The meeting also saw the approval of two intermunicipal agreements, one between Gardner and the town of Princeton for veteran services and another with the town of Ashburnham for animal control services.

In financial matters, the council approved an order to transfer $30,000 from free cash to the mayor’s unclassified lawsuit expense account. However, the finance committee requested additional time to compile a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with this account. Similarly, an order appropriating $5,000 from free cash to the Council on Aging repairs and maintenance expense account was approved after careful consideration and a roll call vote.

The council took several actions to address community services and development. An ordinance to increase the zoning board of appeals members from three to five received the welfare committee’s support. Furthermore, the council discussed the addition of a new chapter entitled “agricultural commission” to the city’s code, although more time was requested by the committee to gather information on this matter.

Another point of discussion was the mayor’s communication regarding the future of Helen May Solder School and Stonefield. A motion was made to place this communication on file, with an amendment to request a legal opinion from the law department.

Financial orders for various city departments and the school department budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 were also a topic of discussion. The council reviewed the FY 2025 revolving funds for the city, deciding to allocate more time to consider these items. Additionally, the FY 2025 school department budget was submitted by the mayor and subsequently placed on file by the council.

The council’s legislative agenda included referring two ordinances aimed at amending the city’s code and administrative legislation to the finance committee for further study.

During the public comments section, the council recognized the community’s support, including the Acadian Social Club’s scholarships and the city’s support for the student government program. Acknowledgements were also made for the efforts of the former HR Director and the generosity of the Gardner community.

A complaint filed by a citizen regarding executive session meetings was another matter addressed at the meeting. A motion was made to authorize a response, asserting the council’s compliance with the law concerning executive sessions.

Additionally, the council discussed measures to rename the city council chamber and to establish special purpose funds, including a schools Reserve stabilization fund and a capital projects Reserve stabilization account.