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Gardiner council roundup: goals adopted, trail grant support approved and routine renewals passed
Summary
At its Feb. 18 meeting the Gardiner City Council adopted its 2026 goals, approved a letter of support and inclusion in a multi-town Merry Meeting Trail federal grant application, approved the Gardiner Elks Lodge license renewal and carried several routine motions including committee appointments and meeting scheduling.
The Gardiner City Council at its Feb. 18 regular meeting adopted the council's 2026 goals, approved partnership support for a multi-town rail-trail grant, and handled a set of routine approvals.
Adopted goals and council process: Councilors reviewed proposed 2026 goals (infrastructure, economic development, charter review, comprehensive plan, city services/taxes and resiliency planning). Several councilors urged caution on advancing the comprehensive plan until a permanent city manager is in place to manage the project; Interim City Manager Denise Brown said staff will meet with the KVCOG contractor to relay concerns. Councilor Veronica Babcock moved to adopt the 2026 goals as presented and the council recorded a unanimous vote to adopt. Council asked for a progress update at the March 18 meeting.
Trail grant partnership: Melissa Lindley, economic development director, said Bodenham intends to apply for federal design-and-engineering funds to support the Merry Meeting Trail and would serve as grant administrator. Lindley described the grant as 100% federal-funded with in-kind local match and noted that LD 29 had authorized removal of unused rail lines for trail use. Councilor Dolly moved that the city write a letter of support and authorize Bodenham to include Gardiner in the grant scope; the motion carried unanimously.
Other votes and routine business: Council approved Vittler's Liquor games-of-chance and catering/off-premises renewals for the Gardiner Elks Lodge 1293 after a public hearing where no one spoke; approved dedicating the 2025 annual report to Annie Coff; confirmed committee appointments to the budget and economic and community development committees; agreed to add two budget meetings in May; and accepted the Feb. 4 meeting minutes. Several items (code enforcement ordinances on placement near pavement and proposed water-connection rules for subdivisions) were sent to ordinance review for drafting and committee discussion.
Councilors also heard department head reports from Interim City Manager Denise Brown (including a new contract for Water Quality and Compliance Services with an hourly increase to $100) and brief councilor updates on roads and community events. The council voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss a real estate matter under 1 M.R.S.A. 4056(6)(C).
