There were 16 members of the public in attendance.

Governor Mills has proposed significant increases in support for Maine’s public schools in her most recent biennial budget proposal. Due to the timing of this process, the State budget was not passed prior to the Town Council vote on the FY22 School Budget. The School Committee voted to add an item to the Town Council’s agenda that would allow the schools to receive these funds and utilize them immediately and fully to offset taxpayer expense in FY 22. Overall, this would be a REDUCTION in property taxes for the taxpayers of Gorham as a result of the school’s proposed budget.

The Town Council authorized the Gorham School Department to utilize up to 50% of additional State subsidy dollars for the purpose of increasing the allocation of finances in a reserve fund approved by the School Committee, and to utilize the remaining 50% to decrease the local cost share. (7 yeas)

The Town Council voted to amend the order to reduce the overall 2021-2022 Fiscal Year Budget for the Gorham School District by $300,000. 4 yeas, 3 nays (Kuech, Shepard, Hartwell)

Councilor Hager reported that the Finance Committee met on May 17th and continued to review Town fees. They have been able to get through half of the fees and will continue to review the other half at their June meeting.

Councilor Shepard reported that the Ordinance Committee met on May 18th and discussed several items, some of which will come back to the Ordinance Committee at their next meeting.

Chairman Pratt was happy to see everyone back in person. He reported that he attended the latest Jetport Noise Advisory Committee meeting and reminded citizens to report their concerns and issues on the Jetport’s website.

Town Manager Paraschak reminded citizens of the Town-wide Vision Appraisal which will start this month. Property owners will receive a notice in the mail before anyone comes out to their property. He asked homeowners to work with the company to help make the appraisals fair and equitable.

Approval of amendments to the Land Use & Development Code to restrict the use of Invasive Terrestrial Plants for sale, for use in plantings and buffering, and to require the removal of invasive species within any street right-of-way passed. (7 yeas)

Further amendments to the Land Use & Development Code to add an exemption for well drilling activities to the Town’s noise ordinance during times of severe drought, as well as requiring surveyors to identify setbacks both passed. (7 yeas)

The Town Council forwarded to the Planning Board amendments to the Land Use & Development Code with regard to adding additional uses to home occupations. (7 yeas)

The full meeting minutes can be read at www.gorham-me.org.