2022.03.25--Falmouth Focus, Volume 4, 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. 

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​​​​​​  
  • Pine Grove Preserve Forestry Management Plan: What Can the Public Expect?: 
  • Deputy Fire Chief Completes Executive Fire Officer Program
  • Climate Vulnerability Assessment
  • Falmouth Community Wellness Committee Launches Wellness Guide
• Ongoing Initiatives
  • Vision & Values Survey Results & Final Report 
  • FY23 Budget Development  
  • Veranda Street Bridge Project Public Meeting
• Events
  • Green Home Energy Show
  • Coffee With Councilors
  • Spring Lawn Care Workshops
  • Urban Run Off
• Take Note
  • Falmouth Trails Closed
  • Homestead Exemption Deadline
  • Earth Day Cleanups
  • Nomination Papers
  • Posted Roads
• Falmouth Public Schools
  • Highlight: Falmouth's Got Talent 
  • Focus: All Schools Band Concert
  • Upcoming: School Board Meetings
• Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
  • Town Council
  • Planning Board
  • Board of Zoning Appeals
• Stay Informed

Focus on Pine Grove Preserve: What Can the Public Expect?

To address safety concerns and improve the health of Pine Grove Preserve, located off Route 88, the Town will implement a forestry management plan in 2022 that includes a substantial harvest of dead and dying pine trees on this property. This article completes a series focusing on the history of the preserve, challenges presented by this property, the management plan developed to address these issues, and what work residents can expect to see in the coming months. The entire series of articles can be found here.

This is a substantial project. Clearing dead and dying trees to create a safe environment for visitors to the preserve requires the removal of many of the white pines currently in the forest. The result may be shocking to some residents, especially as dead trees and invasives are also removed from the forest floor. This will significantly alter the look of Pine Grove Preserve in the short term. For the health of the forest, however, this type of harvest is necessary.

Heavy equipment is required for this project. The harvest requires a machine cutter, known as a feller buncher, to fell the trees. A skidder will pull the trees to the landing area. A slasher processes the trees by cutting off the tops and extracting pulp. All “products” of the harvested trees are separated and go to different destinations. Some will be chipped and left on site.

There will be more truck traffic on Route 88 during this process. Large trucks will remove products harvested from the forest. Residents need to be aware of trucks coming in and out of the preserve onto Route 88, which could slow traffic on occasion.

It could be noisy. The machinery, the increased truck traffic, and the chipper will create noise which could prove disturbing, especially to nearby residents. All work will take place during normal business hours.

The preserve will be closed to visitors during the harvest. For the safety of everyone, all access points will be blocked, and, in some cases, fencing will be used to prevent entry. We strongly encourage residents to abide by the closure signs, in order to prevent serious injury during the harvest.

The harvest will also allow for improvements to Pine Grove Preserve. The parking area off Route 88 will be improved and expanded. There is potential to create accessible trails and improve existing trails within the preserve. Byproducts of the harvest can also be used within the preserve including mulch and, possibly, logs for benches.

The Town’s Forest Management Plan for Pine Grove Preserve will improve this property for generations to come. While the harvest may appear extreme, it is necessary to address significant safety issues by removing the most dangerous hazards. In addition, it will improve the health of the forest, culling it of invasive plants and dead or dying trees to allow for new growth of both pines and hardwoods.

Additional Resources

Pine Grove Preserve General Information

Forestry Management Plan 

Town Forester Report 

Town Council Update, August 23, 2021 

Video Presentation 

Deputy Fire Chief Shea Completes Prestigious Executive Fire Officer Program

Deputy Chief Colin Shea of Falmouth Fire-EMS successfully completed the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program. The highly competitive, graduate level program is widely accepted as one of the most well-respected and reputable development programs for fire service leaders. According to the National Fire Academy, the EFO Program is the pinnacle of programming “preparing executive officers to meet the ever-changing demands of the dynamic communities in which they serve.” Deputy Chief Shea was awarded his certification at a ceremony held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland on February 24.

The EFO program focuses on four components: personal leadership philosophy, organizational leadership, focus on the community, and a capstone project consisting of a portfolio, a research paper, and a presentation. The goal of the program is to provide bold, thoughtful, and innovative solutions through applied research to create safe, healthy, prepared, and resilient communities. For his capstone project, Deputy Chief Shea developed a program on severe weather response for Falmouth Fire-EMS, focusing primarily on the Department’s response and safety precautions during severe thunderstorms and major snowstorms. “Deputy Chief Shea’s capstone project provides a welcome program that will be implemented in our community to better serve our residents,” said Fire Chief Howard Rice.

Maine has had 18 graduates of the EFO program since its inception over thirty years ago. Deputy Chief Shea came to Falmouth Fire-EMS in April 2019. In addition to his role as a Deputy Chief, he has taken the lead for Falmouth Emergency Management in dealing with the COVID pandemic since March 2020. More information on the program can be found at: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/programs/efop.html

Residents Encouraged to Complete Climate Vulnerability Assessment

Tell us your climate change concerns!

Part of the Falmouth Climate Action Plan involves completing a Vulnerability Assessment, which will identify the ways in which Falmouth's infrastructure, ecosystems, economies, and communities may be most vulnerable to the climate hazards we will likely face from climate change. We’ve developed an interactive map for residents to report specific concerns or insights. Your input will help the Town prioritize initiatives and ensure our approach to building community resilience involves truly inclusive action.

Map your climate concerns and observations now.

Falmouth Community Wellness Committee Launches Wellness Guide

by Andrea Ferrante, Chair, Community Wellness Committee

It’s a word that some may take for granted and others find elusive. But whatever our circumstances, Falmouth offers a rich array of wellness choices to make a difference in and enrich our lives.

The Community Wellness Committee was formed to promote wellness for individuals, families, and the community as a whole and to administer the Town’s social services grant program. Our aim is to foster wellness as: an active process of becoming aware of and making choices towards a healthy and fulfilling life and community.

Our first endeavors include launching a year of monthly wellness articles including this first installment. These articles, to be published in the Falmouth Focus and on the committee’s webpage, will be linked to some fun and simple events. More information on these events will be announced in future articles and through the Town’s communications channels. The committee also developed a Wellness Resource Guide that lists hundreds of wellness resources available in town. View the resource guide here.

Opportunities we will highlight span personal, interpersonal, and community wellness. Personal wellness ranges from care for your body, mind, and spirit to emotional wellbeing, outdoor activities or help with financial health. At the level of social and interpersonal wellness, Falmouth and surrounding communities offer many ways to connect with friends and neighbors and enjoy life together in fun, relaxing, and interesting ways. Community wellness covers neighborhoods, environment, business, and government with ongoing opportunities to help ensure healthy natural and sustainable resources, participate in lifelong learning, volunteer, run for Town Council or serve on a board or committee.

The Community Wellness Committee hopes to increase awareness, as well as offer opportunities for residents that want to choose wellness at any or all these levels. Whether it is an idea to improve respectful engagement with each other, collaborating for community wellbeing, enhancing business culture, planning a neighborhood cook out, helping someone in need, or brightening someone’s day, we are eager to encourage every sincere effort to help our town thrive.

This is the first installment of a series of monthly wellness focused articles from the Falmouth Community Wellness Committee. More information about the committee is available on the committee’s webpage. The Community Wellness Committee is looking for committed energetic volunteers that might enjoy event planning, along with many other fun inspiring ideas to spread opportunities to choose wellness. Falmouth High School students are encouraged to apply. Click here for an application.

   Vision & Values Survey Results & Final Report Now Online

Results of the Vision & Values Community Survey #2 are now available online on the project portal. The interactive data visualization platform allows users to explore how people viewed a range of questions and what community members think about a range of key topics. The charts include filters that allow you to find responses by different cohorts within the community. In some charts, you can hover over data points to reveal specific information.

Watch a short video on how to use the platform here: https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/data-visualization/how-to-use-the-data-visualization-platform/.

Find survey results here: https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/data-visualization/vision-and-values-community-survey-2/about-the-survey/

In addition, Future iQ's final report is also now available online. The report provides an overview and the results of the entire visioning process.  Find the report here: https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/final-report/overview/

At the Town Council meeting on Monday, March 28, David Beurle of Future iQ will give a presentation on the results of Community Survey #2 and the final Vision and Values report. A special public comment opportunity will be offered. Find the agenda and information on how to join the meeting here. 

FY23 Budget Development Meetings

The Town of Falmouth will hold the following virtual meetings regarding the FY23 Budget. An article regarding the budget was included in a prior issue of The Falmouth Focus. Read it here. 

• March 30--Joint Town and School Finance Committee Budget Presentation (Finance Committee)
• April 6--Public Hearing – FY23 Budget (Town Council)--Opportunity for public comment          
• April 25--Council Vote to Approve (Town Council)      

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

Except for the Public Hearing, public comment is not typically heard at these budget development meetings. Those who would like to offer input prior to the 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. 

Please note: This update on the status of the FY23 budget development does not include information regarding the proposed School Budget. For more information about the School Budget process, visit: https://www.falmouthschools.org/about/budget

Veranda Street Bridge Closure Update & Virtual Public Meeting

Live Virtual Public Meeting, April 6

MaineDOT will host a Live Virtual Public Meeting on April 6 at 6:00pm This will involve a public update on the project followed by a question-and-answer period. Pre-Register for the meeting at: https://my.mainedotpima.com/public/event-registration/search?project_id=13890&pe_id=3687&sign_in=true

About the project

In April, 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. 

When will these closures occur and what does it mean for Falmouth?

Veranda Street (under the bridge) will be closed from 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 18 to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 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, April  22 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 25. This closure is expected to significantly increase traffic in Falmouth, especially along Route 1, Route 88, Middle Road, Lunt 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.

There is potential for the Exit 9 ramp from Veranda Street on to I-295 South will close as early as April 11. This closure is still under consideration.  

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 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.

Visit Verandaplan.org to find detour routes and additional info.

Green Home & Energy Show, April 9

Join Falmouth's Recycling & Energy Advisory Committee at the Green Home & Energy Show on April 9 to learn about sustainability efforts in Falmouth and more! Learn more here.

Coffee with Councilors

Building on the productive dialogues established during the Town’s Vision & Values process, the Town Council would like to invite all residents to join two Councilors at a time for an informal Zoom gathering. These meetings will be scheduled for one hour each with no set agenda. It is a chance for informal dialogue on whatever is on residents' minds. We will vary the days and times to try to be accessible to all. Note, this is a pilot project; we will assess continuation after a few months. Visit the events calendar on the home page for Zoom links to each meeting or watch this space. We hope to see you there!

The next Coffee with Councilors will be held...

Thursday, April 14, 12-1pm
Attendees: Councilors Johnson, de Lima

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87063103236
Or One tap mobile : 
    US: +13017158592,,87063103236#  or +13126266799,,87063103236# 
Or Telephone:
    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
        US: +1 301 715 8592  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 646 558 8656  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 669 900 9128 
Webinar ID: 870 6310 3236
    International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdHJdhY0S3

Additional Dates

Note: Links to each coffee will be posted on the events calendar on our home page at www.falmouthme.org and listed here in each issue.

Wednesday, May 11, 6-7pm
Attendees: Councilors LaFond, Kuhn

Spring Healthy Lawn Care Made Easy Workshops

Learn how to grow a healthy lawn that’s safe for families, pets, and the environment while saving money, time, and effort with workshops from the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District. 
All classes are $15 and held from 6-8 PM. Register online at: cumberlandswcd.org/workshops

• Wednesday, March 30--In person or webinar | Windham Public Library
• Thursday, April 14--In person or webinar | Yarmouth Water District
• Tuesday, April 26--Webinar

Questions? Call Cumberland County SWCD at (207) 892-4700.

Urban Run Off 5K

Our community's health, economy, and way of life depends on clean water. Unfortunately, polluted runoff threatens Maine's lakes, rivers, streams, and bays. You can be the hero we need to protect our water. The Urban Runoff 5K, hosted by Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, supports clean water education in the Greater Portland and Saco areas. The 2022 event will allow participants to explore a course anytime during the month of April on their own or join the timed event on April 23, 2022. Registration and more info at: https://www.cumberlandswcd.org/urban-runoff

Seasonal Temporary Closure of Falmouth Trails in Place

With warm temperatures and the substantial rain event over the weekend, Falmouth Open Space Staff and the Falmouth Land Trust have begun the temporary seasonal closure of Falmouth trails to ensure that the integrity of the trails is not compromised during the rain and mud season in Maine. Trails are now closed until further notice. All trailheads will be cordoned off and closure signs posted. Staff will continue to monitor the trail system and reopen trails as soon as conditions permit.  

At this time of year, the trails are particularly fragile. The ground is going through a cycle of freezing and thawing, resulting in a lot of moisture in the soil, making the trails extremely muddy and subject to severe damage. Our trails are more popular than ever, but we ask for patience as we manage the spring thaw. The integrity of the trails is important to all of us. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in respecting the trail closure signs posted at trailheads.  

Questions may be directed to Open Space staff at 207-699-5312 or openspace@falmouthme.org.

Homestead Exemption

The deadline to file for a homestead exemption for property taxes is April 1. The homestead exemption provides a reduction of up to $25,000 in the value of your home for property tax purposes. To learn more about this program read our Homestead Exemption Fact Sheet.  Applications can be found HERE. Completed forms can be emailed to: assessor@cumberlandcounty.org 

Earth Day Clean-Ups     

The Town is once again offering Town trash bags to residents who wish to perform Earth Day clean-ups in April. Please reach out to akrulik@falmouthme.org by April 8^th to request your bags. The Conservation Commission will also be holding an organized clean-up closer to Earth Day for volunteers to participate in. More details to come!

Nomination Papers Available

The Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, June 14, for the purpose of electing:

• Three (3) people to the Town Council for three (3) year terms.
• Two (2) people to the School Board for three (3) year terms.

Nomination papers are available from the Town Clerk’s Office at Falmouth Town Hall. Residents interested in running for either Town Council or the School Board must submit nomination papers with a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 100 signatures no later than 5:00pm on Friday, April 15. Town Hall will be open until 5pm on Friday, April 15 for the express purpose of receiving nomination papers. No other services will be available.

Highlight: Falmouth's Got Talent

Upcoming: Meetings & Events

School Board Workshop Meeting - Monday, April 4th @ 7:00 in the FES cafeteria.

School Board Business Meeting - Monday, April 25th @ 7:00 in the FES 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 Meeting, Monday, March 28, 7:00pm

The Town Council will meet on Monday, March 28 at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in person at Town Hall in the Town Council Chambers as authorized by Section 28, Policy Eight of the Town Council Rules and 1 MRSA §403-B. Members of the public may participate in the meeting by either attending the meeting in person or via Zoom. 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) 699-5335. 

At the Most Recent Town Council Meeting…

The Town Council held a meeting on March 14. An agenda and video can be found here. 

• There was an update on the Community Vision and Values Project.
• The Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee, Shellfish, Harbor/Waterfront Committees and ecomaine provided updates.
• The Council approved the renewal of The Moose A Maine Sports Pub permanent food service establishment license.
• The Council approved a Resolution to join the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future’s Community Resilience Partnership.
• The Council approved an Order on the Route 100 Tax Increment Financing District and Related Development Program.
• The Council approved an Order to schedule a public hearing on the FY23 Municipal and School Department budget for April 6, 2022.
• There was an introduction of ordinance amendments to Chapter II-19 of the Code of Ordinances, amendments to the Exit 10 Design Guidelines, and an amendment to the Zoning Map relative to land use and zoning recommendations along the Route 100 corridor.
• There was a staff presentation on Falmouth Harbor.

Planning Board

The following items will be considered at the Planning Board meeting on April 5. An agenda and video can be found here. 

• 188 US Route 1 – Burr Signs representing People’s United Bank - Request for Sign Permit Approval to replace 2 signs.  Map/lot U51-005.  
• Tuscan Way – Cummings Properties LLC – Request for Subdivision Amendment Re-Approval of August 3, 2021 for a drainage easement as well as a minor landscape modification.  Map/lot U47-026-B.
• 36 Woods Road – Tangent Energy Solutions Inc. – Request for Site Plan Re-Approval for a 875-mW AC Solar Array Project on the existing Town landfill.  Map/lot R01-004.
• Public Hearing - Amendments to Chapter II-19 of the Code of Ordinances, amendments to the Exit 10 Design Guidelines, and an amendment to the Zoning Map relative to land use and zoning recommendations along the Route 100 corridor.
• 456 Blackstrap Road – White Acres LLC – Request for Subdivision Approval for a 3-Lot Minor Subdivision with Open Space.  Map/lot R08-009-001.
• 19 Burgess Street – David Rines – Request for Shoreland Zone Permit Approval for Shoreline Stabilization.  Map/lot U16-045.
• 20 Burgess Street – Raymond Nagel & Edmund Gardner – Request for Shoreland Zone Permit Approval for Shoreline Stabilization.  Map/lot U16-044.

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 item at its meeting on March 22. An agenda can be found here.

• 25 Brown Street – Scott & Alise Koocher – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for the removal of an existing modern style house and foundation and rebuild of a New England traditional style home. Map/lot U02-001-A. 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.