2021.06.04-Falmouth Focus, Volume 3, Issue 13
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.
General Information
- Town of Falmouth Hours of Operations and Status of Services
- Online and Remote Services
- A Guide to Participating in Virtual Town Council Meetings
Table of Contents |
Please note, currently the Table of Contents links feature is not supported by all email clients or browsers.
- News & Issues
- Ongoing Initiatives
- Events
- Take Note
- Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
- Stay Informed
News & Issues |
Election Day is Tuesday, June 8
The Town of Falmouth will hold the Municipal Election and Budget Validation Referendum on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. The Election will take place at the Falmouth High School Gym, 74 Woodville Road. Polls open at 7:00am and close at 8:00pm. No voting will take place at Town Hall on Election Day. On Election Day, voted absentee ballots may be submitted at the polling place or via the drop box at Town Hall. Town Hall will be closed so staff can facilitate the elections at the polling place. Voters are asked to follow all COVID-related health and safety procedures put into place at the polls as recommended by the CDC and Secretary of State at the time of the election. For more information, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-clerk/pages/municipal-election
Falmouth Marks Memorial Day with Virtual Event
Falmouth Police Department, with assistance from members of American Legion Post #164, honored Memorial Day with a virtual tribute to the women and men who died in service to our country. A recording of the event can be found on the Falmouth Police Department Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Falmouth-Maine-Police-Department-216598428358778. We would especially like to thank Diane Moore who worked closely with FPD in planning this event. Thanks also go to Freeman Cleaves, Rev. Amelia Nugent Edson, Falmouth Schools, Falmouth Fire-EMS, Parks & Community Programs, and Public Works who all contributed to making this event a success.
MaineDOT Launches Veranda Bridge Project Information Page
Maine Department of Transportation has launched a Virtual Involvement Page for the Veranda Bridge Replacement Project. The page includes information, project schedule, graphics, and a chance to ask questions and provide feedback. This extensive project includes the replacement of the sixty-year-old Veranda Street Bridge and reconfiguring roads beneath the bridge to improve traffic flow and safety. To accommodate the bridge replacement, MaineDOT will close I-295 over Veranda Street in Portland between Friday, October 22 and Monday, October 25. Veranda Street (under the bridge) will be closed from Monday, October 18 to Monday, October 25. During the closure of I-295, traffic from the interstate will be routed through Falmouth, primarily along the Route 1 corridor. Town Officials and Public Safety Officers are working closely with the MaineDOT project team and will be conducting significant public outreach in the coming months about these closures, the detours available to drivers, and the impact to Falmouth residents and business owners. This Virtual Involvement Page is just one aspect of this outreach effort to keep residents and commuters informed of the project. MaineDOT began site work for this project in March and expects to complete the entire project by the end of 2022. More information about the project can be found at: https://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/portland/verandastreetbridge/
Residents are strongly advised to closely follow updates related to this project which will be sent regularly to the News & Announcements subscription email list, posted to our social media networks, and included in issues of The Falmouth Focus newsletter.
Falmouth Community Programs Update
by Lucky D'Ascanio, Director, Falmouth Parks & Community Programs
Senior programming is back and folks are happy to be out and socializing once again. Falmouth Parks & Community Programs is once again hosting programs in the Presumpscot Room Senior Center such as cribbage, mahjong, pseudo book club, and lunch and learn programs. The halls of the Mason-Motz Activity Center are open during business hours for those wishing to walk safely and stay out of the heat.
Summer programming is off and running for all ages and Falmouth Parks and Community Programs is enthusiastic to offer engaging and exciting opportunities. While there is plenty of space in summer day camp programming and athletic camps, space is limited in enrichment camps. Please contact the FCP office at 699-5302 for more information or check out our interactive brochure on line https://en.calameo.com/read/0004382654fef41196fb2 or the pdf version: https://www.falmouthme.org/parks-and-community-programs/files/fcp-program-brochure-pdf-version
It's Tick Season
Public health authorities anticipate a very active tick season in Maine this year. Ticks can spread disease, including Lyme disease. The Falmouth Conservation Commission has created a handy fact sheet on ticks to help you protect yourself. You can find the fact sheet at: https://www.falmouthme.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif11826/f/uploads/tick_tips_fact_sheet_may_2021.pdf
Ongoing Initiatives |
Falmouth Fire-EMS 2021 Scholarship--Deadline TODAY!
Falmouth Fire-EMS is seeking applicants for its annual scholarship which recognizes students in the Falmouth community who plan to continue post-secondary education in the field of firefighting, emergency medical services, nursing, or a related field. The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors residing in the Town of Falmouth who have been accepted or expect to be enrolling in a college or university to study firefighting, emergency medical services, nursing, or a related field. Funding for the $1000 scholarship comes from donations made to Falmouth Fire-EMS as well as monies raised by Fire-EMS members who sort bottles at the bottle bin at Central Station. Applications can be found online at: https://www.falmouthme.org/fire-ems-department/pages/falmouth-fire-ems-scholarship-2021. Applications can also be obtained by calling (207) 781-2610 or e-mailing lpride@falmouthme.org. Application materials also include a one-page summary as well as two letters of reference (by non-family members). Completed applications can be delivered or mailed to Falmouth Fire-EMS, 8 Bucknam Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. Applications delivered to the station by 4 pm on June 4, 2021 or post-marked by June 4, 2021 will be considered. Applications will be reviewed by a panel made up of members of Falmouth Fire-EMS. Applications must be filled out completely. The Award will be announced in early July 2021. Donations to support the scholarship can be made to the Falmouth Fire-EMS Scholarship Fund and sent to Central Station, 8 Bucknam Road, Falmouth, ME 04105.
Falmouth Cycling Survey Still Open
Attention Falmouth cyclists! The Falmouth Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee (REAC) is interested in learning more about the Falmouth cycling community and whether we can better support cycling as an alternative mode of transportation in Falmouth by installing public bicycle repair stations in select locations. Please take our quick, 5 question survey to share your thoughts on how bicycle repair stations can be designed and installed to best serve the cycling community. Find the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y7N5XS9
Living Lawns Lawn Care Tips
Living Lawns offers lawn care tips that help make your lawn healthy and vibrant.
Tip #5: If you can’t push a pen or screwdriver into your lawn, then your soil is too compacted. Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This helps the roots grow deeply and produce a stronger, more vigorous lawn. The main reason for aerating is to alleviate soil compaction. Compacted soils have too many solid particles in a certain volume or space, which prevents proper circulation of air, water, and nutrients within the soil. The best time for aeration is during the growing season, when the grass can heal and fill in any open areas after soil plugs are removed. Ideally, aerate lawns with cool season grass in the early spring or fall and those with warm season grass in the late spring. Turf aerators are available at your local tool rental retailer. Full-service lawn-care professionals offer aeration as a service too.
Tip #6: Did you know there are two different types of grasses? Cool-season grasses such as fescue can better withstand changing temperatures and have high drought tolerance and disease tolerance. Other examples of cool-season grasses include bluegrass and rye grass. These grasses are typically a thin or thick blade grass, depending on the variety planted. Cool-season grasses green-up and grow in the spring and the fall. In the summer and winter, they lie dormant. Warm-season grasses include Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass, Bahiagrass and Carpetgrass. They are often called southern grasses because they grow best in hot summer areas and lack the winter hardiness of the cool-season grasses. Depending on location, warm-season grasses grow vigorously from mid- to late spring through summer and into early fall. They usually turn brown and go dormant in winter. These are the four most common type of grass seeds grown in Maine:
1. Kentucky bluegrass is most often seen in northern lawns, as it tolerates cold temperatures well.
2. Fine fescues (e.g., red fescue, chewings fescue, hard fescue) do not do well with significant foot traffic but are very tolerant of dry, acid, or low fertility soils.
3. Perennial ryegrass can tolerate heavy foot traffic but has high nutrient requirements. Cold winters in Maine can thin out lawns dominated by perennial ryegrass.
4. Endophytic grass seeds (e.g., tall fescue) provide natural protection against some surface insects and fungal diseases, but not all are hardy throughout Maine and may be reduced by very cold winters, allowing weed intrusion in the spring
For more information on healthy lawn care, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/living-lawns-0
Events |
4th Bicycle-Pedestrian Stakeholder Meeting, June 15
On Tuesday, June 15 at 7:00pm, the Town will hold its 4th Bicycle-Pedestrian Stakeholder Meeting virtually via Zoom. Falmouth’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was accepted by the Council in 2016. The plan outlines recommended, prioritized infrastructure improvements that will increase the interconnection of Falmouth’s pedestrian and bicycle network of trails, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and paved shoulders. The Falmouth Town Council has identified reviewing the implementation of the 2016 Plan as a priority. This meeting will outline the progress that has been made in implementing the plan and solicit feedback from residents. The meeting is open to the public and will be recorded for showing on community TV. The Zoom link will be posted to the Town website and via News & Announcements E-Alert in advance of the meeting. FMI: Theo Holtwijk, Director of Long-Range Planning at tholtwijk@falmouthme.org or (207) 699-5340
Concerts in the Park are Back!
Falmouth Community Programs is pleased to announce the return of our summer concert series. Bring your own picnics and don’t forget your blankets or lawn chairs! Enjoy an evening of FREE musical entertainment. Events are family friendly and open to all. All concerts are held at the Village Park Gazebo off Hat Trick Drive behind Walmart from 6:30-7:30pm
Two of a Kind, Monday, June 28
This talented duo will entertain you with a variety of popular music from the 1950’s to the present. Sit back and enjoy great guitar playing and singing.
195th Army Band, Monday, July 12
Horns, vocals, and a rhythm section will get your toes tapping as you listen to popular sounds of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s with some patriotic tunes woven into the mix.
The Pinetones, Monday, July 26
Music by this Maine-based six-piece band will take us back in time through generations of songs and melodies sure to be familiar.
Bonnie Edwards & the Practical Cats, Monday, August 9
Bonnie brings her gutsy blues vocal style while the Cats offer a unique variety of Blues, Jump Swing, Jazz, Vintage R&B, and original music.
In the case of inclement weather, please contact the FCP office at 699-5302. Rain decisions will be made by 2:00pm.
TREEmendous Falmouth Arbor Day Scavenger Hunt Winners
To celebrate Arbor Day, the Falmouth Conservation Commission created a TREEmendous Falmouth Arbor Day Scavenger Hunt which ran from May 16-22! Thanks to all who participated. We were pleased to have an entire group of winners who identified every tree on the list! William Grabarz and Ryan, Reese, and Jordan Harder visited the Public Works Building on Woods Road where they met Public Works Director Jeff Buxton, toured the facility, and selected seedling trees and shrubs to take home and plant in their own yards.
Take Note |
The Parks & Community Programs Department is looking for seasonal Parks staff. If you know someone who would love to work outside all summer, send them our way! We have full-time seasonal positions available May through August for groundskeeping, lawn care, and general maintenance. The ideal candidate will be at least 18 years old and have a basic knowledge of maintenance and grounds equipment. Hourly rates are $14.00 - $16.00 based on experience. Parks staff work 7:00am-4:30pm Monday-Thursday and 7:00am-11:00am on Fridays. Interested candidates can either pick up an application at the Mason-Motz Activity Center or mail a resume to Jeff Mason, Parks Supervisor, 190 Middle Road, Falmouth, ME 04105.
Falmouth Boards and Committee Vacancies
Several Town of Falmouth boards and committees have vacancies to be filled. If you are interested in getting involved, please consider the following openings:
- Board of Assessments Review (2)
- Board of Sewer Appeals (2)
- Shellfish Conservation Commission (3)
- Planning Board (1)
- Conservation Commission (2)
Follow the links above for more information on each committees' role and function. For a board and committee application, click here.
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Virtual Meeting, Monday, June 21, 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, June 21 using Zoom, beginning at 7:00pm. An agenda can be found here in advance of the meeting. 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. 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 May 24 (view agenda and video here).
The Council held an Executive Session pursuant to the Laws of Maine to discuss the Town Manager's annual performance review, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (A).
The Council approved the minutes of the April 7, 12, and 26 Town Council meetings.
There was an update on the Community Vision and Values Project.
The Council approved a resolution to name the basketball courts at Huston School Park after Ryan Conner Rogers.
There was a staff update and continuation of discussion regarding the Town's rate of growth ordinance.
There was a discussion of the Johnson Road and Depot Road Intersections with Route 88 study next steps.
The Council approved an order to amend the Council Rules, Policy Three: Volunteer Board and Committee Reporting and Organization.
There was an introduction of a short-term rental ordinance.
The Council approved an ordinance to amend the Code of Ordinances to add a new section to Ch. II-12, Section 12-4 regulating construction noise and to amend Ch. II-19, Section 19-72.5 to remove outdated references.
The Council approved an order to authorize the Town Manager to execute a labor contract between the Town of Falmouth and the Maine Association of Police.
The Council approved an order to approve the retirement plan change for Dispatchers effective July 1, 2021, for future service only.
The Council entered executive session pursuant to the Laws of Maine to discuss real estate rights, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (C).
View past Town Council meetings here.
Planning Board
The Planning Board considered the following items at its June 1 meeting. An agenda can be found here.
- 24 Woodlands Drive – Eileen & John Skinner – Request for Subdivision Amendment Approval for a Boundary Line Adjustment to include the purchase of a 3,275 sf strip/swath of land from the Woodlands Homeowners Association to maintain the vegetation and screening adjacent to land of the Association. Map/lot U67-084. APPROVED W/CONDITIONS
- 74 Gray Road – Bailey Sign on behalf of Peak Dental – Request for Sign Permit Approval to relocate two (2) existing wall signs to another area of the building. Map/lot U44-012. APPROVED W/CONDITIONS
- 196 US Route One – Bill Sowles/Morong-Falmouth – Request for Site Plan Approval for a 15,900 sf two-story building addition to the existing Morong-Falmouth Service Center. Map/lot U52-001-B. (Previously tabled) APPROVED W/CONDITIONS
Please note: Planning Board agendas for upcoming meetings may not always be complete at the time of this newsletter's publication. Within the agendas, when possible, links will be provided to direct users to any additional information available on projects at the time of publication, including building elevations and images when available. Information on planning board projects and activities, including agendas and minutes, can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/planning-board
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals considered the following items at its May 25 meeting. An agenda can be found here.
- 3 Underwood Road – Chris Kelley (Apex Luxury Rentals LLC) – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for the tear down and rebuild of an existing, non-conforming single-family dwelling. Map/lot U18-014-A. APPROVED
- 46 Leighton Road – Mary Roux Train & Heidi Zachau Donnelly - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 and 19-123 for a private school, Windsor Hill Primary School, currently operating as Little Hands All Stars. Map/lot R05-044-008. APPROVED
- 44 Lowell Farm Road – Afterglow LLC (Katie Childs) – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for the tear down of the existing 16’ x 16’ shed and rebuilding of a 12’ x 12’ shed with a 5’ overhang. Map/lot HL7-009. APPROVED
- 46 Lowell Farm Road – Custom Concepts Inc. – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for the teardown of existing seasonal camp and rebuild of new year-round single-family dwelling as well as renovations to the existing accessory dwelling unit. Map/lot HL7-010. APPROVED W/CONDITIONS
- 15 Casco Terrace – Stephen Pondelis Architect on behalf of Ben & Mariana Tupper - Request for Disability Variance under Section 19-122 to construct a ramp system allowing handicap accessibility as well as a proposed second means of emergency egress via a ramp from a proposed exterior deck. Map/lot U17-047. APPROVED W/CONDITIONS
- 279 Foreside Road – Simon & Whitney Wignall - Request for Mislocated Single Family Dwelling Appeal under Section 19-118.1 for a garage within the 10-foot setback. Map/lot U17-053. APPROVED
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 an can be accessed from the home page. 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. 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.
Town of Falmouth, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105 207-781-5253
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