The meeting began with a unanimous vote to authorize a payment of $5,536 for a prior year expenditure. This payment, reported by the finance committee, was attributed to the Department of Corrections and involved the purchase of three metal picking tables and some office supplies. The motion was moved, seconded, and passed without opposition.

One of the most discussions centered around item 11387, which addressed the future of the Coleman Street School. The school is currently being used by Making Opportunity Count, an organization running a Head Start program there. With the lease having ended, the organization is now operating as tenants at will. The council expressed a desire for a more formal arrangement to facilitate improvements to the property. Councilor Hein moved to refer the matter to the finance committee for further study, and the motion passed unanimously. This decision aims to provide a more stable and structured environment for the organization and the children it serves.

Another item discussed was the formation of an ad hoc committee to explore options for a physical dedication in honor of former Councilor Ronald Cormier. The finance committee recommended the formation of this committee, and the motion was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously. Councilors expressed their gratitude for Cormier’s contributions.

The council also addressed item 11384, which proposed a transfer of $44,000 from city clerk salaries and wages to operating expenditures. This motion received unanimous support after being moved and seconded. Additionally, item 11385 involved granting National Grid an easement to install a transformer on Plugging Street. Councilor Tyros moved to refer this item to the public service committee for further study and report, which was seconded and passed without opposition.

In a related matter, item 11386 involved a ruling from the attorney general concerning an open meeting law complaint filed by Paul De Mayo. Councilor Tyros moved to place the communication from the attorney general’s office on file, and the motion passed without opposition. This action ensures that the council remains compliant with open meeting laws while addressing any concerns raised by the public.

The finance committee also reported on item 11289, an ordinance to amend the administrative legislation of the city. The council acknowledged that further revisions were expected, and the committee requested additional time to discuss the lengthy document.

Several items related to amendments to solid waste collection fees, sewer rates, and personnel compensation schedules were noted. It was revealed that these items had not been appropriately published within the required timeframe for consideration at this meeting. Therefore, these items will remain on the calendar for discussion at the next regular city council meeting scheduled for September 16th, allowing sufficient time for review in accordance with city council rules. The postponement of these items was met without objections.

During the meeting, the Safety Committee addressed item 11-115, an ordinance to amend the city code regarding parking prohibitions on certain streets. Councilor Cormier reported that the traffic commission is considering changes to the traffic pattern. Consequently, a motion was made to remove this item from the calendar until further preparation is complete, which passed without objection.

Item 11-1204, another ordinance regarding parking prohibitions on Edel Street from Elm Street to Lawrence Street, also saw a request for more time to schedule a public hearing during the next Safety Committee meeting. This request was granted without objection.

Additionally, item 11-349 involved an application from eatm LLC for a license to deal in secondhand articles on Tany Boulevard inside Walmart. Item 11-350, an application by Gardner Tenpin Incorporated for a bowling alley license on West Broadway, was similarly deferred for more time.

In the Service Committee, item 11-326 involved a petition by National Grid related to the relocation of a pole on Elm Street and Cross Street. Councilor Tyros requested more time for consideration of this item, and the committee was granted additional time. The Welfare Committee discussed item 11-211, an ordinance to create a new chapter entitled Agricultural Commission. Councilor Mac moved to remove this item from the calendar due to a formal request from the petitioners to withdraw their proposal. The motion was seconded by Councilor Generals and passed after a brief discussion.

Councilor Brooks reported on attending an opioid overdose awareness night at Ran Park, where he expressed pride in the community’s support for individuals struggling with addiction. He highlighted the availability of numerous Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Gardner, emphasizing the importance of support and understanding for those dealing with addiction and recovery.