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

Gardner MA City Council Meetings

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Weekly Gardner City Council Meetings. To watch, CLICK PLAY

If you prefer to listen to the City Council Meetings, visit our City Council audio page and Listen on any device. CLICK HERE.

Public Welfare 11-18-25

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.

Public Welfare 11-18-25

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.
City Council 11-17-25

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.

City Council – 11-17-25

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.
Ad Hoc 11-17-25

Gardner Ad Hoc Committee sends recommendations to City Council

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

Ad Hoc Committee 11-17-25

The Gardner Ad Hoc Compensation Proposal Committee met on November 17, 2025. Gardner Mayor Nicholson chaired the meeting which reviewed the comprehensive packet distributed to members including a list of positions to be included or excluded, financial forecasting for 3, 5, and 10 years, revenue projections, and comparable data from other communities. The proposed ordinance to be sent to the City Council for approval included a step sale based on a salary survey designed to address previous feedback regarding step length, percentage consistency, and recognition of prior service credit.
Golf Commission 11-17-25

Gardner Golf Commission Approves Proposed 2026 Rates But Leaves Cart Fees Alone

Listen to the Golf Commission meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Golf Commission 11-17-25

The Gardner Golf Commission met on November 17, 2025 and discussed setting the golf course rates for 2026, particularly noting that cart fees were already higher than local competitors and they decided not to increase them, while approving the proposed 2026 rates overall. Significant portions of the discussion focused on the winterization of the golf course, including aeration and over seeding efforts, and the challenges of maintaining the grounds** due to cold weather and budget priorities, such as the poor condition of the bunkers. The commission also reviewed the current financials, noting a temporary surplus, and formally presented the proposed $1.3 million budget for fiscal years 2026-2027. Finally, they scheduled a site walk for a building feasibility study.
Conservation 11-10-25

Conservation Commission Reviews Wetlands Protection Act Compliance for Various Local Projects

The Gardner Conservation Commission met on November 10, 2025. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Conservation Commission 11-10-25

The Commission held several public hearings and administrative updates. The primary focus of the meeting is the review of Wetlands Protection Act compliance for various local projects, including a request to build a carport at 31 Travers Street that faces significant opposition due to its proximity to a brook and within a no-build zone. Two other notices of intent are discussed: one for drainage improvements at Dunn State Park and another for a building addition and parking lot at Mount Wachusett Community College, both of which receive favorable reviews for improving environmental conditions. The commission also addresses a proposal for a multi-purpose barn at 827 Green Street for a treatment facility, which is continued pending a state file number, and concludes with updates on a culvert replacement and meeting scheduling.

Community Food Drive

PRESS RELEASE on PDF, CLICK HERE.

GARDNER COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE: Saturday November 15th from 9am to 11:30am at Price Chopper, Walmart, and Hannaford. In addition, Hannaford on Sunday November 16th from 9am to 11:30am.

Gardner City Council and The Senior Center/AARP Join Forces for Community Food Drive

Gardner City Councilors Judy Mack and Dana Heath as well as Gardner Senior Center Director Mike Ellis have joined forces to hold a Community Food Drive to benefit the Gardner CAC Food Pantry on Saturday November 15th from 9am to 11:30am at Price Chopper, Walmart, and Hannaford. In addition, Hannaford on Sunday November 16th from 9am to 11:30am.

Items Needed:

Canned Fruit	Canned Vegetables	Granola Bars
Peanut Butter	Baking Mixes	Fruit Snacks
Cookies	Ramen packs or cups	Juice Boxes
Crackers including Gluten free	Pasta – all types and Canned Spaghetti Sauce	Rice
Applesauce	Canned Pasta	Spices / Cooking Oils
Jelly	Instant Mashed Potatoes	Cranberry Sauce
Pudding Cups	Gravy Mixes	Canned Soups

Cash and gift card donations are also appreciated. The Gardner CAC also has an online secure donation link, CLICK HERE. Councilor Judy Mack told us that “Ms Meehan at the CAC is very excited by this project as the need is currently greater than usual especially with the upcoming holidays“. The Senior Center/AARP are staffing Hannaford for the 2 days. Gardner City Council members will be covering Walmart and Price Chopper on Saturday.

Airport 11-5-25

Environmental Review, Capital Improvements, and Finances – a Gardner Airport Update

The members of the Gardner Airport Commission met on November 5, 2025 and discussed several ongoing and upcoming projects at the airport. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Key topics included the status of the wildlife hazard site visit and its associated payments, the environmental review process for tree clearing easements and fence installation, and the Obstruction Study report review by Mass DOT and the FAA. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Airport Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), specifically the funding and logistics for acquiring navigation easements to clear trees, highlighting the current 95% federal funding opportunity for fiscal year 2026. Finally, the meeting includes an update on airport finances, detailing attempts to secure leftover runway project funds and independent fee monies, as well as routine operational updates like fuel sales and equipment status.
Planning 11-4-25

Planning Board Meets on Private Gardner Projects

The Gardner Planning Board met on November 4, 2025 to address several key development projects and proposed ordinance amendments. The board first discusses the continuation of a public hearing for a Mount Wachusett Community College building addition due to recently submitted definitive site plans that require more review time. Following this, a representative presents a preliminary site plan for a new barn, offices, and classrooms at 827 Green Street to be used for animal-assisted therapy, focusing heavily on challenges related to storm water management, high groundwater, and a proposed septic system. Listen to the entire meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Planning Board 11-4-25

Finally, the board reviews two proposed zoning ordinances: one to allow cottage kitchens in residential areas and another to promote housing growth and production by reducing parking requirements, expanding accessory dwelling unit (ADU) flexibility, and creating a housing priority overlay district.
City Council 11-3-25

Councilor Judy Mack spoke of the food crisis in the community and announced that the Gardner City Council would be having a food drive. Gardner Magazine will provide more details when available, but this is what the Councilor said: Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Councilor Judy Mack on Food Drive

Two Meetings of Gardner MA City Council on November 3, 2025

1st: The joint public hearing between the Gardner City Council and Planning Board regarding proposed amendments to the city’s zoning code:

The first concerned an ordinance to allow the operation and use of cottage kitchens (home-based commercial kitchens) in residential districts, with Mayor Mike Nicholson advocating for the change to support small businesses.

The second, more extensive discussion focused on a comprehensive ordinance designed to promote housing growth and production in the city by addressing a housing supply and demand crisis through measures such as permitting small homes (tiny homes) and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), expediting permitting, creating a starter home overlay, and easing residential parking requirements. Testimony was heard both in favor of and in opposition to the proposed zoning changes, with the primary opposition and council concerns revolving around the limited scope of the proposed multi-family overlay district and the impact of the reduced parking requirements on existing neighborhoods.

Complete Agenda and Packet CLICK HERE.

Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK HERE.

Joint Meeting 11-3-25

2nd: Regular City Council Meeting – The Council authorized the loan for the Gardner Middle School Roof Replacement Project. The $6.9 million dollar project will get up to 80% reimbursed by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The measure required a 2/3 vote to pass and did pass with 11 Yeas, (unanimously).

Complete Agenda and Packet CLICK HERE.

Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK HERE.

Regular Meeting 11-3-25

The meeting also featured a comprehensive update from Councilor Elizabeth Kazinskas regarding Economic Development and Planning, outlining the progress of several major projects such as the Rear Main Street initiative, the Maki Park accessibility upgrades, the Master plan and Hazard mitigration projects, the status of various property sales, and the demolition and historic preservation efforts regarding the Greenwood Pool (indoor pool building) building which above-ground demolition was completed October 31st. Below ground demolition to be completed in November. Finally, Councilors discussed upcoming community events, including an election and a food drive, while honoring Veterans Day and a local business milestone.
BOH 10-27-25

Board of Health Deals with Bed Bug Infestation at Local Complex

During the Board of Health Meeting of October 27, 2025, a severe bed bug infestation at a local apartment complex was discussed among the Board members, Acting Board of Health Director Angella DiPrima, and a tenant. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

A significant portion of the meeting addresses an ongoing, severe bed bug infestation at a local apartment complex, with public comments from a tenant highlighting issues like non-compliant residents, inadequate treatment, and a lack of communication from property management.

The board discusses several Health Department updates, including recent staff resignations which included former Director Micah Blondeau. Also discussed: new hires, progress on the landfill transfer station projects, and multiple ongoing issues with food establishments and housing violations, including a new case in housing court. The meeting concludes with discussions on public health emergency preparedness.

Public Meetings

Meeting Agendas

Community Events posted on City of Gardner Website