GARDNER — The Gardner City Council convened on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, to address a wide range of city matters, including a regional partnership for veterans services, infrastructure updates, and preparations for summer projects.
One of the first items discussed was a proposal to enter into an intermunicipal agreement with the Town of Winchendon to provide veterans services for fiscal years 2025 through 2027. The agreement, which would allow Gardner’s Veterans Services Department to provide services to veterans in Winchendon through fiscal year 2027, was referred to the Finance Committee for further review. Although the Public Welfare Committee had endorsed the proposal, Councilor Brad Heglin noted that “there is a financial piece to the contract” and said it was important for the Finance Committee to examine those terms before moving forward.
Councilor Heglin also delivered an update on the city’s health insurance trust fund, which currently holds $1.4 million. The fund is in a more stable position than in previous years, although not as robust as desired. Rate increases for fiscal year 2026 are expected—12% for health insurance and 3% for dental. Despite exploring alternative providers, the city has opted to stay with Blue Cross Blue Shield based on favorable rates and expected costs. An open enrollment period for city employees is planned for May.
The council unanimously approved a $282.36 payment from the Solid Waste Enterprise Account to correct a prior salary oversight for a Transfer Station Monitor. Another financial order — originally requesting a $10,000 transfer to fund professional services — was amended to $5,000. According to Councilor Aleksander Dernalowicz, the adjustment aligned with the specific contract amount for a retired administrative assistant to return and train her replacement. Councilors noted that if additional funds were needed, the mayor could return with a future request.
Photo credit: Gardner City Council/YouTube
Councilors also accepted donations for two community programs. Nearly $9,000 was approved for the Gardner Flowerpot Program, and a combination of monetary and in-kind contributions were accepted for the Gardner Animal Shelter. Council members praised both initiatives and expressed appreciation for the donors and staff who helped organize them.
The council then authorized the mayor to negotiate a contract for on-call engineering services for up to five years—extending the previous three-year cap. The contract is a pay-as-you-go model, with no upfront retainer, and gives the city greater flexibility in responding to engineering needs as they arise.
Councilor Elizabeth Kazinskus shared updates from the city’s economic and community development department. Director Trevor Beauregard’s report highlighted progress on the Rear Main Street redevelopment, trail improvements near Crystal Lake Drive, and submission of a community development block grant application to the state. Councilor Kazinskus emphasized that Gardner’s first-ever Master Plan Steering Committee is now active, and that its development will not only shape long-term planning but also make the city eligible for new streams of federal grant funding. The Greenwood Pool demolition project is also underway, with bids closing April 24 and demolition expected to be completed ahead of the summer swim season.
Later in the meeting, the council referred the proposed creation of an Economic Development and Finance Manager position back to the Economic Development Committee for additional information. They also voted to place on file a communication from the mayor announcing the appointment of an ad hoc advisory committee to guide the city’s master plan process.
In closing remarks, Councilor Calvin Brooks delivered a historical reflection on American independence and the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War. “Let us not only bask in the glory of our accomplishments and of this great nation,” he said, “but let us also commit ourselves to safeguarding who we are and what we have accomplished.”
Councilor Kazinskus took a moment to thank President Tyros for his role in modernizing the capital improvement planning process. “It was a nice way for my first meeting [on the committee] to start off,” she said. “It certainly made it much more helpful and goes with the mission of what we are trying to do… to disperse funds throughout the city and hit the projects that are big priorities.”
She also reminded residents of the Friends of the Levi-Heywood Memorial Library used book sale, noting: “It’s an incredible event for the library…people just would not believe how many books they have available.” The sale kicks off with a members-only preview on Thursday, April 24 from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by public sales on Friday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
President Tyros praised the work of the city’s Disabilities Commission, highlighting a recent initiative to improve accessibility by linking health and wellness services with transportation options. “Recently, I learned the Disabilities Commission is actually putting a lot of effort behind connecting health, fitness and wellness organizations in our city and transportation agencies,” he said. “I was just wildly impressed with that discussion…it’s important to appreciate that we have dedicated individuals…putting in time, often on a voluntary basis, to make our community better.”
The meeting adjourned following a closing prayer.
