City Council Faces Controversy Over Open Meeting Complaints

In a special meeting held on July 31, 2024, the Gardner City Council addressed multiple open meeting law complaints stemming from a contentious meeting on July 1, 2024. The complaints, filed by Paul DeMeo on behalf of various residents, alleged that Council President Elizabeth Kacinskas failed to adequately accommodate a large crowd expected at the meeting regarding the proposed sale of city property to Bay State Racing LLC.

During the session, Councilor Mack proposed motions to authorize the law department to respond to each of the complaints, which were seconded and passed unanimously. The complaints centered on claims that Kacinskas did not relocate the meeting to a larger venue, resulting in poor audio conditions for those who were forced to watch from an overflow room.

Councilor Mack defended the council's actions, stating that the complaints were unfounded and emphasized the importance of transparency in government operations. He criticized the motivations behind the complaints, suggesting they stemmed from personal grievances rather than legitimate concerns about open meeting law violations.

The council ultimately voted to authorize responses to all complaints, reinforcing their stance that the procedures followed during the July 1 meeting were appropriate. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, reflecting a commitment to moving forward amidst ongoing community discussions about governance and public engagement.