Gardner Council Sends Capital Oversight Rule to First Printing

Select Board · Meeting of October 5, 2026

GARDNER — The Gardner City Council voted unanimously to send a capital improvement oversight ordinance to first printing, citing unresolved spending from the Mackie Park and Gardner High School C-wing projects. President Tyros sponsored the measure, which adds school committee representation to the capital improvement committee and requires council review of project plans before procurement. Councilor Kaczynski said the Elm Street School office move cost "at least thirty-two thousand dollars" and "could have been up to fifty thousand dollars, but we don't know, because we don't have that information." The council also confirmed seven mayoral appointments, including Public Works Director Dane Arnold, and declared two tax-title properties surplus: 35-39 Gram Street, owing $666,895.26, and 67 Sawyer Street, owing $92,755.07.

Mayor Nicholson explained a 2024 state law change now requires appraisal before any tax-title property sale.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,500 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of October 5, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.