Finance Committee

CITY OF GARDNER, MASSACHUSETTS CITY COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MEETING OF FEBRUARY 26, 2025 The Finance Committee meeting was called to order by Councillor Aleksander Dernalowicz at 4:00 PM in the City Council Chamber, Room 219, City Hall. Finance Committee Members, Councillor Judy Mack and Brad Heglin were also present. Also participating, Mayor Michael Nicholson; City Auditor John Richard; Assistant Community Development and Planning Director Evan Cudmore; and Assistant City Clerk Jayen Kumar. Review and Approval of Meeting Minute(s) On a motion made by Councillor Judy Mack and seconded by Councillor Brad Heglin, it was voted to waive the reading and accept the Finance Committee Meeting Minutes of January 29, 2025. 3 yeas, motion passes. #11502 - A Communication from the Mayor Regarding the Certification of the City's FY24 LA19. Mayor Nicholson informed the Committee that there were some reconciliations that were made that brought the balance of the trust fund back up significantly to $1.4 million dollars. Claims are still coming in higher than last year every month, but the financial status of the trust is a lot better than expected. Councillor Mack and Dernalowicz also commended the City Assessor for getting the report done and achieving the assessment ratios needed. On a motion by Councillor Heglin and seconded by Councillor Mack, it was voted to recommend the City Council to place the communication on file. 3 yeas, motion passes. #1503 - An Order of Taking for Easements (temporary and/or permanent) by Eminent Domain for the Purpose of the Safe Routes to School Project for various properties located on Elm Street in the area between Temple Street and Cherry Street. Mayor Nicholson informed the committee that the City is in the process of launching the Safe Routes to School improvements to the Elm Street Corridor later this year. In order for the project to move forward, the City must obtain easements, both temporary and permanent, at various properties along Elm Street where the work will be occurring. The majority of these easements are temporary, to allow for the storage of supplies and materials during the construction. The obtaining of these easements is a requirement for the Safe Routes to School Program by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, in a manner identical to when the easements were taken out for the Uptown Rotary Improvement Page 1 of 2  CITY OF GARDNER, MASSACHUSETTS CITY COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MEETING OF FEBRUARY 26, 2025 Project. Councillor Dernalowicz questioned the timetable of the project. Assistant Director Cudmore responded it will be in the springtime but will update the Council on a specific date. Councillor Mack questioned if there were any property owners who were objected to using their properties. Assistant Director Cudmore responded that he did not receive any notification of objection. He has met some of the property owners and also sent notifications to all of them and let them know they can contact the office with any questions. Councillor Dernalowicz would like to thank Councilor Calvin Brooks for the donation of his property for the project. On a motion by Councillor Mack and seconded by Councillor Heglin, it was voted to recommend the City Council to adopt the order. 3 yeas, motion passes. #11477 – Discussions in Regard to Internal Working Groups Review of the Salary Study. (Submitted by Councillor Aleksander Dernalowicz) There were no further updates on this item. Councillor Dernalowicz recommended keeping this item on the agenda. The committee agreed and there were no further questions or objections. #11482 – Discussions regarding the City’s Health Insurance Payments and Trust Fund. Mayor Nicholson informed the committee that there were no further updates. They have received the stoploss payment, but it has not been calculated. It is normally calculated at the end of the month. The committee agreed to keep this item on the agenda. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Councillor Heglin and seconded by Councillor Mack, it was voted to adjourn at 4:12 p.m. Page 2 of 2