The Gorham Town Council elected unanimously last week Mike Phinney as chairman and Norm Justice as vice chairman.

The chairman’s gavel passed to Phinney from Burleigh Loveitt. Loveitt had previously announced that he would not seek nomination as the chairman. It marks the third time that Phinney has served as chairman.

Phinney said Monday that the three priority items facing the town council were the bypass and Turnpike spur, downtown parking shortage, and a sidewalk on Morrill Avenue for residents there and children walking to school.

He said the bypass came a step closer recently when a federal study determined that the bypass would have no significant impact on the environment. “That’s a hurdle taken care of,” Phinney said.

The possibility of a Turnpike spur, which would link up with the bypass, is in a preliminary stage to determine if it is feasible. He cited the bypass combined with the turnpike spur as the first priority. “We’ll be working hard on it,” Phinney said.

He said the council is also concerned about the parking shortage in Gorham Village. The council will be “actively looking at parking for the village,” Phinney said.

Phinney said Morrill Avenue is narrow and the town might have to take some property to make room for a sidewalk. Residents have been concerned about safety, especially for children walking to school along Morrill Avenue. He said they would be “looking hard” at a sidewalk.

“I would love to put one out there,” Phinney said.

The council would also continue trying to attract new businesses to Gorham, he said.

In other action at the meeting, councilors Calvin Hamblen and Philip Dugas were appointed to the Finance Committee with Willett as chairman; Burleigh Loveitt, Matt Robinson, and Justice (chairman), Ordinance Committee; Hamblen, Loveitt, and Dugas (chairman), Appointments/Personnel Committee; Willett, Justice and Robinson (chairman), Economic Development/Capital Improvements Committee; Justice, representative to Greater Portland Council of Governments; Robinson, ad hoc representative to the Recreation Advisory Board; and Phinney, ad hoc representative to the Cable TV Committee.

Councilor Jane Willett moved to elect both Phinney and Justice. Robinson seconded Phinney’s nomination to be chairman, and Loveitt seconded the nomination of Justice for vice chairman.

Willett and Phinney were reelected for three-year terms, retaining their council seats in the election earlier this month.

The meeting convened at 7 p.m. and adjourned 10 minutes later.

Michael Phinney

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