Phillip Gagnon, Gordon Farms Road, voiced his concern about an application before the Planning Board for Plowman Grady Farms subdivision.
Ingrid Semle of Gorham Residents for Responsible Growth spoke again this month regarding the Sober Living House at 24 School Street. She is concerned since learning there will be 15 occupants and only one supervisor on duty beginning June 1, 2019. She presented an Alcohol & Drug-Free Housing License Document checklist used by other towns when they have such a facility in their town. She is frustrated that surrounding businesses did not receive notice of the facility and they are learning about it after the fact.
Krista O’Sullivan, a Pharmacy Technician who sees drug abuse first-hand, believes the turnover in this sober house does not provide enough time for recovery. She also believes many of these people will be back out on the streets where drugs are readily available again.
Paula Green spoke about the social impacts the Sober Living House will have on surrounding businesses which include two daycares and a dance studio within walking distance. She expressed safety concerns for the young children and concerns about how this facility could hurt area businesses.
Councilor Pratt expressed appreciation to Representative Andrew McLean for responding to an email he sent to all of our representatives asking for help with some research.
Councilor Wilder Cross reported that Gorham was approved to be the second Opioid Prevention Community following Falmouth.
Town Manager Paraschak reminded citizens of the following meetings:
- Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m.: Joint Town Council and School Committee Workshop to discuss the proposed School budget.
- Tuesday, May 28 at 6:00 p.m.: Preventing Opioid Misuse meeting – Gorham High School library
Phillip Gagnon voiced his concern for the lack of planning by the Town for the proposed modulars at Narragansett School. He feels there has been no preparation, notice or planning for them and now the School Department is rushing to get a referendum to push this through.
Janet Kuech, an Education Tech at Narragansett School, commented as well. She said there has been a long-term plan for the modular classrooms and this has been discussed at length in many meetings. She feels it is in the Town’s best interest to move forward with the modular classrooms to relieve the overcrowding as these students make the transition to the Middle School and then on to the proposed High School renovations.
A referendum to authorize the Town to borrow and expend up to $2,800,000 on modular classrooms, cafeteria space and other related work at Narragansett Elementary School was approved by Town Council.
2019 School Budget Validation Election Info: Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The following people have been named as Clerks and Ward Clerks:
- 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 Teresa Sanborn, Ward Clerk
The Registrar of Voters be in session during the following dates and times: June 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., June 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., June 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., June 7 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m, and June 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Town Clerk will be authorized to process absentee ballots on June 11 at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The Town Council approved the transfer of $1,132.75 to the Town of Gorham that was seized in a criminal case.
Councilor Phillips was appointed to chair the Founder’s Festival Committee.
The Town Council forwarded an amendment to the Land Use & Development Code to the Ordinance Committee for its review. This amendment will allow mobile vending units to be at the Farmer’s Markets.
Two people from the Greater Gorham Farmers Market spoke in favor of food trucks being allowed at the Farmers Markets and possibly Gazebo Music Nights.
Five hundred dollars ($500) from the contingency account will be appropriated to purchase a town sponsorship to encourage Municipal Officials and Staff to attend the next “Build Maine Conference.”
The Town Council forwarded an amendment for the Senior Property Tax Assistance Ordinance to the Ordinance Committee for its review and recommendation.
The Town Manager was authorized to extend the term of the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Gorham-Windham Professional Firefighters Association through June 30, 2019, subject to the terms of the Extension of Collective Bargaining Agreement.
School Resource Officer Wayne “Pooch” Drown will be posthumously nominated for the Spirit of America Award, in recognition of his outstanding service and dedication to the citizens and students of the Town of Gorham.