REPORT OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF GORHAM TOWN COUNCIL
September 3, 2002
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Roll Call of Council: Present: Chairman Phinney: Councilors Hamblen, Loveitt, Justice, Willett, and Dugas; the Town Manager and the Town Clerk.
Absent: Councilor Robinson
Moved by Councilor Justice, seconded by Councilor Dugas and VOTED to approve the minutes of the August 6, 2002 Regular Meeting with the correction under Item #6680. 6 yeas.
There were no public communications.
Councilor Loveitt noted that the Gorham Health Council is in need of improved space. He also made note of the paving that has been done in Gorham this past summer stating that the appearance of the Town is enhanced by this paving.
Councilor Willett reported on a recent Middle School Building Committee meeting stating that she was concerned about a change order asking for a nine-day extension.
Councilor Justice report on the August Ordinance Committee meeting where access limitation, a noise ordinance and a proposed development on Fort Hill Road were discussed.
The Town manager reported that the Files Road bridge is now open for traffic and that he recently contacted the officials of the proposed natural gas compressor station on lower Main Street and was told that the project is still on tract and that the application stage could take up to 18 months. He also asked the Council for possible dates for a workshop.
Unfinished Business
Item #6684. There was no further action taken under this item.
New Business
The meeting recessed for a public hearing on an application for a Mass Gathering License in the name of Barbara O'Brien d/b/a United Maine Craftsmen for September 14, 2002 at Hansen's Farm market on Route 22. Hans Hansen spoke in favor of the license. The hearing closed at 7:20 p.m.
Item #6688. Moved by Councilor Dugas, seconded by councilor Willett and ORDERED that the Town Council authorize the issuance of a Mass Gathering License in the name of Barbara O'Brien d/b/a United Maine Craftsmen for September 14, 2002 at Hansen's Farm Market on Route 22. 6 yeas.
The meeting recessed for a public hearing on an application for a Victualer's License in the name of Jennifer Cushman and Heidi McGouldrick d/b/a Little of This, Little of That at 10 Elm Street. Jennifer Cushman and Heidi McGouldrick spoke in favor of this license. The hearing closed at 7:25 p.m.
Item #6689. Moved by Councilor Loveitt, seconded by Councilor Willett and ORDERED that the Town Council authorize the issuance of a Victualer's License in the name of Jennifer Cushman and Heidi McGouldrick d/b/a Little of This, Little of That at 10 Elm Street. 6 yeas.
The meeting recessed for a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Streets and Sidewalks Public Safety Ordinance to add a new article and a new Schedule E which shall prohibit left turns from Cross Street onto Main Street (Route 25). One person from the public spoke in opposition of this amendment. The hearing closed at 7:27 p.m.
Item #6690. Moved by Councilor Loveitt, seconded by Councilor Justice and VOTED that
WHEREAS, there are instances where prohibiting left turns on public roads may be necessary in order to protect the public's health, welfare and safety, and
WHEREAS, there have been numerous traffic accidents at the intersection of Cross Street and Main Street (Route 25)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of Gorham, Maine in Town Council assembled that the following Ordinance be and hereby is adopted.
Ordinance Amending the Streets and Sidewalks Public Safety Ordinance to prohibit left turns from Cross Street onto Main Street (Route 25)
1) Add a new Article 7 that shall read as follows:
"Streets Restricted to Right-Turns
Section 1 - When signs are erected giving notice thereof, no person shall turn left when exiting a street onto another street as described in Schedule E when an intersection is marked "No Left Turns"."
2) Add a new Attachment E which shall read as follows:
"Schedule E - Right Turn only
The following intersections are restricted to right-turn only vehicular movement. Left turning vehicular movements are strictly prohibited.
Cross Street onto Main Street (Route 25) 6 yeas.
Item #6691. The order, as read aloud by the Clerk was moved by Councilor Willett and seconded by Councilor Loveitt. Moved by Councilor Loveitt, seconded by Councilor Justice and VOTED to amend the proposed charge by deleting the words "and the 2001 Alternative Use Study of the Charles C. Shaw School developed by Gawron Architects". 6 yeas.
Moved by Councilor Loveitt, seconded by Councilor Willett and VOTED to further amend the proposed charge by adding that the Committee shall consist of seven (7) to nine (9) members. 6 yeas.
Moved by Councilor Loveitt, seconded by Councilor Willett to further amend the proposed charge by adding the words "including the Administrative Offices for the School Department" to the first paragraph. 6 yeas.
The order, as amended, was then VOTED resulting in the following:
ORDERED that the Town Council create a committee and adopt the Committee charge, as presented, for a Municipal Center Enhancement Committee, to provide suitable space for serving customer needs and providing adequate work space. 6 yeas.
Item #6692. Moved by Councilor Dugas, seconded by Councilor Loveitt and VOTED that the Town Council refer a request from Hudson Quarry Corp., to do a Contract Zone on a parcel of land (Tax Map 26, lot 5) located on the corner of McLellan Road and South Street (Route 114) and currently zoned, Rural, for the purpose of locating a landscape and masonry supply yard, to the Planning Board for Public Hearing and their recommendation. 5 yeas. 1 nay (Phinney).
Item #6693. Moved by Councilor Dugas, seconded by Councilor Justice and ORDERED that the Town Council refer a proposal to amend the Land Use and Development Code by adding a section on Access Management, to the Planning Board for Public Hearing and their recommendation. 6 yeas.
Item #6694. Moved by Councilor Willett, seconded by Councilor Loveitt and ORDERED that the Town Council change the date of the regular October Council meeting, from October 1, 2002 to October 8, 2002. 6 yeas.
Moved by Councilor Justice, seconded by Councilor Loveitt and VOTED to waive the Rules to take up an item not on the agenda. 6 yeas.
Item #6695. Moved by Councilor Justice, seconded by Councilor Loveitt and ORDERED that the Town Council send a letter to the Planning Board expressing the Council's concern about the potential impact of adding a large number of vehicles from a single development to the already congested intersection at Route 25 and 114. 6 yeas.
Moved by Councilor Justice, seconded by Councilor Dugas and VOTED to adjourn. 6 yeas. Time of adjournment - 8:25 p.m.
A TRUE RECORD OF MEETING
Attest:
D. Brenda Caldwell
Town Clerk
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