Lisa Bolduc, Phil Gagnon, and Mike Lewin each expressed their concerns about Gorham’s schools. They suggested building a new high school offsite and shifting the other schools around rather than expanding the current high school.
Amy Valentine, Julie Mulkern, Trish Moulton and Allyson Lowell all voiced their concerns about a new sober living facility opening at 24 School Street. The abutters were not notified of this decision and they were not happy about the lack of communication about the matter.
Councilor Wilder Cross attended the Gorham Village Alliance Workshop and was very impressed with the committee and their enthusiasm. She also attended the Greater Portland Metro Coalition meeting with one of the discussions being the need to expand public transportation routes in Gorham.
Chairman Hartwell revealed that there is a Transit App that is very helpful for citizens using the METRO system. He also apologized for not having a lot of information for the public on the Sober Living Facility opening on School Street. He assured the public that the Council will be reviewing the situation and not just ignoring their concerns.
Town Manager Paraschak reminded citizens that his door is always open for people with any concerns or issues like the School expansion project. He revealed that the FY 2020 budget is very conservative.
The Town Council appointed the following people to these committees and commissions:
- Philip Gagnon: Revolving Loan Fund Committee
- Charles Athanasion: Board of Assessment Review
- Joshua Haiss: Conservation Commission (Associate Member)
Mary Collins’ resignation from the Board of Trustees-Baxter Memorial Library was accepted as was the resignation of Jan Labrecque from the Board of Appeals and the Board of Voter Registration Appeals.
The Town Council appointed people to the following boards:
- Gregory Beal: Board of Trustees- Baxter Memorial Library
- Dede Perkins: Board of Appeals
- Richard Davis: Board of Voter Registration Appeals
The first amendment to the ODAT and Grondin Industrial Park Municipal Development Tax Increment Financing District and Development Program was approved. The amendments include an extension of the District term through June 30, 2034, the authorization of the Town Council to enter into additional credit enhancement agreements, and additional authorized project costs listed under the public improvements, facilities and programs section of the Development Program.
A renewal Liquor License for The Blue Pig LLC located at 29 A School Street was approved.
A renewal Liquor License and a renewal Special Amusement License for Spire 29 on the Square, LLC located at 29 School Street were approved.
A new Liquor License for Angelo’s Pizza located at 474 Main Street was approved. (5 yeas, 1 nay: Wilder Cross)
A renewal Massage License to Heather Theriault, of Theriault Chiropractic & Massage of Gorham, was issued.
The office residential district section of the Land Use and Development Code was amended to add personal services and professional out-patient clinics as permitted uses.
The Town Council amended the Pheasant Knoll Contract Zoning Agreement between Kasprzak Landholdings, Inc. and the Town of Gorham.
A referendum question was not authorized for the June 11, 2019 ballot. The question would ask if residents would like to expend up to $1,800,000 to install modular classrooms/cafeteria space including electrical, mechanical, security systems, site work and building connectors for the leased modular units. The Town Council scheduled a Public Hearing on this for May 7, 2019. (2 yeas, 4 nays: Pratt, Shepard, Wilder Cross, Smith).
An amendment to the Land Use & Development Code was forwarded to the Planning Board for a public hearing and recommendation to adopt the amended Middle School Facilities Impact Fee & Methodology.
The Town Council forwarded a request from Avesta Housing to amend its contract zone to the Planning Board for a Public Hearing and recommendation.
A resolution opposing the proposed University of Southern Maine name change to the University of Maine at Portland will be adopted. (5 yeas, 1 nay: Hager)
The Town Council denied an application for an abatement of taxes based on poverty.
The full meeting minutes as well as full amendment details are available at www.gorham-me.org.