The committee’s most pressing topic was the proposal to utilize a landfill site for solar energy generation. This initiative, initially deemed unsuitable due to steep grades, has now been cleared by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for solar installation. The city’s plan to lease the land for solar panels could generate substantial revenue, with an anticipated lease revenue projected at a minimum of $330,000 per megawatt. A 2-megawatt installation is expected to yield approximately $6,000 annually once operational. The landfill, managed through an Enterprise account, will see any revenue generated offsetting the $75,000 in free cash allocated to this account annually for the next three decades, thus relieving financial pressure on the general fund. The timeline for installation is estimated at a minimum of 24 months from approval.

Following this, the committee discussed the declaration of other surplus properties for leasing, including the roof of the water treatment plant on Haywood Street and acres of land at the Gardner landfill located on West Street, both designated for solar photovoltaic projects. The mayor highlighted that the water treatment plant, given its high electricity usage, was deemed suitable for solar panel installation. Similarly, the 21 acres at the Gardner landfill, formerly a landfill site, require additional research due to its previous usage, although initial evaluations are promising.

Another item was the authorization of intermunicipal agreements for veteran services and animal control services. The committee recommended authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with the town of Princeton for veteran services, covering the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027. This agreement included a 2% increase to offset salary costs for additional staff. Similarly, a renewal agreement between the city of Gardner and the town of Westminster for animal control services was also approved, with a typical increase of 2.5%.

The committee then addressed the declaration of surplus for the purpose of leasing the building located on Waterford Street. This vote enables the city to solicit bids to lease spaces in the community center at the former Waterford Street school facility, now permissible for general municipal purposes rather than strictly educational use. A minimum lease amount was set at $16 per square foot based on a market analysis, and the mayor emphasized the importance of activating the community center through this process.

In addition, the committee discussed the disposal of the land and buildings on Street, a property taken by eminent domain in 2022 due to long-standing absentee landlord issues. The mayor proposed a minimum bid of one dollar, citing an appraisal indicating the property’s poor condition and lack of value. This approach aims to alleviate the city from ongoing liability and maintenance issues associated with the property.

The committee also reviewed a resolution in support of a grant application to the Community Change for Environmental Justice Communities program. This $20 million grant aims to enhance facilities within federally designated environmental justice zones, covering a portion of the city. Proposed improvements include complete street upgrades, sidewalk, road, and water and sewer repairs, as well as enhancements to local playgrounds. The initiative also involves collaboration with local organizations to expand community garden spaces and introduce fruit trees to support local food pantries. Additionally, the grant would fund the removal of underground storage tanks at the DPW garage and necessary repairs to enable solar panel installation.

Further discussions included the acceptance of donations, such as picnic tables from Mackie Building Supply and marketing flyers for the Gardner Farmers Market, facilitated by a state grant. These contributions aim to enhance community engagement, particularly during farmers market events.

Administrative matters were also addressed, including amendments to city code concerning solid waste and sewer rates. The amendments corrected clerical errors related to the effective dates of the rates.

Communications from the mayor highlighted various grant awards and municipal funding initiatives, including the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MEVIP) grant award of $7,500 to transition a city pickup truck to an electric vehicle and the Mass Trails grant award of $300,000 for the design of a bridge over Route 140. Additionally, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program awarded $925,000, with funds allocated for demolition projects, food pantry support, and emergency housing initiatives.