Public Safety Committee
Regular MeetingGardner, MA · September 19, 2016
Minutes
City of Gardner, Massachusetts
City Council Public Safety Committee
Minutes of the Meeting of September 19, 2016
Councillor Paul Tassone, Chairman, called the Public Safety Committee meeting to order on
Monday, September 19, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. Committee members
Councillors Karen Hardern and Matthew Vance were also present.
Others Present: Police Chief Neil Erickson, Fire Chief Richard Ares, Building Commissioner
Jeffrey Cooke, Health Director Jen Roy, Public Works Director Dane Arnold, and Mark Russell.
I. Minutes of Prior Meeting(s).
On a motion by Councillor Tassone and seconded by Councillor Karen Hardern, it was
voted to accept the Minutes of the June 15, 2016 Public Safety Committee Meeting, as
printed.
II. Department Updates.
Building Commissioner Jeffrey Cooke
• Department’s concern is 486 Chestnut Street – owners will not meet the
September 30 deadline; therefore, requested a 45-day extension.
• Last week while digging, it was discovered that the soil was contaminated - the
soil was sent for testing and the results will not be known until Thursday.
• This was an unforeseen circumstance. If the Clerk-Magistrate does not grant the
extension, the Building Commissioner will be insisting that fines be applied. A
$13 thousand dollar fine will be held over their heads until completion.
Public Health Director Jennifer Susen-Roy
• Rain barrels were delivered -- 100 ordered and 73 were sold.
• The Department is in the process of hiring a landscaper to mow, landscape, and
maintain properties abandoned properties (vacant, foreclosed, bankrupt -
approximately 14 properties). The grass is too tall and can be a health hazard.
• On the ensuing Monday, the Board of Health will be adopting regulations
affecting charity donation boxes across the city. The property owners will be
responsible for obtaining permits and maintaining the boxes. The new
regulations are similar to what Fitchburg has adopted.
• Flavored Tobacco Ban Regulations are presently with the City Solicitor’s Office.
The BOH will schedule a public hearing at its Monday meeting. It is a tri-city
effort with Leominster and Fitchburg to ban flavored tobacco in any stores that
sell tobacco, with the exception of “adult only” establishments.
• New Assistant Director Lauren Saunders was hired a month ago.
• BOH is working with the Building Department, Community Development &
Planning Department, and the Attorney General’s Office to address
abandoned/vacant properties.
• License renewals are in-process for restaurants, tobacco dealers, etc., since all
expire in December.
9-19-2016 Public Safety Committee Minutes Page 1 of 4
City of Gardner, Massachusetts
City Council Public Safety Committee
Minutes of the Meeting of September 19, 2016
Police Chief Neil Erickson:
• New cruisers in shop. They should be ready in a couple weeks.
Councillor Tassone questioned how the Police Station is doing.
• Chief Erickson responded that there are still some issues with the new police
station -- HVAC, elevators, circuitry, floors, and epoxy resin has started to bubble
and needs to be replaced -- most of the repairs are beyond the warranty periods.
Councillor Vance questioned the “Top 3 Most Wanted” List.
• Not recently updated. One person on the List was apprehended - No
apprehensions since.
Fire Chief Richard Ares:
• New brush almost ready and will be available October 17th.
• 2002 Pick-up Truck used for plowing needs to be replaced – will not pass
inspection. It won’t be worth putting more money into a 14 year old truck that’s
rotting.
• 7 new firefighters started work. 2 more will be starting in October, and 4 are
going to the Academy in November.
• Purchased and registered new ambulance (from Westminster) - Hoping it will be
ready to run by January.
III. #9629 – An Ordinance to Amend the Code of the City of Gardner, Chapter 600,
Thereof, Entitled “Vehicles and Traffic,” Various Sections.
Motion made by Councillor Vance and seconded by Councillor Hardern to grant the
Mayor’s request for leave to withdraw the measure from the Calendar. So voted
IV. #9688 – An Application by Paul L. Roy for an Amended License to Store 200,000
Gallons of Petroleum Products in Aboveground Storage Tanks at 211 Colony Lane,
Gardner.
Councillor Tassone asked Fire Chief Ares if he had any questions regarding the license.
Chief Ares said that would like to see product storage plans before approving the
License. No action taken.
V. #9689 – Notice of Cancellation of Motor Vehicle Class 2 Dealer Surety Bond Relative to
Marco’s Motorsports, 412 Main Street.
On a motion by Councillor Vance and seconded by Councillor Hardern, it was voted to
recommend to the City Council that it revoke Marco’s Motorsports’ Class 2 Motor
Vehicle Dealers License, per his request.
9-19-2016 Public Safety Committee Minutes Page 2 of 4
City of Gardner, Massachusetts
City Council Public Safety Committee
Minutes of the Meeting of September 19, 2016
VI. Trash Fee Abatement Request – 25 Grant Street.
Health Director Jen Susen-Roy informed the Committee that the City’s Trash program
was implemented in 2007. The property, 25 Grant Street, never received Toters®, but
was billed accordingly since 2007. At the time, if residents declined to participate in the
City’s trash program, they needed to file an abatement form, noting that it is the
homeowner’s responsibility to do so. Sara Carpenter, the property owner, should have
filed at the time but did not. Property manager Mark Russell did file an Abatement form
in May, 2016, but the Director can abate charges for only a year, per State law. It’s up
to the Board of Health to abate charges for a longer period. When a bill is abated, she
said, it means it will drop those charges off the bill for a year because that bill has not
been paid. The property owner is currently delinquent for property taxes, water, sewer,
and trash for over $15,000, with no payments having been made.
Mark Russell said that the property was purchased in 2005 and was partially damaged
as a result of a fire that engulfed the house at 31 Grant Street. The house remained
vacant until 2013 when it was repaired and then inhabited. The house is a 3-family
building, but was charged as an 8-Family residence for Toters® since 2007. He said that
the bills are mailed to Boston where the owners reside – Mark doesn’t see the bills, as
he just manages the property. He added that he accidently came across the bill and
mentioned it to the owners. They have asked him to look into it. They feel as though
they should receive something back for the error.
Councillor Vance questioned why they were billed for 8 Toters® instead of 3.
Ms. Susen-Roy stated that in the Board’s program, owners of 4 or more units were
automatically billed for 8 Toters® and that it is the owner’s responsibility to file for an
abatement which would correct number of apartments. The Board’s data was based on
property information provided by the Assessor’s Office.
Councillor Hardern said that she learned that the property is in Tax Title.
Ms. Susen-Roy confirmed that the property in in Tax Title and, as of today, $15,037.37 is
owed to the City in taxes, as well as trash, water, and sewer liens.
Public Works Director Dane Arnold said that for this particular property, delinquent
notices have been mailed to the property owners via certified mail every 30 days. The
building will then be posted with a red sign informing them about the shut-off. If the
owners do not attempt to resolve the delinquency, the ground is marked for shut-off.
Mr. Russell commented that manages the property, but does not hand the financial
aspects.
9-19-2016 Public Safety Committee Minutes Page 3 of 4
City of Gardner, Massachusetts
City Council Public Safety Committee
Minutes of the Meeting of September 19, 2016
Public Works Director Arnold added that the abatement gets deducted from the amount
that’s owed. There is currently a lien on the property because no money has been paid.
It takes approximately 3 years before a property enters Tax Title.
The Committee voted the support the Board of Health’s decision to abate for up to one
year, and no more.
VII. Request from Square Two to Impose Traffic Restrictions for the 2016 Fabulous Fall
Festival and Chair Luge.
On a motion by Councillor Vance and seconded by Councillor Hardern, it was voted to
recommend to the City Council that it authorize traffic restrictions for the 2016 Fabulous
Fall Festival and Chair Luge.
Adjournment.
On a motion Councillor Vance and seconded by Councillor Hardern, it was voted to
adjourn at 5:35 p.m.
9-19-2016 Public Safety Committee Minutes Page 4 of 4
Agenda
PRESIDENT
James M. Walsh, Esq.
CITY OF GARDNER
COUNCILLORS AT LARGE MASSACHUSETTS 01440-2630
James S. Boone
Craig R. Cormier OFFICE OF THE
Ronald F. Cormier CITY COUNCIL
Scott J. Graves, Esq.
Marc Morgan
Matthew C. J. Vance
WARD 1 COUNCILLOR ________________________________ __________________________________
James M. Walsh, Esq.
WARD 2 COUNCILLOR
Paul G. Tassone
WARD 3 COUNCILLOR
Nathan R. Boudreau September 12, 2016
WARD 4 COUNCILLOR
Karen G. Hardern PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING NOTICE
WARD 5 COUNCILLOR Date: Monday, September 19, 2016
James D. Johnson Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: City Council Chamber, Room 219, City Hall
ANNOUNCEMENT - 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 operation of equipment used so as
not to interfere with the conduct of the meeting. Any person intending to make such recording shall notify the Chair forthwith. All
Documents referenced or used during the meeting must be submitted in duplicate to the Chair of the Committee, pursuant to the Open
Meeting and Public Records Law. All documents shall become part of the official record of the meeting.
I. Review and Approval of the Minutes of June 15, 2016 Meeting.
II. Department Updates
o Health Director Jennifer Susen-Roy
o Police Chief Neil Erickson
o Fire Chief Richard Ares
o Building Commissioner Jeffrey Cooke
III. #9629 – An Ordinance to Amend the Code of the City of Gardner, Chapter 600, Thereof, Entitled
“Vehicles and Traffic,” Various Sections.
IV. #9688 – An Application by Paul L. Roy for an Amended License to Store 200,000 Gallons of
Petroleum Products in Aboveground Storage Tanks at 211 Colony Lane, Gardner.
V. #9689 – Notice of Cancellation of Motor Vehicle Class 2 Dealer Surety Bond Relative to
Marco’s Motorsports, 412 Main Street.
VI. Trash Fee Abatement Request – 25 Grant Street.
VII. Request from Square Two to Impose Traffic Restrictions for the 2016 Fabulous Fall Festival and
Chair Luge.
NOTICE: The listing of Agenda items are those reasonably anticipated by the Chairman which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all
items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.
CITY COUNCIL OF GARDNER
Paul G. Tassone
Paul G. Tassone
Chairman, Public Safety Committee
City of Gardner, Massachusetts
City Council Public Safety Committee
Minutes of the Meeting of June 15, 2016
Councillor Paul Tassone, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, called the Public Safety
Committee meeting to order on Monday, June 15, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. in the City Council
Chamber. Councillors Matthew Vance and Karen Hardern were also present.
Others Present: Police Chief Neil Erickson, Building Commissioner Jeffrey Cooke, Fire Chief
Richard Ares, Health Director Jennifer Susen-Roy, Animal Control Officer Kim Landry, and Police
Department Administrative Assistant Maryann Desmarais.
I. Minutes of Prior Meeting(s).
On a motion by Councillor Vance and seconded by Councillor Karen Hardern, it was
voted to accept the Minutes of the May 23, 2016 Public Safety Committee Meeting, as
printed.
II. FY2017 Budget Hearings.
Health Department/Health Director Jennifer Susen-Roy:
• Changes under department head salary.
• Change in solid waste expenses – increase due to trash disposal and increase in
recycling materials disposal.
• Updates:
o Rain barrels have been ordered. 44 have been sold.
o Complaints received concerning overgrown grass.
o Error in printing the 2016-2017 trash/recycle calendars. - Red Sun printed
a calendar that the City did not approve - looking into other avenues for a
new printing. BOH will be using social media, Facebook, radio, the City’s
website, and newspapers to update residents.
Police Department/Chief Neil Erickson:
• Repairs and maintenance have increased.
• Deductible has increased to $1,000 per vehicle (formerly $500).
• Increase in energy – running a deficit with National Grid due to the former police
station. Problems moving energy credits from the old police station to the new
one. Energy costs have tripled due to increased usage (was under-budgeted).
• Requesting three new police vehicles - two marked and one unmarked vehicle.
o Costs more to maintain – 3 new ones in and 3 out for public auction.
o Ideally should purchase 2 per year or 3 every other year.
o Marked vehicles run 24/7 and require constant maintenance.
• Dispatch Budget – no major increases.
o $10,000 increase for salary.
o Dispatchers, part-time salary – Recruiting and training costs.
o Currently have 8 full-time employees and 6 part-time employees.
• Animal Control budget, salary change. Everything else is the same.
• There have been no changes to the Animal Shelter budget.
6-15-2016 Public Safety Committee Minutes Page 1 of 2
City of Gardner, Massachusetts
City Council Public Safety Committee
Minutes of the Meeting of June 15, 2016
Councillor Tassone requested copies of the Agreements with the Towns of Hubbardston,
Ashburnham and Westminster, regarding Regional Animal Control services (to determine
percentages that are reimbursed on a quarterly basis). Towns are billed quarterly.
Fire Department/Fire Chief Richard Ares:
• There aren’t many changes to the budget. A few items that the Chief requested
were reduced (e.g. overtime).
• The overtime budget has been $300,000, same amount, plus another $35,000
for training.
• Hiring 8 new employees - 7 new positions and 1 replacing an employee that was
terminated (Standard protocol unmet during probationary period).
• Had 6 fewer employees over time and the shifts were filled using overtime.
• A Study showed that it was less expensive to pay someone overtime than to hire
a new employee.
• More firefighters equal a safer environment. Firefighters “are burnt out from all
the overtime.”
Building Department/Building Commissioner Jeffrey Cooke:
• City Hall sprinkler system is archaic – replacement parts are unobtainable.
Flooding has occurred and alarms are being activated. Slowly converting to new
sprinklers -- $49,000 to replace sprinkler system in Perry Auditorium.
• Aside from salary increases, City Hall budget is the same.
• ZBA budget increased due to cost of legal notices and publications – over their
budget this year.
• The largest increase in the Budget is for the addition of a part-time Local
Inspector – help with backlog of inspections.
III. #9629 An Ordinance to Amend the Code of the City of Gardner, Chapter 600, Thereof,
Entitled “Vehicles and Traffic”, Various Sections.
The Committee agreed to wait for a response from the Traffic Commission. More time
will be sought.
IV. Request for Crosswalk on Main Street at Cumberland Farms
The Committee does not recommend the laying of a crosswalk due to safety concerns.
The Committee will await a study by the State and follow its recommendation.
VI. Adjournment
On a motion Councillor Vance and seconded by Councillor Hardern, it was voted to
adjourn at 5:40 p.m.
6-15-2016 Public Safety Committee Minutes Page 2 of 2
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