Marla Stelk of Johnson Road addressed a lack of communication between town staff, the town manager, Town Council and citizens regarding a gas line being installed in her neighborhood.
Councilor Pratt reported that the Industrial Park Steering committee met on October 1 and discussed progress with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Portland Water District. He also attended the Gorham Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) meeting on September 16 and reported they discussed signage in the village as well as DOT signs and the Revolving Loan Program. The GEDC is continuing to meet with local business to hear their needs during the pandemic. Councilor Pratt also gave his sincere condolences to the families of Jacob Dupuis and Henry O’Neill, two 2019 graduates of Gorham High School who passed away in September.
Councilor Hartwell stated the Comprehensive Plan Committee has a meeting scheduled for later this month. He also reported that Life Church will be holding a Trunk or Treat on Halloween at the Municipal Center Parking lot.
Councilor Wilder Cross attended the Greater Portland Council of Governments Metro Regional goal setting meeting and touched upon the goals that they have set, including the ongoing issues with COVID, transportation issues as well as economic development issues to align with the State and Federal post-pandemic guidelines. She also met with the Gorham Village Alliance Committee and encouraged everyone to support small businesses in town as they continue to struggle during the pandemic. And finally she announced there is a contest, sponsored by the Gorham Recreational Department, to create the best scarecrow in town.
Councilor Hager stated the Finance Committee met on September 21 and reported the town has a budget surplus of $390,000 representing about 2.3 percent of the annual budget. Non-property tax revenue was up significantly and property tax revenue was slightly behind but reported that we had collected 96 percent which he cited was remarkable amount in spite of the pandemic. The next Finance Committee meeting will be determined after the next Council is seated after the election.
Chairperson Phillips reported that the Founders Festival went well and thanked Shawn Moody, Life Church, and the Fire and Police Departments for their help. She announced the winners of the parade float contest. First place went to the Lions Club, second place to Fort Hill Community Church, third place to New Year Gorham, and fourth place to On Purpose Well Being Center.
Town Manager Paraschak reminded the public that Baxter Memorial Library and the Town Clerk’s office are open to the public for walk in service normal hours with all other Municipal Building departments by appointment only. He reported that absentee ballots are available. He encouraged citizens to vote absentee and use the drop box at the entrance to the Municipal Building. He mentioned that road construction in the village is near completion and reminded everyone that the traffic lights are still not 100 percent functional but will be soon. He also reminded residents that as of January 1, the town will discontinue the use of Town trash bags and transition to Town trash tags.
Town Council issued a renewal liquor license to M and G X-Mac II, LLC, DBA Ocean Gardens Restaurant and Tavern, located at 390 Main Street. (7 yeas)
Renewal applications for the following Automobile Graveyard/ Junkyard Permits were approved (7 yeas) for 2020:
- Steve Luce, LKQ Corp/Gorham Auto, 192 Narragansett Street
- Jim Stone, Casco Federal Credit Union, 375 Main Street
- Gary Nelson, Chet’s Auto Sales, 475 Ossipee Trail
- Gordon Reichert, Reichert’s Auto Body, 112 Shaws Mill Road
- Shawn Moody, Moodys/Insurance Auto Auction, 200 Narragansett Street
- John Dumbrocyo, Dumbo Enterprises, 86 Longfellow Road
The Town’s General Assistance Ordinance was amended to incorporate the updated maximum levels of assistance as required by the State. (7 yeas)
Gorham’s Marijuana Cultivation Manufacturing Facility Licensing Ordinance was amended to exclude previous language and requirements on the application to establish a facility. (7 yeas)
Town Council accepted the recommendation of staff and selected Citizens Enterprises Corporation for a solar facility at the town’s closed landfill at 80 Huston Road. The town manager is authorized to enter into a lease agreement for a period not to exceed twenty years. (7 yeas)
The full minutes can be found at www.gorham-me.org/town-council.
The Ordinance Committee was asked to review Article VI, Building Additions, in the Fire Suppression Ordinance, and bring back recommendations to the Council for review and approval. (7 yeas)
Town Council instructed the Ordinance Committee to review the Noise Abatement subsection of the Land Use & Development Code, in order to provide for an exemption for well drillers during a time of Severe Drought and requested that the Ordinance Committee forward their recommendations to the Council for review and approval. (7 yeas)
The Appointments Committee was instructed to bring to the Town Council recommendations of appointment to fill vacancies on the Gorham Board of Health. (7 yeas)
The Ordinance Committee was instructed to review provisions in the Land Use and Development Code that would require surveyors to identify setbacks to ensure structures are within the required setback zone defined in the code. (7 yeas)
Town Council accepted the recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission and designated 43 Mighty Street as a historic structure/site under the town’s Historic Preservation Ordinance. (6 yeas, 1 nay: Hager)
Deferring payments were approved on new approved Revolving Loan Fund applications under the terms detailed by the Economic Development director in his September 25, 2020 memo to the Town Council. (7 yeas)
Town Council accepted the ranking criteria for pedestrian safety improvements and traffic calming measures in the Gorham Village to be constructed as funding permits. (7 yeas)
Taxes in the amount of $5,555.94 were abated on a mobile home located at 12 Tamarack Circle. The home will be demolished. (7 yeas)
The full amendment can be found at www.gorham-me.org/town-council.