Charlie Pearson of Mighty Street stated that he believes the Council made the correct decision last month to not seat an employee of the Town on the Town Council.
Martha Farnham of South Street and Clair Miner of Green Street spoke on behalf of many people who live on South Street who are concerned about the speed of drivers on that road. They presented a signed petition and a quote to install two electronic active feedback speed limit signs on South Street and hoped the Council would consider their request.
Councilor Hager reported that the Finance Committee has established their 2020 meeting dates and will report after each at the Council Meeting. He also reminded people about the danger of running a generator inside the home when electricity is lost because of the risk of deadly carbon monoxide.
Councilor Wilder Cross stated that the upcoming New Year Gorham event will have plenty of fun and entertainment for everybody. The cost for a bracelet is $5 per person or there is a $20 family bracelet. Bracelets can be purchased at Hannaford or at the Rec Department.
Councilor Hartwell stated that the Town Council voted against the name change at USM.
Town Manager Paraschak thanked everyone involved in the light parade and tree lighting. He reminded people that winter sand (two five gallon buckets per storm) is available at Public Works for non-commercial use. He revealed that contractors will be out sometime next month to replace light fixtures and install LED lights throughout the Town. He also noted that there is a tentative joint Town Council and School Committee meeting set for January 14 to discuss the High School renovation/expansion project. Stewart McCallister reported that members of the School Committee will be attending individual PIE meetings at each of the schools over the next couple of months.
Councilor Hager stated that Janet Kuech’s attorney stood up (out of order) and demanded that the record reflect that she was not allowed to address the council.
A Point of Order was called by Hartwell. He noted that the Town Charter (section 201) states that each member of the Council shall be elected for a term of three years and until his successor is elected and qualified. Because the Council did not qualify Ms. Kuech last month, he believes that Paul Smith is still on the Town Council. Chairperson Phillips responded that the point is not well taken and she disagreed with Hartwell’s interpretation. Town Attorney Mark Bower explained Item #9513, the item of reconsideration, and the steps that need to be taken to vote on the item.
The following comments were made in regard to Order #9513:
– Councilor Wilder Cross disclosed her many concerns of a Town Employee being seated on the Town Council. She believes that her decision last month to not seat Ms. Kuech was the right decision.
– Councilor Hartwell noted that after more research, his interpretation of the Council Rules and the Town Charter states that no Town Employee shall be seated on the Town Council while still employed by the Town of Gorham. He noted that he would be changing his vote.
– Councilor Pratt revealed that he had spoken to one of the original members of the Town Council when the Charter was written and said that it was the original intent of the Charter to state that if you were an employee of the Town you could not be seated on the Town Council
– Councilor Shepard also stated that he had talked to one of the original members of the Charter Commission and they also stated that it was the intent of the Charter to read that if you were an employee of the Town in any capacity that you were not allowed to be seated on the Town Council.
– Councilor Hager also reflected that an Employee of the Town should not serve as a member of the Town Council because of a huge conflict of interest and reported that he will not be changing his vote.
The Town Council reconsidered Order # 9513 from the November 12, 2019 Special Town Council Meeting, an action to consider, in accordance with Sec. 207 of the Town Charter, whether Janet H. Kuech meets the qualifications as set forth in the Town Charter to serve as a Town Councilor. (0 yeas, 6 nays: All Councilors)
The Town Council issued a renewal liquor license to Lucky Thai LLC, located at 593 Main Street.
Staff was instructed to work with legal counsel to draft charter amendment language for review by the Council that would clarify that no municipal or school department employee may serve on the Town Council or School Committee while being employed by the Town of Gorham.
The Town Manager was instructed to incorporate sustainability efforts into municipal operations and planning whenever feasible.
A proposal to amend the contract zone of Hans Hansen in South Gorham to allow for senior housing units was forwarded to the Ordinance Committee. (4 yeas, 2 nays: Pratt, Phillips)
The Town Council formally requested that the School Committee’s Capital Project Committee meet with the Town Council’s Economic Development and Capital Improvements Committee from time to time to better coordinate municipal project planning.
The Town Council deliberated on the bonds and projects associated with votes on June 11, 2019 and November 5, 2019 whereas the town approved a capital expenditure of a sum of money not to exceed $2,800,000 for modular classrooms at the Narragansett Elementary School plus $5,900,000 for the purchase and development of an industrial park. The full order can be read on the town’s website at www.gorham-me.org.
The Town Council extended the moratorium on new rooming houses for an additional six months. (4 yeas, 2 nays: Hartwell, Phillips)
The Town Council granted an abatement of taxes to Jonathan J. for three tax years, using the same rational as the abatement granted for the 2018 and 2019 tax year, due to an error in the assessment of a swimming pool.
The full town council meeting minutes are available at www.gorham-me.org.