City Council Confirms Key Appointments, Approves Capital Plan
Gardner City Council confirmed multiple appointees and accepted a sweeping capital plan. The Council confirmed Building Commissioner Melissa MacDonald and four police appointees including Christopher J. Black, Michael King, Derek Wight as officers and Ryan Coates as sergeant, plus Duncan Burns to
City Council · Meeting of March 16, 2026
Gardner City Council confirmed multiple appointees and accepted a sweeping capital plan. The Council confirmed Building Commissioner Melissa MacDonald and four police appointees including Christopher J. Black, Michael King, Derek Wight as officers and Ryan Coates as sergeant, plus Duncan Burns to Conservation Commission and Linda Rice and Marcia White to Historical Commission.
Jason Stevens was confirmed as Director of Community Development and Planning by a 7-1 vote. The Council accepted the FY2027 Capital Improvement Plan prioritizing $25.9 million in projects, approved $256,200 in water and engineering appropriations, and authorized President George Tyros to seek Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations guidance on the Council's role in union negotiations for Council-appointed positions.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 559 words
Source: the City Council meeting of March 16, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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