Public Safety Committee
Regular MeetingGardner, MA · May 2, 2019
Minutes
CITY OF GARDNER, MASSACHUSETTS
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MAY 2, 2019
_______________________________________________________________________________
Committee Chairman Councillor James Johnson called the Public Safety Committee meeting to
order at 6:05 p.m. in the Mayor’s Conference Room, City Hall. Committee members Councillors
Karen Hardern and Edward Gravel were present.
Other Officials present and/or participating were Chief of Police Richard Braks; Building
Commissioner Roland Jean; Assistant Director of Public Health Lauren Saunders; and, City Clerk
Alan Agnelli.
I. Minutes of Prior Meeting(s).
On a motion by Councillor Hardern and seconded by Councillor Gravel, it was voted to
accept the Minutes of April 16, 2019 Public Safety Committee Meeting, as printed.
II. Department Updates
Building Department
• 375 permits have been issued to-date.
• New software about to be implemented allowing for online permit applications. A
grant funded the first year and ½ of the second year. $5,000 annual cost
thereafter. Permit fees may cover the cost. Permit fees have not been increased
since 2007.
• Search warrant served on owner of 50 Lennon Street. Multiple complaints and
violations. Inspected jointly with Health Department.
• Ninety Nine Restaurant – Permits issued - foundation in place.
• City Hall sprinkler system – grant awarded to fund inspection. Awaiting plans for
upgrade to the system. Partial system in Perry Auditorium inoperable.
• Tractor Supply Co. interested in portion of former TOPS/Stop & Shop at Timpany
Plaza (20,000 s.f). Seeking outdoor display area which would consume about one-
third of the 600 parking spaces. A Special Permit from the ZBA would be needed.
Public Health Department
• Transfer Station – New stickers were ordered for the new fiscal year.
• Refuse & Recycling Information – 2019-2020 Pamphlets to be mailed by the end
of May. Recycling products guidelines changing. Recent postcard mailing to all
Gardner households.
• Earth Day Cleanup – Two truckloads of trash transported to the Transfer Station.
• Funeral Director Permits – Four were recently issued.
• Kendall Pond – Water testing weekly - $75/week paid by the Association. Kendall
Pond to open May 17.
• Sharps Containers – Available from MOAPC (Massachusetts Opioid Abuse
Prevention Collaborative). Only located at controlled public sites – Police Station
and the Gardner Community Health Center.
• Food Truck Festival - Permitting underway for the June 8th Festival.
• BOH quarterly segment scheduled for GETV.
05-02-2019 Safety Committee Minutes Page 1
CITY OF GARDNER, MASSACHUSETTS
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MAY 2, 2019
_______________________________________________________________________________
Police Department and Animal Control
• Lafayette Square - Traffic pattern changes are working as the PD has monitored
the traffic.
• Road Projects – Department has been meeting with contractors on local road
projects to minimize traffic/business interruptions during construction and to
establish safety measures for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Sidewalk Sale – Cancelled due to the uncertainty of the Downtown construction
schedule.
• Pearl Street – Department has been visible and enforcing speed. From January to
April, 44 citations and 50-60 warnings were issued. Speed monitoring and warning
devices planned for the street. Chairman Johnson asked if rumble strips would
slow traffic. Chief Braks cited problems during winter snow plowing.
• School Emergency Safety Plans – All officers are trained in the event of an
emergency at any school.
• Senior Police Academy – 40 people graduated recently – Academy held at 50 Pine
Street.
• 19th Citizens Police Academy – Just started - for all ages 18+.
• Junior Police Academy – Scheduled from July 29 to August 2 – for ages 14 to 17.
• Explorers Program – Department seeking to rebuild the program – The Explorer’s
Charter requires a minimum of 5 to conduct a program.
• Staffing – One officer out on injured-on-duty (“IOD”) status – may return to duty
within the next 2 months. One officer retiring this year and another will be leaving
the Department.
• Autism Awareness – Patches being sold to raise money - $10 each – money goes
to local autism awareness programs.
• Cancer Awareness – Pink patches being sold to raise money for local programs
(e.g. Cancer Walk).
• Peace Officers Memorial – May 15 is the 1st Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony.
• Earth Day – Police Department participated in the City’s Earth Day Cleanup.
• Medication Disposal Programs – Department has participated in local medication
disposal programs.
• Animal Control – City will be advertising for a new ACO. ACOs cover Gardner and
several towns.
Fire Department and Ambulance – Fire Chief’s Report Submitted
• Staffing – Three new Firefighters were hired to replace recently-resigned
Firefighters. These new members will be going to the Fire Academy in September
for their 10 week training.
• We are also in the process of hiring two more people, one to take the place of
another Firefighter who resigned in April and one to take the place of one who is
leaving on July 1. If we can get through the lengthy Civil Service hiring process
quickly enough, I’m hoping to get these new members into the October class.
05-02-2019 Safety Committee Minutes Page 2
CITY OF GARDNER, MASSACHUSETTS
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MAY 2, 2019
_______________________________________________________________________________
• I have requested of the Mayor to replace Car 2 this calendar year. Car 2 is a 2010
Ford Expedition used by the Shift Commander. It responds to the second highest
number of calls per year, only exceeded by the ambulance. When it’s replaced,
our mechanics will do some body work to repair rust through. We will use it to
replace Car 6, a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe that is used for members to attend classes,
as well as other Department business. Car 6 has several major issues and is not
worth repairing. It has been restricted to “in town” use only.
• Our new Engine 3 is in the beginning construction process. We are hoping to take
delivery some time in December. I have requested funding from the Mayor for
both the City’s 10% match for the grant, and to purchase equipment for the new
Engine. Some of the fittings and equipment on the current Engine 3 (1989) go back
to the 1964 and 1937 models.
III. License Renewals
On a motion by Councillor Gravel and seconded by Councillor Hardern, it was voted to
recommend to the City Council that the following licenses be granted, conditioned on all
taxes, fees, and fines are paid:
a) #10086 – An Application by ecoATM, LLC for a License to Deal in Second Hand
Articles at 677 Timpany Boulevard.
b) #10087 – An Application by GameStop, Inc. for a License to Deal in Second Hand
Articles at 376 Timpany Boulevard.
c) #10088 – An Application by Tanguay Jewelers for a License to Deal in Second Hand
Articles at 19 Connors Street.
d) #10089 – An Application by Gardner Coins & Cards, Inc. for a License to Deal in
Second Hand Articles at 13 Pleasant Street.
e) An Application by Brian’s Bowlaway, Inc., 123 Main Street, for a Bowling Alley
License.
f) An Application by Gardner Ten Pins, Inc., 560 West Broadway, for a Bowling Alley
License.
IV. Other Business.
None
V. Adjournment.
On a motion Councillor Gravel and seconded by Councillor Hardern, it was voted to
adjourn at 7:28 p.m.
05-02-2019 Safety Committee Minutes Page 3
Agenda
PRESIDENT
Scott Joseph Graves, Esq.
CITY OF GARDNER
COUNCILLORS AT LARGE MASSACHUSETTS 01440-2630
James S. Boone
Craig R. Cormier OFFICE OF THE
Ronald F. Cormier CITY COUNCIL
Edward A. Gravel
Scott J. Graves, Esq.
Christine A. Johnson
WARD 1 COUNCILLOR ________________________________ __________________________________
James M. Walsh, Esq.
WARD 2 COUNCILLOR
Elizabeth J. Kazinskas
WARD 3 COUNCILLOR
Nathan R. Boudreau
WARD 4 COUNCILLOR
Karen G. Hardern
WARD 5 COUNCILLOR
James D. Johnson April 29, 2019
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING NOTICE
Date: Thursday, May 2, 2019
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Mayor’s Conference, Room 128, 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 the April 16, 2019 Meeting.
II. Department Updates
• Building Department
• Public Health Department
• Police Department and Animal Control
• Fire Department and Ambulance
III. License Renewals
a) #10086 – An Application by ecoATM, LLC for a License to Deal in Second Hand
Articles at 677 Timpany Boulevard (In City Council and Referred Public Safety, 4/16/2019).
b) #10087 – An Application by GameStop, Inc. for a License to Deal in Second Hand
Articles at 376 Timpany Boulevard (In City Council and Referred Public Safety, 4/16/2019).
c) #10088 – An Application by Tanguay Jewelers for a License to Deal in Second Hand
Articles at 19 Connors Street (In City Council and Referred Public Safety, 4/16/2019).
d) #10089 – An Application by Gardner Coins & Cards, Inc. for a License to Deal in
Second Hand Articles at 13 Pleasant Street (In City Council and Referred Public Safety, 4/16/2019).
e) An Application by Brian’s Bowlaway, Inc., 123 Main Street, for a Bowling Alley
License (First appearing on the Council Calendar, 5/6/2019).
f) An Application by Gardner Ten Pins, Inc., 560 West Broadway, for a Bowling Alley
License (First appearing on the Council Calendar, 5/6/2019).
IV. Other Business.
V. Adjournment.
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
James D. Johnson
COUNCILLOR JAMES D. JOHNSON
Chairman, Public Safety Committee
CITY OF GARDNER, MASSACHUSETTS
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF APRIL 16, 2019
_______________________________________________________________________________
Committee Chairman Councillor James Johnson called the Public Safety Committee meeting to
order at 6:05 p.m. in the Mayor’s Conference Room, City Hall. Committee member Councillor
Karen Hardern was also present. Councillor Edward Gravel was absent.
Other Officials present and/or participating were Council President Scott Graves; Building
Commissioner Roland Jean; and, City Clerk Alan Agnelli.
I. Minutes of Prior Meeting(s).
On a motion by Councillor Hardern and seconded by Chairman Johnson, it was voted to
accept the Minutes of March 18, 2019 Public Safety Committee Meeting, as printed.
II. #10069, An Application by Osagi Enterprise, LLC, for a License to Buy and Sell Second
Hand Motor Vehicles, Class 2, on Toby Street (In City Council and Referred to Public
Safety, 3/4/2019).
Chairman Johnson reported that the entire Committee, along with Building Commissioner
Roland Jean and Police Detective William Crockett, conducted a site inspection of the
property on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.
Citing the poor condition of the fence that adjoins Mr. Lajoie’s property and Walmart,
Chairman Johnson recommended that, as a condition of the new license, the fence be
repaired. In addition, he stated that since the Fire Department was unable to provide an
official to participate in the site inspection, he requested that the Fire Chief inspect the
facility and to submit a list of safety concerns that the Committee could incorporate as
part of the License conditions.
Chairman Johnson cited the following:
1) Mounted extinguishers must be properly installed in the main business office/shop area.
2) Fire Department Permit required for the storage of combustible liquids and adequate
protections (clearances) for container storage.
3) The hot work (welding/cutting) area is in need of proper clearance and removal of
combustibles (storage of combustible liquids / materials) in the area.
4) The overhead structure of the hot work area is compromised due to a past fire that needs
to be addressed to ensure structure integrity. A Permit from the Building Commissioner
is required.
5) The hot work area is in need of approval (permit) as a designated work area by the Fire
Department.
Chairman Johnson stated that the hours of operation will remain as they are currently
established, as follows: Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed on
Sundays. In addition, the scope of the existing operation shall remain and shall not be
expanded into other areas of the property.
On a motion by Councillor Karen Hardern and seconded by Chairman James Johnson, it
was voted to recommend to the City Council that a License to Buy and Sell Second Hand
Motor Vehicles, Class 2, on Toby Street, be granted to Osagi Enterprise, LLC, for the period
expiring December 31, 2019, with the following conditions, and that License to Rahaim
Auto Sales be revoked:
04-16-2019 Safety Committee Minutes Page 1
CITY OF GARDNER, MASSACHUSETTS
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF APRIL 16, 2019
_______________________________________________________________________________
1) The fence be repaired
2) Mounted extinguishers must be properly installed in the main business office/shop area.
3) Fire Department Permit required for the storage of combustible liquids and adequate
protections (clearances) for container storage.
4) The hot work (welding/cutting) area is in need of proper clearance and removal of
combustibles (storage of combustible liquids/materials) in the area.
5) The overhead structure of the hot work area is compromised due to a past fire that needs
to be addressed to ensure structure integrity. A Permit from the Building Commissioner
is required.
6) The hot work area is in need of approval (permit) as a designated work area by the Fire
Department.
7) Hours of operation will remain as they are currently established, as follows: Monday
through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed on Sundays.
8) The scope of the existing operation shall remain and shall not be expanded into other
areas of the property.
#10070, An Application by Osagi Enterprise, LLC, for a License to Deal in Motor Vehicle
Junk, Class 3, on Toby Street (In City Council, Referred to Public Safety, and Ordered to
Public Hearing, 3/4/2019; Public Hearing scheduled for Monday, 3/18/2019 @ 7:30
p.m.).
On a motion by Councillor Karen Hardern and seconded by Chairman James Johnson, it
was voted to recommend to the City Council that a License to Deal in Motor Vehicle Junk,
Class 3, on Toby Street, be granted to Osagi Enterprise, LLC, for the period expiring
December 31, 2019, with the following conditions and that License to Lajoie’s Used Auto
Parts, Inc. be revoked:
1) The fence be repaired
2) Mounted extinguishers must be properly installed in the main business office/shop area.
3) Fire Department Permit required for the storage of combustible liquids and adequate
protections (clearances) for container storage.
4) The hot work (welding/cutting) area is in need of proper clearance and removal of
combustibles (storage of combustible liquids/materials) in the area.
5) The overhead structure of the hot work area is compromised due to a past fire that needs
to be addressed to ensure structure integrity. A Permit from the Building Commissioner
is required.
9) The hot work area is in need of approval (permit) as a designated work area by the Fire
Department.
10) Hours of operation will remain as they are currently established, as follows: Monday
through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed on Sundays.
11) The scope of the existing operation shall remain and shall not be expanded into other
areas of the property.
III. Other Business.
None
IV. Adjournment.
On a motion Councillor Karen Hardern and seconded by Chairman James Johnson, it was
voted to adjourn at 6:10 p.m.
04-16-2019 Safety Committee Minutes Page 2
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