2022.06.03--Falmouth Focus, Volume 4, Issue 15

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

• 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​​​​​​  
  • Route 88 Intersection Upgrades
  • Exhibit on Falmouth History 
  • Falmouth PD Hosts Gun Giveback Event
  • Falmouth Officer Receives Life Saving Award
  • Arbor Day Thank You!
• Ongoing Initiatives
  • From the Wellness Committee: Adding Color to Your World
  • Election Notice and Information
  • Living Lawns
• Events
  • Wednesday Wellness Walks
  • Gardening for Wellness
  • Concerts in the Park
  • Mackworth Island Informational Meeting
• Take Note
  • Job Opportunities
  • Connect2045 Transportation Survey
• Falmouth Public Schools
  • Highlight: Class of 2022 and Student Athletics 
  • Focus: Budget Validation Referendum 
  • Upcoming:Important Dates  
• Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
  • Town Council
  • Planning Board
  • Board of Zoning Appeals
  • Stay Informed

Work to Begin on Route 88/Johnson Road Intersection Improvements

Additional work on Depot and Lunt Road at Library also planned

In December 2021, the Town Council unanimously approved an order to revise the FY2022 Ocean View-Natural Gas Tax Increment Financing District budget to fund intersection and pedestrian improvements on Route 88 at Johnson and Depot Roads. The order followed several months of discussion at Town Council Meetings, meetings with Town Landing Market, MaineDOT traffic engineers, and traffic consultants, as well as two public forums. For a full overview of the project visit: https://play.champds.com/falmouthme/event/2301

The project was advertised for competitive bidding in April 2022. The Request for Proposal (RFP) included additional work near Falmouth Memorial Library to install a crosswalk on Depot Road at the library parking lot entrance across from the American Legion and a mid-block crosswalk at the library parking lot entrance on Lunt Road. The project was awarded to Aceto Earthworks, the lowest bidder, with a full bid price of $147,710.60. Due to the favorable bid price, improvements to the Lunt Road sidewalk have also been included in this project. A deteriorated section of pavement near the library will be repaved and a portion of the sidewalk will be widened to make it fully ADA compliant

Weather permitting, work will begin on Lunt Road near the library on June 6 and continue the following week on Route 88. The project is estimated to take 2-3 weeks to complete. Residents can expect some delays and congestion while work is underway, particularly at the intersection of Johnson Road, Town Landing Road, and Route 88. Please proceed with patience and caution in these areas during construction. Questions can be directed to: Justin Early, Town Engineer at 207-781-3919 or jearly@falmouthme.org.

Exhibit Exploring Falmouth’s History Installed at Town Hall

The Town of Falmouth has installed a permanent 12 panel exhibit on the first floor of Falmouth Town Hall. “The Story of Falmouth” exhibit explores Falmouth's history through rarely seen images and engaging stories of Falmouth residents from its earliest indigenous population through today. Originally created as a travelling exhibit to mark the Town’s 300th anniversary, “The Story of Falmouth” was displayed at multiple venues throughout 2018. The permanent exhibit installation was made possible through funding from a Bicentennial Project Grant from the Maine Bicentennial Commission.

“The Bicentennial Grant allowed us the opportunity to repurpose the temporary exhibit into a permanent installation that people can enjoy well beyond the Town’s tercentennial commemoration,” said Town Manager, Nathan Poore. “We think residents who visit Town Hall will enjoy learning more about the community’s history and this exhibit is an attractive and engaging way to do that.”

The exhibit hangs in the hall between the Town Council Chambers and the Clerk’s Office and can be seen during opening hours: Monday, 7:00am-4:30pm; Tuesday-Thursday, 8:00am-4:30pm; Closed Fridays.

Falmouth Police to Host Gun Giveback Event

The Falmouth Police Department, in coordination with the Maine Gun Safety Coalition (MGSC) and police departments across Maine, is participating in a Gun Giveback event on Saturday, June 11 from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the police station on Marshall Drive. Officers will be on hand to receive and secure unwanted firearms and ammunition. Long guns, shotguns, handguns, air rifles, and pellet guns will all be accepted. Covid precautions will be followed to ensure the transfer is safe for all involved. Those wishing to dispose of an unwanted firearm and/or ammunition can simply drive up and officers will remove the items. In addition, Falmouth PD will give out free gun locks and provide weapon safety tips. 

Firearm destruction will be conducted on site by members of Maine’s Blacksmith Guild. Parts from the collected weapons, including illegal guns held in the evidence room at the police station, will then be transported to the Guild's foundry to be smelted. The Maine Gun Coalition has partnered with Swedish-based Humanium Metal, which uses metal from the melted down weapons to make watches and jewelry. Proceeds from the sale of these items will benefit the Maine Gun Safety Coalition. The American Academy of Pediatrics of Maine is also serving as a co-sponsor of the event.

June 11 marks a national gun giveback day with participating locations in over 30 states. A press conference will be held at the event at 12:00pm, with members of law enforcement, the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, and representatives from Humanium Metal providing comments. Falmouth has often taken part in gun giveback programs where residents can safely dispose of their unused or unwanted firearms. “Every gun that we destroy is one less gun that can be stolen and used by a criminal or fall into the hands of a child with tragic results,” said Falmouth Police Chief John Kilbride. In October 2021, Falmouth PD held a similar event in which some 30 guns were collected, destroyed, and given to Humanium Metal for repurposing. 

For more information, call 207-780-0501 or email gungiveback@mainegunsafety.org

School Resource Officer Alex Beaton (middle) shown here with Town Manager Nathan Poore (left) and Police Chief John Kilbride (right).

Falmouth Police Officer Receives Award

On May 25th, at their annual conference, the Maine Chiefs of Police Association recognized Officer Alex Beaton with the Life Saving Award. On September 22, 2021, School Resource Officer Beaton was assigned to the Falmouth Middle School. While conducting proactive duties in the cafeteria during lunch, he noticed a child in distress, grabbing is throat and turning red from the lack of oxygen. Officer Beaton recognized the child was choking and was moments away from losing consciousness. He immediately took life saving measures to remove the obstruction blocking the child's airway. While conducting the lifesaving act, Officer Beaton also instructed school personnel to provide further assistance and directed the child to emergency care after the child started breathing on his own. There is no doubt without intervention, this incident could have ended tragically. Congratulations to Officer Beaton! 

Arbor Day Activities Recap & Thank You!

On Saturday, May 21, the Conservation Commission hosted a clean-up at the apple orchard in Community Park. Volunteers gathered to clear invasive plants from around the apple trees. Thanks to all who turned out to assist!

Additionally, in celebration of Maine Arbor Day and in support of Falmouth's participation in the Tree City USA program, the Falmouth Conservation Commission, along with Council Chair Amy Kuhn, planted a Spitzenburg apple tree near the entrance of Community Park. This highly respected American apple variety was rumored to be Thomas Jefferson's favorite apple and, like the other Community Park orchard trees, is a heritage apple. Falmouth is proud to be recognized as a Tree City USA community. To learn more about the designation, visit: https://www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa/about.cfm

The orange blossoms of asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed) brightly accent a planting area at the Gardens at Tidewater Farms. (Photo by Pamela Hargest)

Adding Color to Your World

by Doug Zlatin, Community Wellness Committee Member

There’s something magical about strolling through a yard or neighborhood and feasting your senses on the abundant variety of decorative plantings. Brightly colored flowers, the heady scent of blossoms, busy activity of pollinators, lush green leaves, and a variety of textures combine to bring a feeling of peace and an intimate connection to nature. Whether you’re experienced or just a beginner, spring is a great time to walk your property and consider the possibilities for accenting its landscape. Bulbs planted in the fall yield early blossoms come spring. Ornamental perennials provide years of pleasure. Annuals allow you to experiment with different varieties and hues. Flowering shrubs burst with early colors followed by interesting foliage that fill in your garden and walkway spaces. Even many trees offer colorful blooms.

If you don’t have room for a garden bed – or your sunny spots are limited to a patio, deck, window box or doorstep – all you need are containers and a bit of imagination to attract pollinators and yield delicious veggies, useful herbs, or cut flowers for your table. No rules here; anything goes! From fancy ceramics to home-built wooden structures, fabric pots with handles, plastic buckets, or reclaimed items. What about an old kitchen kettle or teapot, child’s wagon, watering can, rowboat or hollowed out tree stump? Remember that perennial pots can be moved inside and enjoyed year-round. Containers don’t hold as much moisture, so their plantings will need more watering. If a container bottom is solid and deeper than 12 inches, small rocks can provide needed drainage, or you could drill a few holes. A pot’s planting medium is critical, requiring a mix designed specifically for containers. You can also mix your own using soil (or not), compost, peat, and vermiculite. There are many recipes.

Things to consider when choosing plantings include: what colors, types and/or fragrances to emphasize; the use of native species; and matching recommended exposures – full sun (6-8 hours), partial, or shade – to an area’s sunlight pattern. Testing the soil and applying necessary nutrients is important for outdoor beds. The abundance of choices available for plant selection can be overwhelming, so don’t be shy about asking questions. Gardeners love to share their experiences. Knowledgeable staff at our local garden shops and greenhouses are happy to help, as are these Community Wellness Guide resources:

• Cooperative Extension for soil testing, articles on plant selection and care, and a mentoring program that pairs you with a master gardener volunteer;
• Garden clubs (e.g., Foreside, St. Mary’s);
• Falmouth Memorial Library’s impressive gardening section.

YOU ARE INVITED to explore one of Falmouth’s hidden gems and learn about healthy soil and living at Gardening for Wellness, Saturday, June 18, 10 am-noon, Gardens at Tidewater Farm. Find more information below in the Events Section of the newsletter.

Election Notice and Information

The Town of Falmouth will hold the Municipal Election and Budget Validation Referendum on June 14, 2022. The election will take place at the Falmouth High School Gym, 74 Woodville Road. Polls open at 7:00am and close at 8:00pm. The regular office hours of the Voter Registrar/Town Clerk’s Office, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, Maine are: Monday - 7:00am - 4:30pm; Tuesday - Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm, Closed Fridays. Sample ballots can be found here and are also available by request.

Voter Registration

For registration questions, please call the Registrar at 699-5320.

Requesting an Absentee Ballot

There are three ways to request an absentee ballot.

• By Phone: Contact the Town Clerk's Department at 699-5320   
• In Person: Visit Town Hall during regular business hours, Monday - 7:00am - 4:30pm; Tuesday - Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm, to pick up a ballot. Note: Town Hall is closed on Fridays.
• By Mail: Print the Absentee Ballot Request Form HERE and mail to Falmouth Town Clerk's Department, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105   

Submitting Your Voted Absentee Ballot

To be counted, voted absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8:00pm on Election Day. There are three ways to return a completed absentee ballot.

• Official Ballot Drop Box: An official ballot drop off box is located at the front of Town Hall to the left of the staircase. Ballots can be deposited here at any time up to 8:00pm on Election Day.
• In Person: Return your ballot to the Clerk's Department at Falmouth Town Hall during business hours, Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 4:30pm (Closed Fridays and Election Day). On Election Day, voted absentee ballots may be submitted at the polling place or via the drop box at Town Hall. 
• By Mail: Return your ballot in the mail. Please factor in potention postal delays and allow enough time for us to receive the ballot by 8:00pm on June 14. Ballots are not accepted by postmark dates. Any ballots received after 8:00pm on Election Day will be rejected.

Absentee Voting  

In person absentee voting is underway at Town Hall during opening hours, Monday - 7:00am - 4:30pm; Tuesday - Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm, (Closed Fridays). Extended hours for voting will be offered on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 4:30pm-6:30pm.

Election Day Voting

Voting will take place on June 14 at the Falmouth High School Gym, 74 Woodville Road. Polls open at 7:00am and close at 8:00pm. No voting will take place at Town Hall on Election Day. On Election Day, voted absentee ballots may be submitted at the polling place or via the drop box at Town Hall. Voters are asked to follow all COVID-related health and safety procedures put into place at the polls as recommended by the CDC and Secretary of State at the time of the election.

Election Day Closure

The Clerk’s Department at Town Hall will be closed on Election Day, June 14, so staff can facilitate the elections at the polling place. Other Town Hall Departments will remain open. Enter through side door.

For more information, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-clerk/pages/municipal-election

Living Lawns

Living Lawns offers lawn care tips to help make your lawn healthy and vibrant. Over the spring, summer, and fall, Falmouth's Conservation Commission will share tips in The Falmouth Focus and on social media. 

#5: Did you know there are two different types of grasses? Cool-season grasses such as fescue can better withstand changing temperatures and have high drought tolerance and disease tolerance. Other examples of cool-season grasses include bluegrass and rye grass. These grasses are typically a thin or thick blade grass, depending on the variety planted. Cool-season grasses green-up and grow in the spring and the fall. In the summer and winter, they lie dormant. Warm-season grasses include Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass, Bahiagrass and Carpetgrass. They are often called southern grasses because they grow best in hot summer areas and lack the winter hardiness of the cool-season grasses. Depending on location, warm-season grasses grow vigorously from mid- to late spring through summer and into early fall. They usually turn brown and go dormant in winter. These are the four most common type of grass seeds grown in Maine:

1. Kentucky bluegrass is most often seen in northern lawns, as it tolerates cold temperatures well
2. Fine fescues (e.g., red fescue, chewings fescue, hard fescue) do not do well with significant foot traffic but are very tolerant of dry, acid, or low fertility soils.
3. Perennial ryegrass can tolerate heavy foot traffic but has high nutrient requirements. Cold winters in Maine can thin out lawns dominated by perennial ryegrass.
4. Endophytic grass seeds (e.g., tall fescue) provide natural protection against some surface insects and fungal diseases, but not all are hardy throughout Maine and may be reduced by very cold winters, allowing weed intrusion in the spring

Tip #6: 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. 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!

For more information, visit the Livings Lawns web page at: https://www.falmouthme.org/environmental-initiatives/pages/living-lawns-your-healthy-lawn-care-resource

Wednesday Wellness Walks

The Falmouth Community Wellness Committee invites you to join us for walks at Maine Audubon each Wednesday in June. We’ll meet at 12:15 p.m. on June 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, in the parking lot near the community gardens, Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth. Walk as long as you like along beautifully groomed trails surrounded by nature, peaceful views, and a few friendly woodland creatures. Come join us and your neighbors. Bring a friend. Hope to see you there!  

Falmouth Community Programs Seeks Seasonal Staff

Parks Staff

The Town of Falmouth is looking for seasonal Parks staff to work and maintain the many parks, trails, and grounds run by the Town. 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 landscaping, trail maintenance and grounds equipment. Hourly rates are $15.00 - $18.00 based on experience. Must have a valid drivers license. E-mail or mail a resume to Jeff Mason, Parks Supervisor, or pick up an application at the Mason-Motz Activity Center, 190 Middle Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. The Town of Falmouth is an EOE. Jeff’s email is jmason@falmouthme.org

Camp Councilors

Falmouth Community Programs is looking for dynamic individuals with strong interpersonal skills, the ability to connect with multiple age groups, experience working with children, and the ability to train, motivate, and supervise staff to work with our summer camp program.  We work with kids entering Kindergarten through Middle School on a daily basis. We take a weekly field trip, play, and immerse ourselves in the word FUN! Requirement: Willing to work with all levels of campers, training or experience in the field of childcare, camp or recreation setting a plus. Prior experience in a leadership or supervisory role as well as combination of educational and working experience is preferred but not required. Stop into the FCP office in the Mason-Motz Center for an application or find one online at: https://www.falmouthme.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif11826/f/uploads/employment_application.pdf

Help shape the future of transportation in our region!

The Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) is updating the region’s Long Range Transportation Plan “Connect 2045” and needs help from the people who live, work, and play in Greater Portland. Please take this survey to help GPCOG understand what’s important to you and weigh in on the types of transportation projects are funded in the region. To take the survey go to: www.connect2045.org

Highlights 

Class of 2022: The Falmouth High School Class of 2022 will graduate on Sunday, June 5th.

Athletic Highlights: Ten of our graduating student athletes have signed national letters of intent to play College sports:

• Will Addison - Track & Field - Trinity College
• Kinsey Barry - Lacrosse - Villanova
• Chloe Bush - Field Hockey - Williams College
• Brady Coyne - Basketball - Bates College
• Patrick Gill - Swimming - Fairfield University
• Eli Grover - Track & Field - Stonehill College
• Logan Ross - Track & Field - University of North Florida
• Joey Rouhana - Nordic - Clarkson University
• Jack Stowell - Basketball - Worcester Polytech Institute
• Jordan Wolf - Soccer - Stony Brook

Additionally, both the Ultimate Frisbee Team and the Sailing Team won State Championships!

Focus: Budget Validation Referendum

The annual school budget validation referendum is on the June ballot.  Each year, our school administration and School Board work together to create a budget that supports the educational needs of all students. After a 6-month budget development process, we are proud of the budget that we presented to the Town Council for their endorsement earlier this spring. The School Board remains grateful for the citizens of Falmouth and their consistent support for our schools, through budget support and engaging with students on campus and in the community. It’s frequently said that it takes a village to raise a child, and Falmouth is an attractive place to live for many people because of our shared commitment to high quality public education. Details about the school budget can be found on the school website.

Election Day is Tuesday, June 14th.  Absentee voting is currently available through Town Hall. Thank you for your support of our schools!

Whitney Bruce, Chair, Falmouth School Board, whitney.bruce@falmouthschools.org

Upcoming Dates:

School Board Meetings: School Board Workshop Meeting - Monday, June 6th @ 7:00 in the FES cafeteria.  This workshop will be an acknowledgment and celebration of all those retiring from Falmouth Schools.

State and Municipal Elections, School Budget: Tuesday, June 14th at Falmouth High School.  Additional information and a sample municipal ballot can be found on the Falmouth Town Website.

School Board Business Meeting - Tuesday, June 21st @ 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, June 20, 7:00pm 

The Town Council will meet on Monday, May 23 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 in advance of the meeting. 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 Meetings…

The Town Council held a meeting on May 23. An agenda and video can be found here. 

• The Council approved the minutes of the April 6, April 11, and April 25 Council Meetings.
• The Council approved the following appointments:
• Randy Harding – Regular Member to the Board of Assessment Review.
• Richard Craven to the Shellfish Conservation Commission.
• The Council approved an order for a new liquor license for Ocean View Management Co. (Gazebo Grille).
• The Council approved an order to appoint election workers for the 2022 elections.
• The Council approved an order to update Highland Lake Leadership Team Charge.
• There was a presentation and discussion with the Falmouth Land Trust regarding the future management of Town owned open space.
• There was an introduction of ordinance amendments to Chapter II-7 and Chapter II-19 of the Code of Ordinances relative to removing outdated and unnecessary language, bringing consistency to policies, and improving the usability of the ordinances. A public hearing is scheduled for July 11.
• The Council approved an order to nominate Councilor de Lima to serve on the MMA Legislative Policy Committee.

Planning Board

The next meeting of the Planning Board will be on June 7. An agenda can be found here.  

PUBLIC HEARING - Amendments to Chapter II-7 and Chapter II-19 of the Code of Ordinances relative to removing outdated and unnecessary language, bringing consistency to policies, and improving the usability of the ordinances.

• 117 Gray Road – Anthony Hayes – Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan Review for a 6-unit major subdivision off Constellation Way. Map/lot U43-004; Zoned VMU, SZ-LC/RP, RT100CO.
• Eagles Lane – Presumpscot River LLC (David Chase) – Request for Preliminary Approval for a 12 lot single-family Conservation Subdivision off Eagles Lane. Map/lot U56-11 & -14-A; Zoned RD, RCZO, SZ-RP/SP.
• 78 Leighton Road – 78 Leighton Road LLC (Dr. Kyra Chadbourne) – Request for Site Plan Approval for a 30’ x 38’ two-story building addition for Falmouth Dentistry. Map/lot U44-014; VMU, RT100CO.

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 Lisa Sangillo at 207-699-5303 or lsangillo@falmouthme.org

Board of Zoning Appeals 

The Board of Zoning Appeals considered the following items at its meeting on May 24. An agenda can be found here. 

• 9 Avon Road – Jeffrey Bush – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for a teardown and rebuild of a single-family home.  Map/lot U01-080. TABLED PENDING SITE WALK ON JUNE 28^TH.
• 21 Casco Terrace – Michael Maines representing Janet Dooley & Kathryn Bell – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-86 to expand the existing home.  Map/lot U17-052. 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.