Gardner City Council Meetings

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Gardner MA City Council Meetings

Jump to: Public Meetings – Meeting Agendas – Community Events

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.

• Development July 2026

  

  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

  Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  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.

  

  

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• Finance 7-29-26

  

  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

  Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  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.

  

  

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• Board of Health July 2026

  

  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.

  

  

  

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• Finance Committee 7-24-26

  

  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.

  

  

  

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• ZBA 7-21-26

  

  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.

  

  

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• George Tyros – June Update

  

  Gardner City Council President George Tyros Releases Update Covering End of Fiscal Year

  On July 10, 2026, Gardner City Council President George Tyros released his end of June 2026 update. Below is the text of the update:

  Third Time’s the Charm: FY2027 Budget is Set
  This month, the City Council successfully passed the final budget orders for Fiscal Year 2027, navigating one of the toughest financial cycles Gardner has faced in years. Facing steep economic pressures and rising inflation, the Council worked tirelessly across multiple sessions, introducing a brand-new, transparent process that required counselors to submit budget amendment proposals well ahead of the final hearing.

  The Council stood united behind maintaining critical services, and a proposed $1 million reduction to the school budget was ultimately voted down after much discussion. The body agreed that cutting school funding to manage temporary revenue projections posed too steep a risk to the school system, particularly because a shortfall could drop funding below required net school spending limits.

  The legislative oversight paid off across multiple categories. The new budget process allowed the Mayor to adjust his budget after receiving feedback in the Committee of the Whole reviews and the Council held an organized and focused debate on submitted amendments. This resulted in successfully trimmed underutilized funding, including excess office supplies and Mass Municipal Association dues, allowing for reallocating resources into more critical municipal services. In total, Council feedback reduced spending by more than $2 million from the beginning of the process. 

  Good Projects Deserve Good Process: Building Confidence, Not Just Buildings
  In a unanimous vote, the Council approved an appropriation to fund extensive enhancements to the Gardner High School C-Wing. Though the initial project approved last year was scoped strictly as a $2 million locker room replacement, it evolved during the design phase into a massive renovation encompassing upgraded team rooms, office spaces, public restrooms, and a reconfigured gym wing designed to extend the high school’s structural life for decades.

  While the project itself is a vital investment for Gardner’s students and athletes, the lack of timely transparency from the executive office left the Council on an incredibly tight decision window, with very little time to evaluate the expansion. 

  Moving forward, the Council made it clear that “engineered timelines” that force votes at the eleventh hour must stop, demanding a holistic, collaborative approach to capital improvement planning between the administration, the City Council, and the School Committee.

  June Wrapped Up

  Holding Accountability: The Council officially launched a formal investigation under Section 25 of the City Charter following a sophisticated cyber fraud incident where an external scammer successfully diverted $40,000 in public funds. While the treasury acted swiftly to ensure the city will likely be made whole, a counselor will formally review cross-departmental vendor onboarding processes to eliminate internal vulnerabilities. Additionally, the Council invoked Section 25 to audit the Building Department following a recent discovery by the City Auditor that mandatory financial checks and assessor reviews were being bypassed on building permits.

  Swearing in the New Clerk: Following a transparent and comprehensive search process that brought in 49 applicants, the Special Search Committee unanimously nominated Atty. Jennifer Pelavin to the office of City Clerk. In a unanimous 9-0 roll call vote, the Council officially elected and swore in Atty. Pelavin to a three-year term beginning July 6, 2026, ensuring a smooth transition for City Hall’s primary administrative artery.

  Closing Out Fiscal Year Accounts: To ensure a clean slate before the June 30th deadline, the Council voted to approve essential end-of-year transfers. This included fully funding the snow and ice deficit with $573,186 from free cash, allocating $285,820 to police department overtime, and utilizing salary vacancies to clear $100,000 for emergency leachate pump repairs at the city’s closed solid waste landfill.

  See you all next month!

  George

  

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• Board of Assessors 7-8-26

  

  Article and Commentary: Lessons in Precision from a Three Minute Board Meeting

  Listen to the exciting Board of Assessors Meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  While public attention is often captured by the high-drama debates of city councils or state legislatures, the foundational work of a municipality happens in much quieter, leaner settings. On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the Gardner Board of Assessors convened at 11:00 a.m. for a meeting that lasted under three minutes. In a room occupied by only two people—a stark reminder of the lean efficiency often required in local administration—the board moved through a series of actions that underscored the meticulous nature of municipal finance and law.

  This session was not merely a formality; it was a masterclass in how administrative precision ensures the city’s legal and financial machinery remains in perfect alignment.

  The “Double-Check” Standard: Why Multiple Reports Matter

  The meeting opened with the swift approval of the minutes from April 27, 2026, before transitioning into a review of the June 2026 motor vehicle abatements. To the uninitiated, signing off on tax abatements might seem like a clerical footnote. However, the board’s workflow reveals a sophisticated commitment to data integrity through redundancy.

  The board reviewed multiple reports to ensure that the total abatement figures were consistent across all datasets. This process is not just for internal peace of mind; it is a critical intersection between the Assessors and the City Auditor. The board specifically noted that while multiple reports are run for verification, not every copy requires a signature—only the primary report destined for the Auditor’s office. This ensures a clean paper trail for the city’s financial oversight while maintaining a secondary “check” system to prevent clerical errors before they reach the general ledger.

  “What’s great about having multiple reports you can run more than one and make sure your numbers [match].”

  The Seasonal Pivot: Why ‘Involved’ Exemption Work Demands More Than Routine Scrutiny

  Municipal governance is a cyclical endeavor, and this July meeting marked a clear transition point in the fiscal calendar. As the board finalized the routine motor vehicle abatements from the previous month, they prepared for the shift toward more complex territory: statutory exemptions.

  While motor vehicle abatements are often high-volume and standardized, the upcoming focus on exemptions represents a more “involved” phase of work. For the board, this means a shift from data verification to the nuanced evaluation of individual applications. This seasonal pivot requires a higher level of scrutiny, as exemptions directly impact the city’s tax base and require strict adherence to eligibility criteria. The transition from the “routine” to the “involved” is where the expertise of the board is most tested, moving from broad oversight to the detailed vetting of personal and financial qualifications.

  Behind Closed Doors: The Legal Weight of “Chapter Land”

  As the clock neared 11:04 a.m., the board moved into an executive session, a transition that highlights the delicate balance between government transparency and the privacy of individual property data. Invoking the motion as stated—under Mass General Law Chapter 3A, section 21A7—the board shifted focus to a specific discussion regarding “Chapter land on Smith Street.”

  From an analyst’s perspective, the mention of “Chapter land” refers to properties classified under MGL Chapters 61, 61A, or 61B. These laws provide tax incentives for land used for forestry, agriculture, or recreation. Because discussions regarding these classifications often involve sensitive financial data, usage commitments, and personal property details, the law mandates a move from open session to a private, legally protected session. By adjourning the open meeting to address the Smith Street property in executive session, the board demonstrated a disciplined adherence to the legal protocols that protect both the taxpayer’s privacy and the city’s statutory obligations.

  The Efficiency of Oversight

  The transition from the public review of abatements to the private scrutiny of land use was handled with the same brisk efficiency that defined the start of the meeting. By 11:04 a.m., the Gardner Board of Assessors had approved past minutes, verified the Auditor’s abatement reports, and moved into a legally mandated session for sensitive land classification.

  This brevity is not a sign of a lack of depth; rather, it is the byproduct of prepared oversight. When the data is verified and the legal authorities are clearly understood, the machinery of government can move with surgical speed. It prompts a vital question for the modern citizen: How often do we consider the administrative precision and the quiet, three-minute increments of labor required to keep our own cities running smoothly? The most critical work of a municipality is often finalized not in the heat of a public forum, but in the focused silence of a room where the numbers must always match. Kudos to Assessor Christine Kumar and member Paulette Burns for their diligent work.

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• City Council 7-6-26

  

  Gardner City Council Meets with New City Clerk at the Desk

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

  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

  

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• Airport July 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.

  
  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

  

  

  

  

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• Finance Committee 7-1-26

  

  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.

  
  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.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  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

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