2021.04.09--Falmouth Focus, Volume 3, Issue 9
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
Table of Contents |
- News & Issues
- Ongoing Initiatives
- 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 |
Call for Nominations for 2020 Citizen of the Year
Each year the Town of Falmouth honors an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the municipality through the Citizen of the Year Award. The award acknowledges exceptional contribution to the community and positive examples of citizenship.
The Town of Falmouth is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Citizen of the Year Award. Nominations may be submitted by any individual or group in writing and must be 500 words or less. Nominations will be judged by the Town Council on the following criteria:
- Contributions to community welfare
- Civic achievement
- Volunteerism
- Conscientious service to Falmouth Town government
The Award will be presented to the 2020 Citizen of the Year in June. Please send nominations to the Town Manager’s office, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105, Attn: Erin Cadigan, or you may e-mail them to ecadigan@falmouthme.org. The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 7. To find more information on past recipients, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-council-town-manager/pages/citizen-of-the-year
CCM Cell Coverage Survey Results
During the month of February, Cell Coverage Mapping (“CCM”) conducted a survey of Falmouth residents who experienced dropped calls and spotty coverage in an attempt to identify issues and specific areas in Falmouth where coverage has shown to be problematic. From the 534 submissions received, CCM was able to identify distinct “clusters” throughout town where residents experienced issues. Areas most affected included Falmouth Foreside (including Town Landing and the Flats), Allen Avenue Extension (near the Presumpscot River), and along Woods Road (near the Public Works facility). Dropped calls were the most common issue, cited in 61% of the submittals. No coverage was registered 29% of the time and no data reported in 10% of the submissions. Notably, the survey found significant clusters of service issues occurring within a mile of an existing cell site. The Town Council will schedule a workshop (date to be determined) to look more closely at these results and discuss the findings. More information can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/long-range-planningeconomic-development/pages/ccm-cell-coverage-survey-summary
Special Public Comment Opportunity
At its regular meeting held virtually at 7:00pm on April 12, the Town Council will offer a special public comment opportunity regarding a racial justice resolution under consideration by the Council. The resolution is part of a larger effort by Town officials to address issues of racial injustice and outlines the Council's commitment to racial equity and social justice. The meeting agenda and Zoom link can be found here.
FY22 Budget Update
At a public hearing on the FY22 Budget held on Wednesday, April 7 via Zoom, the Town Council scheduled a vote to approve the budget which will be held at the Town Council meeting on April 26, 2021. An agenda and Zoom link will be posted here in advance of the meeting. Agendas (including Zoom links) are also sent via E-Alert. Subscribe at: www.falmouthme.org/subscribe
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.
Parks & Community Programs Update
by Lucky D'Ascanio
Falmouth Parks & Community Programs is excited to transition into a new sense of normalcy with summer programming. The Summer 2021 Program brochure will be available on-line soon! Check your email beginning mid-week next week. The brochure will be mailed to residents 55+ within the next two weeks. We are especially excited for the return of the Village Park Summer Concert Series. Concerts in the park take place at Village Park from 6:30-7:30pm on Mondays. The tentative line up (subject to change) includes: Two of a Kind (June 28), 195th Army band (July 12), Keeping it Casual (July 26) and Bonnie Edwards & The Practical Cats (August 9). We want to assure you that we will continue to follow all protocol directives from the CDC and State of Maine for all our programming. To that end, we anticipate smaller group gatherings for indoor programming and/or for trips and tours that include transportation and will increase maximum numbers for those programs/trips as we all navigate the continued progress of the pandemic. Please be mindful that this may not happen as soon as we hope and that the safety of our participants and staff is our priority. Should the need arise, programs will be evaluated on a weekly basis for modification, postponement, or cancellation. Please remain hopeful and flexible; we are still all in this together. From all of the FCP Staff, we hope to see you soon!
Ongoing Initiatives |
Vision & Values Project Town Council Presentation
On April 12, David Beurle from Future iQ, will provide an update to the Town Council with results from the two Future Summits held in March 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.
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.
Events |
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.
Drug Take Back, April 24, 2021
Falmouth Police will again be taking part in National Drug Take Back day on Saturday, April 24, 10am-2pm. Due to current restrictions, an officer will meet you at the entrance door of the police station on Marshall Drive (off Woods Road) where you can drop the items into a container. No one will be allowed into the facility. Please follow all Covid guidelines in any interaction with anyone who may also be present. A reminder as well that no needles, epipens or liquids are able to be accepted.
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:
- 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 |
Trail Closures Updates
As conditions improve, trails will re-open soon. Look for signage and chains to be removed at trail heads beginning this weekend and continuing through next week. We ask that moving through the spring and summer, hikers and mountain bikers wait 24 hours after significant rain events before using the trails. The integrity of the trails is important to all of us. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
Compost Available
The Falmouth Public Works Department has a supply of screened organic compost for sale to Falmouth residents beginning Monday April 12. The cost of compost is $20 per cubic yard.
- Orders under 3 yards may be purchased and picked up by Falmouth residents with their own vehicle or trailer at the Public Works Office Monday – Thursday between the hours of 7:30 and 4:00.
- Purchase 3 yards or more and the compost can be delivered to Falmouth Residents. To place an order for delivery please call 699-5370 and leave a message. Order processing may take a few days depending on call volume and demand.
Compost can be beneficial when used to provide additional nutrients for vegetable gardens, lawns, and perennial bushes, flowers, and plants. Contact the Public Works office with any questions at 781-3919.
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 – 5:00pmFor more information, please contact the Public Works Office at 207-781-3919
Float Installation at Town Landing, April 26-27
Recreational and commercial float installations at the town landing are scheduled for April 26 and April 27, with a rain date of April 28. Residents can anticipate the closing of the parking lot and limited access to the pier and beach during this time frame.
Nomination Papers For Elected Positions Due April 12
Nomination papers are 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
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 beginning at 5:30pm for an executive session (no public access) and 7:00pm (public meeting) 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 public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2022 Proposed Budget on April 7, 2021 at 7:00pm via Zoom. See agenda here. The School Department and Town delivered presentations on their respective proposed budgets. There was no public comment. The Council scheduled a vote to approve the budget which will be held at the Town Council meeting on April 26, 2021.
View past Town Council meetings here.
Planning Board
The Planning Board considered 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. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- 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. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- 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. RECOMMENDED
- 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. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- 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. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- 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. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- 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. TABLED
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 1:30pm 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 will next meet on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 6:30pm via Zoom. An agenda an Zoom link will be posted in advance of the meeting here.
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
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