Town Clerk, Laurie Nordfors, swore in newly reelected Town Councilors Lee Pratt and Virginia Wilder Cross.

Town Council elected Lee Pratt as the Chair for the 2021-2022 year. (7 yeas)

James Hager was elected as the Vice-Chair for the 2021-2022 year. (7 yeas)

Brian Leavitt, of Leavitt Earthworks and Dan Bouchard, of Winding Brook Way each spoke on behalf of Brookside Estates and asked the Council to reconsider their vote on street acceptance last month.

Councilor Hager attended the ecomaine meeting on October 21. He also stated that the Finance Committee would decide next year’s meeting schedule during the upcoming meeting.

Councilor Wilder Cross thanked the Town Clerk and her Office Staff, as well as all of the Election Workers for the job well done during the past election. She also mentioned that she met with the Gorham Village Alliance and reported that there will be more holiday lighting in the Village this year. They will also be sponsoring another “Shop the Village” event that will include a raffle. She revealed that New Year’s Gorham is in its final planning stage and the full schedule will appeal to everyone.

Councilor Phillips attended the Historical Preservation Committee meeting and reported that they discussed a new historical map and historical signs in town. She reported that the next Capital Improvements Committee meeting will include a report of road projects and capital projects. Councilor Phillips also thanked Public Works Director Bob Burns for his many years of service to the Town and congratulated him on his new adventure.

Councilor Shepard was the guest speaker at the Cub Scout Webelos Pack 85 meeting and answered many questions from the members.

Councilor Hartwell thanked the many Veterans who have served our Country. He also explained the street acceptance process and reminded people that the process has to be voted on by the Town Council and is not always guaranteed to be accepted.

Chairman Pratt thanked the Town Clerk and her Election Crew. He attended the Cumberland County Finance Committee meeting where they discussed their final budget. Chairman Pratt pointed out that the blood banks are at an all-time low and urged anyone willing and able to please consider donating blood.

Town Manager Paraschak pointed out that on November 27, Gorham Rec will host their “Burn off the Turkey 5K” race, and on November 28 at 3:00 p.m. will be the annual light parade and tree lighting. More information can be found on the Gorham Rec Department website.

Paraschak also thanked Town Clerk, Laurie Nordfors, and her staff for a successful election. He reminded residents that the Town will soon implement winter parking bans for overnight parking. He also thanked Public Works Director Bob Burns for his 18 years of service to the Town of Gorham and wished him well in his new position as Assistant Town Manager in Windham.

Town Council appointed the following people to the:

• Finance Committee: James Hager, Chair; Suzanne Phillips; Janet Kuech
• Ordinance Committee: Ben Hartwell, Chair; Ron Shepard; Virginia Wilder Cross
• Appointments/Personnel Committee: Virginia Wilder Cross, Chair; Ron Shepard; Janet Kuech
• Economic Development/Capital Improvements Committee: Suzanne Phillips, Chair; James Hager; Ben Hartwell
• Representative to Greater Portland Council of Governments: Janet Kuech; Ephrem Paraschak
• Representative to ecomaine: James Hager; Ephrem Paraschak
• Representative to Jetport Noise Abatement: Lee Pratt
• Representative to PACTS Policy Committee: Ephrem Paraschak
• Representative to METRO Regional Coalition: Virginia Wilder Cross; Ephrem Paraschak
• Cable Franchise Committee: Virginia Wilder Cross; James Hager
• GPCOG Regional Voice Committee: Ron Shepard
• Industrial Parks Steering Committee: Lee Pratt; James Hager (7 yeas)

Medical Use Marijuana Licenses were approved for the following:

• Eric Eddy, located at 7 County Road, Building B. Property is owned by County Road LLC.
• Ryan Beer, Atlantic Roots, located at 17 Industrial Parkway, Unit B. Property is owned by Wyatt Properties LLC.
• Kathleen West, Groovy Girls Garden, located at 15 Washburn Drive. Property is owned by Kathleen West LLC. (7 yeas)

Town Council amended the Land Use and Development Code regarding the Narragansett Mixed-Use Development District. (7 yeas)

The Land Use & Development Code was amended to streamline the performance guarantee and site plan review process. (7 yeas)

Town Council formally named the open space next to Robie Gym – Preble Street Common. (7 yeas)

1,746 feet of Freedom Drive was accepted as a public way and Freedom Drive is now classified as a Rural Access Road. (6 yeas, 1 nay: Wilder Cross)

Town Council did not accept 1,131 feet of Cotton Drive as a public way and it was not designated as a Rural Access Road. (3 yeas, 4 nays: Wilder Cross, Pratt, Phillips, Hartwell)

The Ordinance Committee was instructed to review and propose amendments to the Land Use & Development Code for outside dining requirements. The proposed amendments would create permanent changes that would promote outdoor dining. (7 yeas)