Renee Murray, of Settlers Way, had questions on the correct protocol for creating access to public spaces in the Fort Hill Neighborhood and asked the Council for guidance.
Councilor Pratt reported that the Industrial Park Steering Committee met on April 15 and he was nominated as Chair. They discussed surveying wetlands, woodland studies, and goals and are waiting for results. They will meet again in early June and move forward.
Councilor Shepard reported that the Ordinance Committee will meet on May 19.
Councilor Hartwell stated that the Town is now issuing burn permits depending on the weather. He suggested businesses reach out to get the necessary resources available during this difficult time. Economic Development Director, Kevin Jensen, is able to point people in the right direction to get the help they need.
Councilor Wilder Cross urged small businesses to visit the website GorhamStrong.org for information and financial resources that are available, including grants, low interest loans and other programs. She reported that more businesses are beginning to open with strict guidelines to providing a safe way to do business. She recommended calling local businesses in Gorham to see which ones are open and what restrictions they have in place.
Councilor Kuech added that a few more businesses in Gorham, including The Bookworm and Carter’s Green Market are also doing phone or Facebook message orders and encouraged citizens to reach out to them for personal service.
Chairperson Phillips remarked that she believes that people are doing a fairly decent job keeping the many recreational trails in Gorham clean and welcoming.
Councilor Hartwell added that he had received an inquiry about the clear cutting by Shaw Park. He reported that he downloaded the deed that was transferred to the Town of Gorham and found that there is a covenant that allows for future land clearing and expansion. The Town will be putting up a sign stating this agreement.
Town Manager Paraschak announced that the due date for the 2nd half of the 2020 Real Estate and Personal Property taxes has been extended until June 15. Residents can pay taxes through the mail, over the phone or online with a credit card, or drop it off in the book drop at the library.
Paraschak reminded citizens that all municipal departments are 100% functional and are operating remotely from home or in the office when needed. He reported that Town departments are currently working on plans for transitioning to soft openings in the month of June depending on the CDC and the Governor’s guidelines. He also confirmed that youth summer rec camps are on schedule to open this summer but will depend on the Governor’s recommendations. Public Works is working on the cross town trail and making improvements. The hope is to get it connected to the Shaw Brothers Cherry Hill trail soon.
The Town Clerk was authorized to issue the warrant for the July 14, 2020 School Budget Validation Election. The polls will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m and the Town Council appointed the following persons for the designated voting districts:
District 1-1 – Susan Emerson, Warden and Laurel Smith, Ward Clerk
District 1-2 – Katherine Corbett, Warden and Cornelia Loughran, Ward Clerk
District 2 – Martha Towle, Warden and Nancy Kenty, Ward Clerk
Central – Paula Nystrom, Warden and Nanette Belanger, Ward Clerk
Voting hours and details can be found at www.gorham-me.org.
The Town Manager highly recommends that people absentee vote for this election due to the currant health pandemic. An absentee ballot can be obtained online or by calling the Town Clerk’s Office.
The Town Council sent a proposed amendment to the Contract Zone of Gorham Savings Bank to allow for a solar facility and/or solar panel installation on their building to the Planning Board, for public hearing and their recommendation.
The Town Council amended the policy of the revolving loan fund to allow for small financing requests to be increased from $10,000 to $25,000 and the maximum loan amount stated in the RLF Procedures document that does not maintain a financial leveraging requirement be increased from $10,000 to $25,000.
The Town Council authorized the Town of Gorham (Police) to rejoin the Maine Public Employees Retirement System as a Participating Local District effective July 1, 2020. (6 yeas, 1 nay: Hartwell)
The Town Council authorized the Town Manager to enter into a Collective Bargaining Agreement Extension with the Gorham Professional Firefighters Association, Teamsters Local 340, through June 30, 2020. (6 yeas, 1 nay: Hartwell)
Staff was authorized to submit a request for proposals to qualified vendors for solar facilities at the new Gorham Industrial/Business Park located between Main Street and New Portland Road.
The Town Council amended the residential construction fee schedule to no longer charge a fee for the installation of handicap ramps on residential properties.
The Town Manager was authorized to enter into an Amended and Restated Credit Enhancement Agreement between the Town of Gorham, Maine and ODAT Realty Holdings, Inc. The full order can be found at www.gorham-me.org. (6 yeas, 1 abstention: Pratt)
The Town Council forwarded a plan to add a new private way standard to the Minimum Standards for the Design and Construction of Streets and Ways that would allow up to 25 lots or dwelling units to the Planning Board, for public hearing and their recommendations.
Art Handman’s resignation from the Gorham Economic Development Corporation was accepted and the Town Council thanked him for his years of service to the Town of Gorham.
The full minutes can be read at www.gorham-me.org.