Local Development Projects, Signage Regulations, and Master Plan Subject of Planning Board The City of Gardner Planning Board met on April 14, 2026 and addressed several local development projects and legislative updates. A decision on 0 Emerald Street was postponed due to pending variance approvals regarding property frontage and deckContinue Reading

Appointments Committee Reviewed Several Appointment Items Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. The Gardner Appointments Committee meeting held on April 14, 2026, focused on the review of several city board appointments, the clarification of appointment term lengths, and the implementation of new administrative tracking procedures. KeyContinue Reading

Municipal Alcohol Licensing Matters Focus of 7 Minute License Commission Meeting Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. Various municipal alcohol licensing matters are addressed. On the agenda: Polish American Citizens Club, Sawa Asian License Transfer, and seasonal license renewals. The Commission expressed frustration over a year-long delayContinue Reading

Lengthy Meeting of Conservation Commission Addresses Environmental Violations and Ongoing Projects The Gardner Conservation Commission met on April 13, 2026. Listen to the 1 hour+ meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the Sludge Landfill enforcement order, with members deciding to keep theContinue Reading

Irrigation Crisis at Gardner Golf Course – Failing Pump House The Gardner Golf Commission met on April 13, 2026 to address a critical irrigation crisis caused by a failing pump house. Officials detailed how corroded metal pipes and a decaying wet well have allowed sediment to block the watering system,Continue Reading

Gardner City Council Gets Visit from State Representative Zlotnik Featured at the Gardner City Council meeting of April 6, 2026 was a comprehensive district update from State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik. Zlotnik details critical shifts in state funding formulas, noting a significant increase in road maintenance aid and the final implementationContinue Reading

Council on Aging – Complete Briefing The Gardner Council on Aging (COA) meeting on April 6, 2026, focused on a critical assessment of the fiscal year-end projections, operational challenges, and upcoming transitions. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. Despite successful programming and high volunteer engagement, theContinue Reading

Performance Updates, Infrastructure Grants, and Budget Focus of Finance Committee The Gardner Finance Committee met on March 31, 2026. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY. The Finance Committee meeting held on March 31, 2026, focused on departmental performance updates, the management of major infrastructure grants, and upcoming budgetary transitions. KeyContinue Reading

Candidate Interviews and Administrative Improvements Focus of Appointments Committee Meeting. The Gardner Appointments Committee met on March 31, 2026. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY. The committee interviewed candidates for the Council on Aging and the Bandstand Committee, focusing on their professional backgrounds, volunteer history, and commitment to the city’sContinue Reading

Council President George Tyros with a March 2026 Gardner City Council Update View the update on pdf, CLICK HERE. The March 2026 update from Gardner City Council President George Tyros highlights a significant jurisdictional conflict regarding labor negotiations for the newly formed Department Head union. At the center of thisContinue Reading

The Gardner Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Steering Committee -Fund Reallocations, Project Updates, Social Services, and Application Timeline Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. The Gardner Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Steering Committee meeting held on March 24, 2026, focused on the reallocation of prior-year funds,Continue Reading

Exciting 69 second Board of Assessors Meeting There were no drum rolls. There was no orchestra. There was City Assessor Christine Kumar and Member Paulette Burns during the Gardner Board of Assessors meeting of March 24, 2026. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY. The session began in the early afternoonContinue Reading

Lengthy Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Has Full Complement of Board Members Listen to the entire ZBA meeting of March 17, 2026 on any device, CLICK PLAY. The board introduced its first full five-member panel and established procedural ground rules. The session primarily focused on three specific property cases involvingContinue Reading

The Gardner City Council authorized the Council President to seek legal clarification regarding its ability to participate in contract talks when individuals who report to the City Council are involved. While George Tyros’ remarks are included in the meeting AUDIO, we highlight them here. Despite Absence of 3 Councilors –Continue Reading

Efforts of Historical Commission highlights Public Welfare Meeting The Gardner Public Welfare Committee met on March 12, 2026 and primarily focused on updates from Chris Pera, chair of the Historical Commission. Highlighted were recent efforts to restore a local cemetery and the necessity to secure additional funding for long-term preservation.Continue Reading

Disability Commission Discusses Improving Citywide Accessibility in Gardner MA. Listen to the March 11, 2026 meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. DPW Director Dane Arnold addressed the challenges of snow removal and the ongoing efforts to install compliant sidewalk ramps. The commission also examined a state notice regarding accessibility issuesContinue Reading

Economic Community Development Committee Reviews Progress on Infrastructure and Social Service Initiatives. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. Director Jason Stevens explained a significant 300% cost overrun for the Rear Main project, attributed to a three-year delay in receiving electrical back-charge estimates from National Grid. ToContinue Reading

Finance Committee Hears Extensive Operational Updates at March Meeting Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. The Assessor’s Office reported on tax rates, property abatements, and a troubling increase in aggressive public behavior toward staff, prompting a committee discussion on implementing new safety protocols. Human Resources detailedContinue Reading