Town of Falmouth Announces Phased Reopening of Offices and Facilities
In accordance with Governor Mills’ “Restarting Maine’s Economy” guidelines, the Town of Falmouth has begun a phased reopening of several town facilities and services. These reopening plans are compliant with the phases set forth by the Governor and follow CDC recommended best practices regarding social distancing. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, all decisions regarding Town operations have been guided by the following priorities:
- The safety of our residents, especially the seniors in our community and those residents with underlying health issues which make them particularly vulnerable to illness.
- Implementing “social distancing” policies and practices as recommended by the state and federal CDC.
- Maintaining a healthy work environment for our first responders and front-line employees, so they can perform their critical duties and continue to serve and protect our community.
Under this phased reopening, some buildings will open to the public sooner than others, new safety measures will be put into place at all locations, and services that can be and have been done remotely will continue to be transacted in that manner. For everyone’s continued safety, we strongly encourage members of the public to avoid visiting Town buildings and facilities whenever possible and to continue to utilize our website and remote services when able. Most of our services are offered online, via e-mail, phone, and mail. Visit https://www.falmouthme.org/home/news/town-services-during-the-covid19-pandemic for additional information regarding remote services.
Please note, the impact of the pandemic is evolving and there are still many unknowns. We may be required to adjust these plans and policies as the situation changes. This may include closing buildings again for certain periods of time or curtailing services. The priorities outlined above will continue to guide us going forward. Changes and updates will be communicated to the public via our website, E-Alerts, and social media.
GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES
- Most buildings are open by appointment only.
- Appointments should be made only for those transactions that cannot be made remotely or online.
- Only one person is allowed per appointment, unless necessary (i.e., caregivers, required signatories, etc.)
- Social distancing measures and new procedures will be in place at all Town buildings and facilities to regulate the interactions between staff and visitors.
- Visitors should not enter Town offices if exhibiting symptoms of illness.
- Visitors will be required to wear masks.
TOWN HALL
Clerk’s Office
Beginning on May 18, the Clerk’s Office will begin accepting appointments. To schedule an appointment call 781-5253, prompt 1. On May 26, the Clerk’s Department will reopen to the public by appointment only. Appointments will be scheduled Monday - Thursday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm for assistance with services that cannot be completed remotely or online (new residents, new car, and boat registrations). Residents will be required to bring all necessary paperwork with them to these appointments. A checklist of required documents will be e-mailed after scheduling the appointment. Failure to provide the appropriate documentation will result in the cancellation of the appointment. The front door of Town Hall will be locked, and entrance will be through the side door. Appointments for the Clerk’s office will be used until further notice.
Community Development/Planning/Code Enforcement
Because of space constraints on the second floor of Town Hall, the Community Development Department, (Planning and Code Enforcement offices) will reopen on June 15 by appointment only. Inspections are continuing as normal. Virtual inspections may be available in certain instances at the discretion of staff. To schedule an appointment with Code staff, call 699-5310. To schedule an appointment with Planning staff, please contact staff directly. For Planning staff contact information click here.
Other Town Hall Offices
All other Town Hall departments, including Administrative, Finance, Assessing, Sustainability, Open Space, and Long-Range Planning & Economic Development, will open to the public by appointment on June 15. Contact specific departments directly for an appointment. For a directory of departments click here.
MASON-MOTZ COMMUNITY CENTER
The Mason-Motz Community Center office will open for program registrations ONLY on June 1 at
8:00 am. Residents are encouraged to use online and remote services when possible and reserve appointments for only those transactions that cannot be completed online, by e-mail, or by phone. Office hours during this time are Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-4:00 pm and Friday 8:00 am-noon. Limited programming will resume in June. Please call 699-5302 for more information.
PUBLIC WORKS
The Public Works office will reopen to the public on June 1 for Transfer Station purchases only (disposal tickets and window stickers). Residents are encouraged to use online and remote services when possible and reserve appointments for only those transactions that cannot be completed remotely. For appointments, call 781-3919. Office hours are Monday-Thursday 7:00 am-4:30 pm.
TRANSFER STATION
On May 5, the Transfer Station reopened with extended hours for brush and leaf disposal only. Beginning Tuesday, May 19, additional items can be disposed of at the Transfer Station. Proof of residency is required. Extended hours are in effect until June 2. Additional items include yellow trash bags, recyclables, and food waste. Click here for a full list of accepted items, hours of operation, and social distancing procedures.
Items that require purchase and exchange of a disposal ticket CANNOT be disposed of at this time. These include bulky waste items, Bargain Barn items, electronic waste, and commercial leaves and brush. Click here for a list of items that ARE NOT allowed. The Transfer Station will resume full operations on June 2. Social distancing procedures will remain in place until further notice.
FALMOUTH TRAILS
Falmouth Trails opened on April 25 and trailhead parking restrictions were lifted on May 5. Social distancing precautions remain in place and parking at several locations is limited to every other space. Visit https://www.falmouthme.org/parks-and-community-programs/pages/falmouth-trails-and-playgrounds for guidelines regarding safe trail use.
FALMOUTH PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS & FACILITIES
Community Park reopened on May 4 for trail access and dog walking only. Tennis courts at Huston Park and those next to the school administrative offices on Woodville Road reopened for single play only. All other parks, facilities, athletic fields, and playgrounds will reopen on June 1.
WASTE WATER TREATMENT FACILITIES
The Wastewater Department and all related facilities will be open to the public by appointment only. For appointments, call 781-4462. Office hours are Monday-Friday 7:00 am-3:00 pm.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Central Station and the Falmouth Police Station will be open to the public by appointment only. For appointments at Falmouth Police Department, call 781-2300. For appointments at Central Station with Falmouth Fire-EMS, call 781-2610.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Residents are encouraged to subscribe to our E-Alerts to obtain the latest information and updates regarding Town services and operations. Subscribe to News and Announcements at: www.falmouthme.org/subscribe. Our COVID-19 webpage provides updates and additional information and resources for residents. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.