Town Manager Ephrem Paraschak reported that he met with the Maine Turnpike Authority and plans for the new Turnpike spur are moving along.

The Town Council declared a moratorium on the location, operation or licensing of any retail marijuana social clubs and any retail marijuana establishments, including retail marijuana stores, retail marijuana cultivation facilities, retail marijuana products manufacturing facilities and retail marijuana testing facilities, within the Town (see Marijuana Moratorium and Property Tax Relief).

The Marijuana Legalization Act will not limit the privileges or rights afforded by the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Act. The full ordinance is available on the town’s website at www.gorham-me.org.

The Town Council adopted the same rules for the 2017-2018 year as they followed in the previous year but added the following to section 4-4: In addition, the Committee shall review and make recommendations to the Council on the Town’s industrial and commercial development goals and objectives. The Committee is responsible for maintaining an economic development program and policies subject to full Council approval. Also, the Committee shall consult with the Town Manager regarding proposed capital improvements and equipment.

Woodspell Road was accepted as a public road and will be locally classified as a Rural Access Road.

The Town Council authorized the Town to solicit sealed bids on a parcel of land located off of Huston Road. The minimum bid is set at $500, with the Town to issue a quit claim deed if a bid is accepted.

An ordinance proposal entitled “Town of Gorham Property Tax Assistance Ordinance” will be sent to the Ordinance Committee for recommendations. The purpose of the proposal is to establish a program to provide property tax assistance to persons 70 years of age and over who reside in Gorham. Under this program, the Town of Gorham will provide refund payments to those individuals who maintain a homestead in Gorham and meet certain criteria. The full proposal is available on the town’s website at www.gorham-me.org (see Marijuana Moratorium and Property Tax Relief).

The Town Council accepted the resignation of Janet MacLeod from the Conservation Commission. The Council also expressed appreciation for her service to the Gorham Community.

Complete minutes are available on the town’s website at www.gorham-me.org.