Councilor Hager disclosed that the Finance Committee would meet March 28, 2022.

Councilor Kuech reported that the Little Rams Committee will be meeting on March 17, 2022 to discuss learning and play, and will put together a report for the School Committee.

Councilor Wilder-Cross attended last month’s GPCOG meeting where they discussed the housing problem for asylum seekers and homeless individuals. She also attended a public transit meeting where they discussed the future of public transportation for Gorham.

Councilor Phillips stated this year’s Maine Maple Weekend will be March 26-27 and encouraged residents to visit the many maple farms in Gorham. She also announced that the Gorham Outdoors Club has upcoming events, including fire safety and fire building. For a list of all events you can visit their Facebook page or email them at gorhamoutdoors@gmail.com.

Councilor Hartwell reported that the Ordinance Committee met on February 15 and discussed making outdoor seating for restaurants permanent. The item was tabled. They also discussed the next phase in the Village expansion zones. The next Ordinance Committee Meeting will be March 15.

Chairman Pratt attended the latest Jetport Noise Abatement Committee meeting where they discussed a runway closure that will take place from April 18–June 13. He stated that there might be increased noise during this closure. He also reminded citizens of the blood shortage at blood banks and to donate blood if possible.

Town Manager Paraschak reminded homeowners of the on-going town-wide revaluation by Vision Appraisal. He also stated that nomination papers will be available March 4 for a seat on the Portland Water District, due to a resignation. Those papers are due back in the Town Clerk’s Office by April 15. He also reported that there will be a Town Council workshop March 15 to discuss ARPA funding for rec projects.

Town Council approved the Municipal Development and Tax Increment Financing for District #12. (7 yeas)

A Medical Use Marijuana License was issued to Corey Harmon of White Pine Farms, LLC, located at 11 Industrial Parkway, Units B & E. The property is owned by Jack McInerny. (7 yeas)

A Medical Use Marijuana License was issued to Connor Shaw of New England Care Group, located at 11 Industrial Parkway, Unit C. The property is owned by Kodiak Hollow. (7 yeas)

Ordered that Town Council issue renewal massage licenses to Heather Theriault, Elizabeth Berks, Rhonda Lodgek and Natalie Bagley. (7 yeas)

Ordered that Town Council amend the Fire Suppression Systems Ordinance exemptions to include tiny homes as exempt. (7 yeas)

Town Council appointed the following citizens to various Town Boards and Committees: (7 yeas)

• Planning Board: Russell Frank, Seven Siegel, David Burrows
• Gorham Economic Development Corporation: Mark Curtis, Benjamin Gilman, Peter Mason
• Board of Appeals: Gary Baca, Craig Stirling, Michael Weisman
• Fair Hearing Board: Eric Thistle
• Conservation Commission: William Moreno, Thomas Mazza, Brian Rancourt
• Board of Trustees-Baxter Memorial Library: Gerry Day, Barbara McLean, David Arthur Fogg
• Historic Preservation Committee: Lawrence Peterson, Linda Whitten
• Board of Assessment Review: Marilyn Amoroso
• Board of Voter Registration Appeal: Sara Fleming, Tony Taylor, Michelle Plourde
• Revolving Loan Fund Committee: April Edwards, Jeremy Hanken
• Board of Health: Eric Thistle

  The release of up to $4,000 from the Contingency Account was authorized for the purpose of a structural and long-term maintenance analysis of the Gorham Civil War Memorial. (7 yeas)

  Town Council approved the Board of Education recommendation to establish a School Capital Reserve Fund. They also approved the procedure adopted by the Board of Education to fund and use the School Capital Reserve Fund. (7 yeas)

  Town Manager was authorized to execute and deliver a municipal release deed on behalf of the Town to Randell Rice, with regard to the property located at 10 Old Orchard Road. (7 yeas)

  Town Council will hold a workshop to discuss fire department station staffing and efforts to assist with recruiting and retaining employees within the department. The meeting will be held on April 19, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. (7 yeas)

  Town Council entered into executive session pursuant to discuss the Town Manager’s annual performance evaluation.

  The full meeting minutes and amendments can be found on the Town’s website.