2021.01.22--Falmouth Focus, Volume 3, Issue 2--UPDATED

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

• News & Issues​​​​​​  
  • Vision & Values Update
  • Directory of COVID-19 Vaccine Sites
  • FY21 Mid-Year Budget Review
• Ongoing Initiatives
  • Revaluation Project
• Committee News
  • Conservation Commission & REAC:  Break Free from Plastic Pollution
  • Land Management and Acquisitions Committee (LMAC)
  • Parks and Community Programs Advisory Committee (PACPAC)
• Events
  • Facing Stigma
  • Kindergarten Registration
  • S.O.A.R: Senior Outdoor Adventures in Recreation
• Take Note
  • Precaution Regarding Aggressive Animals and Rabies
  • Transfer Station & Parking Stickers
• Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
  • Town Council
  • Planning Board
  • Board of Zoning Appeals
• Stay Informed

Updates To Help Residents Stay Informed

Two new changes have been made to The Falmouth Focus. At the top of each issue we have introduced a Table of Contents with live links to take you directly to the articles that most interest you. Currently this feature is only functional on our website and does not appear to work within the E-Alert email or on mobile devices. We are working with our service provider to determine if there is a solution to this issue.  We hope the Table of Contents will help readers find the information they need more quickly and efficiently.

In addition, we have expanded the Planning Board update to include more detailed descriptions of projects coming before the Board and inserted live links to Planning Board agendas (when available at time of publication). In the coming weeks, Planning Board agendas will be updated so that each individual agenda item includes a prominently displayed link to building elevations and/or images that will help residents easily understand the scope and scale of proposed projects. We believe these changes will improve public awareness of Planning Board activities and the projects under consideration.

Finally, we continue to encourage all residents to take advantage of our E-Alerts. E-Alerts subscription lists include many of our boards and committees. You can subscribe to a variety of lists that will direct information you are interested in (including meeting agendas and minutes) directly to your in-box. You can sign up for our E-Alert subscription lists at:  www.falmouthme.org/subscribe

Vision & Values Project: Have Your Say!

by David Beurle, CEO, Future iQ

The Falmouth community-driven Vision and Values project is gathering momentum.

We are coming up to the last week for the Community Survey #1, and NOW is the time to jump-in and take this important survey. We want to hear your views, so please add your voice to the nearly 1,200 responses to-date.

It is clear from initial results that people have a deep affinity for their Falmouth community. However, there are areas of concern people have identified, as well as aspirations and desires for the future. The survey is the first step in a longer-term process to shape the future direction and set new priorities for the community.

If you have an interest or a concern in the future of Falmouth, this survey if for you! Renewable energy, water access, open space, aging in-place, quality schools, preserving neighborhood character, affordable housing, growth and development--these are just some of the issues this first survey addresses. Join the discussion!

The survey is open until the end of January and takes 15-20 minutes to complete.

To add your voice to the Community Survey #1 please visit the project portal at https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/ and please share with friends, family, neighbors. 

To learn more about joining us as a Community Connector, visit: https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/community-connnectors/

State Launches Website Directory of COVID-19 Vaccine Sites in Maine

Maine residents age 70 and older are now eligible for vaccination against COVID-19 as part of Phase 1B. On Monday, Gov. Janet Mills’ office published a list of health providers who have begun scheduling appointments for seniors 70 and older to the get the COVID-19 vaccine. Find the list here. The list will be updated as more providers set up sites and systems to make appointments. All sites will require an appointment to receive a vaccine.

If you are over 70, you may hear directly from your health care provider about how to get a vaccine or you may visit the State’s COVID-19 response website to find providers currently taking appointments. Providers located in the Greater Portland area include:

Please note:  Because Maine’s supply of vaccine is limited, appointments may not be immediately available and will be scheduled on a rolling basis. The Portland Press Herald reported that Maine Health received 18,000 calls on Monday for appointments. Appointment availability is dependent on vaccine supply.

There is no charge for the COVID-19 vaccine, but you should be prepared to provide any insurance information and proof of eligibility at the vaccination site.

The State is in the middle of Phase 1A of its vaccination program, which covers health care workers, medical first responders, and staff and residents of nursing homes. Parts of Phase 1B may start before Phase 1A is finished. Vaccination information for other Phase 1B groups, including Maine people aged 65-69, will be posted once available. Additional vaccination sites will be added in the coming weeks. To find out if you are currently eligible, click here. If you are currently eligible under Phase 1A, contact your employer or professional association about vaccination.

Falmouth EMA is monitoring this evolving situation closely and will continue to provide updates via E-Alerts as needed and as additional information becomes available. As always, we are relying on the Maine CDC, the Governor’s office, and appropriate state agencies for guidance on this issue and encourage residents to visit Maine CDC and the State’s COVID-19 response website for the most current and up-to-date information.  

 FY21 Mid-Year Budget Review

At the January 11 Town Council meeting, Town staff presented a mid-year update on the current FY21 Budget which runs from July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021. Finance Director Pete McHugh reported that mid-year revenues are on pace to meet overall budget projections. At the same time, operating expenses are pacing well below budget. These mid-year results and revenue estimates for the remainder of the year indicate that revenues will be on budget for FY21. The current favorable expense pacing of almost $700K, should be enough to cover normal and unexpected items for the remainder of the year. McHugh noted that while there may be a need to move budgeted funds between departments based on unanticipated expense items, the Town will be able to cover its expenditures with existing budget funds. Additionally, Falmouth Schools are on pace to receive all budgeted State Aid for Education and the Town received some grant funding for COVID-related expenses. You can find the Finance Director’s presentation here.

Town-Wide Revaluation Project Underway

As noted in previous issues of The Falmouth Focus, the Town of Falmouth's revaluation project is now underway. Data collectors from Vision Government Solutions will begin visiting Falmouth properties next week to conduct exterior evaluations (interior evaluations will not occur until later in 2021 and 2022). Data Collection will begin in the northwest corner of Falmouth, near Cumberland and Windham. Residents will receive notice by mail indicating when data collectors will be in their neighborhood. The Town of Falmouth has created a Revaluation Project Page which will include updates as the revaluation project progresses. The page will include information on the process as well as a project schedule. The Revaluation Project Page can be accessed via the home page of the Town website or by clicking here. Additional updates can be found via our social media pages, this newsletter, and in our regular ads in The Northern Forecaster.

Conservation Commission and Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee (REAC)

The Conservation Commission is a Town committee consisting of seven members appointed by the Town Council, for 3-year terms. The Commission strives to protect the natural resources of Falmouth and improve the Town’s ecological integrity and wildlife diversity. It increases public awareness of the intrinsic value of the Town’s natural resources and works to study and conserve them. One way to increase public awareness is through informational articles in The Falmouth Focus. This first series of three articles, developed in conjunction with the Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee (REAC), will address the use of plastics, challenging all of us to consider their use and impact on our environment.

Make 2021 Your Year to Break Free from Plastic Pollution

by Karen Jacobsen, Conservation Committee

Dear Falmouth Residents: 

We have become accustomed to using plastic in many forms in our day-to-day life as they are convenient and often feel unavoidable. But there are things we can do to limit our use and make a difference for our environment. Before you buy products or throw out plastic waste, please consider the following:

• Plastics contribute to both climate change and environmental destruction
• Plastic trash and microplastics are harmful to fish, birds, other wildlife, and humans
• Plastics are made from a byproduct of fracked natural gas and petroleum products releasing great amounts of CO2 and methane into the atmosphere
• A 2019 report from the World Wide Fund for Nature found that adults ingest an average of 5 grams (the weight of a credit card) of microplastics each week
• Less than 10% of plastics are recycled; over 90% is thrown into landfills or incinerated destined for our waterways and atmosphere.

Please do your part by recycling hard plastics and plastic film responsibly

• The Town of Falmouth contracts with ecomaine to recycle hard plastics. You can place hard plastics in your curbside recycle bin.
  • The hard plastic must be marked with a number (1-7).
  • The plastic must be hard or rigid.
• Plastic bags can be recycled in drop-off bins or at customer service desks at Hannaford's, Shaw’s, or Walmart in Falmouth or Kohl's, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Target in the Portland area. Some stores, including Hannaford, accept plastic film for recycling. Store recycling policies vary and it is important to be mindful of each stores’ unique policies regarding recycling bags and plastic film.  Placing the incorrect item in their bins can contaminate the other recyclables and should be avoided. For more information contact plasticfilmrecycling.org.
  • Clean or washed air pillows, grocery and retail plastic bags, case wrapping, newspaper bags, bread bags, fresh produce bags, food storage (Ziploc) bags, and the plastic packaging around napkins, paper towels, bathroom tissue and diapers are all recyclable in these drop-off bins.  Remember, check your preferred store’s policies. 
  • Any bag or wrap with the “How2Recycle” label can also be added to the drop-off bin.
  • In general, plastic film that can be stretched when you pull it with your fingers is recyclable. Recyclable film may have the #2HDPE or #4LDPE  label
• Frozen food or pre-washed salad bags CANNOT be recycled because they contain additives that contaminate the other recyclables.
• If the plastic crinkles, tears, or is stiff like pet food bags it is NOT recyclable.

Thank you for doing your part to care for the earth by reducing plastic pollution.

Land Management and Acquisitions Committee (LMAC)

At the January 11, LMAC gave an update on their work over the past year. In its 2019-2020 work plan, the Town Council charged LMAC to implement the 2018 Open Space Plan. In carrying out this work, LMAC has identified the following priorities.

• Collection of accurate GPS data for all trails and trail related infrastructure to increase accuracy of information and efficiencies in maintaining records, organizing work, and communicating with the public. It is expected that all properties will be inventoried by June 2021.
• Development of a comprehensive trail management plan. It is anticipated that this will be completed by June 2021.
• Review and update of the Open Space Rating Guides used by LMAC in evaluating potential acquisition and trail properties. This task was completed.
• Development and/or update of land management plans for all open space properties. All plans are being reviewed. Several have been updated, and it is anticipated that several more will be updated by June 2021.
• Improve communication and outreach strategy to appropriately apprise/the public of open space.

Highlights of the year included trimming at River Point Conservation Area, building a new trail section in North Falmouth Community Forest, and improving trails in Pine Grove Preserve. The Committee supported Two Eagle Scout Projects: one in North Falmouth Community Forest to provide a trail connection and a second in River Point Conservation Area and Hadlock Community Forest beta testing a trail conditions survey. Members of the biking community donated weeks of time to provide safer trail options in several sections of trails where topography provides a challenge for multi-use trails including the creation of foot traffic only trails and downhill only bike trails on some properties. The pandemic led to challenges in establishing and maintaining seasonal trail closures. At the same time, once trails were reopened in the spring, trail use and public queries increased significantly. Read the full report from LMAC here. Learn more about LMAC here.

Parks & Community Programs Advisory Committee (PACPAC)

At the October 14 Town Council Meeting, the Parks & Community Programs Advisory Committee (PACPAC) provided an update on their work over the past year.  Workplan items assigned to this committee included:

• Development of a “Comprehensive Parks & Active Recreation Areas Strategic Plan.” To date, Falmouth’s current data has been uploaded into the National Recreation & Park Associations “Park Metrics” database. Parks Metrics is used to assess benchmarks such as, the number of parks and/or playgrounds per capita as well as the ratio of staff to the number of facilities, etc. This work is nearly complete and will inform the strategic plan.
• Development of a Town Wide Public Spaces Improvement Plan. Information gathered from the Comprehensive Parks & Active Recreation Areas Strategic Plan will inform this “beautification” plan. In the coming months, the committee will meet on-site at each facility to gather more information and formulate a plan.
• Review of PACPAC’s Charge. The PACPAC Chair, Staff Liaison, Council Liaison, Council Chair, and Town Manager met last month to review the committee charge and discuss the committee’s work. This meeting allowed council leadership and administration the opportunity to gain a better understanding of PACPAC’s past project involvement and to discover what type of projects that will be tasked to the committee in the future.

To learn more about PACPAC, click here. 

Facing Stigma, January 24

The Episcopal Church of St. Mary and the Town of Falmouth have joined forces to educate the community about stigma, a follow-up to a series last year on the opioid crisis. The second of three programs in the series this year, “Facing Stigma: Anti-Immigration Bias in Maine and What We Can Do About It,” will be held virtually via Zoom on Sunday, January 24 from 4pm to 5:30pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Stigma is ubiquitous and takes different forms in our community. This series addresses the faces of stigma, its roots, its manifestations, its consequences, and how we may come together in community to overcome and combat it. The first presentation in the series, held in October, explored the stigma of mental illness. The second presentation and discussion features Human Rights educator, trainer and advocate, Steve Wessler. In March, a third presentation will focus on Facing Stigma and the Recovery Community.

The program will be offered via Zoom and accessed through this link: Facing Stigma: Creating Solutions. For more information, contact the Episcopal Church of St. Mary, Falmouth at the parish office, 781-3366, smary@smary.org or Jennifer Gregg, 781-2665, jenniferanngregg@gmail.com.

Kindergarten Registration at Falmouth Elementary School Opens February 1

It's time for Kindergarten registration at Falmouth Elementary School. Online registration for Falmouth Kindergarten for the 2021-2022 school year will begin on Monday, February 1, 2021. A child must be five years old on or before October 15, 2021 in order to attend kindergarten in the fall. This is state law as well as school board policy. There are no exceptions. To register on or after February 1, please go to the Falmouth School District web page at www.falmouthschools.org. Click on the Elementary School link and go to Student Registration at the bottom. Please make sure to choose the 2021-2022 school year when registering!

For more information on the documents necessary to complete information and to sign up for either an In-Person or Virtual appointment to present your child’s documents to be copied for their child’s registration packet, please contact Carolyn Edwards at Falmouth Elementary School, 781-3988 or email carolyn.edwards@falmouthschools.org

Community Programs Launches S.O.A.R.

Community Programs is proud to announce the launch of S.O.A.R., Senior Outdoor Adventures in Recreation. This free program is open to all but targets people 50 + to join Open Space staff on a guided walk of various conservation areas in town that have a trail system. The first walk took place on January 14 at River Point Conservation Area. Check out the bird’s eye view of the walk provided by Caleb Hemphill, our new part time Property Steward.

For more information email open space staff at openspace@falmouthme.org or visit the Town’s online interactive brochure.  To join us on our next adventure, sign up online or contact Community Programs at 699-5302.

Precaution Regarding Aggressive Animals and Rabies

In the past six months, two Falmouth residents have had encounters with rabid animals in town. Rabies is a disease caused by the rabies virus. It affects the brain and spinal cord and can cause death if left untreated. Rabies in wild animals is common in Maine and often found in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. Rabies is spread when an infected animal bites or deeply scratches a person or another animal. There is no treatment for rabies once symptoms develop, however, it is 100% preventable by avoiding exposure and seeking care after exposure. The Town of Falmouth cautions residents and advises them to report any aggressive animal they may encounter to the Falmouth Police Department. To find more information, visit: www.maine.gov/dhhs/rabies

2021 Transfer Station & Parking Stickers Available

It's time to purchase your 2021 Transfer Station & Parking sticker to access the Transfer Station and to park at Town Landing. Stickers are $5.00 annually and can be purchased at either Town Hall or the Public Works Office on Woods Road. The color of the sticker changes each year. Stickers are valid for the calendar year from January 1 through December 31, 2021. To obtain a sticker by mail contact the Town Clerk's Office at 781-5253.

Remember, disposal of certain materials and large items at the Transfer Station require disposal tickets, which are also $5.00 each. These tickets are available at Town Hall, Public Works, Shaw's, Hannaford, Town Landing Market, and Waldo's. Tickets are NOT available for sale at the Transfer Station. Most materials will cost 1 or 2 tickets ($5.00 or $10.00). You can find a listing of accepted items and rates at: https://www.falmouthme.org/transfer-station/pages/transfer-station-procedures-and-rates

Town Council Virtual Meeting, Monday, January 25, 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, January 25 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 can be found here. Check out our Guide to Participating in Virtual Public Meetings. If you have questions, please call (207) 699-5329. 

Special Town Council Virtual Meeting, Friday, January 29, 8:00am

The Falmouth Town Council will conduct a special 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 Friday, January 29 at 8:00am using Zoom and will include a general discussion about street acceptance policy. The Zoom 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 January 11 at 7:00pm via Zoom. See agenda here. 

• There was an update on the Community Vision and Values Project.
• There was an update on the townwide property revaluation project. 
• The Land Management and Acquisitions Committee (LMAC) provided an update. See article above.
• The Council discussed LMAC’s recommendation for the adoption of Code of Ordinance amendments regarding electric bicycles.
• The Council passed ordinance amendments to Section 19-40 of the Code of Ordinance relative to the keeping of animals in the RD and HL zoning districts.
• The Council heard an update on the FY21 budget.
• The Council continued its discussion of the Sea View Homeowners Association’s application requesting that the Town accept Seaside Way as a public street. The Council did not take action on the order.

The Town Council held a special meeting on January 15 at 8:00am via Zoom to discuss mid-year progress on the 2020-2021 Council Work Plan. See agenda here. 

View past Town Council meetings here. 

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider the following items at its February 2 meeting. Find agenda here. The links below will direct users to the additional information available on each project at the time of this publication, including building elevations and images when available. Planning Board agendas for upcoming meetings may not always be available or complete at the time of this newsletter's publication. Information on planning board projects and activities, including agendas and minutes, can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/planning-board

• Entwood Road - Map/lot U28-005 & 005-D - Harold & Sheena Mason –– Request for Re-Approval of the First Amendment to a Private Way (Entwood Road) -  private way extension of 425 feet originally approved October 13, 2020
• Entwood Road - Map/lot U28-005 & 005-D - Harold & Sheena Mason –– Request for Re-Approval of the Second Amendment to Private Way (Entwood Road) - lot line adjustment between lots C and D originally approved October 13, 2020
• 251 US Route 1 - Map-lot U12-002 -  20 Thames Street LLC & 122 PTIP LLC -- Request for Site Plan Approval for a 24,870 square foot, 4‑story, Bank/Restaurant/Office Building at the Falmouth Shopping Center
• Falmouth Road - Map-lot R04-022 - Blackstone Development LLC –– Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan for Hidden Hills Estates - a major subdivision of 13 single family residential lots consisting of 10 Conservation Subdivision lots and 3 Country Estate lots.

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

Board of Zoning Appeals 

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is expected to hear the following items at its January 26 meeting. Click here for the agenda. 

• 7 Pitt Street – Matthew & Margaret Blake –Request for Variance under Section 19-120 to replace existing unsafe and non-compliant front entry stairway with small exterior porch landing and stairway.
• 1 Webber Way – Melissa Shattuck –Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for a 8’ x 16’ 3-season porch addition.
• 20 Glen Road – Marilyn A. Lalumiere –Request for Administrative Appeal under Section 19-124 of Code Enforcement Officer’s decision regarding a fence permit.

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

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.