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Gardner council approves compensation ordinance changes, transfers and redevelopment resolution; several items advanced
Summary
The council approved changes to the non‑union compensation schedule, a $3,588 auditing transfer, adoption of a redevelopment resolution and ratified an auditor step designation; several items (including a GCAT donation order and a zoning sign code item) were continued for further review.
At its April 6 meeting the Gardner City Council approved a series of routine but consequential items ranging from pay schedule adjustments to project fund reallocations.
Pay schedule amendments: The council’s finance committee moved two ordinances to second and final printing that amend Exhibit F (Primary Non‑Union Compensation Schedule) to add temporary positions. Item 11776 was approved on roll call (clerk recorded affirmative votes) and item 11777 passed by roll call 8–1 (Councilor Brooks voted no). The council president recused himself from item 11777 because of a family conflict; Councilor Elizabeth Kazinskus was elected president pro tem for that item.
Transfers and personnel steps: The council approved an order transferring $3,588 from auditing department salaries to auditing department professional services to pay outside auditing assistance while the city searches for a new auditor. The council also ratified the council president’s step designation for the city auditor by roll call; both measures passed unanimously.
Redevelopment resolution and CDBG: The council unanimously adopted a resolution supporting redevelopment and the reallocation of unexpended bond funds to cover higher‑than‑expected National Grid costs tied to the Rear Main Street project. The council also adopted FY2026 Community Development Block Grant steering committee recommendations and placed the department’s quarterly planning update on file.
Items continued: The donation acceptance order for the Gardner Community Action Team (GCAT) was kept on the council agenda for further review after legal and documentation questions; a zoning code change to relocate the city’s sign rules to a new non‑zoning chapter was granted additional time pending a Planning Board recommendation.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance (11776) to amend Exhibit F (temporary positions): approved (roll call; result recorded as affirmative votes). - Ordinance (11777) to amend Exhibit F: approved, 8–1 (Councilor Brooks opposed); Council President recused for item. - Order (11799) transferring $3,588 to auditing professional services: approved (roll call, unanimous). - Resolution (11803) supporting redevelopment/bond reallocation: adopted (unanimous voice vote). - Order (11806) ratifying step designation for city auditor: approved (roll call, unanimous).
The council adjourned after a closing prayer.
