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1. What does the Board of Assessor's do?

The BOA function is to determine the fair market value of your property and all the other properties in town. The need to separate the issue of taxes from that of assessments is essential. Your taxes are determined by the City’s budget. Your assessed values is then used to determine your “share” of the City’s budget.

2. Why did my taxes go up more than 2 ½ %?

Proposition 2 ½ legislation that was passed in 1981, limiting the amount that any town within
Massachusetts can raise the local tax levy from one year to the next year, applies to the city or town as a whole, not to individual properties, some taxpayers get a bigger annual increase than others in the same community. This is determined by regular revaluations that determine “full and fair market value” of each property.

3. How does the Assessor determine my property value?

The Assessors are required to assess all properties uniformly at its fair cash value (the amount a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller, neither party under compulsion to buy or sell). The assessed values represent full and fair cash value of the property on January 1 and reflect the prior calendar year’s market sales (i.e. Fiscal Year 2018 assessment date is January 1, 2017, reflecting calendar year 2016 market sales). Assessors sometimes review and/or use sales transactions during the third prior calendar year to estimate the value of property on the assessment date. In addition, may also include review of current calendar year sales, primarily for trending. There are many factors that affect the value of land and buildings. All properties do not change in value to exactly the same degree. Many factors influence values. Among the numerous factors to be considered are location, condition, size, quality, number of baths, finished basement, garages, additions, traffic and utilities, square feet, etc. Furthermore, changes in market value are not always reflected evenly across property classes. It is common that different types of property (single-family and multi-family) as well as styles (ranch and colonial) do not appreciate or depreciate at the same rate. Factors that cause an increase in value include structural changes (rehabilitation), upgraded facilities, neighborhood or location factors, and market factors (housing demand). Factors that cause a decrease in value include fire damage, vandalism, outdated facilities, neighborhood or location factors, and market factors (decrease in housing demand). The percentage change in each property owner’s assessed value will differ according to structure, location characteristics, and size in the general real estate market. There is no uniform increase or decrease factor because each property is affected differently by the above stated factors.

4. What is a Revaluation?

A Revaluation is done every five years, with an Interim Adjustment done each of the four years in between, in each of the 351 municipalities in Massachusetts to reflect the fluctuating forces in the real estate market. 

5. Why does someone from the Assessor's office want to visit my property?

The Assessors, as required, conduct a physical inspection of all real estate properties every ten years and of all personal property every six years called a Full Measure and List or Cyclical Inspection. The inability to access a property forces the Assessors to estimate the highest and best use. The data in the Assessors’ record is a primary determinant of your value, and accuracy is the first thing you should check; good results can come only from good data. Some property features carry more weight than others. Building dimensions and features are generally significant and you should be prepared to discuss them if you feel an error has been made. The level of detail is up to the homeowner, as the Assessors will rely on the records in the office in the absence of other information

6. My property value seems very high. Can I appeal this?

If you believe your property is incorrectly assessed, not assessed fairly in comparison to other properties or not classified correctly, you have the right to file for an abatement. There is only one time each year to file for Abatement Application with the Assessors; no later than the due date of the first Actual tax payment for fiscal year, usually February 1st. All tax bills 

7. What are personal exemptions?

Personal Exemptions include: Veteran, Elderly, and Hardship. Personal Exemption Applications are due on or before December 15 or 3 months after the Actual tax bills are mailed, whichever is later, filing deadlines are printed on the Application forms. An exemption is a reduction (or credit) towards the real estate taxes due for a property when the property owner(s) meet Statute requirements. These Statute requirements cannot be set aside by the BOA

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1. Will the Census ask if I am a US Citizen?

The 2020 US Census will not include any question(s) about citizenship.

2. Are my answers safe and confidential?

Your responses to the 2020 Census are safe, secure, and protected by federal law. Your answers can only be used to produce statistics—they cannot be used against you in any way. By law, all responses to U.S. Census Bureau household and business surveys are kept completely confidential.

The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the United States Code. This laws not only provides authority for the work we do, but also provides strong protection for the information we collect from individuals and businesses. As a result, the Census Bureau has one of the strongest confidentiality guarantees in the federal government.

It is against the law for any Census Bureau employee to disclose or publish any census or survey information that identifies an individual or business. This is true even for inter-agency communication: the FBI and other government entities do not have the legal right to access this information. In fact, when these protections have been challenged, Title 13's confidentiality guarantee has been upheld.

3. Is the Census accessible?

The online questionnaire is accessible, following the latest web accessibility guidelines. There will also be a video in American Sign Language available to guide you through responding online.

You can respond by phone in English or in 12 additional languages. You can also respond in English by TDD at 844-467-2020.

By mid-April, we’ll mail a paper questionnaire to every household that hasn’t already responded. (Some households will receive a paper questionnaire along with the first invitation in March.)

Braille and large print guides will be available online to assist you with completing the paper questionnaire.

If necessary, you can respond in person beginning in mid-May. Census takers will visit all households that have not yet responded and census takers will be available who can communicate in American Sign Language.

When the census taker visits to help you respond, you can request that another census taker who communicates in American Sign Language returns, if you prefer.

More information can be found here. 

4. What will the Census form look like?

Households will be able to respond to the 2020 Census online, over the phone, or through a paper questionnaire. Click here for a sample of the paper questionnaire that will be used during the 2020 Census. This version excludes some features that will be made available to households starting in March 2020, such as the URL for online response and the contact information for phone response.

5. How are individuals experiencing homelessness counted?

As part of the GQ operation, the Census Bureau has developed special enumeration procedures to count people experiencing homelessness at service locations and pre-identified outdoor locations. The SBE operation is specifically designed to approach people using service facilities because the homeless may be missed during the traditional enumeration of housing units and GQs. These service locations and outdoor locations include the following:

• Shelters (SH)
• Soup Kitchens (SK)
• Regularly Scheduled Mobile Food Vans (RSMFV)
• Targeted Non-Sheltered Outdoor Locations (TNSOL)

For the 2020 Census, the Service-Based Enumeration operation will be conducted in March 2020. Service providers for SH, SK, and RSMFV will be given the flexibility for their facility to be enumerated on any one of these three days March 30, March 31, or April 1, during the enumeration period. TNSOLs will be enumerated April 1, 2020. The results from the SBE operation do not provide a count of the population experiencing homelessness or a count of the population who use those services at any geographic level. More information is available here.

6. If I am living here temporarily, what do I do?

When completing the census, you should count yourself and everyone who is living in your household on April 1, 2020.

7. What information will the census NOT ask for?

The Census Bureau will never ask for:

• Citizenship status
• Social Security numbers.
• Bank or credit card account numbers.
• Money or donations.
• Anything on behalf of a political party.

8. Will this impact me or my family if people are undocumented or wanted by law enforcement?

Strict federal law protects your census responses. It is against the law for any Census Bureau employee to disclose or publish any census information that identifies an individual. Census Bureau employees take a lifelong pledge of confidentiality to handle data responsibly and keep respondents’ information private. The penalty for wrongful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both.

No law enforcement agency (not the DHS, ICE, FBI, or CIA) can access or use your personal information at any time. Data collected can only be used for statistical purposes that help inform important decisions, including how much federal funding your community receives.

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1. What are the symptoms of novel coronavirus?

Symptoms of novel coronavirus can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Some cases involve vomiting or diarrhea
• Severe cases can include pneumonia

Most people who get the 2019 novel coronavirus don’t get extremely sick, but some might have to go to the hospital. Most people who get sick from 2019 novel coronavirus start to feel these symptoms between two and 14 days after they catch it.

2. How can I help to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus?

Respiratory viruses are generally spread through respiratory secretions (droplets from coughs and sneezes) of an infected person to another person. Everyone is advised to take many of the same steps they do to help prevent colds and the flu.

• Wash your hands often, using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer until soap and water is available.
• Cough/sneeze into a tissue. Dispose of used tissues immediately into a trash can. If you don’t have a tissue, cough/sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick, and especially if you are coughing or sneezing.
• Monitor your temperature. (A fever is 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.) Remain home from work or school if you have a fever or you aren’t feeling well.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that you touch frequently such as doorknobs, railings, sink handles, phones, and computer keyboards.

3. What should I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19?

• Those who have recently traveled to any countries of high level transmission (China, Italy, Iran, South Korea as of March 11, 2020) and who have symptoms of respiratory illness and/or fever should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Call or email them before going in person. Note that travelers from these countries should undertake a 14-day quarantine upon return.
• Individuals who have come into close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 should contact the DPH Epidemiology Line at (617) 983-6800.
• Other persons experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should practice self-care and germ spread prevention: stay home, cover your cough, and contact your medical provider for guidance. (Call before you go in.)

4. How does 2019 novel coronavirus spread from person to person?

Like other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, novel coronavirus most commonly spreads to others from an infected person via

• Droplets produced through coughing and sneezing
• Close personal contact, such as caring for an infected person
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands

Novel coronavirus is new, and public health officials are learning more each day about how it spreads and how long it takes for people to become sick. As information becomes available, we will keep you informed.

5. How many cases of COVID-19 novel coronavirus are there currently in Massachusetts?

Please see the MA DPH website for statewide updates. 

The CDC is tracking cases in the U.S. on its website HERE. The WHO is tracking global cases on their website via situation reports HERE.

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1. How are Carbon Monoxide detectors installed?

They are to be installed according to the manufacture’s recommendations for that make of detector. Instructions are on the containers. The boxes that detectors come in must be available for the inspector to view at the time of the inspections.

2. Where are Carbon Monoxide Detectors to be installed?

They are to be installed on each living level of the residence. In the basement near the stairs leading to the first floor. If there are no bedrooms on the first floor, it should be located in a room, (not the kitchen), preferable near the stairs leading to the second floor. If there is no second floor the detector shall be located within 10 feet of the bedrooms. The same location shall be used on the second floor where bedrooms are located, within 10 feet of the bedroom door(s).

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1. What Housing Assistance Does The Gardner Housing Authority Provide?

The Gardner Housing Authority (GHA) administers a variety of housing
programs sponsored by both the State and Federal Government. These programs include
the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (private sector apartments with rents
subsidized by the Federal Government), State-Aided Family, Elderly/Handicapped units,
and shared living in Congregate Elderly Housing (these apartments are owned by the
State and managed by the GHA).

2. How Do I Qualify For Assistance?

ou must be a legal resident of the United States and qualify by way of income, age, disability, handicap, and family composition.

3. Are There Any Age Requirements?

he only age requirement is for senior citizen housing. To qualify, the applicant or applicant’s spouse must be at least 60 years of age at the time of application. All other applicants, including handicapped and disabled individuals, must be of legal age to enter into a lease.

4. Are There Any Preferences?

Yes. The Authority will grant a local preference for applicants who live or work within Gardner. Veterans and their dependent family members may also qualify to receive a preference. The Authority has an Affirmative Action preference as well.

5. Where And How Do I Apply?

Online Section 8 Centralized Waiting List

CHAMP (Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public-Housing) dhcd Massachusetts

Applications may be also be obtained at the Gardner Housing Authority’s main office located at 116 Church Street during normal business hours (Monday through Thursday from 8 to 4). 

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1. When are you open?

Our hours for Marriage Intentions are as follows:
- Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
-
Friday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Closed Saturdays, Sundays and all legal holidays

2. Where are you located?

The Gardner City Hall is located at 95 Pleasant Street. The City Clerk’s Office is on the first floor, Room 121. On-street parking is available.

3. When should we apply?

The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the day you apply (after the 3-day waiting period). Apply for your license no sooner than 60 days before your planned wedding date.

4. Do I have to apply where I live?

If your marriage is going to take place outside of Massachusetts, you must contact the local officials in the jurisdiction where the marriage will take place. Marriage laws vary from state to state.

If the marriage is to take place in Massachusetts, you may apply for your license at any City or Town Clerk’s Office in Massachusetts regardless of where you live. Fees and hours vary from office to office. Information on offices in other cities and towns can be obtained from the Commonwealth Communities page on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website.

5. Do I need an appointment to apply for a marriage license?

No appointment is necessary, however, you should call ahead to be assured that the City Clerk or the Assistant City Clerk is available to administer the oath to the parties intending to be married. A couple must appear at the City Clerk’s Office together, in person, to file a “Notice of Intention to Marry” and must present valid photo identification. This can be done any time during our regular office hours. Please allow approximately fifteen minutes for completion of your application.

Applications for Marriage Licenses will not be taken after 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday or after Noon on Friday.

6. Is there a waiting period from the date of application to the date the license is issued?

Yes, there is a three-day waiting period. Your license will be available on the third calendar day after the day that you apply. For example, if you apply on a Thursday, your license can be issued on or after Monday. Please note that licenses are not issued on Saturdays, Sundays, and all legal holidays (i.e., whenever the City Hall is closed).

7. Is a waiver of the three-day waiting period available?

If there is reason to dispense with the three-day waiting period, a couple may apply to a Justice of a Massachusetts Probate or District Court to have the license issued without delay. Applicants can proceed to the courthouse after filing the “Notice of Intention to Marry” with the City Clerk. Upon such court order, the license may be issued without delay. The parties, prior to issuance of the license, must present the certified copy of the court order to the City Clerk which will be retained.

The Gardner District Court is located at 108 Matthews Street and can be reached at 978-632-4276. The fee for the waiver is currently $195. Call the District Court for the for the waiver and methods of payment. The Court staff recommends that applicants for waivers arrive at the Courthouse no later than 3 p.m. to assure ample time for consideration of the waiver prior to closing time.


Imminent Death - If the death of either party is imminent, a license may be issued without delay upon request of a minister, clergyman, priest, rabbi, authorized representative of a Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is or attending physician. The request must be notarized and should include a statement that the possibility of death before three days exists (G.L. c.207 §30).

Immigrants - If either party to the marriage has arrived as an immigrant from a foreign country within five days of the wedding, the Intentions may be filed at any time before the wedding and the license may be issued any time after filing Intentions (G.L. c.207 §29). Immigration papers are to be shown to the City Clerk, who will make a true copy attest to be maintained.

8. Is a blood test required before a license can be issued?

No, a blood test is not required. On October 29, 2004, the Governor signed a law eliminating the premarital medical certificate requirement in Massachusetts. This law went into effect on January 28, 2005.

9. What is the fee for obtaining a marriage license in Gardner?

The fee is $25, which includes the license only.

10. How do I find a Justice of the Peace?

Find a Justice of the Peace in your area by visiting the Justices of the Peace Association website.

11. Is Massachusetts residency required to obtain a marriage license in Massachusetts?

No, residency is not a requirement for marriage in Massachusetts.

12. What if one or both of us has been divorced?

You are not required to present a divorce decree when filing intentions to marry. However, it is extremely important that an individual who has been divorced be certain that his/her divorce is absolute. In Massachusetts, a divorce does not become absolute until 90 days after the divorce nisi has been granted, regardless of the grounds for divorce. The City Clerk reserves the right to require a divorce decree under certain conditions.

13. Are witnesses required to be present at the ceremony?

Massachusetts statute does not require that witnesses be present at your ceremony. The officiant serves as the witness.

14. What if I have further questions?

Our mailing address is City Clerk, 95 Pleasant Street, Room 121, Gardner, MA 01440.

You may contact the City Clerk’s Office by telephone during the office hours at 978-630-4058, or by emailing
Alan Agnelli.

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1. What is Municipal Aggregation?

Municipal aggregation is the process by which a municipality (meaning a town or city) purchases electricity in bulk from a competitive supplier on behalf of the residents and businesses within the community.

2. Do I have to participate?

Customer participation is voluntary.  The municipality will provide customers an opportunity to opt-out of participating in a municipal aggregation program.  Customers who do not opt out will be automatically enrolled in the aggregation program, but may opt out at any time after that. If you choose to opt out, visit www.colonialpowergroup.com/gardner/ and click the opt-out button, then fill out and submit the Opt-Out Form.  You may also call Constellation at (844) 857-0465 and ask to remain on National Grid Basic Service

3. What do I need to do in order to participate?

If you are currently receiving your electricity supply from the default National Grid Basic Service, you do not need to do anything. You will be automatically enrolled in the program.

4. Do I have to sign a contract?

No, there is no contract to sign. The program is designed to be as easy as possible for participants. Accounts are automatically enrolled as long as they are currently receiving Basic Service supply from National Grid.

5. Under the program, can I continue to participate in my utility’s budget billing payment plan?

Yes, you may continue to participate in National Grid’s budget billing payment plan while participating in the program.

6. Will I be charged a higher delivery rate?

No, delivery rates do not change based on participation in a municipal aggregation program. Utility delivery rates are regulated by the state and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

7. How do I opt out/opt in?

If you choose not to participate in the program at any time after the initial enrollment, you can still opt-out with NO PENALTY CHARGE. It may take a couple of billing cycles before you are back on National Grid’s Basic Service.  You may submit an opt-out form online OR call Constellation at 844-857-0465 and ask to be placed on National Grid’s Basic Service.  If you decide to OPT-IN, you may submit an opt-in form online OR call Constellation at 844-857-0465.  ENROLLMENT CAN TAKE UP TO TWO BILLING CYCLES BEFORE TAKING EFFECT.

8. If I opt out, can I opt back in at a later date?

Yes, once you opt out of the program you will be able to re-enroll at the market rate at that time.

9. What is the "Community Choice Power Supply Program”?

The Community Choice Power Supply Program is a Municipal Aggregation Program which allows local government to combine the purchasing power of its residents to achieve savings on electricity costs. In doing so, it creates competition among Competitive Suppliers which helps ensure aggressive rates. Consumers are no longer “stuck” with the cost and fluctuation of Basic Service rates because the Program offers them another option.

10. What if I have a photovoltaic or solar panel system?

Having a solar system does not preclude you from participating. If an account holder is receiving any supply from the local utility, they are able to participate in the aggregation program and continue to receive net metering credits from the utility.

11. Does this mean I can’t take advantage of Mass Save incentives that are subsidized by National Grid?

You will still be eligible to take advantage of all Mass Save energy efficiency program offerings and incentives. It is not dependent on which supplier you use because the energy efficiency charges that fund the Mass Save program are part of the Delivery Services section of your National Grid bill, not the Supply Services section.

12. I am currently receiving offers from third-party suppliers promising lower electricity rates. What should I do?

Third party suppliers are currently very active within the Commonwealth. This is due to the recent significant increases in electricity rates for all utilities within Massachusetts. We strongly advise any household or business to read the complete contract fine print and have a clear understanding of any termination penalties along with rate details before agreeing to purchase electricity from a third party supplier.

13. Who do I call if there is an outage or issues with my electricity bill?

All service and billing questions will continue to be directed to National Grid.

14. What other Massachusetts municipalities participate in aggregation programs?

Gardner will be joining over 60 Massachusetts municipalities, including Winchendon, Orange, and Lunenburg, to take advantage of the state law that allows this type of municipal aggregation. View a list of them on them here.

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1. How do I get information on outstanding violations?

Violation information is protected under the Driver Privacy Protection Act. In order to obtain violation information you must have the correct license plate number and be able to verify the current mailing address and driver’s license number. Information can be requested by calling the parking office or via email.

2. What if I can’t renew my license or registration because of an unpaid parking violation?

You must pay all of your outstanding violations with the City of Gardner, by cash or money order, in order to clear a mark at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Upon receipt of acceptable payment, the Parking Clerk will issue a release.

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1. I was involved in an accident. Do I have to report it?

Any accident where damage to property is over $1,000, or any accident where there were injuries sustained, or any accident where the driver of one of the vehicles left the scene, MUST be reported to the police. If you were involved in a "minor" accident, where the damage to the vehicle is under $1,000, you are still required to stop and speak with the other driver and exchange name, address, phone number and license/registration information.

2. If I have been involved in an accident, what should I do now?

Call 911 to summons police to the scene. Let dispatch know where the accident took place, if anyone is injured and how many cars are involved. If it is safe to do so, move the vehicles out of the roadway. Collect your drivers' license and vehicle registration and have them available for the responding officers. Avoid arguments with the other driver about who caused the collision. The responding officers will ask you questions about the accident and the possible causes.

3. If involved in an accident, do I have to complete an accident report?

If your accident is one of the 3 types described, Yes, you must complete an Operators Crash Report. You may pick up a copy of the exchange information sheet, free of charge, at the front desk of the police station. Complete the Operators Crash Report form as instructed. Three copies of the report must be made. One copy will be returned to the police station, one copy must be submitted to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and one copy may be required by your insurance company. Operators Crash Report (PDF)

4. When does the accident report have to be finished?

Massachusetts law states that an accident report must be completed and returned to the police department that investigated the incident within 5 business days.

5. How do I get a restraining order?

If you need a restraining order and the Gardner District Courthouse is open (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.), please go directly to the Courthouse and the staff there will assist you. If the situation is an emergency and the Courthouse is closed, please call the Gardner Police Department 978-632-5600 or 911 if you are in imminent danger. An officer will be dispatched to your location to speak with you. In some circumstances, a temporary restraining order can be issued at the scene by an on-call judge. Once you receive a restraining order, keep a copy near or with you at all times in the event the defendant attempts to contact or harm you.

6. What can I do about the annoying or harassing phone calls I have been receiving?

If you are receiving annoying or harassing telephone calls, call the police department. Making such calls is against the law. An officer will speak with you and provide you with an "incident number" that your carrier will need. Call your carrier and request to speak with a representative from their Annoyance Call Bureau. Your phone carrier will give you detailed instructions on handling further calls and them will attempt to determine the origin of the calls. Once the location of the calls has been identified, the phone carrier will notify Gardner Police and an officer will investigate the incident. The Verizon "Unlawful Call Center" can be reached at 877-TRACE4U (877-872-2348).

7. How do I report a crime or suspicious activities?

If you think the incident is an emergency, dial 911 right away and report what you saw to the dispatcher, who will then send the appropriate response to investigate. If it is not an emergency, call the Police Department business number 978-632-5600 and tell the dispatcher what happened. In either case, give as much information as you can, as this will help resolve the problem that much sooner.

8. How do I obtain a License to Carry Firearms?

In 1998, Massachusetts changed Chapter 140 of the Massachusetts General Laws. If you have a pretty clean criminal record, no substance abuse history, no crime of violence history and are of sound mind, you may apply for a LTC. An applicant for a License to Carry must have completed a recognized safe handling of firearms course. A certificate will be issued to you from the certified course instructor. Once the course is completed, schedule an appointment by calling 978-632-5600 or stop by the lobby at Police Headquarters to make an appointment. On the day of your appointment, bring a completed copy of your application, $100 cash and your certificate of course completion. You will be fingerprinted and photographed, and if approved, your license will be ready in approximately 4 weeks. An FID card has similar requirements. All requirements and fees are posted in the lobby. License to Carry Application (PDF)

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1. How do you decide when to sand/salt the roads?

The Highway Department typically gets notified by the Police Department about the condition of the roads (the Police Department are continually patrolling our City’s streets). The Highway Department sends out each sander to their designated area of town and can take several hours to complete just one coat of sand & salt throughout the entire City. If there is one sander that breaks down, it adds about an hour to all the other sanding routes to compensate.

2. What if the City plows hits my mailbox?

Occasionally we do happen to hit a mailbox; however, more times than not it is the snow or ice coming from our plow blade that knocks over a mailbox, not the blade striking the mailbox. It is very common for a private contractor plowing your driveway to try and stack the end of your driveway and hit the mailbox. Believe it or not, our drivers typically report a mailbox that has been hit before you may even notice. If your mailbox has been hit, report it immediately. We will investigate and if we hit the mailbox, we will we will fix it in the spring when the ground is thawed. If we find the post was rotten that could have contributed to the failure, we will notify you.

3. What do I do when the Plow damages my lawn?

Early in the winter and spring storms usually cause the most damage. The ground is not completely frozen and lawns and berms are easily damaged with the touch of a plow with a 30,000-40,000 lb truck behind it. If we damage the City property in front of your residence, report it (kindly) to the Department of Public Works and we will add it to our plow damage list and fix it in the spring if warranted.

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1. How do I view current outstanding bids?

Current information for bids (IFBs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotations and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), including deadlines and availability of specifications are available on this website. Interested parties must register as a vendor in order to view online documents.

2. What does the City request bids and proposals for?

While subject to change by the Commonwealth, current procurement law requires some type of competition for most municipal expenditures estimated to cost over $5000. In practice, the Purchasing Office seeks competitive pricing for all expenditures, regardless of price.

3. How do I know the results of a bid or proposal I submitted?

Bid and proposal results are published on this website. The Purchasing Office does not accept telephone inquiries for results on the day a bid or proposal is opened.

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1. What is Rabies?

Rabies is a disease affecting all mammals, including man, caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system, including the brain. Symptoms may include unexplained aggression, impaired locomotion, varying degrees of paralysis, and extreme depression or viciousness. After the onset of symptoms, terminal paralysis and death are imminent.

2. Strains of Rabies

There are several strains of the virus that are carried by different species of animals. A “strain” of rabies is a form of the virus that is primarily carried by a specific species of animal, known as the dominant reservoir species. Although a strain is specific to a particular species, other mammals are susceptible to that strain as well. When an animal other than the normal host species contracts the virus, it is called a spillover. In the case of the raccoon strain, which has been affecting the New England area since September of 1992, the most common spillover animals have included skunks, cats, woodchucks, and foxes. The fact that spillover occurs is cause for some concern.

3. How rabies is transmitted?

Most commonly, rabies is transmitted by means of a bite wound. The virus is present in the saliva of the infected animal and is transmitted to the victim that is bitten. Occasionally rabies is transmitted by other forms of exposure such as contact between saliva of an infected animal and broken skin, open wounds or contact between infected saliva and mucous membranes (such as mouth or eyes).

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1. How do I learn whether my child is eligible for transportation?

Preschool: All Special Education preschool students are eligible for bus transportation. Peer Model preschool students are not eligible for bus transportation.

Kindergarten: All children in kindergarten are eligible for bus transportation.

Grades 1-4: All children in grades one through four who reside more than one (1) mile from the school which they are entitled to attend are eligible for bus transportation.

Grade 5-12: All children in grades five and above who reside more than one and one-half (1.5) miles from the school to which they are assigned are eligible for bus transportation.

2. Do the schools own the yellow buses?

No, school transportation is provided through a contract with NRT Bus Inc.

3. How do I know the exact time my child will be picked up/dropped off and where?

Please see route listing by school. Please note that Special Education preschool student transportation is arranged through the Special Education office. Parents will be notified by mail/e-mail regarding pick-up and drop-off times for their specific students. 

4. What should I do if the bus doesn't show up?

Pick-up and drop-off times should not vary to any great extent on a normal basis. Circumstances beyond our control could make the bus late occasionally. Vehicle break downs, impassable roads, emergencies, or drivers becoming ill are just a few reasons that could make the bus late. We will always make sure a bus will be at your stop. If the wait is longer than fifteen minutes, please contact your child's school.

5. My child is not eligible for transportation. Can my child still ride the bus?

Under certain circumstances, students who are not eligible may ride the bus on a space available basis. Please note that buses are generally used to full capacity. If you would like to apply for a bus pass, please contact your school's main office for an application. 

6. The bus goes right by my house. Why can't it stop here?

School bus stops are placed in central locations to shorten route length and times. Transportation personnel make every effort to see that these stops are safe and are within appropriate walking distances.

7. I do not want my child picked up and dropped off at my address; I want him/her picked up and dropped off at daycare. Can I do that?

If a child's home address meets the eligibility requirements for transportation and the daycare address is on an existing route, the child may travel from daycare to school and school to daycare. Such an arrangement must take place on a regular basis, and parents are responsible for transportation to school until the arrangement is in place. Safety concerns preclude us from transporting a child to several different locations during the week.

8. I think my child is eligible for transportation but I'm told the distance is not far enough? How do I resolve this?

Over time many calculations have been done to measure distances from school to address points. We're happy to check or re-check a specific address. Please contact the Business Office at 978-632-1000 to arrange for this measurement. The Business Administrator, in conjunction with the Gardner Police Department, will check the distance along with any safety concerns.

9. My child occasionally needs to ride home to a different location. Is this possible?

Eligible students may be dropped off at a different location only with written permission of a parent or guardian. Parents should present a note to the main office of their child's school when this becomes necessary.

10. Why do some buses look empty?

Buses are utilized on a "tiered" basis, meaning that buses drop off children at one school, then may proceed to another school or schools. If you happen to see a bus between these various drop-off times, it may appear that it's not being used to full capacity.

11. What happens if my child loses something on the bus?

Drivers inspect the interior of the bus after each route. Drivers are instructed to keep all found articles of unknown origin on board the bus at least one day. Articles may be claimed directly from the driver or you may contact NRT Bus at (978) 991-1050.

12. Are seat belts required on school buses?

Seat belts on school buses are not required equipment. School buses utilize the "compartmentalization" concept to insure student safety. Since the mid-70's the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has determined that this approach to student safety is the most practical for school buses. Compartmentalization is an arrangement whereby seats are placed close together to absorb the energy of a child's body thrown against it. Additional padding, higher seat backs, frame construction, and anchoring requirements make compartmentalization the accepted industry standard.

Efforts are currently underway to revisit the seat belt issue on a national scale. Testing is currently being done to determine what the next generation of child restraints for school buses might be.

Under certain circumstances, seat belts are utilized in Special Education vehicles.

13. I have a complaint about a bus driver. Who do I contact?

Please contact the school principal.

14. My child is a Special Education student. Who do I contact to arrange transportation?

Please call the Special Education Department at 978-630-4076. They will contact the vendor to arrange for special needs transportation. Also, please call the Special Education Department for any changes (for example, child is sick and won't be attending, change in pick-up or drop-off location, change in personnel authorized to meet the student, etc.).

15. Do you need a special license to drive a school bus?

Yes, all drivers are required to maintain in good standing a commercial driver's license (CDL) with school bus endorsement.

16. Do students practice emergency evacuations from the school bus?

Yes, by law it is required on a semi-annual basis that all students be instructed in the proper way to evacuate a school bus in an emergency situation. Drills are performed on each route in the early fall and late spring of each school year. Drivers are trained in the proper use of emergency exits and procedures.

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1. What are Senior Center hours ?

Mon - Wed 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Thurs 7:30 am - 3:45 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 1:00 pm

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1. How do I receive a ballot by mail?

1. Complete and sign the 2020 Municipal Election Early Ballot Application which has been mailed to you.  You can also print a copy of the application here. The Application must have your signature, otherwise, a ballot cannot be mailed to you. 
2. Fill out the application and return it to City Hall using one of the following methods:
   • Mail to City Clerk, 95 Pleasant Street, Room 121, Gardner, MA 01440
   • Drop into the Drop Box in front of City Hall
   • Fax to 978-630-2589
   • Scan the completed Application and e-mail to elections@gardner-ma.gov.
3. Submit your Early Voting Application as soon as possible so that there is ample time for this office to mail your ballot and to have it returned to this office by 8:00 pm on the day of each election.
4. Completed voting ballots must be received by 8PM on the days of the election.  Any ballot received after that time cannot be counted.

2. I already requested an absentee ballot for the original election date. Do I need to request a ballot again?

If a voter already received a Preliminary Election ballot as a result of an Absentee Ballot Application, the Voter does not have to apply for an Early Ballot.

An Absentee Ballot will be mailed to the Voter if the Voter chose to receive an Absentee Ballot for both the Preliminary Election and the Special Election on their Absentee Ballot Application form.    

The Official Absentee Ballot is being used for the Early Ballot.

3. Do I need to fill out an Early Ballot Applicaton form for each election?

• The Early Ballot Application is valid for both special City elections, so that you do not have to send another Application for the June 30 Special Election. 

4. What are the polling hours?

On both special election days, the polls will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Safety procedures will be implemented at each poll location for the protection of poll officials and voters.

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1. Why am I getting a bill for trash - I never did before?

Starting in Fiscal Year 2008 (July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008) the trash program became an Enterprise operation, billed as a utility, like water and sewer. It is not tax supported. Questions about your trash bill can be directed to the Water and Sewer billing department 978-630-4015.

2. Why are there charges on my water bill for trash? Where’s the money going?

The City will be billing for curbside service per apartment or household to pay for collection and trucking. The billing will be on the City Water, Sewer &Trash bill, and be sent quarterly.  This money pays for the cost of running the trucks and the labor to collect the trash at curbside. The toter cannot be overfilled - no trash or any part of a bag can extend beyond the top rim of your toter or it won’t be picked up. Each participating household has received a 48 gal trash toter and a 64 gal or 96 gal recycling toter. These toters are owned by the City of Gardner. Unlimited extra trash may be placed in yellow Gardner Pay As You Throw (PAYT) bags.

3. Why are the bags $3.50 - I can buy bags a lot cheaper than that? Where’s the money going?

The bag charge is for the cost of disposal of the contents- trucking it out of town and burying it in a commercial landfill costs over $80 per ton. The bag charge pays the cost of disposal.

4. Where do I get the yellow City of Gardner PAYT bags for my extra trash?

Bags are sold at Hannaford Bros Supermarket, Aubuchon Hardware, Price Chopper and City Hall. They come in rolls of ten bags for $35.00. Individual bags are available at City Hall in the Board of Health Office, Room 29, and the Collector’s Office in Room 118.

5. I got a sticker on my bag or toter and it wasn’t picked up- why?

As time allows, the contracted waste hauler or the Board of Health may inspect and sticker toters that are not compliant with City code.  If you have a sticker on your toter, it has a few words to explain it. REMEMBER: You are allowed 1 48 gallon toter of trash to be picked up each week. The toter cannot be overfilled- no trash or any part of a bag can extend beyond the top rim of your toter or it won’t be picked up. Trash must fit completely within your toter. The toters have an attached cover on hinges and you must close the cover to put it at curbside. If the cover will not close and there is trash above the rim of your toter, your trash may not be collected. Unlimited extra trash may be placed in yellow Gardner Pay As You Throw (PAYT) bags. Items refused for collection for violations of these rules must be brought back from the curb within 24 hours.

6. When does curbside Yard Waste Pickup occur?

Please see https://www.gardner-ma.gov/545/Curbside-Trash-Recycling for the Gardner Collection Calendar and Household Hazardous Waste Days.  

7. How much Yard Waste may I put out? How do I put it out?

There is no limit to how many containers or bags of yard waste you can put out. Grass clippings and leaves may be placed in paper yard waste bags or loose in open barrels or open cardboard boxes. Sticks less than 2 inches thick and 3 feet long may be place out in bundles. Yard waste may not include large amounts rocks, gravel, sod or dirt.  All bundles and containers must weigh less than 50 pounds each.

8. Will Yard Waste mixed with trash be picked up?

No.

9. Will Yard Waste in plastic bags, including City of Gardner yellow Pay As You Throw bags, be picked up?

No.

10. How do I dispose of an Appliance, TVs, Tires, Car Batteries, Computers, Fluorescent Lights, Paint, Metal items or Lawnmowers?

They are accepted at the Transfer Station at 744 West Street, Rte. 68. A sticker or one day pass is needed to enter the Transfer Station.  Many items have charges. See the Transfer Station information here:  https://www.gardner-ma.gov/207/Resident-Transfer-Station

11. Yard waste dates?

The first full week of every month from April - Oct. In November it is the first and third week of the month. January the first week for Christmas tree collection.

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1. Who do I call if my trash or recycling is missed?

Call the EL Harvey Call Center at (800) 321-3002 by the next morning to report a missed pickup.  

Please remember that trash toters, recycle toters and yard waste containers must be placed at the curb for collection no later than 7am on your collection day.  If your toter is reported as "not out" by waste hauler, they will not be able to return to collect it until your next scheduled service day.  Trash or recycle toters that are overstuffed in any manner will not be emptied. Lids must be completely closed.  If your toter has been reported as overstuffed or open by Waste Management, they are unable to retrieve your toter until your next regular trash day.   

2. When should I put out my trash and recycling?

Trash may be placed out for collection after 5 pm on the night before your trash day and no later
than 7 am on trash day. Please make sure that your lid is completely closed and no items are outside of the toter. Late put-outs could result in your trash getting missed. Empty trash and
recycling toters must be brought back from the curb within 24 hours of collection.

3. What is the Holiday Schedule?

Since we don’t have any routes on Mondays, Monday holidays no longer affect trash collection schedules. When a holiday falls on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, that day's collection and all remaining collections for the week will be delayed one day. Friday's collection will be on Saturday.

4. Do I have to sort all of my bottles and cans separate from paper and cardboard when I put it out at curbside?

No, everything recycled at curbside can be put together in your recycling toter.

5. What can be recycled at the curbside?

All types of dry, uncontaminated, non-glossy paper, cardboard, plastic containers, rinsed
bottles and cans. Labels on bottles & cans do not have to be removed; neck rings on bottles do
not have to be removed. Food containers should be rinsed free of food & drink residue. Windows on envelopes and food boxes (pasta boxes for
example) do not have to be removed.  

Keep plastic bags out of household recycling. Maybe you’ve been putting your recyclables in plastic bags for years, but plastic bags, plastic wrap and other stretchable plastic cannot be recycled curbside. In fact, plastic bags are the #1 cause of ruined recyclables. Do not bag your recyclables, place them loose in your toter.  At the recycling sorting facility, plastic bags get caught in the machinery, causing work stoppage and worker injuries.  However, plastic bags and wrap are collected at many grocery stores. Next time you head to the supermarket, bring along your plastic bags and put them in their labeled recycling bin! 

Stick to the list and only place approved recyclable items in recycling bins or carts.  As a rule of thumb, remember: bottles, cans, jars, jugs, and paper. It’s easier than ever to get it right when you use the Smart Recycling Guide, which lists items accepted for recycling in every Massachusetts community.If it’s not on the list, check for separate drop-off locations by using our Recyclopedia app. Check out https://recyclesmartma.org/ for the most current recycling information!

6. What is my curbside Recycling limit?

New 64 gallon or 96 gallon Recycling Toters were delivered to each household in the City of
Gardner. We encourage you to recycle everything you can. ONLY RECYCLING TOTERS
CAN BE USED FOR RECYCLING. If you prefer a larger toter of 96 gallons for recycling,
you will need to call 978 630-4013 to pick up the 64 gal toter and deliver a new 96 gal
recycling toter.

7. Where do I get a Recycle Toter from the City?

The city will deliver a recycling toter to your home once you are paying for the curbside trash
program through your water, sewer and trash bill from the Water Dept. Once notified by the
water department, the Board of Health in the basement of City Hall at 95 Pleasant St. will deliver
the recycling toter.
Hours: Monday thru Thursday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm., Friday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

8. Can Pizza Boxes and other greasy or food contaminated items (including egg cartons) be put in the Recycle bin?

No. They are considered trash and must be placed in the trash. Clean, unsoiled food containers
can be placed in recycling. Bottles & cans should be rinsed out of food residue.

9. Can Styrofoam go in the Recycle toter? Can plastic bags go in the Recycle toter?

No, styrofoam and plastic bags are not recycled at curbside. 

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1. What is urban renewal?

The main purpose of an urban renewal plan is to help stimulate economic growth; to
create a climate and opportunity for private investment; and improve and expand
housing opportunities in the urban renewal area.
Urban renewal has been around for over fifty years. For many of those years, the federal
government was involved. But in the early 1970's, the feds got out of the urban renewal
business and replaced those funds with community development block grant monies.
However, Massachusetts has kept urban renewal on its books and it is still a planning
tool that many communities, such as Springfield, Worcester, Boston, and Fitchburg, just
to name a few, take advantage of. The size of the urban renewal areas and their
programs vary as to the needs of their particular communities.

2. How is the urban development area determined?

Planners identify areas that they feel are in need of help and can meet the test of
substandard, decadent, or blighted criteria. The planners in Gardner have identified an
area from West Gardner to Union Square, including Peabody Hill, as a possible urban
renewal area.
This identification is a starting point. Until data is collected and analyzed, we will not
know if this is a suitable target area for urban renewal. The boundaries are not set. In
fact, only a Citizen Advisory Committee can identify the area, although others can give
their input and suggestions. An urban renewal plan is a community driven, citizen
participation, planning process, not a solo act. Collaboration and community organization
are the key elements of a successful urban renewal process.
For this plan to be successful, it will need the vast majority of the 22,000 citizens of
Gardner to demonstrate their support and enthusiasm. A comprehensive communication
plan will keep residents of Gardner informed from the very beginning, and update them
as milestones are achieved.

3. Why look at an urban renewal plan at this time?

There may be opportunities to help facilitate and direct private development. Presently,
there are ongoing individual development projects that, if tied together in a
comprehensive way, may add greater value and opportunities for the community.
Another compelling reason to have an urban renewal plan is that state and federal
funding sources are more likely to fund a community that has a comprehensive plan with
a clear vision and obtainable objectives.
An urban renewal plan tells the development and investment communities that we have
a vision and a direction and have identified opportunities for private investment.

4. How long does the planning process take?

The undertaking of an urban renewal plan is a twelve to fifteen month process during
which opportunities and constraints will present themselves.
The feedback from the community following this November 17 forum will be the catalyst
for the launching of this process in January 2006.

5. What are the elements of an urban renewal plan?

- Maps of the project area
- Data demonstrating that the area meets the eligibility criteria
- Project objectives
- Financing plan
- Local approvals
In addition, the plan should embrace smart growth strategies and Brownfield
redevelopment.
Once the plan has received local approvals (planning board, city council,
mayor) it must be approved by the State Housing and Community Development Agency.
After the plan is approved by the state, the city is then eligible to submit an urban
development action grant request. When the city is awarded an urban development
action grant, the state will contribute up to 50% percent of the overall cost of the
financing plan over a period of twenty years. The city is responsible for the remaining
50% percent.
Typically, the city bonds the entire amount of the financing plan and is later reimbursed
by the state for their 50% percent share.

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1. I planted a new lawn and need to water it. Will I be billed for the water use?

Yes, all water that passes through your meter will be billed to you for both water consumption and sewer use. If an irrigation system is installed, a second meter can be installed in the home to accurately measure the water used by the irrigation system. Doing this will allow the billing staff to deduct the irrigation water from your sewer charges. All water that is used is billed at the applicable water rate. A second meter is installed by the owner at their cost, but inspected and approved by the Water/Sewer Department. A licensed Plumber must obtain a permit and perform the installation.

2. I want to fill my pool, will I be billed for the water?

Yes, all water that passes through your meter will be billed to you for both water consumption and sewer use. In order to receive a credit for the sewer charges when filling your pool you must first review the “Pool Fill Policy & Sewer Credit Information“ form and complete the “Pool Credit Application”. Click here for the Policy and Application.

3. What do I do if my water smells funny or is discolored?

If you notice a strange smell or color to your water that does not clear up you should contact the Water/Sewer Department.

4. Who should I contact if my sewer service backs up?

If you have a backup of sewage you should immediately contact the Water/Sewer Department. We will assess if there is a problem with the sewer main in the street and correct it if one is present. If the problem is in your individual sewer service (from the main to the house) you will be responsible to hire a qualified contractor to remedy the problem.

5. Who should I contact if I lose water pressure?

If you lose water pressure or lose water entirely you should immediately contact the Water/Sewer Department.