Councilor Shepard reported that the Ordinance Committee met on May 19 and discussed amending the Streets and Sidewalks Ordinance to allow for more parking in the Village area. The next Ordinance Committee meeting is on June 16.
Council Hager announced that the Finance Committee received the April Town financial figures from the Finance Director, and it showed that revenues are slightly behind but expenses are right on target. He feels that the Town should be in good shape by the end of the fiscal year. The next Finance Committee meeting will be June 22.
Town Manager Paraschak thanked the public and local law enforcement for their part in the peaceful protests in the area. He reminded citizens that all municipal departments are open to the public by appointment only. He also thanked the VFW and others for their part in the Memorial Day celebrations. He reported that the Main Street project is coming along well and will most likely be complete by fall. He also mentioned that the Town Council will vote on the School and Municipal budget at a special meeting on June 16.
The Town Council authorized an amendment to the Tax Increment Financing District and Development Program. This amendment will provide opportunities for significant new commercial development within the Town and new employment opportunities for residents of the Town. The full amendment can be read at www.gorham-me.org.
Peter Mason was appointed to the Gorham Economic Development Corporation.
The Town Council declared all businesses in the Town of Gorham essential and open immediately. The order is subject to businesses taking reasonable health and safety measures and adherence to the CDC guidelines.
Staff was instructed to work with the Ordinance Committee to draft an Emergency Management Ordinance for Council review and approval.
The Town Council established June 30, 2020 as the due date for payment of excise tax for the registration of motor vehicles that are expired or will be by that time. Staff has been instructed to provide notice to the public on how to register motor vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, watercraft, snowmobiles, trailers and temporary registrations.
Town Council authorized loan payment deferments for the Gorham Revolving Loan Fund on existing loans for up to 90 days at the request of the borrower from April 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020. New loans provided after April 1, 2020 will have the same loan payment deferment period for up to 90 days ending September 30, 2020.
The full minutes can be read at www.gorham-me.org.