Councilor Siegal announced he will be running for the position of State representative for District 109. He congratulated the GHS Theater for their 1st place finish in the regional one act festival for their production of “Radium Girls” and the boys and girls basketball teams for their stellar performances in the State Championship games.
Councilor Lavoie also congratulated Gorham High School for those events as well as for their performance at the state Indoor Track Team meet. He announced the fifth annual Gorham Clean Up will be held on April 21 at 8:30 a.m. For more information, contact the Gorham Village Alliance or the Conservation Committee.
Councilor Wilder Cross gave accolades to all the talented students who make her so happy to live in Gorham. She recognized kids achieving honors in academics, acting, musicians and vocalists who advanced to state levels. She thanked all those who support kids and pointed out the High School Robotics Team which competed in the Pine Tree FIRST Robotics Competition. She attended the March Metro Region CPCOG meeting which focused on the “Housing First” initiative sponsored by Preble Street and Avesta Housing for chronically homeless people and the lack of affordable housing in the region. General Assistance reform has the goal of municipalities receiving State reimbursement for its general assistance.
Councilor Gagnon reported that at the CIPS meeting different master plans for economic development reminded residents to change batteries in their smoke detector when they change their clocks.
Chairperson Phillips addressed the passing of Nancy Kent, longtime resident who served on the Baxter Memorial Library Board of Trustees as well as a Town election worker for many years.
Town Manager Paraschak reported that the Town budget would be presented to the Town Council on April 13 and the School budget on April 23. A public hearing on both will be held on May 14. The Council will also vote on both on May 14. The school budget will go to voters on June 11. He recognized longtime Town employee, Fire Chief Ken Fickett for his 50 years of employment with the Town.
Councilor Siegel moved the Council to adopt a resolution in recognition of the GHS production of “Mamma Mia” expressing his appreciation to Gorham schools art educators and the 25 cast and crew members of “Mamma Mia” for their efforts that promote future excellence and education and bring the community together.
The Council approved 7-0, a medical marijuana license renewal for Tanner Brown, Threshold LLC.
A public hearing was held on a proposal to amend the Land Use and Development Code to add a new Pedestrian Overlay District and proposed amendments to existing ordinance sections to include pedestrian/ sidewalk standards was approved 7-0.
Voted 7-0 to adopt a proposed Robie Park Master Plan.
Voted 7-0 on appointments made by the Town Council to various Town Boards and Committees.
Voted 6-1 (Pratt) that the Town Council vote to become a member of the Greater Portland Metro Service and that his order is contingent on Gorham being allocated two seats on the Board.
Vote 7-0 to forward to the Planning Board for review and a public hearing, changing Map 8 Lot 10 from Urban Residential Expansion District to the South Gorham Crossroads District.
Voted 7-0 to authorize the Town Manager to execute an amendment to the purchase and sale agreement with Core X Complete Maine Propco Ltd and clear a portion of Map 30, Lot 1 as designated on their site plan prior to April 14, 2024 to meet conditions of their environmental approvals.
Voted 7-0 on action to consider amending the home occupation standards in the Land Use and Development Code to increase economic development opportunities.
Voted 6-1 (Gagnon) to forward to the Planning Board for a public hearing and recommend amendments to the Land Use and Development Code replacing one lot private way provisions with back lot provisions.
Voted 6-1 (Pratt) to instruct the Public Works Department to repaint two crosswalks on Ballpark Road and Access Road to multi-colored pride sidewalks.
Voted 7-0 to incorporate a percentage of affordable housing requirements into the Land Use and Development Code. Action to authorize the Town to restore softball/baseball diamonds at Great Falls Recreation area for community Use proposed by Councilor Gagnon did not get a second and the motion failed.
Voted 7-0 to write off uncollectible bad checks in the amount of $2457.48 as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Voted 7-0 to accept a quit claim deed to resolve a tax foreclosure for property off Brackett Road with the Town Manager authorized to require payment of legal fees for drafting the deed.
Voted 6-1 (Gagnon) to have a referendum question to authorize ordering and purchase of a new fire engine.
The Council approved seven people and two councilors to an economic Development Strategic Plan Steering Committee. Councilors Gagnon and Sims were appointed to the committee along with seven others: two from the Gorham Economic Development Corporation, 2 Gorham business owners, 1 from the Village Alliance, 1 from the Planning Board and a Gorham resident.
The Council went into executive session to discuss the condition, and acquisition of the use of real or personal property where premature disclosure of the information would prejudice the competitive bargaining position of the body or agency. They voted 7-0.