Hotline Radio 3-14-26

The WGAW Hotline Radio Show of March 14th featured Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, Commentary with Werner Poegel, Commentary with Victor Davis Hanson, Commentary with Paul Harvey, a Steve Wendell Interview with Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, an interview with Gubernatorial Candidate Brian Shortsleeve. Listen to the entire program on any device, CLICK PLAY.

First up on the show: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. This year snow and ice removal cost the City of Gardner about a million dollars. — Host Steve Wendell discussed DPW Equipment with the Mayor and how the City purchases equipment. — The City has an easy way to report potholes on the City of Gardner website. CLICK HERE.

The Budget Process in the City of Gardner: Funds from the State in 2026 — Gardner is still “early on” in the budget process which started in January. “This is going to be a rough budget year for the City”. Health insurance, school busing, costs for special education students are costs rising exponentially. “This isn’t going to be a smooth sailing year for the City.” Gardner went 6 or 7 years without a health insurance increase and now claims are coming in high. Note: Gardner is self-insured but claims are serviced through Blue-Cross Blue Shield. Once the budget is submitted to the City Council, various meetings are held with sub-committees. Fiscal year begins on July 1^st. —- Spring Projects: South Gardner Improvement Project, Rear Main Street Project, Greenwood Memorial Pavilion. Capital Improvement Planning and CDBG Steering Committees review projects. —- Summer Recreation Program registration is open. Here’s the registration link, CLICK HERE.

Hotline Radio 3-7-26

Listen to the entire show on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson reviewed the great work of the Department of Public Works this winter keeping the roads open. The Mayor noted that parking meter fees were waived while the snow had them buried. Host Steve Wendell spoke to the Mayor about Transparency in the City of Gardner and had a discussion of the various groups which oversee projects in the City. Mayor Nicholson noted that Department Heads prepare quarterly reports for him in addition to the regular meetings. Community Development Block Grants were explained including that applicants need to meet very specific criteria – approved by the Mayor, City Council and the State by October with funds spent the following calendar year. A Review of interaction with State Leaders and a discussion of Housing Secretary Ed Augustus followed by a discussion of housing and Tiny Homes. — Update on Rear Main Street Project — Internet in the City — Applications for lifeguards for this summer — Retirement of music teacher Kathy MacKay after 30 year career in Gardner — Gardner High School Musical “The Addams Family” performances March 13,14, and 15.

Hotline Radio 2-28-26

On this City Government Special Edition of Hotline Radio (see infographic below). Listen to the entire show on any device, CLICK PLAY.

First up on WGAW Hotline Radio: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson: Discussion of being ready for the snow this weekend and the snow budget . “Plenty of places to put it, we’re ready for it”. Already have spent about $815,000 this season. — Discussion of grants applied for by the City including $875,000 in Federal block grants. Gardner is considered a mini-entitlement community which means Federal funds pass through the State. —

More from Mayor Nicholson: ADA compliance in the City — Upgrades to City parks including Ovila Case, Bickford, and more The Mayor noted that 1/3 of the City is protected open space. “There is a lot to offer here in Gardner.” — City Summer Recreation program has been successful. — Tiny Homes in the City of Gardner and development interest, including a proposal for a 36 unit tiny home project on Whitney Street. — Projects in the City are just waiting for Spring to arrive. — “We have to wait for the snow to be gone.” — A Discussion of infrastructure and projects. — Please register for Code Red if you haven’t already. One of the biggest reasons calls don’t get through is Spam Call Blocking. The City of Gardner is looking at other alternatives with all options on the table.

From Council President George Tyros:Council President George Tyros was interviewed by host Steve Wendell. Subjects included: Non -union Municipal salaries and the new more equitable system. More employees were added to the Step system in the past month. Boosts retention and helps in attracting new employees when positions are advertised. — Hiring of new City Auditor who was elected by City Council – The auditor is “an independent set of eyes on the City books.” — Discussion of the over $10,000 donation by DPW to CAC – all donations, outgoing and incoming must be approved by City Council — Salt Shed Issue – Councilor Mack discovered issue of some leftover funds used to purchase other equipment not authorized by Council — Money for salt shed needs to be paid back to stabilization fund. —Appointments.

Hotline Radio 2-21-26

Listen to the entire show on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Hour# 1: First up on Hotline Radio: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. The Sludge Landfill was discussed. “What do we do when the Sludge Landfill reaches capacity. We need to figure out what to do.” The Mayor is reviewing at least 4 other alternatives. Options will be reviewed and then the Mayor will come out with a full plan. —- A discussion of budget numbers and the budget season. —- Status of Rear Main Street Project: Initial completion date by Summer with next steps being putting out a Request for Proposal for a housing project with about 100 units. — Gardner is down by 35 students this year. —- School Budget is in the preliminary process right now. — The Rockwell Committee has 40 applications totaling $300,000 in requests this year. —

Steve Wendell spoke on the upcoming Snowstorm and featured Paul Topolski. Topolski spoke on safety tips for using a snowblower. Topolski spoke extensively on safety topics and how to be informed.

Hour #2: Wendell spoke about the State Auditor trying to unearth information about the Fraud in the Bay State regarding SNAP benefits. 15% receive benefits, but only 10% qualify on paper. Mike Urban had a lengthy commentary on this opening up with AUDIO from the State Auditor. Urban alleges widespread political corruption in Massachusetts stating that politicians are doing “crooked things behind closed doors.” Hotline host Steve Wendell stated that the Hotline Show will focus on corruption issues like SNAP, Medicare, and Childcare.

Werner Poegel Commentary with a report on the Gardner Museum and the 2026 Events.

Another segment from the Westminster Town Crier podcast featuring an update with Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen on Muncipal Items and Budgets.

Hotline Radio 2-14-26

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Listen to the entire show on any device, CLICK PLAY:

Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson: An update on the fleet of snow plow trucks “We have a great mechanic team at DPW”. Host Steve Wendell and the Mayor discussed the cost of various equipment including trucks for DPW, fire trucks, and ambulances. A discussion of Accessory Dwelling Units and Tiny Homes. The State of MA is releasing some new ADU and Tiny Home plans to make it easier to people to get the units. Any questions, contact the City Building Department. The Mayor suggested visiting the Mass.gov website for more info as well: Here is the link:

More with Mayor Nicholson: A discussion of the shortage of housing units in MA. —– Board of Health Director has not yet been hired and interviews are ongoing by the Board of Health —- Economic Development Committee and its focus on various projects and bringing the public in to the conversation about what is happening in the City of Gardner. — Attracting businesses to the City. “We try to hit every available avenue…” — Currently working on cutting back red tape in the City “making sure we’re evaluating the process along the way.” Example: Changing the City’s sign ordinance to make it more business friendly.

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