2021.02.05--Falmouth Focus, Volume 3, Issue 3
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.
Town Services, Offices, & Facilities
- Town of Falmouth Facility Closures, Cancellation, and Status of Services
- Online and Remote Services
- A Guide to Participating in Virtual Town Council Meetings
- Transfer Station and Waste Disposal
- Falmouth Parks, Playgrounds, Trails & Trailhead Parking
- Falmouth Schools Updates
Table of Contents |
- News & Issues
- Ongoing Initiatives
- Committee News
- Events
- Take Note
- Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
- Stay Informed
* Please note, currently the Table of Contents links feature is not supported by all email clients or browsers.
News & Issues |
Falmouth residents – do you experience any wireless cell phone coverage issues in Falmouth?
This February the Town is supporting a month-long survey to learn more about that
In recent years, some Falmouth residents have remarked on issues regarding wireless cell phone service in our community. Spotty coverage and dropped calls are the most common complaints. The Town was offered an opportunity to help gather data that may point to possible solutions to these coverage issues.
Cell Coverage Mapping (“CCM”) is a consumer-centric data collection and analytics survey focused on identifying wireless cell phone service issues and helping with facilitating wireless solutions for communities, such as building more cell towers in the most optimal locations. To gather data on coverage issues, CCM has created a brief survey for Falmouth residents to identify issues and specific areas in Falmouth where coverage has shown to be problematic. Data gathered from the survey, will allow Town officials to assess service issues and facilitate possible solutions with wireless service providers. There is no cost to the Town or residents to participate in this new and innovative data-driven project.
The survey takes 1-3 minutes to complete and allows residents to give feedback on multiple coverage issues. The survey can be found at: www.cellcoveragemapping.com and is open until February 28, 2021.
For more information about this survey, please contact: Brad Gorham, Principal, CCM, 978-376-5427, bradg@cellcoveragemapping.com or Theo Holtwijk, Director of Long-Range Planning and Economic Development, Town of Falmouth, 207-699-5340, tholtwijk@falmouthme.org. CCM is owned and operated by WRA, a Massachusetts based wireless infrastructure company.
Vision & Values Project: Community Survey #1 Results Are In!
by David Beurle, CEO, Future iQ
The Falmouth community-driven Vision & Values project has completed its first major milestone! The Community Survey #1 closed on 31 January. Some hard copy surveys are still trickling in via mail and these too will be counted.
The final tally will be over 1,700 surveys, with a 75% completion rate. In other words, nearly 1,300 people took the whole survey of 39 questions. In relative terms this is an incredible outcome, and about twice as good as most comparable community surveys. This was in large part due to the community volunteers (Community Connectors) who helped promote the survey and encouraged people to get involved. Our appreciation and congratulations to this dedicated group of community residents.
The survey data will take some time to process, and we will be posting the first batch of results on Monday, 8 February, and then progressively over the following weeks. The data will be presented in interactive charts, so you can go in and explore what the community thinks about a range of key issues, and then drill in and see where various cohorts may share or differ in perspective
We will be exploring the survey results throughout February and March, and then moving into the next major steps in the projects. This will include taking a ‘deep dive’ into the key future shaping issues that have emerged in the survey.
You can view the data, starting 8 February on the project portal at: https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/. Join us at the Town Council Meeting on Monday, 8 February at 7:00pm for a brief overview of key data points and plans for moving forward in the visioning process. Public comment will be taken at this meeting as well.
Ongoing Initiatives |
Underwood Road Drainage Improvements Project Update
By Justin Early, P.E., Town Engineer
The Underwood Road Drainage Improvements Project to repair damage caused by erosion to the storm drain outfall at the end of Underwood Road was substantially completed this past month. A storm drain outfall is where a storm drain pipe or channel discharges stormwater runoff to a natural waterbody. In this case the outfall discharges into Casco Bay. The project involved stabilizing the channel and mitigating erosion through the use of armoring. Armoring is the practice of using physical structures such as big rocks, known as riprap, to protect shorelines from coastal erosion. The contractor, Crooker Construction from Topsham, will return in the spring to install plantings, seed the disturbed areas, and finish some pavement repairs at the end of Underwood Road. Overall, the project went very smoothly and we could not have asked for better weather during the construction period. We had a snowstorm right before the project started, and right after it ended, but nothing in between! Crooker Construction, Inc. did an outstanding job and was able to get the work done in only 4 weeks. We realize the nearby residents were impacted greatly and we appreciate their patience during this project.
State Launches Website Directory of COVID-19 Vaccine Sites in Maine
Maine residents age 70 and older are now eligible for vaccination against COVID-19 as part of Phase 1B. Gov. Janet Mills’ office has published a list of health providers who have begun scheduling appointments for seniors 70 and older to the get the COVID-19 vaccine. Find the list here. The list will be updated as more providers set up sites and systems to make appointments. All sites will require an appointment to receive a vaccine.
If you are over 70, you may hear directly from your health care provider about how to get a vaccine or you may visit the State’s COVID-19 response website to find providers currently taking appointments. Please note: Because Maine’s supply of vaccine is limited, appointments may not be immediately available and will be scheduled on a rolling basis. Appointment availability is dependent on vaccine supply. There is no charge for the COVID-19 vaccine, but you should be prepared to provide any insurance information and proof of eligibility at the vaccination site. To find out if you are currently eligible, click here.
Falmouth EMA is monitoring this evolving situation closely and will continue to provide updates via E-Alerts as needed and as additional information becomes available. As always, we are relying on the Maine CDC, the Governor’s office, and appropriate state agencies for guidance on this issue and encourage residents to visit Maine CDC and the State’s COVID-19 response website for the most current and up-to-date information.
Town-Wide Revaluation Project Underway
As noted in previous issues of The Falmouth Focus, the Town of Falmouth's revaluation project is now underway. Data collectors from Vision Government Solutions have begun visiting Falmouth properties to conduct exterior evaluations (interior evaluations will not occur until later in 2021 and 2022). Residents will receive notice by mail indicating when data collectors will be in their neighborhood. Data Collection will begin in the northwest corner of Falmouth, near Cumberland and Windham. The Town of Falmouth has created a Revaluation Project Page which will include updates as the revaluation project progresses. The page will include information on the process as well as a project schedule. The Revaluation Project Page can be accessed via the home page of the Town website or by clicking here. Additional updates can be found via our social media pages, this newsletter, and in our regular ads in The Northern Forecaster.
Committee News |
Conservation Commission and Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee (REAC)
The Conservation Commission is a Town committee consisting of seven members appointed by the Town Council, for 3-year terms. The Commission strives to protect the natural resources of Falmouth and improve the Town’s ecological integrity and wildlife diversity. It increases public awareness of the intrinsic value of the Town’s natural resources and works to study and conserve them. One way to increase public awareness is through informational articles in The Falmouth Focus. The article below is the second in a series of three, developed in conjunction with the Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee (REAC) to address the use of plastics and challenge all of us to consider their use and impact on our environment.
Make 2021 Your Year to Break Free from Plastic Pollution, Part 2
by Karen Jacobsen, Conservation Committee
Dear Falmouth Residents:
As noted in the last edition of The Falmouth Focus, we have become accustomed to using plastic in many forms in our day-to-day life. Prior to buying projects or throwing out plastic waste, please consider that:
- Plastics contribute to both climate change and environmental destruction
- Plastic trash and microplastics are harmful to fish, birds, other wildlife, and humans
- Plastics are made from a byproduct of fracked natural gas and petroleum products releasing great amounts of CO2 and methane into the atmosphere
- A 2019 report from the World Wide Fund for Nature found that adults ingest an average of 5 grams (the weight of a credit card) of microplastics each week
- Less than 10% of plastics are recycled; over 90% is thrown into landfills or incinerated destined for our waterways and atmosphere.
Consider taking these simple actions to reduce plastic use and waste:
- Eliminate plastics in your tea.
- Did you know that many tea companies package their tea in plastic tea bags?
- Researchers at McGill University found that a single plastic tea bag releases billions of microplastic particles when steeped in boiling water.
- Eliminate the use of black plastics in cooking utensils, stirrers, hot cup lids, take-out, and food containers.
- Black plastics can be made with e-waste and, as a result, contain toxic chemicals including heavy metals and flame retardants.
- These toxic chemicals can leach into your food and drink when exposed to heat.
- Eliminate plastic straws.
Plastics are bad news. Please do your part to reduce their negative impact on our environment, wildlife, human life, and atmosphere.
Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee (REAC)
The Winter 2021 edition of the Town of Falmouth Sustainability Newsletter is now online. This edition is focused on home heating. As we embrace another Maine winter, many of you are thinking about your home heating costs, efficiency, and options. This issue looks at heat pumps and;
- Heat pump technology
- Rebates and cost savings available to Falmouth residents
- Insider’s perspective on heat pump water heaters, from our very own Councilor Pete Lafond
Click here to read the newsletter. Subscribe to future issues of Town of Falmouth Sustainability Newsletter by subscribing to the Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee (REAC) E-Alerts at: www.falmouthme.org/subscribe.
Events |
Kindergarten Registration at Falmouth Elementary School is Open
It's time for Kindergarten registration at Falmouth Elementary School. Online registration for Falmouth Kindergarten for the 2021-2022 school year is now open. A child must be five years old on or before October 15, 2021 in order to attend kindergarten in the fall. This is state law as well as school board policy. There are no exceptions. To register on or after February 1, please go to the Falmouth School District web page at www.falmouthschools.org. Click on the Elementary School link and go to Student Registration at the bottom. Please make sure to choose the 2021-2022 school year when registering!
For more information on the documents necessary to complete information and to sign up for either an In-Person or Virtual appointment to present your child’s documents to be copied for their child’s registration packet, please contact Carolyn Edwards at Falmouth Elementary School, 781-3988 or email carolyn.edwards@falmouthschools.org
Future Summit #1, March 1, 7:00pm
As part of the Vision & Values Project, Future iQ will provide residents with a variety of ways to join in the discussion regarding Falmouth’s future. One such opportunity is the first Future Summit which will be held on March 1, via Zoom, beginning at 7:00pm. Future Summits will be held at key points in the visioning process. These forward-looking community events (currently held virtually) will combine a presentation of data and results gathered to date, live interactive polling on key questions, and an opportunity for community comment. Additional information and a link to join Future Summit #1 by phone or Zoom will be provided in advance of the meeting on the home page of the Town website and via a News & Announcements E-Alert.
Take Note |
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Virtual Meeting, Monday, February 8, 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, February 8 at 7:00pm using Zoom. This 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. An agenda can be found here. 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 January 25 at 7:00pm via Zoom. See agenda here.
- The Council approved the minutes of the December 7, 2020 and December 16, 2020 Council meetings.
- The Council approved the appointment of Suzanne Fox to the Community Wellness Committee, Alexander Urquhart to the Conservation Commission, and Scott Simmonds to the Parks & Community Programs Advisory Committee.
- There was an update on the Community Vision and Values project.
- There was an introduction of ordinance amendments to CH. II-7 of the Code of Ordinances relative to subdivision review and compliance with recent changes to the state statutes. The public hearing was scheduled for February 22, 2021.
The Town Council held a special meeting on January 29 at 8:00am via Zoom to discuss street acceptance policy and pending street acceptance applications. See agenda here.
View past Town Council meetings here.
Planning Board
The Planning Board considered the following items at its February 2 meeting. Find agenda here. The links below will direct users to the additional information available on each project at the time of this publication, including building elevations and images when available. Planning Board agendas for upcoming meetings may not always be available or complete at the time of this newsletter's publication. Information on planning board projects and activities, including agendas and minutes, can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/planning-board
- Entwood Road - Map/lot U28-005 & 005-D - Harold & Sheena Mason –– Request for Re-Approval of the First Amendment to a Private Way (Entwood Road) - private way extension of 425 feet originally approved October 13, 2020. WITHDRAWN BY THE APPLICANT
- Entwood Road - Map/lot U28-005 & 005-D - Harold & Sheena Mason –– Request for Re-Approval of the Second Amendment to Private Way (Entwood Road) - lot line adjustment between lots C and D originally approved October 13, 2020. WITHDRAWN BY THE APPLICANT
- 251 US Route 1 - Map-lot U12-002 - 20 Thames Street LLC & 122 PTIP LLC -- Request for Site Plan Approval for a 24,870 square foot, 4‑story, Bank/Restaurant/Office Building at the Falmouth Shopping Center. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- Falmouth Road - Map-lot R04-022 - Blackstone Development LLC –– Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan for Hidden Hills Estates - a major subdivision of 13 single family residential lots consisting of 10 Conservation Subdivision lots and 3 Country Estate lots. DISCUSSED
For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/planning-board
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) considered the following items at its January 26 meeting. Click here for the agenda.
- 7 Pitt Street – Matthew & Margaret Blake –Request for Variance under Section 19-120 to replace existing unsafe and non-compliant front entry stairway with small exterior porch landing and stairway. DENIED
- 1 Webber Way – Melissa Shattuck –Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for a 8’ x 16’ 3-season porch addition. APPROVED
- 20 Glen Road – Marilyn A. Lalumiere –Request for Administrative Appeal under Section 19-124 of Code Enforcement Officer’s decision regarding a fence permit. DENIED
There will be no BZA meeting on February 23 because no applications were received.
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. 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. Over 70% of respondents to our Communications Methods Survey found E-Alerts to be an effective means of getting info about Town activities. 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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