2021.08.06--Falmouth Focus, Volume 3, Issue 19
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 |
Changes to Town Mask Policy Effective Immediately
The Town of Falmouth has been closely monitoring the rise of COVID cases in Cumberland County and guidance from the Federal and Maine Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Due to CDC’s updated mask guidance and the designation of Cumberland County as having “substantial” transmission rates, the Town of Falmouth will once again require masks for all staff and visitors indoors at all Town offices and facilities regardless of vaccination status beginning today, Friday, August 6, 2021.
This policy will remain in effect until Friday, August 13, at which time we will review CDC data regarding transmission levels in Cumberland County and current CDC guidelines to determine if changes are appropriate. Changes and updates to this policy will be communicated to residents via E-Alerts, social media, and the Town website.
Falmouth to Return to Remote Meetings
A new state law permits public meetings to be held remotely provided the committee, board, or Town Council specifically adopts a policy to hold remote meetings. The Town Council adopted such a policy on July 26 which covers meeting held by the Town Council and its subcommittees. The state law requires all other Town board and committees, such as the Planning Board and Community Wellness Committee, to adopt separate policies.
Due to CDC’s designation of Cumberland County as having “substantial” transmission rates, the Town of Falmouth will return to holding remote meetings for the following:
- The Town Council Ordinance Subcommittee meeting at 8:00am on Monday, August 9, will be held remotely.
- The Town Council meeting on Monday, August 9 will be held remotely beginning at 6:00pm (executive session with no public participation) and continuing at 7:00pm (public meeting). FMI:
Zoom links for these meetings will be communicated to residents on the agendas and via E-Alerts and the Town website.
The Community Wellness Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 10 at 4:00pm will be held in-person at Town Hall. At this meeting the Committee will consider a policy to allow them to meet remotely for future meetings.
There are no other board or committee meetings scheduled next week. We will continue to monitor this evolving situation and provide updates to residents regarding future meetings via E-Alerts, social media, and the Town website.
Senior Property Tax Assistance Program Accepting Applications
The Town of Falmouth’s Senior Property Tax Assistance Program is now accepting applications from eligible residents for property tax assistance. The program, now in its fourth year, is open to current Falmouth residents age 62 or older with annual income under $50,000. Both property owners and renters are eligible to apply. Refunds will be determined based on the number of valid applications received. Recipients will be refunded a proportional share of the available program funds based on income level. The total amount budgeted for this program in fiscal year 2022 is $60,000. Refunds for eligible applicants will be paid on or before November 18, 2021. Residents can mail in the application and backup documents to Town of Falmouth, Finance Department, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, Maine 04105. Or call Pete McHugh at 699-5311 to make an appointment to submit your application. Residents are encouraged to apply early. The deadline for applications is October 14, 2021.
Contact Pete McHugh, Finance Director, at pmchugh@falmouthme.org or 699-5311 for more information. Application materials, additional information, and an eligibility worksheet, can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/finance/pages/senior-property-tax-assistance.
Special Public Comment Opportunity, August 9
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is a $1.9 trillion emergency federal legislative package to provide resources needed to address the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis and spur a strong economic recovery. Among other things, the plan provides $350 billion for state and local governments. It is estimated that Falmouth will receive $1.3 million in funding which can be used to address four broad areas: to respond to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID 19) or its negative economic impacts, to provide premium pay for eligible workers, for government services to the extent of the loss of revenue, and investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure. At the next Town Council meeting on Monday, August 9, there will be a presentation about ARPA funding and Falmouth’s proposed expenditures. There will also be a special public comment opportunity at this meeting for the public to provide feedback. The presentation can be found HERE. Click here for additional meeting information.
Falmouth Fire-EMS Awards Annual Scholarship
Falmouth Fire-EMS has awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Karley Piers, a 2021 graduate of Falmouth High School, and a $1,000 scholarship to Jessie Buhelt, also a 2021 graduate of Falmouth High School. The scholarships recognize graduating high school seniors living in the Falmouth community who plan to continue their post-secondary education in the field of firefighting, emergency medical services, nursing, or a related field. Karley plans on studying nursing at the Florida Gulf Coast University this fall. Jessie has enrolled at Southern Maine Community College and will work toward a paramedicine degree. Assistant Chief Jay Hallett presented both Karley and Jessie with their award and wished both the best of luck in their journey this fall. In presenting the awards Assistant Chief Jay Hallett stated: “We need more students like these to enter into the fire and EMS profession. It is great to see these Falmouth graduates starting down that path.” Several members of the on-duty crew as well as call members at the station attended the presentation at Central Station. Donations to help support the scholarship fund can be made out to the Falmouth Fire-EMS Scholarship Fund and mailed to Falmouth Fire-EMS, 8 Bucknam Road, Falmouth, ME 04105.
Finance Department Receives Award
The Government Finance Officers Association of the US and Canada (GFOA) has awarded Falmouth the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. The GFOA established this Certificate Program in 1945 to encourage and assist state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare comprehensive annual financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure. Falmouth’s report was judged by an impartial panel and found to meet the high standards of the program. According to the GFOA, the award is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. Congratulations to Falmouth's Finance Department and its director, Pete McHugh.
Ongoing Initiatives |
Vision & Values Project Update
At the next Town Council meeting on Monday, August 9, Future iQ CEO David Beurle will provide an update on the project. Next steps include upcoming discussion forums to be posted to the Vision & Values Portal and plans for future in person Focus Groups, Neighborhood Meetings, and a Think Tank in September. Residents are encouraged to visit the portal where they can find the latest information on the project and provide their input.
Veranda Street Bridge Project Update
The Veranda Street Bridge is 60 years old and is slated for replacement in October. The work will result in the full closure of I-295 from Friday, October 22 through Monday, October 25 while the bridge deck is moved into place. In addition, Veranda Street, under the bridge, will be closed Monday, October 18 through Monday, October 25 as construction continues in this area to improve traffic flow and safety.
These two closures will significantly disrupt traffic not only on the interstate, but also in Falmouth where detours will be routed. Anyone who must use I-295 in Portland or Veranda Street during these closures should plan for significant delays and detours. Traffic and delays on Route 1, Route 88, Middle Road, and Bucknam Road in Falmouth are anticipated as interstate traffic will be routed through Falmouth. In addition, getting to Portland via Route 1/Veranda Street will not be possible during these closures. Motorists will instead be detoured to Middle Road.
This week, night work began to install drainage around the project. Night work is necessary to lessen traffic impacts and not to interfere with other aspects of the project taking place during the day. It is anticipated that this portion of night work will be completed by Thursday, August 12. There will be additional night work closer to the closure date in October. In addition, Saturday work has also begun on the site and will be ongoing moving forward.
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 outlets, and included in issues of The Falmouth Focus newsletter.
The latest information about this project can be found on the project website: https://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/portland/verandastreetbridge/. This site includes detour maps, videos, and other information about the project and the planned closures. The project website also links to virtual public involvement tools that allow members of the public to submit feedback and questions.
Living Lawns Lawn Care Tips
Living Lawns offers lawn care tips that help make your lawn healthy and vibrant.
Tip #14: If you’re mowing at higher heights as we suggest, there are true benefits as we are now in the heat of summer! Lawns maintained at higher heights usually develop deeper roots and dry out more slowly than closely mowed turf. Lawn growth will slow as the weather gets drier and hotter. If your lawn looks as though it could use watering, water wisely! Water lawns deeply and infrequently, applying about 1 to 1-1/2 inches per application to encourage drought-tolerant roots. Water early in the day if possible, to reduce the chances of evaporation and fungal growth.
For more information on healthy lawn care, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/environmental-initiatives/pages/living-lawns-your-healthy-lawn-care-resource
Events |
FCP Concerts in the Park
Join us for the final concert of the season! 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.
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.
Fall Healthy Lawn Care Made Easy Workshops
The Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District will offer multiple workshops on healthy lawn care this fall, including one in Falmouth on August 19.
Learn how to grow a beautiful lawn that’s safe for families, pets, and the environment while saving money, time, and effort. All classes are $15 and run from 6-8 PM. Questions? Call Cumberland County SWCD at (207) 892-4700.
For the following dates, register online at: www.cumberlandswcd.org/workshops
- Thursday, August 19, Lunt Auditorium, Falmouth
- Wednesday, August 25, Westbrook Public Services
- Thursday, September 23, Riverton Community Center, Portland
Additional workshops are offered through the following Adult Education Programs. Register for these dates at the links below:
- Thursday, September 9, Old Orchard Beach High School. Register online at www.oobsaco.maineadulted.org
- Tuesday, September 14, Bonny Eagle High School, Standish. Register online at www.sad6.maineadulted.org
Take Note |
MaineDOT continues work on Route 9 just north of the roundabout at Middle Rd., Rte. 9, and Woods Rd. (south of Sherman Dr.) and ending just north of Turkey Ln. in Cumberland. This work will continue into September. Paving is also underway on Lunt Rd. from Falmouth Rd. to the I-295 bridge and is expected to take two weeks. Traffic delays are anticipated during both these projects and residents are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Virtual Meeting, Monday, August 9
The Falmouth Town Council will conduct a virtual meeting via Zoom as authorized by Section 28, Policy Eight of the Town Council Rules and 1 MRSA §403-B. The meeting will begin at 6:00pm to accommodate an executive session. The broadcast and public Zoom participation will begin at 7:00pm. The agenda can be found here. The Zoom application will allow attendees to connect and participate remotely via computer or phone. A meeting link and phone instructions will be provided on the agenda in advance of the meeting. The public may also watch (no participation option) the meeting on Channel 2 or on the Town website streaming channel. 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 at 7:00 pm on July 26. See agenda and video here.
The Council approved the minutes of the June 21, 2021 Town Council Annual Caucus and the June 21, 2021 Town Council Meeting.
The Council approved the renewal of permanent food service establishment licenses for Hannaford Supermarket (65 Gray Road) and Nouria Energy Retail (264 US Route 1 and 265 US Route 1).
The Council approved an amendment to the Town Council Rules, Section 28 to Add a New Policy Addressing Remote Participation in Public Meetings.
The Council approved a resolution designating July as Park and Recreation Month in the Town of Falmouth.
The Council adopted a Short-term Rental Ordinance.
The Council approved an order to establish the Short-term Rental Ordinance fee schedule.
The Council approved an order to authorize the Town Manager to use additional municipal revenue sharing funds for property tax reduction in FY22 and acknowledge the School Board decision on July 19, 2021, to use additional state aid for education revenue for property tax reduction.
The Council approved a resolution regarding a request to MaineDOT to create a rail corridor use advisory council for the proposed Casco Bay Trail.
There was a discussion of the Johnson Road and Depot Road intersections with Route 88 study next steps.
There was a discussion regarding a resolution to support a climate fee and dividend approach at the federal level as a mechanism to reduce carbon emissions and meet climate goals. Council action on the resolution was tabled until a future meeting.
There was a discussion and presentation about local funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Planning Board
The Planning Board considered the following items at its August 3 meeting. An agenda can be found here.
- 200 Presumpscot Point Road – UMaine Extension – Request for Sign Permit Approval for a new sign for the Gardens at Tidewater Farm. Map/lot R04-028 APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- 400 US Route 1 – SignSmith LLC on behalf of Stone Coast Music – Request for Sign Permit Approval for 2 new wall signs. Map/lot U62-003 APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- Tuscan Way – Cummings Properties – Request for Re-Approval of Subdivision Amendment approved July 7, 2020 for drainage improvements and change to elevation. Map/lot U47-026-B. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- 204 US Route 1 – JP’s Bistro – Request for Site Plan Amendment to place seasonal outside patio dining in 2 existing parking spaces. Map/lot U52-003. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
An amendment to Section 19-69 of the Code of Ordinances relative to the Rate of Growth Ordinance. RECOMMENDED WITH COMMENTS
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 July 27 meeting. An agenda can be found here.
- 6 Evergreen Drive – Evergreen Learning Center LLC - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 and 19-123 for a home daycare. Map/lot R08-032-013. APPROVED
- 342 US Route One – David Matero Architecture – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-86 for an office building renovation and a small addition partially within the Stream Protection zone. Map/lot U53-002. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- Discussion regarding changes to documents and process authorized by the Board at June meeting. APPROVED CHANGES
For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals
Board of Assessment Review
The Board of Assessment Review considered the following items at its August 2 meeting. An agenda can be found here.
- Foreside Place LLC c/o Wal-Mart Stores East, LP (Tenant-Taxpayer), 2021 appeal for 206 US Route One, Map/lot U52-002. DENIED
For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-assessment-review
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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