City Council Gardner MA

Planning Board Holds 2 Minute Meeting and Gets the Job Done

The Gardner Planning Board held a 2 minute meeting on November 25, 2025. Listen to the exciting meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

The meeting focused on reviewing a proposed change to the city’s zoning ordinances concerning Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The core purpose of the proposed amendment to Chapter 675 was to modify the occupancy requirements for these units. Specifically, the board discussed replacing restrictive language with “shall” to make who occupies the ADU completely general, meaning units can be rented or used by anyone without further city concern. Crucially, the amendment maintains the rule that ADUs cannot be sold separately from the primary residence. After brief discussion, the board quickly approved the amendment as presented and referred the positive recommendation back to the City Council for final review. The 2 minute meeting was concluded.

Financial Orders, Municipal Discussions, and Complex Legal Considerations Focus of Finance Committee Meeting

The Gardner Finance Committee met on November 25, 2025. 197 page packet, CLICK HERE. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Key orders recommended for approval by the full City Council included the appropriation of $95,000 from free cash for the landfill closure account (increase necessary due to rising costs beyond initial projections), the transfer of $15,000 within the Law Department budget to hire outside counsel for specialized personnel issues, transferring funds for health department expenditures , appropriating $100,975 to the City stabilization account, and allocating another $100,00 for landfill pump repair. The complex legal matter was discussed with the Mayor and the City Solicitor: it involved the existing, revocable special permit for nearby residential parking at 13-17 West Lynde Street and various implications.

A number of updates highlight Gardner Public Service Committee Meeting

The Gardner Public Service Committee met on November 25, 2025. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

The Committee heard from City Engineer Rob Oliva, Conservation Agent Justin Enright, and DPW Director Dane Arnold. Key discussions revolve around infrastructure projects, such as the completion of a larger salt shed, multiple paving updates, and significant grants received for the wastewater treatment facility and a James Street pump station upgrade. The meeting also covers grant-funded projects like the Route 140 pedestrian bridge design and the Vision Zero plan to improve street safety, alongside updates on local dam inspections, the status of the Mill Street Bridge closure, and GIS mapping efforts.

Auditor Search Committee meets following John Richard’s Resignation

As John Richard resigned from the position as City Auditor for the City of Gardner, a special search committee was formed. Listen to their first meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

The Special Search Committee meeting for the Gardner City Auditor was held on November 24, 2025, following the auditor’s resignation. Discussion focused on the thorough review and revision of the existing City Auditor job description to ensure it accurately reflects the position’s critical role, including emphasizing the auditor’s financial oversight and reporting to the City Council. Committee members discuss specific wording changes, such as modifying language related to working with the mayor on the budget and clarifying the auditor’s duties regarding the city’s health insurance trust fund and professional development. The committee addresses the logistics for recruitment, including posting the revised job description and handling candidate applications, and discusses engaging an interim auditor to bridge the gap until a permanent successor is found.

Environmental Challenges and Modernization Topics at Conservation Commission

Listen to the entire meeting of November 24, 2025 on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Discussions revolved around several environmental and administrative issues. Key points include a citizen’s request to keep an enforcement order open and continue monitoring the Gardner Sludge Landfill, citing concerns about*compliance, outdated plans, and erosion risk. The committee also addressed an emergency certification to breach a new **beaver dam near Mahoney Brook to protect infrastructure and prevent flooding. Additionally, the meeting covered concerns regarding inconsistent and untimely inspection reports for the landfill, the continuation of various project requests, updates on the Nature Trail and Kendall Pond treatments, and the agent’s progress in digitizing and organizing department records and updating GIS data layers for better conservation management.

Gardner Board of Health Addresses Various Municipal and Departmental Concerns

At the Gardner Board of Health meeting of November 24, 2025, the 5 members discussed various immediate concerns. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Key discussions include a detailed report on the Health Department’s operational status, including ongoing staff vacancies for the director, administrative coordinator, and transfer station supervisor. A major focus is placed on difficulties related to the landfill and transfer station, specifically delays and funding, confusion surrounding the LHA pump replacement and groundwater mining project, as well as the unfunded erosion repair project for the landfill cap. Additionally, the board reviews updates on local food establishment inspections and public health matters like an active bed bug infestation, the condemnation of a fire-damaged building, and planning for **emergency preparedness initiatives, including the potential relocation of the emergency dispensing site.

The Maki Park Project is anticipated to be formally closed out at the 2nd City Council meeting of December.

Maki Park Subject of Economic Development Committee Meeting

The Gardner Economic and Community Development Committee met on November 21, 2025. Listen to the complete meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Director Jason Stevens gave the committee an update on the Maki Park Project. Discussions centered on the nearing completion of the project, including the installation of a new ADA-accessible concrete ramp and railings with final payment anticipated by December 12th. Stevens shared documentation including design plans and a filed building permit that preceded the start of the current construction phase. Council President George Tyros and Councilor Elizabeth Kazinskas expressed satisfaction with the transparency and thoroughness of the department’s work, passing a motion to have Director Stevens present a complete update and financial packet to the full City Council at the 2nd December meeting to formally close out the project.

ZBA Holds Meeting on Various Land-Use Applications

Listen to the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting of November 18, 2025 on any device, CLICK PLAY.

1. An initial request from NH Signs for a sign requirement release for 4 Oak Street was withdrawn without prejudice.

2. The Board took up the special permit request by the Walnut Heritage House Trust for a 7 unit dwelling at 63 Walnut Street. This is a resubmission of a previously approved project

3. A special permit application by Patrick J. Comiskey related to 381 East Broadway to continue their existing motor vehicle light service business including fuel sales, oil and fluid changes.

A key theme throughout the discussions is ensuring compliance with established conditions and addressing concerns from abutting property owners regarding issues like parking and ongoing construction activities.

Public Welfare Committee Hears about Gardner Recreation from Dan Forte and about the Gardner Airport from Isabelle Davis

The Gardner Public Welfare Committee met on November 18, 2025 with Councilors Judy Mack, David Thibeault-Munoz, and Dana Heath assembled to hear updates. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Recreation Director Dan Forte outlined the success of the summer programs and detailed upcoming recreational offerings including changes to youth basketball and the growth of various sports clinics, while also considering the need to potentially establish a separate municipal recreation department to expand services including offerings for adults.

Airport Manager Isabelle Davis highlighted the need for increased funding to cover long-delayed maintenance and safety issues, such as roof repairs and tree obstruction removal. Also discussed was efforts to increase activity and revenue by attracting new users and securing dedicated revolving funds for the airport’s financial needs.

View the entire agenda and packet on pdf, CLICK HERE.

Gardner MA City Council Met on November 17, 2025

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

The Housing Ordinance passed. Request to utilize just over 200 grand for road paving was approved.

Gardner Mayor Nicholson gave a presentation on non-union compensation and the matter was discussed with considerable debate and several amendments regarding step increases and years of service recognition. Council President Tyros requested a roll call vote on the item. There were 8 votes in favor with Councilors Brooks and Thibeault Munoz voting against. Councilor Heath was not at the meeting.

The council addresses several National Grid utility petitions for infrastructure installation and discusses safety and welfare items, including applications for a motor vehicle dealer’s license. Additionally, updates are given on the Waterford Community Center project revealing slow progress on the city’s side, and the council confirms multiple mayoral appointments to various boards and commissions.