The primary agenda item during the meeting was the proposal to authorize the city to borrow over $6.9 million for the Gardner Middle School roof replacement project. This funding is crucial as it aims to secure reimbursement from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for eligible costs up to 80%. The council underscored the necessity of this authorization to access the funding through the MSBA’s roof repair program. Concerns were raised about potential eligibility issues regarding reimbursement, prompting discussions on whether additional time was needed to deliberate the order. Ultimately, a motion was made to grant the finance committee more time to consider the order, which passed without objection.

In parallel, the council deliberated on the creation of a compensation ordinance for non-union city employees. The ad hoc compensation proposal committee, chaired by a council member, emphasized the importance of addressing salary adjustments without delay, given the potential multi-million dollar implications for the city’s budget. The committee aims to unify previous proposals into a ordinance. Discussions also highlighted the need for a supermajority of the council—eight votes—to pass any salary adjustments.

The meeting also featured an amendment to add the position of assistant youth center director to the non-union compensation schedule. This amendment was deemed urgent due to a substantial increase in youth center attendance, necessitating additional staffing support. The proposed pay rate, initially set at $15 per hour, required correction to $20 per hour to align with allocated state funding. The council unanimously supported the amendment, recognizing the youth center’s growth and the importance of adequate staffing.

Community development projects were another focal point of the meeting. The Economic and Community Development Committee provided updates on the rear Main Street project, which had faced delays due to a two-month wait for National Grid’s approval for underground wire relocation. Despite setbacks, progress continued with water line installation and winterizing the splash pad feature. The committee announced an upcoming public open house for feedback on the master plan, emphasizing the importance of public input in the planning process.

The council also addressed the ongoing Mackie Park project. Delays in the double pole project on Park Street had prompted city officials to reallocate excess funds from the downtown phase 3 project to ensure Mackie Park’s timely completion. The remaining work for Mackie Park was estimated at $58,000, with materials expected to arrive by late October to early November. The project is on track for a mid-November completion, aided by transparent funding explanations and improved management under Director Stevens.

Further updates included the Greenwood Pool project, which awaits a review from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP) regarding waste oil disposal before demolition can commence. The project is poised to move forward once Mass DEP completes its review.

The meeting also covered recent mayoral appointments to various commissions. Among the appointments were Andre Girtton and James Woods to the airport commission, and John Adiki and Denise Mariam to the cemetery and municipal grounds commissions.

The council also noted the awarding of a $100,000 Complete Streets grant for 2025, though only $11,000 remains from previous awards. Plans are underway to pursue a more substantial grant for 2026 to cover ongoing projects. Additionally, the council highlighted community events, including a theater production, a fall bazaar to support local schools, and participation in a domestic violence awareness program.