GARDNER — During Gardner City Council’s meeting Tuesday night, council members approved reallocating just over $8.1 million in leftover funds from the construction of Gardner Elementary School for additional community projects. Under state law and regulations set by the city’s legal counsel, these funds must be used for projects lasting at least 30 years and cannot be applied to paving or equipment.
Mayor Michael Nicholson explained, “Any project that has paving can only be done with a loan of up to 10 years, any project that’s associated with an outdoor recreational facility that’s not a building can only be done for up to 15 years, and any equipment purchases can only be done for up to 20 years.” He noted that a proposal to upgrade the clock system at Gardner High School was not eligible because it fell under the “equipment” category. Nicholson added that the funding will be split roughly 50/50 between city and school projects, The Gardner News reported.
Photo credit: kawneer.us
The approved projects include:
- $3.8 million for upgrades to the auditorium, bathrooms, stair treads, and locker rooms at Gardner High School
- $1.7 million for roof and storefront replacement at Gardner Middle School
- Nearly $1.2 million for electrical service upgrades, façade improvements, bathroom renovations, entryway repairs, and window and door replacements at City Hall
- Just over $1 million for bathroom renovations, door replacements, roof repairs, and electrical upgrades to the Community Center at the former Waterford St. School building
- $225,000 for siding and roof replacement for the administration and storage building at Greenwood Pool
- $800,000 for construction related to the Rear Main Street Project
Councilor Judy Mack remarked, “City Hall hasn’t had repairs done in many, many years, so I think this money is being spent wisely and I’m happy to support this order.” Councilor Karen Hardern added, “Usually, when I’ve been asked to vote for spending like this, it’s because something has broken (or) dramatically failed and we don’t have any options, and the problem with that is, it’s no way to do things.” Meanwhile, Councilor Aleksander Dernalowicz stated, “I look forward to seeing these improvements being done in the city,” and Councilor Brad Heglin commented, “I like the spread between schools – which serves a number of our community members, perhaps the most – (and) I think the Community Center is going to be transformational for this city. I think it’s going to be a huge opportunity for us, and, again, it’s going to serve a wide range of our residents.”
Meanwhile, Councilor Calvin Brooks, who voted against the measure, said, “I would hate to have this order approved only to find that there are issues at the new school that require further spending. I’m looking at it from a different point of view, that’s all.”
The proposed capital projects were reviewed by the city’s on-call engineering firm, Tighe and Bond, and approved by legal counsel before the measure passed by a 9-to-1 vote during Tuesday’s night meeting.
