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• This Week 2-21-25

  

  This Week in the Chair City – an Update by Gardner Magazine

  Gardner Magazine reports on some of what is going on in Gardner. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  Snow Removal Timing — Local Club Activities — Upcoming Spring and Summer Events — $8 Million Project — Horse Racing — Various Local Events — Songs Released — Upcoming Registrations — Upcoming Gardner Meetings.

  
  If you’d like to have your event on “This Week in the Chair City” just email News@GardnerMagazine.com.

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• Snow Bankings 2-24-25

  

  Gardner Plans Parking Ban on Certain Streets to Clear Snow Bankings

  From the City of Gardner: “There will be a Downtown Parking Ban on Monday, February 24th from 7:00am to 3:30pm to allow DPW Crews to clear the snow bankings from the edges of the sidewalk. The City Code requires property owners in the Downtown to maintain the sidewalks in front of their buildings. This work is being done to assist in the snow removal between the street and the clearing done by the property owners. During this time, certain sections of streets in the area may be closed to allow crews to adequately work clear the sidewalks. These closures will be done on a rolling basis based on where the crews are at that time. Thank you for your attention to this matter and patience while crews work to clear the snow.”

  Mayor Michael Nicholson provided additional information “There will be an on-street parking ban on Main Street (Willow to West Lynde), Central Street (Parker to Park), Parker Street (Central to Nichols), Pleasant Street (Main to Willow), Connors Street (Knowlton to Parker), and City Hall Avenue (Main to Nichols) on Monday, February 24^th, from 7:00am to 3:30pm. This parking ban is being put in place to allow DPW crews to clear the snow bankings from the edges of the sidewalks. During this time period, sections of certain streets may be closed while crews work in the areas to remove the snow. These closures will be temporarily done on a rolling basis, as crews move through the downtown area.”

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• Assessors 2-20-25

  

  

  Futuristic Gardner Assessor Gets new 3 year Battery?

  What? A 3 year battery? Actually, Gardner Assessor Christine Kumar publicly spoke about being thrilled to be reappointed for another 3 year term. The positive vibes are contagious. Listen yourself to the recent 5 minute, exciting, Board of Assessors meeting with Kumar and Paulette Burns in attendance. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  Christine Kumar stated, “I’m good to go for three more years.” Kumar reflected on the kind words said about her. “The mayor’s really good about, he basically starts off speaking about us and any accomplishments and very kind words. So it’s a nice process. And, you know, then we have a chance to say something. And I’m just really happy to be back in Gardner, and I said that. And I hope to retire from Gardner. And, you know, as they know at city council, that’s not always easy dealing with the public, and that I do pride myself on, you know, being kind to people…that’s really my strong suit….It was a good evening. ….I’m a public servant…You’ve got me for another three years.”

  Kumar is the subject of a song “Kudos to Kumar” previously released in this article. CLICK HERE.

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• Development 2-18-25

  

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson announced at this meeting that he is insisting that future meetings of the Community Development Block Grant Steering Committee and meetings of the Gardner Redevelopment Authority be recorded to provide transparency to the public.

  Publisher’s Note: Highly recommend you listen to this meeting as Director Stevens provides detailed information and answers important questions. Director Stevens has been on the job for just 1 month.

  Director Jason Stevens Provides Detailed Report to Economic and Community Development Committee

  On February 18, 2025, the committee met for the first time and heard from Community Development and Planning Director Jason Stevens. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  According to Stevens, based on email exchanges he analyzed, previous Director Trevor Beauregard was not forthcoming with information he should have communicated to the Mayor and the City Council. While the Maki Park Project was not discussed in detail, errors in that project and an investigative report on it by Councilor George Tyros precipitated the desire for more Council oversight and the creation of the committee. Much of Stevens report was an explanation of issues with CDBG grants not handled properly by the Department and an issue regarding fill material at the Rear Main Street Project which will cost the City money to correct. Construction timelines will be delayed as a result. Stevens detailed his plans going forward.

  Gardner Mayor Nicholson added further information. Both Stevens and the Mayor responded to questions. Stevens explained how he has a handle on the various situations going forward and detailed plans on how he will make sure members of the department are trained appropriately so they know how to handle matters properly.

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• ZBA 2-18-25

  

  Lengthy ZBA Meeting Held on February 18, 2025

  The Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals met on February 18, 2025 for a lengthy 3+hour meeting. 9 Cases in meeting packet, CLICK HERE. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

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• Appointments 2-18-25

  

  Candidates for Reappointment Face Appreciative Group at Gardner Appointments Committee

  The Gardner City Council Appointments Committee met on February 18, 2025 and heard from and about the following candidates for reappointment: Assessor Christine Kumar, Police Chief Eric McAvene, Deputy Chief Nicholas Maroni, and Animal Control Officers Autumn Brown, Alana Meserve, Cheryl Slack, and Disability Commission candidate Anne Hurst. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  There was praise, accolades, compliments, and support for each of the candidates. Mayor Nicholson noted that Nicholas Maroni was one of a few who were accepted and excelled at the FBI Academy . Chief Eric McAvene’s leadership was praised. Assessor Christine Kumar got so much praise she was all smiles. Similarly the animal control officers were highly recommended for reappointment.

  Mayor Nicholson stated, “Proudest Mayor of the 48 in the Commonwealth” All candidates were recommended by the Appointments Committee and were confirmed at the City Council meeting of 2-18-25 Article, CLICK HERE.

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• Council 2-18-25

  

  Listen to the entire City Council meeting of February 18, 2025 on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  

  Complete agenda and packet, CLICK HERE.

  City Council Meeting of Tuesday, February 18th to Have Impact for Years and Decades

  The City Council waited about 10 minutes and then voted Councilor Elizabeth Kazinskas to fill in for Council President George Tyros who was absent. Councilor Tassone attended via telephone. Shown in the second row of the graphic are 3 individuals who were confirmed and then sworn in for 3 year appointments: Assessor Christine Kumar, Police Chief Eric McAvene, and Deputy Chief Nicholas Maroni. Other appointments were also confirmed.

  The Council voted to have new Director of Community Development and Planning Jason Stevens to brief the council with a 1 month update whereupon Jason Stevens said the following: Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Stevens Bombshell Report

  Stevens who has been in the role for about 3 weeks went over and explained various problems which he is in the process of discovering, reviewing, and fixing. Good news “First, all money we have received from CDBG has been properly allocated and spent. No money is unaccounted for.” Stevens was highly critical of the previous director even stating that the Mayor and the Council did not get accurate reports. Stevens went over some errors previously made with respect to the Rear Main Street Project. Stevens stated, “I’m fully committed to getting things right and making sure the department runs correctly and effectively. Second, I’m willing to make tough calls for my department to make that that happens...”

  The $8 Million Project – After considerable debate, the City Council approved the request from Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson to reappropriate just over $8.1 million left over from the Gardner Elementary School project to go towards other 30 year projects. SEE COMPLETE LIST, CLICK HERE. The vote to approve was 9 to 1 which met the 2/3 vote threshold for approval. Allocation: 60% School Projects, 40% other City Projects.

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• Council 2-18-25

  

  View complete agenda and packet, CLICK HERE.

  Publisher’s Note: It’s all about the MONEY FLOW – Keeping the Health Insurance Account in the black – Sensibly Funding Badly Needed Projects – Going after millions in available grant funding. – Gardner is doing it.

  Money Flow of Progress – City Council Meets on Tuesday, February 18, 2025

  The City Council will take up matters from the Finance Committee including the City’s Health Insurance Payments – Trust Fund and the contract with Keller Partners for grant writing and lobbying services. More re Keller below. However, the big ticket item is the proposed order to reappropriate $8,161,000.000 of unexpected bond proceeds to go to other capital projects having a documented life of 30 years or more. – The Finance Committee voted to recommend full approval of the Mayor’s $8 million project plan. List of items, CLICK HERE for graphic.

  Other matters include appointment confirmations and a proposal and information from the Economic and Community Development Committee.

  Types of Funding Keller Partners Persues

  In a communication to the City in November 2024, Keller Partners outlined highlights of its focus on the City’s priorities over the next few years to include: Congressional and Grant funding for the restoration of passenger rail service at Gardner, Congressional earmarks for Gardner, Massachusetts State Grants, U.S. Department of Justice grants impacting the Gardner PD and Mental Health – Wellness, U.S. Department of Transportation grants including Safe Streets and Roads, RAISE Grant, Reconnecting Communities Grant, and Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant, US FEMA Grants including for the Gardner Fire Department, US EDA Grants including for Gardner DPW, and US EPA Grants including Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup and Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling. The City of Gardner is paying $7,500 per month to Keller Partners. The City’s last investment of $50,000 resulted in a return of more than $20 million.

  View complete agenda and packet, CLICK HERE.

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• Hotline 2-15-25

  

  The WGAW Hotline Radio show hosted by Steve Wendell airs every Saturday from noon to 2pm. The station live stream is available 24/7. This extended show features the entire Sludge Landfill Expansion session with public comments.

  WGAW Extended Hotline “Washington’s Birthday Weekend” show topics include Gardner Government, Templeton Recreation, Presidents Day, and Sludge Landfill Expansion.

  WGAW Hotline Host Steve Wendell and Gardner Mayor Nicholson are depicted with George Washington apparel in our graphic. Starting off the show was Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson who spoke about plowing, budgets, explained the GES project surplus and how the $8 million legally be spent, School Department information and success of students, and the parking ban regarding the storm of February 15^th through February 16^th. —- Candy Graves spoke at length about Templeton Recreation. Werner Poegel had a commentary on Presidents Day (George Washington’s Birthday) In the 2^nd hour and extended 3rd hour, there’s AUDIO of the Sludge Landfill Information session and public comments which was held in Gardner. Listen to the complete Hotline show on any device, CLICK PLAY.

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• Storm 2-15-25

  PARKING BAN: Due to the weather forecast, the City of Gardner will have a parking ban from 5pm on Saturday February 15, 2025 until 8pm on Sunday February 16, 2025.

  Here’s Gardner Mayor Nicholson speaking on the parking ban with additional details. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY

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