2021.12.10-Falmouth Focus, Volume 3, Issue 35

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

Please note, currently the Table of Contents links feature is not supported by all email clients or browsers. 

• News & Issues​​​​​​  
  • Vision & Values Community Survey #2 
  • Recent Fires at Community Park
  • 3rd Annual Giving Tree
  • Very Merry Falmouth--Thank You!
• Ongoing Initiatives
  • Metro Bus Service in Falmouth
  • Solar Update
• Events
  • Wreaths Across America
  • Falmouth Night at the Mariners
• Take Note
  • Board & Committee Vacancies: Library Board
  • Holiday Recycling Tips
  • Dog Licenses
• Falmouth Public Schools
  • Highlight: Student-Led Change 
  • Focus: Seeking Community Assistance
  • Upcoming: Concerts & Meetings 
• Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
  • Town Council
  • Planning Board
  • Board of Zoning Appeals
• Stay Informed

Vision & Values Community Survey #2

All residents encouraged to weigh in and share your vision for Falmouth by providing input via this final survey.

Updates to Survey

Feedback from initial survey participants tells us that some of the survey questions are complex and require careful consideration. As a result, we have made some minor tweaks to the survey instructions to provide greater clarity and tweaked some language to increase clarity of the questions. The following information will also help you more fully understand how the survey works.

How the Survey Works

The survey invites you to respond to 7 key questions regarding the future-shaping themes that will define different possible futures for the Town. 

This survey also uses a scenario matrix which allows participants to explore and speculate about future trajectories. Based on research and key input by community members from the Community Survey, Discussion Boards, and Focus Groups, themes were identified to become the basis for the two axes of the scenario matrix. The two major future-splitting themes for Falmouth’s scenario matrix are defined as ‘Community Outlook’ and ‘Built Environment’.  Attendees at the Think Tank on November 6 worked together to explore four potential future scenarios for Falmouth considering the trade-offs and possibilities of what each future might look like. Those scenarios are presented in the survey. The survey invites you to plot your own view of Falmouth’s future on the scenario matrix.  

Before You Take the Survey

We encourage you to do the following prior to taking the survey to ensure you get the most value from it:

View a short video from Future iQ CEO David Beurle providing an overview and instructions on how to take the survey. Watch the video here.

Review the Think Tank report posted to the portal to understand more detail about the possible scenarios presented on the matrix. Find the Think Tank report here.

Take the Survey

The survey and accompanying back ground information can be found on the Vision & Values portal at: https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/community-surveys/community-survey-2/. The survey will remain open until mid-January.

You may also request a hard copy survey by calling 207-699-5335 or by picking up a copy at Town Hall.

Fires at Community Park Investigated by Maine State Fire Marshall

Within the past month, four fire incidents have taken place at Community Park in West Falmouth, including the most serious event on December 3, which was reported in the Northern Forecaster this week. In this instance, fire damaged a 25-foot-long by 15-foot-wide Town storage shed rendering it a complete loss. Three additional minor fires occurred prior to this most severe incident. One fire, the result of someone using marine/boat flares, occurred in a field. A second fire involved rags and possibly other clothing in the middle of a roadway, and the third fire included the Town’s compost bin. The State Fire Marshall is investigating these fires. At this time, the Police Chief has stated that there is no evidence to indicate a community-wide safety issue. We encourage anyone with any information about these incidents to contact the Falmouth Police Department at 207-781-2300.

Falmouth Police Department's Giving Tree Returns For 3rd Year

Very Merry Falmouth--Thank You!

What a great time we had at Very Merry Falmouth this past weekend! Many thanks to our partners, American Legion Post #164, Falmouth Memorial Library, and Falmouth/Cumberland Community Chamber, all our wonderful volunteers, and everyone who helped make this event such a success. We are especially thankful for all those who braved the cold to celebrate the season with us! Head over to our Facebook page to see more great photos of all the fun!

Greater Portland Metro (Bus) Service in Falmouth--Upcoming Meeting

At the November 22 Town Council meeting, METRO (Greater Portland Transit District) staff provided an evaluation of current transit services in Falmouth and presented proposals for system changes to improve the regional transit system and boost ridership. Find meeting video and info here. METRO also offered a virtual public meeting with Q&A on December 2, 2021 to provide a user-focused discussion of these proposals specifically related to Route 7 (Falmouth). For more information, visit: https://gpmetro.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=74

The Falmouth Town Council has expressed further interest in this proposal and will consider taking action to support METRO’s application for federal funding. The Council will hear public input and consider taking formal action at the December 13 Council meeting. An agenda can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-council-town-manager

Solar Update: The Landfill Solar Panels are Here!

Early yesterday morning, three tractor trailer trucks came rolling through town to deliver 88 pallets containing solar panels for the Town’s landfill solar array. The panels will be used for the 875 kW AC solar array that will be constructed next spring. The array has an expected annual output of 1,500,000 kWh for the initial delivery year and will produce enough renewable energy to offset ~70% of municipal electric use. It is estimated to save the Town $1.995 million in energy costs over its 20-year lifespan.

This project has been in development since the Town Council approved signing the Purchase Agreement with Tangent Energy Services in May 2020. Nation-wide supply chain issues delayed the project so it’s exciting to see the first signs of construction. We expect to receive additional materials over the winter so construction can begin in the spring.

Wreaths Across America

The Wreaths Across America Convoy will be passing through Falmouth on Sunday, December 12. The estimated arrival time is between 4:45 and 5:45pm. Falmouth Police will provide an updated time frame on Sunday via their Facebook page as they monitor the progress of the convoy's journey. Residents are welcome to watch the convoy as it passes along Route 1.

Falmouth Night at the Mariners, March 19

Are you ready for some hockey? Join Falmouth Parks & Community Programs and your neighbors for Falmouth Night at the Mariners on March 19. Yes, it's a long way off, but the first 30 people to purchase tickets will be eligible to sit on the Mariners bench while the players warm up! That's something to look forward to all winter! For tickets visit: https://www.fevo.com/edp/Maine-Mariners-vs-South-Carolina-Stingrays--Falmouth-Rec-Department-SozkFJxU

Falmouth Library Board of Trustees Seeks Board Member

In this issue of The Falmouth Focus, we are highlighting a current vacancy on the Library Board of Trustees. The Falmouth Memorial Library is independently incorporated and governed by a 12-member Board of Trustees of which the Falmouth Town Council appoints three for 3-year terms. The current vacancy is one of these three positions. The Library is governed by an active Board of Trustees whose responsibilities include strategic direction, budget approval, policy creation, fundraising, and community relations. Trustee meetings are normally held the 3rd Monday of each month currently by Zoom at 7:00pm. The Annual Meeting is normally held the 3rd Monday in September at the Library at 7:00pm. The board is particularly interested in individuals with prior board experience and skills in management and governance, however, if you have other experience or perspectives that you feel would be useful, we encourage you to apply. For an application, click here.

Additional Town board and committee vacancies are listed below. If you are interested in getting involved, please consider the following openings:

• Board of Sewer Appeals (2)
• Community Wellness Committee (3)
• Conservation Commission (1)
• Climate Action Planning Committee (4)
• Recycling & Energy Advisory Committee (2)

Follow the links above for more information on each committees' role and function. For a board and committee application, click here.

Holiday Recycling Tips from ecomaine

Dog Licenses Now Available

Dog licenses are now available for 2022. All current dog licenses expire December 31, 2021. According to Maine State Law, any dog over age 6 months must be licensed by January 1.

Cost: Neutered/Spayed Dog - $6.00; Unaltered Male or Female - $11.00 (note: an additional fee of $1.00 is charged for online registrations)

Two Ways To Register!

In person: Registration is available at the Clerk’s Office at Falmouth Town Hall. You must present the following at the time of registration: a current Maine rabies certificate and a neutering certificate if the dog has been altered

Online: Register online here. On-line registrations require a credit card, a rabies certificate, your veterinarian’s information, a license/tag number (if a renewal), and a spay or neuter certificate (if your dog has been altered).

We are pleased to add this new section to The Falmouth Focus which will feature school news and information of interest to the broader Falmouth community.

Highlight: Student-Led Change 

Student-Led Change, a club at FHS, is collecting backpacks for A Family for ME foster care. There are approximately 2,000 kids in the foster care system in Maine. Kids who are placed in foster care are often removed from their homes with very little notice; many do not have time to pack up their own possessions. Providing a foster child with a backpack allows them to go to school with the same basics as their classmates. Please help foster children in Maine. Please consider donating new or gently used backpacks. Collection bins will be in the lobbies of all three schools from December 6 to December 17.

Focus: Looking for Community Assistance for High School Student Adventures in Learning (SAiL)

We are excited to announce SAiL (Student Adventures in Learning) will take place at Falmouth High School again this spring on Monday, May 23 and Tuesday, May 24!  A Falmouth tradition, SAiL is a 2-3 day program that provides Falmouth High School students with a chance to explore and learn something not typically taught in school and improve their leadership skills. Our goal is to inspire students to take a step out of their comfort zone and explore what our community, and Maine, as a whole, have to offer. Sample sessions from previous years include archery, ballroom dancing, cupcake wars, designing your own escape room, kayak bass fishing, Maine Huts and Trails overnight adventure, mycology, and nature photography (to name a few). We would love to have community members submit session ideas! If you have a skill you are interested in sharing with students please complete this form. For more information, please visit our website.

Upcoming: Concerts & Meetings

High School Winter Band Concert - Wednesday, December 15, 6:30pm in the Falmouth High School Theater

High School Winter Choral Concert - Tuesday, December 21, 6:30pm in the Falmouth High School Theater

Please note that all concert attendees will be required to wear a mask at all times.

School Board Meeting - Monday, December 20, 7:00pm in the Falmouth Elementary School cafeteria. The agenda is posted 5 days prior to the meeting on the falmouthschools.org website.

For more information on Falmouth Public Schools, visit: www.falmouthschools.org

Town Council Virtual Meeting, Monday, December 13, 7:00pm

Note: This will be the only Town Councill meeting held in December. The Town Council will meet on Monday, December 13 at 7:00pm. 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 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 November 22. The agenda and a video of the meeting can be found here. 

• The Council approved the minutes of the October 13 and 25 Council Meetings. 
• The Council appointed Chris Doehne to the Board of Zoning Appeals as an alternate member and John Connolly to the Conservation Commission.
• There was an update on the Community Vision and Values Project.
• Greg Jordan, Executive Director and Mike Tremblay, Director of Transit Development of Greater Portland Metro discussed the Greater Portland Transit District (Metro Bus) current services and possible enhancements that could be deployed in the near future.
• There was an introduction of ordinance amendments to Article II-19 of the Code of Ordinances related to permitting processes for the establishment of outdoor eating areas.
• The Council approved a resolution on the updated pesticide and fertilizer water testing proposal to better understand the prevalence of non-point source pollutants in downstream waterbodies.
• The Council approved an order for the Shellfish License Allocation.

Planning Board

The following items were considered at the Planning Board held on December 7. The agenda and video can be found here.  

• 18 Carroll Street – Matthew Bennett – Request for Amendment to Shoreland Zone Permit for 240 sf of fill. Map/lot U02-003 & -004; Zoned RA, SZ-LR, RCZO, WVOD.  APPROVED W/CONDITIONS

• 2 Hat Trick Drive – Rivalries Falmouth, LLC – Request for Site Plan Approval for Extended Outdoor Seating. Map/lot U52-006-001, Zoned TMPD.  APPROVED W/CONDITIONS

• 456 Blackstrap Rd – White Acres LLC – Request for Subdivision Approval for a 3-Lot Minor Subdivision. Map/lot R08-009-001; Zoned F, RCZO, HLOD. REMOVED FROM AGENDA

• Other Business - Adoption of findings of fact and conclusions of law for a March 3, 2021 decision by the Board for the following:  Mountain Road – West Falmouth Development II, LLC – Request for Second Amendment to Homestead Farms Subdivision to amend building envelopes abutting Open Space. Map-lot U42-015, Zoned VMU, RT100CO.   REMOVED FROM AGENDA

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, plans, 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. For additional information or questions, contact Dawn Emerson at 207-781-5326 or demerson@falmouthme.org

Board of Zoning Appeals 

The Board of Zoning Appeals considered the following items at its November 23 meeting. An agenda and video can be found here.

• 5 McKinley Road – Gunnar Hubbard - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for 6’ x 10’ addition to the garage to be used for storage.  APPROVED
• 6 Webber Way – Josh Soley – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for a tear down and rebuild of a residential structure with an accessory dwelling unit. APPROVED
• 37 Casco Terrace – Joe Waltman representing Garth Conner – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-86 to raise existing deck one story to allow for living space below.  TABLED BY APPLICANT PRIOR TO MEETING
• 37 Johnson Road – Alvaro Ortega Sebastian – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for an addition.  APPROVED
• 25 Whitney Road – Kylie Low – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for a deck and roof overhang.  APPROVED
• 13 Anderson Drive – Chris Briley representing Sarah Speare & Michael Brennan – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for the construction of an accessory dwelling unit.  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 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.