Councilor Pratt advised of a Jetport Noise Abatement Committee meeting in October that he will be attending and asked that any comments or concerns be brought to his attention.
Councilor Wilder-Cross reported on ways to help asylum seekers (see below for details).
| Host Homes:
The Greater Portland Coalition of Governments (GPCOG) has created an intake email for families across the region that want to host newly arrived families. If you are interested in hosting, please email HostHomes@gpcog.org. Charitable Contributions: Preble Street Resource Center: Food donation and preparation Wayside: Food donation and preparation Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project: Legal Support The Salvation Army NNE: Clothing and coordination of voluntary items The Root Cellar: Clothing distribution Jewish Community Alliance: Diaper Bank Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition: Community organizing and first responders The United Way of Greater Portland Mercy Hospital Maine Medical Center Other Ways to Help: Please contact the Greater Portland Coalition of Governments at (207) 774-9891 for more information. |
Councilor Hager reported about the Finance Committee meeting. He noted that revenue is a little bit ahead and spending is behind. The committee is in the process of reviewing rescue billing fees by comparing them to the surrounding communities. The next meeting will be on August 12.
Town Manager Paraschak reminded citizens that there are ongoing problems at the Silver Bullet Recycling bins around town. The continuous dumping of trash and non-recyclable items costs the town money.
A renewal Liquor License to was issued to Southern Maine Community Recreation Center, located at 215 Narragansett Street.
A Large Outdoor Event License was issued to Jason Tanguay, Gorham Athletic Boosters, for a cross-country race event behind Narragansett Elementary School on September 14, 2019.
The Land Use & Development Code was amended to clarify the number of dwelling units allowed to be served on a private way. The full amendment can be found on the town’s website.
The Town Council unanimously voted not to support a resolution to create a fund for asylum seekers/refugees for the purpose of accepting public or private donations.
The Town Council accepted the Ordinance Committee’s recommendation that no action be taken with amending the Land Use & Development Code for food trucks at farmer’s markets.
The Town Manager was authorized to extend the term of the Credit Enhancement Agreement with ODAT Realty Holdings, Inc. for an additional fifteen years to expire June 30, 2034 and to provide a 50% reimbursement of tax revenue paid on the incremental value of the property to ODAT Realty Holdings, Inc. for such a term. This authorization is subject to the final approval of the First Amendment to the Town of Gorham ODAT and Grondin Industrial Park Tax Increment Financing District and Development Program #2 by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. Councilor Pratt recused himself from the discussion and vote due to a conflict of interest.
The Town Council will forward amendments to the Cable TV Ordinance to the Ordinance Committee for its review and recommendation.
The Town Manager was authorized to negotiate and enter into a new agreement with the Gorham Cooperative Preschool for a term not to exceed five years, along with the same conditions as the existing agreement but allowing for subleasing of the building by the Gorham Cooperative Preschool.
A proposal to increase the cost of curbside collections trash bag and/ or tag fees was sent to the Finance Committee.
The Town Manager was authorized to negotiate and enter into a contract with RealTerm Energy for the purchase and conversion of existing street lights to LED fixtures in the Town of Gorham, to be owned by the Town, and report back to the Town Council on recommendations for removal of redundant lights and/or addition of new lights in the community.
The Town Council instructed staff to further research implementing health, safety and operational standards for group homes and boarding houses for further review by the Town Council. The full town council meeting minutes for both meetings are available on the town’s website at www.gorham-me.org.