Gardner Board of Health Tackles Home Food Businesses and Public Health Initiatives

Overview: The Gardner Board of Health’s recent meeting highlighted concerns regarding the operation of home-based food businesses and underscored the department’s active role in community health and safety initiatives. Among the issues addressed were the illegal operation of a food pantry in a residential home, the rise of unpermitted home bakeries, and the Health Department’s involvement in various public health events and grant applications.

Gardner Golf Commission Grapples with Golf Course Irrigation Challenges

Overview: The Gardner Golf Commission recently convened to discuss significant operational matters, including the refurbishment and potential failure of the golf course’s irrigation pumps, the driving range’s irrigation issues, and financial discrepancies. Given the potential impact on golf course maintenance and operation, these topics took precedence in the discourse.

Gardner Grapples with Soaring Special Education Costs

Overview: The Gardner City Council meeting on May 20th, 2022, presented significant challenges regarding the Gardner Public School budget, with a particular focus on the rapidly increasing needs of high-needs students and the financial implications of supporting this demographic. The meeting delved into the specifics of the Fiscal Year 2025 school budget, presented by the school district’s Superintendent and Director of Finance and Operations, and highlighted the substantial rise in costs related to out-of-district placements for special education, which had climbed by a million dollars. The council discussed the impact of these costs on the district’s budget and explored strategies to keep students within the district, in an effort to mitigate expenses. Additionally, the meeting addressed the implications of the Student Opportunity Act and its role in supporting marginalized student populations, including students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students. The budget aims to support the academic and social-emotional development of these students, in line with state requirements.

Gardner City Council Approves Solid Waste Fee Increase

Overview: In a recent Gardner City Council meeting, members voted to approve an increase in the solid waste collection fee, intermunicipal agreements, and the allocation of funds for various city needs. Among the topics discussed, the ordinance to amend the city’s code to change the fee for solid waste collection was a prominent issue, with an approved increase of $15 a year through fiscal year 2028.

Gardner Committee Addresses Public Safety Budget and Staffing Issues

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Gardner Public Safety Committee addressed the challenges facing the city’s fire and police departments, with a focus on budget constraints, staffing shortages, and the need for critical equipment upgrades. The 2025 fiscal year budget was a central topic, as the committee discussed the impact of minimal increases on non-union employees, the cost implications of collective bargaining agreements, and rising energy and utility expenses.