The Gorham Town Council met on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Chairman Pratt opened the meeting; there were 27 members of the public in attendance. In addition to the seven counselors, the town manager and town clerk were present at the meeting. The minutes of the October 4 regular meeting and the October 18 special meeting were accepted unanimously.
Open public communications included concerns over the real estate tax increase citing errors and incorrect data, and thanks to the outgoing councilors for their time and commitment to the town.
Councilor communication also included concern for the tax assessment errors suggesting another workshop. Other councilors reported on a variety of town events, celebrations, committee activities, and announcements.
The Town Manager’s report included updates on the Little Falls/So. Windham Master Plan Committee, sand availability for storms and the winter overnight parking ban. He discussed how to approach concerns about the revaluation and tax increase, filing abatements, and that interest will not accrue on the 1st half of property taxes until December 30. He also spoke about the Gorham Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy, Gorham Rec’s 25th Annual Burn Off the Turkey Race on November 26, and the annual light parade on November 27.
The School Committee Report was given and included updates on Gorham Action Team for Youth Parent Night, Fall Athletics, Chorus and Band, Theatre, and the ongoing need for substitutes, requirements and opportunities.
A presentation was given by the Little Rams Committee.
Five public hearings were held to hear comments on:
- Item #2022-11-1, a proposal to issue a renewal Liquor License to JBN2, LC dba Sidecar. With no comments from the public, Proposed Order #22-126 passed 7-0;
- Item #2022-11-2, a proposal to issue a Special Amusement License to JBN2, LLC dba Sidecar. With no comments from the pubic, Proposed Order #22- 127 passed 7-0;
- Item #2022-11-3, a proposal to issue a renewal Medical Marajuana License to Kathleen West, Groovy Girls Garden, 15 Washburn Drive. Property owned by Kathleen West. With no comments from the public, Proposed Order #22-128 passed 7-0;
- Item #2022-11-4, a proposal to issue a new Medical Marijuana License to Hunter Sherman, HASAB, LLC, 36 Bartlett Road, #9 & 10. Property owned by Hinks Realty, LLC. With no comments from the public, Proposed Order #22- 129 passed 7-0;
- Item #2022-11-5, a proposal to issue a renewal Adult Use Marijuana License to Green Trap LLC, 84 Olde Canal Way. Property owned by Hani LLC. With no comments from the public, Proposed Order #22-130 passed 7-0.
Other decisions of the Council included the following:
- Order #22-131, to consider amending the Fire Suppression Systems Ordinance to decrease the frequency of antifreeze loop inspections. (Councilor Hartwell Spon.), passed 7-0;
- Order #22-132, that the Town Council instructs the Town Manager to budget in the FY2024 fiscal year for a new comprehensive plan update process; and that the Town Council instructs staff to bring back a formal process for forming a comprehensive plan committee and timeline in calendar year 2023. Passed 6-1 (Hartwell)
- Order #22-133, that the Town Council endorses an MPI project for intersection improvements at Hodgdon and County Road. Passed 7-0;
- Order #22-134, that the Town Council sets January 17, 2022 as a workshop date to discuss ways to incorporate natural resource protection and identification in future land use codes and future comprehensive plans. Passed, 7-0;
- Order #22-135, that the Town Council forwards to the Planning Board, for review and public hearing, a proposal to amend the Land Use and Development Code to promote commercial and industrial development consistent with the Comprehensive Plan in the Town of Gorham; and that the Planning Board forward its final recommendations back to the Town Council for review and public hearing. Passed 7-0;
- Order #22-136, that the Town Council go into Executive Session, pursuant to Title 36, MRSA Section 841 to discuss an application(s) for an abatement of taxes based on poverty. Passed 7-0.
Coming out of Executive Session, the Town Council VOTED to approve an application for an abatement of taxes based on poverty. Passed 7-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
The complete minutes, as recorded by Town Clerk Laurie Nordfors, and the meeting video can be found online at gorham-me.org.