Gardner meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Gardner boards hold hearings on wetlands, liquor, and zoning; no decisions finalized

No decisions were finalized at Gardner city board meetings over the past two weeks; all recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. The most significant items on the table included a wetlands permit amendment for New England Power, a special permit modification for a retail addition, and two zoning variance hearings.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission held a public hearing on Aug. 10 on a request to amend an existing wetlands Order of Conditions for New England Power Company, filed by BSC Group, Inc. The amendment seeks relief from conditions 29 and 30 under the Wetlands Protection Act and the city's wetlands ordinance. The commission also heard a request for tree removal at 282 Brookside Drive (continued from July 27) and a Notice of Intent for a contractor building at 170 Mill Street (continued from Sept. 25, 2023). Enforcement orders were on the agenda for the Sludge Landfill, 9 Crawford St. (monitoring), and a cease-and-desist at 86 Linwood St. New business included 400 Clark Street and DEP-160-0683 Conant Street.

License Commission

On Aug. 11, the License Commission considered two one-day alcohol permits for Moon Hill Brewing: an Oktoberfest event on Sept. 26 at Parker Street and Municipal Parking Lot (Maki Park), 10:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m., and a Farmers Market event at 62 Waterford St. on Aug. 15, 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. The commission also reviewed amendments to licenses for Four Season Chinese Cuisine (change of officers/directors and stock issuance) and South Gardner Hotel at 8 East Broadway (transfer of license and change of manager).

Planning Board

The Planning Board held a public hearing on Aug. 11 on a request from Izapa Stela 5, LLC, operating as The HeadyCo, to modify its special permit at 4 Lachance Street to add a retail point of sale.

Appointments Committee

On Aug. 11, the Appointments Committee considered confirming two mayoral appointments: Marielle Vega to the Youth Commission (term expiring July 24, 2029, uncompensated) and Darrell Sweeney as Inspector of Wires (term expiring July 24, 2027, paying $46.19 per hour, reporting to the Building Commissioner).

Zoning Board

On Aug. 18, the Zoning Board of Appeals held two public hearings: a variance request for setback relief at 623 West St. (Case 2026-07-01) and a special permit to reconstruct a nonconforming structure as a three-family dwelling at 172 Parker St. (Case 2026-07-02).

Other boards

The Airport Commission on Aug. 12 reviewed an environmental assessment and obstruction analysis by Gales Associates, Inc., an independent fee schedule, and the airport manager's report covering guard counts, fuel gallons pumped, and monthly expenditures. The Historical Commission on Aug. 18 reviewed an invitation to comment from EBI Consulting regarding a proposed telecommunications facility on Matthews Street (Project No. 260070706PR) and its impact on historic properties, along with updates on the Old Burying Ground Restoration and the Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System.

Coming up

• **Board of Assessors**, Aug. 24: will vote on FY27 real estate exemptions in executive session; also review of abatements (437 MV abatements totaling $65,089.20 processed since Jan. 1) and a request to destroy old files.
• **Conservation Commission**, Aug. 24, 6:30 p.m., City Hall Annex — hearings on tree removal at 282 Brookside Drive, contractor building at 170 Mill St., and the New England Power amendment, plus enforcement orders.
• **School Facilities Sub-Committee**, Aug. 26, 5:15 p.m., Room 201, 160 Elm St. — minutes and projects update.
• **School Finance Sub-Committee**, Aug. 26 — expense report review, projects update, gifts and donations.
• **Retirement Board**, Aug. 27 — approval of June 2026 cashbook and warrants, investment review, disability retirements, and actuarial valuation draft.

Gardner boards weigh budget transfers, wetlands relief, and licensing requests

Over the past two weeks, Gardner's boards and committees met to consider a range of items, from budget transfers and a police donation to wetlands relief and liquor permits. All meetings were agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published, so no final decisions are recorded.

City Council

The City Council met Aug. 3 to consider several measures. Among them: ordinances to increase financial transparency and oversight of professional development and travel; a transfer of bond proceeds from the Greenwood Pool Roof Replacement to the Perry Auditorium Window Replacement; a parking meter fee exemption for Blue Star Plates; acceptance of a $2,019.00 donation from Amanda Morse to the Police Department Domestic Violence Division; and appointment of Dennis Ashe as Plumbing & Gas Inspector. Also on the agenda was a Motor Vehicle Dealers License application for J and T Trailer Sales at 421 W Broadway. No votes were recorded.

Housing Authority

The Gardner Housing Authority held a special meeting Aug. 3 to discuss laundry facilities at senior properties, state training for the Board of Directors, and a power shutoff for the #103116 Stove Replacement Project.

Public Service Committee

On Aug. 6, the committee reviewed a National Grid petition to install a new joint-owned utility pole on Betty Spring Road. The City Engineer noted a clerical error in the petition's description—it says relocation but the plan shows new installation—and requested a corrected petition. No objection to the installation itself was noted.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission held a public hearing Aug. 10 on an amendment to an existing wetlands Order of Conditions for New England Power Company, filed by BSC Group, Inc. The amendment seeks relief from conditions 29 and 30 under the Wetlands Protection Act and city ordinance. The commission also scheduled hearings on a tree removal request at 282 Brookside Drive, a contractor building at 170 Mill Street, and enforcement orders for the Sludge Landfill, 9 Crawford St., and a cease-and-desist at 86 Linwood St. New business included 400 Clark Street and DEP#160-0683 Conant Street.

License Commission

On Aug. 11, the License Commission considered two one-day alcohol permits for Moon Hill Brewing: an Oktoberfest on Sept. 26 at Parker St and Municipal Parking lot (Maki Park), 10:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m., and a Farmers Market permit at 62 Waterford St on Aug. 15, 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Also on the agenda were amendments to licenses for Four Season Chinese Cuisine (change of officers/directors/LLC managers and stock issuance/transfer) and South Gardner Hotel (transfer of license and change of manager/director of LLC).

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee met Aug. 11 to consider confirming Marielle Vega to the Youth Commission (term expiring July 24, 2029, uncompensated) and Darrell Sweeney as Inspector of Wires (term expiring July 24, 2027, paying $46.19 per hour, reporting to the Building Commissioner).

Planning Board

The Planning Board held a public hearing Aug. 11 on a request from Izapa Stela 5, LLC, operating as The HeadyCo, to modify its special permit to add a retail point of sale at 4 Lachance Street.

Airport Commission

The Airport Commission met Aug. 12 to review an environmental assessment and obstruction analysis by Gales Associates, Inc., an independent fee schedule, and the airport manager's report covering guard counts, fuel gallons pumped, and monthly expenditures against budget.

Coming up

• **Zoning Board of Appeals** – Aug. 18, at City Council Chambers. Two public hearings: variance for setback relief at 623 West St (Case #2026-07-01) and special permit to reconstruct a nonconforming structure as a three-family dwelling at 172 Parker St (Case #2026-07-02).
• **School Finance Subcommittee** – Aug. 26. Routine business: expense report review, projects update, gifts and donations.
• **School Facilities Subcommittee** – Aug. 26, 5:15 p.m. at 160 Elm Street, Room 201. Approval of minutes and projects update.

Gardner boards weigh budget transfers, pool oversight, and enforcement hearings

Over the past two weeks, Gardner's boards and committees met to consider a range of items, but no final decisions have been published. The most consequential items under review include proposed transfers of bond proceeds and salary appropriations, a change in oversight of Greenwood Pool, and several enforcement hearings.

Budget and finance

The City Council and Finance Committee both took up measures to transfer FY2026 salary and operating appropriations. A key item would move bond proceeds from the Greenwood Pool Roof Replacement project to the Perry Auditorium Window Replacement project. The council also reviewed ordinances to increase financial transparency and oversight of professional development and travel, as well as a donation of $2,019.00 from Amanda Morse to the Police Department Domestic Violence Division. The Finance Committee additionally discussed an ordinance to create a regular review schedule for city rates and fees, and an order waiving downtown parking meters from December 1, 2026, through January 1, 2027. No votes were taken at either meeting.

Property and development

The Conservation Commission held hearings on a cease-and-desist order at 86 Linwood Street, a tree removal at 282 Brookside Drive, and an amended order of conditions for a 7,400-square-foot building at 827 Green Street. It also continued a notice of intent for a contractor building at 170 Mill Street. The Public Service Committee reviewed a National Grid petition to install a new utility pole on Betty Spring Road; the City Engineer noted a clerical error in the petition but had no objection to the installation. Upcoming hearings include a Conservation Commission wetlands amendment for New England Power on August 10, and a Planning Board special permit modification for a retail point of sale at 4 Lachance Street on August 11.

Housing and community services

The Board of Health scheduled hearings on a housing case at 161 Logan Street and a tobacco violation for A-1 Mart. The Gardner Housing Authority discussed laundry facilities at senior properties and a power shutoff for a stove replacement project. The Economic and Community Development Committee received updates on the Waterford Community Center, including $90,000 set aside for parking lot paving, a 90-day transition plan for moving the Senior Center, and relocation of Gardner Educational Television. The committee also discussed Maki Park accessibility violations and a delay in the Rear Main Street project until July 31.

Personnel and oversight

The Appointments Committee reviewed two measures from Mayor Nicholson to move oversight of Greenwood Pool operations from the Human Resources Director to the Youth Center Director. City Council approval is required for job description changes. The Retirement Board approved financial records for May 2026 and reviewed an actuarial valuation draft from Stone Consulting as of January 1, 2025.

Coming up

• **Conservation Commission** – August 10, 6:30 p.m., Hubbard Conference Room 203, City Hall Annex: public hearing on a wetlands Order of Conditions amendment for New England Power Company.
• **Planning Board** – August 11: public hearing on a special permit modification for The HeadyCo at 4 Lachance Street to add a retail point of sale.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** – August 18, City Council Chambers: two hearings, one for a setback variance at 623 West Street and one for a special permit to convert a nonconforming structure into a three-family dwelling at 172 Parker Street.

Gardner boards weigh budget transfers, cell tower variances, and housing plan as August meetings approach

Gardner's boards and committees covered a packed two-week schedule spanning budget transfers, zoning relief, housing authority planning, and conservation enforcement — though with minutes not yet published for any of the recent meetings, outcomes remain unconfirmed.

Finance Committee weighs $65,000 capital transfer and donations

The Finance Committee met July 24 and again July 29 to discuss transferring $65,000 from the Greenwood Pool Roof Replacement project to the Perry Auditorium Window Replacement project, along with transferring bond proceeds between the same two projects. The committee also reviewed a proposed ordinance to create a regular review schedule for city rates and fees, and an order waiving downtown parking meters from December 1, 2026, through January 1, 2027. Two donations were on the agenda: $2,019.00 from Amanda Morse to the Police Department Domestic Violence Division and $5,000.00 from Lynn Barrieau for Police Department Community Policing Programs. Minutes have not yet been published.

Zoning Board takes up cell tower cases at 677 Timpany Blvd

The Zoning Board of Appeals scheduled two public hearings July 21 regarding a multiple carrier cell tower at 677 Timpany Blvd: Case 2026-06-01 seeking Fall Zone Variance relief, and Case 2026-03-02(con) seeking zoning relief for the telecommunications facility. No minutes are available yet.

Housing Authority set to vote on 2026-2027 Annual Plan

The Gardner Housing Authority's July 23 agenda included a vote to accept its 2026-2027 Annual Plan, plus votes to approve Regular Meeting minutes from June 25, 2026, and Special Meeting minutes from July 15, 2026. Capital improvement projects listed for discussion included the Garwest Stove Replacement, Forrest Park Airsource Heat Pumps, and a Kitchen & Baths Renovation. The agenda also included an Invoice History Report for June 2026. Whether the votes passed is not yet documented.

Conservation Commission addresses enforcement and wetlands filings

The Conservation Commission's July 27 agenda featured an enforcement hearing on a cease-and-desist order at 86 Linwood St., a Request for Determination of Applicability for tree removal at 282 Brookside Drive, and a Request for amended Order of Conditions (DEP#160-0681) for a 7,400 sq ft building at 827 Green Street. A continued Notice of Intent (DEP#160-0658) for a contractor building at 170 Mill Street was also listed, along with an amendment to special conditions (DEP#160-0677) scheduled for August 10, 2026.

Appointments Committee reviews shifting Greenwood Pool oversight

Mayor Nicholson submitted two measures to the Appointments Committee on July 28: one removing Greenwood Pool operations oversight from the Human Resources Director's job description, and another adding those duties to the Youth Center Director. Proposed job descriptions were attached. City Council approval is required under Section 6 of Chapter 3 of the City Code.

Economic and Community Development Committee gets Waterford Center update

The committee's July 29 agenda included a 90-day transition plan for moving the Senior Center to the Waterford Community Center, relocation of Gardner Educational Television, and $90,000 set aside for paving the Waterford parking lot. Other items: the city's response to Architectural Access Board violations at Maki Park addressing accessible seating and route issues, the Rear Main Street project extended to July 31 due to electrical service relocations, and Greenwood Pool pavilion design at 75% with bidding anticipated in June. Multiple plans — master plan, surplus property plan, hazard mitigation plan, and housing production plan — were listed as due by June 30.

Other meetings

The Board of Health held hearings July 27 on Housing Case HOUS-26-59 at 161 Logan St. and a tobacco violation at A-1 Mart from an April 22, 2026 incident. The Retirement Board reviewed May 2026 financial records and an actuarial valuation draft from Stone Consulting as of January 1, 2025. The Planning Board discussed a retail services proposal from izapa Stela 5, Inc. The Golf Commission's August 3 agenda covers June 29 minutes and financials with no substantive decisions listed.

Coming up

• **Aug. 3 — City Council:** FY2026 budget transfers, financial transparency ordinances, bond proceeds transfer from Greenwood Pool Roof to Perry Auditorium Window Replacement, $2,019.00 donation acceptance, motor vehicle dealer license for J and T Trailer Sales at 421 W Broadway, and appointment of Dennis Ashe as Plumbing & Gas Inspector.
• **Aug. 3 — Gardner Housing Authority (special meeting):** Laundry facilities at senior properties, state board training, and power shutoff for the #103116 Stove Replacement Project.
• **Aug. 10 — Conservation Commission:** Public hearing at 6:30 p.m. in Hubbard Conference Room 203, City Hall Annex, on a wetlands Order of Conditions amendment filed by BSC Group, Inc. for New England Power Company, seeking relief from conditions 29 and 30.
• **Aug. 11 — Planning Board:** Public hearing on a special permit modification from Izapa Stela 5, LLC (The HeadyCo) at 4 Lachance Street to add a retail point of sale.

Gardner boards tackle salaries, licenses, conservation hearings in busy July stretch

Gardner's city boards and commissions covered a wide range of business in the first half of July, from a $205,127 salary transfer to liquor licenses, conservation hearings, and housing authority renovations. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so the items below reflect what was on each agenda — not confirmed outcomes.

City Council — July 6

The City Council was scheduled to vote on several financial and administrative measures. The largest item was a proposed transfer of $205,127.08 from the Mayor's Unclassified Salary Reserve to various General Fund salary accounts. The council was also set to consider adopting the City's Hazard Mitigation Plan, authorizing an intermunicipal animal control agreement with Hubbardston running July 2026 through June 2029, and authorizing Growing Places to make changes to the Waterford Community Center per its lease. A separate $4,016 transfer from the City Council Salary account to the Greenwood Memorial Pool for signage was on the agenda. The council was also slated to address two Open Meeting Law complaints filed by a resident.

License Commission — July 7

The License Commission had hearings on a one-day liquor license for Moon Hill Brewing for the Food Truck Festival on Pleasant Street on July 11, 2026, and an amendment for the Gardner Lodge of Elks #1426 to extend its premises to an outside area. Old business included amendments for the South Gardner Hotel at 8 East Broadway (license transfer and manager change) and Hannaford Supermarket at 21 Timpany Blvd (officer/director changes). The commission also planned to approve its June 9, 2026 meeting minutes.

Board of Assessors — July 8

The Board of Assessors was scheduled to review and sign June 2026 motor vehicle abatements, then enter executive session to discuss and vote on the FY27 Chapter Land application for Smith Street. The board did not plan to return to open session.

Conservation Commission — July 13

The Conservation Commission had a full agenda, including a joint public hearing on a notice of intent for construction of a contractor building and site improvements at 170 Mill Street. The commission was also set to discuss a PARC Grant for Ovila Case Playground upgrades and a water and wetland treatment notification and permit for Kendall Pond. Enforcement matters included an order for the Sludge Landfill at 36 Nicole Terrace and 282 Brookside Drive, plus cease-and-desist/enforcement order hearings for 86 Linwood Street and 9 Crawford Street.

Housing Authority — July 15

The Gardner Housing Authority held a special meeting to review a change order for the Kitchen & Baths Renovation capital improvement project (CIP 103139).

Redevelopment Authority — July 17

The Gardner Redevelopment Authority was scheduled to elect its officers, consider Parcel W17-15-1 on Linus Allain Avenue, and discuss Summit Industrial Park under §4.

Historical Commission — July 7

The Gardner Historical Commission met to update the Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS) database. No other items were listed.

Coming up

• **Zoning Board of Appeals — July 21:** Public hearings on two cases for a multiple-carrier cell tower at 677 Timpany Blvd, including a Fall Zone Variance (Case 2026-06-01) and zoning relief for a telecommunications facility (Case 2026-03-02).
• **Planning Board — July 21:** Discussion of a proposal from izapa Stela 5, Inc. to provide on-site retail services.

Note: All recent meetings listed above were agenda-only at the time of this report; minutes have not yet been published. Confirmed votes and outcomes will be reported once minutes become available.

Gardner meeting roundup: Council eyed $205k salary transfer; outcomes pending as minutes not yet published

Gardner's boards and commissions met frequently over the past two weeks, but because minutes have not yet been published for any of the sessions, confirmed outcomes are not available. The agendas show what each body planned to take up, including a proposed $205,127.08 salary transfer before the City Council and several licensing and financial-oversight items before other bodies.

City Council — July 6

The Council agenda included a vote to transfer $205,127.08 from the Mayor's Unclassified Salary Reserve to various General Fund salary accounts. Other scheduled items were adoption of the City's Hazard Mitigation Plan; authorization of an intermunicipal animal control agreement with Hubbardston running July 2026 through June 2029; authorization for Growing Places to make changes to the Waterford Community Center per its lease; a $4,016 transfer from City Council Salary to Greenwood Memorial Pool for signage; and two Open Meeting Law complaints filed by a resident. Minutes have not been published, so it is not confirmed which items passed.

Finance Committee — July 1

The Finance Committee agenda listed two proposed ordinances: Ordinance 11870, which would mandate annual revenue projections and quarterly spending reports, and Ordinance 11862, which would require Mayor and department head approval for professional development travel. Also scheduled were a Tax Increment Exemption agreement for 94 Pleasant Street; a $30,530.88 transfer from City Clerk salaries to Auditor Department professional services; and acceptance of a $5,000 donation for Police Department community policing. Outcomes are not yet available.

License Commission — July 7

The Commission scheduled hearings on a one-day liquor license for Moon Hill Brewing for a Food Truck Festival on Pleasant Street on July 11, 2026, and an amendment for Gardner Lodge of Elks #1426 to extend its premises to an outside area. Old business included amendments for South Gardner Hotel at 8 East Broadway (transfer of license and change of manager) and Hannaford Supermarket at 21 Timpany Blvd (change of officers/directors). The agenda also included approval of June 9, 2026 minutes. Results are pending.

Gardner Redevelopment Authority — June 30

The GRA agenda covered Urban Renewal Plan updates for several downtown projects, including Rear Main Project North and South, Orpheum Park, 205-213 Main Street, and Summit Industrial Park. Discussion items included parcels at Linus Allain Avenue, 155 Mill Street, and 85 Winter Street, plus board changes and an administrative update. No minutes have been published.

Airport Commission — July 1

The Commission agenda included updates from Gales Associates on the Environmental Assessment and Obstruction Analysis, a Vegetation Management Plan update, and an Avigation Easement update. The Airport Manager was scheduled to report on monthly guard counts, fuel gallons, and expenditures. New business included a proposal to move future meetings to City Hall. Outcomes are not confirmed.

Board of Assessors — July 8

The Board planned to review and sign June 2026 motor vehicle abatements, then enter executive session to discuss and vote on the FY27 Chapter Land Application for Smith Street, with no return to open session. The vote result is not yet public.

Other meetings

The Golf Commission on June 29 scheduled approval of June 1, 2026 minutes and a financial review, with updates from Superintendent Bill Frank and Pro Manager Dan Berry. The Historical Commission on July 7 listed only an update to the Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS) database. Minutes for both are unpublished.

Coming up

• **Conservation Commission, July 13:** Joint public hearing on a notice of intent for a contractor building and site improvements at 170 Mill Street; PARC Grant discussion for Ovila Case Playground upgrades; water and wetland treatment notification and permit for Kendall Pond; enforcement order matters at 36 Nicole Terrace and 282 Brookside Drive; and cease-and-desist/enforcement order hearings at 86 Linwood St and 9 Crawford St.
• **Gardner Housing Authority, July 15:** Special meeting to vote on a change order for the Kitchen & Baths Renovation capital improvement project (CIP 103139).

Gardner's $84.5M budget tops a busy two weeks of city meetings; most outcomes still pending

Gardner's City Council had an $84.5 million FY2027 budget package on its June 22 agenda — the largest financial item across two weeks of city meetings — but minutes have not yet been published, so the outcome of that vote is not confirmed. The budget, as presented, included $15.1 million for salaries, $31.3 million for expenses, $38.1 million for schools, plus enterprise and revolving funds. New business items on the same agenda included $573,186 from free cash to cover a snow and ice deficit, $285,802 from free cash for police overtime, a $50,000 transfer from ambulance services to fire overtime, and authorization of up to a five-year contract for permitting and licensing software.

Community Development Block Grant: One vote confirmed

The CDBG Steering Committee met June 23 and approved its April 28, 2026 meeting minutes 4-0 — the only confirmed vote across the recent meetings. The committee reviewed several project updates: Greenwood Pool demolition is nearly complete but needs a change order for a collapsing drain; the Greenwood Pavilion project is out for bid and includes bike racks, lighting, and sidewalk alternates; and Downtown Phase 6 design is on hold pending results of a slum/blight inventory covering more than 900 parcels. A congressional funding request for Downtown Phase 7 was cut from $1.2 million to $550,000, with approval still pending.

Conservation, housing, and redevelopment agendas

The Conservation Commission's June 22 agenda included enforcement orders for 36 Nicole Terrace and 282 Brookside Drive, cease-and-desist hearings for 86 Linwood St. and 9 Crawford St., a public hearing for contractor building construction at 170 Mill St., a water and wetland treatment permit for Kendall Pond, and an enforcement order for the Sludge Landfill. Outcomes are not yet published.

The Economic and Community Development Committee's June 24 agenda included discussion of a Housing Production Plan setting annual affordable housing goals of 47 to 94 units, updates on the Waterford Community Center including roof solar installation, ADA compliance, and asbestos remediation, and review of the Municipal Surplus and Property Plan. The agenda noted that GETV would begin moving to the Waterford Community Center with possible service interruptions, and that lease agreements with Growing Places and CAC require City Council approval.

The Gardner Redevelopment Authority's June 30 agenda covered Urban Renewal Plan updates for the Rear Main Project North and South, Orpheum Park, 205-213 Main Street, and Summit Industrial Park, plus discussion of parcels at Linus Allain Avenue, 155 Mill Street, and 85 Winter Street.

Finance, retirement, housing, airport, and golf

The Finance Committee's July 1 agenda included Ordinance 11870, which would mandate annual revenue projections and quarterly spending reports, and Ordinance 11862, requiring Mayor and department head approval for professional development travel. The agenda also listed a Tax Increment Exemption agreement for 94 Pleasant Street, a $30,530.88 transfer from City Clerk salaries to Auditor Department professional services, and acceptance of a $5,000 donation for Police Department community policing.

The Gardner Contributory Retirement Board's June 25 agenda included approval of an actuarial valuation as of January 1, 2026, by Stone Consulting, retirement approvals, a member buyback of previously refunded time, and updated insurance rates effective July 1, 2026. The Gardner Housing Authority's June 25 agenda listed Contract for Financial Assistance #17, Garwest stove replacement, Forrest Park air-source heat pump installation, kitchen and bath renovations, and highrise elevator maintenance. The Airport Commission's July 1 agenda included updates on a Gales Associates Environmental Assessment and Obstruction Analysis, a Vegetation Management Plan, and an Avigation Easement, plus a proposal to move future meetings to City Hall. The Golf Commission's June 29 agenda was routine: approving June 1 minutes, reviewing financials, and updates from Superintendent Bill Frank and Pro Manager Dan Berry.

Coming up

• **City Council, July 6:** Vote on a $205,127.08 transfer from the Mayor's Unclassified Salary Reserve, adoption of the City's Hazard Mitigation Plan, an intermunicipal animal control agreement with Hubbardston for July 2026–June 2029, and a $4,016 transfer for Greenwood Memorial Pool signage.
• **License Commission, July 7:** One-day liquor license for Moon Hill Brewing at the Food Truck Festival on Pleasant St., July 11, plus amendments for Gardner Lodge of Elks #1426, South Gardner Hotel at 8 East Broadway, and Hannaford Supermarket at 21 Timpany Blvd.
• **Board of Assessors, July 8:** Executive session to vote on the FY27 Chapter Land Application for Smith Street.
• **Historical Commission, July 7:** Update of the MACRIS database.

CDBG committee approves minutes as Gardner panels advance budget, housing and license items

The Community Development Block Grant Steering Committee recorded the only formal vote from recent city meetings, approving its April 28 minutes on a 4-0 count. But larger decisions loomed on agendas across Gardner’s boards and commissions over the past two weeks, with the City Council slated to take up an $84.5 million spending plan and board after board advancing project reviews, policy changes and property dealings.

Budget and finance

The City Council met June 22 as a Committee of the Whole and special session to consider the FY2027 budget. The package totals $84.5 million, including $15.1 million for salaries, $31.3 million for expenses, $38.1 million for schools, and separate enterprise and revolving funds. Agenda items also sought to cover a snow and ice deficit with $573,186 from free cash, fund $285,802 in police overtime from free cash, transfer $50,000 from ambulance services to fire overtime, authorize a five-year contract for permitting and licensing software, and establish revolving funds for the airport, recreation and other programs. Meeting minutes have not yet been published.

On July 1 the Finance Committee considered two new ordinances: one to require annual revenue projections and quarterly spending reports (Ordinance 11870), another to mandate Mayor and department head approval for professional development travel (Ordinance 11862). The committee also reviewed a tax increment exemption agreement for 94 Pleasant Street, a $30,530.88 transfer from City Clerk salaries to auditor professional services, and a $5,000 donation for police community policing.

Development and housing

The Economic and Community Development Committee discussed a Housing Production Plan on June 24 that sets annual affordable housing goals of 47 to 94 units. Updates on the Waterford Community Center noted that asphalt disturbance will require asbestos remediation, a concrete ramps bid package is expected by the end of June, and GETV’s move to the center could cause service interruptions. Lease agreements with Growing Places and CAC will need City Council approval.

Earlier, on June 23, the CDBG committee reviewed the status of several downtown projects. Greenwood Pool demolition is nearly complete, but a change order is needed for a collapsing drain. The Greenwood Pavilion project has gone out to bid, with bike racks, lighting and sidewalk alternates included. Design work on Downtown Phase 6 is on hold pending results of a slum/blight inventory covering more than 900 parcels. A congressional request for Phase 7 was cut from $1.2 million to $550,000 and still awaits approval; no new votes were reported beyond the minutes approval.

The Gardner Redevelopment Authority’s June 30 agenda covered the Urban Renewal Plan, with updates for the Rear Main Project North and South, Orpheum Park, 205‑213 Main Street and Summit Industrial Park. Parcels at Linus Allain Avenue, 155 Mill Street and 85 Winter Street were listed for discussion, along with board changes.

Conservation and environment

The Conservation Commission on June 22 planned hearings on enforcement orders at 36 Nicole Terrace and 282 Brookside Drive, cease‑and‑desist matters at 86 Linwood Street and 9 Crawford Street, a public hearing for a contractor building at 170 Mill Street, a water and wetland treatment permit for Kendall Pond, and an enforcement order for the sludge landfill.

Other meetings

The Golf Commission’s June 29 routine meeting called for approving June 1 minutes, reviewing financials, and updates from the superintendent and pro manager. On June 25 the Retirement Board agenda included the actuarial valuation as of Jan. 1, 2026 by Stone Consulting, member retirements, a buyback request, and updated insurance rates. The Gardner Housing Authority, also June 25, looked at capital improvements: stove replacement at Garwest, heat pump installation at Forrest Park, kitchen and bath renovations, and elevator maintenance.

Coming up

The City Council meets July 6 to vote on a $205,127.08 transfer from the Mayor’s Unclassified Salary Reserve to General Fund salary accounts, adoption of the Hazard Mitigation Plan, a three‑year intermunicipal animal control agreement with Hubbardston, changes to the Waterford Community Center lease, and a $4,016 transfer for Greenwood Memorial Pool signage.

The License Commission on July 7 will hear a one‑day liquor license for Moon Hill Brewing at the July 11 Food Truck Festival on Pleasant Street, an extension of outdoor premises for the Gardner Lodge of Elks, and amendments for the South Gardner Hotel and Hannaford Supermarket.

The Board of Assessors, on July 8, plans to sign June motor vehicle abatements and then go into executive session to discuss and vote on the FY27 Chapter Land application for Smith Street.