Government Greater Gardner MA Local News
Government Around Greater Gardner MA
- Council Meeting 7-1-24 (7/2/2024)
Every City Councilor Speaks on Racetrack Proposal – Public Hearing to be Held
There was significant discussion at the Gardner City Council meeting of July 1, 2024 with most councilors stating they felt an obligation to hold a public hearing so that both further information and public views could be obtained. No date was selected, but the vote to schedule a public hearing was 9 to 2 on an amended motion to also have a pre-permitting meeting with the Department of Environmental Protection.
A few councilors expressed irritation with Councilor Thibeault-Munoz who effectively silenced the rest of the Councilors at the last meeting in June by raising an objection to the item, thus tabling it to the July 1st meeting, but also ending discussion. Munoz apologized to his fellow councilors at this meeting.
Chief concerns of Councilors: Traffic, water supply, wetlands, and the amount Gardner would actually receive. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
City Council 7-1-24 In other matters, the City Council voted to respond to Paul DeMeo’s latest open meeting law complaint with a response stating there was no violation. —- The increase in sewer rates was approved for 2nd and final printing.
View of the each of the City Councilors on this matter – (For their complete remarks, listen to the AUDIO.)
George Tyros: “I also want to be clear that I am opposed to this as it stands. However, I think it’s extremely important that we go through the process properly, to be in compliance with state law, and to give everyone who wants the opportunity to participate and vote through all the questions and concerns. I want to add to those who are opposed, do not fall for the misinformation that is, that this item is over should the public hearing go to fail. All that would do is prevent the public hearing. It would not remove the item from consideration, and it would not make a final determination concerning racing on this parcel. Without that vote, this could potentially come up again, and again, and again.” Tyros then spoke at length about his concerns.
Brad Heglin: “I support holding an informal meeting and public hearing as is required. This will allow us to formally hear from the public and raise important questions we have and get more information on all aspects of this proposal. I also want to note that a public hearing is only the next step and as a city council can take as much time as we need after that. There is nothing to rush this process and we have no deadline. And we shouldn’t rush it.” Heglin then spoke at length about his concerns.
Karen Harden: “I want to start by saying that I used to own horses that were stables on this property, so I’m very familiar with the property and the steering for horses. Just so everyone is on the same page, as I have seen a lot of misinformation, tonight’s vote is not a final vote. Last meeting, as tonight, all we are being asked to do is hold a public hearing and another public meeting to discuss this in more detail. This is all standard. I really cannot think of any reason not to do this. We should get more information, ask more questions. I hope that for anyone who supports or who opposes this, you wouldn’t want the council to accept or dismiss anything that comes before us without doing our homework. Having a public hearing is an important part of this process.:
Dana Heath: “Before we say yes or no to this proposal, we certainly have to get more information and make sure our questions are answered. But I think it’s important that this business, like any business when it comes to Gardner, is treated fairly and given a fair process. I believe this Council and this community is more than capable of engaging in a mature, reasonable, and rational discussion without personal attack or rumor spread. I want to add my chief concern is the residents in my neighborhood and the impact that this could have on them and on that area of the city. One thing I haven’t really seen in the information we have been given so far is what steps in the proposal are there to lessen those impacts. What those are and if that is even possible will weigh heavily on my decision. I’m specifically concerned with traffic.”
Judy Mack: “Supporting this item for a public hearing doesn’t mean that I support the proposal. These are separate items. Make no mistake, I have raised concerns about this proposal. Many raised by Councilor Tyros that I would not repeat them over again. But most importantly, the water supply. The purpose of a public hearing is to allow all stakeholders and citizens to speak about an issue that is in front of this Council for a vote. This vote is for the city. As much as someone may be opposed to any issue, without allowing the public and all stakeholders an opportunity to speak and be heard, in my opinion, it is wrong and not how we as a legislative body should conduct business on any issue that affects our citizens and cities.”
Calvin Brooks: “We should also have a discussion about the financial ramifications of this project. How much money is promised? How much of that promise is realistic? What are the fiscal or financial gains to the city of approving this project, or, conversely, the fiscal or financial costs of not approving it? You can tell my background here is financial. I also think that the public, the citizens of this city, should have an opportunity to express their views.”
Paul Tassone: “As far as this proposal, I will not be supporting a public hearing for the high parks in the city of Gardner. I feel as though Gardner does not want racing and the impact that it will have on the people who built their homes in that particular area, the people who live in that particular area, the water in the watershed. I will not support it. Moving forward, I’ve heard enough. I’ve answered several phone calls. I’ve listened. I have not had one person come to me and state that they were for racing or they were for this project.”
Craig Cormier: “I think a public hearing is great in most instances. I do believe that there’s not many things we shouldn’t be talking about before we vote on them. I do have an issue with trust in this particular proposal. They’ve been before us before, and the way they approached it the last time is leaving me with a real issue trusting on this proposal that we’re going to get the information that we need. So I hope if we do move forward with a public hearing that we do have answers to all these questions that we need to make a proper vote.”
David Thibeault-Munoz: “…my reservation surrounding the proposed racetrack grew. I found myself particularly triggered by the rendering of the proposed racetrack which was surrounded by water on all three sides, located less than one mile upstream from Pearly Brook Reservoir, which feeds Crystal Lake, our primary drinking water supply.: He also stated “This is a bad deal for the city. Bay State and their investors’ interest is solely financial and for their gain, not ours. Simply put, their primary goal is to obtain a gaming license to be able to manage online betting, but at what cost and whose expense? As you are aware, my primary concern is the proposed racetrack’s potential long-term impact on our drinking water, the destruction of wetlands, and in turn the negative impact that this would have on Gardner’s future and present residents.”
Alek Dernalowicz: “I do have major reservations about this project as currently constituted. Many of the issues have been brought up, but traffic, the environmental concerns, and the actual economic benefits that the HCA reportedly provides, I think is lacking. But to change our process and do a different process for this project than we would do for anyone else, I don’t think we have a great precedent to set. We need to go through the process outlined….. take the steps, be willing to hear both sides at a public hearing where members of the crowd hear and others come to make their case. The proponents can come to make their presentation. I think that’s only fair. I think it’s our job to be fair. So I will be supporting the motion to have a public hearing and schedule an informal meeting“
Elizabeth Kazinskas: “I want to explain a few things. There is nothing unusual, rough, or unique about this process. Many, many times a year we receive petitions from businesses or other entities seeking permission to do something in the city. Different licenses, permits, zoning changes, and others. The process is always the same. It gets added to our agenda. In many cases, it is referred to a committee. In many cases, a public hearing is held. We follow the Gardner City Charter, city ordinances, city council rules, and Massachusetts state law. Every process we go through is mandated by the rules, ordinances, and laws, and then you vote. I’ve seen many claims that this is being rushed. That is not so. I’ve seen many claims that council is not listening to the public. That is not so. I’ve seen the claim that the council is not responding to residents. That is not so. I’ve seen the claim that I am, quote, pushing this through, and that is not so. I am deviating slightly in making this statement, but I think it is important to do so to correct the rampant misinformation and speculation. Normally, as council president, as most of you know, I would give my opinion at the informal meeting as the council president does not engage in the floor debate. Again, this is how the process is designed to work. The council repeats petitions, councilors debate the items, excuse me, when they’re not prevented from speaking by an objection. We work through the process. This is the best way that has been worked out over many, many years to make sure the council can get through the city’s business and those appearing before us can get a fair and consistent process. I am not supportive of this proposal. After carefully considering all the information we have been given, nothing has changed in my past and initial hesitancy on this project. However, I think we need to hold the public hearing to give everyone the opportunity to have their questions answered, have a discussion, and make sure everyone has the information they need to make an informed and educated vote. That is our responsibility. .“
- Zlotnik 7-1-24 (7/1/2024)
Starting July with an Uplifting Interview with State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik
Sporting a joy for the job and a zeal for helping others, State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik spoke with us about 3 major items. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
We spoke with Zlotnik about an act strengthening Massachusetts economic leadership, an act relative to municipal tax lien procedures and protections for property owners in the Commonwealth, and the MVOC Winchendon Housing Project for veterans. Thank you to State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik for providing complete details on the 3 items for our readers. See below.
Zlotnik goes in to detail about how the MassWorks program has significantly helped Gardner. He speaks of various projects. He explains the bills. And he glows with enthusiasm over bringing to fruition the Winchendon Project for veterans which has been in the works for about 5 years.
Some details about the $3.5 billion Economic Development Bill
$500 million for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to provide grants and loans in order to grow the life sciences industry in Massachusetts —- $400 million for MassWorks public infrastructure grants to cities and towns —- $250 million for the Mass Impact grant program to support large transformational projects that drive economic growth —– $200 million for the Clean Energy Center to support the research and commercialization of climate technology across the state —-$200 million for the Massachusetts clean energy technology center to invest in research, and in the implementation of offshore wind infrastructure —- $150 million for grants for cities and towns for approved library projects —- $100 million for Municipal Financial Assistance Grants to municipal entities to assist them with workforce development —- $100 million for Applied AI Hub Capital grant program to support the adoption and application of AI technology in the state’s tech sectors —- $100 million for the Rural Development Program to provide financial assistance to exclusively rural areas with the goal of economic development —- $100 million for the Seaport Economic Council Grant program for municipalities for the construction or repair of coastal assets that have the potential to stimulate economic growth —-Includes new policy regarding the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) and Tax Credit. The bill requires the director of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) to administer the EDIP in consultation with the Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) and the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC)
Some details about the act relative to tax lien procedures and protections for property owners
The bill secures the rights of property owners to reclaim any excess equity to which they are entitled after all taxes are repaid to the municipalities following a tax foreclosure. It additionally substantially increases required notifications and other protections for property owners throughout the foreclosure —- Requires that a detailed accounting be taken following a foreclosure in a tax taking of the excess equity that is available —- Any excess equity taken must be returned to the former owner within 60 days —- Allows for retroactive claims for excess equity from May 25, 2023 until date of passage —- Updates notice requirements where the subject property is residential —- Allows former owners to have the opportunity to file a claim in Superior Court if there is a dispute on the amount of excess equity owed —- Increases the maximum length for repayment agreements for owed taxes from five, to 10 years—- Decreases the amount for a down payment for the repayment agreements from 25% to 10%
Some Details About the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center Winchendon Housing Project
The Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center (MVOC) acquired the vacant Streeter and Poland School buildings in Winchendon to repurpose into low-income apartments for veterans. The project will ultimately repurpose the school buildings into 44 single resident apartments dedicated to veterans housing. The 44 one-bedroom units will provide much needed housing for low-income veterans in the area who find themselves at risk of homelessness. These units also will offer a stable place to live for veterans to receive assistance for substance use disorder, job searches, or other issues they may be facing. MVOC will also provide residents with case management, assistance with finding employment, assistance with benefits, and other assistance programs. In addition to veterans housing, there are plans for including activity areas that are furnished with equipment and for resident use. Additionally, there will be a brand new courtyard, as well as several recreation areas, a grill area, and raised beds for gardening on the site. Representative Zlotnik helped secure roughly $25 million in funding from the State to cover almost all of the costs for this development. Additional information on this project can be found on MVOC’s website, CLICK HERE.
- Council Votes 7-1-24 (7/1/2024)
Racetrack Issue Will Have Public Hearing in Gardner MA
The Gardner City Council voted 9 to 2 to have a public hearing on the Racetrack Issue. Date to be announced. More details and AUDIO of the City Council meeting will be published here as available.
- Council 6-29-24 (6/29/2024)
The Gardner City Council to Meet July 1st
The Gardner City Council will meet in the Ronald F. Cormier Council Chamber on Monday, July 1, 2024. It is expected to decide whether or not to schedule a public hearing regarding the use of land at 827 Green Street which is proposed to be sold to BayState Racing LLC to be used as a horse racing track. The complete agenda and packet contains a large amount of information including NEW information since the June 2024 agenda and packet was released last month.
Here we go again: A couple of days ago Paul DeMeo filed another Open Meeting law complaint alleging this time that the Gardner City Council went in to Executive Session improperly to discuss a matter relating to the Waterford Street School project, stating that the City didn’t discuss possible legal action against the City. Ironically, it was for that very purpose that the Executive Session was entered so that a matter discovered by the City could be handled properly in accordance with the law so that the City’s legal exposure was minimized or avoided all together. Based on this fact, it is likely the complaint will be seen as meritless by the AG’;s office.
- Hotline 6-29-24 (6/29/2024)
WGAW Radio is heard on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and streaming to anywhere in the world. Stream is available 24/7. LISTEN LIVE NOW. Hotline Radio airs Saturdays noon to 2pm.
Hotline Radio Featuring Discussions About Funding, Racetrack Topic, and City Council Procedures
The WGAW Radio program aired Saturday, June 29, 2024. Will play seamlessly from WGAW website. Just CLICK PLAY.
Mayor Nicholson: On speaking about Gardner in Washington D.C. — Additional Grant Funding for the City of Gardner — Uptown Rotary Ahead of Schedule —- Racetrack Topic —- WooSox Takeover Day
GAAMHA President CEO Shawn Hayden – Regarding false statements made on Facebook about the organization and speaking about some work on the property. The Baystate Proposal and GAAMHA programs
John Stefanini and others in portions of the BayState Racing LLC presentation made this week in Gardner.
City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas on the procedures involved with the BayState Racing LLC proposal and a comprehensive explanation of how to get your views to Council members.
- Harassment 6-28-24 (6/28/2024)
Paul DeMeo made this statement “Mike Nicholson’s Fan Club parked outside Gardner Massachusetts City Hall.” He also falsely stated, “The publication that keeps attacking residents and doing Nicholson’s dirty work while praising Nicholson. Sad to say, Steve Wendell, WGAW is part of this scheme who bad mouthed Kimberly Blake” Gardner Magazine and WGAW had truthfully reported on Blake’s food pantry for which she received a Cease and Desist order by the Gardner Board of Health. No permits had been sought as required by law.
Gardner Magazine redacted the plate ;number to protect the Mayor’s privacy. The original posting on the DeMeo Facebook group showed the license plate number.
Concern Grows as Harassment Occurs
WGAW’s Steve Wendell is the latest person to be harassed by a person reportedly supporting Kimberly Blake. After Wendell aired a report about his ordeal, we spoke with him about what happened. Listen on any device, CLICK HERE.
Steve Wendell – WGAW Official and Legal: Kimberly Blake and Paul DeMeo are defendants in an initial legal matter brought by a Gardner City official in the Massachusetts Court system. Matter is related to posts and comments made in a Facebook group of which Blake and DeMeo are currently admins. We have noted previously that a number of untruthful statements have been made against Werner Poegel and Steve Wendell in the same group for simply reporting accurately when newsworthy. A number of other officials have also told us that untruthful statements have been made about them.
Past Article: Gardner Magazine recently published an article regarding disruption and harassment by Blake at a recent City Council meeting. See previous article for further information.
DeMeo is known to irritate officials at meetings by coming close to them and taking photos with a flash camera. Both DeMeo and Blake on numerous occasions have encouraged group members to speak up at public meetings knowing that the legislative setup in Gardner only allows members of the public to speak during specific public hearings. DeMeo also posted a photo of Gardner Mayor Nicholson’s vehicle and encouraged group members to look out for it. We have redacted the license plate number from the vehicle shown in the photo. This is concerning as after an interview in May 2024, I came home to find a caravan of vehicles lying in wait on my street and then passing by me. making hand gestures, only to find that DeMeo had posted the whereabouts of my van at City Hall apparently to alert the group. Because of the harassment incident, multiple police reports were filed.
In my opinion, the actions of these individuals have evolved to an organized criminal conspiracy without regard for the damage which could be done to reputations, life, or property. The City of Gardner is very fortunate to have a group of honest, hard-working, God-loving people serving as City Councilors, the Mayor, and various employees. The constant almost broken-record like rhetoric in the Facebook Group is very simply hate speech, some of it protected by the first amendment and much of it very much actionable either civilly or criminally due to the numerous salacious and false allegations either posted directly by the admins or allowed to stay up as comments by group members. In addition, the continued harassment being carried out is despicable.
With respect to the aforementioned Facebook Group, numerous anecdotes exists of members who have been banned from the group for criticizing an admin, for faulting them when untruthful statements are made by them, or for making statements trying to correct false posts or comments in the group.
History of the Two Groups
The Group noted above was even known as Paul DeMeo’s Hate Group for a period of time on March 24, 2023. We captured a screenshot utilizing records made available by Facebook. We do not know the reason why DeMeo changed the name to that or why he changed it back, but it does accurately describe the content and my perceived intent of the group.
Bait and Switch: On a related note, Kimberly Blake now has an anti-racing group which was first established as a group relating to the City of Gardner, used for a short time as a campaign group when she ran for Mayor presumably as a shortcut to obtain members, reverted to a group relating to the City of Gardner, and now recently an anti-racetrack group. Whether members of the group are opposed to the racetrack or not, they instantly became members of a group unrelated to the original title. In my opinion, that approach is unethical and wrong. Another Anti racetrack group is in existence and was created by Carolyn Kamuda – the difference: when created, the purpose and title of the group was transparently disclosed, first relating to Route 140 Zoning-Racing last year and updated recently..
UPDATE: June 28, 2024 10:02pm: Harassment of GAAMHA.
A poster named “Gardner Daily” was allowed to post on the DeMeo group regarding a septic issue already addressed by GAAMHA. There’s a long list of accusations regarding the Board of Health and GAAMHA. Bottom line from Shawn Hayden, President of GAAMHA: “The system was permitted and installed back in 2021 when we renovated the property. The installation was witnessed by the engineer and BOH, and certified to be compliant with Title V according the the engineer’s stamped affidavit and stamped as-built plans. A problem was discovered several weeks ago, we immediately called in engineers and began weekly pumping. The system was scoped, the soil was sent to a lab and determined to be fine, and now parts of it are scheduled to be replaced.” Micah Blondeau, Director of Gardner Public Health has already made a visit and confirmed the truthfulness of what Shawn Hayden posted, yet the harassing post remains at this hour.
- Fiduciary Responsibility (6/20/2024)
Fiduciary Responsibility – An Interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson – The Challenges of Waterford, the Whole Story and Racetrack Details
Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel spoke with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson about various efforts on behalf of the public. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Text of the entire interview and some supporting documents provided at this page, CLICK HERE.
The Interview is about making decisions which look out for the residents of Gardner such as doing something about blighted buildings including unused City Buildings, taking bold steps like Park Street Park and Maki Park, the challenges of Waterford and details on the Horse Racing proposal.
Re blighted buildings “The blighted building ordinance that we put together, and I co-proposed with Councilor George Tyros, really, you know, set the standard…” Mayor Nicholson detailed progress with various City Buildings. Re Park Street Park, “a lot of people are quite in favor of it now and actually once you can actually see it, it becomes a tangible item that people are, you know, really excited about” Re Maki Park, “for every person who may criticize that project or call or email or mainly Facebook posts, we probably had two for every one also say that it was a good idea and they’re actually looking forward to seeing it in the city”. Re Waterford “The product that’s going to be in there I think is probably one of the best things that we’re going to see in the city for quite some time. There’s, you know, it increases capacity for so many important groups that we have in the city” Re challenges at Waterford, “We found out that there was a problem that happened in the way that certain bills were getting paid to certain people and we immediately corrected it.” Re Horse Racing Proposal for 827 Green Street, “I am in favor of the project, and I would urge the city council to vote to approve the aspects before them of the project, both in approving me to sign into the host community agreement and to allow racing to occur on this parcel.” In the full text of the interview, Mayor Nicholson gives a lengthy explanation of various possible concerns and the various protections which would be in place. The mayor explains how he at first was very skeptical. The Mayor believes the project would be a benefit to the City and he explains why.
- ZBA 6-18-24 (6/20/2024)
Lengthy Zoning Board of Appeals with Approvals Consequential to Gardner MA
In an almost 4 hour meeting with a full house, the Zoning Board of Appeals heard a number of cases and came to several decisions. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
There will be additional housing units in the City and a larger, modernized sign at the Gardner Ale House, Moonhill Brewing Co. on Parker Street.
- Assessors 6-18-24 (6/20/2024)
No Huge Crowd at Exciting Board of Assessors Meeting in Gardner MA
Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Board of Assessors 6-18-24 Sometimes the shortest meetings are the most exciting and the most revealing about how efficient a City is run. In this meeting, learn why Chair Chuck Leblanc has a new signature. Find out about the number of forms approved by the State. Get updates from Assessor Christine Kumar. Learn about 2 dozen boxes headed for the shredder. Meeting adjourned at 2:11pm.
- Working for Gardner (6/19/2024)
Working for Gardner – Pay Raises at DPW – An Interview with Mayor Michael Nicholson
Gardner Magazine spoke with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson about the topic “Working for the Chair City of Gardner“. Pay is going up for DPW. Other opportunities too. Now is the time to apply. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
If you’re reading this and you’ve thought about working for Gardner at the DPW, now’s the time before the whole world finds out about the increases in pay. Mayor Nicholson provides details in the interview. “So I do believe that the rates are going to be a lot more competitive in terms of the job market that we have and really see a lot of things changing for the city so that we can get people in those positions. Because quite frankly, in the end, it’s a public safety concern too. If we don’t have people plowing the roads during the wintertime, then people can’t get out and about. So I think we’re going to see a lot of benefits from those adjustments that we’ve made as a result of those union negotiations.” The City of Gardner pays 75% of health insurance. There are other time off benefits and the big one: a vested pension after 10 years.
Mayor Nicholson spoke of the Gardner Team and the pride he has in public safety personnel. The mayor told us of other opportunities in serving the City such as Board and Commissions. Nicholson outlined how he manages the Gardner Team. The City of Gardner website is always a great place to start: Visit the jobs page, CLICK HERE.
- City Council 6-17-24 (6/18/2024)
Gardner City Council Meets at What is now the “Ronald F. Cormier City Council Chamber”
By objection of City Councilor David Thibeault-Munoz, consideration of the Racetrack matter was put off to the next meeting in July. According to the City Charter, if a single Councilor objects, the item is put off to the following meeting. The Council could then decide to schedule a public hearing regarding whether 827 Green Street is suitable for a Racetrack facility. If the Council ultimately decides yes after the hearing and the Mayor also says yes, the private transaction between Bay State Racing LLC and GAMMHA Inc. could proceed. The Council could also say no to a hearing which could effectively kill the sale. The City Council would also have to approve a Community Host Agreement and the State Gaming Commission must also give its approval. GAAMHA’s contract with Bay State Racing LLC is also contingent on its finding a location for a larger facility, if they don’t, they could pull out of the transaction and also end the deal.
Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
City Council Chamber: A councilor objected to more time being given to the City Council naming measure, so it came up for a vote. An amendment was debated and defeated. In the end, the Gardner City Council voted 6 to 4 with 1 abstention to name the City Council Chamber “Ronald F. Cormier City Council Chamber.”
Parking Meters: Councilor Karen Hardern spoke against the parking meters, stating that other cities have successfully done away with them. Hardern stated, “we have a foot problem everyone likes to park right in front of where they work or where they own” referring to the ongoing issue of people either parking in front of their own stores or people simply not wanting to walk very far. Hardern also expressed concerns about the cost of monitoring the meters. However, after stating her objections, Hardern said she would support the item because business owners in her ward have expressed support for the meters. The City Council unanimously approved $55,000 for new parking meters.
Disruptive Crowd: During the meeting, Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas had to admonish members of the public who were disrupting the meeting with excess noise.
- City Council 6-17-24 (6/16/2024)
The Gardner MA City Council meets on Monday June 17, 2024.
Decisions will be made on various money requests from the Mayor including over $250k to demolish the unsafe factory building on Stuart Street, $55k for a new parking meter expense account, and various routine transfers. A large increase in sewer rates is proposed to cover increased costs.
Two Items are expected to result in the scheduling of a public hearing: The Mayor’s request to authorize a Host Community Agreement with Bay State Racing LLC as well as whether the land located at 827 Green Street be approved as the location for a running horse racing track. Should the City Council not opt to schedule a public hearing, the matter would effectively be shot down. Related article regarding WGAW Hotline Show, CLICK HERE. Related article regarding the Horse Racing proposal, CLICK HERE.
Complete packet and agenda, CLICK HERE.
- Race Track Item (6/14/2024)
Horse Racing Track a Possibility Again in Gardner MA
Bay State Racing LLC has entered into a contingent Purchase and Sale Agreement with GAAMHA, Inc. for 114.7 acres of land at 827 Green Street in Gardner. “Baystate wishes to locate and operate an Equine Center providing for the breeding, housing, riding, showing, studying, treatment, training, retirement, and racing of horses and other equestrian and agricultural related uses, which also includes wagering on live and simulcast horse racing as authorized by Massachusetts General Laws…” In other words, it would be a horse racing track. An extensive amount of information is provided in the packet and agenda for the Gardner City Council meeting on June 17, 2024. CLICK HERE for 472 page pdf..
The Purchase
GAAMHA would receive payment of $1,675,000 plus a multi-million dollar donation to their organization to facilitate the construction of a larger farm program. The agreement with Bay State Racing LLC would also lease back the current facilities to GAAMHA for free for an initial 12 month period. Transaction is subject to layout approvals from Conservation Commission and the Planning Board on the local level and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission with regard to the gaming license.
According to Mayor Nicholson, “Since the General Laws of the Commonwealth exempt this use from Zoning – negating any requirements for special permits, zoning relief, approval hearings before the Planning Board of Zoning Board of Appeals, etc. – the only real authority that the Executive Branch agencies, departments, or commissions can do is regulate the layout of the facility, but not its existence in the City.” The Mayor also stated, “while the General Laws prohibit the City from placing any conditions on the approval to race at the site, the Gaming Commission has full authority to issue any conditions, regulations, restrictions, etc. that they choose to, based on the input and evidence received at their public hearing.”
Projected Revenue
Bay State Park Projected revenue to the City would be about a half million dollars per year. According to Bay State, approximately 25 full-time jobs would be created. The City Council will initially take up the matter at its June 17, 2024 meeting and may choose to schedule a public hearing which possibly may be June 27, 2024.
Public Outcry Last Year – Will it Affect Decision of City Council?
Last year when a parcel of land was identified by Bay State Racing LLC as being of interest if it was suitable for a commercial purpose, there was substantial public outcry. It is possible that if the matter was put to a vote it would be defeated resoundingly, although such a vote is not contemplated. It is unclear if the Gardner City Council will summarily vote down the proposal based on the previous perception and/or knowledge of overwhelming public opposition, or if it will vote in favor placing heavy consideration on the large amount of revenue potential for the City and the current desire for new revenue sources to keep property taxes as low as possible. The City Council Packet contains an extensive marketing pitch by Bay State Racing LLC.
Opposition in 1950’s Overwhelming
In the 1950’s, the issue was opposed by 67% of voters who cast ballots in a November 1955 election, even though according to the law just like today, the will of the voters would not come in to play. The Gardner City Council and Mayor make the decision. More detail is below on what happened at the time.
This has Happened Before in 1950s
According to current City Solicitor John Flick, a racetrack was proposed on the identical site by Gardner Raceway Inc. in December 1954. The Mayor did not approve the City Council vote at the time. The City Solicitor at the time wrote an opinion to the City Council that only the City Council and Mayor could make the decision and could not pass it on to the voters. However, in spite of this opinion, The Gardner City Council at the time voted 8 to 2 to place the question on the ballot at the next regular City election. Of 10,082 registered voters, 2,185 voted in favor of the measure and 5,609 voted against. 587 people did not vote either way. A total of 8381 people appeared at the election to cast ballots. Opposition was 67%.
Specifics on Opposition at the Time – 70 years ago
At the time only 1 out of 18 members of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce were in favor of the track. 15 were opposed. 2 had no opinion. A survey was conducted by Forrest C. Knight of the Mercantile Division in the square, “and they certainly do not want a race track here.” Chris Watkins, the Chairman of Simplex Time Recorder at the time “pointed all fully to you all the sordid evils that will come with a race track in Gardner. Let us face our facts honestly, raise our money legitimately. Let us have a good clean community in Gardner now and in the future.” Richard N. Greenwood, President of the Heywood-Wakefield Company stated he was against it and that it was unfortunate form the view of the welfare of the City of Gardner to have a race track located in the City of Gardner. Howard Ferguson, Chairman of the Mayor’s Industrial Committee and President of the Gardner Trust Company stated he knew about horse racing and dog racing, it was a lot of grief and we want no part of it.
John Flick: The Past Has No Bearing on Current Options
City Solicitor Flick states that the vote of November 8, 1955 has no binding effect on the current Council and Mayor. He also indicated that it is within the jurisdiction of the City Council to vote on whether or not there would be a public hearing on the matter and whether 827 Green Street is an appropriate location for horse racing. Gardner Magazine will update you as we have more information on the issue.
- Hotline 6-8-24 (6/8/2024)
Council President Kazinskas with Valuable Information on Citizen Participation – Hotline Radio Interview
Gardner MA City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas appeared on WGAW Hotline Radio with host Steve Wendell on Saturday, June 8, 2024. We thank WGAW for making it available to Gardner Magazine. Listen to the interview on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Kazinskas explained that each City Council meeting has a section for Public Hearings with public input when required stating, “We do have public hearings built right into our City Council meeting regular meeting agenda, and so if there is a public hearing on a particular item, it will fall under that section. I entertain the public hearing. We open it. We have the hearing. We close it, and then we continue through the next item on our agenda.”
Some meetings don’t have hearings, “if I should announce that there are no public hearings, it simply means that there are no public hearings at that particular meeting because there was nothing scheduled, there was no reason to have a hearing, there was no item that needed a hearing, and so then I move on to the next item..”
Contact: Council President Kazinskas spoke about how easily it is to get in contact with each of the City Councilors via email or phone and that the contact information is posted on the City Council page on the website, CLICK HERE.
Gardner gets compliments on how it does business. “We get complimented all the time from other cities and towns, other elected officials, other people working in other departments of the state and city all the time who are aware of Gardner, who are aware of what we do here, or have worked with us. And you know, we get their hats off to us often about the work that we do. And it really takes a whole team, takes a whole city, takes all the employees, it takes all the elected officials, it takes all the department heads to get on the same page to realize that transparency is required, it is important, and it is something that is a regular practice here in the city, not to mention a best practice here in the city.”
- Mayor’s Update 6-7-24 (6/7/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City
Listen to the update on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update June 7, 2024 Introductions: New Executive Aide Katherine Jablonski and new intern Julia.
Confusion re Farmers Markets: Mayor Nicholson stated, “We’d also like to take an opportunity to clear up some confusion that’s been happening in the past couple weeks regarding our farmers’ markets. That is correct. There are two farmers’ markets, if you heard that S on the end of that. We have our traditional Thursday morning farmers’ market that is taking place at the Waterford Street Community Center every Thursday morning from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Additionally, our new farmers’ market is scheduled to have their grand opening on Saturday, June 15th at Waterford Street Community Center from 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. This second market will feature 20 vendors at the Rain or Shine event featuring family-friendly activities and will be held on the third Saturday of every month.”
Events: Relay for Life June 7th and June 8th at MWCC —- Firefighters Memorial Sunday June 9th —- June 13th – Gardner Museum Hosts stone wall builder Kevin Gardner —- Theater at the Mount Broadway Feud Saturday June 15h —-West End Beagle Club Kayak Rat Race Saturday, June 15th —- June 22nd is Small Business Saturday, “This year’s Small Business Saturday Celebration and Happy Birthday Gardner Festival is taking place on Saturday, June 22nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The downtown shops, restaurants, local nonprofits, food trucks, crafters, and other vendors will display their merchandise in the streets. The roads are open to pedestrian traffic only that day, so make sure you do plan for that if you’re planning on traveling through the area. There’ll be a variety of performances and demonstrations as well. The event is free and family-friendly, and we look forward to seeing you there. The deadline for vendors to apply is June 12th, and you can visit GardnerSquare2.com for the application and the details on how to register for that event. And then after that is done, you can enjoy our first concert in the park for the Summer Series, Holden Back, and that will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on that same Saturday, and again, that’s Saturday, June 22nd.” —- Summer Reading Program at Levi Heywood Memorial Library, “This year’s theme is Read, Renew, Repeat. The program runs from June 26th to August 16th, and Wednesday, June 26th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be a special kickoff party on the front lawn of the Gardner Library. Come and join us for fun, games, free books, and so much more. It’s going to be a great time.”
Dog Licensing: Renew or obtain by June 30th to avoid additional $50 penalty.
Community Alert —- “The Gardner Police Department has seen an increase in the number of cases regarding theft of delivered packages on citizens’ doorsteps recently. In most cases, there are expensive items such as cell phones that have been delivered and stolen within minutes. Suspects often wear Amazon vests and approach the house carrying a box and then swap it out for the actual package that was originally delivered. So the Police Department is urging the public to keep an eye out, be observant, and if possible, note any identifying information of suspicious persons or vehicles, license plates, vehicle make, model, etc., if it’s safe to do so. Please contact the Gardner Police Department with any suspicious, similar activities as well.”
Remembering D-Day – The Mayor closed the update with a reflection on D-Day which was June 6, 1944. “a moment of remembrance for all of those who participated in that event 80 years ago.”
- Budget Passed 6-3-24 (6/4/2024)
Gardner City Council Passes Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
The Gardner City Council held the regular meeting and passed the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Zoning Board of Appeals will now have 5 members, 4 must be from Gardner.
The Complete Budget as submitted by Mayor Nicholson is available here on pdf, CLICK HERE.
Revolving Funds approved. Councilor Dernalowicz moved each of the fiscal year 2025 budget items which were approved. The ordinance change required to increase non-union pay by 3% was approved and sent to first printing.
There was an audible amount of disruption at times during the meeting, but none loud enough to require any action by the Chair. After the meeting was a different story which we documented in another article, CLICK HERE.
In May, Gardner Magazine spoke to Mayor Nicholson about funding the City. Hear the interview about the various challenges, CLICK HERE for the article and AUDIO interview.
- Informal Meeting (6/4/2024)
Gardner MA City Council Scrutinizes Budget Line by Line in Informal Meeting
Council President Kazinskas presided over an informal City Council meeting on June 3, 2024 for the purpose of going over the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Informal Meeting 6-3-24 The City Council took a methodical approach which took them about 1 hour to review the budget, line by line and ask questions of Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson who was on hand in person at the meeting. Previous to this meeting, subcommittees had already met to go over various items in detail concerning the different City Departments. Actual vote on budget is during the regular City Council meeting which followed this one.
- Council Drama (6/3/2024)
Fiance of City Councilor Dana Heath speaks to us after City Council Meeting – Kimberly Blake and others accused of harassment
Kimberly Blake in Aggressive Stance towards Tiffany Blake was recorded making several bizarre statements in several different rants. None are worth repeating.
According to City Councilor Dana Heath’s wife(fiance) Tiffany, Kimberly Blake and others allegedly harassed her at the City Council meeting of June 3, 2024. Kimberly Blake had openly recruited disruptors ahead of the meeting via Facebook posts. When Gardner Magazine views the video and publishes the AUDIO of the meeting, we’ll see what effect, if any, the disruptors had on the meeting itself. We present the moving interview here with Tiffany. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Tiffany 6-3-24 Gardner MA City Council Meeting was held on Monday, June 3, 2024 – We will publish details on that meeting as soon as available.
Update: 6/3/24: 11:48pm – Gardner Magazine has obtained video proof of the verbal harassment by Kimberly Blake showing her aggressive stance. Screenshot shows the police officers needed to be there to keep the peace. After that, Blake made her way in to the hall, and then came back to harass City Councilor Dana Heath. Blake finally left without needing to be arrested. Gardner Police were observed to be calm throughout the incident, advising people to go in separate directions. Video has AUDIO of what was said. Gardner Magazine does not think the public interest would be served by making a fool out of Blake by playing the AUDIO. A citizen posted the actual video of what occurred after the meeting. Here is the link, CLICK HERE.
Publisher’s Note: In my opinion, It doesn’t get much more bizarre than this. In my opinion, the behavior is certainly concerning. Blake allegedly verbally attacked Tiffany in public with bizarre comments about a relationship Heath had with an ex-spouse which ended many years ago. Blake has consistently posted, or as an admin of the Facebook group, allowed to be posted, various false and salacious statements about City Councilor Dana Heath who is a well respected role model for youth in the community and a well-respected City Councilor.
Note: The DeMeo/Blake Facebook Group supposedly has 16.1K members. However, posts Blake puts out regarding disrupting meetings generally are getting from 1 dozen to 4 dozen likes and even less comments, showing that 99.99% of the group does not participate in the nonsense. Those who disagree in comments are generally banned from the group – no dissent is allowed. The problem is that Blake is conspiring to cause conflict. In my opinion, it only takes one nutcase to do harm and it is a shame that anyone has to be escorted out of a meeting for their own safety. It is awful that Tiffany’s business is put at risk due to false statements being made on Social Media. The truth is that Gardner has a City Council composed of individuals with integrity and a Mayor who has integrity. The Objective proof: For 4 years in a row, the State and Federal government have given Gardner a perfect AUDIT score. Would someone please kindly tell Kimberly Blake that her actions are not helpful to neither the City nor the people of Gardner?
- Zlotnik 6-3-24 (6/3/2024)
The State Budget covers funding from the state to cover school lunches for all students, $6.68 billion for Chapter 70, and other public school funding programs including Circuit Breaker Special Education reimbursement and Charter School reimbursement, as well as Regional School Transportation reimbursement.
State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik Provides Helpful Budget Information
Jonathan Zlotnik represents the communities of Ashburnham, Gardner, Templeton, and Winchendon. The State Representative provided us with an overview of what can be expected from the new Fiscal Year Budget which starts July 1, 2024 or when approved. View complete overview, CLICK HERE.
Community Local Aid Transfers Ashburnham $960,002 Unrestricted General Government Aid Ashburnham $15,928,887 Chapter 70 Gardner $5,116,463 Unrestricted General Government Aid Gardner $29,677,210 Chapter 70 Templeton $1,683,719 Unrestricted General Government Aid Templeton $12,479,169 Chapter 70 Winchendon $960,002 Unrestricted General Government Aid Winchendon $14,135,502 Chapter 70 Other Local Funding Highlights
- $150,000 to support civic engagement and community service activities at Mount Wachusett Community College
- $1,500,000 for On-Site Academy, located in Westminster, to provide post traumatic incident stress counseling to first responders and corrections officers
- $125,000 for the Operation of “Cathy’s House” in Winchendon by Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center for female veteran’s housing
- $25,000 for GAAMHA in Gardner to support capital improvements to their residential substance use disorder facilities
- $100,000 for the operation of the Gardner CAC
- $50,000 for the operation of the Wachusett Business Incubator
- $100,000 for Growing Places for the Operation of the North Central Food Processing Center
- Full Team (6/1/2024)
Gardner MA Mayor’s Office Is Full Team Ahead
On Monday, June 3, 2024, Katherine Jablonski begins her role as Executive Aide. Jablonski joins the team already consisting of Executive Assistant Rachael Roberts and the Mayor of Gardner, Michael Nicholson.
Jablonski is a former intern in the Mayor’s office and her appointment was announced in January. Katie Jablonski is a recent graduate of Endicott College. Jablonski replaces Colin Smith who left the City of Gardner on December 1, 2023 to take a position with Boston Children’s Hospital.
Katherine “Katie” Jablonski can be reached at the Mayor’s office at (978) 630-1490
- City Council 6-3-24 (6/1/2024)
Gardner MA City Council to Meet Monday, & Tuesday if needed.
The City Council has an informal meeting on Monday, June 3, 2024, see agenda and packet, CLICK HERE, and a regular meeting on Monday, June 3, 2024. see agenda and packet, CLICK HERE. The biggest topic of discussion and decision is the fiscal year 2025 budget.
If needed, the City Council will continue the formal meeting and the regular meetings to June 4, 2024. If all business is concluded, those meetings will be canceled. It must be done this way due to meeting notice requirements of the Open Meeting Law.
- Update 5-31-24 (5/31/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the City of Gardner
In his update of May 31, 2024 Gardner Mayor Nicholson covered various grand openings and ribbon cuttings, construction, improvements, and events. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
The Mayor spoke of various ribbon cuttings coming up. He also stated of Timpany Crossroads, “It’s great to see that plaza completely fill up now.” At Timpany Plaza, “You can actually see the new Chipotle’s building already framed out, and Five Below already has their new facade put up.” In Downtown re Maki Park, “that will be a three-tiered park over there with outdoor seating options, cornhole facilities and an outdoor stage with full electrical capabilities for outdoor performances.” Goal is to have it done by the Oktoberfest and Chair Luge this Fall.
Congratulations: Gardner Middle School 5th Grade Class had DARE graduation. Gardner High School graduation is June 1st. This week over $500,000 in scholarships were awarded
Events: June 1st: Gardner High School and Gardner Academy Graduation —- Gardner Citywide Yard Sale Saturday June 1st, Website —- June 3rd: Holy Family Academy graduation —- Yoga in the Park runs June 3 through August 26th — Tuesday, June 4th: Higher Ground Ministries 40th Anniversary —- Yard Waste Collection is June 4th through June 7th —- Thursday, June 6th: Joint Operations Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting —- Gardner Relay for Life June 7th and 8th at MWCC —- Sunday June 9th: Gardner Firefighters Memorial Ceremony at 9am —- Thursday June 13th: Maki Building Centers 75th Anniversary Celebration at 5pm, Linus Allain Avenue right off Betty Spring Road —- Gardner Farmer’s Market Grand Opening June 15th Website —— June 22nd from 10am to 4pm: Small Business Saturday in Downtown Gardner —-
- Paving 2024 (5/28/2024)
Gardner MA Paving List Announced – Staffing Vacancies Affected Choices
The Gardner DPW has a 40% staff vacancy level. Therefore, when tasks are contemplated, the available staff is considered. According to DPW Director Dane Arnold, the streets chosen “don’t have a lot of preparation work by the DPW in order to resurface the roads and sidewalks. This year and moving forward until we get our staff levels back up to where they need to be, we can’t undertake such a large project and tie up the crew all construction season. The alternative is to pay a contractor to do the preparation work, but then you are paying a much higher cost to the project and can’t pave as many streets in a year unless the funding is greatly increased.”
In his submitted Fiscal Year 2025 budget, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson cut the amount for paving until free cash is known later in the year. However, in his update of May 10th, the Mayor stated, “we actually may have an additional funding source that we’re looking into right now for paving some additional streets that way.” If the funding comes through, Mayor Nicholson will let Gardner know in an upcoming update.
In our “Funding the City” interview Mayor Nicholson said this about DPW pay. “We’re currently working out with the two DPW unions’ plan for the wage and benefits items that are in their contract, anything that’s included in that union contract there. Their union contract is actually up on July 1st of this year, so we’re hoping to get that done by the time the new fiscal year starts around so that we can make those positions a lot more marketable because we just need to.”
The DPW did conduct a pothole week the week of May 13, 2024 during which all four DPW crews filled potholes on City streets.
- Update 5-24-24 (5/24/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson with a 24 Minute Memorial Day Weekend Update on the 24th
Listen to the update on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Update 5-24-24 Mayors Convention – Nicholson attended “All of the mayors from around the Commonwealth get together for a couple of days just to go over some best practices, looking into the years ahead, some issues facing different cities and towns as we move forward… it’s great to see all the mayors get together just to be able to share ideas with each other and see how we can make our communities better.”
Congratulations: MWCC graduates from last week and Gardner High School coming up. —- New monks at Buddhist community in Gardner. —- Grand openings and ribbon cuttings. —– Gardner Elementary Band students win Gold —- 45th annual Student Government at Holy Family Academy — 4th Graders had annual lunch with the Mayor — Proclamation for National EMS Week “It’s a time to show our gratitude toward EMTs and paramedics who provide life-saving care...”
Events: Junior Police Academy July 15-20th for teenagers 14-17- applications online or at Gardner PD. —- Gardner Firefighter Memorial Sunday June 9th with assembly at 8:30am and ceremony at 9am at Gardner Fire Department. —- Library Summer Reading Kickoff is June 26th at 5pm —- Yoga in the Park Monday nights June 3rd to August 26th. 6-7pm at the shores of Crystal Lake in the new Park Street Park — Small Business Saturday is June 22nd. —- Sunday May 26th is the 20th Memorial Ride of the Patriot Riders of America Chapter 3 —- Dunn Park has passed water test and it is open for swimming.
Memorial Day Parade: “It will begin at the American Legion Post 129 at the intersection of Elm Street, Pearl Street, and Central Street at the Uptown Rotary. No construction is taking place on Memorial Day. Therefore, the parade can still start at the American Legion and go around the new rotary that is partially constructed. They’re going a lot quicker than we expected them to. And then that will go down Central Street and end at Monument Park.”
Paving Update and Flooding: “Paving work is going to be continuing throughout the city. We know that Century Way and Leo Drive should have been started this past week. We are continuing to work over on Lower Parker Street, as well as Fredette Street and Wilkins Road. As we move forward with different streets this year, we’ll be sure to announce those as they come up. But Century Way and Leo Drive will be the first ones paved, and we’ve already begun working on Lower Parker, Fredette, and Wilkins as well. So expect to see some crews in that area. There was some flooding that temporarily caused a portion of Pearl Street to be closed this past week over at the Uptown Rotary Project. There are special silt fabrics that are put over the catch basins to make sure that debris from the construction site doesn’t fall into the catch basins, but those fabrics are only rated for a certain amount of water per minute, and when we had as much rain as we had up front, as we did with the torrential downpours that we had a couple days ago, it just was too much for those silts to be able to let through at the time, but the water has since subsided. MassDOT was called in and fixed the problem, so that shouldn’t be something that happens again. But I want to thank our city engineer, Rob Oliva, and everyone from MassDOT who got out and fixed that problem as quickly as they could.”
- Funding the City (5/22/2024)
View the entire proposed budget in pdf format with all of the details the Mayor speaks about in this interview, CLICK HERE.
Funding the City in Challenging Times – Interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson
It’s budget season and Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson spoke to us about how he is proposing to fund the Chair City at a time when costs are up. Listen to the interview on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Funding the City 5-21-24 The budget process started in December of 2023 and currently the various subcommittees of the Gardner City Council are having meetings on various portions of the budget. The Mayor cut $13 million from what was proposed. He speaks of the challenges in retaining staff and we go over specific ways of increasing revenue to lessen the property tax burden. The mayor stated, “So while we’re able to do what we need to do and live within our means, it was a situation where we had to weigh out what’s a want versus what’s a need, and that’s something that we have to do every year, because when you’re dealing with the taxpayer’s money, we really have to maintain our fiduciary responsibility to the people who live here.” View the entire budget in pdf format, ,CLICK HERE.
- City Council 5-20-24 (5/22/2024)
Council President Kazinskas Handles Disruptors with Class at City Council Meeting
During the Gardner City Council Meeting of May 20, 2024, supporters of defeated formal Mayoral Candidate Kimberly Blake attempted to illegally disrupt the proceedings. The Council President took a recess to handle the matter off camera after stating, “We can discuss at the end of the meeting, but right now we can’t disrupt the purpose of the meeting. Thank you.” and then resumed the proceedings after a few minutes. Meanwhile, Paul DeMeo disrupted the proceedings with flashes from a camera. He was not rebuked. (Publisher’s Note: DeMeo operates a Facebook Group in which he continually posts inflammatory negative statements about Gardner, public officials, Media outlets, and various people. When challenged about the truthfulness of his postings, DeMeo bans the individuals from his group.) Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
City Council May 20, 2024 Regarding Helen Mae Sauter School Property
Councilor Brad Heglin spoke about the Helen Mae Sauter School property which the City Solicitor advised must remain under the jurisdiction of the School Committee due to deed restrictions and for which the School Committee is seeking an outside counsel’s opinion. “I just want to also add and make sure that we stress to the city and that we as City Council members that these two properties don’t continue to fall into further disrepair. So that while we seek these legal opinions and further information, hopefully we can still get our ad hoc committee set up and the city can look at options both for school uses and or private uses.” Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson advised, “The school department has contracted with the services of Attorney Christine Tree to provide an opinion to the city to show what options are available for the city, if there’s any way out of the deed restrictions that are there, if the deed restrictions are permanent, if so, what the impacts of that are in the long-term plan. So that report will be coming out soon once attorney Tree is able to complete that review and go over relevant documents.”
Stabilization Account for Capital Improvements
Councilor George Tyros spoke in favor of the proposal stating, “As one of the Council’s representatives on the Capital Improvements Committee, I fully support this measure. There’s a long list of capital improvement projects that the city just hasn’t gotten to because the funding was not there. There’s a long list of outdoor pools, buildings, things like making the bathrooms more ADA and modern in City Hall and other buildings and roofs and such nature. This is a great thing to establish and it will allow that committee to make some good decisions on improvements in our community.” The account was established by unanimous approval. A similar item establishing a stabilization account for the schools also passed unanimously.
Zoning Board Increase in Members
A measure increasing the number of Zoning Board members to 5 was adopted. It will go in to effect if passed again at the next meeting.
Budget Matters were granted more time without objection.
An informal City Council meeting was held prior to the regular meeting. Councilors received a presentation on the School Budget from Superintendent Mark Pellegrino and Mark Hawke. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY
Informal City Council Meeting 5-20-24
- City Council 5-20-24 (5/19/2024)
Gardner City Council May 20, 2024
The Gardner City Council is scheduled to have an informal meeting at 6:15pm and the regular meeting at 7:30pm. Informal meeting concerns the School Budget presentation. Informal Agenda and packet, CLICK HERE. The Regular meeting and packet is 263 pages long and concerns a long list of items. Agenda and packet, CLICK HERE.
- Update 5-17-24 (5/17/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City
Scheduling conflicts did not permit a recorded message this week. However, the Mayor did want to pass along the following information:
From the Mayor of Gardner: This week is National Police week with Peace Officers Memorial Day being Wednesday May 15th. We would like to say thank you to the men and women of the Gardner Police Department for everything you do! You all do a great job every day! The Junior Police Academy is now accepting applications! This free program will start July 15th to- July20th, for teens between the ages of 14 and 17. This Academy will be an interactive learning environment and opportunity to learn about local law enforcement. Some of the activities for the week will include Physical fitness training, mock traffic stops, defensive tactics, and investigative techniques. Applications are available at the Gardner P D or submit an application through the link on the Gardner Police Department Facebook page. Apply soon as space is limited! This Academy is open to all teens, with priority given to Gardner residents. All applications are due by June 17th. Any questions regarding the Junior Police Academy can be directed to Lt. John Czasnowski at 978-632-5600 ext. 124 or by email at iczasnowski@gardner-ma.gov. Separate Article, CLICK HERE
Gardner Fire Department: Some exciting news for the Gardner Fire Department! Our new ambulance has finally arrived at Greenwood Emergency vehicles in Attleboro. Chief Lagoy and EMS Coordinator Lieutenant Hulette went down Monday to Greenwood and made the final inspection on the new truck. It’s has taken almost two years to get the ambulance built. We hope to have it here in Gardner by the beginning of June and prepare it for City service. We also are awaiting delivery of our new engine and heavy rescue that’s due (hopefully) in September. The new vehicles will be a great and welcomed addition to our fire department with updating our fleet with new and modern equipment to serve the citizens of Gardner. The Fire Department would also like to remind everyone the annual Gardner Firefighter‘s Memorial Sunday ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 9th. Assembly will be at 8:30 and the ceremony will be at 9:00. The public is invited to join us for the ceremony. Separate Article, CLICK HERE.
First Responder Day: Also this weekend is the First Responder Day at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, Saturday, May 18th 9 am. to 11 am. Last week I mentioned the Library’s summer reading kickoff is scheduled for June 26‘“ which starts at 5 pm. not 4:30 pm. as I stated last week. Separate Article with details and 3 interviews, ,CLICK HERE.
Yoga In the Park Summer Series starting soon. This will be Monday nights from June 3rd to August 26th from 6 to 7 pm at Park Street Park (Near the Elks Lodge) No class in inclement weather or threat of. This is Donation based, all monies collected will benefit various non-profits. This is an all levels class, must bring yoga mat or yoga props.
Small Business Saturday: Also in June, you’ll want to mark your calendar for Small Business Saturday and Happy Birthday Gardner Festival which takes place on Saturday, June 22nd from 10 am. to 4 pm. Downtown shops, restaurants, local non-profits, food trucks, crafters, and other vendors display their merchandise in the streets. Roads are open only to pedestrians for the day. A variety of performances and demonstrations take place. This event is free and family-friendly. We look forward to seeing you! Separate Article, CLICK HERE.
GALA Art and Music Festival: Also this weekend, is the GALA Art and Music Festival May 17-19th Sat, 11 am. to 6 p.m. Sunday 12-4 pm. The event will take place at the Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Avenue, Phillipston, MA. Artist reception Friday. Art Exhibit with more than 100 artists, demonstrations, vendors, children’s activities, face painting, music and more all weekend. Free admission. On Thursday, May 23rd at 6:30 pm. The Gardner Museum will present Local “modern pioneer’, Lauren Roy who will empower, and educate the audience on living more naturally and in the art of foraging as a way of saving money. Reservations are required. Separate Article, CLICK HERE.
AED Foundation Recovery Comedy Night is May 18th Doors open at 6:15, show starts at 7 pm. General seating $20. Location is Perry Auditorium at Gardner City Hall. Show Poster, CLICK HERE.
The Flagpole at Gardner City Hall is fixed. Separate Article, CLICK HERE. —-I intended to give an update on paving. Will do in future updates. —- Flower pot and banner sponsorships are still available. —-If you have any questions, contact the Mayor’s office at (978) 630-1490 or email Mayor@Gardner-MA.gov
- Blake 5-17-2 (5/17/2024)
UPDATE May 17, 2024 – Simple Explanation of Issue – 1. Food Pantry not allowed by State Law in residential area 2. If home was somehow deemed OK for food pantry, permits must first be obtained and inspections must be conducted prior to opening 3. No approvals of any kind were sought or obtained. 4. Person in this instance appears to have known opening was considered unlawful and proceeded anyway. 5. Idea of food pantry to help those in need a wonderful idea. 6. Even those with good ideas must follow the law. 7. Person was not disparaged by Gardner Magazine or WGAW as claimed by Blake. 8. Mayor Nicholson not involved at all as claimed by Blake.. 9. Blake was not even mentioned by Gardner Magazine or WGAW until it was falsely claimed she had been disparaged. (see original article simply referencing a Gardner resident)
Listen to the editorial on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Editorial re Blake 5-17-24 EDITORIAL: Kimberly Blake Making False Statements Yet Again – this time about Gardner Magazine, WGAW, and the Mayor
Kimberly Blake has announced that she is above the law and will open a food pantry at 25 Baker Street in Gardner despite warnings against doing so stating, “I’m aware that the city has plans to try and fine me or have my pantry taken down.” All of us including those who want to help others have to follow the rules. In Massachusetts, according to Massachusetts State law, a food pantry is not allowed in an area of residential homes. And where it is allowed, various inspections and permits must be obtained prior to opening. One of the reasons for certain activities and businesses not being allowed in residential areas has to do with the obvious problem of parking and the effect on neighbors. We checked, Blake has not sought appropriate permits from the City. However, she has falsely attacked Gardner Magazine and WGAW stating, “Gardner Magazine and WGAW can continue to write disparaging articles, I’m not worried.” This publication wrote an article and did not mention Blake by name. We spoke with WGAW and they have simply attempted to post information about what’s not allowed under Massachusetts law.
And then, as usual she is attacking Gardner Mayor Nicholson when she knows he isn’t even involved in the independent actions the Board of Health or the Gardner Building Department may take. Helping people is always a great idea. But, in my opinion, no matter how great the idea sounds, we are all still subject to the law. Imagine if everyone in the City opened up something wherever they would like, ignoring Zoning, ignoring requirements for inspections. It would be chaos and we would all be unsafe. We all have to follow the law. We can’t make up our own laws when we feel like it. The laws are there to protect all residents. And current food pantries are inspected and follow all sanitary laws and requirements and have safeguards in place. Why Blake thinks she is above the law? Who knows. In my opinion, it Makes no sense.
- Update 5-10-24 (5/10/2024)
Bonanza of Community Events and Project Progress Highlight of Weekly Gardner MA Update
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson updated the Chair City on May 10, 2024. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 5-10-24 Community Events: Annie Fields at Gardner Museum on Thursday May 16th —- Gardner Area League of Artists Art and Music Festival May 17th to 19th — AED Foundation Recovery Comedy Night is May 17th at Perry Auditorium —- Saturday, May 18th is First Responder Day at Levi Heywood Memorial Library —- Sunday, May 19th is a Journey of Life Concert at Bethany Baptist Church —- Popular Cruise Nights and Concerts at PACC set to begin on May 24th — Relay for Life June 7th and 8th at MWCC —- High School Graduation is Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 10am at Watkins Field at Gardner High School. —- Greenwood Outdoor Pool scheduled to open June 19th —- Library Summer Reading kickoff is June 26th at 4:30pm. —- First Concert at Monument Park is June 22nd —- Visit our Events page, CLICK HERE
Project Progress: Construction of 3 tier Maki Park has begun and will consists of outdoor seating, picnic tables, cornhole boards, and a complete outdoor stage area with electricity. —-
Road paving: Work has begun on completing Fredette Street, Wilkins Road, and Lower Parker Street. Pothole Week: All 4 DPW crews, not just the highway department will do nothing but potholes next week. Paving schedule will be released ahead of time in weekly updates.
New Businesses in 2024: Mayor Nicholson recapped the businesses which have opened and/or have had ribbon cuttings so far this year.
- Council Results 5-6-24 (5/7/2024)
Agenda and Packet, CLICK HERE. – The discussions within this meeting are very informative. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Informal and Regular City Council 5-6-24 Gardner MA City Council Makes Decisions in Informal and Regular Meeting
The Gardner MA City Council held an Informal meeting on: (1) Increasing room occupancy tax from 4 to 6 percent (2) adding Local .75% sales tax on meals and (3) resolving to review the Zoning Map. Listen to the combined AUDIO of both meetings on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Informal and Regular City Council 5-6-24 It was noted that Leominster increased its room tax to 6% in 2017 and Fitchburg did so last month. Here’s how Gardner voted: At the regular City Council meeting, the room occupancy tax increase to 6% was approved unanimously. It is estimated this will bring in about $50k per year. The Sales Tax on meals at the rate of .75% was approved on a vote of 10 to 1. It is estimated this will bring in $500k per year. A resolution was adopted to review the Zoning Map. Mayor Nicholson earlier in the meeting had told the Council that grant funding was being sought as cost could be around $150,000 and given the time involved the State recommends an outside firm do the job.
In other matters, the Open Meeting Law finding was placed on file. Other items including the big budget items were referred to either subcommittees or the Council as a Committee of the whole.
Open Meeting Law Matter – Inaccurate Statements by Paul DeMeo
Listen to what was actually stated by Councilor Alek Dernalowicz at the City Council Meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY
Councilor Alek Dernalowicz actually stated, “I just wanted to quickly point out that the complaints, the items listed in the complaint were not found to be in violation. There was a finding that we failed to review the minutes in a reasonable interval, which is how it’s stated in the Mass General Laws. Even the Attorney General has difficulty, it seems, defining what a reasonable interval is in their ruling. At one point, they say it’s a certain set of months, and at another point, they say a different amount. I think, in reality, it could possibly turn on what the executive session was about, but that being said, we will follow the guidance from the Attorney General and do this as they prescribe going forward.” While Councilor Dernalowicz clearly states (words in bold) that the City Council will follow guidance of the Attorney General, Paul DeMeo in a post inaccurately states “he should have cautioned the city council to comply with the law.” – an inaccurate statement because that is exactly what he did do. Publisher’s Editorial Note: DeMeo also makes other disparaging remarks which we won’t dignify by repeating here. As Paul DeMeo had made the original complaint, we can understand why he reacted negatively, but that is no excuse for making inaccurate statements simply to disparage an effective, honest, and hard-working City Councilor. Once again, Pauly Potato is simply wrong and the AUDIO above proves it. Further comment regarding DeMeo: Gardner is not a dystopia. Gardner’s officials and employees are hard-working, honest people leading the Chair City on an effective trajectory of success. When a City like Gardner is held in high esteem by other municipalities often as the “Gold Standard” of how things should be done (including its transparency), it is very odd when negative comments often appear out of nowhere with no foundation in fact.
- City Council 5-6-24 (5/5/2024)
Gardner Regular City Council Meeting for May 6, 2024
The regular City Council meeting on 5-6-24 will concern various aspects and complete details of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. Previous article with pdf of budget, CLICK HERE.
Other proposed items include an ordinance to change the fee for solid waste collection and an ordinance to increase the number of Zoning Board of Appeals members from 3 to 5. ZBA decisions now require a unanimous vote. With the change a majority vote would be the new threshold.
OPEN MEETING LAW. Once again, a ruling from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office regarding an Open Meeting Law complaint by Paul DeMeo resulted in a technical violation finding but no action. According to the Attorney General, the Gardner City Council is required to review Executive Session minutes at regular intervals to determine if secrecy is still needed, but they do not have to do so in a timely manner as was alleged by DeMeo – the “timely manner’ requirement is for the public portion of meetings only.
- Update 5-3-24 (5/3/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Informs the Chair City in his Weekly Update
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson presented his update from the GETV studios this week. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Weekly Update 5-3-24 May 7-10 is May Yard Waste Pickup (Mailer had a typo)
Events: Keep Gardner Beautiful Nip Hunt and Litter Cleanup is Saturday May 4th —- First Responder Day Saturday May 18th from 9am to 11am at Levi Heywood Memorial Library. —– 20th Annual Vietnam Veterans Memorial Ride Sunday May 26th —- Citywide Yard Sale is June 1st —- Gardner Relay for Life is June 7th and 8th.
FREE WI-fi is coming to Monument Park – goal is to have it up and running by Memorial Day.
There’s so much information in this week’s update it is best to listen to the entire update to get all the details.
- Budget FY25 (5/1/2024)
$13,088,995.23 was cut from department requests. Proposal has a buffer of $4,284.51 between anticipated revenue and budgetary expenses. Otherwise, it is balanced.
It’s Only May First – And Gardner Mayor Nicholson Releases Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
Last December, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson informed the City Council that he would be providing much more detailed information for the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and he has delivered with over 500 pages of detailed explanation. View the entire document in PDF format, CLICK HERE.
In a statement the Mayor said, “The goal of this format is to provide the most transparent information on the City’s current financial standing. I believe this new format will help provide the clearest pictures as to how the budget was constructed, where the money is coming from, and how it is being spent, both for your deliberations, as well as for our constituents to understand and see. Also included this year is a breakdown of the impact that each department has on the average tax bill for a single- family home in the City.”
The Mayor wrote, “The total of the FY2025 Budget as a balance of $88,013,663.74 (the money orders associated with the budget add up to $86,103,997.00 because they do not include the impact of the Cherry Sheet from the Commonwealth in the votes). This is inclusive of all General Fund, Cable, School, and Enterprise Funds.”
Each City Councilor is getting a copy of the following per the Mayor: “By Monday evening’s Council Meeting, every councilor will receive 1) a purple folder that has a copy of the budget in the previous format for ease of transition between formats, 2) a large white binder with the full information included on the website, 3) a large binder containing all of the City’s collective bargaining agreements and non-union personnel policies, and 4) a smaller binder color-coded per committee with the budget information for the departments for which each committee has oversight.”
- First Responders (5/1/2024)
Levi Heywood Memorial Library – Gardner MA For more about the following, click the respective links: Gardner Fire Department —- Gardner Police Department —– Levi Heywood Memorial Library.
First Responder Day Cooperative Effort Among Gardner Fire Department, Gardner Police Department, and the Levi Heywood Memorial Library
Gardner Magazine had the honor of speaking with 3 key individuals about this FREE event. First Responder Day at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, Saturday May 18th from 9am to 11am. You can hear it all on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Stephanie Young – John Czasnowski – Sean Kelley on First Responder Day at Levi Heywood Memorial Library Gardner PD Lieutenant John Czasnowski, , Firefighter and S.A.F.E. Program Coordinator Sean Kelley, and Library Director Stephanie Young all spoke about the event.
Lieutenant Czasnowski let us know the plan is to have cruisers, a drone demonstration, the School Resource officer and an opportunity to see K-9 Rocky. There will be stickers for the kids.
Firefighter Sean Kelley spoke of the touch-a- truck event, the appearance of Sully the therapy dog, various vendors and games for the kids to play.
Library Director Stephanie Young was excited about the event and stated, “It’s so important that our community members, children and families get to meet our emergency personnel in a non-emergency situation. They can build connections and, you know, if there is an incident that people are involved in, they already have a connection and it helps during an emergency time.”
- Update 4-26-24 (4/26/2024)
With May fast approaching Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City of Gardner
Mayor Nicholson spoke of amenities, construction, reminders, and events. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Gardner’s Outdoor Amenities: Mayor Nicholson spoke of the Bike Trail, Dunn Park, different parks and playgrounds, and walking trails. He announced that the disc golf at Bailey Brook Park has a couple pins in. The Mayor let everyone know that an insurance claim was filed after a tree fell on $75,000 worth of new playground equipment at Ovila Case. “It is something that’s on our radar to try to fix as quickly as those claims go through…”
Construction Begins: Beginning Monday April 29th construction resumes at Uptown Rotary. “Right now, it looks like traffic will be diverted down Cherry Street from Pearl Street into Central Street.“
Reminders: Downtown Banner and flower pot sponsorships still available. —- National Small Business Week is April 28th through May 4th, “Please be sure to support your local businesses.” — Registrations are now open for the Summer Recreation Program. —- Gardner Municipal Golf Course is now open. “Daily rates for weekdays for nine holes is $20, and 18 holes $37. Weekend rates for nine holes are $24, and 18 holes $42. Rates are for walking, and carts require an additional charge on top of that. Memberships are also open at this time for applications.”
Events: May 2nd at noon is the National Day of Prayer event over at Higher Ground Ministries —Keep Gardner Beautiful Saturday May 4th. —- Introduction to Beekeeping at Levi Heywood Memorial Library on May 4th —-AED Foundation Recovery Comedy Night May 16th at 7pm at Perry Auditorium, Gardner City Hall —- Greater Gardner Community Choir Spring Concert Sunday May 19th at 3pm at Bethany Baptist Church —- Greater Gardner Relay for Life June 7th and June 8th. —- Light the Town Purple Event is May 6th at 6:30pm
- Update 4-19-24 (4/19/2024)
Events: Book Sale at library is Friday and Saturday —- Keep Gardner Beautiful Cleanup event is May 4th — AED Comedy Night is May 18th at Perry Auditorium —-Kindergarten registration has started for Fall 2024
Mayor Speaks of Gardner PD Fraud Alert in Weekly Update
Due to an increase in reported scam activity, the Gardner Police Department has issued a fraud alert. Mayor Nicholson speaks about it along with his usual update. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
The Mayor spoke of available Flower Pot and Banner sponsorships. Flower pots are actually being handled by City Councilor Judy Mack and a crew this year. The Mayor stated, “We are using a different vendor this year, so I know some people had concerns with the size of the flowers that were in the pots last year“. —- The Monument Park Concert Series has been announced (Gardner Magazine will publish the list once we have confirmed accuracy) first concert is on June 22nd —- Uptown Rotary construction starting soon with paving to be completed sometime in November and streets ancillary will be paved next year. —- Mayor Nicholson gave a special thank you to City Dispatches and Animal Control officers. —- The Mayor spoke of the recent survey regarding transportation to the Wachusett train station. There were 257 responses and the Mayor detailed some facts and figures.
from the Gardner PD: ***FRAUD ALERT***
“The Gardner Police Department wants to inform everyone that we have seen an increase in reported scam activity. As technology grows, so must our knowledge of how scammers operate. Here are four signs of a scam and ways to avoid it. For more information and resources see the FBI and Federal Trade Commission listed below:” From the FBI CLICK HERE. From the Federal Trade Commission, CLICK HERE.
- City Council 4-16-24 (4/17/2024)
Gardner City Council Chamber Unnamed for Now as Judy Mack Requests More Time
The City Council meeting got a little clunky as Councilor Judy Mack requested more time on her resolution to name the Chamber, “Ronald F. Cormier Council Chamber”. Councilor Karen Hardern moved to have a Straw vote to gauge level of support on the item. After proceedings were paused for two separate short recesses, it was determined by Council President Kazinskas that a straw vote was not in order. Council simply moved on to the next item. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
City Council 4-16-24 The rest of the meeting is noted for its overall smoothness such as when City Clerk Titi Siriphan was reelected unanimously by all 11 Councilors, some choosing to comment positively on her work.
In other actions, Gardner Police Department will get its police cars and may have an easier time filling positions as the City Council voted to opt out of civil service. This negates a vote taken 112 years ago when Gardner, then a town, joined Civil Service by a City Council vote.
- Council 4-16-24 (4/14/2024)
Capital Improvement Report will be received: Separate Article
City Council Meets on Tuesday April 16, 2024 in Gardner MA
The Gardner City Council meets a day later due to the Patriot’s Day Holiday. Complete Agenda and packet, click here.
Agenda items include: Councilor Mack resolution to rename Chamber “Ronald F. Cormier Council Chamber”, City Clerk election, various money items, rescission of Civil Service vote of 1912, various appointments, decision on adding agricultural commission, resolution re zoning map accuracy, resolution to adopt local options sales tax on meals and occupancy excise rate increase.
- Update 4-12-24 (4/12/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City with Congratulations and Event Reminders
Listen to the Update on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 4-12-24 Congratulations and thanks: Levi Heywood Memorial Library Eclipse viewing party had over 400 people show up. Holy Family Academy had annual Wisdom, Strength, and Grace Gala and formed new charitable fund named after the late Ronald Cormier. Local Elks Lodge had kids Safety Day and honored the Mayor as their Citizen of the Year.
Event Reminders: City Hall closed Monday April 15th for Patriots Day. — Health and Wellness Fair April 17th from 5 to 7pm. It is FREE with now over 70 vendors and resource tables. COMPLETE ARTICLE CLICK HERE. —- Book Sale at Levi Heywood Memorial Library April 19th and 20th with preview sale on April 18th. —- Keep Gardner Beautiful Nip Hunt and Litter Clean Up Saturday May 4th —- AED Foundation Comedy Night at Gardner City Hall May 18th. —-
- McKinney 4-9-24 (4/9/2024)
Visit the Town of Winchendon Website, CLICK HERE
Amphitheater in Winchendon MA More on the Winchendon Community Park and the Renaissance Fair spoken of in the interview, CLICK HERE.
An Interview with Winchendon Town Manager Bill McKinney – Budget, Business, and the Basics about the Toytown.
We had the honor of speaking with Winchendon Town Manager Bill McKinney on April 9, 2024. Listen to the interview on any device. CLICK PLAY.
McKinney spoke of the challenges Winchendon is having with its budget of about $35 million. “I put in the budget message that we’re able to cobble together some free cash and some remaining ARPA funds to get through Fiscal 25, but Fiscal 26 will require an override, which is why I want to let people know about it now….It’s always a tough ask trying to get more money, but it’s something that hopefully the town will go along with because obviously people enjoy the services that the town offers. They want the roads plowed. They want the roads paved. They want somebody to come if they need an emergency. They want someone to pick up the phone when they call town hall, or they want someone here if they come in with questions. We want to be able to provide all those services.”
McKinney spoke of opportunities for businesses interested in coming to Winchendon. “We’re working with our state partners as far as economic development. They’ve got some ideas. There are some different grants available.”
The Town Manager told us about the opportunities for local recreation including the Winchendon Amphitheater and the two day Renaissance Fair coming up at the end of April. And there’s a great season ahead: “We have several concerts coming up over the summer. We’ve got some movie nights, so we’ve got a lot of activities and a lot of reasons for people to come out and check out the amphitheater, and hopefully get something to eat while they’re in town.” There will also be a new restaurant opening up where the Carriage House was.
- City Council 4-1-24 (4/2/2024)
Waterford Street School – Fall 2022 Gardner City Council Gets New Council President For 1 Meeting
Alek Dernalowicz was elected unanimously to serve as Council President Pro Tem for the April 1, 2024 meeting as Council President Kazinskas was absent from the meeting. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
City Council 4-1-24 While many items were referred to committees there were some big wins on items put forth by Mayor Michael Nicholson affecting Waterford, Cyber Security, and future grants.
A measure to formally change the status of the usage of the Waterford Street School was approved. The lead up to this has been an ongoing process of properly surveying the land and dividing it so that Wilder Field can continue and the Waterford Street School building can be used as a Community Center. Without the formal designation, any tenants such as Growing Places have month to month licensing agreements. Once status changes, long-term lease agreements can be entered into with the various tenants. This is the last step in a process which began in the fall of 2022 when the School Committee formally voted for the change in use.
The Cyber Security request of $77,000 passed. This buys a storage appliance and a 3 year service agreement designed to keep the City of Gardner more secure.
Also approved: $49,000 for a 7 month grant writing contract with another 3rd party who will work on securing Federal grants. City of Gardner has obtained $2.7 million thus far on an investment of $25,000 out of $60,000 allocated for a 3rd party grant writer.
A Finance Committee Meeting preceded the City Council Meeting. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Finance Committee 4-1-24
- Update (3/29/2024)
In the Update of Updates, Gardner Mayor Nicholson Showcases a Crazy Amount of Work
In his Weekly Update of March 29, 2024, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson speaks first of events, but then gives a heads up on some things going before the Gardner City Council on April 1, 2024. And no, it’s not an April Fool’s joke, it’s really 467 pages. See Agenda and packet. CLICK HERE
The only joke: There’s no 2nd clone: It’s the real Mayor Nicholson who has been working lots and lots of hours on behalf of the City.
Listen to his update on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 3-29-24 Community Events: Yard Waste Pickup is April 2nd through April 5th. SEE SEPARATE ARTICLE CLICK HERE . —- Gardner Museum Survival in Knife Safety Classes on Thursday, April 4th Museum 2024 Event Flyer click here. — National Library Week is April 7th through April 13th – Visit Levi Heywood Memorial Library —- Health and Wellness Fair is April 17th from 5pm to 7pm in Perry Auditorium at Gardner City Hall, over 50 vendors and FREE raffles every 30 minutes . —- April 27th is Purple Paw Walk at the Dog Park —- National Small Business Week is April 28th through May 4th. —- Transportation Survey is going on, SEE SEPARATE ARTICLE with link to survey.
Reminder: Anyone 50 and older can go to the Senior Center in Gardner. Check out the variety of services for any age.
Items Going Before the Council: For the 4th year in a row, the City has had a perfect State and Federal AUDIT. —- Feedback regarding parking meters has been overwhelmingly in favor of replacing the parking meters themselves and not kiosks. —– Appropriation requests for new police vehicles and to fund the tree removal account “so we can go through and lower the backlog of trees that have been tagged from previous tree hearings that have been held.” —- Matched funding for the water transmission project. (City is getting $1 million grant, bid came in $65,000 higher) —- Removing Police Department from Civil service can be done by rescinding original vote —- Proposals to get money for the City by leasing out various roof areas for solar panels. —- And there’s more. View the complete City Council Agenda for 4-1-24, CLICK HERE.
- Welfare 3-26-24 (3/26/2024)
Complete Agenda and Packet with Monty Tech Budget Information. Budget shows assessments for all participating communities. CLICK HERE.
Gardner Public Schools MVP Academy and Monty Tech FY 25 Budget Take Up Public Welfare Meeting
The Public Welfare Committee chaired by Councilor Judy Mack met on March 26, 2024. Presentations at the meeting included: Gardner Public Schools MVP Academy, Monty Tech Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Presentation, and a discussion on Ordinance to create an Agricultural Commission. Complete Agenda and Monty Tech FY 25 Complete Budget information is included, CLICK HERE. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY
Public Welfare 3-26-24 Agricultural Commission item is in separate short 2 minute AUDIO matching short 2 minute video posted by City of Gardner. It was agreed that more time that was needed before a recommendation was rendered. Listen to the exciting 2 minute meeting conclusion on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Exciting 2 minute conclusion of Public Welfare Committee Meeting on 3-26-24
- Council 3-25-24 (3/26/2024)
Council President Kazinskas stated, “The Community Development Block Grant, or CDBG Program, provides funding and technical support for projects that achieve the city’s development objectives while principally benefiting low- and moderate-income persons and or addressing slum and blight conditions. Funding for the CDBG Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under the guidelines of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.”
Director Trevor Beauregard responded by describing some funding being held up by the need for an environmental review and indicated that his Department did respond to an audit for the 2021 grant. Hear his opening comment, CLICK PLAY
Director Beauregard Opening Remarks 3-25-24 Other Councilors asked questions of the Director. (Best to listen to entire meeting) Councilor Judy Mack alleges Gross Negligence by a Former Development Department Employee. CLICK PLAY.
Councilor Mack 3-25-24 Gardner City Council Meets on CDBG Grants and Goes over Issues
Various State Reviews of prior year CDBG Grants are taking place and Director of Development and Planning Trevor Beauregard was on hand to answer Councilor questions. Councilor George Tyros (the City Council designee to the Steering Committee) had requested the meeting to review the City’s management of the Community Development Block Grant Program. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
City Council 3-25-24 Councilor Tyros stated, “In preparation for the first CDBG meeting of this year, I reached out to the Director in February to request an update on previous block grant projects, specifically the demolition of the Greenwood indoor pool, construction of a new pavilion in its place, and the construction of Maki Park downtown. The Director informed me that the Block Grant 2022-2023 funds have not yet been released, so no project could be initiated. And in a follow-up question, he informed me that all work related to the Block Grant 2022-2023 grant would need to be completed by the Assistant Director after he starts. The reason why we’re here this evening is because at that meeting, the Director shared with me and the committee that as a part of regular monitoring and review by the State of the program, issues were found in the administration of both construction and public social services aspects of the Block Grant program. Issues that, as I’ve said before, are not detrimental, but are holding up funding for important projects and opportunities that we have to action on if we want to continue moving Gardner in the right direction and keep this important funding.” Tyros stated his objective was to have a discussion about the challenges being faced, to make sure changes are being made, and to prevent future issues that could threaten the source of funding. Listen to Councilor Tyros’ full remarks on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Councilor Tyros Opening Remarks 3-25-24 We reached out for further comment to a number of people and Councilor Judy Mack responded, “The grant audit list of errors is a direct result of someone not doing their job of which they were responsible for which was why I said it was a gross negligence on the person who was responsible.”
We did reach out to the former Assistant Director, current Director Trevor Beauregard, Councilor George Tyros, and Mayor Michael Nicholson. We will post their comments here if they choose to add something.
- Tassone 3-24-24 (3/24/2024)
Listen to the Complete Interview on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Councilor Paul Tassone 3-24-24 Gardner’s No Nonsense Councilor Is “No Boloney Tassone“
We spoke with Gardner MA City Councilor Paul Tassone on March 24, 2023 and again on March 24, 2024. We’re calling our conversation, the “No Boloney Tassone” Interview. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Paul Tassone Interview 3-24-24 The Councilor filled an unexpired term and is now serving a full 2 year term after being re-elected in November 2023. We asked about improvements in the past year and Tassone responded, “We’ve done quite a bit of infrastructure work with the roads and sidewalks. And coming this summer, we’ll be doing more work both on Reagan, Moran, and I believe Greenwood. And there’s several other streets that we’ll be working on.”
Councilor Tassone is earning the trust of his ward through some hard work. “I’ve had the honor of speaking with many of the residents in Ward 3, whether it be about trees being dead or being removed on their particular street or whether or not, they’re having issues from a property perspective. I’ve made house visits. I’ve listened to what people had to say. Anytime someone gives me a call on the phone, I answer the call. And I’m always good to follow up and follow through.”
No Boloney: Tassone stated he’s had fairly good success in working with City Departments including DPW, Building, or Health. “I am a straight shooter, Werner, 100%. What comes out of my mouth is I’m going to come straight at it and I’m going to get to the bottom of it.” We asked, “Is that why some constituents are calling you No Boloney Tassone?” and the Councilor said, ” I love it, from time to time, I guess that’s OK.”
Tassone complimented the Mayor on his transparency. He understands why a new salt shed was needed, but wants the City Council to do its due diligence to get the money back in to the stabilization account. Tassone also complimented the City Council President on the job she does.
Regarding Downtown Gardner: “It’s very easy to drive through the downtown and see the major improvements that we’ve done to our downtown and much more to come with rear Main Street as well. Businesses continue to open up housing, rental housing available in the downtown area. More prevalent now than in years past. Millions of dollars have been spent in our downtown to improve the look, the feel, and the overall community, to be quite honest with you, I’m proud of what I see moving forward and moving in the downtown area.”
Tassone had much more to say which you can hear in the complete AUDIO of the interview above. He concluded, “I would just say I appreciate my constituents in Ward 3 having confidence in me, and voting me in for two more years this past November. I do appreciate that. I’m going to continue to work hard, and we’ll continue to see Gardner improve over the next year. I’m sure we’ll talk before then, Werner, but I think we will have even more exciting things happening in the next year, for sure.”
- Update 3-22-24 (3/22/2024)
Mayor Nicholson Addresses the Chair City with a “Jam-Packed” Update
Listen to the Update on any device, CLICK PLAY
Correction: Mayor Nicholson accidentally gave out incorrect yard waste info last week. Here’s the correct information – Yard Waste collection takes place the first full week of the month from April through October and the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month in November only.
Business News – Blue Spire Property Management had their ribbon cutting at Central Park Building —- Tanguay Jewelers had grand reopening —- Hometown Barbers grand reopening is March 30th — Aldi is opening on April 4th at Timpany Plaza —- Joint Operations opens April 20th at Timpany Crossroads —- In the works: Chipotle, Five Below, and Jersey Mike’s. Brilla Coffee will open at 25 Main Street in late Summer or early Fall.
Reminders – Fire Hazard: Gardner Fire Department reminds people that extra fire hazards happen when we have windy conditions like this . —- Gardner Police Department is accepting applications for the annual Citizens Police Academy, it’ll be held Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm from May 1st through June 19th. Cost is FREE. —- K-9s Rocky or Sully may be able to make it to your event. Just ask PD or Fire Chief —- One week left to get your dog license which is due April 1st. —- Permit is needed for a yard sale. However it is FREE. —- Johnny Appleseed Trail Association Books available at City Hall.
DPW News – A new planter was built by DPW at Monument Park twice this week as a car hit the first one.
Events: Friday, March 29th is Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day to be celebrated on the front steps of City Hall at 10am. —- Holy Family Academy is having their annual gala on April 6th
Personnel: Human Resources Director Debra Pond has decided to leave her job of 20+ years. On December 4, 2023, Pond’s re-appointment was confirmed on a 9 to 2 vote by the Gardner City Council. The Appointments Committee had recommended against her re-appointment. Listen to both meetings and view the article, CLICK HERE.
- Cyber Secure (3/17/2024)
Under Bob O’Keefe’s IT Leadership, Gardner, MA is setting another Gold Standard for Excellence, this time in how it handles Cyber Security and attempts to be ahead of the curve and ahead of the threats.
Publisher’s Note; With threats from hackers within the United States and concerns about possible cyber attacks from other countries such as China or Russia, being proactive now saves money later.
Gardner’s IT Director O’Keefe is Proactive Cyber Protector
Gardner Magazine recently visited Gardner MA IT Director Bob O’Keefe at Gardner City Hall. O’Keefe didn’t have much time to talk because they were in the middle of doing proactive security updates on City-owned computers. In the few short minutes we were there, another 4 machines were patched. O’Keefe explained that he occasionally gets calls from other communities regarding their security needs. And as Gardner is the model for doing it right (our words, not his) he is able to steer them in the right direction. O’Keefe’s goal when operating system updates come out is to update machines as soon as possible. This has kept the City’s data safe. We were amazed at how O’Keefe was able to tell just how many machines had already been secured. While other communities were just getting started, Gardner was already 85% done.
On Monday, March 18, 2024, there is a request going before the City Council for just over $77k for a cloud storage appliance and about 3 years of support, as well as a few other related Cyber Security items. The equipment features 36 terrabytes of storage and can handle 10 gigabytes of bandwidth. The firm O’Keefe proposes using just built a new 10 million dollar facility in the last year. WCA Solutions was started in 1979 and employs 140 computer professionals at its location in Southwick, MA. The provider states it was rated recently by VarBusiness magazine as being a high level engineering firm in the largest 1% of all Solution Providers in North America. In the past, the Gardner City Council has approved these requests expeditiously. Bob O’Keefe has an office in Gardner City Hall and in the past year saw the City get a $200,000 fiber grant which allows for greater connectivity and security among City Buildings and Schools.
- Clearing Record (3/17/2024)
Listen to the explanation Council President Kazinskas gave on WGAW Hotline Radio on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Kazinskas on Marijuana Article WGAW Hotline Radio is heard every Saturday from 12:10 to 2pm on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and live streamed to anywhere in the world. CLICK HERE for the 24/7 live stream.
Council President Kazinskas Clears Up Record – Marijuana Article Passed After All
In an interview heard on WGAW Hotline Radio on Saturday, March 16, 2024, Gardner MA City Council President Kazinskas announced she was correcting an error – Marijuana Quota Article only needed simple majority to pass for first printing, not 2/3 of Council as previously stated, so she’s clearing up the record and the item passed. At the previous City Council Meeting of March 4, 2024, she had announced that 8 votes out of 11 were required and that the measure did not pass because it received only 7 votes. The item will be on the agenda for 2nd Printing on Monday March 18th. Kazinskas says that will need 8 votes to be finalized. See complete agenda and packet, CLICK HERE.
The Council President stated, “And then we also have one regarding the quota of marijuana establishments in the city. And I do want to take the time now to clear something up on that. There’s a process for these type of ordinance amendments and there is an initial printing. and then there is a second and final printing that these amendments have to go through. And at our previous meeting, I had announced for both of these that there’s a two-thirds vote that is required for them. And so the motion that was taken on both of these amendments was to go to first printing. And the sports betting ordinance amendment had received more than two-thirds vote so that passed the first printing. And then the marijuana establishment quota ordinance amendment had received seven votes, eight votes of the two-thirds vote. So I had announced that it did not go to first printing because it didn’t receive the two-thirds vote that’s required. “
“Well directly after the meeting, I’m speaking with the clerk, and we did go back and look at it where for initial printing, there actually no vote is required by the general laws of the commonwealth. And in Gardner, we require a vote for an initial printing, which is first printing. But it actually is only a majority vote for six votes. And in the case of that particular item, it would have passed because it received seven votes. So what’s important is that people may not be expecting this item to be on our agenda again at the next meeting because I had announced that it needed a two-thirds vote for that initial printing or first printing. But that’s actually incorrect. It actually doesn’t require a vote at all. But in Gardner, because our rules are a little bit more stringent, then that rule gets followed and it really only requires a majority vote, which is six votes. So I will be clearing that up at the meeting on Monday. I wanted to mention it because these have been on our agenda for a very long time. They’re important items. This is a zoning ordinance amendment, which has a state process that it follows. This is the very last kind of stage of it. And so, again, it’s important to people. We don’t do them very often … We haven’t had them in front of us very often. So that is the process. And I did notify the council about that. I will be clearing it up at the next meeting. And the second and final printing vote that will be taken on both of these items, that requires a two-thirds vote, and that is by state statute, which the city also has as well. So those final printings, which would pass them, require eight votes. So we’ll see what happens on Monday’s meeting, but I did want to take some time to acknowledge that.”
- Welfare 3-7-24 (3/8/2024)
Gardner Public Welfare Committee with “Round 2” on March 7, 2024
The Public Welfare Committee met for a second time on March 7, 2024 to heard from Airport Manager Isabelle Davis, Bill Franklin on behalf of the Golf Course, and Human Resources Director Debra Pond provide a written update which Chair Judy Mack read for the meeting and the public. Disability Commission did send an update. The Historical Commission did not respond again to Mack’s request for them to appear before the committee. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Welfare 3-7-24 The Airport Commission met separately on March 6, 2024. Listen to that hour long meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY
Airport Commission 3-6-24
- Update 3-8-24 (3/8/2024)
Proclamation pictured is for Sudden Unexplained Death in Children Awareness Month. Here is information at sudc.org, CLICK HERE.
Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City on March 8, 2024
The Mayor reminded listeners about various events. Daily Savings Time starts on Sunday, March 10th and the Fire Department recommends checking your smoke detectors as well. —- Vietnam Veterans Day taking place March 29th at 10am on front lawn of Gardner City Hall. —- Deadline to get Dog License is Monday, April 1st because March 31st is a Sunday. —- Various events are going on at the Gardner Museum including a display by landscape artist Mark Lore. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 3-31-24 Mayor Nicholson spoke about paving in the Chair City and that the City’s asphalt contractor opens their plant on May 1st. He also went over a major water break on Leo Drive which will mean some paving will need to be redone. Repair of Gardner roof will cost about 1.2 Million with all but a deductive of $5,000 being covered by insurance.
The Mayor concluded by asking for citizen input regarding parking meters in Downtown. Currently most of the meters don’t work, but there still is a 2 hour parking limit. Some options are no meters, new meters, or a kiosk. What do you want? Call the Mayor’s office at (978) 630-1490 or email Mayor@gardner-ma.gov.
- Brad Heglin (3/6/2024)
Brad Heglin Sworn in as member of Gardner City Council
Brad Heglin was sworn in as a City Councilor-at-Large at the Meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024. He works as an English teacher at Gardner High School. Heglin was Chair of the Gardner Centennial Committee last year. Prior to getting a Master of Education degree at UMass Lowell, the Councilor actually graduated from Gardner High School over 15 year ago.
To contact Brad Heglin, email: bheglin@gardner-ma.gov or call (978) 632-3872
- Aging 3-4-24 (3/6/2024)
Gardner MA Council on Aging Meeting 3-4-24
Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
- Rickity Shed (3/5/2024)
Rickity Salt Shed Is What Gardner MA has for Now
At the City Council meeting of March 4, 2024, more time was requested regarding the proposed $625,000 expenditure for a new Salt Shed. Gardner Magazine wanted you to see the gravity and urgency of the need, so we took some close up pictures.
Mayor Michael Nicholson proposes to use $625k from the Stabilization Fund for this project. DPW Director Dane Arnold has already noted that DPW will do some of the work which reduced the proposed cost to this amount. A new shed would be located on City-owned land across the street.
DPW has been praised for its frugality. For example, it makes its own mulch from downed trees which has been used at the Golf Course and the Dog Park, saving the City of Gardner money.
The picture below shows that DPW is also frugal with its fleet and equipment. Picture taken March 4, 2024.
- Council 3-4-24 (3/5/2024)
UPDATE March 16, 2024: Council President Kazinskas announced that she made an error, the Marijuana article did in fact pass first printing as only simple majority was required. Complete information in this article, CLICK HERE.
Complete Agenda and Packet. CLICK HERE.
Zoning Article re Pot Establishments failed due to NO votes by Councilors Mack, Brooks, and Hardern. Apparently a 2/3 vote of the total number of councilors was required, or 8. 2/3 of the 10 councilors present would have been 7, but apparently that was insufficient. Council President Kazinskas stated, “It did not receive 8 votes, so it does not pass.” This is correct according to State of MA which refers to a 2/3 Super Majority of members.
NO DECISION on New Salt Shed: Councilor Mack requested more time on the item. Therefore, the request for $625k from stabilization for a new Salt Shed will be taken up again.
Storm Damage and Pot Establishments Big Topics at City Council Meeting
Heglin sworn in: As expected, Brad Heglin was sworn in to replace the late Ronald F. Cormier as Councilor-at-Large.
The Video Which Saved the City of Gardner over a Million Bucks: Mayor Nicholson explained that the City’s insurance company will cover entire cost of Fire Department roof except for the City’s $5000 deductible, and they mentioned the existence of the video as aiding in that determination. As the Mayor put it, we’re getting a million dollar roof for 5 thousand bucks. His explanation took up the first 1/4 hr. of the meeting. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
City Council March 4, 2024 The City Council voted to respond to Paul DeMeo’s latest Open Meeting Law complaint by stating that no violation occurred.
The Zoning Article related to adding Sports Betting to the table of uses passed. We commented on this item in a previous article, CLICK HERE.
The Zoning Article related to increasing the quota of Marijuana establishments in Gardner was defeated on a vote of 7 to 3. Councilor Brooks gave a lengthy statement opposing the increase in the number of establishments. Also opposed were Councilors Mack and Hardern. Councilor Tassone was absent from the meeting. It is unknown whether he would have been a YES or NO vote. The remaining 7 Councilors voted yes.
- Zlotnik 3-4-24 (3/5/2024)
Other items included details on the State budget and taxes, and the possibility of the State taking over the entirety of Route 140.
Representative Jonathan Zlotnik Addresses Gardner City Council on 3-4-24
Jon Zlotnik was heard in an informal meeting of the City Council. Listen to his address on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Jonathan Zlotnik March 4, 2024 Zlotnik gave some updates regarding various Home Rule petitions:
On the City Charter: “the petition relative to changing the city charter that was submitted to me a few months ago. Last week that was approved by the subject committee to which it was assigned. So the process will go from here now and the next step will be to come to the House floor for a vote to the Senate for a vote, and then the Governor for her signature.”
On the Visitors Center land swap: “We are moving through that process.”
On Civil Service: Numerous communities in the state have moved to get out of civil service. State legislature put a general pause on this. However, because Gardner opted in to the system via a town meeting vote, it can similarly opt out of the system. Or it can stay in and benefit from various reforms that are in the offing.
- Welfare 2-29-24 (3/3/2024)
Gardner Public Welfare Committee Meets for 1 1/2 Hours at Gardner Library
The Gardner Public Welfare Committee met on February 29, 2024 at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library at 55 West Lynde Street. Various updates were received by the Committee. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Public Welfare 2-29-24 Chair of the Committee is Councilor Judy Mack. Members are Councilors Calvin Brooks and Alek Dernalowicz. Chair Judy Mack said the plan is to have 4 meetings a year with half the departments each time, (thus each department will present twice per year.) Giving Reports were various Directors: Library – Stephanie Young, Veterans– Agent Lynette Gabrilla, Recreation – Youth Commission – Dan Forte, Cable Commission – Tim Josti, Senior Center – Council on Aging – Mike Ellis. The Historical Commission was scheduled, didn’t show, but will be invited to the next meeting. City Clerk Titi Siriphan was there too.
- Week 3-3-24 (3/3/2024)
Gardner MAgazine THIS WEEK – March 3, 2024 with the “Chair Man”
Charles Henry Allen Irwin Rogers, the “Chair Man”. voices Gardner MAgazine This week. In this periodic AUDIO magazine, you’ll hear about various events in the City of Gardner and the surrounding area. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
This Week March 3, 2024 More information about the news stories mentioned and links to further resources can be found in various articles on our home page.
Thank you for listening to Gardner Magazine This week. If you hear of news you think we should cover, please email News@GardnerMagazine.com
- Council 3-4-24 (3/2/2024)
Twin Gardner City Council Meetings on Monday March 4, 2024
The Gardner City Council meets on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 7pm to hear a District Update from State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik. Once available, we will post AUDIO of the entire presentation.
The Regular City Council meeting is at 7:30pm. Here is the complete agenda and packet, CLICK HERE AUDIO will be posted once meeting is held.
Mayor has details on City Property Damage as a result of the windstorm of 2-28 to 2-29. Photos of the Fire Station roof damage are included. Photos of damage to a City-owned building at 73 Stuart Street are included. The Flagpole in front of City Hall was damaged as well. Also included in the packet is the 2022 Fire Department Audit in which the roof was referenced as an item needing repair.
Brad Heglin is expected to be sworn in as a Councilor-at-Large. In accepting the position, he wrote, “I have received your correspondence regarding the vacancy on the City Council, specifically for councillor-at-large. I write to inform you that I humbly, though with heavy heart over former Councillor Ron Cormer’s passing, accept this position.”
Another Open Meeting Law complaint by Paul DeMeo – He filed a complaint about the City Council’s reaction to his previous complaint about Executive Session Minutes. Publisher’s note: In reading DeMeo’s latest complaint in an attempt to present facts to our readers, we had a tough time navigating the sense of DeMeo’s logic, on its face his complaint just doesn’t appear to make any sense. So we’ll post his exact document here to see if any of you can figure out what his issue is: View attached pdf, CLICK HERE. Let us know, maybe some of you can decipher it.. News@GardnerMagazine.com
Other items to be discussed: Zoning Amendments: Add Sports Betting to Table of Uses and Increase Quota of Marijuana Establishments and the decision on whether to appropriate $625,000 from Stabilization for DPW Salt Shed.
Appointments being considered. The City Council is considering a long list of appointments made by Mayor Nicholson. Listen to the most recent Appointments Committee Meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY
Appointments Committee 3-1-24
- Update 3-1-24 (3/1/2024)
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 is Election Day. Complete information from the City of Gardner, CLICK HERE
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson with his First Update of March 2024
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson updated the City of Gardner on March 1, 2024. Listen to the update on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update March 1, 2024 The Mayor gives a detailed account of the roof damage at the Gardner Fire Station as a result of wind. A temporary emergency repair has been made to keep the roof stable and a more permanent solution is being considered. The Mayor stated, “I do want to stress that no firefighters were injured as a result of this, nor was any equipment damaged as a result of this. It’s just one of those fluke incidents that happens just because the wind blew the right way at the right time and hit the right spot of the roof.”
The Mayor thanked DPW for work on a water main break which occurred on Leo Drive.
Mayor Nicholson has been sworn in as a member of the Governor’s Transportation Task Force. SEE ARTICLE on this.
Brad Heglin will be sworn in as a Councilor-at-Large at the next City Council meeting. The Mayor spoke of various appointments he has before the Council and that several dozen ordinance changes will be addressed in April.
Events: Thursday, March 28th is a Status of Women Public Hearing at MWCC from 5:30pm to 7:30pm —Dog license applications are due by April 1st to avoid a fine or penalty. Keep Gardner Beautiful is Saturday May, 4, 2024. — Gardner Food Truck Festival is Saturday July 13, 2024 from noon to 7pm on the front lawn of Gardner City Hall. —
- Health 2-26-24 (2/28/2024)
Gardner Director of Public Health Micah Blondeau Gives Report at Board of Health Meeting
The Gardner Board of Health met on February 26, 2024. Listen to the entire meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Board of Health 2-26-24 Vaccination Clinics are being set up for children sheltered in Gardner who need them. Director Blondeau has received public information requests regarding PFAS testing. He stated that the City doesn’t currently do that. “It’s not a legal requirement to fill, and they did request all water testing results, which I sent to them.”
Blondeau stated that the April Wellness Fair is April 17th from 5 to 7pm at Gardner City Hall Perry Auditorium. Publisher’s note: Last year the event was originally scheduled in March, but had to be postponed to April due to a March 15th snowstorm. Last year’s article, CLICK HERE.
The Annual Report on the Transfer Station had a few concerns. Two groundwater monitoring wells have been broken since 2017. “and they’re really wanting to get those fixed. We’re going to be working on that. And then we have more erosion on the south side of the landfill.” He is also having some lab testing changed. Blondeau stated cost of repairing wells at $20,000 and cost would be $50,000 for the erosion control project.
The Housing Inspector who was hired is no longer working for the City. Blondeau plans to leave it vacant until after the union negotiations happen. “finished by the end of March.”
Director Blondeau met with Assistant Attorney General Janice Beatty last week regarding abandoned properties. “And we did go look at five abandoned houses that they offered us to do an inspection on. So they’re going to evaluate those for suitability to either put them into a receivership or get the property owner to come back into compliance.”
An inspection was scheduled this week at the Waterford School kitchen licensed to Growing Places “so they can start running test batches and figure out how things go.” And, he reported that some residents are putting trash in the recycle bin. E.L. Harvey has been dumping it in the trash truck, “What they’re supposed to do is tag it and mark it and not pick it up so that the resident knows they can’t be doing that.”
- Hotline Radio (2/24/2024)
WGAW is heard on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and from anywhere in the world on its 24/7 live stream, CLICK HERE.
Hotline Radio aired Saturday February 24, 2024 from noon to 2pm on WGAW Radio
Gardner Mayor Nicholson appeared on Hotline Radio and discussed various projects in the Chair City. Various grant applications are being pursued and decisions on those applications are awaited. City is awaiting a decision on a grant application for a new playground at Ovila Case. The City has already appropriated its matching portion.
The first stage of the Rear Main Street Project will include an oval park with raised benches, water fountain, a food truck parking area, and events plaza as well as numerous parking spaces. When the 5 story, 100 unit housing development is eventually built, additional parking specific to that structure will be constructed.
Much misinformation is being put out on Social Media with regard to the Waterford Street School and the Mayor wanted to provide correct information. For example, no City check is being written to GAAMHA or will be written to GAAMHA. Minutes of the Executive Session regarding Waterford are available at the City Clerk’s office or via email with a records request. Gardner has been in communication with the Attorney General’s office and the Inspector General’s office to make sure all construction is in compliance with applicable law.
Regarding plans for the School Street school: current plans are to eventually tear down the building and create an additional parking lot for the adjacent park and playground – grant funding is being sought.
A long highlight from the recent Breanne Pennington vigil was aired.
At the beginning of the second hour of the show, host Steve Wendell announced that there were some technical difficulties and that it appeared that the computer system at the radio station might have been hacked. Programming did continue with an ABC Perspectives presentation on the status of Ukraine, various matters concerning Donald Trump, cellular phone disruption this week, IVF treatments, and SORA by Open AI which can produce realistic video fakes.
- Elections 2024 (2/23/2024)
Key Dates and Info for Elections 2024 in Greater Gardner MA
March 5, 2024: Presidential Primaries Statewide – Polling Hours 7am to 8pm
September 3, 2024: State Primaries for U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Governor’s Councillor, State Senator, State Representative, Register of Deeds, Clerk of Courts, County Commissioner (certain counties only) Polling Hours 7am to 8pm
November 5, 2024: State Election for Electors for President and Vice President, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Governor’s Councillor, State Senator, State Representative, Register of Deeds, Clerk of Courts, County Commissioner (certain counties only), and additional local offices (certain cities and towns) Polling Hours 7am to 8pm
Visit your City or Town website for the latest and most accurate information specific to you regarding early voting etc. Here is a statewide list of election offices by City and Town with addresses, contact emails and phone numbers, CLICK HERE. Or view pdf, CLICK HERE.
- Planning 2-20-24 (2/22/2024)
Final Recommendations YES on Sports Betting and Marijuana Zoning Articles
The Gardner MA Planning Board is sending a final recommendation of YES for both zoning articles: adding Sports Betting to the table of uses, and allowing additional cannabis dispensaries in Gardner. Next step: City Council will approve or reject the changes at its next meeting.
Other Items: Private Oversight LLC was continued to next month. The public meeting regarding the definitive site plan of Rear Main Street off Derby Drive was discussed – the Rear Main Street Development Project. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Planning Board 2-20-24 - Double Council 2-20-24 (2/21/2024)
With the video of these meetings uploaded, the City of Gardner achieved a milestone of 1000 video uploads on February 21, 2024. City of Transparency Article, CLICK HERE.
Gardner City Council meets in Meeting Double Feature
The Gardner City Council met on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 for both an informal and a formal meeting. At the Informal meeting, the Council heard from Mayor Michael Nicholson, DPW Director Dane Arnold, and City Auditor John Richard regarding a request for $625,000 for a new DPW Salt Shed. The Mayor went over the various funding options which were considered. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Informal City Council 2-20-24 At the regular City Council meeting, various appointments were certified. City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas announced that Brad Heglin is willing to fill the vacant City Council seat – will be taken up at the next City Council meeting. Heglin was eligible for the vacant at-large seat because he got the next highest number of votes at the last election. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
City Council 2-20-24
- 1000 Videos (2/21/2024)
Gardner MA Reaches Milestone of 1000 Videos
The City of Gardner YouTube page has reached a milestone of publishing 1000 videos as of February 21, 2024.
The City of Gardner is noted for its transparency in government, providing videos of meetings, complete meeting packets, and an open online checkbook.
Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel prepared this commentary about the “City of Transparency”, Gardner, Massachusetts.
- Council 2-20-24 (2/18/2024)
Gardner City Council Holding Informal and Regular Meetings on Tuesday, February 20, 2024
The Gardner City Council meeting is Tuesday February 20th due to the Presidents Day Holiday. The Informal Meeting at 7pm concerns a request from Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson to appropriate $625,000 from Stabilization for a new DPW Salt Shed. The current shed is literally falling apart. Proposal is to build a new, 3 times larger shed across the street from the DPW administration building at 50 Manca Drive. DPW Director Dane Arnold wrote, “Having this additional storage volume will enable the DPW to stockpile enough salt to treat 12-15 storms. The DPW has already contracted with an engineering firm to complete the site plan design….” He also stated that the DPW would plan to do as much of the work in-house to reduce costs. View the Informal meeting agenda and packet, CLICK HERE.
The Regular Meeting of the City Council at 7:30pm will cover various appointments, approval of various items brought before the Finance Committee and a decision on the Salt Shed. View the Regular meeting agenda and packet, CLICK HERE.
The Gardner Finance Committee met on February 14th on establishing a special revenue fund for Waterford, the $50,000 grant received for putting a new hood in the kitchen and Veterans Services municipal agreements. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY at right.
Finance Committee 2-14-24
- Winchendon 2-12-24 (2/18/2024)
Town of Winchendon Holds Meeting with Select Board, School Committee, and Finance Committee
The lengthy meeting on February 12, 2024 concerned many budget matters and included a presentation by Interim Town Manager Bill McKinney on historic & projected expenses and revenues of the town. The amount of the increase in State Aid will be far less than usual and expenses are up considerably, so the Town Manager was there to share the figures with the various Boards so decisions could be made on how to proceed. The meeting also heard from School Superintendent Goguen on the School Budget. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Winchendon Select Board, School Committee, and Finance Committee 2-12-24 Moonlit Hikes in Winchendon, February 24th 7pm: “Join us at the Winchendon Community Park for our Moonlit hikes! Hikes to take place under the full moon! Meet at the parking lot and be lead on a trail hike.“
Winchendon Fall Festival – complete information on Town of Winchendon website, CLICK HERE.
- Sunday M.A.R.T. (2/17/2024)
MART New Sunday Schedule in Gardner MA
The Montachusett Area Regional Transit Authority has expanded service in Gardner in the past year with additional stops. The latest expansion includes Sunday bus service. The 1 hour route is completed 6 times beginning at 10am and ending at 4pm. All service is Fare FREE until July 1st (paid for by a State Grant.) For all MART information, please visit their website.
Sunday M.A.R.T. Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson is the Chair of the MART Advisory Board for the 2nd year in a row. He previously posted in part, “MART has re-vamped its marketing and outreach work, implemented student fare free travel, studied the effectiveness of current routes, invested in shelters and electric vehicles, and more. The Administration, staff, drivers, and all employees of MART are doing great work and I’m glad to be serving in this role again while this progress is happening“
- Ashburnham Master Plan (2/16/2024)
Ashburnham MA Working on Master Plan
As shown by these photos we took on February 15, 2024, the town of Ashburnham is a beautiful community. However, it is planning for its future in a big way. The Town of Ashburnham MA is working on its Master Plan. It has published a worksheet which asks interested citizens to “Please list any important needs, goals, or objectives that will define the future you want for Ashburnham (for each chapter of the Master Plan) PRINTABLE PDF.
Categories are: Services & Facilities, Circulation (Roadways and Transportation), Economic Development, Natural & Cultural Resources, Housing & Housing Production Plan, Land Use, and Open Space & Recreation.
The Town of Ashburnham Released the 2022 Raw Data in a 147 page pdf, CLICK HERE.
Here are pdfs of chapters being considered: Transportation —- Economic Development —- Services and Facilities —- Historical and Cultural —- Natural Resources —- Land Use — Master Plan Strategy
- Update 2-16-24 (2/16/2024)
Listen to the February 16, 2024 Mayor’s Update on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 2-16-24 Gardner Mayor Nicholson Updates the Chair City on February 16, 2024
The Mayor addressed the number of calls his office has received regarding the apartments at 42-52 Parker Street – They are market rate units. They are not being used for migrant housing.
Listen to the Update on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Events: Friday Fish Fry During Lent at Holy Spirit, corner of Lovewell and Metcalf in South Gardner. 5 to 7pm or until food runs out Separate Article, CLICK HERE —- City Hall closed Monday, February 16th for Presidents’ Day, City Council meeting will be on Tuesday. — It will be February vacation week next week in Gardner and Levi Heywood Memorial Library has plenty of programming options, and museum passes are available too. —- Music Man at MWCC starting February 23rd. —- Vigil for Breanna Pennington to be held Wednesday February 21st at 6pm. —- Presidential Primaries March 5, 2024.
News: Gardner Fire Department Awarded Safety Grant of $19,000. Separate Article, CLICK HERE. MART now offering Sunday services in Gardner. —- Assistant City Solicitor Attorney Charland passed away this week. — The Mayor explains a new resource available for grandparents who are raising grandkids.
- Interesting Rules (2/14/2024)
The Mayor is required each year to issue a proclamation proclaiming Patriot’s Day as Colonel Thomas Gardner Day. From the City Code, “Whereas history is prologue, and it is important that our children be cognizant of our past, especially the early sacrifices that established the freedom and democracy we enjoy today, annually, on or before the 19th of April, the Mayor shall officially designate Patriots Day as Colonel Thomas Gardner Day in the City of Gardner and shall cause a proclamation to be issued and read in all the schools of Gardner, to honor this patriot who died of wounds received during the Battle of Bunker Hill and for whom our beloved community was named.” Did you know that Gardner died at Bunker Hill on July 3, 1775 and his funeral services were attended by General George Washington. City Code
You Can’t be in a City Park from Sunset until 8am without permission from Director of Public Works. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Interesting Rules in Gardner – 2-14-24 Interesting Rules in the Chair City You May Not Know About
There are usually rules to cover almost everything and the City of Gardner is no exception. However, we thought it would be interesting to highlight some you might not know or think about.
Interesting Rules in Gardner Giving your dog junk food may subject you to a fine. (unless it’s in addition to good food)
“No owner of any dog shall fail to provide such dog with a sufficient quantity of wholesome, nutritious food and potable water; adequate shelter from inclement weather; a humane means of exercise; and the necessary veterinary care upon sickness, disease or injury.” City CodeThe City Engineer is the official authorized to issue numbers for houses and other buildings. Numbers must be at least 3 inches in height. If you don’t display a house number properly, you could be fined $20. City Code. Every March the Mayor appoints someone to measure lumber in the City. City Code The Chief of Police is the “Keeper of the Lockup” City Code The City Clerk is the Keeper of the City Seal. All deeds given by the City shall be sealed with the City Seal. City Code You can’t wear roller skates or user roller blades in the City of Gardner while visiting a cemetery. Fine is $5. If you get caught 3 or more times, the fine increases to $25 each time. City Code After you bring something to the dump, it becomes the property of the City of Gardner. So don’t throw away your gold bars by mistake. You can’t get them back! City Code You need a permit for a harangue in any street or public way within the City. A harangue is defined as lecturing someone at length in an aggressive and critical manner. Therefore, parents pay attention. If you’re going to lecture your child at length in public, get that permit first. It’s also needed for a parade or a public address. City Code Only 1 temporary storage unit can be placed on a property at any one time. So no more getting 10 dumpsters at a time folks! However, if the area is zoned industrial, the rule doesn’t apply. City Code If a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces dies, the U.S. Flag shall be flown at half mast on all City Buildings until burial. City Code Like to have a yard sale every week? Can’t do it. You’re limited to 4 days each year between the hours of 8am and 4pm. Register at least 48 hours prior to the sale with the Building Commissioner. And you can’t sell stuff for a neighbor, only your own stuff is allowed. However, recognized charitable, religious, or benevolent organizations are exempt. City Code You are not allowed to offend someone in public. “No person shall address any offensive, derisive or annoying word to any person who is lawfully in any street in the City of Gardner, or any other public place, nor deride, offend or annoy him, or prevent him from pursuing his lawful business, occupation or duty.” The fine is $50. City Code Graffiti Removal must be Supervised by the Police Chief or someone the chief designates. Fines for placing graffiti on property carries steep fines. City Code There is a list of streets on which any vehicle exceeding 2 ½ tons in weight can’t go except for local deliveries. The fine for not complying is $25 City Code You can’t be in a City Park, recreational area, cemetery, or land owned by the City of Gardner from sunset until 8am of the following day unless you get permission from the Director of Public Works. So don’t forget your “Dane Arnold Letter.” However, if the land is under the control or jurisdiction of the School Committee, you need written authorization to go there (from the School Committee) between the hours of 8pm and 7am. Given they meet about once a month, you’d have to plan ahead. City Code - Templeton 3-13-24 (2/14/2024)
Attorney General’s decision on warrant articles from November 2023 Town Meeting, CLICK HERE.
Warrant for the 2024 Templeton Annual Town Meeting Opened
The Select Board voted to open the Warrant for the 2024 Annual Town Meeting to Citizen’s Petitions at their meeting of February 14, 2024, and to close the Warrant on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 4 p.m.
Citizens wishing to submit petitions need to do so on or before March 13, 2024, at 4 p.m at the office of the Select Board. After it is delivered & time-stamped, the signatures shall be confirmed by the Town Clerk. More info will be posted by the town of Templeton here:
- Hotline 2-10-24 (2/10/2024)
A limited number of interview slots are available on Hotline Radio each week. Please contact Host Steve Wendell at (978) 632-1340 or email SteveWendell@wgaw1340.com. Wendell also tells us that the station provides slots for FREE Public Service Announcements to promote community organizations.
News from the HIT Hotline Radio Show on WGAW
On Hotline Radio, Saturday, February 10, 2024, host Steve Wendell spoke with Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas. She spoke about the Ribbon Cutting in Downtown Gardner at 42-52 Parker Street. She noted that Mass Ave Rentals was the company which had renovated the Goodnow Pearson Building years ago. Regarding other projects, “there just so much coming on the horizon…it’s really nice to see so much completion….if you build it, they will come.” Kazinskas confirmed that Brad Heglin will be offered the seat vacated by the death of Ronald F. Cormier as Heglin was the next highest vote getter for Councilor at Large in the last election. If he accepts, Heglin could be sworn in as early as the next meeting.
State Senator Peter Durant spoke regarding the State budget. “Revenues are falling short by a significant amount, doesn’t look good for the upcoming budget.” He also spoke about an issue regarding EBT cards because individuals can withdraw cash and use the funds to buy liquor and cigarettes instead of food for the family. Durant believes that the U.S. is heading towards a recession.
During a segment on the U.S, Border crisis, Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel commented on solutions for the Border Crisis, listen on any device, CLICK HERE.
Commentary on the Border – Werner Poegel Host Steve Wendell commented that we did have a period in our history where immigration was halted for a time so that the nation could adjust to existing new citizens.
Hotline Radio also covered topics regarding Joe Biden this week, Security at the Super Bowl, and the wild weather in California.
Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia appeared on the program and spoke about wells. PFAS contamination is a concern in many communities, but not in Fitchburg. Another publication had to issue a retraction. Recently, the Board of Health in the town Westminster lifted the moratorium on new wells. Regarding the proposed Anaerobic Digestion Plant: Cost is estimated to be about $270 million and is still in the discussion stage. The Mayor stated she would like to collaborate with the City of Gardner to help Gardner reduce costs.
- Airport Boost (2/10/2024)
Documentation on why regional airports like Gardner Municipal Airport help the Economics of the Greater Gardner Area
The Gardner Municipal Airport is located in Templeton, MA on land owned by the City of Gardner. It recently received millions in grants to fund brand-new runways and more. So what’s the big deal, what can an airport do to help the community? We have some facts below and AUDIO of the recent Gardner Airport Commission from 2-7-24 is right here. Progress at the airport is discussed. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Airport Commission 2-7-24 Airport has a big impact: To quote Aviation Pros “Some tend to overlook a significant economic driver for many less-populated areas of the country – regional general aviation airports. While these airports are small compared to those found in major cities, their economic impact is extremely significant. In fact, the general aviation industry generates $219 billion in total economic input and contributes $109 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product. The airports support 1.1 million jobs and allow America’s smaller communities to attract business and tourism.” Here’s the complete article, CLICK HERE.
To quote RAA News: ““The main finding is that small community air service generates a significant amount of economic activity in the U.S.,” Bill Swelbar, chief industry strategist for Delta Airport Consultants and the lead researcher for the Economic Impact of Small Community Airports study, told RAA’s Regional Horizons. “The numbers are pretty compelling. [Air service] is a really important driver of economic activity and jobs.” There are 570 small community airports in the U.S., and air service to these airports generates $134 billion of economic activity in the respective communities, according to the study. In addition, the 570 small community airports create 1 million jobs that generate $36 billion in wages and commensurate tax revenue to the states and communities that receive commercial air service. Here’s the complete article:
Research from North Carolina State University about the critical role general aviation airports play in driving economic growth, investment, jobs, and tourism. CLICK HERE:
From theMunicipal.com: The article documents the advantages of a municipal airport. CLICK HERE:
From Vox.com about how commercial air service facilitates economic growth: CLICK HERE:
A lesson on how airports help local communities prosper from ACKO.com CLICK HERE
From the New Hampshire Municipal Association about how local airports offer many benefits to New Hampshire residents: CLICK HERE.
From the FAA: FAA Support to Rural Communities including an explanation of the Airport Improvement Program, CLICK HERE.
And a lengthy report from over 30 years ago from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics estimating the regional economic significance of airports. We have it available here in pdf format, CLICK HERE.
- Garage Payoff (2/9/2024)
Mayor Nicholson indicated that if this first stage $3.6 million RAISE grant was approved, then next year the City would apply for the remainder of the $15 million for the full project. Details are on pages 39 to 51 of the City Council Agenda of 2-5-24
Meanwhile, the plan Mayor Nicholson has put in place is for the 3rd party contractor to search for other available grant funding. More grants means less cost to taxpayers.
Gardner MA Mayor Nicholson’s Bet for the City may pay off BIG
If approved, the $15 million RAISE discretionary grant from the United States Department of Transportation would mean the $60k bet the City Council made on a 3rd party grant contractor would pay back 250 times the approved budget on this project alone. The City of Gardner has received tens of millions of dollars in grant funding since Michael Nicholson became Mayor and more miles of road have been paved in the last 3 years than in a decade. It’s is a trend the current Mayor is hoping will continue with this 2 stage grant for a West Street multi-level parking garage intended to solve expected parking issues due to growth in Downtown Gardner.
The City Council on February 5th approved a resolution which takes the City to the first step, a $3.6 million dollar grant. According to Mayor Nicholson, “ What this covers is a full parking study of the downtown. This goes from everything to do we stay with parking meters, do we move with kiosks, is there a different type of technology out there that we can use or should we move through just free parking in general? Additionally, the completion of the work on Rear Main Street. We do anticipate that the groundbreaking for the project will take place sometime this calendar year. However, there are some cost overages that we are anticipating with that, so applying for the funds to finish out that project so that the additional items that were cut from the original design can now be added back into that design, and, the funding of a full design of a four-story parking garage above the West Street parking lot.”
- Appointments 2-9-24 (2/9/2024)
Council on Aging members were praised by the Mayor, Senior Center Director, and City Councilors.
Gardner Appointments Committee – Council on Aging Members Doing Terrific Job
Taking up appointments and re-appointments to the Council on Aging at its meeting of February 9, 2024, the Appointments Committee heard praises from all of its members including City Councilors Dana Heath, George Tyros, and Judy Mack. Also speaking positively were Senior Center Director Michael Ellis and Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson.
Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Appointments Committee 2-9-24 The Appointments Committee speaks with those who are seeking or who would like to continue positions within the City . Recommendations are then forwarded to the full City Council. Chair Councilor Tyros stated,“The purpose of this committee is to oversee the flow of appointments made by the mayor to various positions in city government in a thorough and transparent manner. Our aim is to ask questions and have discussions of these critical appointments, their duties, the work they do for the city, to better inform city councilors when this committee presents on recommendations to the council for their consideration.”
Mayor Nicholson said of Barbara Leblanc, “Mrs. LeBlanc has been a very strong member of the community. I remember her growing up when she was a lecturer at Holy Spirit Church and then has continued to really see her involvement with her family over at John’s Sports Shop and as a former school teacher. It’s really someone who I think is very fitting of the role, who knows the community and just understands Gardner.”
The Mayor said of Kathy O’Brien, “I’ve heard nothing but good feedback based on what Mrs. O’Brien has done in her tenure on the Council on Aging. It’s something like the director said, it’s a more active group now. And as we start moving towards planning for the eventual move to Waterford Street School, but still remembering that we still have a senior center that’s active before that move takes place. So things still need to happen now before the move happens. So it’s a planning and an action group at the same time.”
The Mayor said of Theresa Hillman (not present, so photo not shown) , “I don’t know when Mrs. Hillman started on the Council on Aging because I feel like she’s been there forever with all the work that she’s done. She’s continuously been re-appointed by several mayors in the past to serve on this role, and she continues to make an active part of the community. You saw that she is my appointee to the CAC’s board. She’s still the Recording Secretary for the School Committee, and she takes an active part over at the Senior Center through her role on the Council on Aging. So, I would really highly recommend her re-appointment to this role.”
The Mayor said of Gloria Tarpey, “Ms. Tarpey is very active in the community. She was, under the previous ordinance, a member through her role as the president of the Golden Agers Club. You saw my appointment of her as the president of the Golden Agers come through last week, as is required by their bylaws. But where we changed the ordinance,now she does have to come before the council for recommendation and approval. She’s really someone who’s been an active voice over at the Senior Center, active voice with the Golden Agers Club and the programming that runs through the Golden Agers Club.”
Councilor Judy Mack stated, “I just want to make a statement in general because we are concentrating on the appointments for the Council on Aging. That Gardner is extremely fortunate to have such a robust senior center with a myriad of programs. This along with a very strong Council on Aging. The Council on Aging role is to advocate for our senior population. It should be comprised of citizens who are committed to actively promoting and fostering the programs for our elderly and the community. Identifying the needs and interests of our seniors, encouraging them to attend programs, and educating them to different resources within the community. I want to applaud Mr. Ellis and Ron, the Chair of the Council on Aging, as well as the Mayor for his appointees that he has selected because we are very fortunate and I’m confident that our Council on Aging is in very good hands. So, I just want to appreciate that, you know, every appointee to this group in your role is very much appreciated by myself and the city.
- POEDM Launches (2/9/2024)
Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel launches POEDM.net. Visit the website, CLICK HERE.
Gardner Magazine Publisher Launches POEDM.net, Online AUDIO Commentary and Cool Art
This is a website in which I’ll feature AUDIO commentary which cuts through partisanship, presents solutions with simple common sense, and preserves the dignity of all people. We also feature some cool art for each subject. POE DM is AUDIO that matters. The goal: Present an opinion which contains a common sense solution to an existing problem or issue and provide fun visuals to see along the way.
Right now, you’ll see some COOL ART in dozens of categories. AUDIO commentary will be added gradually as I write and record it.
Right now, Enjoy dozens of categories of cool 3D Hologram Art in the categories of all things Government, Human Behavior, People Issues, Economics, the Planet, Policy, Oversight, and much more. Visit the Website, CLICK HERE.
- Council 2-5-24 (2/6/2024)
View Complete Meeting Agenda and Packet, CLICK HERE.
Swearing in and Fire Chief Lagoy taking a picture Gardner MA City Council Meets on February 5, 2024
The Gardner City Council paid tribute to long-time Councilor Ronald F. Cormier who recently had passed away. At the beginning of the meeting. some firefighters were sworn in and it was noted that the Fire Department was now at full capacity. Listen to the entire meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
The City Council approved taking the first step towards the possible grant for a 4 story West Street Parking Garage. The first grant request includes additional funding for the Rear Main Street Project. It also approved the first step towards the replacement of the roof of Gardner Middle School – a resolution in support of a State grant. Decision on funding for the Salt Shed, $625k, was referred to the Council as a Committee of the whole for further study and discussion.
With respect to the Open Meeting Law Complaint regarding Executive Session minutes, it was noted that the minutes are currently available.
The two Zoning articles were given more time as the final recommendation of the Planning Board will not be received until they meet on the issue.
Gardner Five Star Auto Sales got its license approval conditioned upon submitting a requested plan to the Building Department within 120 days.
- About Ron (2/4/2024)
Craig Cormier Shares Words About Ronald F. Cormier
Ronald F. Cormier passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024. His son, Craig Cormier posted a poignant statement with words of reflection about his father. Here it is in its entirety. CLICK HERE.
Craig Cormier wrote about his father, “As I’ve been thinking about him this week and how it’s at all possible to sum up a life so full, so well lived, one word kept coming to my mind. Better. Dad’s whole life was an endeavor towards Better.”
“How do we fill this gaping void he left in our hearts, in our community? The answer’s right there. We do what he’d do. Be better. Find better. We don’t need to be best. Best is hard. Best is narrow. Better. Better is easier. Better is attainable. A better parent. A better friend. A better son, a better daughter, cousin, colleague, teachers, leader. What better way to remember him.”
Read the tribute Craig Cormier wrote. Here it is in its entirety. CLICK HERE.
- Update 2-2-24 (2/2/2024)
Reminders: MART is Fare-FREE until July 1st — Excise taxes are due March 4th, contact tax collector’s office if you haven’t received a bill — Dog licenses need to be renewed by April 1st
In Weekly Update – Remembering and Reflecting on City Councilor Ronald F. Cormier
While he did cover some reminders and events, (see below), in his Weekly Update of February 2, 2024, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson devoted much of the time to remembering and reflecting on the public service of Councilor Ronald F. Cormier who passed away on January 28th. The Councilor had 4 decades of public service. Complete Article on Councilor Cormier, CLICK HERE. Listen to the update on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 2-2-24 Events: Health and Wellness Fair is April 17th — Gardner is setting up a brand-new Farmer’s Market at Waterford Street School, more information on this Facebook page, CLICK HERE. — Various ribbon cuttings are taking place in February.
- Assessors 1-30-24 (2/1/2024)
As could be depicted in a Disney Movie. Lean (But Not Mean) Gardner Board of Assessors Releases Not one Lien, but Two
City Assessor Christine Kumar and Member Paulette Burns met on January 30, 2024. It was a “lean” meeting without Chairman Charles LeBlanc. However, they had the means to release 2 “liens” on a property which according to Kumar“ has not been in Chapter land for a few years, but the two liens remain. John Flick contacted me and we both agreed that there is no reason that the liens need to remain on the property.” The release documents were 14 pages long would would be recorded at the Registry of Deeds after being notarized. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Board of Assessors 1-30-24 In addition, the meeting included “warrants and commitments for the auditor and then for the treasurer collector’s office.” And they said to each other, “You did pretty good, girl. Well, thank you, ma’am. Sometimes it’s tough to keep everything straight, I will admit.”
Publisher’s note: No assessors or Board members were harmed in the writing of this story. However, we are certain that readers will never recover from our ridiculously silly humor, as “lean” as it is. When you see Christine Kumar, tell her how much you appreciate her important work.
- Operation – 2024 (1/31/2024)
COMPLETE Interview page with text of all questions and answers and added graphics, CLICK HERE.
Operation: Projects 2024 – an Interview with Mayor Nicholson
Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel asked Mayor Michael Nicholson about various projects contemplated for 2024. Listen to the interview on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Operation: Projects 2024 – Interview with Mayor Michael Nicholson January 30, 2024 We spoke to the Mayor about various City-owned properties. We spoke about the City response to weather. The Mayor informed us regarding staffing issues and budget issues. He is open to alternatives regarding the Sludge Landfill but notes that options are limited. The Mayor has hired an Executive Aide who will be starting in May after graduating college, just like the Mayor himself did. We spoke about ongoing projects in the City. And, we asked the Mayor about the Boards and commissions to which he belongs and some recent honors.
COMPLETE Interview page with text of all questions and answers and added graphics, CLICK HERE.
- Executive Aide (1/30/2024)
Katie Jablonski, Executive Aide to Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, starting in May. She was the first intern at his office.
Gardner Mayor Nicholson Selects New Executive Aide, Starts in May
It’s somewhat like history repeating itself. Mayor Nicholson was offered an Executive Aide position by former Mayor Mark Hawke in the summer of 2016 and began the job the following Spring when he graduated from UMass Amherst with his Master’s Degree.
The Mayor’s first intern, Katie Jablonski has accepted the position as Mayor Michael Nicholson’s Executive Aide. She will start that role after she graduates from Endicott College in May. Mayor Nicholson in our “Operation: Projects 2024” interview stated, “I’m really looking forward to bringing Katie back to the team, as someone who started out as an intern in this office….we’ll get her back here in May and do a full introduction of her at that time.”
Mayor Nicholson and interns
- Cormier Passing (1/30/2024)
Gardner City Hall posted, “On behalf of all of us at Gardner City Hall, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of City Councillor Ronald Cormier who passed away this weekend. Mayor Nicholson has directed that the Flag of the City of Gardner, located Downtown, be lowered to half-staff in memory of his decades of service to the City.”
Complete statement by Mayor Nicholson, CLICK HERE. —- Complete Obituary, CLICK HERE
Publisher’s Note: “So honored to have met Ronald F. Cormier. A truly inspiring man who lived a life of service to his community. A man who thought before he spoke. And a man who kindly spoke of what he thought. He will be missed.”
City Councilor Ronald Cormier Passes Away – Funeral to be Saturday
Gardner Magazine is sad to report that City Councilor Ronald F. Cormier has died. He is the father of City Councilor Craig Cormier. Councilor Cormier passed away on Sunday, January 28th. Service is on February 3, 2024 at 11am at Annunciation Parish.
Mr. Ron Cormier has had the honor of serving ten terms as a Councilor at Large, and previously served Ward three as its councilor for sixteen years. He had begun his 11th term in January. During his tenure he has served on all council committees and served several terms as Council President.
Mr. Cormier has also served the city in a number of other capacities over the years. He was a member of both the Airport Commission and the Municipal Grounds Commission. He was a long time member of the Gardner Redevelopment Authority and served as the Chairman of the Authority at the time of his death. Mr. Cormier was also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Levi Heywood Memorial Library and served as the Clerk of the corporation. He previously served in the capacity of Chairman of the Board for the House of Peace and Education (HOPE).
Mr. Cormier leaves his wife, the former Marcelle Coulombe, two adult children, Pamela Cormier Autery of Centerville, MA, and City Councilor Craig Cormier of Gardner. He also leaves five wonderful grandchildren.
Gardner will miss Ronald F. Cormier, a true public servant and a great man.
Mayor Nicholson on the Passing of Ronald F. Cormier
In his order on lowering the flag of the City of Gardner in memory of City Councilor Ronald F. Cormier, Mayor Michael Nicholson wrote, “Councilor Cormier was a strong advocate for the residents of this City and a true friend to many. To me, personally, he was a colleague, mentor, friend, and my former principal at Holy Rosary School during my middle school years. To others he was an educator, an elected official, a smiling face in the turkey dinner line at the annual Holy Rosary Bazaar or poutine factory, a pilot, an avid boater, an elected official, and most importantly, a loving pépère , father, and husband.”
The Mayor continued, “Aside from his work in public service, he also worked as an ardent advocate for education serving on the school board of Holy Rosary School and Holy Family Academy for several decades, including serving as the school’s interim principal for a brief period with his wife, Marcelle. However, his work in the public sector and his volunteer service in promoting Catholic education in Gardner were tied to each other through his work as the director of the J. Ulysse Cormier Government Program. Councillor Cormier knew how important it was to instill a sense of civic responsibility in our students and truly put his heart into this program to inspire students to get involved. He was often quoted as saying, “the goal of this program is not to get you to run for office, but to remind you how important it is to vote, and to know how to learn about issues when they come up when you are older. My goal is to make you an informed and educated citizen.” However, these efforts did prove fruitful with several of the former students of this program running for office and making a difference – including his son, City Councillor At-Large Craig Cormier, Councillor At-Large George Tyros, and myself as mayor.”
Mayor Nicholson also wrote, “I feel confident in saying there is not a single aspect of this City, a project or initiative undertaken by its government, or an idea that was brought up in the last four decades that did not have his advice, input, or impact on. The impact he has had on Gardner is something that will be felt by generations after him, because he saw this City, believed in it, and knew what it could accomplish and be for the people who lived here.” Complete statement by Mayor Nicholson, CLICK HERE.
- Winchendon Meeting (1/29/2024)
Winchendon Town Meeting will be Monday, May 20, 2024 at 7pm, to be held at Murdock Middle High School. The Town Manager’s office will be accepting warrant articles through Monday, April 8, 2024 until 5pm. Any questions, call the Town Manager’s office at (978) 297-0085 extension 5.
- Westminster Newsletter (1/29/2024)
Town of Westminster with a First Edition
The Town of Westminster MA has announced the First Edition of a newsletter to keep residents better informed. Volume 1 is 10 pages long, CLICK HERE for pdf. Community Services Director Audra Kirtland wrote, “We invite you to be an active part of this journey; to share your stories, milestones, achievements, and thoughts. Let’s work together to make this newsletter a place to come for insight and information.” It is a source of a huge amount of information.
- Durant – Westminster (1/29/2024)
Senator Peter Durant will hold office hours at Westminster Town Hall, Room 112 on Monday, February 12, 2024 from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.
- Warwick Elections (1/29/2024)
The town of Warwick has its new website up and running. Here is some information on the Street Lists and Upcoming election dates, CLICK HERE. For general Warwick information including meeting schedules and minutes, CLICK HERE.
- Durant – Templeton (1/29/2024)
State Senator Peter Durant will be hosting district office hours at Templeton Town Hall, 160 Patriots Road, East Templeton from 11:30am to 12:30pm on Monday, February 12, 2024. Residents are welcome to stop by. For any questions, please contact the senator’s office at (617) 722-1540.
- Rutland 2024 (1/29/2024)
View information for the upcoming 2024 Rutland Elections on the town of Rutland website, CLICK HERE.
- Royalston Elections (1/29/2024)
Nomination papers are available for various town positions are are due back no later than February 12, 2024 by 5pm. You can see the town clerk Wednesdays from 10 to 2 at Whitney Hall, 5 School Street in Royalston. For more details, CLICK HERE.
- Princeton Elections (1/29/2024)
The deadline to register to vote at the March 11, 2024 Special Town Meeting is Friday, March 1st at 5pm. The Special Town Meeting is at the Thomas Prince School, 3-11-24 at 6:30pm. More information will be posted here when available, CLICK HERE. The 2024 Political Calendar is posted here, CLICK HERE. Nomination papers for various offices will be available at the Town Clerk’s office on Tuesday, February 20th. Various deadlines are posted on the 2024 Political Calendar linked to above.
- Petersham Clinic (1/29/2024)
Petersham Rabies Clinic 2024 is taking place on Sunday February 17, 2024 at the 31 South Street Highway Barn. Details and a form at this link, CLICK HERE. Petersham is also inviting residents to a Public Forum related to the town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan – Saturday February 3 from 2pm to 4pm in Lower Town Hall. More details and a flyer, CLICK HERE>
For other Petersham information, here is a link to the town website, CLICK HERE.
- Orange News (1/29/2024)
The Town of Orange has announced that the public may now view property valuations for the Fiscal Year 2024. CLICK HERE. Orange wants to lease the Orange Boathouse for the operation of a Kayak and Canoe Rental Concession and has information on Request for Proposals. Must be in by January 30, 2024 by 2pm.
- Oakham Events (1/29/2024)
For various events upcoming in the town of Oakham including a special meeting on the Fiscal 2025 budget, CLICK HERE.
- New Salem Meeting (1/29/2024)
A Special Town Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall Annex, 24 S. Main St. to approve a new five-year bus contract for Swift River School and to pay prior years’ bill. Here is a link to the town of New Salem website, CLICK HERE.
Here is information on the 2024 New Salem Town Election, CLICK HERE.
- Hubbardston Coffee (1/29/2024)
The Town of Hubbardston is having “Coffee and Community Conversations” Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 8:30 to 9:30am at the Stars and Stripes Diner. Hubbardston Town Administrator Nathan Boudreau will be there to connect with residents over coffee. For more information, CLICK HERE.
- Hardwick 2024 (1/29/2024)
2024 Election Information: The 2024 Town Election is Saturday, May 4, 2024. The last day to obtain and submit nomination papers to the Board of Registrars for certification is Friday, March 15, 2024 by 5pm. For more information, CLICK HERE.
- Barre Candidates (1/29/2024)
For the 2024 Annual Town Election: The Town of Barre has posted nomination papers which have been taken out and returned. CLICK HERE.
- Ban 1-27-24 (1/27/2024)
City of Gardner Announces Lengthy Parking Ban
Due to forecast inclement weather, parking ban is from Saturday January 27, 2024 at 10pm through Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 6am.
Parking ban Saturday starting at 10pm.
Parking ban all day Sunday.
Parking ban all day Monday.
Parking ban through Tuesday at 6am.
Mayor Nicholson advised that on Monday it will be decided if the ban can be shortened.
In a communication to the Gardner City Council and the media, the Mayor wrote, “We ask that you please limit all travel to only that which is necessary during that time to allow crews adequate space to clear the roads. There will be a municipal parking lot ban from 6am to 9am on Tuesday, January 30th to allow crews to clear the lots after the streets are completed.” And in explaining the length of the ban, the Mayor wrote, “Due to the City being down 9 DPW staff members (ie 9 plows) and the significant length of the storm not just for snow but also for icing conditions that require salt, the ban is much longer than usual. We will be monitoring the weather and if the ban is able to be shortened, that call will be made on Monday. However, out of an abundance of caution and in the best interest of public safety, this timeline has been issued. “
- Update 1-26-24 (1/26/2024)
Gardner MA Mayor Michael Nicholson Does Update Outside of Dilapidated DPW Salt Shed
Mayor Nicholson’s Update on January 26, 2024 included him pointing right at the DPW’s Salt Shed which is almost falling down. The Mayor explained, “We have a lot of issues with this building. Not only can you see that the walls are quite literally being propped up and are still falling apart, what you can’t see is the several holes that are also in the roof. And when it rains outside, as you can imagine, water and salt don’t mix well with each other, and we actually sometimes have to take equipment to break the salt up because it hardens together after it rains.” A proposal for a new salt shed will be going before the City Council. Projected cost is $625k. Listen to the update on any device. CLICK PLAY.
The Dam: The Mayor spoke about work on the Dam and held up a flyer. The Wayside Dam Replacement Project will have a public comment period before the dam is repaired in conjunction with the Army Corps of Engineers. Mayor Nicholson stated, “Rob Oliva, our city engineer, will be happy to talk to you about any of the aspects of why this dam needs to be repaired, what this dam controls,…”
Trahan Visit: Mayor Nicholson spoke about Congresswoman Trahan’s visit to Gardner this week during which she saw the Community Health Center facility, the automotive campus of MWCC located on Linus Allain Avenue, and the Gardner Municipal Airport. A ribbon was cut at the airport to celebrate the completion of the runway and taxiway, and the administration building.
Voting: The Mayor spoke about early voting and voting by mail and outlined some dates which are on the City of Gardner website.
Gardner MA Events: Music Man at MWCC on February 23 and 24th, March 1st and 2nd at 7:30pm and March 3rd at 2pm. —– Sunday, February 18th, the PACC is hosting a full Polish meal from 11am to 2pm, price is $15. — Gardner Fire Department is holding a fundraiser for Henry, a child undergoing chemo treatments. (See separate article). —- Vigil for Brianna Pennington, murder victim, to take place on Wednesday February 21st at 6pm in Perry Auditorium at Gardner City Hall — Sunday, January 28th, Mass for City and local elected officials, at Holy Spirit Church of Annunciation Parish in South Gardner at 4pm
UPDATE: Due to the snow on January 28th, the Mass scheduled for City and local elected officials has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 4th, 2024 at 4pm at Holy Spirit Chapel at 50 Metcalf St in South Gardner.
- Service 1-23-24 (1/23/2024)
Public Service Committee Meets and Discusses Plans, Concerns, Projects, and Gets Answers.
The 1 hour+ meeting is filled with detailed questions and answers about many topics Gardner residents have asked about. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DPW Director Dane Arnold discussed the pay situation, stating the Gardner pays a typical DPW worker $2 less with truck drivers getting $6 less than other communities. Current union contract runs through June 30, 2024 and he would like to negotiate new contract with higher pay rates for DPW workers. The salt shed is on the capital improvement list – If Mayor finds the money, DPW will do the actual site work to save City money. Director Arnold spoke about the contractors which have recently come on board and mentioned that he hired his first staff member with a CDL license in about 5 years.
Engineer Rob Oliva discussed various projects including the Uptown Rotary, dam, the rail trail and pedestrian bridge, storm drainage, and the Sludge Landfill expansion. Oliva and Arnold answered some detailed questions from the City Councilors. Oliva stated that the Sludge -Landfill expansion, in the middle of permitting and design – MEPA has asked for public outreach sessions, coming up in near future. Then final impact report gets submitted. The City of Gardner is still in favor of an expansion, but is open to alternatives as technology changes and/or becomes available.
Conservation Agent Douglas Dillon reported on the irrigation upgrades at the Municipal Golf Course. Crystal Lake water will be protected. 1010 Green Street is expanding a substation fence. North County Land Trust will be doing some habitat restoration work in the Keyes Street area. The 170 Mill Street site project is impacted by problem with a dam which would cost an estimated $1.2 million to address.
- Trahan 1-23-24 (1/23/2024)
Congresswoman Lori Trahan visits Gardner MA to view some projects on January 23, 2024
In the photos: Congresswoman Trahan is shown presenting a ceremonial check for $350,000 to Mount Wachusett Community College, standing outside of Community Health Connections with a group of people including local officials, and presenting a ceremonial check for $5,052,810.00 to the Gardner Municipal Airport for Runway and Building Improvements.
Mayor Nicholson posted, “Thank you to Congresswoman Lori Trahan for spending most of the day in Gardner to see some of the projects receiving federal funding. From the new Community Health Connections facility to discuss their growth and services, to Mount Wachusett Community College’s new automotive location where a $350,000 grant was presented for new lessons on electric vehicle technology, to the Gardner Municipal Airport for the ribbon cutting and grand re-opening with new runway system and upgraded administration building…”
The Gardner Municipal Airport Project received about $5 million in Federal funding and about $500,000 from the State and the City of Gardner. Completed are runway improvements and an upgraded administration building. In process is a new Master Plan for which public input is still being sought. Chapters 1-3 were made available in October, and Chapters 1-4 were made available on January 18, 2024. View the 52 page draft plan here:
View Airport Commission page on City of Gardner website, CLICK HERE.
- Thibault-Munoz (1/20/2024)
How to contact Ward 1 Councilor David Thibault-Munoz: Email: dthibault-munoz@gardner-ma.gov — Phone: (508) 404-4365 Ward 1 Facebook Group, CLICK HERE.
Ward One Councilor Thibeault-Munoz Knocks on Doors to Serve Constituents
We spoke with Gardner MA Ward 1 Councilor David Thibault-Munoz about his role as a City Councilor and how he is addressing constituent concerns. Listen on any device.. CLICK PLAY.
Thibault-Munoz Interview 1-20-24 Councilor Thibault-Munoz explained that he knocked on over 300 doors while running for the Ward 1 seat and has a long list of things that residents would like to see addressed. He said, “The most important or pressing one right now has to do with drainage issues on particularly Cherry Street and Lawrence and Crestwood Ave. I want to see these issues of storm drain issues addressed, hopefully ahead of the spring and the big melts, because residents are impacted negatively by when water is not drained properly.”
The Councilor also spoke about concerns regarding speeding vehicles on Betty Spring Road. Other residents have raised concerns about potholes, trees, and certain fields in disrepair. He is in favor of increasing pay to DPW workers so vacancies can more easily be filled. We spoke about resources, taxes, and even addressing the affordable housing issue. Councilor Thibeault-Munoz will be serving on the Public Service Committee and intends to be accessible to constituents. He stated, “I believe that residents should hold their city councilors and other government officials accountable and that government officials should listen and have an open line with residents and their constituents.”
- Update 1-19-24 (1/19/2024)
Reminders: 3rd quarter real estate tax bills due February 1st. —- Dog licenses need to be renewed by March 1st. —- Route 3 new MART bus route begins and will cut loop time in half. —Tuesday, Jan. 23rd, Congresswoman Lori Trahan will tour automotive facilities at MWCC. — Also, Tuesday, Jan. 23rd, ribbon cutting at noon at Gardner Municipal Airport
Mayor wants to know: What are you looking for in the downtown? What are your concerns in terms of parking with the development we’re seeing here too? Are you interested in seeing some type of parking garage facility in Gardner? Do you want parking meters? Should we move to kiosks? Email Mayor@Gardner-MA.gov or call (978) 630-1490
Gardner MA Mayor Nicholson Delivers Update from Downtown Gardner Successful Project
Mayor Nicholson recorded his update in the kitchen of one of the apartments at 42-52 Parker Street. Only 8 of 29 units are still available with an occupancy date of February 1st. Listen to the update on any device. CLICK PLAY
Mayor’s Update January 19, 2024 The Mayor spoke of attending the Governor’s State of the Commonwealth Address with others from the City. He spoke of some funding programs which will affect the City in a positive way. One item mentioned was Mass Reconnect which provides free community college to those over 25 and has resulted in a marked increase in MWCC enrollment. He also stated, “That’s how last year over 50 students at Gardner High School graduated with both an Associate’s Degree and a High School diploma at the same graduation.”
The Mayor had some thanks “I want to thank, as part of that, the members of the Massachusetts Municipal Association for electing me to their board of directors, the members of the Massachusetts Mayor’s Association for electing me as one of the officers of the Mayor’s Association, and to Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Governor Maura Healey for appointing me to the local government advisory committee that advises the administration in Boston on different ways to really have the state help us out on a local level to make sure we’re getting the, you know, the biggest impact we can for the people who put us into office“.
Get info from the source, “Getting the information right here from the source is always the best way to go rather than finding the information somewhere on social media after a game of telephone with several different people. But if you have any questions on anything going on in the city at all, you can feel free to contact our office at any time and we’ll be answering those questions for you.”
- Hardern 1-19-24 (1/19/2024)
OFFICIAL Gardner Magazine Cartoon – Karen Hardern – Gardner City Councilor Ward 4 She Doesn’t Like Parking Meters But Loves Iced Coffee – She’s Karen Hardern
Gardner MA City Councilor Karen Hardern spoke with us about parking meters, public safety, and yes, her love for ice coffee. Listen to the interview on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Karen Hardern 1-19-24 Karen Hardern serves as Ward 4 City Councilor now just starting her 7th term. When asked about priorities for this year she stated, “I would like to see something done with the parking meters. As you might know, there are quite a few of them that just do not function anymore. They’re outdated, and there they sit. So they’re not of much use in that shape and form. Something really needs to be done….I would like to see those meters taken out.”
The Councilor says she likes to help people when they call, “That’s the part of the job, of the position that I love, is dealing with the people. That’s why I keep running. I want to help.”
Councilor Hardern is proud of the Sex Offender Ordinance she was able to get passed by the Council some years back. “that ordinance would, you know, make others think, hey, maybe I don’t want to go there. Maybe they will settle in another city or town as opposed to ours.” Karen Hardern complimented the Chief and Deputy Chief of the Police Department saying they are remarkable men. And she stated, “All the force, these police officers, God bless them. I mean, that’s a tough job in today’s world, and I think they all do the best they can at work“
Hardern’s biggest thing every day, “an iced coffee and a New York Post, because that’s what I like to read.”
- DeMeo Wrong (1/19/2024)
DeMeo Wrong – Gardner MA City Councilors Speak Out
Paul DeMeo appeared at a joint hearing of the City Council and Planning Board, alleging that the 2 zoning articles(re Sports Betting and Marijuana) were illegal. He also stated that Gardner is limited to only one pot dispensary. However, the record shows that while Councilor Dana Heath motioned for the City Council to send the 2 articles to the Planning Board, the City Council as a whole voted to send the two items to the Planning Board. In addition, current Gardner Zoning allows 2 pot dispensaries.
Gardner Magazine spoke with City Councilor Dana Heath on the issue. We also spoke with City Councilor Karen Hardern. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY
Interviews 1-19-24 Councilor Heath stated, “I don’t understand how an agreement could be made that there will only be one. …, we have a zoning agreement of two that I’m trying to change to four.”
Councilor Hardern stated, “I think Mr. DeMeo, and I’m not going to say anything too bad, but I think that he needs to do his homework more thoroughly before he does what he does or says what he says.”
- State Address (1/17/2024)
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey Delivers State of the Commonwealth Address
On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, Governor Maura Healy delivered a 56 minute address on the State of the Commonwealth. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
State of the Commonwealth – 1-17-24 The Governor thanked a number of people and stated, “the true strength of Massachusetts is our people“. Governor Healey spoke about progress in education. The Governor said, “our economy is strong – Massachusetts has more jobs than ever before, and unemployment has been at all-time lows. But we also know prices are high, and too many families have a hard time making ends meet.”
The Governor spoke about meeting goals, “Today, Massachusetts is more affordable, more competitive, and more equitable than it was a year ago….I truly believe Massachusetts is the best place in the world to live, work, go to school, and raise a family.”
- Triple Meetings (1/17/2024)
Gardner Magazine Official Cartoon of Calvin Brooks – entire City Council and School Committee coming soon.
And they met thrice: 3 Meetings of City of Gardner MA City Council January 16, 2024
with School Committee: Agenda/Packet. Meeting was held to determine representative to the Monty Tech Regional School Committee. Nominations were Calvin Brooks and Alexander Commodore. Calvin Brooks was appointed on a vote of 12 to 3. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
City Council – School Committee 1-16-24 with Planning Board: Agenda/Packet. Zoning issues – Trevor Beauregard spoke for the Planning Board stating the Planning Board recommended both the zoning item adding Sports Betting to the Table of uses and the item increasing the quota of marijuana establishments in the City. Paul DeMeo appeared and complained that the meeting was illegal due to his belief that a single City Councilor can not propose a Zoning Amendment, only City Council can in his opinion. However, at the time, subsequent to Dana Heath proposing both items, City Council did approve sending to Planning Board, rendering that argument moot. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
City Council – Planning Board 1-16-24 Regular City Council Meeting Agenda/Packet.– Calvin Brooks was sworn in as Councilor at Large. Various appointments were referred to the Appointments Committee. Zoning Articles referred to Planning Board for final recommendation. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Regular City Council 1-16-24
- Open Checkbook (1/17/2024)
Show Me the Checkbook – Gardner MA Has for Awhile
How much has Gardner paid for various expenses in the last decade? Show me the exact expense and the check number? And I want it now. Sounds like a request not easily achieved right? —- And you would be wrong. The City of Gardner is so transparent that you can see how every dollar is spent. Every dollar and every check going back to 2014. Now, how about that.
Here is the Open Checkbook: Click here to open the checkbook . Sort by category. Sort by vendor. You can even export the data to your favorite spreadsheet.
For more information on financial transparency in the City of Gardner, here is the financial transparency page, CLICK HERE.
And the City of Gardner says, “If you have questions about a particular transaction, please direct your question to the responsible department. “
- Triple Feature (1/15/2024)
Gardner MA City Council with Triple Feature of Meetings on Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Meeting a day later than usual due to the Monday Martin Luther King Day holiday, the Gardner City Council is having 3 meetings on Tuesday, January 16, 2024:
6:25pm – Joint convention with School Committee to pick Monty Tech Rep. Complete Packet CLICK HERE.
6:45pm – Joint Public Hearing with Planning Board on Marijuana and Sports Betting Zoning Items – Complete Packet, CLICK HERE.
7:30pm – Regular Meeting with a number of appointments and communications. Complete Packet, CLICK HERE
Publisher’s Note: Significant in the Regular Meeting packet above is a communication from Mayor Nicholson regarding paving in the City. The public should read this as the amount of careful planning is impressive. And most significant: in the last few years, more paving is getting done.
- Update 1-12-24 (1/12/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson with Thanks and Updates
Listen to the Update on any device. CLICK PLAY
Mayor’s Update 1-12-24 Mayor Nicholson thanked all involved with the recent Inauguration Ceremonies.
New Businesses: In coming weeks, Aldi, Chipotle, Five Below, Diamond Heart Studio, and Jersey Mike’s.
Events and Dates: Catholic Mass for the City, Sunday, January 28th at 4pm at Annunciation Parishes. Dog licenses now available, get those in by March 1st. Quarterly property taxes due February 1st. City Hall closed Monday for Martin Luther King Day. Official ribbon cutting at Gardner Municipal Airport is Tuesday January 23rd at 12 noon.
Plowing News; City has hired 4 outside contractors to help with storms. Some slots still available.
City Council Agenda: “Looks like a very long agenda when you see it, but I can tell you a lot of it’s just simple referrals that’ll be going out….There’s about 30 or so appointments.” Joint meeting of City Council and School Committee on Tuesday will select representative to Monty Tech. Another joint meeting is with Planning Board regarding the 2 zoning proposals. “And this is a public hearing on increasing the cap on marijuana facilities that are allowed in the city and putting sports betting into the city’s zoning table of uses.”
- Zlotnik Hours (1/8/2024)
State Representative Zlotnik Has a Slot for You in Gardner MA
Jonathan Zlotnik has posted new office hours for the New Year. The Regular office hours at Gardner City Hall are Monday 9am to 4:30pm, Thursday 9am to 4:30pm, and Friday 9am to 1pm.
Special office Hours are: Saturday 1-13-24 in Ashburnham at Stevens Memorial Library from 10am to 11:30am, Tuesday 1-16-24 at Gardner City Hall from 5pm to 7pm, Saturday 1-27-24 in Winchendon at Beal’s Memorial Library from 10am to 11:30am, Saturday 1-27-24 in Templeton at the Templeton Senior Center from 12:30 to 2pm
He also states that “Appointments Readily Available!” Contact information: jon.zlotnik@mahouse.gov Phone (978) 410-9559
View the article and listen to the recent interview with Jon Zlotnik on Housing, CLICK HERE.
- Kamuda Explains (1/7/2024)
Hotline Radio airs Saturdays from 12:10 to 2pm on WGAW AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and live streamed to anywhere.
Carolyn Kamuda Explains Abrupt Resignation from Gardner MA City Council in Hotline Interview
Carolyn Kamuda won election to the City Council in November, was sworn in on January 1st, but resigned on January 3rd. She appeared on WGAW’s Hotline Radio on January 6, 2024 where host Steve Wendell stated, “Tell us whatever you want to say about what happened.’
Kamuda stated, “I know there’s been a lot of rumors out there and it’s a good way to put it out to the public to somewhat clear up any rumors that may be going around. I kind of was very vague when I was talking to Lizzie Kazinskas as well as the City Clerk and a few other people about what actually was going on, but a lot of people watching my Facebook page since Thanksgiving know what I’ve been going through.”
Kamuda went on to explain that her friend Norman has a sister who had surgery at the beginning of December which turned very bad. “She had sepsis, she had blood transfusions, she’s now on a feeding tube and right now we’re just waiting to talk to another surgeon on Monday… it’s been quite an ordeal…taken a toll on my health as well as being stressful for him.”
Kamuda explained that she has a sister who became ill “and she was rushed to the hospital actually a couple of days ago with a pulmonary embolism. Those two things added a lot of stress to my life and I was actually looking forward to serving as councilor.”
And lastly, Kamuda explained that she has some personal health issues. “I also got a letter from my doctor saying that I have to see another rheumatologist because of some blood tests that I had. Many of the things that I’ve had in my life that have been fairly debilitating have been autoimmune diseases and it seems like that has come back again. Anything that has to be addressed and reducing stress is one of the major factors in that kind of reemerging in my life. I had gone into remission and now it’s come back again. So that’s the story in a nutshell.”
Our best wishes to Carolyn Kamuda, to her family, and to her friends. May 2024 end better for all.
- Zlotnik – Housing (1/5/2024)
No politicians were harmed in transforming Representative Jonathan Zlotnik in to the lovable Disney character shown.
The Man Who Cares About Housing – Interview with Jonathan Zlotnik
Jonathan Zlotnik Cares About Housing: We spoke about housing issues. Your State representative was literally working in Westminster and Winchendon on January 5, 2024 checking out the issue of crumbling foundations due to a mineral called pyrrhotite. Listen to the interview on any device. CLICK PLAY
Zlotnik Housing Interview 1-5-24 We learned about this particular issue which is affecting homeowners, sometimes decades after a house was built. In our interview, we also discussed the housing bill pending before the State Legislature. Representative Zlotnik described various projects going on in the District right now. He also discussed ways in which those having housing crises can get help by contacting his office which is on the 2nd floor of Gardner City Hall. We discussed the unique housing issues faced by the homeless and various solutions implemented elsewhere and which might be a local option if all the logistics could be worked out. And this major point: If you’re having a housing issue, contact his office and they’ll point you toward some help.
Housing Resources
Massachusetts Residents Against Crumbling Foundations, Website CLICK HERE —- Jonathan Zlotnik: State web page and contact information, CLICK HERE —- Gardner Emergency Housing Mission, website, CLICK HERE —- Gardner Community Action Committee, Website, CLICK HERE —- Gardner Housing Authority, website, CLICK HERE. City of Gardner website, CLICK HERE
- Update 1-5-24 (1/5/2024)
Inauguration Ceremony Held in Gardner MA – Complete Coverage
With pomp and circumstance, Gardner held its Inauguration at Perry Auditorium beginning at 6:30pm on January 4, 2024. Listen to the entire event on any device. CLICK PLAY
Complete Inauguration Ceremony 1-4-24 Dr. Stephanie Marchetti, the Executive Director of the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center did the welcoming remarks, Reverend Pastor David Trolongo of Chair City Church did the invocation, and the Reverend Father Thiago Rodrigues Ibiapina of Annunciation Parish did the Benediction.
City Clerk Titi Siriphan was there for the Certificate of Election and roll call of officials.
Musical performances are included by the Gardner Middle School Bobcat Select Chorus, the Greater Gardner Community Choir, and Surround Sound.
Speakers included City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas, Mayor Michael Nicholson, and State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik. Speeches are contained in AUDIO of entire event and are also available separately below.
Mayor Michael Nicholson spoke about the successes of the Chair City during the past couple of years and expressed a positive vision for the future. Listen to his speech on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Nicholson Speech
The Mayor thanked Judge Goldstein for his role in helping to bring the Veterans Treatment Specialty Court to Gardner, Dr. Marchetti for work at the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, various individuals, and City employees for their “top quality service to our residents.” The Mayor spoke about challenges, opportunities, and how “our efforts are bearing fruit.” He spoke about the various successes in the City including various projects and improvements. “We paved 20 miles of road, nearly a quarter of our entire City, in just the last 3 years.” The Mayor detailed the educational opportunities offered to Gardner students. He spoke about the over 50 businesses which have either newly opened or expanded and almost 20 buildings in Downtown under renovation. He spoke about transportation improvements in Gardner. The Mayor talked about improving City operations: “we made sure to break away from the that’s-how-we’ve-always-done-it mentality and see if there were updates that we could make to improve our operations. Regarding projects: “The most significant construction project we have ongoing for the new year is our continuing work renovating the former Waterford Street School location to house our new non-profit community center.” He also announced a name we didn’t know until now – Jersey Mike’s, a sub shop, will be opening in Timpany Crossroads Plaza this year.
City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas also spoke. The Council President spoke about cooperation among City Government and the achievements made as a result of that collaboration. Listen to her speech on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Kazinskas Speech
Kazinskas 1-4-24 Kazinskas stated “Mayor Nicholson, thank you for working alongside the city council and our city government. This is how it is supposed to work, and we have proven it in Gardner that it does work. We don’t have to agree all the time, but it is okay if we agree some of the time. We don’t have to respect each other, but we choose to do so. We can have different roles that serve different purposes in our city government and still share a common goal. Your strong commitment to transparency is appreciated, and I look forward to all that we as a City Council will accomplish together with you as our city’s mayor and our respective roles over the next two years.”
State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik delivered remarks. He stated of Mayor Nicholson. “If I can highlight one thing, it is Mike’s willingness to work with others, to put in the effort to take in other opinions. That really produces results, especially in the long term.” Listen to his remarks on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Zlotnik Remarks
Zlotnik Remarks 1-4-24 City Councilors and School Committee were there. Carolyn Kamuda was absent as she had resigned abruptly for personal reasons. Next highest vote getter Calvin Brooks was there. Per the City Charter, he’ll officially be a City Councilor at Large when elected at the next City Council meeting.
- Airport 1-3-24 (1/4/2024)
How Things are Flying at the Gardner Municipal Airport
The Gardner Airport Commission met in an information-packed meeting on January 3, 2024. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Gardner Airport Commission 1-3-24 The Gardner Airport Commission heard a Runway Update Report from a representative of Gale Associates Inc. who noted that the Gardner Airport has a non-standard runway for which the FAA may or may not require mitigation. The FAA also doesn’t like a certain fence which has a 5 foot retaining wall beyond it stating, “short of relocating the road, there’s really nothing we can do.” He also stated he wasn’t really worried about it.
There was a discussion about the Update of the Airport Master Plan. The commission approved a request to allow first 4 chapters of Master Plan to be forwarded to the FAA and put Chapter 4 on the website so public can view. There was a concern about an inaccurate aircraft count including a couple of aircraft which are in pieces.
Discussion revolved around the possibility of a restaurant at the airport in the form of a small Pilot’s Lounge. Discussions will be had with the Board of Health. Snow plows are ready to go for a possible Sunday snowstorm.
Discussion concerned possible issues with the septic system “field has been compromised in a big way.” It may have been destroyed by a loader going back and forth. One member accused contractor of possibly taking some loam. Other members suggested more research. The contractor will be contacted for insurance information so issue can be addressed. A Member stated “should be the responsibility of the contractor of whoever they hire to fix the damn thing.”
- Calvin is… (1/3/2024)
For complete results of all the races in the 2023 Gardner Municipal Election, CLICK HERE.
Calvin Brooks to be Gardner Councilor at Large After All – after Kamuda resigns
Following the sudden resignation of Carolyn Kamuda for “personal reasons”, Calvin Brooks will become a Councilor-at-Large because he had the next highest vote total. Brooks has 26 years experience in municipal finance and retired in June 2023 as City Auditor of Fitchburg. It is expected he will be sworn in and be seen at the next City Council meeting.
Calvin Brooks lost by only 13 votes in the official count, garnering 1683 votes to Kamuda’s 1696. Now, he will serve for the next two years.
At Large Councilor Official Vote Total Elizabeth Kazinskas 2094 George Tyros 1818 Judy Mack 1807 Ronald Cormier 1742 Craig Cormier 1722 Carolyn Kamuda 1696 Calvin Brooks 1683
- Driver Drive (1/3/2024)
City of Gardner MA Having Storm Contractor Drive
It’s a Plow Driver Driver Drive! Hoping to fill the needed roster before a possible Big Storm of 2024 arrives, the City of Gardner has raised its hourly rate for Snow Removal and Ice Control Contractors to a minimum of $95 per hour. This is about 50% more than last year! Forms, rate sheets, and additional information is available on request from the City Purchasing Agent Joshua Cormier via email at jcormier@gardner-ma.gov or DPW Director Dane Arnold via email at darnold@gardner-ma.gov.
Don’t have a plow truck yourself but can drive one? There’s good news. The City of Gardner is actually looking for full time truck drivers who do plowing and sanding highways as part of their duties. Here’s a link to more information, CLICK HERE.
When will the first plowable snow of 2024 be? If you know please email News@GardnerMagazine.com
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