Town Clerk, Laurie Nordfors, reported that the November 7 election had a 31% turnout.
Ron Shepard and Suzanne Phillips were elected to the Town Council. Dennis Libby, William Benson, Jennifer Whitehead and Kate Livingston were elected to the School Board. Thomas Grant was elected to be Gorham’s Portland Water District Trustee.
The State Referendum question results were: Question 1 – NO; Question 2 – YES; Question 3 – YES; Question 4 – YES.
Laurie Nordfors swore in newly elected Councilors Ron Shepard and Suzanne Phillips.
The Town Council elected Ben Hartwell as the Chair and Sherrie Benner as the Vice Chair for the 2017-2018 year.
Councilor Benner reported that she, along with Councilors Hartwell and Stelk, attended a Toast to Main Street where it was announced that Gorham was selected as a Main Street Community. The announcement was the result of a lengthy application process started by the Gorham Economic Development Corporation and continued with the Gorham Village Alliance.
Councilor Stelk thanked Kathy Garrard and Dede Perkins for all of their hard work with the application process. She stated that there is always room on the Gorham Village Alliance Committee for new members and anyone else who might like to get involved.
Town Manager, Ephrem Paraschak, reported that Becky Sladen, of Baxter Memorial Library, was presented with a 10-year service pin.
Paraschak reported that he will be meeting with the Maine Turnpike Authority to get an update on the Gorham Connector Project.
Chairman Wright thanked the Gorham Fire Department and Police Department for their help during the recent power outages. He reported that Gorham was able to open up two schools to families without power for three nights. The schools served a total of 199 residents without power. He also thanked the Gorham Business Community for donations of food and other items during the power outages.
The following people were appointed to the below committees:
1. Finance Committee: Jim Hager, Chair; Suzanne Phillips, Paul Smith
2. Ordinance Committee: Sherrie Benner, Chair; Ron Shepard, Marla Stelk
3. Appointments/Personnel Committee: Marla Stelk, Chair; Sherrie Benner, Suzanne Phillips
4. Economic Development/Capital Improvements Committee: Ron Shepard, Chair; Jim Hager, Paul Smith
5. Representative to Greater Portland Council Of Governments: Marla Stelk, Ephrem Paraschak
6. Representative to Eco Maine: Sherrie Benner
7. Representative To Jetport Noise Abatement: Jim Hager
8. Representative to Pacts Policy Committee: Bob Burns
9. Representative to Metro Regional Coalition: Ron Shepard
10. Gorham High School Building Committee: Suzanne Phillips, Paul Smith
11. Gorham Athletic Campaign Committee: Jim Hager
12. Cable Franchise Committee: Ron Shepard, Jim Hager
The Town Council approved the new State annual maximums for the General Assistance Ordinance.
The Town Council amended the Land Use & Development Code defini- tion of Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers to include adult day care.
A renewal liquor license for Lucky Thai Restaurant, located at 563 Main Street was approved.
The Town Council partially abated taxes in the amount of $1,125.52 for the property at 53 Jordan Drive for the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 fiscal years to correct an overvaluation error in the town’s assessment.
A proposal to amend the Land Use & Development Code Minimum Standards for the allowance of mobile vending units (food trucks) was sent to the Planning Board for a Public Hearing and their recommendation. The proposal will allow food trucks in the following areas: Roadside Commercial District, Industrial District, Narragansett Development District, Agricultural/Industrial District, Village Commercial Area. (5 yeas, 2 nays: Benner, Smith)
The Town Council approved the transfer of $1,675 to the Town of Gorham seized in a criminal case. The Town Manager is authorized to sign the approval form on behalf of the Town of Gorham.
Complete minutes are available on the town’s website at www.gorham-me.org.