Chairperson Phillips opened the meeting with 7 council members present, and 10 members of the public. The minutes of the Jan. 2 and Jan. 30 meetings were accepted.
Councilor Gagnon reported that the Robie Park Master Plan Steering Committee will be presenting their results soon.
Councilor Wilder Cross reported on several issues including the February Metro Region GPCOG meeting, Economic Development grant applications, general assistance reform at the legislative level, Gorham Village Alliance, and South Street pedestrian lighting and way-finding signs.
Councilor Pratt reported on the Jetport Noise Committee, and reminded people to give blood.
Councilor Simms encouraged residents to attend sporting events to support the kids.
Councilor Lavoie noted the Finance Committee will meet on Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m.
Councilor Siegel reported on the Ordinance Committee and economic development, and that the committee will meet on Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. He also reported on the Appointments Committee.
Chairperson Phillips reported on the January GEDC meeting, and an upcoming presentation from METRO about bus service in Gorham. Town Manager Paraschak reported on progress in the Gorham Industrial West Park, the pedestrian street lighting project and the MTA news of the Gorham Corrider plans and a public input session planned for sometime in March.
Sara Perkins, chair of the School Committee reported on Community Conversations about the School District’s Code of Conduct, the Anti-Racism and Equity Committee, an upcomig Remote Learning Day at GMS and Great Falls on March 5, and announced the School Budget timeline.
Announcements also included promotions for the GHS Theatre Producion, “Mama Mia!” the Unified Basketball game schedule, and National School Counselor Appreciation Week. Bill Morano, chair of the Conservation Commission gave his report.
Public hearings were held on the following proposals:
- To issue a renewal Adult Use Marijuana License to Harrison Otterbein, Calendar Islands Cannabis Co., 289 New Portland Road. Property owned by 789 Development LLC. (Admin. Spon.) No comments, Voted 7-0.
- To issue a renewal Medical Marijuana License to Michael Barris, B’s Trees LLC, 7 County Road, Unit A/B. Property owned by 7 County Road LLC. (Admin. Spon.). No comments, Voted 7-0.
- To hear comments on a proposal to issue a new Liquor License to Miller’s Market, 29 School Street. No comments, Voted 7-0.
- To hear comments on a proposal to renew a liquor license to JBNI1, LLC dba Junction Bowl, 7 Railroad Avenue. No comments, Voted 7-0.
- To hear comments on a proposal to renew a Special Amusement License to JBNI1, LLC dba Junction Bowl, 7 Railroad Avenue. No comments, Voted 7-0.
- To hear comments on a proposal to renew Massage licenses to Elizabeth Berks, Rhonda Lodgek and Natalie Bagley as well as new massage licenses to April Morrell and Luyi Song. No comments, Voted 6-0, (councilor Lavoie abstaining).
- To hear comments on amendments to the Land Use and Development Code regarding AccessManagement.This detailed information is available on the Town Website. Voted 7-0.
The Town Council authorized the Town Clerk to issue the warrant for the March 5, 2024 State Presidential Primary Election; and ordered that the polls be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m., the Town Council appointed the following persons for the designated voting districts and if any of the following should fail to serve, the Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Clerk to appoint substitutes:
- District 1-1 – Susan Emerson, Warden and Laurel Smith, Ward Clerk
- District 1-2 – Katherine Corbett, Warden and Marie Plummer, Ward Clerk
- District 2 – Martha Towle, Warden and Carol Wyman, Ward Clerk
- Central – Kim Getchell, Warden and Paula Nystrom, Ward Clerk
Be It Further Ordered, that the Registrar of Voters be in session during the hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 26 through Thursday, Feb. 29, and Monday, March 4, and Be it Further Ordered, that the Town Clerk be authorized to process absentee ballots on Tuesday, Feb. 27 through Thursday, Feb. 29 starting at 8 a.m.; and Monday, March 4 and Tuesday March 5 starting at 8 a.m. Voted 7-0.
The Council voted 7-0 to abate the taxes for Map 47, Lot 3, Libby Avenue, in the amount of $341.72 plus interest for the FY23 taxes as well as abatement of taxes for Map 2, Lot 1 Hemlock Drive in the amount of $1,384.55 plus interest for the FY21-23 taxes.
Moved by Councilor Siegel, seconded by Councilor Lavoie and ordered, that the Town Council appoint George Fox and Susan Coyne to the Fiscal Sustainability Committee as recommended by the Appointments Committee at their meeting Feb. 1, 2024. Voted 7-0.
A proposed order by Councilor Lavoie to consider adopting a revised emergency operations plan for the Town of Gorham that the Town Council approve required updates to the Town’s Emergency Operations Plan as recommended by the Public Safety staff. Voted 7-0.
Councilor Siegel proposed action to consider reviewing ways to preserve the rural character of Gorham. The Town Council instructed staff to bring back several recommendations on modifications to the Land Use and Development Code that would help preserve the rural nature of Gorham for further review and action by the Town Council. Voted 7-0.
A proposed order moved by Councilor Siegel to set March 19 as a workshop to discuss preserving farms in Gorham was voted 7-0.
Item #2024-2-14 Action to consider instructing staff to review the feasibility of selling or leasing property at 668 Gray Road “Old Robie School” for private business development and / or use and staff to report back on a recommended course of action to sell or lease the Old Robie School in Little Falls for private business development and/or use and to instruct staff to report on any potential impacts to municipal services and recommendations to mitigate said impacts to municipal services and recommendations to mitigate impacts if the property is sold or leased for private use.
Order #24-25 Moved by Councilor Lavoie, seconded by Councilor Gagnon and Ordered, that the Town Council instructs staff to report back on a recommended course of action to sell or lease the Old Robie School in Little Falls for private business development and/or use; and Be It Further Ordered, that the Town Council instructs staff to report did a first reading of the Committee Member Attendance Policy (BBDA). The school committee approved by a seven to zero vote the creation of a new multi lingual teacher position at the middle school for the remainder of the year. This position is necessitated by the increase in students. The committee voted 7-0 to approve the 2023-2024 school committee goals. The school calendar for the 2024-2025 school year was approved. The biggest change in the proposed calendar was a decrease in professional days before the school year for staff from three to two and shift the day to October to allow for specialized staff development. on any potential impacts to municipal services and recommendations to mitigate said impacts if the property is sold or leased for private use. The Council voted 6-1 (Lavoie) to send the order to the Finance Committee for discussion and their recommendations.
The Council voted 7-0 to instruct staff and the Planing Board to modify and review for public hearings, required amendments to the Town’s Flood Plain Management Ordinance to comploy wiht new federal requirements and return by Order #24-26 Moved by Councilor Lavoie, seconded by Councilor Siegel and Ordered, that the Town Council instructs staff and the Planning Board to modify and review for public hearings, required amendments to the Town’s Flood Plain Management Ordinance to comply with new federal requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program and return for final adoption by the Council before the June program deadline. The Council voted 7-0.
The Council voted 7-0 to send to the Planning Board proposed amendments to the Land Use & Development Code to promote effective multi-family development. (Ordinance Committee Spon.) The Council voted 6-1 (Gagnon).
The Council voted 6-1 (Gagnon) to forward to the Planning Board for public hearing and recommendations, amendments to the Town’s Land Use & Development Code for affordable housing to comply with LD 2003.
Map changing a section of the Gorham Village from Urban Residential to Office-Residential District was voted 7-0.
Action to consider endorsing a Community Development Block Grant Application for the Town of Gorham Little Falls Sewer Main Extension was approved 6-1 (Gagnon).
Action authorizing the Town Manager to sell to the highest bidder, tax acquired property at 155 Dow Road pending that they clean up the property with 90 days. If not accepted, sell to the second highest bidder that they clean up the property with 90 days. Voted 7-0.