During a recent city council meeting, Chief of Police Todd Pillsbury announced plans to hire two new officers, emphasizing the importance of sending them to an 18-week training academy to ensure they are fully certified. The council expressed support for expanding the police force, with discussions indicating a desire to hire three additional officers.

The council also addressed a proposed change to the city code regarding fire protection, specifically concerning fire pits and campfires. This ordinance was prompted by resident concerns about safety and the need for clear guidelines on fire distances from properties. Code Enforcement Officer Chris McNeil explained that the ordinance aims to strike a balance between safety and regulation, proposing a minimum distance of 20 feet for fire pits from structures. However, council members raised concerns about the potential impact on existing fire pits and the need for clearer definitions and guidelines to avoid confusion among residents.

The council unanimously agreed to send the proposed ordinance back to the Ordinance Review Committee for further refinement, particularly regarding the grandfathering of existing fire pits and the specifics of enforcement.

In other business, the council appointed new members to the Gardner Library Board of Trustees, filling vacancies with local residents committed to serving the community. The appointments included Kyle Raymond for a one-year term, Trisha Adams for a two-year term, and the reappointment of current chair Helen Stevens for another two years.

The meeting concluded with updates from council members on various community initiatives, including discussions on affordable housing and improvements to downtown infrastructure. The council expressed gratitude for the efforts of election workers and the successful organization of recent community events, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the city. The meeting then moved into executive session to discuss real property and economic development interests.