The Gorham Town Council met for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Chairperson Suzanne Phillips called the meeting to order and all seven members were present.
Their first action was to approve the minutes of the Oct. 7 meeting (7-0).
One member of the public, a resident of Lawn Avenue, spoke to question the town’s handling of their policy on drainage systems and required inspections. Her property has been affected by this issue and she promised to return to future meetings until action is taken. A second member of the public, Peter Mason, spoke to thank the public for their support of the Reed-Allen fundraising events, which had raised a large amount of money for a worthy cause.
Ephram Paraschak, in his Town Manager’s Report, mentioned the Robie Park construction, which was delayed and will be resumed in the spring. He also reminded the public of the town tree-lighting and the availability of winter sand (2 buckets per storm).
Nicole Yeo-Fisher, the chair of the Gorham School Committee, reported on recent school news. She thanked the Gorham Emergency Services for their recent action responding to a gas leak at Narragansett School, and Gorham Public Works for assistance in advertising for recently filled school maintenance positions. She also announced upcoming events, including the Public Pre-K Partner Fair on Dec. 4. She encouraged all parents of children who will be 4 years old by Oct. 15, 2026 to attend. CouncilorWillis asked her to provide, at a future date, attendance information for the past 20 years.
The Council discussed and approved the dissolving of 11 contract zones in the South Gorham area of town. There are approximately eight remaining properties with contract zones in this area. This was approved (7-0).
Three speakers from the public spoke about the proposed rent control moratorium on mobile park rentals. This action would financially impact small family-owned mobile parks. They also questioned some of the language in the proposed order. Councilor Siegel explained that this proposal was based on recent events in the state and concerns of some Gorham residents about possible rent hikes. The town manager also spoke about possible pending state action. This proposal was tabled until January (7-0).
There was a proposal to amend the Land Use Code to restrict the building of large-scale data centers in town. This was referred to the Ordinance Committee for guidance on future action (7-0).
The Council agreed to forward to the Planning Board amendments to allow for additional driveway curb cuts on low-traffic roads for accessory dwelling units (6-1, Seigel).
The Council took no action (7-0) on an amendment of the Streets and Sidewalks Ordinance to allow overnight parking during the winter months in certain districts.
The Council voted (7-0) to take no action, as recommended by the Ordinance Committee, on a proposal to consider possible new school impact fees.
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.