So, today is Tuesday, April 28th. It is 4:30. Uh now it's time for open meeting recordings. There is no one here besides staff. Uh the posting is behind me. Um moving on to meeting minutes. Voting
to approve the minutes from March 24th, 2026 public hearing and regular meeting minutes. I'll make a motion to approve. It's in the minutes as they're written. I'll motion to second. Motion is second. All in favor say I. I.
All those in favor say I. Motion carries. Moving on to new business discussion. Slum and blight inventory required for CDBG slum and blight area designation. Assistant Director, you have us. So, if
you refer to the memo in your packet, um it outlines that there are two requirements for CDBG projects to be funded. One is that they be eligible under the Housing and Community Development Act, and the other is that they meet a national objective. So,
eligibility is usually pretty easy. There are many, many things. Pretty much everything you can think of that is related to housing improvements or community development improvements are eligible. So, that's not usually an issue, but national meeting a national objective
can be tricky. There are three overall categories of national objec- objectives. There's low mod national objective, you know, you're serving people who are lower moderate income. That's under 80% of area median income. There's a slum blight national objective
that can either be area slum and blight removal or um prevention or um spot spot removal. So, like one house being demo- demolished. And then there's the urgent need national objective, which is hardly ever used. It's for
instances of a disaster like when the when the um tornado hit Springfield, they they used that national objective. So, for us, it used to be much easier for the city to categorize projects as meeting the low and moderate income
national objective. It's still easy for our public social service projects because they're directly serving low and moderate income people. But, for things like infrastructure, public facility improvements, we don't meet the 51% overall city low
mod requirement like we used to. So, most of the projects we want to do serve the whole city like for instance, the removal removal of the Greenwood Pool. That fell under a citywide benefit, and we were able to do that. Um
now with the new census data being released about 2 years ago, um Gardner's percentage is 40 3.7. It was 54.1. So, um so that drop makes it harder for
us to categorize infrastructure and public facility projects under that low mod national objective. In 20 way back in 2016, we um did a slum and blight area inventory that allowed us to
receive designation from the state that if we were doing projects that were eliminating or preventing slum or blight in that designated area, we can meet we can fall under that slum blight area national objective. So, our current um designation is going to expire on June
30th of this year. So, we need to do a new inventory so we can have that option, that slum blight area option available to us when we're deciding what projects to fund. Any questions about that so far?
Okay. So, our current um slum and blight inventory follows the borders of if you look at the the map with the red outline, follows the borders of the the downtown redevelopment
or the downtown urban renewal plan, excuse me. So, this is what the inventory that was done in 2016 captured. It looked at all the properties in that area, all the infrastructure in that area, and there's a form that the state has that they're
ranked, you know, in fair condition, poor condition, good, excellent. Um so, they did that we did have that inventory done for us by the BSC Group back in 2016 and it was approved. What we're and we need to get it updated. So, what we're proposing for
this time is for BSC Group to to complete a new inventory. They're one of our on-call engineering firms, so it falls within the scope that allows them to do this. We don't have to go out for bid again. Um they gave us a very good price initially
of 25,000 for an inventory of the area that I just described, but thinking about it, um we're recommending that they expand that area. If you look at the last map, um so that it captures not only the area in yellow,
but um the other areas covered by the four census tract block groups in Gardner that have the highest concentrations of low and moderate income residents. So, it's not a huge difference. It's a little bit of, you know, um
the the area that I think would see the most benefit from being part of this designation is census tract 70731 and 70733 because just driving through those neighborhoods, I think there's some infrastructure improvements, for instance, that could be funded with CDBG
Um if we were able to designate them as part of the area. So, we asked the BSC Group for another um another scope of work that included the expanded inventory, and they came back
today, actually, um because their initial estimate was for approximately 300 parcels, and the the new estimate would add an additional 670 parcels, approximately.
Um their estimate went up from 25,000 to an additional 35, for a total of 60,000, which um before we started this process, we got some information from the state on what other communities who have done an inventory least recently um what their
scope was and the cost, and this is very reasonable compared to what we very reasonable um compared to what the other communities [clears throat] are paying at a similar inventory completed. So, when BSC when the BSC Group is done with this inventory, they'll give us
everything we need to submit to the state to ask for the area designation. Any questions, Jason? Did I word it in a good way? No, yeah. I and I just to reiterate, you know, the the fact that the LMI at large population in in Gardner has
gone down, it it proves a challenge for us in terms of moving forward with with, you know, CDBG projects now that we can't do anything that's at a benefit at large to the community. So, we had some issues with the Greenwood Memorial uh
Pavilion um and a couple other projects back when it was actually being proposed for the School Street um school demolition and then the construction of the expanded parking facilities. There was a lot of justification that went into that, as well, while we were using the updated
LMI data. So, expanding the Slum and Blight Inventory to these census tracts provides us with an alternative pathway in terms of being able to utilize our CDBG funding for local projects. Now that we really feel like we've we've
done a lot for the urban renewal plan area, and now we feel like it's it's warranted to look into some areas that have been neglected that's that have been outside of that um since the the urban renewal plan was adopted back in 20 2012, 2011. I forget I always flip-flop
cuz one's one's Mill Street on maybe 12 and and I think downtown is 11. I think you're right on that. Um but yeah, it provides us an a different avenue of of being able to to move forward with um you know, different CDBG projects. And this um review would be
for a 10-year Yes. period. Yes. And we don't we don't you know, vote, but we just wanted your input um having, you know, living being being from Gardner and longer being in the community longer than Jason and I have been, we wanted your input on
It gives you a a wider opportunity. So, I think it's good. And this extends in the way to Green Street, it looks like. Mhm. >> [clears throat] >> A little further, actually. Like what street? Yes.
There's a lot down there. Yeah. Especially um the playground Yep. Mhm. is in there. This conversation like really initially started because Amy and I [clears throat] take the same direction to get here, and those streets exist
outside of the urban renewal plan and the Slum and Blight Inventory, and we I think we said to each other, "Why aren't these streets being inventoried along with the streets that, you know, I think by large are in pretty good standing
within the urban renewal area?" You know, there are some areas that are more fair to poor. Um you know, but some that are in pretty disrepair that really makes us feel like we have to expand where we're looking at. And you know, this gives us a great
basis to to go off of and work with BSC hopefully in the future. Um it's outside of the bounds of the um on-call contract, but hopefully if we work with them in the future as we as we have historically been uh for this work, you know, it provides us an opportunity to
work with them and with their existing understanding of now this urban renewal area and now the expanded or expanded area as well. Cool. And this So, we're looking at just the census tract block groups.
Does it include where where the pool is today, the um Yeah. So, it it does include both the the outlays of the downtown urban renewal area and the census block. So, just consider that all is as one area. >> Okay. Consider it one area. Okay, perfect.
And so, all these funds will be taken out of our our CDBG administrative budget. Yeah. Iris was just giving me an update. We have approximately 25,000 in 2022-23 funds that can be put towards this, and we
haven't tapped into any of our fiscal year 24 funds yet for administration. So, we have Cool. adequate resources to be able to do this. And we have to use that 22-23 sooner than later, right? Yes. You have to use it pretty
Yes. immediately. Yes. So, we have to encumber for the for the work. >> Yeah. >> [clears throat] >> Okay. I mean it makes sense to Yeah. I I've been up-to-date on all the conversations and everything. So, I
guess everything's good. Any If you guys have any questions, um you know, on um on the expanded area. Um and before now that we can uh I think it makes sense um as far as we we have to do the do the review anyway, and it makes sense
to expand it into these areas, and um we have the funds available, so it's that makes sense. All right. Moving on. Comments. Old business, FY22-23
project updates. Demolition of 205- 213 Main Street. That's on me. Um we still have the property up uh for uh sale with the GRA. The We did receive an offer, which we're still
deliberating, um but we did just uh reduce the price as well to incentivize um some uh additional interest in the property, but that was before we had received um
the concrete offer. Um we're still waiting on a couple other interested parties that have expressed interest in the site, so hopefully we're looking to sell um this construction season. Will Will there be any restrictions on
what goes in? There's no There's no soil contamination or active use limitation on the property. So, there's no there's no actual limitation um in terms of what can go there except that what is currently like available for um zoning. So, it's not current
requirements. Yeah. Current setback requirements is not what it was. Not what it was. Not what it was. The The demolition of the property was to bring it [clears throat] into compliance with current modern setback requirements. Not have a grandfather in of a non-existing structure. Right. So, then by saying
that it will be set back more so you can still see up the street. >> Yeah. Yeah. The The That's going to complaint by and large. Likely the limitation on no left-hand turns coming down Willow Street would likely not be lifted because the main
issue with that is trucks. Any Any Any Any large vehicles coming down they don't have enough turning radius to be able to turn down that street. So, that restriction would likely stay in place, but it would still provide a
safer option for for people going down who are looking to take a uh a right on red there when there's no incoming traffic. Uh Moving on, Greenwood Pool demolition. Now we're moving forward to completion
on that. Yeah. So, the contractor APW is finishing up some plumbing and seating work on the gate and the fencing. And an electrical
electrical work that I just talked to Time Bond today that we might take out of the current contract and put it in phase two because of some issues Jason and I haven't had a chance to talk about this either, but some issues with
National Grid what they're requiring to be done. I guess Time Bond hoped to tie into the existing meter through the pole and services there. They They can't do that. They have to install a new pole.
So, So, more to come on that, but it will either be done soon or it will be done as part of phase two. Um but it will be done and that will be great to get that project closed out. Um Let me just keep going. Public
[clears throat] Social Services, uh we have a two two open projects that we provided um reallocated funds to the Gardner Community Action Committee Food and Heating Assistance Expansion Project and the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center of Veterans Services Expansion
Project. Both of those are nearing completion. Um Amherst need to touch base with them. They submitted an invoice recently, but they still have a little bit of money left in different categories. So, I want to find a way to spend what they have left. So, I'll follow up with them on that.
And then the Gardner CAC, um they're still waiting for delivery of their cargo van, um but they've spent almost all of their other money for um food and heating assistance. So, um we should be in good shape with both of those to be completed by June 30th.
Okay. Yeah, Greenwood Um moving on to FY24, is there any questions comments on those? The FY24 project updates, Greenwood Pavilion. So, this is exciting. It's almost ready to go out to bid. Um they're going to advertise it in the Central Registry
this week, but I think because of some timing issues we needed delay that a week or two, um but it's very soon. So, that should be completed this construction season. Awesome. That's great. And then moving on to 2025 project updates, downtown improvements phase
five, design and construction for Willow Street, Main Street, Pleasant. So, Tighe & Bond um has completed the 75% plans and they said they would get them to us probably within the next week for our review. They have some questions for us that
we need to answer before the final And I'm sure we need probably run these by DPW engineering to get any input from them. Um but that's, you know, that should be able to go out for bid as well this construction season. Um
Awesome. Uh phase six design only though for uh City Hall Ave. So, um I haven't we haven't issued the notice to proceed um to Tata & Howard Bond yet to have the design completed for this because I kind of want to see the
results of the inventory um so we don't just in case it didn't come back as contributing to Slum and Blight. Cuz that was our justification for Right. Yeah, why spend money on it um so without that. So, I'm delaying that a little bit
um but um we're ready to go as soon as we have that. Waterfruit Street uh community center fire alarm electrical improvements. So, um as I mentioned at previous meetings, this was this project was you know,
flagged by state by EOHLC um because they were concerned about the feasibility of the project and how the CDBG funded portion fits into the overall project for renovating that building and what the future uses are.
So, we're still working um on that and having a discussion with them. We need to follow up with them within the next week or so get them some additional information, some newer information and then kind of go from there. And moving on to public social services.
So, we are um having a meeting next Tuesday with four of the five public social services and the reason why we didn't include St. Paul's Episcopal Church for the community garden expansion is because their project, even though it's a public
social service, has a few different requirements than the others because of the construction associated with their garden and retaining wall. So, we have some different environmental review requirements that we need to meet and we have um Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rates that they need to pay um and they need
to include that when they get quotes for the work to be done. So, we'll have a separate meeting with them, but next Tuesday we're having a meeting with the other four providers [clears throat] just to go over things like invoicing um reporting. We're We're supposed to monitor annually. Um so, those kind of
things just so we're all on the same page, we all know the period of performance for these grants um because I think there's been some confusion about that in the past because it is confusing. There the OEO C when they award CDBG funds, they they have an 18-month period
of performance that overlaps from year to year and it can get very confusing for these agencies to know what year they're actually in. Um so, we'll talk about all those things when we meet on Tuesday. Um but the the grant agreements are out with the exception of St. Paul's
and you know, hope and well, actually the Gardner athletic program, too. I need to get the end up list out when we meet on Tuesday, but we'll get that out and um then they're ready to go start spending money and serving using the money to serve the people in need. And finally, the 2026 CDBG mini
entitlement application. So, we submitted a week early, which is good. Um and you know, now it's just a waiting game. So, I feel like we're in good shape this year, better than last year just because we did a lot of work during the year to get our CDBG management plan
in place and other policies and procedures in place that EOHLC reviewed recently and approved. So, I think I think we'll be in good shape this year. And in future years? >> Yes. We're setting up a good foundation so that this process is
easier for us, easier for the social service providers, and so we have an easier time identifying projects for us to move forward with with the expanded slum and blight. So. Just setting ourselves up for success. Not a bad thing. No, not at all.
Nothing else on the agenda. Um any final comments on any of the items discussed, or do I hear a motion to adjourn? I'll make a motion to adjourn. Second. Motion to adjourn. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed say nay.
Motion carries. Meeting's adjourned. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks.