2020.10.30--Falmouth Focus, Volume 2, Issue 24

Please note:  This newsletter will be sent to subscribers of both The Falmouth Focus newsletter and Town News & Announcements. Please excuse cross postings. To change your subscription settings, visit E-Alerts. 

Town Services, Offices, & Facilities

• Town of Falmouth Facility Closures, Cancellation, and Status of Services
• Online and Remote Services
• A Guide to Participating in Virtual Town Council Meetings
• Transfer Station and Waste Disposal
• Falmouth Parks, Playgrounds, Trails & Trailhead Parking
• Falmouth Schools Updates

COVID 19 Update: A Letter from EMA Director, Chief Howard Rice

Falmouth Emergency Management Agency wants to encourage residents to continue practicing COVID-19 precautions and take this opportunity to forward some great information from the CDC in relation to protecting yourself and your family this coming holiday season. The Coronavirus is still very much a threat to our well-being and the health and safety of our community. We do not want any of us to let our guard down. We are hoping all residents remain diligent in protecting themselves and others from the spread of the virus.

Symptoms

As a reminder, anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions, like heart or lung disease or diabetes, seem to be at a higher risk for developing more serious complications from the COVID-19 illness. We all need to watch for symptoms. These symptoms may appear from 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.  The following is the latest list of symptoms from the CDC:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, stay home. If they persist or become worse, we recommend that you contact your health care provider. If you experience more serious symptoms that include shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, new confusion, or the inability to stay awake, please seek emergency medical care immediately.

Spread

We think it is also helpful to review how the virus is spread. It is believed to be spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Protecting Ourselves

• Wear a mask at all times when around people who don’t live in your household to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after being in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.   
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
• Monitor your own health daily, which includes taking your temperature and monitoring any symptoms.
• Practice social distancing. Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet or more from people you don’t live with.

Halloween

The CDC notes that many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses. There are several safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween. If you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters. The Town of Falmouth has distributed information regarding safe alternatives to traditional Halloween activities as well as information on The Giant Pumpkin Hunt—a fun alternative to trick-or-treating.  Click here for more information.  Additional guidance from the CDC specific to trick-or-treating can be found here. Important points to remember include:

• Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters.
• Wash hands before handling treats. Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching objects or other people.
• Wear a mask. A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask.
• Do NOT wear a costume mask over a cloth mask.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time when many families travel long distances to celebrate together. Travel increases the chance of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. 

The CDC identifies the following lower risk activities for celebrating Thanksgiving:

• Having a small dinner with only people who live in your household
• Preparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others
• Having a virtual dinner and sharing recipes with friends and family
• Shopping online rather than in person on the day after Thanksgiving or the next Monday
• Watching sports events, parades, and movies from home

The following activities are considered moderate risk:

• Having a small outdoor dinner with family and friends who live in your community
• Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing
• Attending a small outdoor sports events with safety precautions in place

The CDC recommends avoiding these higher risk activities:

• Going shopping in crowded stores just before, on, or after Thanksgiving
• Participating or being a spectator at a crowded race
• Attending crowded parades
• Using alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behaviors
• Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of your household

More information from the CDC on safely celebrating the holidays can be found here.

Falmouth EMA will continue to provide updates on the pandemic.  We encourage you to subscribe to the Town News & Announcement and Emergency Management E-Alerts for the latest updates.  COVID-19 related updates will be sent to both lists. Falmouth EMA wishes everyone a safe and healthy fall!

Elections

The Town Clerk's Office has received over 7,700 absentee ballot requests. Approximately 7,200 of these have been returned. Voter turnout in Falmouth currently stands at 75%.

Absentee Ballots

Completed ballots must be received by election officials (not postmarked) by November 3. Completed ballots can be submitted as follows:

• Hand deliver your ballot to Falmouth Town Hall, 271 Falmouth Road, during business hours (8am–4pm/Monday-Thursday, CLOSED on Election Day), OR
• Drop your ballot in the new secure ballot drop box available 24/7 at Falmouth Town Hall located to the left of the front door, OR
• Bring your ballot to the polling place (Falmouth High School Gym) on Election Day, November 3 (7am-8pm).
• The U.S. Postal Service does not recommend mailing ballots after October 26.

In Person Voting Hours

Today, Friday, October 30, was the last day for in person voting prior to Election Day.  

Election Day, November 3

Polls are open on Tuesday, November 3 at the Falmouth High School Gym, 74 Woodville Road, from 7am to 8pm. No voting will take place at Town Hall on Election Day. Town Hall will be closed so that staff can facilitate the elections at the polling place.

To ensure social distancing and follow CDC guidelines for health and safety, as well as state orders regarding limits on large gatherings indoors, the number of voters allowed into the polling place will be limited. This may result in lines forming outdoors. Masks are required at the polling place. Voters are also discouraged from bringing accompanying persons (family members, children, etc.) who will not be voting with them. Social distancing practices will be in place and a healthy environment will be maintained through the use of stringent disinfecting practices. Voters are asked to follow all COVID-related health and safety signage and procedures put in place at the polls, including the frequent use of the hand sanitizer provided. 

Sample Ballots

Sample ballots for the November 3 Election can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-clerk/pages/state-general-election

Rank Choice Voting

The Maine Secretary of State's Office has created a helpful video regarding rank choice voting and how it works. Click here for the video.

Registering to Vote

You can register to vote in person at Town Hall prior to Election Day, or at the polling place on Election Day, by completing a Maine Voter Registration Application. Maine Law requires you to show proof of identification (passport, driver's license or state identification card) as well as proof of residency (any official documentation showing your Falmouth residence) before your voter registration application can be accepted. For more information on voter registration visit, https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/data/resident.html

More Information

For more information, contact the Falmouth Town Clerk's Office at 781-5253, or visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-clerk/pages/state-general-election.

Or check out our November 3 Election Fact Sheet.

Vision & Values Project Update

We are still taking community input to identify themes and topics to be explored in our initial Community Survey, which will be launched in November. We have had a fantastic response on our Discussion Board so far. Thank you for your thoughtful input. Please visit the Vision & Values Portal and share your ideas on "What key questions you think should be included in the Community Survey." Click here to join the discussion. Please provide any thoughts you have on the survey by 5pm, Monday, November 2. The discussion forum will remain open after that but survey preparation will proceed. This particular discussion the first of many engagement opportunities in this process. This is just the beginning! Please join us!

Vision & Values Questions & Answers

What is the Vision & Values Project?

The Vision & Values Project is a months-long public process to identify Falmouth residents’ shared “vision and values” and to formulate a Town Vision Statement. The project has been undertaken to inform a future update to the 2013 Comprehensive Plan.

What is a Community Vision Statement?

According to the 2003 Community Visioning Handbook by the former Maine State Planning Office, a community vision is a “mental picture of what residents want their community to look and feel like in 20 years.” It describes the desired future community character. The purpose of a vision statement is “to capture a picture of the community’s future that any resident quickly can grasp and appreciate.”

How does a Vision Statement differ from a Comprehensive Plan?

A Vision Statement reflects the broadly shared aspirations of residents for their community. A Comprehensive Plan describes how the Town will try to implement the aspirations described by the Vision Statement. A Comprehensive Plan identifies and communicates the community's goals and objectives more concretely, provides a guide for future land use decisions, identifies necessary regulations or policies, and serves as the basis for zoning, subdivision, and land use ordinances.

What is Future iQ?

The Town has engaged consultant Future iQ to assist with the Vision & Values Project. Future iQ is a global research and consulting company specializing in visioning and planning for regions, towns, communities, and industries. David Beurle, Future iQ’s CEO and Founder, is leading Falmouth’s Vision & Values process. Visit Future iQ’s website here.

What is “the Vision & Values Portal”?

Future iQ created the Vision & Values Portal. This web site is the “go to” place for information about this process. Here you can follow its progress and contribute your ideas. You can learn about the four phases of the project and join discussion boards about various important topics, such as defining Falmouth’s unique characteristics or considering key factors in shaping Falmouth’s future. The portal will become a robust place for community engagement and will live on beyond this project. Visit the portal here.

What are the “discussion boards”?

Discussion boards can be found on the Vision and Values Portal. Throughout the visioning process, Future iQ will place questions on the Discussion Boards for community feedback. These questions will change but the boards will always remain an open place for discussion, feedback, and engagement among residents. Themes and topics discussed on the discussion boards will contribute to the process of developing a Community Vision & Values Statement. Visit the discussion boards here.

What is the Community Survey currently under development?

The Community Survey is the first concrete effort to solicit residents’ hopes and concerns for the future of the community. The responses will be used to help frame future community engagement around the Vision & Values process.

Where can I find the Community Survey?

The survey is under development and will launch in November. Watch your mail for a postcard the announcing survey. We will also post to social media and send out and E-Alert via News & Announcements. It will be available online through the portal and it will be open for several weeks. If you need a paper copy you can contact us for one or pick one up at Town Hall.

Is this survey my only chance to share by thoughts about a Vision Statement for Falmouth?

No. There will be many opportunities in the coming months to get engaged and provide feedback. In addition to the discussion boards, there will be focus groups, think tanks, additional surveys, public forums (virtual and/or in person if circumstance allow), and more.

How long will this project take?

We expect this project will conclude by June 2021. However, due to the pandemic, we have built flexibility into the schedule so the process can be extended if extra time is needed.

Is this the best time to be doing this type of project?

Some residents have expressed concern that, given the current pandemic and resulting impacts on residents’ daily lives, now is not the best time to launch such an important project. But many more residents have also expressed a sense of urgency concerning the Town’s land use policies and making sure they are aligned with community sentiment. This project was promised over a year ago and initially scheduled to launch last spring. With no clear return to “normal” in sight, the Town Council believes both that taking a step forward with this important and urgent project is the right choice, and that the Town must make every effort to ensure that the process takes into account current circumstances and achieves the same goals that were set before the pandemic arrived. As noted above, there is significant flexibility built into the schedule, including a formal “pause” at the end of December to assess circumstances, community feedback, and progress toward our shared goals. Should adjustments need to be made, the Town Council will make them.

How do I stay informed about this project?

The best way to stay informed about the project is to subscribe to the News & Announcements E-Alerts. You can also follow us on social media and visit the Vision & Values portal regularly.

I don’t do digital.  How can I stay involved & informed?

Watch your mail box. At important points in the process we will alert residents by mail. We also have a weekly ad in The Northern Forecaster where we will include important updates. The Falmouth Focus newsletter is another source for information. You can find copies at Falmouth Town Hall or the Mason-Motz Activity Center. Finally, watch Town Council meetings on Channel 2. The Town Council will provide regular updates on the project at each meeting. And you can always call us at 207-781-5253.

Construction Update

Route 100 Construction 

The Town is pleased to announce the completion of the Route 100 Construction Project which began in spring 2019. This extensive project included new sidewalks, curbs, and lighting, as well as storm sewer and water main upgrades. Improvements were made to intersections at Leighton and Mountain/Falmouth Roads. These included improved pedestrian crosswalks, upgraded traffic signals, and the installation of left turn lanes. “Shaw Brothers Construction was excellent to work with and the collaboration with the State was very good,” said Justin Early, Falmouth Town Engineer. “We are very pleased with the results and believe this is a vast improvement to this major roadway.”

The project cost was approximately $10.3 million. The State of Maine paid 42% of the costs. “This was a big project on a major high traffic artery in Falmouth,” said Town Manager Nathan Poore, “As such it caused significant disruption to residents and commuters. We appreciate their patience and understanding through what was, perhaps, one of the largest constructions projects Falmouth has ever undertaken.”

The Underwood Road Drainage Improvements Project

This winter work will take place to repair damage caused by erosion to the storm drain outfall at the end of Underwood Road. A storm drain outfall is where a storm drain pipe or channel discharges stormwater runoff to a natural waterbody. In this case the outfall discharges into Casco Bay. The project will involve stabilizing the channel and mitigating erosion through the use of armoring. Armoring is the practice of using physical structures such as big rocks, known as riprap, to protect shorelines from coastal erosion.  

According to Town Engineer, Justin Early, this is not a big project but a difficult one due to the site constraints. “Tight access at the end of Underwood Road make this project tricky,” he noted. Easements by abutters have been granted to do the work. Some underground pipe will be replaced but will not require digging up the road. There will be some disruption to the neighborhood due to the heavy equipment required for the project.

Crooker Construction from Topsham, the lowest bidder, was awarded the contract to perform the work. The project will take place this winter and could take approximately twelve weeks, weather dependent. The cost of this project is $467,454.50. Neighbors will be notified by mail in advance of the work. Questions can be directed to Justin Early at 781-3919. 

Presumpscot Bridge Rehabilitation Project

Maine DOTs Presumpscot Bridge Rehabilitation project has been completed and both lanes of traffic on Allen Avenue are open. The project included bearing replacement, joint modifications, concrete deck replacement, and concrete repairs. The bridge was originally constructed in 1913. An open spandrel concrete arch bridge, it is a significant example of this architectural style. Like past repair work, this project was sensitive to the historical significance of the structure.

Focus on Falmouth’s Wastewater System

The Town of Falmouth is implementing a phased upgrade of the Town’s existing wastewater system to ensure that sewage is adequately conveyed and treated now and in the future.We have been exploring the history of Falmouth’s wastewater systems, issues surrounding West Falmouth’s connectivity, and necessary upgrades for current needs and future growth in this special series of articles. Due to the high volume of important information in the Focus this week, regarding elections, the Vision & Values project, and a COVID update, we will continue our series in the next issue. See the first installment, “How Falmouth’s Sewer System Works,” here. Installment two,“The Development of the West Falmouth Sewer Master Plan,” can be found here.

Awards & Recognition

At its 21st Annual Fitzgerald Award Dinner to be held online November 12, the Maine Gun Safety Coalition will honor Falmouth Police Chief John Kilbride for his efforts in coordinating area police departments in the Gun Take Back program, which provided citizens an outlet to dispose of old or unwanted weapons and ammunition. The annual award dinner recognizes public figures who help advance the mission of improving gun laws in Maine. 

The Maine Public Health Association has awarded Falmouth Town Manager Nathan Poore the Public Health Policy Champion Award for 2020. This award recognizes a policymaker who has made a significant contribution to public health in Maine. Mr. Poore was recognized for his efforts as a municipal leader to reduce the stigma of substance use disorders by identifying tactics for addressing the opioid misuse crisis on a regional level, including prevention, enforcement, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. An awards ceremony was held virtually on October 15.

Giant Pumpkin Hunt

This year Falmouth Police Department will participate in Camp Sunshine's Great Pumpkin Hunt, thanks to generous support from Hancock Lumber. The Giant Pumpkin Hunt will take place from October 29 through Halloween on October 31. Dress up the ghouls and goblins and head out for a fun day or evening of giant pumpkin hunting. Camp Sunshine and partners will be placing more than a dozen massive two-story tall inflatable jack-o-lanterns around the Greater Portland Area. Come find them! ​Locations will be available from 12pm to 8pm. The first 500 participants that visit 4 or more pumpkins will receive a free $10 L.L. Bean gift card and a free kids meal from Texas Roadhouse (one per mailing address). Find a map, "pumpkin passport," and more information at: https://www.campsunshinepumpkinfestivals.org/giant-pumpkin-hunt

Communications Survey

How are we doing? Over the past year, the Town of Falmouth has made communicating with residents a priority. Among other initiatives, we have increased the frequency of public forums/discussions, E-Alerts, social media posts, and print mailings. In addition, we launched this bi-weekly digital newsletter and began placing weekly notices in The Northern Forecaster. We’d like to know how effective these efforts have been in keeping you informed about Town business. Please take a moment to complete our survey online at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/FalmouthCommunicationsSurvey. We will begin compiling survey results on Monday, November 2 and a presentation of these results will be made at the Town Council meeting on November 9. 

Leaf Bag Curbside Collection Dates

Leaf bag collection dates are as follows:

• Friday, October 30
• NO PICKUP ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6
• Friday, November 13
• Friday, November 20

Please make sure your bags are placed curbside no later than 7am. Leaf bags are for leaves only. Do not put trash or brush in leaf bags. Brush is not collected curbside; however, brush is accepted at the Transfer Station. Transfer Station hours are: Tuesday and Thursday, 12pm-4pm; Friday, 7am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm.

Floats Removal

Remaining floats at Town Landing are scheduled to be removed, weather permitting, on November 2 and 3.

Open Space Reminder

Hunting for game with seasonal restrictions is underway. Please take note of the orange signs at trail heads noting that a property is open to hunting. Follow the links below to the Open Space website page with property information, the Town's hunting regulations, and the state's season dates.

Parks & Public Lands Map

Hunting Guidelines and Map

Season Dates

Town Council Virtual Meeting, Monday, November 9, 7:00pm

The Falmouth Town Council will conduct a virtual meeting using emergency legislation, Sec. G-1 MRSA §403-A, that allows cities and towns to conduct meetings online. The meeting will be held on Monday, November 9 at 7:00pm using Zoom. This application will allow attendees to connect via computer or phone. A meeting link and phone instructions will be provided in advance of the meeting via the Town website homepage and E-Alerts that will allow you to join the meeting via computer or phone, as well as, a phone number to dial in. An agenda will be posted here in advance of the meeting. Check out our Guide to Participating in Virtual Public Meetings. If you have questions, please call (207) 699-5329. 

At the Most Recent Town Council Meeting…

The Town Council held a meeting on October 26 at 7:00pm via zoom.

• The Council approved the minutes of the September 14 and September 30 Council meetings.
• The Council approved the appointment of Ashley Krulik, Energy & Sustainability Coordinator to the Highland Lake Leadership Team and Ashlan Oberholtzer to the Planning Board as an alternate member.
• There was an update on the Community Vision and Values project (see article above).
• There was an introduction of ordinance amendments to Section 19-40 of the Code of Ordinances to provide certain allowances for the keeping of animals in the RD and HL zoning districts. A public hearing was scheduled for November 23. 
• The Council decided to postpone taking action on an order to accept Paddock Way, Kilarney Way, and Cavendish Road due to a recent development regarding necessary easements. 
• The Council decided to postpone taking action on an order to accept the proposed Warranty Deed from Paddock Way, LLC for "Open Space 1," being approximately .81 acres as shown on the Paddock Way subdivision plan. 
• There was a discussion about an application to accept Seaside Way as a public street. 
• There was a discussion about an application to accept Stone Ridge Road, Hilltop Trail, and Rogers Trail as public streets. 

View past Town Council meetings here. 

Board of Zoning Appeals 

The Board of Zoning Appeals acted on the following applications at its October 27, 2020 meeting:

• 4 Casco Terrace – Charlotte R. George – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to construct a deck. (Approved)
• 9 Blackstrap Road – William J. Condon - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-85 to replace two accessory buildings with a single accessory building. (Tabled)
• 6 Glen Road – Underwood Road LLC – Request for Conditional Use Re-Approval under Section 19-84 to remove and rebuild an existing non-conforming single family dwelling. (Approved)
• 72 Gray Road – Little Hands Daycare/John Bagshaw – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Sections 19-119 & 19-123 for the expansion of a Day Care Center use. (Approved)

For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals

Planning Board

The Planning Board is expected to hear the following applications at its November 3, 2020 meeting.

• Ralph Sama – Alpine Drive & Sylvan Drive – Request for Subdivision Amendment for the Alpine Woods Subdivision for easement amendments.
• Jeffrey Graffam – 601 Blackstrap Road – Request for Private Way Approval for one new lot.
• Falmouth Shopping Center - 251 US Route 1 – Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan Review for a 24,870 s.f. bank/office building.
• Laura Putnam – 20 Craddock Way – Request for Fill Permit for stream restoration.
• Andrew Berube - 27 Arborside Drive – Request for Subdivision Amendment to reduce the existing 30ft building setback on Lot 5A.
• MGL Properties, LLC – 117 Gray Road – Request for Private Way Approval to serve one mixed use lot.
• MGL Properties, LLC – Gray Road (Parcel adjacent to 117 Gray Road) – Request for Site Plan Approval for a mixed use building.

For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/planning-board

Stay Informed with the Town of Falmouth Website and E-Alerts

There are many Town committees and boards that meet on a regular basis. The events calendar on the Town of Falmouth website homepage lists upcoming board, committee, and Town Council meetings. We send E-Alerts when Town Council, Planning Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals meeting agendas and minutes are posted to the website. Subscribe via E-Alerts to those that most interest you. Agendas and Minutes for these meetings are also posted online. Town Council, Planning Board, and School Board meetings are live-streamed on Falmouth Community TV Channel 1301 (Former Channel 2). Recordings of these meetings are also available for viewing online. Board of Zoning Appeals Meetings are not broadcast live but can be viewed online within 24 hours after the meeting. E-Alerts allows you to subscribe to specific e-mail lists about Town-related issues that interest you. Over 70% of respondents to our Communications Methods Survey found E-Alerts to be an effective means of getting info about Town activities. The Falmouth Focus, this bi-weekly newsletter, is another way to stay in the loop. Subscribe via E-Alerts. Please let us know what kind of information you would like to see included in your town newsletter.