2021.07.09--Falmouth Focus, Volume 3, Issue 15
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 |
Town Names 2020 Citizen of the Year and Legacy Award Recipients
Virtual Ceremony Honors Municipal Volunteers
On Thursday, June 24, the Town of Falmouth held a virtual Municipal Recognition Ceremony to acknowledge the work of volunteers who serve on Town boards and committees and to thank them for their service to the community. The Town of Falmouth relies on several volunteer boards and committees to assist and advise the Falmouth Town Council and staff in carrying out the annual Council work plan. Approximately 125 individuals volunteer to serve on these boards, contributing thousands of hours of work each year.
In addition to recognizing the efforts of these volunteers, Town Councilor Ted Asherman presented the Legacy Award to David Halligan, Sr. in commemoration of his lifetime of service to Falmouth. The Legacy Award recognizes residents of Falmouth whose volunteer efforts have contributed to the improvement of the community’s civic, educational, recreational, and/or charitable organizations over a period of many years and whose contributions have left a legacy for future residents of Falmouth. Mr. Halligan was the first male president of Falmouth’s Parent Teacher Organization, one of the founders of Falmouth’s Little League who was instrumental in establishing the Legion Field complex, a volunteer firefighter for 53 years, and an active member of American Legion Post 164.
Town Council Chair Amy Kuhn also presented Falmouth's 2020 Citizen of the Year Award to Dorothy Blanchette in commemoration of her significant contributions as President of the Falmouth Food Pantry since it moved to its present location in 2008 and particularly her work in leading the Food Pantry’s efforts to meet the needs of some 500 families during the unique challenges posed by the pandemic. Councilor Kuhn noted Ms. Blanchette’s efforts in recruiting and coordinating volunteers, keeping the pantry stocked with donations, securing grant funding, reviewing referrals from case workers, and managing the nonprofit’s finances. Ms. Blanchette has also helped families find affordable housing, job training, and affordable medical care.
The ceremony also included a short video presentation, "2020 Silver Linings," reflecting on the challenges of the past year. A recording of the entire ceremony can be found at: https://play.champds.com/falmouthme/event/2182
Veranda Street Bridge Project Update
MaineDOT has advised that night work on the Veranda Street Bridge Project is tentatively scheduled for the week of July 19. Few details are available at this time, but we will provide updates as we receive them via News & Announcement E-Alerts and social media.
In addition, MaineDOT is planning a live public virtual meeting regarding the Veranda Street Bridge Project, tentatively scheduled for August 11. The year-long project to replace the aging Veranda Street Bridge over I-295 will require a weekend closure of the interstate October 22-25 with traffic being routed through Falmouth. In addition, the intersection on Veranda Street under the bridge is undergoing a major reconfiguration to improve safety and mobility. This will require a closure of Veranda Street for one week, October 18-25, to facilitate this work. The virtual presentation will explain the project, present detour routes, and allow for live questions and answers. A second virtual meeting is planned for October. Updates on these meetings will be forthcoming once dates and times are finalized. More information about the entire project can be found at: https://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/portland/verandastreetbridge/
July is Parks & Recreation Month
Since 1985, America has celebrated July as Park and Recreation Month. A program of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the goal is to raise awareness of the essential services that park and recreation professionals provide to communities across the U.S. This July, Falmouth Parks & Community Programs is celebrating with the theme Our Park and Recreation Story by showcasing all we offer to the Falmouth community including quality cultural, educational, and fitness activities and a variety of facilities. We offer something for everyone! Check us out "by the numbers" below, visit us online to learn more, and join us at our free Concert in the Park on Monday, July 12 (see additional information below under Events).
Move to Hybrid Meetings
Beginning soon, Town Council, Planning Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings will move to a hybrid format allowing residents the option of participating either in-person or via Zoom. Staff are finalizing the technical logistics of this change and more details will be forthcoming via Town News & Announcements E-Alerts, the Town website, and this newsletter.
Fire-EMS Names 2020 Officer of the Year
At the virtual quarterly all officers meeting on June 22, Captain Colin Shea was awarded the 2020 Officer of the Year Award. Captain Shea has served Falmouth for over 2 ½ years and has demonstrated exemplary leardership skills. As Captain of Falmouth's Emergency Management Agency he has completed numerous Emergency Operations Plans and Life Safety Inspections across town. He also played an integral part in the department’s transition to adding fulltime staff and currently supervises career and per diem staffing for Falmouth Fire-EMS. Congratulations Captain Shea!
Ongoing Initiatives |
Vision & Values Project Update
by David Beurle, CEO Future iQ
We are delighted to provide a community update on the Vision & Value Project, as we now move into the next important phase. As you know, we have been sifting the survey data and identifying the 10 key focus group topics. This work built on all the responses and input we received from Community Survey #1 and through the Future Summits held in March. Thank you to everyone who has participated and contributed to our discussions so far. Spring and early summer brought a bit of a lull to the project as we worked to determine when and how we might be able to meet as a community. Our patience has paid off. As pandemic-related restrictions are lifted, we are excited at the prospect of holding in-person focus group meetings. We are working to lock in dates and venues in September, after the busy summer travel season, for these in-person sessions, neighborhood meetings, and the Falmouth Community Think Tank.
In the interim, Future iQ is busily working on finalizing the discussion boards for each of the 10 key focus group topics. These will be posted to the portal over a few weeks beginning in August to give people time to provide feedback and engage in a community discussion on these topics in advance of the in-person meetings. In addition, we are excited to launch an additional edition of the Falmouth Focus Vision & Values newsletter which will run every other Friday (in between regular editions of The Falmouth Focus). Here we will explore future trends and present some of the questions of trade-offs that we will undoubtedly tackle as a community in the Focus Groups. It's an exciting time in the project and we hope you will all join in.
From the Future iQ team, we would like to extend a huge thank you to the Falmouth community people who have provided input and joined the conversation so far. We would especially like to acknowledge the work that was done by the Community Connectors in spreading the word about this project, and encouraging people to take the initial community survey. We look forward to the future participation and contributions from the whole community, as we move into the next phase.
Living Lawns Lawn Care Tips
Living Lawns offers lawn care tips that help make your lawn healthy and vibrant.
Tip # 9: Let's focus on small engine exhaust such as chainsaws, leaf blowers and lawn mowers. Two-cycle engines tend to burn fuel and oil less efficiently than 4-cycle engines or electric motors. An older model, out of tune, 2-cycle engine can produce as much pollution as a car or truck. As a rule of thumb, if you can see the exhaust from your equipment, it is running inefficiently and needs a tune-up. Make sure your power equipment is in good working order (tuned up, blades and chains sharp, and all parts lubricated). If your equipment is getting old, consider upgrading to a modern 2-cycle engine with a fuel injector. You may also consider upgrading to electric power equipment, many modern electric motors are nearly as powerful as their gas-powered counterparts.
Tip #10: Reduce high maintenance lawn areas to the greatest extent possible by increasing the proportion of the property devoted to ground covers, shrub beds, and woodland. Reducing the size of your lawn also saves time and energy on lawn maintenance. In addition, smaller-sized lawns will reduce the use of herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers. Varied plantings offer shelter and feeding opportunities for wildlife. Another benefit is that attractive, low-maintenance landscaping adds value to the home. Be sure to plant native species whenever possible!
Tip #11: Native plants provide more value to the natural world than you may realize. Native plants feed bird species either directly with fruits and seeds or indirectly by supporting the native insects birds can eat. Once established, native plants generally require little maintenance. Because native plants are adapted to local environmental conditions, they require far fewer resources, saving time, money, and perhaps the most valuable natural resource, water. When you’re thinking of adding more plants to your landscape, consider all the benefits of native plants. Maine Audubon and your local nurseries are great resources to help make your selection.
For more information on healthy lawn care, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/environmental-initiatives/pages/living-lawns-your-healthy-lawn-care-resource
Events |
American Legion Veterans Appreciation Day Event, Saturday, July 10
American Legion Post #164 will hold a Veterans Appreciation Day event tomorrow, Saturday, July 10 from 8:00am-3:00pm at the American Legion, 65 Depot Road. A flag raising and opening ceremonies will begin at 8:00am. After the ceremony, breakfast will be provided until 10:00am. Activities are planned throughout the day including fly tying presentations, wood carving demonstrations, children's crafts and games, discussion with a Civil War historian, and a reading of the Gettysburg Address and other significant historical documents. Lunch will be served from 12:00-1:30pm. The day will close at 3:00pm with a flag retiring and taps. Veterans are invited to drop in and share memorable service stories. The event is free and open to the public.
FCP Concerts in the Park
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.
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 70s, 80s and 90s 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.
Take Note |
Dry Well Survey
The Maine Emergency Management Agency has prepared a survey to report dry wells and guide individuals toward available opportunities for assistance if and when they become available. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports worsening dry conditions across the State of Maine, increasing the risk of private wells running dry. To report a dry well, please visit the dry well survey at https://maine-dry-well-survey-maine.hub.arcgis.com/. Mainers can either dial 211 or 1-877-463-6207, or they can text a Maine zip code to 898-211 for assistance with filling out the survey.
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Virtual Meeting, Monday, July 12
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 virtual meeting will begin at 6:30pm via Zoom to accommodate an executive session. The broadcast will begin at 7:00pm. The agenda can be found here. 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 meetings via the Town website homepage and E-Alerts that will allow you to join 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 its annual caucus to determine Council leadership and board and committee appointments/liaisons at 6:00pm on June 21. See agenda here.
The Town Council held a meeting at 7:00pm on June 21. See agenda and video here.
The Council certified the June 8, 2021 election results.
The Town Clerk delivered the Oath of Office to the new Town councilors.
The Council passed an order to elect Amy Kuhn as Town Council Chairperson and Pete LaFond as Town Council Vice-Chairperson, to appoint members of the Council sub-committees, to appoint Council members to serve as liaisons to various boards and committees, and to authorize the Town Manager to name the Assistant Town Manager as his designee in the event of his absence.
The Council approved the minutes of the May 7, May 10, and May 24, 2021 Council meetings.
The Council approved the renewal of permanent food service establishment licenses for Handy Boat Service, Inc. and the Woodlands Club.
The Council re-enacted Ordinance No.128-2020, an emergency ordinance to temporarily suspend certain provisions of the Falmouth Code of Ordinances relating to outdoor eating areas and outdoor retail display to assist businesses suffering economic loss due to COVID-19 in a manner consistent with the Governor's re-opening plan.
The Council passed an order to authorize the Town Manager to execute a 5-year agreement with Competitive Energy Services for consulting, audit, and billing verification services related to the Town's Landfill Solar Array.
The Council passed an order to change the dates of 2021/2022 Council meetings impacted by holidays.
Planning Board
The Planning Board considered the following items at its July 6 meeting. An agenda and video can be found here.
- Blackstrap Road – Town of Falmouth – Request for Shoreland Zone Approval to construct a small span bridge for trail crossing at a stream. Map/lot R08-047-A; Zoned F, RCZO, SZ-SP. (APPROVED W/CONDITIONS)
- 111 Hillside Avenue – Charles & Anne Rainville – Request for Private Way Approval to establish road frontage for two lots. Map/lot R07-122 & R07-122-001; Zoned F, RCZO. (APPROVED W/CONDITIONS)
- 161 Hurricane Road – Sean Pierce, Northern Survey Engineering representing Mike & Kristin D’Agostino – Request for Private Way Approval to create one new lot. Map/lot R08-078; Zoned F, RCZO (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 June 22 meeting. An agenda and video can be found here.
- 9 Ayers Court – Scott Jacques & John Barragan - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for a 10’ x 13’ addition for a bathroom, laundry, mudroom, back door. (APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS)
- 149 Foreside Road – Kevin Brown Architecture representing Emilio & Andrea Casanueva – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for the tear down and rebuild of a single-family dwelling. (APPROVED)
- 189 Foreside Road – Thomas Emery representing Craig Coffin – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-86 for renovations and additions to an existing pool house. (WITHDRAWN BY APPLICANT PRIOR TO MEETING)
- 279 Foreside Road – Simon & Whitney Wignall - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for an enlargement of the master bedroom and construction of a new garage. (APPROVED)
- 7 US Route One – Sydney Bradford McDowell – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to extend the breeze-way towards the back and include a small deck as well as the resizing of an existing deck. (APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS)
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 and 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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