Gardner City Council Meets with New City Clerk at the Desk
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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.
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.
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. |
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.
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.
