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.

City Council 9-8-26

The text of Councilor Brad Heglin’s investigation into the financial security incident is contained in the City Council Agenda and Packet CLICK HERE.

Joint Meeting and Regular Meeting of Gardner City Council

In a Joint Convention of the Gardner City Council and School Committee, Veronica Guay was elected to the vacant School Committee slot. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Joint Convention to elect School Committee member 9-8-26

The Regular Gardner City Council meeting followed. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

City Council 9-18-26

The Gardner City Council meeting held on September 8, 2026, focused on critical updates regarding municipal financial security, administrative oversight, and community-wide commemorations. A central highlight of the session was the presentation of an investigative report by Council Brad Heglin into a “sophisticated fraud scheme” involving vendor payments. Due to the rapid, coordinated response of city departments, nearly all stolen funds were recovered, and the council is now moving toward implementing stricter independent verification protocols.

The Gardner City Council advanced several ordinances aimed at increasing transparency in professional development spending and parking fee exemptions for veterans. Significant community support was evidenced by the acceptance of multiple donations for the police department, including a vehicle for the K9 unit. The session concluded with reflections on community health initiatives and the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Economic Development – August 2026
Full Staffing Achieved: The Economic Development department has achieved full staffing with the appointment of a new Assistant Director and Conservation Agent, ending a period of vacancies.
Critical infrastructure milestones and Administrative Updates Focus of the Gardner Economic and Community Development Committee.

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

Economic Development 8-28-26
- Waterford Community Center Progress: The project is moving into a technical phase with the issuance of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for an Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) specializing in asbestos abatement. Solar panel installation remains pending final National Grid sign-off.
- Infrastructure Delays: The Rear Main project is experiencing significant timeline slippage due to utility company delays (National Grid, Comcast, and Verizon) regarding equipment delivery and wire removal, despite the city having prepaid nearly $1 million for services.
- Downtown Revitalization: The Downtown Phase 5 project will trigger a 1.5- to 2.5-month closure of Willow Street for safety and aesthetic improvements, including perpendicular crosswalks.
Waterford Community Center Updates

The Waterford Community Center remains a primary focus of city development, involving multi-layered renovations and energy upgrades.

Solar Roof Project: The city has already purchased solar panels, which are currently stored at Select Energy’s headquarters in Hopkinton, MA.
- Current Status: Construction is awaiting final sign-off from National Grid.
- Timeline: Preliminary estimates suggest construction will begin before the end of 2026.
- Financials: A final document detailing cost-saving breakdowns and the lease signature is expected for the first City Council meeting in October.
Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) Selection: The city is utilizing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process to hire an OPM to oversee building renovations, specifically focusing on asbestos removal.
- The RFQ Process: Unlike a Request for Proposals (RFP) which prioritizes price, an RFQ evaluates technical qualifications, education, and experience first.
- Review Committee: The Mayor will appoint a three-member committee to review qualifications independently. To ensure an “honest and transparent” process, members will not collaborate during the evaluation phase.
- Budget: Funding for the OPM is allocated from unexpended bond proceeds. The cost is estimated at approximately 7.5% of the total project cost.
- Dates: The RFQ is scheduled to go live on September 2 and close on September 18.
Asbestos Abatement and Renovation: Tighe and Bond is developing specifications for the abatement project, including floor plans and material identification. This process will run concurrently with the OPM solicitation to allow work to begin approximately two weeks after a contract is awarded.

Facility Tenants and Usage
- GTV (Gardner TV): The station is fully operational in its new Waterford studio. The former studio space at Gardner High School has been renovated for the Gardner Academy.
- Growing Places: Building permits for refrigeration condensers and a backup generator have been approved. Construction of the concrete pad is underway, with expected completion by the end of September.
- Disability Commission: Remains a prospective tenant, though no further movement can occur until physical renovations progress.
- Community Use: The soccer fields were successfully used by a local church group, which has expressed interest in returning next year.
Infrastructure and Downtown Development

Downtown Phase 5 (Willow Street): The city awarded the contract for the Willow Street project to Goodall Construction.
- Scope: Refurbishment of sidewalks and asphalt, and a reorganization of the Willow and Main Street intersection.
- Safety Improvements: Crosswalks will be reconfigured from an angle to a perpendicular orientation to shorten the crossing distance for pedestrians.
- Impact: Willow Street will be closed for 1.5 to 2.5 months. Rerouting will be managed by the Police Department.
Rear Main Project Delays: The Rear Main project is facing delays characterized as “frustrating” by city officials due to lack of coordination among National Grid, Comcast, and Verizon.
- Utility Coordination: Delays involve the removal of wires and the delivery of multiple transformers required for underground electrical service.
- City Action: The city paid National Grid $978,000 in March 2026 for this work. The Mayor reported personally hand-delivering easement papers to landowners and the Registry of Deeds to prevent any city-side delays.
- Timeline Status: Originally expected to finish by mid-September, the completion date has been pushed out indefinitely pending a six-week turnaround from National Grid once equipment is received.
Key Quotes

“The roofs were declared surplus for the purpose of leasing to the solar company and that’s how we’re able to do the lease holder improvements for the roof before that lease makes it to the council.” — Mayor Michael Nicholson on the solar project mechanics.

“I want it being known that there are no delays in regards to this project that have been on the fault of the city… we have been knocking on National Grid’s door of where we’ve paid for this already months ago.” — Jason Stevens on the Rear Main project utility delays.

“I think it would just open a lot more transparency and it puts a face to a project and that’s really important.” — Committee Member on including the OPM in future project updates.
From the Presidents Desk 9-2-26

An Update from Gardner City Council President George Tyros

View the update on PDF, CLICK HERE. Here is the text of the Presidents Desk from George Tyros on 9-2-26

From the Presidents Desk – Your City – Your Council

Summer Session Continues: Clearing the Backlog and Strengthening Fiscal Rules

We are in the second month of our summer schedule, holding our single August meeting before things pick back up this fall.

If you looked at our meeting packet this month, you probably noticed a massive section: 15 different sets of minutes up for Council approval. As you may recall, starting late last year, the Council voiced serious concerns about the state and quality of our records. Knowing there were still minutes left unapproved dating as far back as 2024, I instructed our new City Clerk, Jennifer Pelavin, to conduct a full review of all Council and committee minutes.

In total, this undertaking produced 53 sets of minutes totalling more than 350 pages, alongside several operational and website record corrections. I want to give tremendous kudos to Clerk Pelavin—the sheer volume of work she tackled in just her first few weeks on the job, literally working nights and weekends to get Council records back on track, was nothing short of incredible.

Reviewing how things got this far off course made two things clear: we tolerated longer and longer gaps between when meetings occurred and when minutes appeared, and we frequently accepted them out of chronological order. That makes tracking loose ends nearly impossible, and the more time passes, the easier it is to miss critical details.

Moving forward, we are establishing a standard: taking up minutes in proper chronological order at the very next sitting, with all minutes approved and posted within 30 days of the meeting. We owe our residents a transparent, prompt, and accurate public record, and that is what we will hold to going forward.

Progress on Keeping Tabs on Travel and Training

We took the next step on Item 11862, an ordinance proposed by Councillor Heglin to ensure clear rules and transparency around city travel and training funds.

Following the consolidation of travel and training into a single central account during the FY27 budget process, this ordinance establishes a clear baseline: employees requesting funds must outline the total cost, necessity, and direct benefit to Gardner in writing, with quarterly reporting provided to the Council.

While questions were discussed regarding the mechanics of paying from a central line versus individual departmental transfers, the measure was successfully advanced to its first printing, allowing us to refine the administrative details before a final vote.

More Time on Ensuring No More Budget Surprises

On Item 11870— Councillor Heglin’s ordinance for comprehensive financial transparency and budget governance proposal—the Council voted to take more time for review and collaboration.

This proposal aims to mandate earlier revenue forecasts in February, regular quarterly reporting, and an annual 5-year financial forecast. Taking extra time allows the Council and the City Auditor to test and streamline reports directly from the city’s financial software (Munis), ensuring our reporting requirements are practical, automated, and provide meaningful fiscal insight throughout the entire year rather than rushing at budget season.

August Wrapped Up

The Council took action on several key appointments, community items, and administrative business:

Plumbing and Gas Inspector: Confirmed the appointment of Dennis Ash as the full-time Plumbing and Gas Inspector for a three-year term, bringing 38 years of trade and inspection experience to City Hall.

Blue Star Memorial Parking Exemption: Advanced an ordinance to its first printing to waive municipal parking meter fees for vehicles bearing Massachusetts Blue Star plates (honoring families of fallen law enforcement officers), making Gardner the first municipality in the Commonwealth to adopt this measure.

Community Donations Accepted: Formally accepted generous community donations, including support for the Gardner Animal Shelter, a $1,000 contribution for the Gardner Food Truck Festival, and over $2,000 raised for the Police Department’s Domestic Violence Division.

Staffing & Recruitment Rubric: I stepped down from the chair to explain the compensation placement for our newly hired Assistant City Clerk under the city’s updated salary rubric, ensuring we attract experienced talent while maintaining equitable salary structures.

When the Council took up the task last year to reform our salary system, we had two primary goals. First, we wanted to create a system that recognized experience and longevity. The step system we instituted accomplished that. The other important goal was to create a system where we could attract experienced talent. We did that by creating a system where the Council can place a new hire into a higher step if their background and experience merit. This is both important and challenging. This system covers nearly 100 positions varying from groundskeepers to the Chief of Police. The system created a public process where the Mayor and Council review the facts on a case by case basis and set a step based on the rules of the ordinance. This allows us to have a system that can offer higher salary to those qualified, and maintain the flexibility of having an entry level salary.

State Primary Preparations: Approved the primary order, election officer appointments, and police detail assignments ahead of the September 1st State Primary Election.

See you all next month! – George Tyros
Conservation August 2026

Environmental Compliance and Restoration Issues Focus of Gardner Conservation Commission’s 2nd August meeting

The Gardner Conservation Commission met on August 24th and addressed several critical environmental compliance and restoration issues within the city. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Conservation Commission 8-24-26

Key outcomes included the approval of amended conditions for the Newland Power Company project, conditional approval for tree removal at 282 Brookside Drive, and an extensive review of a restoration plan for 86 Linwood Street following a cease-and-desist order.

The Commission continues to emphasize the importance of using certified professionals for work within jurisdictional setbacks and maintains a rigorous oversight stance on restoration projects. Notable administrative updates include the introduction of Tyler Chase Ellison as the new Conservation Agent and the scheduling of upcoming site inspections and enforcement order continuances through September 2026.
Assessors 8-24-26

Another Exciting Board of Assessors Meeting

Listen to the suspense of this 4 minute meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Board of Assessors 8-24-26

On August 24, 2026, the Gardner Board of Assessors convened to address administrative updates, record retention protocols, and the status of tax certifications. The meeting highlights include the processing of 437 motor vehicle abatements totaling over $65,000 since the start of the year and a significant shift in state-mandated procedures for certifying new growth and property values. Due to new requirements from the State, which now demand the simultaneous submission of sales analyses and personal property data, the board expects certification to be finalized by early October 2026. The public portion of the meeting concluded with a motion to enter an executive session to comply with statutory regulations.
Golf Commission – August 2026

There’s Lush Turf at the Gardner Municipal Golf Course

Listen to the August 24, 2026 meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Golf Commission 8-24-26

Members discussed operational updates and the facility’s financial health. Maintenance reports indicate that improved irrigation has led to lush turf conditions, necessitating adjustments to mowing heights and fertilizer use. The commission addressed infrastructure challenges, including temporary course reconfigurations due to National Grid work and safety protocols regarding environmentally sensitive areas. Management also highlighted upcoming fall specials, the arrival of high school teams, and the development of new policies regarding outside golf instructors. Financially, the department reports a budget surplus and is exploring options to earn higher interest on its significant cash reserves. The session concluded with the approval of financial statements and the scheduling of the next meeting for late September.
George Tyros 8-20-26
Information from the Beehive – GeorgeTyros

Gardner City Council President George Tyros is making it convenient for anyone to sign up for his monthly newsletter and other updates. To sign up for the newsletter go to:https://from-the-presidents-desk-newsletter.beehiiv.com/

The August 20, 2026 report from the Gardner City Council President outlines a strategic shift toward enhanced fiscal transparency, rigorous project oversight, and streamlined administrative procedures. Central to this update are three key ordinances (11862, 11870, and 11884) designed to eliminate “budget surprises,” mandate documented justification for municipal travel, and enforce public and council review of major capital projects. Additionally, the Council has implemented a new meeting management structure to improve record-keeping and debate focus, while successfully finalizing several intermunicipal and personnel agreements during the July session. More detail in the infographics below.

The Tyros Protocol: To improve the efficiency of City Council proceedings, a new management protocol was established between the Council President and the City Clerk. The transition aims to clarify roles and ensure adherence to parliamentary rules:
- Role of the Clerk: The City Clerk is now responsible for reading agenda items, a change intended to facilitate better organization and more accurate record-keeping.
- Role of the President: The Council President focuses exclusively on managing the debate and ensuring following of the rules of order.
- Implementation: These changes were successfully piloted during the July session, marking a shift toward more disciplined legislative management.
ZBA 8-18-26

3 Foot Setback Case and a Complete Demo – Rebuild Focus of Gardner Zoning Board

The Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals met on August 18, 2026. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals 8-18-26

In the first case, a contractor representing homeowners seeks a three-foot setback variance to build a farmer’s porch on a residential lot constrained by wetland buffers. The board requested a site visit to verify property boundaries before making a final decision.

The second case involves a request to demolish a dilapidated structure and replace it with a modern three-family dwelling. After discussing construction impacts and neighborhood safety, the board approved the special permits with several specific conditions.

This meeting highlights the city’s efforts to balance housing expansion with local zoning regulations and community concerns. One of the infographics below explains the various Zoning concepts with an infographic entitled “Understanding Zoning Relief”. We also have “The High-Stakes Game of Inches” and lastly, a Gardner Magazine Reader Summary of the August 18, 2026 meeting. CLICK any Image for a larger view.
Planning Board – August

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.

Planning Board 8-11-26

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.
Airport Commission – August
View the complete meeting infographic below, CLICK IMAGE for larger view.
Gardner Airport Commission and Runway 18

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

Gardner Airport Commission 8-12-26

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.

Public Meetings

Meeting Agendas

Community Events posted on City of Gardner Website