Chairman Pratt opened the June 7, 2022 meeting. There were 48 members of the public and 5 councilors in attendance.

Public Communications:

Residents Christopher Jacques, Rich Abato, and Allison Jamieson voiced their opinions on the proposed zoning change in the area from South Street to Brackett Road from Rural and Suburban Residential District to the Urban Expansion District, citing environmental concerns.

Deanna Marsh suggested that the Town hire a sustainability coordinator. She asked that the 2016 development plan be amended earlier than the set date of 2026, and asserted that the growth Gorham has experienced should be reflected by a forward-looking hire.

Jeff Joyce remarked on the recent loss of Public Safety employees to other towns and asked the town manager and Council members to address the situation before it gets out of hand.

Councilor Communications:

Councilor Kuech acknowledged that June is National Pride Month, and assured people living and looking to live in Gorham that they can expect friendly and welcoming spaces here in Gorham. She attended the annual meeting of GPCOG on May 26 where they voted on officers, the executive committee and the budget. The National Coordinator recognized Baxter Memorial Library as a Family Place Library.

Councilor Wilder Cross attended the 10 year anniversary of Great Falls Elementary School and congratulated everyone involved. She thanked Cindy Hazelton and everyone involved in organizing a very thoughtful Memorial Day parade and service.

Councilor Phillips thanked the members of the public who spoke during open public communications. She congratulated the Gorham Conservation Commission and its volunteers for creating the new Knolly Roller Trail along with all of the other things they have planned in that area. The beginner-friendly flow trail for mountain bikers is located between the high school and middle school campuses. Councilor Phillips reported that the annual Gorham Taste Walk drew over 400 people. She has been working with the Historical Preservation commission and Town Planner Carol Eyerman to create an online historical map.

Councilor Hartwell noted that there is a temporary sign law in effect when placing signs in the right-of-way on state and state aid highways. The law allows temporary signs to be placed in the right-of-way for up to 6 weeks and further states that individual signs bearing substantially the same message must be placed at least 30 feet from one another and requires that each sign be labeled with the owner’s name, address and the date on which the sign was erected.

Chairman Pratt explained that the current jetport runway closure should be completed by June 14, reducing extra jet noise over Gorham. He reminded people of the blood shortage and asked everyone to please donate blood if you can. He also thanked everyone involved for the remarkable Memorial Day celebration.

Town Manager Paraschak reminded citizens that the Vision Appraisal by Cumberland County Assessing is still going on throughout the town. They should be wrapping up their work by the summer. He also pointed out the the School Budget/referendum election will be held on June 14 and also the Appointments Committee is looking for citizen volunteers to fill a seat on the Planning Board.

Proposed Orders:

On the issue of the proposed school budget, Councilor Phillips began the conversation by suggesting that she would accept nothing more than about half of the 8.4% increase proposed. Councilor Kuech offered an impassioned defense of the proposed budget. She argued that cutting the budget would limit the district’s ability to employ ed techs and force them to inflate class sizes. Chairman Pratt offered that he understood both sides of this difficult decision, but that he couldn’t condone an 8.4% budget increase at a time when the risk of economic downturn is high.