2021.04.02--Falmouth Focus, Volume 3, Issue 8

Focus Masthead

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

News & Issues
- The Falmouth Focus
- Falmouth School Mascot Survey
Ongoing Initiatives
- Revaluation Project
- Vision & Values
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

Stay Informed with The Falmouth Focus

This week a special print edition of The Falmouth Focus landed in mail boxes with property tax bills. If you are receiving this digital version, you probably subscribe to either The Falmouth Focus E-Alert or News & Announcements E-Alerts. If not, we encourage you to subscribe today! In the summer of 2019, we surveyed residents about their preferred methods of receiving communications from the Town. The response was overwhelming: Falmouth residents wanted a newsletter from their town government. Over the past twenty months and forty issues, The Falmouth Focus, has become a "go to" source for information about the Town of Falmouth and issues that impact your everyday life. Meeting, special event and public forum notices, road construction alerts, registration deadlines, election information, trash collection schedules, building closures and cancellations, and opportunities to engage with your town government can all be found in The Focus. In addition, more in depth articles about issues (browntail moth), budget planning (Falmouth Fire-EMS expansion), policy development or changes (Vision & Values), and current or upcoming projects (Revaluation, West Falmouth Sewer Upgrade) keep you informed about the work Town officials are planning or activities currently underway. And during a crisis, such as the pandemic, The Falmouth Focus provides another tool for getting vital information to residents. We encourage you to share issues of this digital newsletter with your friends and family and to invite them to subscribe as well. Thank you for your continued interest and support of this effort.

Note: We like to issue The Focus on the Friday before a Monday Town Council meeting. To stay in sync with those meetings, an extra issue of the newsletter will also go out next Friday, April 9 and continue bi-weekly thereafter.

Falmouth School Board Seeks Input on Mascot

The Falmouth School Board and district leaders are seeking input and feedback from the community about the school mascot: The Yachtsmen. Please share your thoughts in the brief FALMOUTH MASCOT SURVEY. The survey link can also be found on the school district website (www.falmouthschools.org). The survey closes on April 18.

Ongoing Initiatives

Revaluation Efforts Ramping Up

With the arrival of spring and improving weather, Vision Government Solutions has increased the number of data collectors working on Falmouth's town-wide revaluation. Data collectors began visiting homes in Falmouth in January beginning at the upper Northwest corner on the border of Cumberland and Windham. They are currently moving south and east, conducting exterior evaluations of properties. Residents will be notified by mail in advance of data collectors work in their neighborhood. These letters will provide an approximate time-frame for when data collectors will be working in your area of town.

Interior inspections will not begin until summer 2021. Residents need not be home for the exterior inspection. Data Collectors will take measurements and walk around the exterior of the property. In Phase 2 of the project, data collectors will ask to see the interior of your home. This phase will begin in July 2021 and continue into 2022. The inspection will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes. While it is not mandatory for residents to allow inspectors interior access, the data they are collecting is vitally important to the accuracy and uniformity of the assessments. The revaluation will conclude by August 2022. The results of will be applied to November 2022 property tax bills.

Safety Precautions

Data Collectors have been trained in all CDC recommended health and safety protocols. They will always wear masks and maintain six feet of distance from home owners. Interior inspections will not begin until summer 2021 and continue into 2022. All data collectors working on Falmouth’s revaluation project work for Vision Government Solutions of Hudson, Massachusetts. Most of the data collectors conducting Falmouth’s revaluation live in Maine and will drive vehicles with Maine license plates. In some cases, however, a data collector may use a vehicle with out-of-state plates. In ALL cases, every data collector vehicle will be marked with identifying information. Data Collectors will be dressed in bright yellow vests and will be wearing a lanyard and photo identification badge. They will also have a letter of authorization from the Town of Falmouth. If at any time, you are suspicious of an individual asking for entry into or access around the exterior of your home, you may contact Falmouth Police Department at their non-emergency number (207-781-2300) for verification.

Find more information on the revaluation project at: https://www.falmouthme.org/home/pages/revaluation-project-2021-2022

Vision & Values Project Town Council Presentation

On March 1 (and repeated on March 29), Future iQ hosted Future Summit #1 to present data gathered from the survey and to explore future community aspirations through interactive polling questions with attendees. You can learn more about the Future Summit at: https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/future-summits/future-summit-1/. On April 12, David Beurle from Future iQ, will provide an update to the Town Council with results from the two Future Summits and outline next steps in the Visioning Process. The meeting will be held via Zoom, beginning at 7:00pm. A link to join by phone or Zoom will be provided in advance of the meeting on the home page of the Town website and via News & Announcements E-Alert.

Get Involved

Watch this space, News & Announcements E-Alerts, and our social media pages for information on additional opportunities to get involved and share your Vision for Falmouth's future as we proceed with the Visioning process. Learn more about the project at https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/ or call 207-699-5346.

Events

FY22 Budget Meetings & Workshops

The Town of Falmouth will hold the following virtual meetings regarding the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget:

April 7, 7:00pm—Public Hearing – FY22 Budget (Town Council)--Opportunity for public comment
April 12, 7:00pm—Council Vote to Approve (Town Council)--Tentatively scheduled but may be held later)

Additional info and a link to join by phone or Zoom will be provided in advance of each meeting on the meeting agenda. Town Council Agendas can be found here. Agendas (including Zoom links) are also sent via E-Alert. Subscribe at: www.falmouthme.org/subscribe

Those who would like to offer input prior to the April 7 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. More information about the proposed budget and any updates can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/finance/pages/fy-21-22-budget. To view a recent article in The Focus regarding the budget development process, click here.

For more information about the School Budget, visit: http://www.falmouthschools.org/ and click "Budget" on the left side of the page.

Earth Month 2021 Events

April 22 is Earth Day! Mark the occasion by joining us for a Clean-Up!

Community Clean-Up #1, Saturday, April 17

Location: River Point Conservation Area, on Route 100, just east of the West Falmouth Crossing Shopping Center. Park at the head of the railroad bridge or in the rear of the shopping center lot. After crossing the bridge, look for an informational kiosk to the right. We will have bags and info at the kiosk.

Time: 9am-12pm

Details: Town to supply trash bags. Please bring your own reusable work gloves and masks. Each participant will receive a free movie pass courtesy of Flagship Premium Cinemas in Falmouth!

Community Clean-Up #2, Saturday, April 24

Location: Route 1 – Waldo’s General Store to Bucknam Road. Meet at Flagship Premium Cinemas, 206 US Route 1. Park in the lot at the side of the building.

Time: 9am-12pm

Details: Town to supply trash bags. Please bring your own reusable work gloves and masks. Each participant will receive a free movie pass courtesy of Flagship Premium Cinemas in Falmouth!

Neighborhood Clean-Ups

Organize your own neighborhood clean-up and the bags are on us! Email Ashley Krulik, akrulik@falmouthme.org if you’d like to organize a clean-up in your neighborhood and we’ll set aside some bags for you to pick up in April.

Urban Runoff 5K

The Urban Runoff 5K supports clean water education in the greater Portland and Saco areas. Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District made the difficult decision to host a virtual event in 2021. Runners will be able to participate anytime during the month of April. You choose the time and the course or you can use one of our suggested routes throughout the Casco Bay Watershed. Run individually or get your friends, family, or coworkers together and form a team. Push each other to be fit, and band together as heroes to protect our water! For more info and to register visit: https://www.cumberlandswcd.org/urban-runoff

Spring Lawn Care Virtual Workshops

Do you want a lush green lawn that is safe for kids, pets, and the environment while saving you time and money? Join Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District to learn how to create a more resilient, beautiful lawn, without relying on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Learn strategies for fertilizing correctly, controlling weeds and thatch, renovating poor lawns, transitioning to organic care, and more. Whether you maintain your lawn or hire a professional, round up your neighbors and join us! Program teachings are compatible with the City of Portland’s pesticide ordinance, the City of South Portland’s landcare management ordinance, and the Town of Falmouth’s Living Lawns program.

Workshops will be held:

Tuesday, March 23, 4-6pm
Tuesday, March 30, 6-8pm
Wednesday, April 14, 4-6pm
Thursday, April 29, 6-8pm

Register at https://www.cumberlandswcd.org/conservation-shop/tickets to receive the webinar link. The cost to attend each workshop is $15. For more info, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif11826/f/uploads/spring_2021_lawncare_workshops.pdf

Take Note

Spring Leaf Bag Collection Schedule

Spring curbside collection for leaf bags will take place on:

Friday, April 30
Friday, May 14

(Note, there will be no leaf collection on Friday, May 7!) All Leaf bags MUST be placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m. to ensure pick up.

Leaf bags are available at the Public Works Office (101 Woods Road) in quantities of 12 per Falmouth address beginning Monday, April 5. (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!)

REMINDER – Brush is NOT collected curbside but can be brought to the transfer station. Leaf bags are for leaves only. Do not put brush or trash in the leaf bags.

Transfers station hours are:

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:00pm – 4:00pm Fridays 7:00am – 5:00pm Saturdays 9:00am – 5:00pm

For more information, please contact the Public Works Office at 207-781-3919

Nomination Papers Available For Elected Positions

Nomination papers are now available from the Falmouth Town Clerk’s Office. Residents interested in running for Town Council, School Board, or Portland Water District Representative must submit nomination papers with a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 100 signatures no later than 5:00pm, Monday, April 12.

The Municipal election will be held on Tuesday, June 8, for the purpose of electing:

Two (2) people to the Town Council for three (3) year terms
Two (2) people to the School Board for three (3) year terms
One (1) person as the Portland Water District Trustee Representing Cumberland and Falmouth for a five (5) year term.

For more information, contact the Clerk's Office at: 781-5253 or visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-clerk/news/nomination-papers

Mill Creek Watershed

Do you live, work, or play in the Mill Creek Watershed? A watershed is an area of land, where all of the water that falls on it, flows downhill across the land to the same waterbody. The things you do to your yard can harm the health of your local waterbody. You can have a healthy lawn that's safe for you, your family, and pets to play on by reducing your use of fertilizers and pesticides. Learn how with help from the Cumberland County Soil & Conservation District at: https://www.cumberlandswcd.org/yardscape.

Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings

Town Council Virtual Meeting, Monday, April 12, 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, April 12 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 will be posted here in advance of the meeting. 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 March 22 at 7:00pm via Zoom. See agenda here.

The Council approved the minutes of the February 8, 2021 and February 22, 2021 Town Council meetings.
The Council approved the appointment of Chris Wasileski to the Land Management and Acquisitions Committee.
The Council approved the re-enactment of 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 approved a supplemental appropriation of $35,000 from unassigned fund balance to restore the FY21 Town social services funding to the budget.
The Council approved an order to amend the Land Use Permit Fee Schedule to increase the publication and notice fee from $75 to $125.
There was a concept discussion of a proposed installation by AT&T of a Small Cell Attachment to a traffic signal post at the corner of Route 1 and Clearwater Drive.
The Council entered into Executive Session pursuant to the Laws of Maine to consult with the Town Attorney regarding legal rights and responsibilities, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (E).

View past Town Council meetings here.

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider the following items at its April 6 meeting. An agenda can be found here.

Entwood Road – Harold & Sheena Mason –Request for Re-Approval of the First Amendment to Private Way. Map/lot U28-005 & 005-D, Zoned F, RCZO.
133 Hurricane Road - Timothy & Christine Nolan – Request for Private Way Re-Approval for 2 new lots. Map/lot R08-080 & R08-080-D, Zoned F, RCZO.
Public Hearing: Amendments to Section 19-19 of the Code of Ordinances and to the West Falmouth Crossing Master Development Plan in order to allow private schools as a conditional use at one of the development sites in the West Falmouth Crossing Master Planned Development District.
36 Woods Road – Tangent Energy Solutions Inc. representing the Town of Falmouth – Request for Site Plan Approval for an 875 kW AC Solar Array at the Town Landfill. Map/lot R01-004, Zoned F, RCZO.
20 Gilsland Farm Road – Maine Audubon – Request for Site Plan Approval for a 24’ x 36’ Open-Sided Outdoor Learning Center Structure. Map/lot R02-007-A; Zoned RA, RCZO, SZ-LR, SZ-RP.
5 Orchard Lane – Anderson Landscaping, Inc representing John & Rebecca Marr – Request for Shoreland Zone Permit Approval for Bank Stabilization and Patio Terrace. Map/Lot U10-003-C, Zoned RA, SZ-LR, RCZO, WVOD.
196 US Route One – Bill Sowles – Request for Site Plan Approval for a 12,900 sf one-story building addition. Map/lot U52-001-B; Zoned VC1, VC2.

Site Walk

The Falmouth Planning Board will conduct a site walk for the proposed Hidden Hills Estates Subdivision (Map-lot R04-022) on Saturday, April 24, 2021. The Board will convene the site walk at 1:30 pm at Falls Road near the intersection of Falmouth Road. The site walk is open to the public. PLEASE FOLLOW COVID GUIDELINES BY WEARING MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING.

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 March 23 meeting. An agenda can be found here.

20 Andrews Avenue – Jessica Harris – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to expand existing mudroom and rebuild larger garage. Map/lot U01-096, Zoned RA, RCZO, WVOD. APPROVED
1 Shoreline Drive – Burnham & Lobozzo Builders, LLC representing Usha Reddi – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for the tear down and rebuilding of a 2-car garage. Map/lot U01-082, Zoned RA, RCZO, SZ-LR, WVOD. TABLED PENDING APRIL 27^TH SITE WALK
22 Whitney Road – Daniel & Jennifer Vogt - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to add two dormers to the second floor of the home. Map/lot U01-073, Zoned RA, RCZO, WVOD. TABLED PENDING APRIL 27^TH SITE WALK
8 Chester Avenue – Rachel W. & Mike Cooney - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to replace the existing garage with a master bedroom suite and rooftop deck. Map/lot U04-053, Zoned RA, RCZO, SZ-LR. APPROVED
37 Johnson Road – Alvaro Ortega Sebastian - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for a kitchen addition. Map/lot U19-033, Zoned RA, RCZO. APPROVED
239 Middle Road – Erika J. Richio – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 & 19-123 for a home day care. Map/lot U23-026, Zoned RB, RCZO. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
15 Reg Roc Road – Michael Maines representing Daniel Flack & Jesse Weisshaar - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for a screened porch addition. Map/lot U01-131, Zoned RA, RCZO, SZ-LR, WVOD. 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 an 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
www.falmouthme.org

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