REPORT OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF GORHAM TOWN COUNCIL
February 6, 2001
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Roll Call of Council: Present: Chairman Loveitt; Councilors Hamblen, Robinson, Justice, Phinney and Willett; the Town Manager and the Town Clerk.
Absent: Councilor Chicoine
Moved by Councilor Justice, seconded by Councilor Phinney and VOTED to approve the minutes of the January 2, 2001 Regular Meeting. 7 yeas.
There were no open public communications.
Councilor Willett reported on a January 18th meeting of the Finance Committee. She also reported that the next meeting of the Finance Committee will be February 14th and at that meeting the budget and appointments for 2001 will be discussed.
Councilor Robinson expressed concern about communications between the Town and citizens.
Chairman Loveitt reported on a letter is has received from Richard Pattenaude, President of the University of Southern Maine. He also announced that the Council will hold a workshop on February 20th where roadways issues will be discussed.
The Town Manager’s Report consisted of a report on the ribbon cutting ceremony held at the public works facility last week; an announcement that the transfer station will be open tomorrow (Wednesday); a report that he has met with the Baxter heirs to discuss the library parking issues and will be meeting with them again; and an announcement on the public hearing to be held by the Environmental Protection Agency next Friday on the application of Pine Tree Waste to operate a 1,000 ton-per-day, solid waste transfer station off County Road.
Unfinished Business
Item #6437. The Item, as moved and seconded at the previous meeting, was read aloud by the Clerk. The Item to adopt a resolution to be sent to the Maine Department of Transportation regarding the proposed traffic light at Main Street, Water Street and Elm Street FAILED OF PASSAGE. 2 yeas. 4 nays (Hamblen, Robinson, Phinney, and Justice).
Item #643. There was no action taken regarding the Town Clerk’s report on the election process and procedures for the Town of Gorham.
New Business
The meeting recessed for a public hearing on a Class II Victualer’s License in the name of Ghulam Babbani, d/b/a 7-Eleven 32534A. There was no public comment and the hearing closed at 7:55 p.m.
Item #6443. Moved by Councilor Phinney, seconded by Councilor Hamblen and ORDERED that the Town Council authorize the issuance of a Class II Victualer’s License in the name of Ghulam Babbani, d/b/a 7-Eleven 32534A. 6 yeas.
The meeting recessed for a public hearing on the renewal of a Liquor License in the name of Aramark Educational Service, Inc. to do business at the University of Southern Maine. There was no public comment and the hearing closed at 7:57 p.m.
Item #6444. Moved by Councilor Phinney, seconded by Councilor Robinson and ORDERED that the Town Council authorize the renewal of a liquor license in the name of Aramark Educational Services, Inc. to do business at the University of Southern Maine. 6 yeas.
Item #6445. The order, as read aloud by the Clerk, was moved by Councilor Justice and seconded by Councilor Willett. Moved by Councilor Phinney, seconded by Councilor Hamblen and VOTED to refer this item to the Ordinance Committee and to ask that Committee to set policy and process to establish names for streets and public buildings. 6 yeas.
Item #6446. Prior to action and discussion on this item Councilor Phinney reported that he had a distant relationship with the parties involved but he did not feel that it would prejudice his vote. The Council agreed that Councilor Phinney should take part in the discussion and voting under this item.
The order, as read aloud by the Clerk, was moved by Councilor Justice and seconded by Councilor Robinson. Moved by Councilor Justice, seconded by Councilor Phinney and VOTED to refer this item to the Ordinance Committee for their recommendation at the next regular meeting of the Council. 6 yeas.
Item #6447. A motion by Councilor Justice, seconded by Councilor Hamblen that the Town Council refer a request from Mary Jane LeCours to implement a town-wide policy on through truck traffic on secondary, narrow, residential roads to the Ordinance Committee for their discussion and recommendation FAILED OF PASSAGE. 1 yea. 5 nays (Hamblen, Phinney, Loveitt, Justice, and Willett).
Item #6448. The order, as read aloud by the Clerk, was moved by Councilor Phinney and seconded by Councilor Hamblen . Moved by Councilor Phinney, seconded by Councilor Robinson to amend the proposed order by deleting the words “for increased capacity at the Municipal Center” and replacing them with the words “and review of all options for improved capacity at a municipal facility. 6 yeas.
The order, as amended, was then VOTED resulting in the following:
ORDERED that the Town Council ask the Finance Committee to develop a charge and recommend membership for a broad-based committee to include membership from the community, Town Council and School Board to begin preliminary planning and review of all options for improved capacity at a municipal facility. 6 yeas. (Adm. Spon.)
Item #6449. Moved by Councilor Phinney, seconded by Councilor Hamblen and ORDERED that the Town Council authorize a letter to the M.D.O.T. as per the attached. 6 yeas.
Item #6450. Moved by Councilor Phinney, seconded by Councilor Hamblen and ORDERED that the Town Council acknowledge receipt of two petitions expressing concern about traffic uses associated with the construction of a new middle school. 6 yeas.
Item #6451. Moved by Councilor Justice, seconded by Councilor Willett and ORDERED that the Town Council accept the Weeks Road Sewerage Area Study and,
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that the Town Council ask staff to consider the report and its recommendation when evaluating proposals within the study area. 6 yeas.
Item #6452. The order, as read aloud by the Clerk, was moved by Councilor Robinson and seconded by Councilor Phinney. Moved by Councilor Justice, seconded by Councilor Hamblen and VOTED to postpone action on this item until such time as the Town Manager is prepared to bring the item back to the Council. 6 yeas.
Moved by Councilor Phinney, seconded by Councilor Hamblen and VOTED to adjourn. 7 yeas. Time of adjournment - 10:30 p.m.
A TRUE RECORD OF MEETING
Attest:
D. Brenda Caldwell
Town Clerk
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