Gardner Council confirms community development director, building commissioner and several police hires

The Gardner City Council on March 16 confirmed a slate of mayoral appointments and police hires, including the reappointment of Jason Stevens as director of community development and planning and the confirmation of Melissa McDonald as building commissioner.

Councilor Kacinskas spoke in strong support of Stevens, noting the director ‘‘has made significant improvements within the department’’ and has ‘‘reestablished accountability and helped move key city projects forward.’’ The motion to confirm Stevens passed, with two councilors recording a dissenting vote.

Councilors also confirmed several municipal and police appointments. The council unanimously confirmed Duncan Burns to the Conservation Commission and Linda Rice and Marsha White to local commissions; it confirmed Christopher J. Black, Michael King and Derek White as permanent police officers and approved the promotion of Ryan Coates to sergeant. Committee members and department leaders praised the appointees’ local ties, training and performance during field training.

On the building commissioner appointment, councilors asked for a written explanation for the one-year term rather than the three-year term typical under the ordinance; the mayor and city solicitor explained that, while the code sets a three-year term by default, written justification allows shorter appointments in specific circumstances.

Several appointees were sworn in after the vote. The council did not take further personnel policy votes at the meeting.