Four members of the public voiced their concerns about the school budget cuts and hoped that the Town Council and the School Department could come to an agreement that would benefit both the schools and taxpayers.
Councilor Wilder Cross reported that the Ordinance Committee discussed the proposed Contract Zone for the Village Expansion Plan. The Council considered items from the Ordinance committee regarding pedestrian improvements, curb cuts on arterials and designated collectors and stream protection.
Gorham Village Alliance will sponsor Art on South St. on September 9 from 10-2 on the Preble St. Common next to Robie Gym. People interested in exhibiting their work at the event should contact gorhamvillagealliance@gmail.com.
The Husky Line will be extended from Gorham to the Old Port at the end of August. Councilor Cross highly recommended the storybook and wood carvings on the trail at Cherry HiIl Farm, especially for young children. Councilor Cross also thanked Public Works for installing benches in the Village.
Councilor Phillips reported that the Farmer’s Market at Cherry Hill will be open from 2-6 p.m. through September. The Capital Improvements Committee met to discuss the Chick Master Plan and hope to meet once in September to discuss roadways for the property.
Councilor Gagnon reported more than 60 people attended the July 12 Robie Park Steering Committee Community Charette. The next meeting will be in late September.
Chairman Pratt attended the ribbon cutting at Moderne Rug and praised the scope of the rug cleaning process.
Town Manager Paraschak reminded residents of the Plummer Road culvert construction which will be starting soon and will continue for four to six weeks. The Senior Property Tax Stabilization Program has been repealed by the State. Two new programs will take its place. For more information go to Maine.gov website or contact the Town office. Summer food trucks at Little Falls are still going strong on Thursdays from 4-8. The Town’s bond rating is at its highest and Paraschak congratulated the Finance Department on doing a wonderful job.
School Committee Chair Sarah Perkins reported bus routes will be published in the Gorham Times on Aug. 17 and on the school website. The first day of school for grades 6, 9 and pre-kindergarten will be Aug. 28. The first day for grades 1-5, 7-8 and 10-12 will be Aug. 29. The first day of kindergarten will be September 5.
Two votes on the School Budget have failed to pass. A third vote is scheduled for Aug. 15th. If this budget does not pass, last year’s budget will be used until a new budget has passed. The School Committee is committed to improving the budget process and overall collaboration with the Town Council to provide the best possible education to the children of Gorham while keeping taxes as low as possible for residents and business owners alike.
The Council voted 7-0 to amend the Land Use and Development Code to require underground utilities for any new subdivisions, private ways or site plans.
The Council voted 6-1 (Gagnon) to recommend that the Planning Board develop a long term plan for pedestrian improvements, consistent with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
The Council voted 6-1 (Gagnon) to recommend that the Planning Board revise standards for curb cuts on arterial and designated collectors, consistent with the Town’s Comprehensive plan.
The Council voted 7-0 to use a recommended list of real estate brokers for a two year period: Josh Plowman of Plowman Realty, Peter Mason of Pogo Realty, David Willis of Willis Real Estate, Julie Chandler of Pogo Realty and Keith Nicely of eXp Realty.
The Council voted 7-0 to forward a recommendation to increase the stream protection sub district.
The Council voted 7-0 to authorize the release of $20,000 from the Transfer District Overlay Account for the conservation of 30 acres of land off Ossipee Trail for the Trout Run Conservation Project.
The Council voted 7-0 to authorize the release of $20,000 from the Open Space Impact Account for the Deer Woods Conservation Project.
The Council authorized an election Aug. 15th for a vote on the special school validation election.
The Council voted 7-0 to accept 2150 feet of Olde Canal Way as an Industrial/Commercial Road.
The Council voted 7-0 to instruct the Capital Improvements Committee to work with staff to evaluate options for a site planning study of 80 Huston Road and make recommendations to the Town Council.