The Gorham Town Council met for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 7. All seven members were present and they began by approving the minutes of the September 2 meeting.
Five members of the public spoke; two about health concerns regarding dust and noise from the quarry, one about the large number of homes being built in the town and two about the North Street bridge replacement timeline and concerns for traffic safety.
Each council member had the opportunity to speak about recent correspondence and concerns. Mr. Seigel wished everyone celebrating Rosh Hashanah a happy new year and mentioned the impact of the apparel bins that have been added around town. The purpose of these is to keep clothes out of landfills, not to donate usable clothes. Mr. Gagnon thanked Councilman Lavoie for his time on the town council and also encouraged e-bike users to follow the safety rules of the road.
Thomas Poirier, representing Town Manager Ephram Paraschak, encouraged the residents to check out the new data retrieval system for the town ordinances and highlighted the Fall Fest on October 18 at the gazebo. He also recognized Recreation Director Cindy Hazelton, who recently received the David F. Drew Service Award which is given yearly by USM to recognize athletic and recreation service.
School Committee Assistant Chair, Michelle Littlefield gave her monthly report to the council. She thanked the Gorham Police Department for their communication and actions during recent town occurrences which put three schools into “Secure Status” for the second time this school year. The school department is still looking for two maintenance employees and bus drivers and substitute drivers, as well as substitute teachers. She also gave preliminary attendance numbers for each of the schools and highlighted upcoming homecoming events.
The Council approved (7-0) the renewal applications for the five graveyard/ junkyard permits for 2025-2026, as required yearly.
The Council approved (7-0) an amendment to the Town’s General Assistance Ordinance by updating the maximum levels of assistance required by state.
The Council amended (7-0) the Land Use and Development Code for the South Gorham Commercial Corridor clarifying the minimum standards for the amount of non-residential use in a mixed-use development.
The Council voted (7-0) to amend the Land Use and Development Code to add indoor/outdoor recreation facilities and similar commercial and industrial uses. This added flexibility to the standards.
The Council approved (7-0) the awarding of eleven grant allocations to town businesses who had submitted applications to the Gorham Economic Development Corporation’s review committee for a total of $55,000 in grant funding.
The Council approved (7-0) the amendment of the Gorham Economic Development bylaws to allow one of the members of the nine-member board to be a non-resident who owns a Gorham business with a location in Gorham.
The Council accepted (7-0) the adoption of the Economic Development Strategic Plan as presented by Camoin Associates and North Star Planning for staff review and consideration.
The Council approved a non-profit childcare program grant of $15,000 to Seedlings to Sunflowers which operated two sites in town.
The Council voted (7-0) to forward to the Planning Board for review and recommendation, amendments to the zoning map for the Little Falls Village and changes in zones to coincide with the Little Falls- South Windham Master Plan.
The Council approved (7-0) a 5 percent increase in Fire Department billing rates. The five percent is the highest yearly amount allowed by state law and puts the town’s rates closer to other area towns.
The Council set a workshop with the Gorham School Committee on Tuesday, October 21, at 6:00 p.m. to review the findings of the Town’s Fiscal Sustainability Committee. (7-0) They also approved (7-0) an organizational meeting for November 10 at 6:00 p.m., followed by the special meeting to swear in new councilors at 6:30. Additionally, they moved the monthly meeting to November 18 due to holiday conflicts.
The Council also approved (7-0) the forwarding of the Fire Suppression Systems Ordinance to the Ordinance Committee for review and recommendation, for possible changes.
Finally, the Council approved (7-0) the release of up to $10,000 for public art in Robie Park. This art would include an entrance sign and bench area by Josh Landry’s Custom Chainsaw Carving.
For a complete account of the meeting, a copy of the minutes and a recorded video of the meeting may be found on the Gorham Town Council website.