GORHAM TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
August 2, 2005
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Roll Call: Present: Chairman Loveitt; Councilors: Dugas, Justice, Phinney, Robinson and
Hamblen;
Town Manager David Cole; and Deputy Town Clerk Connie Loughran
Absent: Councilor Willett
Moved by Councilor Justice, seconded by Councilor Dugas to accept the Minutes of the
July 5, 2005 Regular Meeting and the July 20, 2005 Special Meeting. 6 yeas.
There were 41 members of the public present at the start of the meeting. There were no open public communications.
Councilor Communications: Councilor Robinson gave a report from the Economic Development/Capital Improvements Committee regarding traffic on William Henry Drive and Adeline Drive which is being discussed on this agenda and that the Committee is involved in the Fire Department Strategic Planning and he will report more on this at a later date.
Chairman Loveitt reported that he would revisit the Morrill Avenue drainage issue when that item comes up tonight. He also reported that the USA Jotul International has located its headquarters in Gorham. Chairman Loveitt thank the Congressional Delegation, Senators Snow and Collins and Representatives Allen and Michaud for the money Gorham will receive for the Gorham Bypass. He reported that RWS has a $1.2 million gain over their budget. Dr. Loveitt stated that Councilors Justice, Phinney and Loveitt are on the renovating of Shaw School Committee and the renovations are coming along very well. This project will be a credit to the Town of Gorham.
Town Manager reported that the transportation bill that included extra monies for Gorham is expected to be signed by the President in the next couple of weeks. Mr. Cole is still trying to confirm the exact amount. He that RWS has refinanced its debt saving $2 million without any extension of the term of its debt.
New Business
The meeting recessed for a public hearing regarding an application for a Mass Gathering license from the Gorham Recreation Department for the Gorham Family Fair. No public comment.
Councilor Phinney reminded everyone that the timing of festivities will be a little different this year, for instance the parade will be at noon.
Item #7147 Moved by Councilor Dugas, seconded by Councilor Justice and ORDERED that the Town Council of the Town of Gorham, Maine, in Town Council assembled issue a Mass Gathering License to the Gorham Recreation Department for the Gorham Family Fair to be held on Saturday August 20, 2005 with a rain date of Sunday, August 21, 2005. 6 yeas.
The meeting recessed for a public hearing regarding renewal of a liquor license to Gerard Zarrilli for Sierra’s Restaurant. No public comment.
Item #7148 Moved by Councilor Phinney, seconded by Councilor Robinson and ORDERED that the Town Council of the Town of Gorham, Maine, in Town Council assembled authorize renewal of a liquor license to Gerard Zarrilli for Sierra’s Restaurant. 6 yeas.
Public Hearing regarding a proposal to consolidate the town’s PSAP and communications dispatching services with Cumberland County. Chairman Loveitt invited representatives from Cumberland County to explain what services would be provided to the Town.
Bill Holmes representing Cumberland County acknowledged that this is a very difficult decision for the Town Council. Mr. Holmes reviewed the towns currently covered by Cumberland County as well as Cumberland County Emergency Management. Cumberland County currently also provides E-911 education to grades K-3 and the elderly. He stated that the County Attorney had determined that the County could hire 5 full time dispatchers from Gorham, and it is beneficial to the County to hire institutional knowledge. The County does EMD, Emergency Medical Dispatching, which our dispatcher are trained to perform. Wanda Peterson Human Resources Director of Cumberland County reviewed salaries, stipends and benefits dispatchers would receive.
Four members of the public spoke against the consolidation and two spoke in favor of the proposal. The public hearing closed at 8:25 p.m.
Item #7149 Moved by Councilor Dugas, seconded by Councilor Justice and voted that,
Whereas, the cost of the Town’s communications dispatching services have increased approximately 130% over the last 8 years drastically outpacing the rate of inflation; and,
Whereas, Cumberland County has proposed to provide dispatching services to the Town at substantial savings estimated to be in excess of $223,000.00 annually while maintaining valuable services; and,
Whereas regional dispatching centers operate very well in all areas of the United States including many areas of Maine; and,
Whereas, recent legislation has capped increases in property taxes restricting growth in municipal budgets; and,
Whereas, the Town has many significant needs where some of the resources currently deployed for dispatching could be used to provide other valuable services; and,
Whereas, Cumberland County could use additional employees for its dispatch operations, providing valuable employment opportunities for many of the displaced Town employees.
Now Therefore Be It ORDERED that the Town Council of the Town of Gorham, Maine, in Town Council assembled accept the proposal from Cumberland County to provide consolidated dispatch service; and,
Be It Further ORDERED that the Town Manager is authorized to execute any necessary documents to implement this change; and,
Be It Further ORDERED that the Town is authorized to make personnel adjustments in accordance with the recommendations contained in the Town Manager’s memo dated July 22, 2005.
4 yeas. 2 nays (Dugas and Hamblen)
The Council recessed for a 10-minute break. The meeting resumed at 9:25 p.m.
Item #7150 The order as read was moved by Councilor Phinney and seconded by Councilor Justice. Moved by Councilor Justice and seconded by Councilor Phinney to AMEND the prepared order by adding “refer to the finance committee for review and recommendation a possible Town Charter amendment, amending the criteria for when items need voter approval and consider exempting certain kinds of capital improvements like road projects or public utilities.” 6 yeas. The order as amended was VOTED resulting in the following:
ORDERED that the Town Council of the Town of Gorham, Maine, in Town Council assembled, refer to the finance committee for review and recommendation a possible Town Charter amendment, amending the criteria for when items need voter approval and consider exempting certain kinds of capital improvements like road projects or public utilities, and
Be It Further ORDERED that the Town Council of the Town of Gorham, Maine, in Town Council assembled authorize a referendum vote to be held on November 8, 2005 for the Town’s local share of road improvement projects for Libby Avenue and Brackett Road; and,
Be It Further ORDERED that the Town Council schedule a public hearing on said referendum for October 4, 2005; and,
Be It Further ORDERED that the ballot question will be:
“Shall the Town of Gorham issue general obligation bonds or notes in an amount not exceeding $1,340,000.00 to fund the local share of road improvements to Libby Avenue and Brackett Road?”
6 yeas.
Prior to discussion and voting on Item #7151 Councilor Phinney disclosed that the materials for this project were being purchased from his company therefore he respectfully requested to abstain from the discussion and voting. There was no objection from the Council.
Item #7151 Moved by Councilor Justice, seconded by Councilor Dugas and ORDERED that the Town Council of the Town of Gorham, Maine, in Town Council assembled authorize the Public Works Director to approve the installation of catch basins on Morrill Avenue to remove water draining from Rackleff Way, a private road located in the Morrill Place condominium project. 5 yeas. 1 abstention (Phinney)
Item #7152 Moved by Councilor Dugas, seconded by Councilor Phinney and ORDERED that the Town Council of the Town of Gorham, Maine, in Town Council assembled approve a recommendation from the Council’s Economic Development/Capital Improvements Committee to install 3-way stop signs at four intersections along William Henry Drive and Adeline Drive. 6 yeas.
Item #7153 Moved by Councilor Phinney, seconded by Councilor Robinson and ORDERED that the Town Council of the Town of Gorham, Maine, in Town Council assembled vote for the slate of officers for the 2006 Executive Committee of the Maine Municipal Association as presented. 6 yeas.
Item #7154 Moved by Councilor Phinney, seconded by Councilor Robinson and ORDERED that the Town Council of the Town of Gorham, Maine, in Town Council assembled appropriate an amount not to exceed $2,000.00 in T.I.F. funds to set a utility pole and bring in electricity near the entrance of the Gorham Industrial Park. 6 yeas.
Item #7155 Moved by Councilor Dugas, seconded by Councilor Robinson and ORDERED that the Town Council of the Town of Gorham, Maine, in Town Council assembled accept a bid in the amount of $1,500.00 from Deborah Russell for a parcel of land located off Mosher Road (Tax Map 49 Lot 21); and,
Be It Further ORDERED that the Town is authorized to issue a quit-claim deed to Ms. Russell for said property. 6 yeas.
Item #7156 Moved by Councilor Phinney, seconded by Councilor Robinson and ORDERED that the Town Council of the Town of Gorham, Maine, in Town Council assembled make the following Board and Committee appointments.
David Holiday to the Recycling Committee to fill a vacancy with a term to expire on April 1, 2007.
Noah Miner to the Park & Conservation Commission to fill a vacancy with a term to expire on April 1, 2008.
Item #7157 Moved by Councilor Dugas, seconded by Councilor Robinson and Voted to AMEND the order as read by adding at the end “and pursuant to paragraph (C) to discuss offers on property on New Portland Road.” 6 yeas. The order as amended was voted resulting in the following: ORDERED that the Town Council of the Town of Gorham, Maine, in Town Council assembled go into executive session pursuant to Title 1, M.R.S.A., Section 405 (6)(D) and (E) to discuss a proposed labor contract with the Fire Department and also to discuss an offer to settle litigation and pursuant to paragraph (C) to discuss offers on property on New Portland Road. 6 yeas.
Moved by Councilor Phinney, seconded by Councilor Dugas and Voted to come out of executive session. 6 yeas.
Moved by Councilor Phinney, seconded by Councilor Dugas and ORDERED that the Town Council approve the proposed labor contract with the Fire Department. 6 yeas.
Moved by Councilor Phinney, seconded by Councilor Dugas to Adjourn. Time of adjournment 10:01 p.m. 6 yeas.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________________
Cornelia C. Loughran
Deputy Town Clerk
| 
