2022.02.25-Falmouth Focus, Volume 4, Issue 7
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
- Falmouth Public Schools
- Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
- Stay Informed
News & Issues |
Nomination Papers Available, Monday, March 7
The Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, June 14, for the purpose of electing:
- Three (3) people to the Town Council for three (3) year terms.
- Two (2) people to the School Board for three (3) year terms.
Nomination papers are available from the Town Clerk’s Office beginning on Monday, March 7. Residents interested in running for either Town Council or the School Board must submit nomination papers with a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 100 signatures no later than 5:00pm on Friday, April 15.
Community Vulnerability Workshop (Virtual), March 9
Please join the Falmouth Climate Action Planning Committee for a Virtual Community Vulnerability Workshop on March 9 from 6-8pm.
The Town of Falmouth is developing a town-wide Climate Action Plan to understand and prepare for the impacts of climate change. As part of this planning process, we are currently developing a vulnerability assessment, which analyzes the Town’s vulnerability to more intense weather events, rising annual temperatures, and other climate-related hazards. We are holding a virtual community vulnerability workshop to bring together community stakeholders to help identify specific risks and needs to protect residents, infrastructure, and natural resources. All community members are encouraged to attend to help identify specific concerns and needs. It’s key to the success of the plan that resident needs and vulnerabilities are heard and incorporated into the strategies.
Link to Register: https://www.falmouthme.org/climate-action-planning-committee-ad-hoc/events/129701
Strategic Watershed Plan Public Forum (Virtual), March 23, 7pm
Watershed health is becoming an increasingly important indicator for a community’s health. In January 2019, Falmouth was awarded a Maine Coastal Community Grant to assess the needs of and prioritize actions for all Town watersheds. Given the importance of this initiative on a regional scale (it is the first project to evaluate watersheds on a town-wide scale), Falmouth applied for a grant in partnership with GPCOG, and hired Attaining: Sustainable Solutions to develop the technical portion of this project and assemble all available Falmouth watershed data.
The draft plan was completed by Attaining in September 2021, was reviewed and summarized by Town staff and staff from Maine DEP, and then presented to Town Council on February 14, 2022. This public forum is an opportunity for Falmouth residents to learn more about the plan, town-wide watershed health, and the recommendations to protect, improve, and restore watershed health in the years to come.
Link to Register: https://www.falmouthme.org/home/events/129841
Focus on Pine Grove Preserve
To address safety concerns and improve the health of Pine Grove Preserve, located off Route 88, the Town will implement a forestry management plan in 2022 that includes a substantial harvest of dead and dying pine trees on this property. This series of articles focuses on the history of the preserve, challenges presented by this property, the management plan developed to address these issues, and what work residents can expect to see in the coming months. Find the first installment, "History of Pine Grove Preserve," here. The second installment, "Today's Challenges," can be found here.
Managing the Preserve
Over the winter and spring of 2021, several storms with winds in excess of 20 mph, resulted in multiple trees breaking off and falling in and over the trails further escalating safety concerns at Pine Grove Preserve. These downed trees require specialized tree removal due to the number of dead standing trees on the property that pose a substantial risk to workers. The trees standing above the pathways are also of great concern. “The surrounding trees above…that are dead but still standing next to the trail,” said Town Forester Paul Larrivee in a recent video presentation on the health of the preserve, “it’s only a matter of time before they come down.” Signage was placed at all entrance points of the preserve to warn visitors of the potential for fallen tree limbs. At meetings held in August and September 2021, the Falmouth Town Council heard a presentation and reviewed accompanying documents, reports, and a video on the current state of Pine Grove Preserve, as well as recommended measures to address the challenges posed by this property.
Sound forest management mimics the natural successional phases and removes trees before they decline and become hazards. This is accomplished through the thinning process. The thinning process also allows residual trees to develop higher live crown ratios, which in turn creates larger, stronger root masses. Openings created during the thinning process allow for sunlight to reach the forest floor, which in turn establishes a new age class of trees in the stand. The recommended strategies for managing this preserve include:
- Address invasives immediately
- Remove large declining white pine in small patches that mimic the natural disturbance regime. This will also serve to create new openings for the establishment of white pine seedlings. Healthy white pine trees with high live crown ratios should be maintained as a future seed source and biological legacy within the stand.
- Remove red pine in favor of the native hardwood regeneration that has established in the understory. The red pine is mostly dead or in decline and will continue to decline at an increasingly accelerated rate.
- Maintain hardwood trees throughout the forest. Removal should focus only on pine trees in decline.
- Clean-up current blow down areas. These fallen trees will need to be chipped when removed.
- Utilize any live trees removed to their highest and best use. Revenue generated from these trees will offset the cleanup in the blow down areas.
At its September 27 meeting, the Council approved an order to authorize staff to implement these forest management strategies for Pine Grove Preserve and approved a supplemental appropriation of $50,000 for associated expenditures.
The next installment of this "Focus on Pine Grove Preserve" series will outline the timeline for implementing the forestry management plan at Pine Grove. Can’t wait for the next article? Read the whole series here.
Ongoing Initiatives |
Vision & Values Update
At the Town Council meeting on Monday, February 28, Councilors Kuhn and Trickett will provide an update on the Vision & Values Project. While we had hoped to publish the data from Community Survey #2 to the portal and provide a presentation of the final report from Future iQ at this time, the project team, in consultation with the consultant, have determined that more time is necessary to complete the data roll out and Future iQ’s report.
FY23 Budget Development Meetings
The Town of Falmouth will hold the following virtual meetings regarding the FY23 Budget. An article regarding the budget was included in the last issue of The Falmouth Focus. Read it here.
- March 2--Budget Book Presentation of Town Budget to Finance Committee
- March 30--Joint Town and School Finance Committee Budget Presentation (Finance Committee)
- April 6--Public Hearing – FY23 Budget (Town Council)--Opportunity for public comment
- April 25--Council Vote to Approve (Town Council)
Additional info and a link to join by Zoom or phone will be provided in advance of each meeting on the meeting agenda. Finance Committee Agendas can be found here. Town Council Agendas can be found here. Agendas (including Zoom links) are also sent via E-Alert. Subscribe to the Finance Committee Alerts and/or Town Council Alerts at: www.falmouthme.org/subscribe
With the exception of the Public Hearing, public comment is not typically heard at these budget development meetings. Those who would like to offer input prior to the Public Hearing are encouraged to contact any Town Councilor or the Town Manager. Contact information can be found at https://www.falmouthme.org/town-council-town-manager.
Please note: This update on the status of the FY23 budget development does not include information regarding the proposed School Budget. For more information about the School Budget process, visit: https://www.falmouthschools.org/about/budget
Events |
Coffee with Councilors
Building on the productive dialogues established during the Town’s Vision & Values process, the Town Council would like to invite all residents to join two Councilors at a time for an informal Zoom gathering. These meetings will be scheduled for one hour each with no set agenda. It is a chance for informal dialogue on whatever is on residents' minds. We will vary the days and times to try to be accessible to all. Note, this is a pilot project; we will assess continuation after a few months. Visit the events calendar on the home page for Zoom links to each meeting or watch this space. We hope to see you there!
The next Coffee with Councilors will be held...
Friday, March 18, 8-9am
Attendees: Councilors Cahan and Trickett
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81081966514
Or One tap mobile :
US: +16465588656,,81081966514# or +13017158592,,81081966514#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 810 8196 6514
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kebMibPR7Q
Additional Dates
Note: Links to each coffee will be posted on the events calendar on our home page at www.falmouthme.org and listed here in each issue.
Thursday, April 14, 12-1pm
Attendees: Councilors Johnson, DeLima
Wednesday, May 11, 6-7pm
Attendees: Councilors LaFond, Kuhn
Falmouth Night at the Mariners, March 19
Spring Healthy Lawn Care Made Easy Workshops
Learn how to grow a healthy lawn that’s safe for families, pets, and the environment while saving money, time, and effort with workshops from the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District.
All classes are $15 and held from 6-8 PM. Register online at: cumberlandswcd.org/workshops
- Wednesday, March 30--In person or webinar | Windham Public Library
- Thursday, April 14--In person or webinar | Yarmouth Water District
- Tuesday, April 26--Webinar
Questions? Call Cumberland County SWCD at (207) 892-4700.
Urban Run Off 5K
Our community's health, economy, and way of life depends on clean water. Unfortunately, polluted runoff threatens Maine's lakes, rivers, streams, and bays. You can be the hero we need to protect our water. The Urban Runoff 5k, hosted by Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, supports clean water education in the greater Portland and Saco areas. The 2022 event will allow participants to explore a course anytime during the month of April on their own or join the timed event on April 23, 2022. Registration and more info at: https://www.cumberlandswcd.org/urban-runoff
Take Note |
News From Falmouth Memorial Library: Saturdays Return In March!
Barring any new unforeseen COVID-related absences or inclement weather, the Library will return to regular hours beginning February 27, 2022. The first open Saturday will be March 5, 2022. Please note, the Library will return to closing at 5pm on Mondays.
Regular hours:
Monday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:30 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
CLOSED Sundays and Holidays
Call for Family Volunteers
Falmouth Community Programs is seeking families to volunteer this winter to help their senior neighbors with snow removal. Several seniors are seeking assistance and we are looking for families who want to give back to their community with a safe activity they can do together. For more information about the program contact Kim Doyon, Senior Services Coordinator at 699-5330 or kdoyon@falmouthme.org
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlights
The Falmouth High School Jazz Band performed at One Longfellow Square in Portland on February 17th.
Focus: Welcome
We are happy to welcome Officer Amanda Hogg to the position of School Resource Officer (SRO) of the Falmouth Middle and Elementary Schools. Officer Hogg will bring her compassion, leadership, and strong communication skills while ensuring the security and safety of our students!
Upcoming: Meetings & Events
School Board Meeting
School Board Meeting - Monday, February 28th @ 7:00 in the FES cafeteria
The agenda is posted 5 days prior to the meeting on the falmouthschools.org website.
For more information on Falmouth Public Schools, visit: www.falmouthschools.org
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Virtual Meeting, Monday, February 28, 7:00pm
The Town Council will meet on Monday, February 28 at 7:00pm. 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 agenda and zoom link can be found here. The Zoom application will allow attendees to connect and participate remotely via computer or phone. 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 on February 14. An agenda and video can be found here.
- There was an update on the Community Vision and Values Project.
- The Highland Lake Leadership Team provided an update and there was an update on the Town’s climate action planning process.
- There was a public hearing on Proposed Amendments to Ch. II-14, Art. II-14-2, Div. II-14-2-2, Sec. 60-65 of the Code of Ordinance Relative to Street Acceptance and Changes to the Street Acceptance Application Review Process.
- The Council conducted a Triennial review of the Town's Rate of Growth Ordinance and approved an order affirming the Rate of Growth Ordinance's compliance with State law and affirming the Council's decision to retain the Rate of Growth Ordinance.
- There was an introduction of a Proposed Route 100 Tax Increment Financing District.
- There was an update on the draft 2021 Falmouth Strategic Watershed Plan.
- The Council approved an order for a supplemental appropriation from the American Rescue Plan Funds.
Planning Board
The following items will be considered at the Planning Board meeting on March 1. An agenda and video can be found here.
- 188 US Route 1 – Burr Signs representing People’s United Bank - Request for Sign Permit Approval to replace 2 signs. Map/lot U51-005. REMOVED
342 US Route One – David Matero Architecture – Request for Shoreland Zone Review Approval to construct a permanent bridge at Rose Stone. Map/lot U53-002.
251 US Route One – Bailey Sign Inc. on behalf of Lanman Rayne Nelson Reade – Request for Sign Permit Approval for one new wall sign. Map/lot U12-002.
Clearwater Drive – Empire Development LLC – Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan Review for a Conceptual Mixed Residential and Commercial Use Development of the TV3 Parcel in Tidewater Village. Map/Lot U52-006.
456 Blackstrap Rd – White Acres LLC – Request for Subdivision Approval for a 3-Lot Minor Subdivision. Map/lot R08-009-001.
11 Foreside Road – Portland Country Club – Request for Site Plan Amendment Approval for a wetland fill and parking area modifications. Map/lot R02-004.
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, plans, 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. For additional information or questions, contact Dawn Emerson at 207-781-5326 or demerson@falmouthme.org
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals considered the following items at its meeting on February 22. An agenda and video can be found here.
24 Amerescoggin Road – Jeremy & Karli Nickerson – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-86 for an expansion to add a cupola and relocate existing front door, steps, and landing to original location on the side of the home. Map/lot U18-057; Zoned RA, SZ-LR, RCZO, WVOD. APPROVED
5 Middle Road – Land Design Solutions representing Meader LLC – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for a tear down and rebuild of a non-conforming single family dwelling unit on a non-conforming lot. Map/lot R04-059; Zoned RA, RCZO. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- 12 Pawle Place – Herbert & Rachel Sears – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 for reapproval of a residential building permit for completion of a single-family dwelling. Map/lot U16-010; Zoned RA, RCZO. 15 Andrews Avenue – Colleen Golden - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to replace an existing deck with a mudroom and powder room. Map/lot U01-112; Zoned RA, RCZO, WVOD.APPROVED
15 Andrews Avenue – Colleen Golden - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to replace an existing deck with a mudroom and powder room. Map/lot U01-112. 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 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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