Councilor Benner reported that she attended the Metro Steering Committee meeting last month. She said that everyone is working together to begin the process of bringing Metro to Gorham. The anticipated roll out for the project is August 2018.
Councilor Stelk attended the Gorham Village Alliance meeting and reported that they are waiting for approval to be accepted into the Downtown Network by the Maine Downtown Advisory Council.
Stelk also noted that there will be a meeting at First Parish Church on October 16 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss how Gorham can become an Age Friendly Community.
Town Manager (TM), Ephrem Paraschak, thanked the Council and Staff for helping him in his first month as Town Manager. He reported that he gave a 5-year service pin to Jeff Manzer of Public Works. He also thanked Public Works, especially Jeff Grant, for heading up the Little Falls Field renovations and reported that they are complete.
The Little Falls Bridge is expected to reopen on October 7.
The Town Council approved amendments to the Town’s Zoning Regulations, the purpose of the amendments is to provide areas within the Town of Gorham with agricultural uses in close proximity to manufacturing, processing, treatment, research, warehousing and distribution locations.
The full amendments can be read here.
Renewal applications were approved for the following Automobile Graveyard/Junkyard Permits for 2018: LKQ Corp/Gorham Auto, Jim Stone/Casco Federal Credit Union, Gary Nelson/Chet’s Auto Sales, Reichert’s Auto Body, Moody’s/ Insurance Auto Auction and Dumbo Enterprises.
The Town Council approved a renewal liquor license for Sebago Brewing Company located at 29 Elm Street.
A proposal to amend the Land Use & Development Code Minimum Standards for the Design and Construction of Streets and Ways, Sidewalks, was forwarded to the Planning Board for a Public Hearing and their recommendations. The full proposal can be seen here.
In order to celebrate Gorham’s small businesses and the contributions they make to the economy and community, the Town Council proclaimed November 25, 2017 as SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY. The Council would like to urge the residents of our community to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.
TM Ephrem Paraschak was appointed to MMA’s Legislative Policy Committee.
The Town Council appropriated $9,900 from reserve account #401-43-50639-11 for the purpose of installing a water filtration system at the West Gorham Fire Station.
The regular Town Council meeting on November 7 was rescheduled to November 14.
Complete minutes are available on the town’s website.