Gardner City council to consider reinstating solicitor permits and photo badges

The police captain told the Gardner City Council that the department recommends restoring a permit process for door-to-door solicitors and considering a photo badge to help hold solicitors and companies accountable.

The recommendation came after the captain summarized the city’s prior permitting system and recent calls for service related to solicitors. “Prior to the change in our ordinance, if someone wanted to solicit in the city of Gardiner, they had to come to the police station, fill out an application for solicitation, which includes their information, their supervisor information, business information, as well as what they would be selling,” the police captain said. The captain added the earlier process included a day permit and a yearly permit, and required applicants to read rules about when and how to solicit.

Council members and staff said reinstating a permit could reduce the investigative burden on officers and give residents information to follow up when a rule is violated. The captain told the council that since January 1 the department recorded 11 calls for service related to solicitors, with five resulting in no contact and one citation issued; a July contact involving a pest-control company generated a report and two identified individuals.

Council members debated two main design choices: a simple permit or a photo badge, and whether the city should run a cursory background check before issuing identification. One councilmember said a photo badge would reassure residents: “With a photo badge, it’s pretty darn clear that that individual has gone through the permitting process. They wouldn't have a badge without a permit.” Another councilmember raised concerns that a city-branded badge could create a false impression of city endorsement of the business.

The chief supported a background check tied to any city-issued badge. A councilmember said the city’s ordinance already lists disqualifying histories and warned that issuing permits without some check could give residents a false sense of security. The captain acknowledged federal restrictions on background checks (FBI rules) limit what the city can do, but said staff can perform public-facing checks that are helpful.

Council members also discussed a standardized “no soliciting” sign the city could provide by print or pickup and possibly include the sign in the application materials so solicitors understand not to approach posted homes. Staff proposed making a printable sign available online and offering physical signs at city hall or the justice center.

There was agreement the city should aim to avoid implying endorsement on any badge; councilors suggested wording such as “Not endorsed or affiliated with the City of Gardner” on a permit or ID. Councilmembers also requested cost estimates for producing signs, for a badge system (cardholder, photo, plastic carrier), and for any staffing or technology needed to perform a cursory background check.

The council directed staff to return to the governing body with a proposal that includes cost estimates and implementation details; the meeting record shows the mayor and council voted to move the item forward for council consideration. No ordinance or permit design was adopted at the meeting.