Committee approves prior minutes, recommends motor‑vehicle license and refers transit meeting to Council of the Whole

The Gardner City Public Safety Committee handled several brief actions at its March 28 meeting: it approved minutes from December meetings, recommended a new motor vehicle dealer license to the full council and referred a transit service and pedestrian safety discussion to the Council of the Whole.

The committee voted to waive the reading and accept the minutes of Dec. 6, 2024 and Dec. 16, 2024. Motion to approve the minutes was made by Councilor Karen Hardin and seconded by Councilor Brooks; the chair called the vote and the motion carried.

On agenda item 11478, an application for a Class 2 motor vehicle dealer license for MCM Auto at 207 East Broadway, the committee heard that police, building and other staff had no outstanding issues. Councilor Hardin moved and Councilor Brooks seconded a motion to recommend approval to the full council; the committee voted in favor and the recommendation will be forwarded to council.

On agenda item 11466, Councilor Karen Hardin asked that the committee schedule an informal meeting with the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) to discuss bus driving behavior, pedestrian safety and low ridership in Gardner City. Hardin said she has observed empty buses and safety incidents and sought an opportunity for councilors to ask MART questions directly. She moved to refer the item to the Council of the Whole with the recommendation an informal meeting be scheduled; Councilor Brooks seconded and the motion carried.

No recorded dissents were taken on these items at the committee level. The committee adjourned after routine business.