Gardner City Council Moves to Establish New Economic Development Committee Amid Budget Discussions

Overview: In a recent Gardner City Council meeting, members engaged in a detailed debate over the establishment of a new standing committee focused on economic and community development. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance oversight and accountability within city departments, particularly in light of past project missteps. Concurrently, the council discussed several budgetary matters, including a grant writing contract with Keller Partners Company, the execution of a collective bargaining agreement, and early steps in the fiscal year 2026 budget process.

Gardner Finance Committee Recommends Five-Year Grant Writing Contract Amid Budget Discussions

Overview: The Gardner Finance Committee’s recent meeting addressed issues ranging from grant writing contracts and union negotiations to budget projections and compensation plans. The committee recommended a five-year contract for grant writing and lobbying services, discussed the implications of a newly executed inspectors’ union contract, and reviewed the budget process in light of anticipated state aid and fair share amendment revenue.

Gardner License Commission Grants Alcohol License to Four Seasons Chinese Cuisine

Overview: The Gardner License Commission meeting on January 14 saw the approval of a new on-premises alcoholic beverage license for Four Seasons Chinese Cuisine, alongside discussions about other license requests and safety compliance issues concerning local clubs.

Gardner Conservation Commission Hears Plans for Significant Gravel Pit Restoration Project

Overview: The Gardner Conservation Commission recently discussed an ambitious gravel pit stabilization project proposed by the North County Land Trust. This project aims to transform the heavily disturbed site into a sand plain grassland.

Gardner Airport Commission Pushes Forward on Key Surveys and Evaluations for FAA Approval

Overview: During the recent Gardner Airport Commission meeting, members focused on advancing several important surveys and evaluations required for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval. Key topics included the submission of the 17C and 18B plans related to FAA imagery, the wildlife survey scheduled for spring, and ongoing preparations for an environmental assessment and obstruction analysis.