The Councilors thanked Ron Shepard for his years of service and dedication to the Town.
The Council voted 7-0 to elect Suzanne Phillips chair for 2023-2024. Lee Pratt was elected Vice Chairman
Priscilla Wheatley, Fort Hill Road, voiced her opinion on recent school budgets that were presented to voters and asked the Council to investigate and come to a resolution using the Town Charter.
Ken Curtis, South Street asked for information on the amount of taxes generated by commercial businesses in Gorham that help offset what homeowners pay. He also requested an update on progress on the expansion of the Industrial Park.
Councilor Segal announced the birth of his first child, Vaiva, on Oct. 25.
Newly elected Councilor Simms said he is “ready to get to work for the Town”. He mentioned the statewide grant program being offered to local businesses to help them grow their domestic trade.
Councilor Gagnon reported that the Robie Park Steering Committee had met and had more public input about the three potential designs. He hopes to wrap up the committee’s work by the end of April.
Councilor Wilder Cross reported that the State of Maine Housing Production Needs Study has a goal of having 24,000 new homes by 2030 of which 75% will be located near where jobs are (coastal region) and priority will be given to mid-low income housing. There is a new State of Maine Office of New Americans which will help municipalities prepare to welcome immigrants and asylum seekers. Four families will soon be housed at First Parish Church.
Councilor Pratt congratulated the GHS Girls Volleyball team for winning the State Championship. He reminded residents who burn wood to have their chimneys cleaned and, as always, urged residents to donate blood.
The Town Manager thanked the Recreation Department and Public Works for getting the Town holiday ready and for installing lights around Town. Nov. 25 is Small Business Saturday and he urged citizens to shop locally.
The Council voted 6-1 (Gagnon) to adopt a tax increment financing district to provide opportunities for significant new commercial development and new employment opportunities. The proposed district is a 13.70-acre site located at 60 Hutcherson Drive to be developed by Cross Town Energy Storage, LLC as a 175 MW battery energy storage system with a tie line to CMP’s Mosher Substation. The tax revenue from the increased assessed value of the property would be retained by the Town.
The Council voted 7-0 to update the maximum levels of assistance as required by the State.
The Council voted 6-1 (Lavoie) to update the Animal Control Ordinance.
The Council voted 7-0 to send a recommendation to adopt an aquifer protection district to the Planning Board.
The Council voted 7-0 to grant an abatement of taxes in the amount of $3,378.84 for the 2020-21 tax year for Map 22, Lot 17-1041, a correction due to the property being taken by eminent domain in May 2021 by the Maine Turnpike Authority.
Voted 6-1 (Gagnon) to instruct the Ordinance Committee to review Land Use Code about Accessory Dwelling Units to recommend changes that would encourage further utilization of accessory dwelling units where permitted.
Voted 6-1 (Wilder Cross) to instruct the Ordinance Committee to review the possibility of new school impact fees.
Voted 7-0 to enter into a purchase and sale agreement with Bisson Transportation, Inc. for approximately 52.5 acres (Lot A) in the Gorham Industrial Park West Campus.
Voted 6-1 (Pratt recused) to award Phase 1 of road construction for Gorham Industrial Park West to Shaw Brothers and authorizing the Town Manager to expend federal grant funding for construction to begin in 2023.
Voted 6-1 (Gagnon) that the Ordinance Committee review the standards for 1 lot private ways or propose a back lot provision for single lots and provide recommended changes to the Town Council.
The Council voted 7-0 to establish Dec. 12 as a Town Council Workshop to discuss Town Council Goals for 2024.