Town Clerk, Laurie Nordfors, administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected Councilor Janet Kuech.

Susan Duchaine, Design Dwellings, expressed her concerns over the South Street re-zoning project and was happy to see a Comprehensive Plan Committee has been formed to deal with the issues. She is also concerned about the Building Inspector being able to inspect underground power lines. She also voiced her concerns about the bidding process for the new Industrial Park.

Paul Smith, Phinney Street, discussed the difference in the valuation of property and encouraged Staff to be fair evaluating property on private ways.

David Alexander, of Wilson Road, had many questions about the decision to fill the 7th seat on the Council over the last four months.

Councilor Pratt reported that the Joint Facility Committee met on February 27 and discussed a plan for a town-wide facilities study. The next steps will be for the Town Manager and the Superintendent to create a proposal which will be discussed at the April meeting.

Councilor Shepard reported that the Ordinance Committee met on February 18 and discussed developing an amendment to the Land Use & Development Code to allow varied density in the Village and Urban districts. They also discussed a marijuana cultivation or manufacturing-licensing ordinance. The next Ordinance Committee meeting will be on March 24.

Councilor Hartwell clarified that the State Statute says if a Town or Municipality wants to require electrical inspections on single family homes, there needs to be an ordinance or resolution that authorizes the Town to do so.

Councilor Wilder Cross reported that as of April 1, Metro Bus rates will increase and paper tickets will no longer be accepted. Cash is still accepted, but she urged people to purchase the new Smart card or use the Mobile App to take advantage of reduced rates. More information can be found at www.GPMETRO.org.

Councilor Kuech thanked the people who supported her in her candidacy and looked forward to working together as a team.

Councilor Hager reported that EcoMaine met February 6 for an executive committee meeting. He also announced the Maine Eco-Excellence awards were presented to two Gorham individuals, David Chidsey and Chris Petitpierre. He reported that the next Finance Committee meeting will be on March 23.

Chairperson Phillips announced that the Gorham Founders Festival Committee will roll out a new website next week where you can find all the latest information about the festival. The website is www.Gorham2020.com.

Chairperson Phillips presented a plaque to former Town Councilor Paul Smith and thanked him for his service to the Town.

Town Manager Paraschak reported that Town staff is working diligently behind the scenes to assure the citizens of Gorham are safe and educated about the current COVID-19 pandemic. He asked everyone to take common sense precautions and stay tuned as events unfold. The Council’s budget hearing will be on April 4 in Conference Room A. The Council is looking at companies to do a town-wide property assessment revaluation to assure that all tax assessments are fair and equitable.

The Town Council designated the Town of Gorham Downtown Tax Increment Financing District #11 (“Gorham Village District”) and adopted the Development Program for the District. The full development program and order can be read at www.gorham-me.org.

A renewal liquor license was issued to Blue Pig, LLC, located at 19 State Street.

Town Council issued renewal Massage Licenses to the following masseuses: Natalie Poulin, Skin and Body of Gorham; Walter Selens, Gorham Muscular Therapy; Christina McGuire, The 510 Group LLC; Heather Theriault, Theriault Chiropractic & Massage; Elizabeth Berks, Liz Berks Massage Therapist; and Chelsea Jackson, Theriault Chiropractic & Massage. A new Massage License was issued to Adam Schoff, Theriault Chiropractic & Massage.