 5^th. We have the AUDIO of the complete lengthy discussion. Listen on any device.

BOS – School Committee 7-18-24 Complete

Because it is expected that the Fiscal Year 2026 budget will be challenging, Winchendon is acting proactively to start planning right now. The Board of Selectmen recently authorized the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee to work with the Town Manager to work on the FY26 budget. This group will consist of 6 members. One each from the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, and School Committee and three residents. The committee will discuss town finances including the need for a Proposition 2 ½ override. The recommendations from the committee will include the amount to be requested for an override, when to schedule the vote by the Town, and what would happen to the Town (including schools) budget if an override is not successful. Winchendon is looking for three residents to serve. If interested email Town Manager Bill McKinney: bmckinney@winchendon-ma.gov
MWCC Fall (8/11/2024)

MWCC Gets Ready for the Fall

There are over 70 degree and certificate programs. —- MWCC offers quick semesters with 7 week courses, next one starts September 4^th. —-Enrollment Express is August 13^th in Gardner and August 15^th in Leominster. MWCC website, CLICK HERE. Haven’t registered for classes yet? The time is now.

FREE Community College

A provision in the recently signed $58 billion Massachusetts budget provides free community college in Massachusetts. In addition to FREE tuition and NO fees, there is also an allowance of up to $1,200 per academic year for books, supplies and other expenses. Each student’s allowance amount is determined based on household income. The Governor’s office states that much of the $117.5 million for the initiative is coming from the so called “millionaires’ Tax” in Massachusetts. Last year, community college was made free for those 25 and older who did not yet have a college degree.
Temple Stuart Hazard (8/11/2024)

Complete EPA Fact Sheet, CLICK HERE.

EPA Removal Action to Take Care of Dangerous PCBs at Temple Stuart

The factory has been inactive for years, but the chemicals known as PCBs at the site remained. The site located at 24 Holman Street in Baldwinville was targeted in the Spring of 2023 for cleanup and the short-term cleanup began in July 2024 under the supervision of the Massachusetts Department of Environment Protection. Goal of EPA is to help communities safely and sustainably redevelop once used commercial property.

About PCBs from the EPA: “PCBs belong to a broad family of man-made organic chemicals known as chlorinated hydrocarbons. PCBs were domestically manufactured from 1929 until manufacturing was banned in 1979. …Exposure to high levels of PCBs or exposure for long amounts of time may cause health effects. Health effects that hav been associated with exposure to PCBs includew acne-like skin conditions in adults and neurobehavioral and immunological changes in children. PCBs are known to cause cancer in animals.”
Dinghy 2024 (8/11/2024)

Cardboard and Duct Tape Utilized in Upcoming 7th Annual Hubbardston Dinghy Dash

The 7th Annual Dinghy Dash is Saturday, August 24, 2024 on Brigham Pond starting at 10am. This year there are 3 categories: Single Occupant Adult, Single Occupant Youth, and Group Vessel. Entry deadline is August 19th.

Rules specify that these boats can be made of nothing but cardboard and duct tape. Registration is $20 per dinghy. The fastest race time without sinking wins in each category. $750 in gift cards are awarded with a 1st prize of $150 and a 2nd prize of $100 in each category. Complete rules, CLICK HERE for printable pdf. Additional trophies will also be awarded.

The dinghy boats can have up to 4 occupants and all must wear life vests. Store-bought paddles are allowed. Captain and crew must still be in the boat when crossing the finish line to qualify as non-sinking. Rain date is the following day, August 25th.
ADU 2024 (8/9/2024)

“This new policy replaces a patchwork of zoning regulations across the state with a uniform law that allows homeowners on single-family lots to add these small units without needing a special permit or variance unless they want to add more than one. Construction of ADUs is still subject to local building codes. The Healey-Driscoll Administration estimates that between 8,000 and 10,000 ADUs will be built across the state over the next five years due to passage of the law.”

Accessory Dwelling Units Allowed by Right Under New Law

The Affordable Homes Act has been signed by Governor Maura Healey. Intention is to build or save 65,000 homes through $5.1 billion in authorizations and 49 policy initiatives. More information, right here.

Part of the bill allows Accessory Dwelling Units under 900 square feet by right on single-family lots. According to the Press Release, “Often referred to as in-law apartments, accessory dwelling units can be attached or detached from a single-family home and often take shape as a basement or attic conversion, a cottage in a backyard or a bump-out addition to a home.“

We spoke with State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik about the signing of the housing bill, ADU’s and the possibility of Tiny Housing Villages for the homeless. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Jonathan Zlotnik on ADUs

We spoke with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson about ADU’s and Tiny House Villages. Gardner already has had an organization reach out to it regarding land for a Tiny House Village. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Mayor Michael Nicholson on ADUs
Update 8-9-24 (8/9/2024)

Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City on August 9, 2024

It’s Tax Free Weekend this Saturday August 10th and Sunday August 11th and National Night out is postponed until August 15th. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Mayor’s Update August 9, 2024

Events: Concert at Monument Park, 4EverFab will run from 6pm to 8pm. The earlier time will begin the following week. ===== Monthly Farmer’s Market at the Waterford Community Center will be held on Saturday, August 17th from 9:30am to 1pm ==== International Overdose Day and the Annual Night of Hope is Wednesday August 26th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Monument Park ====

Changes: MART Route changes take place on September 3rd
4Ever Fab Time (8/9/2024)

4EverFab Playing 6-8pm at Monument Park in Gardner this Saturday

There’s some confusion over the start time of the band on August 10, 2024. In his weekly update, Mayor Nicholson confirmed the start time as 6pm. City of Gardner website has a corrected time of 6pm. The band’s website still lists 5pm as of the publication of this article. Band website, CLICK HERE.
City Council Meeting 8-5-24 (8/6/2024)

City Council Tackles Remainder of 700 page Agenda After Racetrack Vote

The Gardner City Council put the Racetrack issue behind it in the first portion of the meeting, took a short recess, and then resumed the agenda. Complete document, CLICK HERE. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

City Council August 5, 2024

As to all of the communications on the agenda, please view previous article, CLICK HERE

Prior to the City Council Meeting on August 5th, the Finance Committee heard explanations from Mayor Michael Nicholson regarding upcoming items. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY

Finance Committee August 5, 2024

Finance Committee: Judy Mack, Elizabeth Kazinskas and Alek Dernalowicz with Mayor Michael Nicholson
Zlotnik Votes (8/6/2024)

Yes. We researched this number a bit too much. But it was fun. Werner Poegel, Publisher.

State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik Touts 100% Voting Record

State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik posted, “The very last roll call vote of the formal session was on the Housing Bond Bill. For me it marked 12 years without missing a vote, for 2,539 consecutive roll call votes.” We spoke with Jonathan Zlotnik about this achievement. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Jonathan Zlotnik on Voting Record

Is there something significant about the number 2,539 other than reflecting that Zlotnik has shown up for every vote in the last 12 years? Yes.
2,539 is a prime number from 2001-3000. 2,539 has 2 factors, 1 and 2,539. It is the 371st prime number, and the 68th prime number from 2001-3000. Interestingly, at the time of Zlotnik’s post it was 68 degrees in Gardner MA on August 6, 2024

Jonathan Zlotnik has served since January 2, 2013 as the Representative for the 2nd Worcester District.

In Astrology, is there a significance to the number 2,539? Yes. In terms of money and career, the number 2539 indicates a period of abundance and prosperity. It suggests that your hard work and dedication will pay off, leading to financial rewards and career advancements. It is important to stay focused, maintain a positive mindset, and seize opportunities as they arise. For more information visit this page, CLICK HERE. Biblical Numerology: It signifies that you are being supported by divine forces and are on the right path towards fulfilling your purpose and destiny.
Tax Free 2024 (8/6/2024)

Two Days to Beat the Tax Man in Greater Gardner MA

On Saturday August 10th and Sunday August 11th, most items under $2500 purchased for personal use in Massachusetts will be exempt from the 6.25% sales tax.

Great time to buy that TV you don’t need or that new washer and dryer you’ve been putting off. You’ll even save on renting a backhoe for the weekend.

How much can you save? On a $500 item, you save $31.25. On a $1000 item, you save $62.50. On a new $30 toaster, you’ll save $1.88. If you choose to put your purchases on a high interest credit card, the interest will soon wipe out any savings you get.

For specifics and exclusions direct from the State of Massachusetts website, CLICK HERE.
11 Nos (8/5/2024)

Councilors consistently referenced risks, concerns about items not addressed completely, and opposition of most constituents contacting them.

Gardner City Council Votes Unanimously Against the Horse Racetrack

Gardner City Council voted 11 to 0 against the Horse Racetrack proposal by BayState Racing LLC. The City Council discussed the matter before the vote. Listen to the beginning of the meeting, the discussion, and the vote on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Beginning of Meeting – Discussion – Vote 8-5-24

After the vote, the Host Community Agreement was taken off the calendar as it was now moot.

WGAW Radio carried the discussion and vote LIVE on AM 1340, 98.1FM, and streamed live to anywhere in the world.

Gardner Magazine will publish the entire August 5, 2024 City Council meeting when AUDIO is available.

BayState Racing LLC released the following statement on August 6, 2024: “While tonight’s vote isn’t what we had hoped for, we appreciate the City Council hearing our proposal. Tonight would have given us the opportunity to continue with the process and work with the city on Baystate Park. We will continue to work with the Massachusetts horse community on finding a welcoming location for them to breed, race and retire thoroughbred horses.”
Electric – Library (8/5/2024)

UPDATE: POWER RESTORED – LIBRARY OPEN on August 6, 2024

Transformer at the Library

Transformer at Levi Heywood Memorial Library needed to be reset by National Grid to restore full power to the building.

Gardner Library Closed due to Electrical Issues

Levi Heywood Memorial Library on Monday August 5, 2024 posted, “Important Notice: The Library will be closed until further notice due to electrical issues. Our team is currently assessing the problem and working hard to resolve it. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and will update you as soon as we have more information. Thank you for your patience and understanding!”

Update: It has been advised that we shut all power off in the building while we wait for National Grid. This means no phones, internet, or lights. We will be closed for the rest of today Monday, August 5. We will update everyone in the morning on the library’s open/closed status.

Update August 6, 2024: Library Director Stephanie Young wrote to explain what happened. “National Grid’s transformer outside the library building experienced an error, causing internal systems to trip. Despite partial power to the building, National Grid needed to reset the transformer, likely due to Sunday’s storms. The main electrical panel did not have full power, affecting the elevator, some lighting, and HVAC systems. To prevent further damage, our electrician recommended shutting down the main breaker switch until National Grid resolved the issue. This problem was not fully resolved until late evening.”
Night Out 2024 (8/5/2024)

11th Annual Greater Gardner Nation Night Out – August 8, 2024

The 11th Annual Greater Gardner National Night Out will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 5:30 to 8pm at Gardner High School, 200 Catherine Street in Gardner. Activities include bounce houses, obstacle courses, basketball hoops, hydro blaster, a new trackless train ride, charity dunk tank, live band entertainment, a reptile show, and more.

FOOD is FREE and includes hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, and other refreshments.

ENTERTAINMENT is FREE and includes Live Band Entertainment

FREE RAFFLES too.

National Night Out is sponsored by the Gardner Community Action Team. For more information, CLICK HERE for their web page.
Xerox Retraction (8/3/2024)

Copy of actual email sent to City of Gardner. At least 1 signer of Xeroxed Open Meeting Law Complaints verifies she did not know what she was signing.

At Least One of OML Xerox Complaint Signers Retracts, DID NOT KNOW WHAT SHE WAS SIGNING.

Kayla Halfrey wrote: “So also please take me out of this opening meeting law complaint i signed this without knowing what it meant and no longer interested in this complaint or fighting it.” Halfrey was apparently one of 13 individuals asked to sign an identical Open Meeting Law Complaint prepared by Paul DeMeo and then all filed by Paul DeMeo. DeMeo insisted live on WGAW Radio on August 3, 2024 that each individual wouldn’t have signed it unless they agreed with what it said. At least in this case, that is completely false as written by this person. Gardner Magazine can’t speculate on how many other signers “signed this without knowing what it meant“ See previous article on Complaint Xeroxing, CLICK HERE.
Path from Here (8/3/2024)

The late, famous newscaster Walter C. voiced this editorial for us. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Editorial with Walter C. 8-3-24

Editorial Commentary – Path from Here – the Racetrack

BayState Racing LLC submitted a revised Host Community Agreement in which it substantially increased the financial rewards for Gardner. It answered every citizen and City Council mentioned concern in a considered, respectful manner. Accordingly, out of fairness, the City Council should allow more time for review. Certainly there are emotions involved whether it’s animal care or water, but in reality, those two issues have already been solved in concept and will be objectively addressed in any mandated obligations of the project proponent. What’s left is a bias against horse racing and/or gambling shared by many. But is that fair? Think of this: I personally don’t like animal racing, gambling, lottery tickets, alcohol sales, cigarette sales, cannabis establishments, and motorcycles. But, with that said, a consistent application of fairness would give this group due consideration. And who knows, upon review, even the staunchest opponents might just see “all the answers” and “all the rewards” for Gardner. Werner Poegel, Publisher.
Hotline 8-3-24 (8/3/2024)

WGAW Hotline Radio takes Calls on August 3, 2024 – Program Extended by more than 1 hour

The program included Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, Veronica Patty regarding National Night out, an interview with John Stefanini, and numerous phone calls from the public which extended the program past 3 o’clock. Listen to the program on any device, CLICK PLAY

Hotline Radio August 3, 2024

Except for a few callers, all of the callers to the program were in opposition to the Racetrack. The biggest concern expressed was for the water supply. After a commentary by Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel, Paul DeMeo called in and complained that it contained what he termed a personal attack by “Judy Mack”. Other callers expressed their concerns for the AUDIO system in Perry Auditorium, saying it was shi**y and that the Open Meeting Law complaints were valid. The program was extended for over an hour. Hotline Radio is heard on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and streaming to anywhere in the world. For the 24/7 live stream, CLICK HERE.
AMLP Rates (8/3/2024)

Many Electric Customers in Ashburnham to see Lower Rates

Effective September 1, 2024, the Ashburnham Municipal Light Plant is separating the Customer Charge, Distribution Charge, and Purchased Power Charge. The result creates a small decrease in the monthly bill for many customers. For example the total bill for a residential customer using 750 kilowatt hours is currently $146.03 and would decrease to $135.22. Details are shown in the graphic. Details can be found at the AMLP website, CLICK HERE. A helpful rate calculator is also provided so any customer can input their information and make a custom comparison. Rate calculator, CLICK HERE.

AMLP states on their website: “As a local non-profit, we are dedicated to ensuring our customers receive reliable power, affordable rates, and excellent customer service.”
Upcoming 8-5-24 (8/2/2024)

Document may be digital but 700 Pages is still HUGE

The Gardner MA City Council Agenda and packet for the upcoming Monday, August 5, 2024 meeting is 700 pages. Agenda and packet, CLICK HERE.

The Council will consider various appointments. —The Council is scheduled to vote to determine if a track of land located at 827 Green Street be approved as the location of a running horse racing track. It is also scheduled to consider an Ordinance to add the “Agricultural Commission” which has been postponed at meetings since March. —– Perry Auditorium will be available as an overflow room should the City Council Chamber reach capacity.

Various communications from the Mayor include:
the Bay State Racing LLC Host Community Agreement, Ovila Case Playground, the City’s new Disc Golf Course, Gubernatorial Appointments, Upcoming Paving and Infrastructure Projects, Knowlton Street Parking Lot Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Project, City’s Solar Canopy Initiative, Storefront Revitalization Districts, Projects Currently Being Funded by Federal Grant Funds,…

…Intermunicipal Agreement between Gardner and Princeton for Veterans Services, Intermunicipal Agreement between Gardner and Westminster for Animal Control Services, Declaring Surplus for the Purpose of Disposal (Lease) 62 Waterford Street, Declaring Surplus for sale 94 Pleasant Street, Declaring Surplus for the Purpose of leasing to a solar photovoltaic array 100 Heywood Street and 21 acres of land at the Gardner Solid Waste Landfill, Information regarding Stone Field, A resolution in support of City Application to the Community Change for Environmental Justice Communities Grant Program by the US EPA, Accepting Donations of Picnic Tables and Flyers to Gardner Farmers Market, Ordinance changing fee for solid waste collections, ordinance re sewer rates, ordinance amending Non-union Compensation Schedule, Information on the RAISE Grant, information on the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program, Mass Trails Grant Wards, On-call grant writing services, CDBG Grant programs, Federal Earmarks for Gardner.
Bargains and Bragging (8/2/2024)

Customers Bragging about Bargains Going Shopping in Gardner MA and Noticing Progress in the Chair City

The Date: Friday, August 2, 2024. The location: Gardner, Massachusetts. Observation: Consumer Activity.

In the Timpany Plaza: The sign at Big Lots said “Bargains to Brag About”. A few doors down, the new 5 Below Store opened to a healthy crowd of shoppers. In the same plaza, Construction gurus were inside evaluating and discussing next steps at the Chipotle site. While the Chipotle site has undergone significant progress, no opening date has yet been announced.

At Nearby Timpany Crossroads, the Jersey Mike’s Subs sign was up and electrical work was underway.
Last week, hiring at Jersey Mike’s was taking place under an outside temporary shelter. Jersey Mike’s has announced an August 21, 2024 opening.
Update 8-2-24 (8/2/2024)

Gardner Mayor Nicholson’s Update from Maki Park in Downtown Gardner

On August 2, 2024, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson’s Weekly Update was from Maki Park in Downtown Gardner. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Weekly Update 8-2-24

Backpacks Available through Gardner CAC Backpack program – preregister at CAC website, CLICK HERE —- Also, on Saturday August 17th between 9am and 12 noon, families can grab free school supplies and backpacks at the Family Resource Center, 205 School Street, Gardner Suite 302 —

Events: Greater Gardner National Night out is August 8th from 5:30 to 8pm at Gardner High School. — The Gardner Museum has released a list of Summer and Fall events. SEE SEPARATE ARTICLE. — Gardner Public Schools start on September 3rd and the new calendar is available —- Library Book Sale is September 26-28 —-

Mayor Nicholson mentioned the CDBG Press Conference. We previously published a separate article with AUDIO, CLICK HERE.
Baystate Racing 8-1-24 (8/1/2024)

Addressing Concerns – All the Answers – All the Rewards – Interview with John Stefanini

With concerns of citizens and the Gardner City Council in mind, BayState Racing LLC today announced an updated Host Community Agreement which would give Gardner an upfront payment of $650,000 instead of $50,000 and guarantee even stronger environmental protection. Annual guarantee would be $700,000. Links to Documents are provided below. Gardner Magazine spoke with John Stefanini on August 1, 2024. We asked some tough questions and got thoughtful answers. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Interview with John Stefanini 8-1-24

“We heard loud and clear specific concerns. We took Councilors’ and residents’ input and re-evaluated the Host Community Agreement to be better partners with the City of Gardner,” said John Stefanini, Chair of the Baystate Racing Oversight Committee.

A letter outlining the changes was sent to the City Council today along with an updated Host Community Agreement.

Documents: Host Community Agreement 8-1-24 Proposal ==== BayState Letter to City Council 8-1-24 ==== HCA Summary 8-1-24
Capital 7-31-24 (8/1/2024)

Capital Improvement Committee Discusses How to Spend $8 million

Faced with the good news that Gardner Elementary School is about $8 million under budget, the Capital Improvement Committee discussed how to spend the money. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Capital Improvement Committee 7-31-24

Committee was generally in agreement that $4 million of the amount should go towards needs of the School Department and some were discussed. In addition, the committee decided to communicate with all City Department Heads to see if there are any needs not currently on the Capital Improvement Plan which should be there given this development.

The alternative to spending any of the $8 million which is currently in the City’s bank account is to pay down the principal on the school loan. However, that would not reduce the City’s monthly payment obligation but would end the payments 2 years earlier. Mayor Nicholson would like to use the funds already borrowed to fund urgent needs of the School Department.
Public Service 7-29-24 (8/1/2024)

Paving Update Given During Public Service Committee Meeting

The first half of the meeting on July 29, 2024 concerned citizen appeals of water/sewer bills. The Public Service Committee adjudicates the appeals and decides on the amounts of credit awarded. DPW Director Dane Arnold spoke about paving and other updates in the 2nd half of the meeting. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Public Service Committee July 29, 2024

Director Arnold spoke of paving near the industrial park off of Pearl Street which is expected next week. Also anticipated is Timpany Boulevard and a portion of Main Street from CVS down to the rotary. Currently Unitil is doing some work on gas lines ahead of the paving. Arnold stated, “Once they’re done, we’re going to come up in the island in front of Stasukelis that has two crosswalks, one on each side of the road. We’re going to extend the island up towards the police station slightly, maybe 10-15 feet.” Arnold explained the effort is so a pedestrian can be seen in the crosswalk. Arnold outlined other streets and also stated, “We have $30 million of road that we need to pave and we can only afford $1.5 million.”

In other matters, a $40,000 contract was finalized with an outside tree contractor to do tree trimming and removal in the City. Director Arnold anticipates hiring to be easier once the union contract is finalized. DPW is currently operating on 17 staff members with 8 vacancies. Design of the Route 140 Pedestrian Bridge is going to the next stage. Arnold also explained that “we have a draft storm water and erosion control regulation, which piggybacks on our storm water ordinance.” Arnold says there have been mixed reviews about the Uptown Rotary, explaining that once the top coat of paving is on, it will be easier to drive on the mountable burr if necessary.
City Council 7-31-24 Meeting (8/1/2024)

Gardner Magazine published a previous article on this regarding “Complaint Xeroxing”. CLICK HERE.

City Councilor Judy Mack Responds to DeMeo OML Complaints in Spirited Statement

In a special City Council Meeting on July 31, 2024, Gardner City Councilors voted to send the response drafted by Assistant City Solicitor Vincent Pusiteri to the 14 Open Meeting Law Complaints filed by Paul DeMeo on behalf of himself and 13 others. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

City Council 7-31-24

Councilor George Tyros read the complaint stating, “I read this complaint because I don’t believe this is the way we should talk and work with each other as a community. We’re better than this. I’ve also received many positive instances of feedback and how those meetings were held that the business conducted in this room was able to be clear concise and efficient and the overflow room was adequate and residents were able to watch the meeting live. This seems like a difference of opinions and a difference of opinions is not a violation of the open meeting law.”

Councilor Judy Mack had a lengthy statement in which she called out Paul DeMeo stating, “Vindictiveness is nothing but slanderous defamation, harassment, and slander“

Here is the complete statement made by Councilor Judy Mack “I just want to as this is the last item on our agenda. I just want to again discuss the purpose of the open meeting law is to ensure transparency and the deliberations on which public policy is based because the democratic process depends on the public having knowledge about the considerations underlying government action. The open meeting law requires with some exceptions that meetings of public bodies be open to the public. It also seeks to balance the public’s interest in witnessing the deliberations of public officials with the government’s need to manage its operations efficiently. Based on this, the open meeting law complaints filed are unfounded. Did anyone look up the 48-page open meeting law guide and read it to determine if there was any evidence of a violation before taking someone else’s word? The person who first complained wasn’t happy that he didn’t get his way when he emailed demanding the council president relocate the public hearing. So in his childish way, he resorts to filing a complaint with no merit. If you were in the auditorium, did you bring up any concerns at the time? I recall some of you who filed weren’t even seated in the auditorium on July 1st. For those of you who decided to believe this was a valid complaint and allow a photo copy of someone else’s complaint to be submitted to the city clerk with your name on it, I urge you in the future to think for yourself and do your own research. Don’t get misled by one person’s influence and perspective. He will take any opportunity to complain against the city and the city council, whether it be an open meeting law violation or a public records request. These laws were not put in place to be misused by a person with a personal grievance, but for valid reasons of accountability. He constantly copies the news media and the attorney general’s office in an attempt to get his way. As a person who is not even a registered voter in the city, he makes it his mission to spread conspiracy theories and false information to others. His shameful actions, false statements, and lies know no bounds. These insults and accusations he hurls are beyond egregious and disgraceful. Civil discourse is natural in politics. I value the opinion and insight of those who truly care for this city, and the people who can make their point without it being full of bias. I implore everyone, please ask yourself, what is the truth behind nonstop defamatory statements and one-sided rhetoric on social media? Don’t continue to be swayed by one person whose vindictiveness is nothing but slanderous defamation, harassment, and slander. Please continue to care and be involved in your city, but be your own advocate. Be your own person.”

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