City Council Gardner MA

Budget Discussions Dominate Public Service Committee Meeting

The Gardner Public Service Committee met on May 7, 2026 and spent a considerable amount of time discussing DPW and infrastructure. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

The focus was on preliminary FY2027 department budgets and infrastructure updates. Committee members discussed a proposed 20% water rate increase intended to fund emergency repairs and address long-deferred maintenance for the city’s aging water system. Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson outlined his budgetary process, explaining the distinction between departmental “wish lists,” realistic operating needs, and mandated reduction scenarios. Significant dialogue centered on the Department of Public Works, specifically regarding the high costs of maintaining an aging vehicle fleet and the legal complexities of budgeting for snow and ice removal. Additionally, City Engineer Rob Oliva provided updates on federal environmental mandates related to storm water and the ongoing efforts to sell surplus municipal land to boost local tax revenue.

Next Meeting is Tuesday, May 12th at 8am to finalize the City Clerk and Assistant City Clerk job descriptions.

Recruitment to Replace Outgoing Gardner City Clerk Underway

The Gardner City Clerk Recruitment Committee met on May 7, 2026. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

On May 7, 2026, the Gardner Special Search Committee for the City Clerk convened to initiate the recruitment process for a new City Clerk and Assistant City Clerk. The urgency of this committee is driven by the upcoming departure of the current Clerk, Titi Siriphan, effective July 2, 2026.

The primary objective of this meeting was the detailed review and modernization of job descriptions originally established in 2015. Key takeaways include a move toward more flexible supervisory language, the formalization of the Clerk’s role as the Records Access Officer (RAO), and the inclusion of legislative expertise—specifically Robert’s Rules of Order and state statutes—as a core competency. The committee emphasized the need for consistency between the Clerk and Assistant Clerk roles regarding educational requirements and professional certifications, such as Notary Public status and Massachusetts Municipal Clerk certification.

Administrative Disputes, Projects, Agreements, Finances, and Maintenance Topics of Airport Commission

The Gardner Airport Commission met on May 6, 2026. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

• Governance Crisis: Evidence was presented suggesting that two sitting commissioners have been voting without valid appointments since March 2025, potentially rendering a year’s worth of Commission actions illegal.
• Project Status: Federal environmental reviews for airport improvements are nearing completion, and a 100% state-funded Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) is being initiated to streamline future maintenance and permitting.
• Contractual Disputes: Negotiations with the Boston RC Jet Club have stalled over “bailout” clauses and payment structures, with commissioners expressing frustration over the club’s perceived lack of commitment.
• Operational Health: Fuel sales for April 2026 resulted in a net return of $2,664.44 to the city, while essential equipment maintenance (mowers and hangar doors) was completed to prepare for the summer season.

The Gardner Magazine Wildlife Cartoon is presented here due to some very real wildlife sightings on or near the airfield. The Gardner Airport Commission emphasized the need for continued monitoring due to the following:

• Bear: Spotted via camera near the fuel farm at 9:00 PM.
• Bobcat: Sighted on the south end of the field.
• Snapping Turtle: A “giant” turtle was removed from the runway.

Wildlife commonly spotted at municipal airports around the country includes birds—specifically gulls, geese, starlings, and raptors like hawks and owls—along with mammals such as deer, coyotes, rabbits, and foxes. These animals are attracted to the expansive open, grassy spaces and, in some cases, coastal locations that resemble habitats

How Councilor Calvin Brook’s Crabby Old Man Syndrome Melted Away

These are the comments of Councilor Brooks during the City Council meeting of May 4, 2026. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Thank you, Mr. President. I’m just thinking that there’s a lot going on in the world today. We’ve got wars in Iran, Gaza, Ukraine, dysfunctional Congress, gas prices, sports. We can talk about the Bruins, the Celtics, and the Red Sox. Personally, the construction on Elm Street that seems to be all happening at the end of my driveway. And all these thoughts were going through my head a week ago, Saturday, while picking up beer cans and bottles, Dunkin’ Coffee cups and nips on about 100 yards on West Street next to the transfer station. I kept thinking, why do people from Templeton have to throw their trash out their car windows? As a kid, I remembered the public service campaign against litter. Litter bug, litter bug, shame on you. My crabby old man syndrome was kicking in.

Transitions, Planning, and Oversight Focus of Gardner City Council

The Gardner City Council met on May 4, 2026. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

The Gardner City Council meeting held on May 4, 2026, focused on critical administrative transitions, budgetary planning for Fiscal Year 2027, and the ongoing oversight of municipal services.

Key developments include the formal initiation of a search for a new City Clerk following the resignation of City Clerk Titi Siriphan and the approval of a preliminary City Council budget that introduces a dedicated technology replacement fund of $2000 to ensure equipment remains up to date. City Clerk Titi Siriphan was formally acknowledged for her dedicated service to the community.

Senior Center Budget and Preparation for the Summer Move to Waterford

The Gardner Council on Aging met on May 4, 2026. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

The budget was discussed during this lengthy Council on Aging meeting on May 4th and our infographic below provides some detail

The logistics of relocating to the Waterford Community Center was discussed. It will be a 90 day relocation plan and include choosing neutral color palettes and hiring specialized movers for the pool tables. The Council has contacted seven moving contractors and received four quotes. Selection will be based on qualifications and past experience rather than just the lowest bid. Workspace: The new “bullpen” for staff and volunteers is a 36×20 room, providing significantly more space than the current cramped quarters at Pleasant Street.

The infographic below illustrates some data, includes a comprehensive safety analysis, the project framework, and various factors.

Gardner’s Safety Action Plan Discussed at April 29th Meeting

Listen to the entire meeting on any device. There’s a presentation along with citizen comments.

This public meeting was both a presentation of the City of Gardner’s Safety Action Plan and an information-gathering forum with comments from local residents. The City’s Vision Zero Safety Action Plan is being funded by a Federal grant with the goal of eliminating traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries.

The meeting was led by Gardner City Engineer Rob Oliva and a team of consultants. The presentation outlines recent data trends over a 5 year period, noting 2500 crashes and 12 deaths. Specific high-risk areas highlighted included Main Street and Route 140. During the session, residents shared personal accounts of frequent accidents and expressed concerns regarding poor lighting, high vehicle speeds, and inadequate infrastructure. Over the next year, the City aims to develop a comprehensive blueprint that endures safer travel for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

From the President’s Desk – April 2026 with Gardner City Council President George Tyros.

In an April 2026 update, CLICK HERE FOR PDF, Gardner City Council President George Tyros outlines several legislative measures aimed at improving city operations and local governance. A major highlight includes the establishment of a standardized pay scale for non-union department heads to ensure pay equity and professional transparency.

The Council also simplified business signage regulations by moving them out of zoning laws to foster a more entrepreneurial environment. To promote civic inclusion, physical renovations are being made to the Council Chambers to improve disability access and community participation.

Additionally, the update notes the confirmation of new volunteers to local boards and the commencement of budget preparations for the upcoming fiscal year. These collective efforts reflect a focus on administrative efficiency and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

Improvements, Updates, Transitions and Future Plans Focus of Economic and Community Development Session.

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

The Gardner Economic and Community Development Committee met to discuss several key urban improvements and organizational shifts. A major focus is the Waterford Community Center, where a transition plan is being drafted to move the senior center and accommodate new tenants like the disability commission and Gardner Educational television. Local officials emphasized making the building ADA compliant and accessible while expanding parking by removing old playground equipment.

Additionally, the committee received updates on the completion of safety repairs at Maki Park and the progress of the Rear Main street project, which aims to provide new green space and public parking by July. The meeting concluded with a look at upcoming municipal plans regarding surplus property and housing production scheduled for completion this summer.

Personnel and Administrative Matters – Resignation of Titi Siriphan, City Clerk, Focus of Appointments Committee Meeting

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

The Gardner Appointments Committee met on April 28, 2026, to manage various personnel and administrative matters for the city. During the session, members reviewed the reappointment of a board of assessors member and tracked the progress of several other appointees awaiting their official oaths. Significant discussion centered on updated job descriptions for the human resource, youth center, and city clerk positions, though the committee requested more time to compare these changes against original documents.

The committee also addressed the resignation of the current city clerk (effective July 2nd) and discussed improving the tracking of 90-day confirmation windows. To streamline future operations, members explored new methods for contacting volunteer appointees and scheduling interviews for upcoming meetings. The meeting concluded with a look ahead at a busy May schedule intended to finalize numerous municipal roles.