During the time for public comments, Kathy Garrard asked the Council to consider reinstating the Board of Health.

Councilor Pratt thanked Shaw Brothers for representing the Town of Gorham with a generous pledge to Maine Medical Center. He also congratulated Harvey Performance for their recent move into their new building and encouraged people to tour their new facility.

Councilor Wilder Cross reported that she attended two more webinars related to racial injustice.

Councilor Kuech reported that she has attended several webinars this past month and thanked the people of Gorham for being so passionate on several items and for reaching out to the Councilors with their comments.

Councilor Hager mentioned the new trash bag fee structure that would be further discussed. He also reported that the next Finance Committee meeting will be on September 21.

Councilor Hartwell suggested returning to in-person meetings soon. He also noted that he respectfully disagrees with the Chairperson’s decision of not reading the many public comments that were submitted by e-mail.

Town Manager Paraschak reminded the public that Baxter Memorial Library and the Town Clerk’s office is open to the public for walk in service normal hours. He also stated that the Community Development Department has relocated to the first floor of the Municipal Building to make way for the School Department to utilize the upstairs rooms of the Municipal Center for classrooms for the High School. He reported that the Main Street construction project is finally wrapping up and the Town was awarded $55,000 from the Maine Cares Grant to help with Covid expenses. He noted that the process for hiring a new Fire Chief had begun and candidates would be interviewed soon.

School Committee Chairman Stewart McCallister thanked municipal and Gorham Rec employees for working collaboratively with the School Department to address the space needs of GHS. As part of the shared space agreement, the schools will be working with the Recreation Department to utilize an offsite facility at the South Gorham Baptist Church.

The Town Council approved a new massage license for Jill Kristine Hayden. The Town Council voted to amend the contract zoning agreement between the Town of Gorham and Gorham Savings Bank.

The Town Council approved a resolution to end systemic racism, the oppression/misrepresentation of minority groups, and to continue to assure that law enforcement honors equal justice for all in Gorham. (6,1: Hartwell)

The Town Council approved a resolution welcoming all people into our community. (6,1: Wilder Cross)

The Town Council authorized the Town Clerk to issue the warrant for the November 3, 2020 Annual Municipal Election, that the polls be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m., and the following persons be designated for each district:

• District 1-1 – Susan Emerson, Warden and Laurel Smith, Ward Clerk
• District 1-2 – Katherine Corbett, Warden and Cornelia Loughran, Ward Clerk
• District 2 – Martha Towle, Warden and Nancy Kenty, Ward
• Clerk Central – Paula Nystrom, Warden and Nanette Belanger, Ward Clerk.