2021.09.24--Falmouth Focus, Volume 3, Issue 26
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 |
An Exciting Week for Falmouth's Vision & Values Project
Focus Groups Wrap Up; Discussion Boards Still Open
Over the past week, our consultant in the Vision & Values process, Future iQ, hosted 10 virtual Focus Groups with Falmouth residents to explore key topics related to Falmouth's future. Led by Future iQ CEO David Beurle, residents examined development, the environment, life-long learning, affordability, governance, open spaces, and more. For each topic, participants worked in small groups to identify what we currently know, to explore "forks in the road"--what David calls future-splitting decisions or issues--and to consider the implications and trade-offs of these different future directions. They next examined what might be the "sweet spot" for Falmouth--that is, the optimal combination of factors or qualities that would make up a vision for Falmouth's future. The purpose of the focus groups is not to arrive at any decision but to explore future ideas and trajectory. Data gathered from resident input at the Focus Groups, along with Community Survey #1, the Future Summits, and online Discussion Boards will inform the upcoming Think Tank, where residents will explore a series of possible trajectories and future scenarios for the community.
Discussion Boards
If you missed a Focus Group but still want to give input, Falmouth’s Vision & Values Project Discussion boards are still open on the project portal and residents are weighing in with their thoughts for Falmouth's future. Discussion Boards can be found at: https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/focus-groups/focus-group-discussion-boards/overview/. Residents can read background information on the complexities of each Focus Group topic, provide their feedback on the subject, explore a variety of viewpoints, and engage with neighbors on these issues.
- Topic #1 Residential development
- Topic #2 Non-residential development and future Town Center
- Topic #3 Housing affordability
- Topic #4 Shared community areas, green and open spaces
- Topic #5 Connectivity, walkability, and recreation
- Topic #6 Community diversity, inclusivity, and resident experience
- Topic #7 Lifelong community learning opportunities and our school system
- Topic #8 Environmental focus
- Topic #9 Governance and collaboration
- Topic #10 Cost of living in Falmouth
Next Steps
Future iQ is working with Town staff to reformat and reschedule the Think Tank. Originally planned as an in-person gathering on September 25, the event was postponed due to COVID-related concerns. The Think Tank is another highly interactive opportunity to gather together and explore possible future scenarios for Falmouth based on all the work and data gathering that has come before. It works best when participants can gather in-person, however, as many people prefer to meet virtually, we hope to offer a hybrid format later in the fall that will allow for both in-person and virtual attendance. Stay tuned for updates as our plans progress.
Join the Conversation
It's not too late to give your input regarding your vision for Falmouth's Future. If you missed the Focus Groups (or attended and have more to say), there are still many ways to participate.
- Residents are invited to weigh in on the Discussion Boards on the project portal at: https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/focus-groups/focus-group-discussion-boards/overview/
- Email Future iQ CEO David Beurle directly at: david@future-iq.com
- Email your Town Councilors at: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-council-town-manager/webforms/email-the-council
Deadline for Social Services Grants is September 30
24-Year-Old Program Supports Residents in Need
The Town of Falmouth is offering grants to social service providers whose mission is to meet the needs of any Falmouth resident whose safety or health is at risk, including support for trauma relief, domestic violence response, food insecurity, counseling, mental health and substance use treatment, dental health, refugee services, transportation, senior services, disability services, home health, and end-of-life care. A total of $35,000 will be awarded in 3 grants of $6,000, 6 grants of $2,000, and 5 grants of $1,000 to area organizations.
For 24 years, the Human Services Committee, now a sub-committee of the Community Wellness Committee, has administered the distribution of these funds to local agencies and non-profits. Recipient organizations depend on the Town's support to supplement their cost of services and to leverage State and Federal funding as well as private donations. Last year, $35,000 was distributed to 12 social service agencies that served a total of more than 1,906 Falmouth residents. Past recipients of these funds include American Red Cross, Catholic Charities Maine, Sexual Response Services of Southern Maine, Community Dental, Southern Maine Agency on Aging, The Opportunity Alliance, and Hospice of Southern Maine.
More information and grant application materials can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/community-wellness-committee. The application deadline is September 30, 2021 and notification of funding will occur in November. For more information regarding the application process, contact Marguerite Fleming at mfleming@falmouthme.org.
Falmouth Fire-EMS Receives FEMA Grant
Falmouth Fire-EMS received an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for $316,000 from the Federal Emergency Managment Agency (FEMA). This grant will help fund new Firefighter Breathing Apparatus and an Air Compressor System/Breathing Air Fill Station. A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is a device worn to provide breathable air in a dangerous or toxic atmosphere. Deputy Chief Shea, who submitted the grant on behalf of the department, noted: "This funding will allow us to replace much-needed, life-saving equipment that will keep our firefighters safe and stretch our capital budget dollars further."
Fall Covid Update
As COVID transmission rates in Cumberland County and throughout Maine remain high, the US CDC advises all people living in those counties, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask when indoors. The Town of Falmouth continues to monitor this evolving situation and would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to remain vigilant and continue to practice the following preventative measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, including regularly washing your hands, staying home when you are ill, practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, and getting the vaccine if you are eligible. The Town will continue to require masks for all staff and visitors indoors at all Town offices and facilities regardless of vaccination status and encourages residents to wear masks in all indoor public spaces throughout town.
While we were able to successfully hold one hybrid Town Council meeting, the Town Council and most boards and committees have returned to meeting virtually for the time being. We were pleased to see residents turn out for our many virtual Focus Groups held this past week and we are working to organize a Think Tank later this fall that may include virtual and in-person participation. At the August 23 Town Council meeting, the Council enacted an emergency ordinance that allows businesses to temporarily establish outdoor eating areas and outdoor retail display areas and we encourage resident to take advantage of this option while the weather is good. The emergency ordinance will be revisited at the October 13 Council meeting.
Plans are also underway for Very Merry Falmouth, our annual holiday event, with our partners at the Falmouth-Cumberland Community Chamber of Commerce and Falmouth Memorial Library. While we hope to hold the event as usual, we are aware that changes might be necessary to accommodate the shifting circumstances caused by the pandemic. Watch for more information in this newsletter, via E-Alerts, and on social media. As always, we will monitor the CDC's designations to determine if changes are appropriate.
We appreciate your continued patience and all your efforts to keep our community safe.
Ongoing Initiatives |
MaineDOT Launches Website for Veranda Street Bridge Closure Information
Residents encouraged to visit VerandaPlan.org to find detour routes and additional info
MaineDOT has launched a new website with important information regarding the Veranda Street Bridge Project and the resultant road closures. VerandaPlan.org provides information about the project, including live stream video of the construction site, project schedule and updates, and, most importantly, alternate routes for getting around during the upcoming closures.
During October, MaineDOT will close the I-295 bridge that carries traffic over Veranda Street at Exit 9 for 64-hours. The bridge is 60 years old and approaching the end of its useful life. A new bridge is under construction on the east side of the existing bridge. During this closure, crews will move the new structure into place. This accelerated bridge construction will help minimize traffic impacts throughout the rest of the project, which also involves a reconfiguration of the roadways beneath the bridge to improve safety and mobility. Construction began in March, the weekend for the interstate closure was selected in May, and MaineDOT aims to have the entire project completely finished by the end of 2022.
When will these closure occur and what does it mean for Falmouth?
Veranda Street (under the bridge) will be closed from 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 18 to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 25. Access to Portland via Route 1/Veranda Street will require a significant detour. This will impact daily commuters who use Route 1/Veranda Street to get to Portland.
The I-295 closure will take place from 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 22 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 25. This closure is expected to significantly increase traffic in Falmouth, especially along Route 1, Route 88, Middle Road, and Bucknam Road, as well as on the Maine Turnpike and in Portland. All northbound and southbound traffic on I-295 will be diverted to the Spur or through Falmouth during the closure weekend.
In the case of a severe weather event, the I-295 closure will take place over the following weekend, October 29-November 1.
What are the detour routes?
MaineDOT has identified multiple alternative routes for traffic during this closure and invites the public to come up with their own "Veranda Plan" to avoid the area and minimize delays. Visit VerandaPlan.org to find maps and detour routes.
What is the Town doing to prepare?
Town officials and staff are working closely with MaineDOT to facilitate communications to Falmouth residents and businesses about the project. Falmouth Fire-EMS has developed plans in partnership with adjacent communities to efficiently provide services during the closure. The Falmouth Police Department will also provide increased presence and staffing to ensure additional traffic management support.
What can I do?
Residents are advised to avoid the area during these closures and to plan alternate routes to avoid traffic and delays. If you must travel in this area, please do so with additional caution and patience.
With anticipated increases in traffic volume on Route 1, Route 88, Lunt Road, Bucknam Road, and Middle Road, extra precautions should be taken by those biking, running, or walking. If on foot or a bike, wear reflective clothing, stay on the sidewalk, shoulder, or far to the edge of the road, and anticipate greater noise, speed, and volume of traffic. As always, cyclists should travel with traffic and pedestrians should walk or run facing traffic.
Residents are strongly advised to closely follow updates related to this project which will be sent regularly to the News & Announcements subscription email list, posted to our social media outlets, and included in issues of The Falmouth Focus newsletter.
Senior Property Tax Assistance Program Deadline Approaching
The Town of Falmouth’s Senior Property Tax Assistance Program is accepting applications from eligible residents for property tax assistance. The program, now in its fourth year, is open to current Falmouth residents age 62 or older with annual income under $50,000. Both property owners and renters are eligible to apply. Refunds will be determined based on the number of valid applications received. Recipients will be refunded a proportional share of the available program funds based on income level. The total amount budgeted for this program in fiscal year 2022 is $60,000. Refunds for eligible applicants will be paid on or before November 18, 2021. Residents can mail in the application and backup documents to Town of Falmouth, Finance Department, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, Maine 04105. Or call Pete McHugh at 699-5311 to make an appointment to submit your application. Residents are encouraged to apply early. The deadline for applications is October 14, 2021.
Contact Pete McHugh, Finance Director, at pmchugh@falmouthme.org or 699-5311 for more information. Application materials, additional information, and an eligibility worksheet, can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/finance/pages/senior-property-tax-assistance.
Living Lawns Lawn Care Tips
Living Lawns offers lawn care tips that help make your lawn healthy and vibrant.
Tip #17: As we have mentioned, the spring and summer are not ideal times to fertilize. The best time, if necessary, is now (after September 15) as fall approaches. But make sure you get your soil tested, if you haven’t already done so, to be sure you know what your lawn needs. Test your soil before you fertilize to find out if some nutrients are lacking. Many Maine soils lack nitrogen but have plenty of phosphorus. Always fertilize with phosphorus-free fertilizer (look for “0” as the middle number in a fertilizer bag’s analysis), unless a soil test shows that your lawn needs phosphorus. If blended fertilizers are only available, use the formula with the lowest level of phosphorus. Buy fertilizers that contain at least some nitrogen that is labeled “slow-release,” “slowly available,” or “water insoluble.” These provide nitrogen for a longer period and reduce the likelihood of some nitrogen running off into surface water. Never apply fertilizer before moderate or heavy rain is expected, it has the potential to run off and pollute nearby waterbodies.
Tip #18: Cool-season turf grown in Maine, such as tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and ryegrass, should be aerated in the fall when the grass emerges from summer dormancy. Aerate your lawn with a core aerator just prior to reseeding. The main reason for aerating is to alleviate soil compaction. Compacted soils have too many solid particles in a certain volume or space, which prevents proper circulation of air, water, and nutrients within the soil. Turf aerators are available at your local tool rental retailer. Full-service lawn-care professionals offer aeration as a service too.
For more information on healthy lawn care, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/environmental-initiatives/pages/living-lawns-your-healthy-lawn-care-resource
Events |
WindowDressers Build Opportunity
The Towns of Falmouth and Cumberland are partnering again to offer residents WindowDressers’ insulating window inserts. These wood inserts fit inside existing windows to let all the sunshine and views in while keeping the cold out!
What is Window Dressers?
WindowDressers brings volunteers together to improve the warmth and comfort of homes, lower heating costs, and reduce CO2 emissions by producing low-cost insulating window inserts that function as interior-mounted storm windows.
How Does It Work:
- Participants place orders for custom window inserts.
- Trained volunteers make a house-call to measure windows.
- Everyone comes together at a Community Build to construct the window inserts. No experience is needed. Skills are taught on site.
- Participants take their window inserts home at the end of the Community Build.
- Because of the volunteer component, participants enjoy discounts on the price of the inserts and, in cases of need, can even receive free inserts.
- Everyone benefits from greater efficiency and comfort in heating their homes this winter and in knowing they helped their neighbors as well!
COMMUNITY BUILD: November 11-13, Cumberland Congregational Church
COST: $30-$60 per window depending on size. Free inserts available to qualifying households. Participants are also asked to volunteer at the Community Build.
ORDER: Community Builds have limited capacity. Orders are taken first come-first served. The deadline to order is October 15 or whenever full capacity is reached.
Learn more at: http://windowdressers.org/insulating-inserts/. Falmouth residents may call 699-5337 for more info.
Virtual Community Overdose Response Training, October 20
The Town of Falmouth, in partnership with Casco Bay CAN, The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary, and The Falmouth Rotary Club, will hold a Virtual Community Overdose Response Training on Wednesday, October 20 at 5:30pm via Zoom. The training, led by Zoe Brokos, will teach participants the signs of opioid overdose and how to respond with naxolone (Narcan). Free Narcan will be provided to participants following the training. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvcOispz8sGNIT1Ix9pVsc0MgWDHD9YnSF. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing instructions for joining the Zoom meeting. Please contact Maggie Fleming at mfleming@falmouthme.org or 207-699-5329 with questions or for more information.
Take Note |
Changes to Wastewater Billing
Portland Water District (PWD) manages the billing for Falmouth Wastewater services. PWD is updating their billing system and this will mean a new look to your bill and a new account number for wastewater customers. Please note these changes and reach out to PWD at customerservice@pwd.org with any questions or concerns. For more information, visit https://www.pwd.org/
Sunday, October 3 is the Maine Marathon and Falmouth will welcome runners racing through town from Martin's Point Bridge to the side streets off Route 1, and then north on Route 88. Falmouth citizens have traditionally lined the route to cheer runners on with waves and smiles. Please seek alternate routes between 7:45am and 11:00am. Notification of closings and delays are posted along the route and, as in past years, Falmouth Police Department will work to direct traffic and keep runners safe. More information about the marathon can be found at: https://mainemarathon.com/
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Virtual Meeting, Monday, September 27
On Monday, September 27, the Falmouth Town Council will conduct a virtual meeting via Zoom as authorized by Section 28, Policy Eight of the Town Council Rules and 1 MRSA §403-B. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm. The agenda and zoom link can be found here. The Zoom application will allow attendees to connect and participate remotely via computer or phone. The public may also watch (no participation option) the meeting on Channel 2 or on the Town website streaming channel. 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 September 13. See agenda and video here.
- There was an update on the Community Vision and Values Project.
- Chair Kuhn provided an update regarding the Town Council Annual Retreat and FY2022 Work Plan.
- There was a discussion and Special Public Comment Opportunity on a Forestry Management Plan for Pine Grove Preserve. At the September 27 meeting the Council will consider an order to authorize staff to implement forest management strategies for Pine Grove Preserve and to approve a supplemental appropriation of $50,000 from unassigned fund balance for associated expenditures.
- There was an introduction of an ordinance to amend the General Assistance Ordinance to add a definition of "recovery residence" and new section 5.1B to comply with legislation effective in October and to amend the maximum levels of income and expenses for the General Assistance program, Chapter 6, Article 6, Section 6.68, Appendices A-H of the Falmouth Town Ordinance. The ordinance has also been updated throughout with non-substantive stylistic changes. The public hearing was scheduled for October 13.
- The Council approved a resolution to support a Climate Fee and Dividend approach at the Federal level as a mechanism to reduce carbon emissions and meet climate goals.
- The Council approved a resolution in support of establishing a new section of the Town purchasing guidelines and policy, Section X, regarding the acquisition of temporary property for highway, stormwater, and wastewater collection and treatment purposes and amending the Town Council Rules to add a new policy, Policy 9, regarding the acquisition of property for highway, stormwater, and wastewater collection and treatment purposes.
- The Council approved an order to Authorize the Town Manager to Execute a Labor Contract Between the Town of Falmouth and the Teamsters Local Union No. 340.
- The Council discussed a small Town owned parcel of land located at the intersection of Waites Landing Road and Landing Woods Lane.
Planning Board
The Planning Board will consider the following items at its October 5 meeting. An agenda can be found here in advance of the meeting.
- Rogers Trail – Brian Vallelunga – Request for Subdivision Amendment Approval for Stone Ridge Farm to modify the wetland area and building window on Lot 6. Map-lot R09-012-006.
- Rebecca Way – Donald Neuts (Joan N. Neuts Trust)– Request for Private Way Amendment Approval for one new lot and widening of private way. Map-lot R04-043-B & R04-049-001.
- 55 Blueberry Lane – Ocean View Retirement Community LLC – Request for Site Plan/Subdivision Amendment Approval for creation of a new cottage unit. Map-lot U27-013-E.
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 September 28 meeting. An agenda can be found here.
- 9 Ayers Court – Scott Jacques & John Barragan - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for alterations to steps and front door.
- 46 Lowell Farm Road – Custom Concepts Inc. – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for modifications to the previously approved roof design.
- 65 Gray Road, Suite 3 – WYG, Inc d/b/a The Moose – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 for outdoor seating.
- 7 Avon Road – Sarah A Verville – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to enlarge an existing deck.
- 189 Foreside Road – Dan Ellingson/Harriman representing Craig Coffin – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-86 for the modification of a pool house.
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 and 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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