Committee backs Gardner CAC request to build security wall at Waterford Community Center

The Charter City Council Finance Committee voted to recommend that the full City Council approve a request from the Gardner Community Action Committee to install a partial-height security wall inside its leased space at the Waterford Community Center.

Committee members said the modification is limited in scope and was requested to secure items brought into CAC’s space. The item was presented to the committee as agenda item 11537 and described in a letter from CAC leadership.

Members said the proposed wall will be built at the front of a short hallway inside the Waterford entrance — near the former principal’s office and adjacent storage and library areas — and will not extend to the ceiling. The committee heard that the intent is to create a lockable door for staff-only access to the leased area.

“Miss Meehan was very forthright in the need for the security of this area,” Councilor Mack said during discussion, supporting prompt approval while construction at the site is still underway.

Motion and outcome: Councilor Hegland moved and Councilor Mack seconded a recommendation that the full council authorize CAC to modify the leased space. The committee approved the recommendation by voice vote.

Why it matters: Under the lease at the Waterford Community Center, major alterations to tenant space must be approved by the city council. The committee’s recommendation advances the request to the full council for final action.

Next steps: The item will be placed on the full council agenda for final approval; the committee did not set a funding amount or construction contract during its recommendation.