Joseph Cerny and Ralph Graffam of Wescott Road voiced their frustration with having to vote at Ward 2, since the State redistricted the Town a few years ago, instead of Ward 1-2 which is closer to their residence.
Harold Parks, of George Street asked the Council if the Town had considered having Public Works remove fall leaves from the George Street cul-de-sac and also if the Town would consider designating the cul-de-sac a park.
Councilor Hager announced that the Finance Committee met September 27 and discussed the Fiscal year 2021 ending. He reported the numbers were good and will receive the audit report after the first of the year.
Councilor Kuech toured the new fitness facility at the Middle School and was excited to learn that the teachers were trained to use the equipment. She also attended the 4th Annual Too Small to Fail Laundry Cares Foundation and came away with many new ideas to share with the recently launched Little Rams Early Childhood Project.
Councilor Wilder Cross attended the Jensen Baird Municipal Client Seminar that went over the new Legislative Laws that will go into effect this month. She also attended the recent Board of Health Meeting and reported that residents can send any health questions or concerns through the website. She also attended the Gorham Village Alliance meeting and revealed that they are working hard to make the Village the best it can be with future events, including a public art exhibit and holiday lights.
Councilor Phillips thanked the many volunteers who came out to “Clean-up Gorham.” She also stated that the Joint Town Council Capital Improvements Committee & School Facilities Committee meeting will be held October 12. They will be discussing updates to the facilities, studies, and how to move forward.
Councilor Shepard reported that the next Ordinance Committee meeting will be October 19.
Councilor Hartwell announced that Moody’s will hold their 44th Anniversary Celebration October 16 at the racetrack, and will feature food trucks, events, a bonfire and fireworks. You can get more information on the Gorham Rec Department’s Facebook page.
Chairman Pratt attended the Cumberland County Finance Committee meeting September 29, where they selected the current Chair of the Board and discussed the proposed 2022 County Budget.
Town Manager Paraschak reminded homeowners the Town-wide Revaluation process is still taking place. He said that homeowners would receive notice before any visit. He reported that the town had a problem with software that prints the tax bills, and many bills were sent out with the exemptions listed on the “other” line, which makes it appear that the exemption is gone. He also announced that Life Church will be holding their annual Trunk or Treat on Halloween from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Municipal Center Parking lot.
Renewal applications for the following Automobile Graveyard/ Junkyard Permits were approved for 2021-2022:
- LKQ Corp/Gorham Auto located at 192 Narragansett Street
- Casco Federal Credit Union located at 375 Main Street
- Chet’s Auto Sales located at 475 Ossipee Trail
- Moodys/Insurance Auto Auction located at 200 Narragansett Street
- Reichert’s Auto Body located at 112 Shaws Mill Road Dumbo Enterprise located at 86 Longfellow Road
(7 yeas)
Town Council adopted the amendment of the Mosher’s Corner Mixed Use District and the amendments to the Official Zoning Map. (7 yeas)
The Land Use and Development Code’s Home Occupation Ordinance was amended. The approved amendments involved particular language additions in the definitions section. (7 yeas)
Town Council adopted a new remote and hybrid meeting policy. (7 yeas)
Winding Brook Way was not accepted as a public roadway and was classified as a rural access. (3 yeas, 3 nays: Wilder Cross, Pratt, Shepard / 1 recuse: Hartwell)
The Town Council appointed Jacinda Wilson to the Gorham Conservation Commission. (7 yeas) A workshop date was set for October 19, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. to review the ARPA funds program. Other discussion will focus on department leads information requested for presentations and possible zoning improvements within the Town. (7 yeas)
Staff was instructed to provide written recommendations back to the Town Council on cost effective ways to reduce litter and improve the overall cleanliness of municipal trails and properties. (7 yeas)
Town Council voted not to adopt a resolution, which stated that the State of Maine had gone too far by mandating certain employees receive COVID-19 vaccination if they’d like to remain employed. Many residents reached out via email to show their concern for the resolution and express their disbelief that the Council would even consider putting the resolution on the agenda. The full responses from local doctors and residents can be read online here. (2 yeas, 5 nays: Hager, Kuech, Wilder Cross, Pratt, Shepard)
The Town Manager was authorized to enter into a License Agreement with Patio Park, LLC to resolve property line encroachment issues. (7 yeas)
Town Council entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters. (7 yeas)
The full meeting minutes can be found at www.gorham-me.org/node/49/minutes.