Allison L. and Ingrid S. of Crestwood Drive expressed their concerns over the new Sawyer Estates Proposal and encouraged the Council to take action to slow down the project.
Councilor Hartwell expressed his concerns on the project by Chase and pointed out that the TDR fund protects land elsewhere from being developed and suggested these funds could be used to buy land, buy a conservation easement, or work with Presumpscot Land Trust and/or Maine Farm Land Trust to leverage funds even further to buy Development rights. He also noted that he would like to sponsor an item next month for a policy change to have more conventional looking police cruisers.
Councilor Hager reported that the Finance Committee will meet on January 25th. He also noted that EcoMaine has extended an offer, based on the Town recycling tonnage, to add an additional board member.
Councilor Shepard reported that the Ordinance Committee met on December 15th and discussed topics on noise abatement, identifying setbacks on structures and the mixed use in Mosher’s Corner. These items will come back to the Ordinance Committee at their next meeting on January 19th.
Councilor Phillips reported that there will be a Capital Improvements Committee meeting on January 15th.
Chairman Pratt reported that the Industrial Parks Steering Committee met on December 21st and discussed phasing, naming, landscape buffering, and had a discussion with the commercial brokers to discuss remaining funds.
Town Manager Paraschak noted that the Town is now using Town trash tags and are no longer selling Town trash bags. Any bags that are still in circulation will be honored. He also reminded citizens that the Town Clerk’s Office is open by appointment only. Most services can be conducted online. There is also an overnight parking ban on all roads in the Town during the winter months.
Town Council approved a renewal liquor license for Gorham House of Pizza, located at 2 State Street. (6 yeas)
The following residents were appointed to the Board of Health:
- Dr. Colby Wyatt: Three-year term
- Melissa VanMeter: Two-year term
- Jennifer Toms: One-year term
The Town Council amended the Land Use and Development code to allow for varied density for mixed-use developments in the Gorham Village and Urban Commercial Zoning Districts. (6 yeas)
A proposal to add agricultural event centers and agricultural tourism uses to the Land Use & Development Code was forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for their review and recommendation. (6 yeas)
A proposal to permit certain private driveways in the Land Use & Development Code was sent to the Ordinance Committee for their review and recommendation. (6 yeas)
A proposal to add allowed uses to home occupations in the Land Use & Development Code was forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for their review and recommendation. (6 yeas)
The Town Council voted to table an order that would permit staff to make operational changes for public access to the recycling containers at the Public Works Facility. The order was tabled until the staff comes back to the Council with a solid plan. (6 yeas)
Town Council authorized the Town Manager to sell a seven acre parcel of land, located off Libby Avenue. Sale will be under such terms and conditions that the Town Manager deems to be in the best interests of the Town of Gorham. (6 yeas)
The Finance Committee was instructed to review federal and state COVID 19 grants and reimbursements at their next regular meeting. (6 yeas)
Town Council adopted a resolution authorizing the issuance of a general obligation bond of $5,689,000 for the Gorham School Department as follows:
1.) $2,265,000 for HVAC heat pump upgrades and repairs at the Gorham Middle School
2.) $1,423,000 for Phase II of the Narragansett School expansion project; 3.) $351,000 for upgrades and repairs to the Narragansett School bus loop and sidewalk
4.) $300,000 for repairs to the sidewalk at the Gorham Middle School
5.) $1,275,000 for repairs to the lighting at the fields and courts for safety purposes
6.) $75,000 for civil engineering related to such projects
(6 yeas)
The amendments and full meeting minutes can be found online at www.gorham-me.org/minutes-and-agendas.