City Council Gardner MA – Gardner News Magazine: Local News & Articles in Gardner MA

City Council 7-6-26 (7/6/2026)

Gardner City Council Meets with New City Clerk at the Desk

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

City Council 7-6-26

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.

Airport July 2026 (7/3/2026)

The Exciting Story of Gardner Airport Runway 18

Listen to the Gardner Airport Commission meeting of July 1, 2026 on any device,, CLICK PLAY.

Gardner Airport Commission 7-1-26

The Gardner Airport Commission meeting on July 1, 2026 focused primarily on securing navigation easements for runway 18. A representative from Gale Associates details a revised project scope that involves identifying six specific parcels to ensure legal access for clearing aerial obstructions. The process requires conducting title searches to resolve ownership discrepancies between the city and private owners, followed by fair market value appraisals and legal reviews. To comply with FAA and MassDOT regulations, the commission voted to authorize an independent fee estimate to verify project costs before seeking federal reimbursement. The discussion concludes with a brief update on vegetation management and a logistical plan to relocate future summer meetings to City Hall for better climate control.

Formal shift in strategy for obstruction management:, Moving away from Runway 36 due to forestry division challenges and focusing instead on Runway 18. The Commission reviewed a revised scope of work for Phase 1 navigation easement acquisitions involving six parcels. A critical procedural step involves an Independent Fee Estimate (IFE) to validate project costs, estimated at approximately $405,000, to ensure 95% reimbursement through federal and state grants. Finalizing these easements is a prerequisite for FAA-funded tree removal.

Gardner Magazine has prepared 4 separate infographics intended to illustrate the complexities involved in the airport runway issues. 1. Glossary for the Runway 18 Project 2. Project Scope Statement 3. Meeting Briefing 4. Runway 18 – $405,000 Paperwork
Finance Committee 7-1-26 (7/1/2026)

The First Gardner Finance Committee Meeting of Fiscal Year 2027

The City of Gardner MA Finance Committee met on July 1, 2026. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Finance Committee 7-1-26

Key discussions included proposed ordinances for financial transparency, the ratification of a new City Clerk’s salary step, and the acceptance of various donations, such as a police vehicle and a commemorative flag. The committee also debated a Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) agreement for a downtown housing development, weighing the benefits of market-rate housing against the risks of setting a 10-year tax-free precedent. Additional items involved infrastructure upgrades at the Waterford Community Center and historic signage for the Greenwood Pool. Finally, the members scrutinized a remote-work administrative position for the golf course, ultimately requesting further legal and personnel reviews regarding salary and policy. Infographic below summarizes the meeting. Other infographics focus on details or related subjects.

The Price of Progress

Hidden Toolkit –

94 Pleasant Street, Gardner

Municipal Personnel Management

Understanding the Flow of City Funds

CLICK any IMAGE for a larger view.

Have a topic for Gardner Magazine? Email News@GardnerMagazine.com or leave a voicemail at (978) 632-6324
Golf Commission 6-29-26 (7/1/2026)

Essential Infrastructure and Ongoing Maintenance Focus of Golf Commission

Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Golf Commission 6-29-26

Discussed was essential infrastructure updates and ongoing maintenance at the local course. A major focus of the meeting was the restoration of the irrigation system, which is now operating at full capacity following the repair and replacement of critical pump house components. This improvement allows for comprehensive watering of greens and fairways at significantly higher volumes than previous weeks. Beyond water management, the commission addressed the status of a new feasibility study and the delivery of a site plan for future architectural proposals. Ground staff also outlined a strategic seeding plan to repair turf damage once extreme summer temperatures subside. These efforts collectively aim to return the facility to optimal playing conditions through technical upgrades and diligent labor.

We also have the meeting from earlier in the month. CLICK PLAY.

Golf Commission 6-1-26
Projects and Progress Gardner MA (6/25/2026)

CDBG Meeting 6-23-26

Economic Development 6-24-26

Listen to the AUDIO of either or both meetings. View the various infographics below documenting the progress in Gardner.

Gardner MA Projects and Progress Discussed During Pair of Meetings

Listen to the CDBG Meeting from June 23rd on any device, CLICK PLAY.

CDBG 6-23-26

Listen to the Economic Development Committee Meeting from June 24th. CLICK PLAY.

Economic Development 6-24-26

The CDBG program in Gardner is currently managing a complex transition between the closeout of FY22/23 projects and the commencement of FY24 and FY25 initiatives. Key highlights include the successful conclusion of the Greenwood Pool demolition, allowing the facility to reopen for the season, and the awarding of the base bid for the new Greenwood Pavilion. Financial and regulatory hurdles remain for specific projects, notably the Waterford Street Community Center—which faces strict federal benefit requirements—and the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Community Garden expansion, which requires rigorous adherence to accessibility and labor standards. Administratively, the department is preparing for a leadership transition following the departure of the Assistant Director and the Conservation Agent. The Assistant Director was “scouted” by another community and the Conservation Agent is going back to school for his MBA.

The Economic and Community Development Committee meeting held on June 24, 2026, highlighted a period of significant transition and strategic milestone achievement for the City of Gardner. Key developments include the successful adoption of foundational planning documents—the Master Plan, Housing Production Plan, and Municipal Surplus Property Plan—which now provide a unified roadmap for the city’s growth. The Hazard Mitigation Plan is currently awaiting FEMA approval and was granted an extension until October 1st.

The city has secured substantial funding for major infrastructure, most notably a $2 million-plus grant from MassDOT for the Keyes Road Culvert replacement and a Mass Trails grant for the North Central Pathway Phase 2. Renovations at the Waterford Street Community Center face a temporary delay due to the discovery of asbestos-containing tiles in the two-story wing and a state-level accessibility review. Despite these hurdles, the city’s housing analysis confirms a robust demand for at least 250 new units over the next five years, supported by a low rental vacancy rate of 1% to 2%.
Conservation 6-22-26 (6/23/2026)

Conservation Commission: Property Compliance, Ecological Restoration Efforts, Cease and Desist, Delayed Culvert Repairs. North Central Pathway Timeline, and Agent Resignation.

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

Conservation Commission 6-22-26

Local officials and environmental consultants reviewed several ongoing property compliance cases. Representatives for sites on Nicole Terrace, Brookside Drive, and Crawford Street updated the board on ecological restoration efforts, including successful tree plantings and the removal of unauthorized materials. The commission also addressed a cease and desist order for Linwood Street and discussed long-term maintenance permits for nuisance vegetation at Kendall Pond.

Significant attention was given to National Grid’s delayed culvert repairs and the potential safety risks posed by the current state of the utility’s work site. Additionally, members reviewed plans for a 1.45-mile asphalt extension of the North Central Pathway, which involves a complex timeline involving state management and federal land rights. The session concluded with the resignation of the commission’s agent, Justin Enright, and a discussion regarding the warranty and survival of trees planted along a local nature trail. Infographic below has further detail.
City Council 6-22-26 (6/22/2026)

Gardner City Council Passes FY27 Budget with Numerous Reductions

AUDIO of meeting presented here has the silence of the recess periods edited out. That’s is why the length differs considerably from the video which will be presented on the City’s YouTube channel. Listen to the entire meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.

City Council 6-22-26

The City Council first met as a Committee of the Whole during which Council President George Tyros explained how the process differed this year in order to increase transparency. Following this meeting, the session continued with the Special City Council meeting during which each order was brought up, amendments were outlined, discussed, and voted upon. When needed, a recess was called so that the final order to be voted upon could be prepared by the Clerk and the Auditor.

Key outcomes include the passage of a $14,534,400 salary and labor budget and a $31,808,793 expense budget (following various reductions). A significant point of debate centered on a proposed $1,000,000 strategic reduction to the school department budget, which ultimately failed due to concerns regarding state-mandated “net school spending” requirements. The Council ultimately approved $38,143,689 for the school department. The council approved $11,644,138.35 (as amended) for various enterprise accounts. Infographic below further illustrates the budget and other items from the meeting.

City Clerk issue: We received a response from Council President George Tyros and are pleased to report the following: From Council President George Tyros: “This is an obvious question and as it turned out, Atty. Pelavin had already contacted the state ethics commission before applying as a precaution regarding a conflict of interest issue. She has informed me that it is her intention to resign her seat on the school committee prior to beginning to serve as City Clerk on July 6th 2026. “
Was Pelavin’s Election Legal? (6/20/2026)

Update 6-22-26 11:48am – No response to email has been received.

Update 6-22-26. Council President George Tyros contacted us before the City Council meeting. From Council President George Tyros: “This is an obvious question and as it turned out, Atty. Pelavin had already contacted the state ethics commission before applying as a precaution regarding a conflict of interest issue. She has informed me that it is her intention to resign her seat on the school committee prior to beginning to serve as City Clerk on July 6th 2026. “

Was Jennifer Pelavin’s Election Legal?

Preliminary Research by Gardner Magazine indicates that the recent vote of the Gardner City Council to elect Jennifer Pelavin City Clerk effective July 6^th may have been illegal. It is our understanding that both a City Council member and/or a School Committee member must first resign their position and then wait 30 days before accepting any municipal position.

Jennifer Pelavin was at the School Committee meeting on June 8, 2026. The earliest date she could have resigned would have been the next day or June 9^th , and if our information is correct, she wouldn’t have been eligible for the position until 30 days later in July. As far as we know, Pelavin was still a School Committee member on June 15^th and was thus not eligible for any job working for the City. The City Clerk is a paid City of Gardner position. The Big Question: Because Pelavin did not accept a job directly under the jurisdiction of the School Committee, could the 30 day period be legally waived?

Gardner Magazine has sent an email today to Council President George Tyros and Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson regarding the matter: This is the text of the email: “Dear Council President Tyros, Will you be asking the City Council to open an investigation into the possible illegal election of Jennifer Pelavin to the position of City Clerk. My understanding is that in order to be eligible for the position in the first place, she would have had to resign first and then wait 30 days. Did this occur? Had Pelavin already resigned prior to being selected for the position? Mayor Nicholson, could you ask the City Solicitor to look in to this? If this is a problem it should be corrected immediately at the City Council meeting tomorrow(Monday) with a rescinded vote. “

Gardner Magazine will let you know when we get more information.

We do know that a rant by a former City Council member on a Rogue Gardner Facebook Group relating to the matter is completely incorrect. The assertion is that any elected official can’t accept a municipal position unless elected to it by the people – this of course makes absolutely no sense as the City Charter clearly specifies that the City Council interviews for and elects a City Clerk. The actual issue is whether the election was illegal and premature without a 30 day waiting period being served after the individual resigned from any elected City positions before accepting a municipal job.
Public Service 6-18-26 (6/18/2026)

Municipal Infrastructure, Frozen Pipes, Burst Water Meters, and Undetected Leaks Discussed by Public Service Committee

The Gardner Public Service Committee met on June 18, 2026.to address municipal infrastructure and resident requests. Local property owners presented petitions for water and sewer bill abatements caused by issues like frozen pipes, burst water meters, and undetected leaks. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Public Service Committee 6-18-26

Committee members evaluated these cases, often granting sewer fee waivers and interest-free repayment plans to alleviate the financial burden on citizens. Additionally, the committee discussed a National Grid utility pole installation and several ongoing engineering projects, such as a new pedestrian bridge and safety improvements. The Engineering Director provided updates on experimental “speed cushions” intended to reduce traffic accidents and clarified driveway permitting processes. The session concluded with a review of drainage and property access concerns involving private ways and the scheduling of future regulatory discussions. CLICK on IMAGE below for larger view.
ZBA 6-16-26 (6/18/2026)

ZBA Meeting Focused on Cell Tower for Walmart Site

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

The June 16th Zoning Board of Appeals meeting focused on a proposal by SBA Communications to install a cell tower designed as a concealed “monopine” tree at a local Walmart. A Valmont Industries engineer detailed the structure’s safety, explaining how the pole is designed to buckle or collapse inward rather than toppling over in extreme wind. Despite these technical safeguards, the board expressed concern that the proposed zero-foot fall zone conflicts with local ordinances requiring a clearance equal to the tower’s height. Because the fall zone potentially overlaps with a business use area—the Walmart parking lot—the board decided to seek a legal opinion from the city solicitor. The meeting concluded with a recommendation that the applicant file for a zoning variance to avoid further procedural delays while awaiting legal clarification.

Infographic illustrates the antenna and tower concept discussed.