City Council Gardner MA

More details in the infographics below. CLICK any IMAGE for a larger view.

On-Site Retail Sales Approved for Existing Marijuana Cultivation and Delivery Facility

At its meeting of August 11, 2026, the Gardner Planning Board reviewed and approved a request to amend a special permit for the HeadyCo facility at 4 Lachance Street in Gardner, authorizing the addition of on-site retail services to an existing operation previously planned for cultivation, manufacturing, and delivery. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

The business model is described as a “connoisseur” or “farm-to-table” experience, allowing customers direct access to the producer. The Board’s approval was granted unanimously, contingent upon 14 specific conditions designed to ensure neighborhood compatibility, site security, and regulatory compliance. The plan is to repurpose the interior area to create a retail area of about 275 square feet and add signage to let people know about it. There will be a minimum of 3 employees present at all times with hours of Sunday through Thursday from 9am to 9pm and Friday-Saturday 9am to 10pm. No outdoor sales, displays, or consumption of marijuana is permitted. The Board clarified that there are four retail marijuana licenses authorized in the City with three currently in use. This project does not utilize a new license, as it incorporates on-site retail into an existing permit.

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Gardner Airport Commission and Runway 18

The Gardner Airport Commission met on August 12, 2026. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

The nearly hour-long discussions focused on critical infrastructure maintenance, regulatory compliance, and long-term capital planning. The primary takeaways include:

• Navigation Easement Approval: The Commission approved a revised fee of $223,800 for Gale Associates (the airport’s engineering consultant) to begin the navigation easement acquisition process for the Runway 18 approach. This is a mandatory step to secure property rights for tree removal, ensuring compliance with FAA grant assurances and preventing potential runway closures.
• Vegetation Management Plan (VMP): Progress is being made on a state-funded VMP, which will streamline the permitting process for tree clearing in wetland areas by granting “limited project status.” This plan will move the airport toward compliance with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations.
• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 2027–2032: The updated CIP outlines several million dollars in projected projects, including obstruction removal, wildlife fencing, and a long-sought snow removal equipment (SRE) building programmed for 2030.
• Operational Health: The airport reported steady fuel sales and recently benefited from zero-cost asphalt seal coating and line painting provided by MassDOT subcontractors.

With regard to the water bills: If you spot a $4 discrepancy or a rate that looks “off” on your statement, do not wait. Call the billing office immediately. While the City of Gardner expects it will take about three more billing cycles to fully audit the system, they are correcting individual errors and issuing credits – interest free – upon request.

Technology Transition: The city is also transitioning from manual water meter readings to “drive-by” technology which will get around the problem of scaling massive, frozen snowbanks and being chased by neighborhood dogs.

The Big Water Bill OOPS of 2026 Discussed at Gardner Public Service Committee

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The Water Bills Problem Explained in Detail

DPW Director Dane Arnold reported significant delays and errors in the water billing office, which has fallen two to three billing cycles behind. Some of the issues reported: Software Glitches – a January upgrade to the “Munis” software system caused import errors for meter reads, leading to a backlog. Staffing Issues: DPW is currently managing significant turnover, including a vacancy for the leader biller position. Interviews are ongoing, but new hires will require extensive training. Billing Inaccuracies: Due to the system errors, some residents were billed at outdated rates or received “stimated” bills incorrectly marked as “actual” reads. Resolution Plan: The City estimates it will take approximately three months to identify and correct all individual billing errors. In the Meantime: Overcharged customers will receive credits, and no interest will be charged on accounts affected by these errors. Abatements on hold: Abatements for leaks or high usage are currently frozen (held without interest) until the billing office is restaffed and the system is stablized.

Operational Updates – Future Plans – Liability – Repairs – Projects: Focus of Golf Commission Meeting

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The Gardner Golf Commission met on August 3, 2026 and members discussed several operational updates and future plans. Key topics included a feasibility study involving architectural reviews and the introduction of a FALL Membership Special to boost revenue. (begins August 31st) . However, financial performance for the first three weeks of July was strong, with a reported revenue of $148,000 and a net profit of $55,000.

Members expressed concern about the unauthorized use of the driving range by independent instructors with a discussion focused on potential liability and professional optics.

Publisher’s Note: The big topic at the beginning of this City Council meeting revolved around meeting minutes and how difficult it was to keep up with them. Gardner Magazine used one of its subscription tools and rendered official meeting minutes within about an hour of the meeting. We have sent them to the City Council President and the City Clerk. Here’s a copy for you, our readers on PDF, CLICK HERE. While the output of a tool would need to be reviewed for accuracy, meeting minutes can easily be rendered and provided to the public within minutes of a meeting.

The two infographics below provide additional details on the particulars of this Gardner City Council meeting of August 3, 2026.

Lengthy Gardner City Council Meeting Approves a Number of Items

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The Gardner City Council meeting on August 3, 2026, focused heavily on administrative corrections, financial transparency reforms, and the reallocation of funds for critical infrastructure safety. A primary focus was the remediation of a significant backlog in meeting minutes, with over 50 sets of records reviewed and corrected. The Council also advanced ordinances aimed at increasing oversight of professional development spending and long-term financial planning. Significant updates were provided regarding the asbestos abatement at the Waterford Street Community Center and the progress of major economic development projects, including the Southside/Rear Main Street and the Greenwood Memorial Pavilion.

Significant focus was placed on safety and renovation at the Waterford Community Center.

• Asbestos Abatement: The Council approved the reappropriation of bond proceeds for asbestos abatement in the two-story wing and the senior center area.
• Infrastructure Improvements: A new water line will be installed to support a future fire sprinkler system.
• Oversight: The Council approved funding for an Owners Project Manager (OPM) to provide an independent appraisal of the project.
• Safety Assurance: The Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) conducted a walkthrough and confirmed the building remains safe for current occupants during the planning phase.

Gardner MA is undergoing a positive transformation with many projects in the works. This meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee documents the long list. Our infographics illustrate much of the information.

Gardner’s Huge List of Ongoing Projects Reviewed at July Development Meeting

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The July 2026 Economic and Community Development Committee meeting focused on significant infrastructure and revitalization projects in the city. Key highlights include the installation of solar panels on municipal buildings and the Waterford Community Center, which is also undergoing extensive asbestos remediation and renovations to house a new senior center. The meeting details the progress of the Rear Main Street development, which utilizes millions in grant funding for residential housing prep, utility undergrounding, and public space enhancements like a new splash pad. Additionally, officials discussed the completion of several strategic plans, including the master plan and housing production plan, to guide future growth. Updates were also provided on the North Central Pathway expansion, the replacement of the Keyes Road culvert, and various social service initiatives supported by federal grants.

Publisher’s Note: In keeping with Gardner’s status as the “Model City for America”, Gardner would be the first City to approve the recognition of license plates honoring fallen police officers. It was recommended by the Finance Committee at this meeting and goes to the full City Council for their first August meeting.

Infographics below further illustrate the ins and outs of the meeting.

Asbestos Abatement at Waterford Recommended and Sent to full City Council

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The Gardner City Council Finance Committee meeting held on July 29, 2026, primarily focused on fiscal year closeout procedures. The committee reviewed and approved several measures to transfer appropriations between departmental salaries and operating expenses to finalize the 2026 budget. Key discussions included codifying travel and meal policies to improve transparency and adopting a new parking meter exemption for Blue Star plate holders. The exact timing of FREE PARKING in Downtown Gardner during the holiday season may depend on a survey of businesses currently being circulated – central question being whether it should start on Small Business Saturday or December 1st.

Additionally, the committee addressed capital improvement projects, specifically authorizing funds for asbestos abatement at the Waterford Street building and window replacements at Perry Auditorium. Various charitable donations were accepted, and members agreed to further study proposed updates to the city’s fee review schedules and holiday parking programs.

Topics at the Gardner Board of Health Meeting of July 27, 2026 included many of the core responsibilities of the Board of Health such as hazardous materials in buildings which need to be addressed, upholding the Tobacco control laws, handling landlord-tenant conflicts when issues under its jurisdiction arise, and more. The included infographics are included to provide valuable information.

Board of Health Addresses Various Public Health and Safety Issues During July Meeting

Listen to the meeting of July 27, 2026 on any device, CLICK PLAY.

The Gardner Board of Health convened on July 27, 2026, to address critical municipal safety and regulatory concerns. Gardner Mayor Nicholson appeared at the meeting to explain the asbestos contamination at the Waterford Community Center and outlined a remediation plan for the building’s two-story wing. (awaiting City Council approval)

The board also conducted a hearing for A1 Mart, ultimately upholding a $2,000 fine and a seven-day permit suspension for selling tobacco to a minor. Additionally, members discussed a contentious housing case involving a tenant-landlord dispute and the health department’s limited jurisdiction in such conflicts. Ongoing infrastructure updates were provided regarding landfill pump repairs, safety enhancements at the transfer station, and recent food service inspections. The session concluded with the introduction of a new safety coordinator position. Infographics below provide more detail on the meeting and explain various terms used.

The Gardner Finance Committee met on July 24, 2026. The Infographics below provide: Left below: Summary of the Finance Committee meeting Center Below: Strategic Oversight Report on Waterford Community Center Center Right: Hidden Layers of History – the Unknowns in City Renovations.

For details on the Asbestos Report, view this previous article from July 23rd, CLICK HERE.

Very Busy Gardner Finance Committee Tackles a Number of City Issues and Projects

Listen to the Finance Committee meeting of July 24, 2026 on any device, CLICK PLAY.

The Gardner Finance Committee meeting took up several proposed ordinances aimed at increasing financial transparency and oversight of city projects. One major proposal suggests restructuring the Capital Improvement Planning Committee and requiring formal city council approval for any project exceeding $100,000. Members also discussed a new ordinance to establish a regular review schedule for utility rates and various city fees to ensure they keep pace with inflation. Asbestos remediation at the Waterford Community Center and window replacements at Perry Auditorium were highlighted as critical infrastructure concerns requiring fund reallocations. Additionally, the committee reviewed various donations to city departments and debated a tax increment exemption for a private housing development at 94 Pleasant Street. The session concluded with a focus on improving budgetary communication and standardizing professional development tracking for municipal employees.

The Zoning Vote: A Tower Rises in Gardner MA

The Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals met on July 21, 2026. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

The Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals convened with four of its five members present, necessitating unanimous votes for all decisions. The session focused on two primary applications by Fred Mahood (representing SBA) regarding a proposed cell tower at 677 Timpany Boulevard

The Board successfully granted both a Special Permit and a Fall Zone Variance for the facility. The Special Permit was approved contingent upon several financial and legal protections for the city, including a $50,000 removal bond and a $5 million liability policy. The Variance was granted based on documented hardships related to site topography (wetlands) and the scarcity of willing landowners, balanced against the engineered safety of the tower, which is designed to collapse upon itself in the event of failure.