Councilor Gagnon reported that the next Economic/Development/ Capital Improvements Committee meeting will be held on Jan. 18. at 11 a.m.
Councilor Wilder Cross thanked volunteers for making New Year’s Gorham a huge success. She attended the GPCOG Metro Regional where updates on shelters and encampments were presented. A Health and Human Services representative reported on work to reform the State’s General Assistance Program. The proposed bill would help municipalities deal with increasing requests for General Assistance.
Councilor Pratt urged residents to donate blood if possible. Councilor Sims thanked volunteers and supporters of New Year’s Gorham. He noted that the Appointments Committee is still accepting applications for citizen and business volunteers for the new Joint Fiscal Sustainability Committee. Councilor Lavoie thanked Public Works for their hard work after the wind/rain storm.
Councilor Siegal urged citizens and businesses to volunteer for the Joint Fiscal Sustainability Committee.
Chairperson Phillips attended a joint Gorham/Scarborough Economic Development meeting and came away with many good ideas. At the previous month’s Town Council workshop, the council had set goals for 2024. Goals are available on the Town Website.
Town Manager Paraschak reminded residents of the winter parking ban in effect from midnight to 6 a.m. on all Gorham roads. Winter sand is available at the new sand shed at Public Works. He thanked Public Works, Gorham Fire Department and Gorham Police Department for their hard work during last month’s rain/windstorm. The March Town Council meeting has been moved to March 12 as the presidential primary will be held on March 5.
The Council voted to approve 7-0 an amendment to the Land Use and Development Code, Roadside Commercial to permit outside storage as an accessory use.
Voted 7-0 to issue a new medical marijuana license to Anthony Digilio, DL Farms, 36 Bartlett Road, Unit 2.
A contract zone for property at 239 County Road of approximately 124 acres in the Town’s Rural District, was discussed. The Chicoine Family’s plans include permitted agricultural uses. They would also like to include recreational uses, not currently permitted in the rural district, including curling rinks, pickleball courts, disc golf course and a trail system for walking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, as well as a conference center/banquet hall for events such as cornhole tournaments, craft fairs, dances, restaurant, microbrewery/tasting room, performing arts center and campground.
The Planning Board recommended rezoning of the property and the project is consistent with the Town’s plan for economic, recreational, and scenic benefits of agricultural use as well as consistent with the goals of Gorham’s Comprehensive Plan to protect the state’s rural character and to diversify the business base to build a stronger community.
The order was approved 7-0.
The Council Voted 7-0 to instruct the Ordinance Committee to review standards for private leach fields.
Voted 7-0 to appoint the Town Council Chair as the liaison with University of Southern Maine.
Voted 7-0 to authorize $55,000 to renovate Robie Softball Field with the money coming from the contingency account. The Recreation Department is to work with the School Athletic Department on this project.
Voted 7-0 to authorize the release of $75,000 in funding for the Gorham School Department for capital projects.
Voted 7-0 to approve allocations to Gorham businesses and farms (Green Growth Lawn Care, Jotul NA, Montalvo Corp., Sebago Brewing Company, Azul Tequila Restaurant, Iaia Brazil, LLC, Orchard Ridge farm and Rustic Holdings LLC) as recommended by the Gorham Economic Development Committee for a total of $45,000 in funding.