Staff Writer

Municipal & State |
January 4, 2024

Councilor Gagnon reported that the Economic Development/Capital Improvements Committee had met and discussed the Town/Schools Master Plan.

Councilor Wilder Cross attended the Greater Portland Metro Regional Meeting where strategic planning for the next five years was discussed as well as improved communication among members of the coalition.

Councilor Pratt praised the new Miller’s Market and urged residents to try it as well as patronizing other local businesses and restaurants and to donate blood.

Councilor Sims thanked the Town staff for the tree lighting and light parade, and Santa for using the newly constructed sidewalk on South Street.

Councilor Lavoie also thanked Town staff and was happy to see the light parade grow annually.

Councilor Siegal also thanked the Recreation Department for the Burn off the Turkey 5K race and reminded seniors of the programs for them at Lakes Region Senior Center.

Town Manager Ephrem Paraschak reminded residents of the winter parking ban from midnight to 6 am on all Gorham roads. Winter sand is available at Public

Works on Huston Road. He thanked local businesses and Public Works for their work on recent construction.

The Council voted on the following items:

  • Voted 7-0 to renew a liquor license for Orchard Ridge Farm.
  • Voted 8-1 (Gagnon) for the Town to enter into a commercial property assessed clean energy (C-Pace) participation agreement with Efficiency Maine Trust for the purpose of administering the Town’s C-Pace program.
  • Voted 6-1 (Gagnon) to approve transfer of $15,292 seized in a criminal case to the Town of Gorham.
  • Voted 7-0 to appoint Rob Delaney to the Planning Board.
  • Voted 7-0 to appoint Jim Anderson to the Gorham Economic Development Corporation.
  • Voted 6-1 (Pratt) to review an ordinance that could ban flavored tobacco or vaping sales in Gorham
  • Voted 7-0 to have the Ordinance Committee review and propose recommendations for a Complete Streets Ordinance to promote better transportation systems and safer streets for pedestrians and bicyclists in Gorham.
  • Voted 7-0 to adopt a resolution in support of the Extended Learning Opportunities Program in the Gorham schools.