Senior center reports rising participation, boiler repairs and potential supplemental funding request

A representative of the Gardner Senior Center updated city councilors on Feb. 6 about rising program participation, recent facility repairs and finances. The speaker recognized Ron Darmeca, chairman of the Council on Aging board, and thanked library and cable staff for collaboration. They said two senior centers received a combined $80,000 in grant support (Templeton and a Gardner contribution), described as $40,000 for Gardner, to purchase production equipment and training that supports video production and remote programming.

The speaker said the center’s reported engagement metrics for 2025 exceeded 11,000 unique individuals. They described winter-related facility problems: a deteriorated manifold feeding six heating zones began leaking and caused pressure loss and air blocks that reduced heat to some zones; staff replaced two circulating pumps and completed repairs to keep the center open during a severe cold spell. The speaker said the final cost of repairs will be significant and may lead to a supplemental funding request to the council through the normal mayoral appropriation process.

On finances, the speaker said the revolving fund cap is set at $80,000; current revenue is about $75,000 with current expenses of about $44,000 and outstanding purchase orders of about $18,000 (bringing a mid-year balance near $62,000). They said the Lifeline program projects roughly $18,000 in annual revenue. The speaker asked the council to consider raising revolving-fund caps and to assist with operational needs such as exploring a retired snow plow for site snow clearing.