WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=fKBgByVzckk

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: fKBgByVzckk):
- 00:00:09: Meeting Call to Order, Roll Call, and Prayer
- 00:01:49: Appointments Committee: Council on Aging Confirmation
- 00:05:33: Council On Aging and Bandstand Committee Appointment
- 00:07:40: Finance Committee: Police Contract and Spending Freeze
- 00:09:19: President Recusal and President Prom Election
- 00:10:56: Ratifying Step Designations for Department Heads
- 00:14:50: Zoning Ordinance Amendment and Donation Acceptance
- 00:15:56: Teamsters Negotiations and Counselor Comments/Remarks
- 00:16:50: Councilor Tmos Comment - Keep Gardener Beautiful
- 00:17:24: Councilor Kazinskus Comment - Library Book Sale
- 00:17:55: Councilor Kazinskus Comment - Salary Scale Fairness
- 00:19:19: Chamber Accessibility and Representative Zlotnik Appreciation
- 00:20:36: Motion to Adjourn and Closing Prayer


Part: 1

1
00:00:09.920 --> 00:00:26.160
Call the order of the Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 meeting of the Gardener City Council. The clerk will now please call the role. >> Council Brooks, >> present. >> Council Craig Cormier, >> present. >> Council Dowers, >> present. >> Council Harter. >> Council Heath, >> present. >> Council Hegund,

2
00:00:26.160 --> 00:00:41.760
>> absent. Council Kazinskus, >> present. >> Council Math, >> present. Council Sony >> present. >> Constant vote >> present. >> And president Tyrus >> present. Those who wish to now rise for the opening prayer and pledge of allegiance. >> Almighty God, we thank you for bringing

3
00:00:41.760 --> 00:00:57.120
us together this evening. Inspire us to deeds and sound decisions and direct us towards maintaining a good city government. We pray thee to bless and protect all the people of our city and to so guide and inspire us that we may liberate in unity and harmony. Amen.

4
00:00:57.120 --> 00:01:17.520
I aliance 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. >> Announcement of open meeting recordings. Any person may make a video or audio

5
00:01:17.520 --> 00:01:32.720
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 operation of equipment used so as to not interfere with the conduct of the meeting. Any person intending to make such recordings to notify the chair forth with all

6
00:01:32.720 --> 00:01:49.119
documents and exhibits used or referenced at the meeting must be submitted in duplicate to the chair as they become part of the meeting minutes. Is anyone recording this evening's meeting? No response. There are no minutes of prior meetings. There are no public hearings. There are

7
00:01:49.119 --> 00:02:04.960
no communications from the mayor. There are no communications applications or communications. Reports of standing committees. Appointments committee. Item 11 666. A measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Stanley to the position

8
00:02:04.960 --> 00:02:20.720
of council on aging me member for the term expiring August 22nd, 2028. Councelor Heath. >> Thank you, President Tyros. Uh the appointments committee voted to move the appointment to the full city council to be certified. >> Second.

9
00:02:20.720 --> 00:02:37.120
>> Motion made by councelor Heath, second by councelor Duritz to confirm the mayor's appointment. Is there discussion? Council Heath. >> Thank you, President Tyros. Uh Mr. uh Liscocoll is a lifetime gardener resident and a Marine Corpse veteran.

10
00:02:37.120 --> 00:02:55.120
Mr. Lucos has spent his life in service to others, including 20 years as a firefighter uh for the city of Gardener. Uh this is a new appointment. However, over the past three years, he has been an active participant at the senior center, giving him a unique uh boots on

11
00:02:55.120 --> 00:03:11.200
the ground perspective on what our seniors need and how to expand the program available to them. His dedication to give him back and his retirement is truly commendable. >> Thank you, counselor. Any further discussion? All those in favor? I

12
00:03:11.200 --> 00:03:28.000
>> I. Those against? No. Motion passes. Item 11677, a measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Christy Livingston to the position of council on aging member for a term expiring August 22nd, 2026.

13
00:03:28.000 --> 00:03:43.360
Council Heath. >> Thank you, President Tyros. The uh appointments committee met with the appointee voted to move the appointment to the full city council to be certified. >> Second. >> Motion made by council Heath, second by council journal to confirm the mayor's

14
00:03:43.360 --> 00:03:58.799
appointment. Is there discussion? Councelor Heath. >> Thank you, Presidentos. Uh, this being a new appointment, uh, recommended by the mayor, Miss Livingston brings an impressive professional background to the table, holding a certificate in

15
00:03:58.799 --> 00:04:15.120
gology from Clark University and serving as the assistant executive director at Haywood Wakefield Commons uh, for the last 15 years. Her expertise in senior care creates a vital partnership between the municipal services and the private sector,

16
00:04:15.120 --> 00:04:31.360
ensuring our programming is both professional and compassionate. >> Thank you, councelor. Further discussion? All those in favor? I. >> All those against no. Motion passes. >> Item 11678, a measure confirming the mayor's

17
00:04:31.360 --> 00:04:46.400
appointment of Cheryl House to the position of council on aging member for a term expiring August 22nd, 2026. Councelor Heath. >> Thank you, President Tyrell. The appointments committee uh voted to move the appointment to the full city council to be certified. >> Second.

18
00:04:46.400 --> 00:05:01.759
>> Motion made by councelor Heath. Second by councelor Durn allowance to confirm the mayor's appointment. Is there discussion? Councelor Heath. >> Thank you, Mr. U. President Tyos. Uh this is a new appointment that comes with experience. Miss House is a retired registered nurse who has been a member

19
00:05:01.759 --> 00:05:16.720
of our senior center for the last nine years and has already served on the board for six. Her medical background provides a critical perspective on the health and wellness needed for our aging population and her long-term involvement

20
00:05:16.720 --> 00:05:33.600
allows her to champion the continued growth of the center. >> Thank you, councelor. Any further discussion? >> All those in favor? I. >> I. >> All those against? No. Motion passes. Item 11679, a measure confirming the mayor's

21
00:05:33.600 --> 00:05:50.320
appointment of Mary Sha Schaffer to the position of council and aging member for a term expiring August 22nd, 2026. Council Heath. >> Thank you, President Tyros. The appointments committee voted to move the appointment to the full city council to be served. >> Second. >> Motion made by council Heath, second by

22
00:05:50.320 --> 00:06:06.560
councelor Kazinskus to move to to confirm the mayor's appointment. Is there discussion? Council Heath. Thank you, President Teros. Uh, Miss Schaefer is a well-known figure in Gardner, having served that community for nearly 40 years with the

23
00:06:06.560 --> 00:06:24.000
I'm sorry, uh, the US Postal Service. This is a new appointment of a lifetime lifelong resident and an active participant in the senior center and an associate member of the council of aging since 2020. She acts as a vital bridge between the residents and the board. Her

24
00:06:24.000 --> 00:06:40.600
ability to gather direct feedback from her peers ensures that the council remains responsive to the interests of all of our seniors. >> Thank you, council. Any further discussion? All those in favor? I. >> All those against? No. Motion passes.

25
00:06:40.800 --> 00:06:55.360
Item 11673, a measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Denise Mariam to the position of bandstand committee member for a term expiring August 22nd, 2028. Councelor Heave. Thank you, President Teros. Uh, the appointments committee

26
00:06:55.360 --> 00:07:11.280
voted to move to certify the appointment um to the full city council to be certified. >> Second. >> Motion made by council Heath, second by councelor Kazinskus to confirm the mayor's appointment. Is there discussion? Council Heath. >> Thank you, President Tyrros. Uh, this is

27
00:07:11.280 --> 00:07:27.280
a reappoint. Um, Miss Miriam is a retired employee of the garden at DPW. Miss Marmy has dedicated over seven years to making our summer concert series a success. Her hands-on experience in managing the logistics of

28
00:07:27.280 --> 00:07:40.880
Monument Park, from securing sponsorships to handling the complex scheduling of 10 concerts per season is an incredible asset to our community's culture. >> Thank you, council. Any further discussion? All those in favor? I.

29
00:07:40.880 --> 00:07:59.280
>> All those against? No. Motion passes. Finance Committee. Council Journal allows move to suspend the rules to take up items 11813, 11817, and 11818. Are there any objections?

30
00:07:59.280 --> 00:08:15.039
Hearing none, the rules will be suspended. Item 11813, a measure authorizing a contract of up to 5 years for police department policy and procedures, rules, and regulations system. Council Mack. Thank you, Council

31
00:08:15.039 --> 00:08:31.120
President. Leading to a motion, this measure is to allow the purchasing agent on behalf of the police department to enter into an up to five-year contract, including renewals for the policy and procedures, rule, and regulation delivery system. The finance committee was in favor, and I make a motion to move the measure.

32
00:08:31.120 --> 00:08:46.800
>> Second. >> Motion made by councelor Mac, second by councelor Dur allowance to move the me to authorize the measure. Is there discussion? Councelor Mack. >> Thank you. As we've done with past long-term contracts, it allows department, as uh the director stated in his letter, to get more competitive

33
00:08:46.800 --> 00:09:01.920
rates from vendors and allows a better contract management system. Um so I just want to reinforce this is nothing new, but this is a new um request for this specific contract. >> Thank you, counselor. Any further discussion? All those in favor? I

34
00:09:01.920 --> 00:09:19.360
>> against no. Motion passes. Item 11817. I'll recuse myself from participation due to a potential conflict of interest as defined and as previously disclosed. This relates to a personal relationship as a member of my immediate family as one of the non-union personnel members

35
00:09:19.360 --> 00:09:49.519
included in this ordinance. Therefore, I will be stepping down from the chair and excusing myself from discussion and vote on this matter. Okay. And the recusal of council president for item number 11817. The order of business is the elections for president prom for this item tonight,

36
00:09:49.519 --> 00:10:06.480
April 21st, 2026. At this time, nomination are open for president prom. Councelor Dawitz. >> I nominate councelor Kazinskas. >> Second. Motion made by councelor Daw, seconded by councelor Dana He to nominate councelor Elizabeth Kazinskas.

37
00:10:06.480 --> 00:10:21.839
>> Move to close nominations. Second. >> Motion made by councel Dalowitz. Seconded by councelor Craig Cormier to close nominations. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. >> Nominations are now closed. When I call the role of the members, please state

38
00:10:21.839 --> 00:10:40.200
the name of the council of your choice. >> Councelor Brooks. >> Councelor Elizabeth Kazinskus. Councelor Craig Cormier. >> Councelor Kazinskus. >> Council Dawitz. >> Councelor Kazinskus. >> Council Heath. >> Councelor Kazinskus.

39
00:10:40.399 --> 00:10:56.240
>> Council Math. >> Councelor Kazinskus. >> Council Tunos. >> Councelor Kazinskus. >> Council Tone. >> Councelor Kazinskis. >> There being eight votes for council Elizabeth Kazinsus. She is the elected

40
00:10:56.240 --> 00:11:26.959
president for this item. Item 11817, a measure authorizing a a measure rat ratifying the mayor's recommendation for steps for various department head positions. Councelor Mack. Um, thank you councel

41
00:11:26.959 --> 00:11:43.680
Kazinskus. This measure is to ratify the mayor's re recommendation to place various department heads submitted for uh step designations specifically for the community development director uh community development and planning director, senior center director, director of purchasing and civil

42
00:11:43.680 --> 00:12:01.600
enforcement and director of veterans affair in accordance with attachment F of chapter 8 of the city code. The finance committee was in favor of sus uh of this and um and of suspending rule 22 and recommending the vote for ratification by the full council.

43
00:12:01.600 --> 00:12:16.320
>> Second >> motion made by councelor Mac, seconded by councelor Dowitz to uh to ratify the mayor's recommendation. Is there discussions on the motion? Councelor Mac, >> I just want to point out but this would be just giving the city purchasing agent credit for 10.75 years of previous

44
00:12:16.320 --> 00:12:33.560
professional experience and the senior center director 7.5 years. The other two positions would not see a change of salary u for the years of uh credit um that was uh appropriated to them. Thank you. >> Thank you counselor. Further discussion.

45
00:12:33.920 --> 00:12:53.200
>> The clerk will please call the role. Councelor Brooks. >> Yes. >> Councelor Craig Cormier. >> Yes. >> Council General Lowitz. >> Yes. >> Council Heath. >> Yes. >> Council Kazinskus. >> Yes. >> Council Math.

46
00:12:53.200 --> 00:13:28.079
>> Yes. >> Council Tony. >> Yes. >> Council Tibbo Muse. >> Yes. >> Nine. >> Eight. Sorry. >> Eight. The motion passes. Item 11818,

47
00:13:28.079 --> 00:13:43.279
a communication from the mayor regarding the current non-essential spending freeze. Council journal allowance. >> Thank you, President Tyrros. Uh this item was in front of this communication was in front of the finance committee because of an inquiry from the finance committee about the firing he

48
00:13:43.279 --> 00:14:00.160
excuse me spending u freeze um going on. Um the mayor provided the communication speaking to um what and how this works. Um there's just an extra layer of um a stop gap where the mayor has to

49
00:14:00.160 --> 00:14:16.000
approve expenditures over $1,000 which is further outlined in the uh communication in our uh packet. The uh mayor did make a point to say that any um non-essential um this is for non-essential non-public safety items. So things like fire, police, um those

50
00:14:16.000 --> 00:14:32.079
type of safety um do not fall under this um spending freeze. Uh the finance committee um made a motion to have the uh communication on file and I move to do so here at the council. >> Second. >> Motion made by councelor. Second by councelor Mack to place this

51
00:14:32.079 --> 00:14:50.399
communication on file. Is there discussion? >> All those in favor I. >> All no. Motion passes. Economic and Community Development Committee. Item 11772,

52
00:14:50.399 --> 00:15:06.720
an ordinance to amend the code of the city of Gardener, chapter 675, thereof titled zoning, to remove article 9 thereof entitled signs and advertising devices and move it to a non new nonzoning chapter to be numbered chapter 665.

53
00:15:06.720 --> 00:15:22.639
Councelor Kazinsk. >> Thank you, President Tyros. Leading up to a motion, the planning board met on April 14th and recommended adoption of the ordinance as presented. Um, this item was also taken up by the council and the planning board

54
00:15:22.639 --> 00:15:38.480
previously during the public hearing that is required for this process. And with that, I move to send the item to first printing. >> Second. >> Motion made by councelor Kazinski, second by council during allowance to send this item to its first printing. Is there discussion?

55
00:15:38.480 --> 00:15:56.720
Hearing none. All those in favor I >> I. All those against no. Motion passes. Unfinished business and matters for reconsideration. Item 11782 donation acceptance order. Gardener community action team.

56
00:15:56.720 --> 00:16:15.680
Council journal allowance. >> Without u no objection. I'd like for request more time for this item. >> There's objection. The council be given more time on this item. More time. Item 11808, second letter from Teamsters Union Local

57
00:16:15.680 --> 00:16:31.519
170 regarding union negotiations between the Teamsters, department heads, and the city. >> Council General Dows. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. President. Uh, as the previous um item, ask for more time on this item so we can get further um further information. >> Thank you, councelor. Are there any

58
00:16:31.519 --> 00:16:50.079
objections to more time? More time we granted on this item. There's no new business. Councelor comments and remarks. Are there any counselor comments or remarks this evening? Councelor Tmos. >> Thank you, President Tyrros. Uh just wanted to uh for the public and for

59
00:16:50.079 --> 00:17:08.000
counselors um here. Um I wanted to just uh remind folks that this week is keep gardener beautiful. Uh there've been folks already out there. Thank you for the folks who have been out there uh cleaning already. Uh the larger event is on Saturday between 8 and 1. Um be great

60
00:17:08.000 --> 00:17:24.400
for folks if you if you haven't got plans on Saturday to come out and maybe even grab a group of neighbors and uh clean up a little. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Any further comments? Councelor Gazinskus. >> Thank you, President Tyros. Uh first, the Levi Hwood Memorial Library book

61
00:17:24.400 --> 00:17:39.600
sale is at the end of this week. Um, the Friends of the Library preview sale, which is members only, is this Thursday, April 23rd from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the library. And then the book sale is open to the public on Friday, April 24th from

62
00:17:39.600 --> 00:17:55.440
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is a wonderful event for our library. It gets a lot of attention and um a lot of needed funding for the library. It's a wonderful event. Um, so please go if

63
00:17:55.440 --> 00:18:11.280
you can. It's great to have it during April vacation, so bring your kids, too. I have another comment I'd like to make um, regarding this evening's meeting. So, tonight we voted to place the remaining non-UN department heads where we are

64
00:18:11.280 --> 00:18:28.720
legally able onto a clear salary scale as recommended by the mayor and council president. This marks the completion of a long effort to bring more structure and consistency to how our union employees are paid at city hall. While this decision may seem focused on

65
00:18:28.720 --> 00:18:44.000
numbers and job levels, it's really about fairness for employees and making sure the city can manage these changes responsibly and sustainably. For a very long time, there wasn't a consistent system for salaries, which sometimes led to confusion or uneven adjustments. And

66
00:18:44.000 --> 00:18:59.440
without a clear framework, pay decisions could feel inconsistent and occasionally created unnecessary tension among employees in city hall. By finalizing this plan tonight, we're putting a clear and predictable system in place for these employees, and that

67
00:18:59.440 --> 00:19:16.559
gives employees a better understanding of how they can grow in their roles and helps the city keep and attract talented people moving forward. I do sincerely hope that this serves as a strong first step toward improving consistency, easing workplace concerns within the

68
00:19:16.559 --> 00:19:31.919
city hall workplace, and allowing our city hall employees to remain focused on serving our resident our residents, which is what matters most to our employees. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor. Any further counselor comments?

69
00:19:31.919 --> 00:19:47.440
>> I have two items this evening. The first, as you probably noticed here tonight, the chamber looks a bit different. With the help of the disability commission and the building commissioner McDonald, we are working towards making the chamber more accessible to all members of our community. Opening up this room is more

70
00:19:47.440 --> 00:20:03.840
than just aesthetics. It's about showing that every resident has a presence here and is welcome and has worth. When we make our public spaces easier to enter, easier to navigate, and easier to use, we make them for all people to become

71
00:20:03.840 --> 00:20:19.679
and feel involved. As we move forward tonight, I want us to keep that focus. Let's stay proactive in keeping looking for ways, big and small, to make these changes and make gardener a community where neighbors feel welcome. My second item this evening is uh last week it was

72
00:20:19.679 --> 00:20:36.159
announced our state representative Jonathan Zlotnik uh will not seek re-election and if the council would so choose I would entertain a motion to send a letter of appreciation to the state rep for his hard 14 years of service to gardener.

73
00:20:36.159 --> 00:20:51.039
Second >> motion made by councelor Tonei, second by councelor Cormier, send a letter of appreciation to representative Zod for his 14 14 years of service to Gardner at the state house. Any discussion on the motion? All those in favor? I >> I.

74
00:20:51.039 --> 00:21:06.960
>> All those against? No. Motion passes. Thank you. And thank you, Representative Zlotnik. Uh wish you best in your next endeavor. And with that, I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn after the closing prayer. >> So moved. >> Second. Motion made by councelor Kazinska, second by council Heath to adjourn after the closing prayer. All

75
00:21:06.960 --> 00:21:24.799
those in favor I. I. >> All against no. >> Motion passes. >> Heavenly father who ceased over all as we adjourn. We thank the opportunity of joint deliberation and action within the course of this meeting. Bless Lord all

76
00:21:24.799 --> 00:21:34.240
here and the people as represented as we are and thou attend to our common welfare until our next meeting. Amen. We >> stand a journ.