Gardner Finance Committee Tackles Engineering Contracts and Health Insurance Concerns

Overview: During the recent Gardner Finance Committee meeting on April 16, 2025, discussions revolved around extending the city’s on-call engineering contracts and addressing rising health insurance costs. The committee also reviewed the city’s clean financial audit and considered proposals for enhancing communication on capital improvement projects.

Lunenburg Assessors Discuss Revised Property Inspection Contract and Chapter Land Concerns

Overview: The Lunenburg Board of Assessors convened to address several issues, including a revised property inspection contract, the handling of chapter land applications, and the complexities of waterfront property assessments.

Lunenburg Conservation Commission Grapples with Dock Regulations and Property Compliance

Overview: The Lunenburg Conservation Commission convened to address several issues, notably the regulations concerning dock installations and property compliance, as well as various ongoing projects within wetland buffer zones. Discussions revealed the complexities of ensuring environmental protection while accommodating property development and usage.

Athol-Royalston Regional School Committee Approves FY26 Budget Amid Rising Costs

Overview: The Athol-Royalston Regional School Committee recently convened to tackle a range of critical financial and operational issues, primarily focusing on the approval of the fiscal year 2026 budget amid rising costs in several areas, including special education, transportation, and health insurance. Additionally, the meeting covered topics such as the establishment of new student clubs, a memorandum of agreement for school nurse hours, and a restructuring of the academic calendar.

Gardner Planning Board Advances Zoning Amendment to Preserve Historic Properties

Overview: The Gardner Planning Board, during its recent meeting, focused on a proposed zoning amendment designed to facilitate the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic properties within the city. The amendment, presented by attorney Christine Tree on behalf of Chair City Church, aims to create special provisions allowing for expanded uses, relaxation of dimensional requirements, and adjustments to parking and signage regulations for structures listed on various historical registers.