The Ordinance Committee discussed better ways to inform the residents of Town news and events. They will be utilizing the Town’s website and Facebook page, advertising in the Gorham Times and American Journal, the new sign at the Public Safety Building, and the Town’s E-mail blasts. You can sign up for Town emails by going to the Town Website and clicking the “Subscribe” button on the Home Page.
The Eco Maine Board of Directors are adding food waste to their recycling program. You can find out more about the program on their website.
A Public meeting was held on April 13 in the Council Chambers with Eaton Peabody Consulting Group to discuss the hiring of the new Town Manager. Citizens of Gorham were encouraged to attend.
Town Manager, David Cole, thanked everyone who came out to the Gorham Marketplace last weekend. This was his 20th year attending the Marketplace. Cole also reported that Julio Santiago from the Rec Department has submitted a presentation to the National Recreation and Parks Association that was accepted and will be presented this fall at the National Conference.
Town Council voted to send amendments made to the Land Use & Development Code to the Planning Board for review and recommendations. Land Use & Development Code currently does not allow Landscape Companies or Contractor Yards in the Rural Zone, and the Town Council feels that the Rural Zone can accommodate these users provided there are reasonable regulations that protect abutting and nearby property owners. The full amendment can be read on the town’s website.
The Town Council renewed a liquor license for Gorham Country Club, Inc., located at 93 McLellan Road.
A liquor license and a special amusement license were approved for Spire 29 on the Square, LLC, located at 29 School Street.
The Town Council decided to postpone the vote on the Policy for the Acquisition of Open Space and Transfer Development Property until Town Council Staff review and prepare a revised policy and bring it back to the Council.
The Town Council appropriated $500 from the contingency account to purchase a Town sponsorship for the next “Build Maine Conference” to encourage Municipal Officials and Staff to attend.
The Town Council also re- appropriated $32,000 from the following reserve accounts to purchase a replacement Air Handler at the Municipal Center: Mobile lift (410-43-50711-15) – $13,412.81; Automotive Diagnostic Unit (503-51-50350-03) – $221.00; Security Camera –BML (603- 61-50718-09) $0.56; Municipal Center Roof (201-02-50700-07) – $18,356.63.
The Town Council referred a proposal to rezone the Olde Canal Industrial Park from the Industrial Zone to a new, similar, Olde Canal Industrial Zone, to the Planning Board for their Public Hearing and recommendations.
A transfer of $1,420 was approved, in a criminal Action (Doct. No. CR-16-344) to the Town of Gorham, pursuant to Title 15 MRSA Section 5824 (3) and Section 5826 (6), because the Gorham Police Department made a substantial contribution to the investigation in the above or a related criminal case.
Complete minutes are available on the town’s website.