The most pressing topic of the meeting was the heated discussion over the proposed resolution to increase building department fees, which was ultimately rejected. Concerns were raised by Council President Tyros regarding the potential negative impact on residents and businesses, emphasizing that current building and permitting costs were already burdensome. Tyros argued that the proposed fee hikes, including a 50% increase in the minimum building permit fee and a tripling of fees for fences, offered no added value to the community. He expressed particular concern over the timing of the proposal, as it coincided with a request for a salary increase for the building commissioner, which he framed as a conflict of interest. Tyros made it clear that the council should not appear to be raising fees merely to augment a department head’s salary and urged for a swift rejection of the proposal.

The mayor provided context by explaining the regular review of fees by department heads but maintained that policy decisions ultimately lie with the council. He acknowledged the challenging economic climate and the necessity of balancing operational realities with financial burdens on residents. Despite the building department’s fees not fully covering operational costs, the mayor agreed with the committee’s decision to reject the increases, stating that future considerations would need to ensure Gardner remains business-friendly.

Another proposal discussed was the creation of a special committee for the Waterford Community Center project. The necessity of this committee was underscored by the need for greater oversight and public involvement in decision-making processes. The proposal suggested forming a dedicated group to oversee operations, similar to past building committees for schools and police facilities. The committee agreed on the importance of this oversight but suggested more time was needed to finalize the committee’s composition and responsibilities, keeping the proposal on the calendar for further discussion.

Attention also focused on the city’s outdated sexual harassment policy, identified as being 20 years old. President Tyrros noted that updating this policy was a priority, along with revising the broader employee handbook. The mayor confirmed this initiative, highlighting the need for comprehensive reviews to align city operations with current standards and regulations. The sexual harassment policy was already in final review by city solicitors, and the committee emphasized the importance of updating all HR policies to remain relevant and effective.

Discussions on facilities management explored potential efficiency studies and the organizational structure of city facilities. The building commissioner currently oversees facilities management, a role typically divided in other municipalities. The committee expressed interest in conducting studies to identify efficiencies and improve operations. The conversation included comparisons to nearby districts and the evaluation of roles and titles across departments, with a consensus to continue investigating this topic in future meetings.

The committee also reviewed health insurance options, considering maintaining the current carrier, Blue Cross Blue Shield, as the most cost-effective choice for the fiscal year. A strategic shift towards a multi-year review rather than annual assessments was proposed. The open enrollment period for employees was scheduled for May 1 through May 31, aligning with the school department’s fiscal practices.