WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=KngdhXUZENs Part: 1 1 00:00:32.239 --> 00:00:48.480 I now call to order the Monday, July 6 Gardener City Council meeting to order. The clerk will now please call the role. >> Councelor Brooks, >> present. >> Councelor Kornneier, >> Councelor Tim, >> present. >> Councelor Harden. >> Councelor Heath, 2 00:00:48.480 --> 00:01:05.439 >> present. Councelor Hegund, >> Councelor Kazinsquez, >> present. Councelor Mack, >> present. >> Councelor Tone, >> present. >> Councelor Toalt Munes, >> present. >> And President Tyler, >> present. Those who wish now, please rise for the opening prayer and pledge of 3 00:01:05.439 --> 00:01:22.960 allegiance. >> Almighty God, we thank thee for bringing us together this evening. Inspire us for worthy deeds and sound decisions, and direct us toward the attainment of good city government. We pray thee to bless and protect all the people of our city and to so guidance virus that we may 4 00:01:22.960 --> 00:01:40.280 liberate in unity and harmony. Amen. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 5 00:01:42.000 --> 00:01:58.079 >> Announcement of open meeting recordings. Any person may make a video or audio recording of an open session of a meeting or may transmit the meeting through any medium subject to reasonable requirements of the chair as to the number placement and operational equipment used so as to not interfere with the conduct of the meeting. Any 6 00:01:58.079 --> 00:02:13.120 person intending to make such recordings to notify the chair forth with all documents and exhibits used or referenced at the meeting must be submitted in duplicate to the city clerk as they become part of the meeting minutes. Is anyone recording tonight's meeting? No response. 7 00:02:13.120 --> 00:02:29.760 Uh there are no minutes, there are no public hearings, and there are no communications from the mayor. Um the petitions, applications, and communications item number 11878, an open meeting law complaint filed by Paul Deo regarding the June 15, 2026 8 00:02:29.760 --> 00:02:46.400 city council meeting number one. >> Councelor Mac. >> Thank you, uh council president. Um, I make a motion to authorize the council president to respond uh that no open meeting law complaint um has taken place. >> Second. >> Motion moved by councelor Mack, second 9 00:02:46.400 --> 00:03:02.720 by councelor Dur allowitz to authorize the council president to respond that no open meeting law violation has taken place. Is there discussion on the motion? Councelor Mack. Um, as chair of the public service committee, this item 11843, which this is alluding to, was scheduled for a public hearing on June 10 00:03:02.720 --> 00:03:19.680 15th at the time National Grid presented at the meeting and informed us then of a they requesting to change it to a new installation of poles and not a joint application to relocate them. National [clears throat] Grid at the time was informed that they would have to submit a new request and attend the public 11 00:03:19.680 --> 00:03:35.519 service committee meeting on June 18th. At the same meeting, this item was referred to the public service committee which met on June 18th. As part of the meeting packet, National Grid did submit a new poll petition with the city clerk's office which was on pages 83 to 12 00:03:35.519 --> 00:03:52.000 88 of our committee packet. This item is still with the public service committee and has not been referred back to the council for a vote due to rule number 22 in the absence of a national grid representative attending our June 18th public service committee meeting as requested. A new public 13 00:03:52.000 --> 00:04:08.400 hearing will be scheduled and posted as necessary when the time is fitting by the council president. Due to these facts, there is no case to support a violation of anything in regards to this item as the process is still pending. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor. Any further discussion? 14 00:04:08.400 --> 00:04:24.400 >> All those in favor? I. I. All those against, no. The motion passes. Item number 11879, an open meeting law complaint filed by Paul Deo regarding the June 15, 2026 city council meeting number two. 15 00:04:24.400 --> 00:04:39.520 >> Council Kazinski. >> Thank you, President Tyros. I make a motion to authorize the council president to respond to the complaint on behalf of the city council that there has been no open meeting law violation. >> Second. Motion made by councelor Kazinska, second by councelor Tone to 16 00:04:39.520 --> 00:04:58.080 authorize the council president to respond on behalf of the council that no open meeting law violation has occurred. Is there discussion? All those in favor I. I. All those against? No. >> The motion passes. [clears throat] 17 00:04:58.080 --> 00:05:13.759 >> Reports of the Sandy Committee, the finance committee. Item number 11871, a measure ratifying the council president's recommendation for step designation for the city clerk. >> Is there any objection to suspending rule 22 for this item? The rule is 18 00:05:13.759 --> 00:05:30.080 suspended. >> Council journal out. >> Thank you, President Tyrros. City Council President Tyrros presented to the finance committee on this item last week um about setting clerk Pavven's step designation to step one. Uh, President Tyros highlighted her 20 plus years as an attorney and municipal 19 00:05:30.080 --> 00:05:46.000 experience which could have been um under our current system credit up to 10 years of experience. Uh, committee felt this recommendation was appropriate and I move to adopt the measure. >> Second motion made by councelor general out second by councelor Heath to adopt the measure. Is there discussion? 20 00:05:46.000 --> 00:06:01.919 Councelor Gazinskus. >> Thank you president Tyrus. For the public watching this evening, how many years were um presented? I know it's in the packet but I just want for the count for any public watching this evening. I wanted to be clear. It could be up to 10 years. >> Is that a question? >> That is a question. I'm sorry. Through you to the counselor. 21 00:06:01.919 --> 00:06:18.639 >> Yes. It can be up to 10 10 years credited. It's half the you've half the experience of it >> was 4.5. >> It was 4.5 that credited. I'm sorry that's your question. >> Sorry. My question is just for the public watching I just wanted to see how many. >> Yes. To to clarify if 4.5 years were credited with her experience up to 10 22 00:06:18.639 --> 00:06:33.759 years could have been credited. 4.5 is was the recommendation and what is being presented this evening. >> Thank you counselor. And as noted to for the public watching, that's also in the packet this evening. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Any further discussion? Councelor Mack. >> Um, as mentioned at the finance committee meeting, the difference um on 23 00:06:33.759 --> 00:06:50.639 the step scale is $1,579. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor. Any further discussion? All those in favor? I. I. All those against? No. The motion passes. Item number 11876, a measure authorizing Growing Places to 24 00:06:50.639 --> 00:07:05.840 make changes to the Waterford Community Center per the lease agreement between the city of Gardener and Growing Places LLC. >> Is there any objection to suspending rule 22? Hearing none, Council Mack. >> Thank you. leading to a motion. This is a measure to allow growing places to 25 00:07:05.840 --> 00:07:21.759 make changes to their lease agreement at the Waterford Street Community Center between the in between the uh between the lease agreement between the city and growing places. Per the lease agreement, the council must approve this request. Um I make a motion to move the order. >> Second. >> Motion made by councelor Mack, second by 26 00:07:21.759 --> 00:07:37.840 councelor Dur Allowitz to move the order. Is there discussion? Councelor Mack. >> Yes. As outlined in our packet, the growing place is requesting um the change to install a backup generator and install two condensers approximately 3 ft uh square foot in size on the kitchen 27 00:07:37.840 --> 00:07:53.280 roof to serve the uh equipment in the kitchen. The necessity of making sure they have electricity and the ability to keep the refrigeration functioning is paramount to their mission. Thank you. >> Thank you, council. Any further discussion? >> All those in favor? I. I. All those 28 00:07:53.280 --> 00:08:12.240 against? No. The motion passes. Item number 11877, a measure transferring $4,16 from city council salary and wages account to Greenwood Memorial Pool minor equipment for signage at the Greenwood Memorial Pool. 29 00:08:12.240 --> 00:08:27.680 >> Is there any objection to suspending rule 22? Hearing none. Councelor Mack. >> Thank you. leading to a motion. This measure is to transfer $4,16 from the city council wages and salaries account to the Greenwood Pool minor equipment for signage at Greenwood Pool. The 30 00:08:27.680 --> 00:08:45.680 finance committee was in favor of bringing this item to the council for discussion and event and an eventual vote. Um I make a motion we move the order. >> Second. >> Motion made by councelor Mack, second by councelor Heath to move the order. Is there discussion? Councelor Mac. 31 00:08:45.680 --> 00:09:00.560 >> Thank you. The funds uh are currently being asked to be allocated from the unused salary and wages account of the city council from FY26. The funds have to be allocated and used by August. As you can see in your packet, this will be on the facade of the outdoor building 32 00:09:00.560 --> 00:09:18.880 facing Park Street. The Greenwood Pool is a separate entity overseen by the newly recreated recreation department. It was my hope with that with the demolition of the Greenwood Pool and add there hasn't been any signage for the outdoor pool was not to not to u miss 33 00:09:18.880 --> 00:09:35.920 continuing the legacy of the Greenwood Pool pool pool but to include that it was established in 1915 and remains an integral part of our community. The new pavilion will be separate and the um current design does not have any plan for signage. There is a fence 34 00:09:35.920 --> 00:09:54.000 separating the two entities. A pavilion is no longer a pool or a bath house. We need to consider um them now as two separate buildings and thus we need to preserve the initial intent of the remaining outdoor pool. A 111-year-old gift of to the city from 35 00:09:54.000 --> 00:10:09.519 the Greenwood and Haywood families. The outside buildings have been sided and after consulting director Huey and uh Doug Monroe from the DPW sign department, lettering was the best route to pursue. The goal was to get this done before get this done and before you in 36 00:10:09.519 --> 00:10:25.760 June, but due to an unforeseenable circumstance with Lyman Signs, we're just able to get this quote finalized. The quote received for the lettering is valid only until July 25th, 2026. And again, the funds from the city council unused funds from the city council wages and salary account need to be allocated 37 00:10:25.760 --> 00:10:42.880 by the beginning of August. If we don't approve this now, doing something in the future will most likely be more expensive. Uh if there's no objective, President Tyrros, I would like to open this for discussion and then if possible through the uh chair to the mayor, ask if there 38 00:10:42.880 --> 00:10:58.240 are other options for covering the cost um in this case if in this situation if the city council is not favorable from using the um city council unused wages and salary account. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor Mack. Is there discussion from the council on the item? Council Dalit. 39 00:10:58.240 --> 00:11:13.920 >> Thank you, President Taros. um in the finance committee. I was in favor of bringing this up to the full council for discussion due to the timing for um the quote that we did receive that it was going to be expired before beaten finance met again. Um definitely before the council met again um to let the full 40 00:11:13.920 --> 00:11:29.600 council debate um what they um thought was the best course of action. I have um concerns about running towards this um right now. Um it's going to be done um at this point in the middle of the season. I know the green pool is there 41 00:11:29.600 --> 00:11:46.240 um consist you know throughout the throughout the year. It doesn't disappear. So a signage on it does make sense uh at any time. Um I did want to see the pavilion done first just to see what that looked like. Um there's also um you know questions of the money that may be needed for other things coming 42 00:11:46.240 --> 00:12:01.519 up. This money will then fall into free cash um but it could be expended later um if it's not used um in this manner. Um, so I I am I I would like more time myself to to look at other options um at least for 43 00:12:01.519 --> 00:12:16.880 using this money from the city council salary, wages, and account to fund um a signage that um isn't a necessity at this juncture and can um have more options maybe laid out. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Further discussion, 44 00:12:16.880 --> 00:12:31.839 >> councelor Kazinskus. >> Thank you, President Tyros. Uh, I do agree that there should be signage at the Greenwood Pool. Um, I would also echo the council where I'd like to wait to see the pavilion. Um, I do think we could maybe do some temporary signage in 45 00:12:31.839 --> 00:12:47.760 in that time. Um, and I think, you know, the historical significance, uh, I agree is very important. Um, but I don't see as if it wasn't included in the original kind of plan for when the pool was taken 46 00:12:47.760 --> 00:13:03.600 down and the pavilion was going to be put up. You know, we're kind of in the middle of the season. Um, I just think this can be done at another time. I don't think right now this year with this budget and not that it's going to get better in the future, but I just don't I would lean towards not rushing 47 00:13:03.600 --> 00:13:18.800 to do this now. I really don't see there being much of a difference if we get a plan and we do, you know, see where things go in the future, a couple months down the road. Um, so I I wouldn't, as it sits now, I'm not in in favor of this. I just want to be really clear that I'm certainly in favor of signage. 48 00:13:18.800 --> 00:13:34.000 I wish it was part of the original piece to getting the pool open this season with um the um original Greenwood pool now being um demolished in the plans for the pavilion. Um, and I certainly want to, um, be very mindful of the historical 49 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:49.680 significance of it. Uh, but this isn't something that I would be supportive right now. Thank you. >> Thank you, council. Any further discussion? Council General Owlet. >> I I do want to note that the amount of um time and work though that council Mack and the mayor put into getting this again like Counc said, signage there is 50 00:13:49.680 --> 00:14:06.480 important. Um, it's something that is I hope will get done there. Um, but just something I'm not ready to support now. Thank you, councelor Tone. >> Yes. Um, council president, um, just question I guess and maybe it can be answered. Were other options explored 51 00:14:06.480 --> 00:14:22.639 uh, as an example like utilizing a money tech or some other local company to possibly do this? And I mean, I I see the bid, I see that the the number. Um, what avenues were explored for other options? I guess I would say 52 00:14:22.639 --> 00:14:39.040 >> through the chair to council me. >> Thank you. Um, originally, uh, Director Huey and I met with Doug Monroe from the sign department and we were considering other options because my initial was to have the sign department do something. Um, but because the way the sighting is on the building um, and taking in uh, 53 00:14:39.040 --> 00:14:54.399 Doug's expertise, he felt lettering was the best way to go. Um, and uh, recommended Lyman Sign, which you know, a lot of us, you know, know of Lyman Sign in the area. And, uh, so uh, that was where the the bid came in for. Um, 54 00:14:54.399 --> 00:15:10.160 and if the chair would uh be willing to entertain, um, I will withdraw the motion and ask the, um, council to refer this back to the finance committee so we can keep it on our calendar. 55 00:15:10.160 --> 00:15:25.760 >> Um, and I just and I just want to say that um, as part of this um, in the future and I'm going to go back to the pavilion. Um, I think when the design, um, I don't know if every single council should go and look at the the the plan 56 00:15:25.760 --> 00:15:42.160 and everything. Um, I think we need to start forming, um, an ad hoc committee to look at these things and not just take what the architect submits to us as what we're going to do. [clears throat] Um there are a lot of things that I don't agree with it and I think it's a lot of money um for something that uh 57 00:15:42.160 --> 00:15:58.000 we've been waiting for and um this could have been addressed at the time but I think in my opinion we have a we have a um sense of just going through what's given to us and not think like it's like building a house that you can have it you can have it revised you can give 58 00:15:58.000 --> 00:16:15.199 suggestions um and so uh moving forward hopefully we won't have to do things like this separately that it could be all encompass together. And oh, and just uh for councelor Tissone, I did go through the economic um and community development director and I asked him if there was any grant money left because 59 00:16:15.199 --> 00:16:31.839 we used to have a sign and facade for small business grant and there's no money left available there. So, thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Councelor Mack uh withdraws her motion and moves to refer this item to the finance committee for study and report. >> Second. >> Second. Second by councelor Kazinskus. 60 00:16:31.839 --> 00:16:50.560 Is there discussion? All those in favor? I >> I all against no. >> The motion passes. >> Item number 11836, a measure adopting the city's hazard mitigation plan. >> Councelor Mack. 61 00:16:50.560 --> 00:17:06.720 >> Uh I make a motion that the this be referred back to finance committee for more study and report. >> Second. >> Motion made by councelor Mack, second by councelor Dur allowance to refer this item back to finance or to finance committee for study and report. Is there discussion? All those in favor I. I. All those 62 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:26.799 against no. Motion passes. >> Item number 11838, a measure authorizing an intermunicipal agreement between the city of Gardner and town of Hubbertson for animal control services for the period of July 1st, 2026 through July 30th, 2029. 63 00:17:26.799 --> 00:17:41.679 >> Council journal outs. >> Thank you, President Tyros. This agreement continues the current relationship for interim control services with Hubbertson through fiscal year 2029. Um I do want to note that the agreement in our packet has incorrect dates. The finance committee did receive the corrected version from the mayor on 64 00:17:41.679 --> 00:17:57.919 uh June 29th uh 2026 prior to our finance committee meeting which is what we um reviewed then. This version did have um the corrected dates um and is obviously the version that's going to be used for this agreement. Um that being said, um the measure we're we are 65 00:17:57.919 --> 00:18:13.600 authorizing the mayor to enter an agreement that uh specifically he deems appropriate in accordance with the general laws. Um so there will be the agreement um as I discussed. I therefore move to authorize the measure. >> Second >> motion made by councelor Duritz, second by councelor Mack to authorize the 66 00:18:13.600 --> 00:18:30.080 measure. Is there discussion? >> All those in favor? I. >> I. All those against no. >> The motion passes. Item number 11840, a measure designating the position of transfer station safety program 67 00:18:30.080 --> 00:18:46.640 development and compliance coordinator as a special municipal employee under the provisions of MGL chapter 268A sections 20D. >> Council General Abbott. >> Thank you, President Tyrus. Uh, this measure designates the the position as a special municipal employee. So, Inspector Babman of the Health 68 00:18:46.640 --> 00:19:02.480 Department could hold two positions in the city. This comes on the recommendation of both the uh director of public health and the mayor who highlighted Mr. Babin's previous experience and that this role would not conflict with his current um inspector duties um as one is on the weekends and one is during the weekdays. Uh committee 69 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:18.320 was in favor and I move to adopt the measure. >> Second >> motion by councelor general allowance second by councelor Mack to adopt the measure. Is there discussion? All those in favor I. >> All those against no. The motion passes. 70 00:19:18.320 --> 00:19:35.440 Item number 1841A, an ordinance to amend attachment F of chapter 8 of the code of the city of Gardener, thereof entitled primary non-UN compensation schedule to add the positions of golf administrative assistance and transfer station safety 71 00:19:35.440 --> 00:19:51.200 program development and compliance coordinator. >> Councelor Journal allows. >> Thank you, President Harris. I move to send the ordinance the first printing. >> Second. >> Motion made by councelor journal allowance. Second by councelor heat. to send this item to its first printing. Is there discussion? Council journal allows. 72 00:19:51.200 --> 00:20:06.160 >> Thank you, President Tyrus. As this was um this was set up in finance committee with just the safety program development compliance coordinator position and not the golf position. Um I therefore move to amend the uh present ordinance by removing the golf administrative assistant line in the chart in section 73 00:20:06.160 --> 00:20:22.160 one. Second >> motion made by councelor Dur allowance, second by councelor Kazinskis to move to amend the item by removing the golf uh administrative assistant from section one. >> That is correct. >> Is there discussion? 74 00:20:22.160 --> 00:20:38.559 All those in favor? I >> I. >> All those against? No. The amendment passes as amended. Council journal. >> Uh this ordinance applies back to the position we just created. Um we're allowed to be a special municipal employee. Um, this allows the city to pay the position at the proposed rate. 75 00:20:38.559 --> 00:20:54.159 Thank you. >> Thank you very much, counselor. Is there any further discussion on the motion as amended? >> All those in favor? I. I. >> All those against no. >> The motion passes. >> [clears throat] >> Item number 11842, 76 00:20:54.159 --> 00:21:13.200 an order transferring the sum of 215,127 and 8 cents from mayor's unclassified salary reserve expense account to various salaries accounts of the general fund. >> Council attorneys. >> Thank you, President Tyrros. This transfer is to fund the new non-UN 77 00:21:13.200 --> 00:21:29.280 compensation rubric passed by this council last year. Uh the mayor attached a chart detailing the amount to each line item in the budget and the uh position it corresponds to. The finance committee was in favor and I move to adopt the order. >> Second. >> Motion made by councelor journal. Second by councelor Mack to adopt the order. Is 78 00:21:29.280 --> 00:21:47.760 there discussion? >> This will be a roll call vote. >> May please call the role. >> Councelor Brooks. >> Yes. >> Councelor Craig Cormier. >> Yes. >> Councelor Dalowitz. >> Yes. Councelor Hardurn. Councelor Heath. 79 00:21:47.760 --> 00:22:03.039 >> Yes. >> Councelor Hegelan. Councelor Kazinskis. >> Yes. >> Councelor Mack. >> Yes. >> Councelor Tone. >> Yes. >> Councelor Tobalt Munes. >> Yes. >> And President Tyrus. >> Yes. >> Nine. >> Nine. Yes. 80 00:22:03.039 --> 00:22:18.880 >> The motion passes. >> Um there is no unfinished business or matters for reconsideration and there's no new business. >> Councilor comments and remarks. Are there any councelor comments or remarks this evening? Councelor Mac, >> I just want to take a moment to welcome our new city clerk. Today is her first 81 00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:35.200 day on the job and um and running this meeting is no small task. So I I welcome her and um and hope the next um few weeks of training and getting used to everything goes well. >> Thank you councel. Any further disc 82 00:22:35.200 --> 00:22:52.880 further council comments or remarks? >> Council Heath. >> Thank you, President Tyros. Um the Saturday uh we have food truck fest everyone come out can't wait then on Friday ready for Saturday. 83 00:22:52.880 --> 00:23:08.720 >> Thank you councelor Heath. Any further counselor comments or remarks. I too, thank you councelor Mack would like to welcome our new clerk and just as we have done and said and demanded of other departments to improve process, procedure and documentation. Uh she also 84 00:23:08.720 --> 00:23:25.840 has a long road ahead of her to look at improvements in the clerk's department, see how we could do things better and different. So I look forward to the work that she'll be doing and uh with that I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn after the closing prayer. >> So moved. >> Motion made by councelor Kazinsia, second by councelor to adjurnn. All 85 00:23:25.840 --> 00:23:44.240 those in favor I. All those against no motion passes. >> Almighty father who ceased over all we thank thee for the opportunity of joint deliberation and action witness during the course of this meeting. Bless the Lord all the 86 00:23:44.240 --> 00:23:53.480 people representatives we are and do thou attend to our commonwealth until our next meeting. Amen. Stand. Thank you.