2021.06.18--Falmouth Focus, Volume 3, Issue 14
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
- Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
- Stay Informed
News & Issues |
Unofficial Election Results
The unofficial results of the June 8, 2021 Municipal Election and Budget Validation Referendum can be found HERE.
Falmouth Receives Aaa Rating from Moody's
On June 2, Moody’s Investor Services published its final Annual Issuer Comment Report (AICR) for Falmouth at Moodys.com. An AICR is a research publication that provides a single reference source for the most recent credit information on a Moody’s-rated local government, higher education, or municipal utility issuer. The report provides the bond market with a summary of key economic, demographic, financial, and operating information within the context of Moody’s ratings methodologies. A rating is Moody’s opinion of the credit quality of individual obligations or of an issuer’s general creditworthiness. The rating is also often the single most important factor affecting the interest cost on bonds. These ratings also help provide issuers of debt, such as the Town of Falmouth, with stable, flexible access to sources of capital for large scale projects. In its most recent report, Moody’s issued a Aaa rating to Falmouth. This is Moody’s highest rating indicating minimum credit risk. In giving this rating, Moody's analysts noted: “We expect Falmouth to maintain a stable financial position, given its trend of structurally balanced operations and strong reserve levels which are supported by a formally adopted policy.” To date, Falmouth and South Portland are the only Aaa rated municipalities in the state of Maine.
Town Hall Announces New Hours/Move to Hybrid Meetings
Effective, Monday, June 14, 2021, the operating hours for all Town Hall departments are:
Monday: 7:00am-4:30pm
Tuesday: 8:00am-4:30pm
Wednesday: 8:00am-4:30pm
Thursday: 8:00am-4:30pm
Friday: Closed
Beginning soon, Town Council, Planning Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings will move to a hybrid format allowing residents the option of participating either in-person or via Zoom. Staff are finalizing the technical logistics of this change and more details will be forthcoming via Town News & Announcements E-Alerts, the Town website, and this newsletter. It is possible that some meetings may move to the hybrid format in July.
Bargain Barn Reopens
The Bargain Barn at the Transfer Station will reopen on Tuesday, June 22 and will be operational during regular Transfer Station hours. Residents can drop off gently used items for repurposing. Items must be deemed acceptable for resale by Transfer Station staff. Visitors to the Bargain Barn may then purchase items for reuse.
Independence Day Holiday Closures & Status of Service
Town offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day which falls on Sunday. Note: Falmouth Town Hall is always closed on Fridays, so will NOT be open on Friday, July 2.
Transfer Station
The Transfer Station will be open on Friday, July 2 (7am-5pm) and Saturday, July 3 (9am-5pm) as usual. The Transfer Station is always closed on Mondays so will be closed on Monday, July 5.
Trash & Recycling
Curbside trash and recycling collection will NOT be impacted by the July 4 holiday. Casella, our waste collection service, will pick up Tuesday, June 29 through Friday, July 2 as usual. Curbside service will also run as normal July 6-9. Bins should be placed curbside by 7:00am to ensure pick up. Note: Casella does not collect in Falmouth on Mondays.
The Falmouth Focus
There will be no issue of The Falmouth Focus on Friday, July 2. The next issue will be sent on Friday, July 9, thus maintaining our schedule of publishing on the Friday before a Monday Town Council Meeting.
Fire-EMS Honors Award Recipients
Falmouth Fire-EMS is pleased to recognize the following award recipients. Chief Howard Rice presented Lieutenant Laurie Page with the 2020 EMS Provider of the Year Award. Lt. Page has been with the department since 1999, and is currently its seventh longest serving member, working as the per diem Lieutenant every Thursday on Ambulance 2 out of Central Station. In presenting the award, Chief Rice thanked Lt. Page for her long length of service and, more recently, for managing the drug boxes on the ambulances and training new EMS providers. In addition, Captain Dave Cuttler presented Firefighter Henry Janosick with the 2020 Recruit of the Year Award. FF Henry Janosick is a member of the Company at Station 1 and a 2020 graduate of Falmouth High School. Congratulations to Lieutenant Page and Firefighter Janosick and thank you both for your service to our community!
State Plastic Bag Bans Goes Into Effect July 1
After being delayed over a year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Maine state ban on the distribution of single-use plastic bags goes into effect on July 1, 2021. This means that no retail establishments, including restaurants, will be allowed to use single-use plastic bags. Retailers may provide recycled paper bags for a 5₵ fee or reusable bags. This supports the state’s effort to reduce single-use plastic waste and move toward a future with less trash. For more information, visit: https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/plastic-bag-film.html.
Ongoing Initiatives |
4th Bicycle-Pedestrian Stakeholder Meeting
Introduced by Council Chair Amy Kuhn, two dozen citizens participated in the 4th Bicycle-Pedestrian Stakeholder virtual meeting on June 15. The meeting was an opportunity for staff to present progress on implementing the now 5-year old Falmouth Bicycle-Pedestrian Plan. The plan lays out a 20-year vision for Falmouth.
- Completed projects reviewed were: Route 100 sidewalks, crosswalks, and bicycle lanes; sidewalk improvements on Lunt Road, and trail connections secured.
- Staff is currently working on a shared use path and sidewalk improvements along Route 1 and Johnson Road, studying pedestrian improvements along Route 88, exploring the installation of bicycle repair stations, working with MaineDOT on replacements of the Johnson Road and Bucknam Road bridges over Interstate 295 (both of which will have a sidewalk and bicycle lanes), and working with PACTS on improvements to bus stops on Clearwater Drive.
- Potential future projects include widened shoulders on Blackstrap Road, a sidewalk on Bucknam Road, improvements to the connection between Community park and the School Campus, and working with the Casco Bay Trail Alliance on converting the St Lawrence and Atlantic rail corridor into a “Trail-until-Rail.”
A dozen or so comments were received by the audience. There was widespread support for and satisfaction with the presentation and the work the Town has being doing. A number of participants would like to see more and larger bicycle racks throughout the community, especially at businesses. They also thought that installing bicycle repair stations, while they may not get much use, would still send an important message to riders that Falmouth supports bicycling. There were comments to improve safe pedestrian and bicycle access to the School Campus, especially at Falmouth and Woodville Roads, and to improve the connection to Portland on roads such as Allen Avenue Extension. Lastly, several participants pointed out specific small-scale situations where pedestrian improvements could be made by the Town. Staff is reviewing all feedback for possible action.
Stakeholder Meeting #4, like the previous ones, proved to be a valuable tool in hearing directly from the users of the bicycle and pedestrian system - what has worked well and not so well. Staff was pleased to hear that the Town appears to be right on track. Stakeholder Meeting #5 will be scheduled for 2022. For a copy of the June 15 presentation, detailed implementation status chart, and video of the event, click here. FMI, contact Theo Holtwijk, tholtwijk@falmouthme.org, 699-5340.
Living Lawns Lawn Care Tips
Living Lawns offers lawn care tips that help make your lawn healthy and vibrant.
Tip #7: Top dressing your lawn with compost will provide so many benefits. It adds organic matter and nutrients that will improve the soil structure and health. Did you know that lawns need 6 inches of good soil to thrive? Top dressing will also enhance root development, reduce the need for fertilizers, and increase the soil’s ability to retain water. Local nurseries offer compost, as well as the Town’s Public Works Department. To properly apply compost, first make sure it’s very fine and not clumpy, then spread evenly over your lawn, and keep it under ¼ inch depth. This is also a good time to over-seed any bare spots on your lawn if you plan to make sure the seeds are properly watered. Establishing dense turf crowds out weeds!
Tip #8: In a recent post, we suggested mowing at 3” because there are real benefits from mowing high! It promotes establishment of a larger root system, which is more drought tolerant. Mowing high also provides broadleaf weed and crabgrass control by shading the soil surface. Another benefit is that it also establishes a grub-tolerant lawn because of the larger root mass. So, remember, mow high and let the clippings lie for free, natural fertilizer!
For more information on healthy lawn care, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/environmental-initiatives/pages/living-lawns-your-healthy-lawn-care-resource
Events |
Public Hearing on 2022 County Hazard Mitigation Plan, June 22
Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency will hold a virtual public hearing on the 2022 County Hazard Mitigation Plan on June 22, 2021 from 6-7pm to provide an overview of the 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan update and solicit public input. Falmouth participates in a county-wide Hazard Mitigation Plan which makes the Town eligible to receive pre-disaster mitigation and hazard mitigation funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Hazard Mitigation is the work done to prevent or lessen damage from an adverse event. The plan is updated every 5 years. More information and a registration link can be found on County EMA’s website, https://www.cumberlandcounty.org/231/Hazard-Mitigation
Concerts in the Park are Back!
Falmouth Community Programs is pleased to announce the return of our summer concert series. Bring your own picnics and don’t forget your blankets or lawn chairs! Enjoy an evening of FREE musical entertainment. Events are family friendly and open to all. All concerts are held at the Village Park Gazebo off Hat Trick Drive behind Walmart from 6:30-7:30pm.
Two of a Kind, Monday, June 28
This talented duo will entertain you with a variety of popular music from the 1950s to the present. Sit back and enjoy great guitar playing and singing.
195th Army Band, Monday, July 12
Horns, vocals, and a rhythm section will get your toes tapping as you listen to popular sounds of the 70s, 80s and 90s with some patriotic tunes woven into the mix.
The Pinetones, Monday, July 26
Music by this Maine-based six-piece band will take us back in time through generations of songs and melodies sure to be familiar.
Bonnie Edwards & the Practical Cats, Monday, August 9
Bonnie brings her gutsy blues vocal style while the Cats offer a unique variety of Blues, Jump Swing, Jazz, Vintage R&B, and original music.
In the case of inclement weather, please contact the FCP office at 699-5302. Rain decisions will be made by 2:00pm.
Take Note |
Paving Notice
Annual roadway paving has begun. The following streets are scheduled for paving this summer:
- Arbor Road (completed)
- Field Road from Woodville Road to Palmer Road
- Hemlock Cove
- Heritage Lane
- Partridge Lane
Paving dates are weather-dependent. Motorists can expect delays, with one-lane of traffic open, during paving activities. Please contact the Falmouth Public Works Department at 781-3919 for more information.
Fourth of July Fireworks Reminder
With the health and safety of residents in mind this Fourth of July, Falmouth Public Safety Officers would like to remind residents that fireworks are prohibited in Falmouth at all times. Falmouth's Code of Ordinances addresses this issue in Chapter 2, Section 10-4. Use and sale of consumer fireworks prohibited, stating:
(a) A person may not use, sell or offer for sale consumer fireworks, as defined in 8 M.R.S.A. §221-A, in the town.
(b) In addition to applicable penalties provided by 8 M.R.S.A. §223-A, violation of the provisions of this section is a civil violation punishable in accordance with Sec. 1-14. The Town Police Department may confiscate and dispose of any consumer fireworks that are in violation of this section.
(c) Pursuant to 8 M.R.S.A. §227-B, nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or regulate fireworks displays, as defined in 8 M.R.S.A. §221-A, or the issuance of permits for fireworks displays by the Maine Commissioner of Public Safety or a designee.
(Ord. of 11-14-2011)
Please enjoy the holiday and celebrate safely.
The Parks & Community Programs Department is looking for seasonal Parks staff. If you know someone who would love to work outside all summer, send them our way! We have full-time seasonal positions available May through August for groundskeeping, lawn care, and general maintenance. The ideal candidate will be at least 18 years old and have a basic knowledge of maintenance and grounds equipment. Hourly rates are $14.00 - $16.00 based on experience. Parks staff work 7:00am-4:30pm Monday-Thursday and 7:00am-11:00am on Fridays. Interested candidates can either pick up an application at the Mason-Motz Activity Center or mail a resume to Jeff Mason, Parks Supervisor, 190 Middle Road, Falmouth, ME 04105.
Falmouth Boards and Committee Vacancies
Several Town of Falmouth boards and committees have vacancies to be filled. If you are interested in getting involved, please consider the following openings:
- Board of Assessments Review (2)
- Board of Sewer Appeals (2)
- Shellfish Conservation Commission (3)
- Planning Board (1)
- Conservation Commission (2)
- Community Wellness Committee (2)
Follow the links above for more information on each committee's role and function. For a board and committee application, click here.
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Virtual Annual Caucus & Organizational Meeting, Monday, June 21
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 virtual annual caucus will begin at 6:00pm. An agenda can be found here. The virtual organizational meeting will begin at 7:00pm. The agenda can be found here. Both meetings will be held via Zoom. The Zoom application will allow attendees to connect via computer or phone. A meeting link and phone instructions will be provided in advance of the meetings via the Town website homepage and E-Alerts that will allow you to join via computer or phone, as well as, a phone number to dial in. Check out our Guide to Participating in Virtual Public Meetings. If you have questions, please call (207) 699-5329.
Planning Board
The Planning Board will consider the following items at its July 6 meeting. An agenda can be found here in advance of the meeting.
- 111 Hillside Avenue – Charles & Anne Rainville – Request for Private Way Approval to establish road frontage for two lots. Map/lot R07-122 & R07-122-001; Zoned F, RCZO.
- 161 Hurricane Road – Sean Pierce, Northern Survey Engineering representing Mike & Kristin D’Agostino – Request for Private Way Approval to create one new lot. Map/lot R08-078; Zoned F, RCZO
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 consider the following items at its June 22 meeting. An agenda can be found here.
- 9 Ayers Court – Scott Jacques & John Barragan - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for a 10’ x 13’ addition for a bathroom, laundry, mudroom, back door.
- 149 Foreside Road – Kevin Brown Architecture representing Emilio & Andrea Casanueva – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for the tear down and rebuild of a single-family dwelling.
- 189 Foreside Road – Thomas Emery representing Craig Coffin – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-86 for renovations and additions to an existing pool house.
- 279 Foreside Road – Simon & Whitney Wignall - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for an enlargement of the master bedroom and construction of a new garage.
- 7 US Route One – Sydney Bradford McDowell – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to extend the breeze-way towards the back and include a small deck as well as the resizing of an existing deck.
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
|
