Gorham council hears sewer update, approves open space plan

The Gorham Town Council met October 6 and received a detailed update from the town engineer on sewer projects, including the Main Street extension, the South Gorham sewer study, and federally funded work in Little Falls. The council approved several routine items, including junkyard permit renewals, a general assistance ordinance update, a cemetery committee appointment, and the Open Space and Trails Master Plan. A resident criticized the town's handling of the Gorham Fairways sewer project and lack of email responses, and Councilor Siegel said the project felt different from what was discussed during the contract zone.

Key points

• Resident Jim Means said the Gorham Fairways sewer project appears to have changed from the approved contract zone and criticized the council for not responding to his emails and for an 8 percent tax increase.
• Town Engineer Chuck reported the Main Street sewer extension is about 90 percent installed, with pump station construction expected to begin within a couple of months.
• Councilor Siegel said the South Gorham sewer plan felt like a "bait and switch" compared with what was discussed during the contract zone, though she acknowledged the town engineer's limited role.
• The council voted 7-0 to renew automobile graveyard and junkyard permits for six businesses for 2026-2027.
• The council voted 7-0 to adopt the Open Space and Trails Master Plan, following a prior workshop.
• The council accepted Deborah Duffy's resignation from the Cemetery Advisory Committee and appointed Harley Voice to the committee.

Next steps

• The town will set a fee structure for residents and new construction acquiring trash and recycling carts, with the council expected to establish a cutoff date in the next month or two.
• The council plans to discuss cart fees at an upcoming finance committee meeting.
• The town will continue working with federal partners on the Little Falls sewer project and update engineering cost estimates.
• Finalized October 1 school enrollment figures are expected in November.

Read the full transcript