The council also addressed the city’s infrastructure and financial management. They voted to appropriate $212,500 from free cash to the police department’s new vehicles account. This followed a meeting between the Finance Committee and the police chiefs to discuss the process. Additionally, $4,000 from free cash was approved for the Public Works tree removal account, accompanied by a reminder about the city’s tree planting budget.

Water and sewer infrastructure received attention, with the council approving $390,000 from water Enterprise Surplus for transmission main repairs, essential for the city’s water supply system. Another $75,000 from water Enterprise Surplus was allocated to address a recent water main break on Leo Drive. The sewer system’s chemical treatment account saw an appropriation of $140,000 from sewer Enterprise Surplus due to rising chemical costs.

The meeting also marked the election of TT Sarapan as the city clerk for a three-year term effective from the meeting date. Alongside this, a financial measure was taken to transfer $42,000 from building clerk salaries and wages to operating expenditures, receiving favor from the Finance Committee.

In a move impacting the police department, the council discussed a measure to rescind the acceptance of civil service for the members of the Gardner Police Department, initially adopted in 1912. The proposed removal from Civil Service aimed to modernize and adapt the department’s administrative processes.

The council further considered a measure confirming the order of taking for a property on Pleasant Street, addressing a parcel usage error not conducive to the approved public park or space use. Questions were raised about the error’s reasons and potential negative impacts on the city.

The meeting included a resolution to rename the city council chamber the Ronald F Cormier Council Chamber, in honor of the late Councilor Cormier. A request was made for additional time to discuss this resolution, and a non-proper straw vote was conducted according to the council’s rules.

In other financial measures, the council proposed the establishment of a Special Reserve fund for the opioid settlement under Master General Law chapter 45 subsection 53. Additionally, an easement from Kristoff Chartier to the city was approved for snow storage on Rock Street.

The council confirmed several mayoral appointments, including the Building Commissioner and Planning Board members, although one individual withdrew their appointment due to personal reasons. The Safety Committee requested more time to review an ordinance related to parking on certain streets, and the Welfare Committee sought additional time to amend the city code to add a new chapter entitled Agricultural Commission.

Looking ahead, the council planned to review the city’s zoning map for accuracy and consider increases in local option room occupancy excise rate and local option sales tax on meals. Announcements were made regarding a downtown flower pot sponsorship opportunity and a library book sale, adding to the community engagement initiatives.