2022.11.04--Falmouth Focus, Volume 4, 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
Table of Contents |
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- News & Issues
- Ongoing Initiatives
- Events
- Take Note
- Falmouth Public Schools
- Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
Please note, currently the Table of Contents links feature is not supported by all email clients or browsers. Scroll down to read the newsletter.
News & Issues |
Election Day
The Town of Falmouth will hold the State General Election on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Voting will take place at Falmouth High School, 74 Woodville Road. Polls will be open 7am –8pm. 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. For more information, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-clerk/pages/2022118-general-election.
Election Day Town Hall Operations
The Clerk's Office at Falmouth Town Hall will be closed on Tuesday, November 8 so staff can facilitate the elections at the polling place (Falmouth High School Gym). All other Town Hall departments are open. Online services can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/home/pages/online-services
Veterans Day
The Town of Falmouth Veterans Day Ceremony is planned for Friday, November 11 at 11:00 a.m. at the Falmouth Veterans’ Memorial located at 65 Depot Road. Representatives from Falmouth Legion Post #164, Falmouth Fire Department, Falmouth High School Chorus and Band, and Falmouth Boy Scout Troop #93 will take part in the ceremony. Following the ceremony, the Falmouth Lions Club will be providing a luncheon at the Falmouth Legion Post for our Veterans and everyone who would like to show appreciation for our Veterans. For further information, please contact: Diane Moore at 207-671-8439.
Holiday Trash & Recycling Collection
Trash and recycling will be collected on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11. In addition, the pre-scheduled leaf bag collection will also take place on Friday, November 11. Place trash, recycling, and leaf bags curbside by 7:00am to ensure collection.
NOTE: The Transfer Station WILL BE CLOSED on Friday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. The Transfer Station will reopen on Saturday, November 12 for regular hours, 9am-5pm.
Library Rededication
All are welcome to gather at the Falmouth Memorial Library on November 9, from 5-6:30pm to celebrate this community treasure. This rededication event will honor the Library’s past, present, and future, and is an opportunity to thank the community that supported the renovation. Please RSVP to the Library at 207-781-2351.
2023 Short-Term Rental Registrations and Renewals
The online registration form for 2023 short-term rental registrations and renewals opened on November 2, 2022. The registration/renewal deadline is January 1, 2023.
Click HERE to register or renew your short-term rental(s).
As a reminder, pursuant to Falmouth's Short-term Rental Ordinance, effective January 1, 2022, no person shall advertise, operate, or rent a short-term rental in the Town of Falmouth without first registering the short-term rental with the Town. Short-term rental is defined as the advertising, offering for rent, use, control, management, or operation of a dwelling unit in whole or in part, for dwelling, sleeping, or lodging purposes for a period of less than thirty consecutive days, for compensation, directly or indirectly. The annual registration fee is $300. The ordinance requires that owners renew their short-term rental registrations annually on or before January 1.
Town staff are happy to assist you with the registration process. Please email str@falmouthme.org or call Julie Baxter at (207) 699-5335 if you have questions or need additional information.
Please Note: All new registrations after November 2 will be considered 2023 registrations. Please email str@falmouthme.org or call Julie Baxter at (207) 699-5335 if you intend to advertise, operate, or rent your short-term rental before the end of the year and have not already registered with the Town.
Ongoing Initiatives |
Climate Action Plan Survey
The Town of Falmouth has been conducting a Climate Action Plan planning process for the last year. In order to ensure an effective plan, we need to understand the priorities and needs of the residents. Your responses to this survey will help shape our goals as the planning process evolves.
Please take this survey so we can hear from as many community members as possible!
If you would like more information about this process but missed our Climate Action Planning workshop in September, please go to 2022.09.22 Climate Action Planning Public Workshop to watch a video recording.
If you are interested in general information regarding what the Falmouth Sustainability Department is involved with aside from climate action work, please go to https://www.falmouthme.org/sustainability
Stabilization of Property Tax Law (LD290)
Guidance for Applicants
As you may be aware, a new law, LD290 "An Act to Stabilize Property Taxes for Individuals 65 Years of Age or Older Who Own a Homestead for at Least 10 Years," will allow certain senior residents to stabilize, or freeze, the property taxes on their homestead. An applicant must be:
- At least 65 years old*
- A permanent resident of Maine*
- Owned a Maine homestead for at least ten years.
- Eligible for a homestead exemption on the property they are placing in the Program.
*All applicants must provide a copy of their driver's license or State Issued ID as proof of age and further confirmation of residency.
If you have not yet submitted an application, contact the Finance Department for assistance in gathering the appropriate documents to accompany your application. Call 207-699-5311 or pmchugh@falmouthme.org. Click here for the APPLICATION. The application deadline is December 1, 2022. For additional questions, please contact the Maine Revenue Services Property Tax Division at (207) 624-5600 or prop.tax@maine.gov.
Events |
Mark Your Calendars for Very Merry Falmouth!
The Town of Falmouth, Falmouth-Cumberland Community Chamber, and Falmouth Memorial Library present Falmouth's annual community event, Very Merry Falmouth, Thursday, December 1 through Saturday, December 3.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, December 1
5:30pm - 36th Annual Falmouth Community Tree Lighting at Village Park (off Hat Trick Drive)! Hosted by Falmouth Parks and Community Programs. FREE!
Friday, December 2
6:00-8:00pm - The Merry Mix & Mingle. Join us for this family-friendly, open air, community party. Enjoy music, cookies, gourmet hot chocolate, kids activities (including fun with CenterPoint martial Arts!), photo booth, good cheer with your neighbors, and more. FREE!
7:00pm - Fireworks! Launched from the Legion Fields on Depot Road and best viewed from the Merry Mix & Mingle in the American Legion parking lot or along Route 1. FREE!
Saturday, December 3
9:00am - Ugly Sweater 5K and Merry Mile Fun Run, Route 1. Throw on your ugliest holiday sweater and race down Route 1 in Falmouth's famous holiday hustle! Proceeds will benefit the Falmouth Memorial Library! Race begins at the American Legion. Register here. Join us as a race volunteer!
8:30am-1:00pm - Saint Mary’s Sparkles Church Fair (9:00am-1:00pm) at the Episcopal Church of Saint Mary at Route 88/Foreside Road offers a range of wonderful items including home decor, jewelry, food and so much more! Then wander up Route 88 to Foreside Community Church, 340 Foreside Road, for another charming Christmas fair (8:30am-1:00pm), including a children's shop where your children can bring their quarters and shop for YOU!
10:00am-12:00pm - Free holiday movies at Flagship Cinema!
10:00am-2:00pm - Free ice skating on Twombly Pond (weather permitting)
More info at www.verymerryfalmouth.com
Shop Local, Shop Falmouth!
The Town of Falmouth encourages all residents to take part in Very Merry Falmouth this holiday season by shopping local. Falmouth is full of great businesses, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues that need our support now more than ever. Very Merry Falmouth encourages you to give back to your community while giving gifts to your loved ones and celebrating the holiday season.
Volunteer!
Join the fun and lend a hand as a Very Merry Volunteer! Community service hours available for high school students. Click here for volunteer sign-up!
A Community Conversation About Teen Mental Health
The Falmouth Memorial Library is proud to present an evening of conversation with local author Cameron Rosenblum ("The Stepping Off Place," 2020), Falmouth High School students, and the Yellow Tulip Project, moderated by local mental health expert Susan E. Casey, MSW. Come one, come all to help us smash the stigma around mental health through an open and honest discussion of the topic. Join us Thursday, November 17 from 5:30-6:30 pm at the Library, 5 Lunt Road, Falmouth.
Window Dressers Build Opportunity
The Towns of Falmouth and Cumberland are partnering again to offer residents Window Dressers’ 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?
Window Dressers 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 10-12, 2022, Cumberland Congregational Church, 282 Main St, Cumberland Center
COST: $32-$77 per window depending on size and materials. 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.
Learn more at: http://windowdressers.org/insulating-inserts/. Falmouth residents may call 699-5337 for more info.
Take Note |
Dog Licenses Now Available
Dog licenses are now available for 2023. All current dog licenses expire December 31, 2022. 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. Online 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).
Fall Curbside Leaf Collection
Leaf bags are available to Falmouth residents at the Public Works Office (101 Woods Road) in quantities of 12 per Falmouth resident address while supplies last. Bags are distributed on a first come, first served basis.
Curbside collection dates for leaf bags have been scheduled for:
- Friday, October 28
- Friday, November 4
- Friday, November 11
- Friday, November 18
Leaf bags must be set curbside on collection dates by 7am to ensure collection. REMINDER: Brush is NOT collected curbside but can be brought to the Transfer Station. Please do not put brush or trash in leaf bags. Transfer station hours are:
- Tuesday: 12-4pm
- Thursday: 12-4pm
- Friday: 7am-5pm (Closed November 11 for Veterans Day)
- Saturday: 9am-5pm
Call the Public Works Office with any questions at 207-781-3919
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlight: Chicago
Have you heard? The Theatre Company at Falmouth High School’s production of CHICAGO is a hit!
Only 3 more chances to see the show, starting this Friday, Nov 4. Get your tickets now at www.showtix4u.com/events/FHStheatre or at the door.
Chicago is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history and the second longest-running Broadway production ever. In the Roaring Twenties, aspiring chorus girl Roxie Hart and fading vaudeville star Velma Kelly each face trial for murder. Both as cynical as they are cunning, the two women compete for the services of shady lawyer Billy Flynn, who promises to make them media celebrities and win them acquittals. With its killer score and knock-’em-dead dance numbers, this incredibly fun show packs some serious heat.
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
Falmouth High School sports teams in Playoffs & Championships
Friday 11/4 at 7:00 PM - Boys Varsity Football vs. Cony - Class B North Semifinal (Directions to Cony HS, Augusta). If Falmouth wins they will play the winner of Lawrence vs. Skowhegan in the Final on Friday 11/11.
Falmouth’s Lucas Dilworth (1) makes a touchdown catch as he is defended by Cony’s Jasper Parrilli (3) on October 21 in Augusta [Photo credit: Michael G. Seamans, Kennebec Journal]
Saturday 11/5 All Day - Coed Varsity Cross Country - New England Championships (Directions to Ponaganset High School, North Scituate, RI).
Keep up-to-date with Falmouth Athletics online. Go Navs!
Veterans Day Assembly
Falmouth High School will celebrate and honor Veterans by holding our annual ceremony in the Falmouth High School Auditorium on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 1:25pm. National Honors Society members will celebrate veterans with speeches and readings, and the High School Concert Band, Choirs, and Jazz Bands will perform. The assembly is open to the public, and we hope to have as many local Veterans in attendance as possible to be honored. If you can’t make it in person, we invite you to watch via Zoom Live Stream.
School Board Meetings
The next School Board meeting is on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. This will be a workshop meeting. All meetings are held in the Falmouth Elementary School Cafeteria, unless otherwise noted.
A schedule of upcoming 2022-23 School Board meetings, and agendas and minutes from prior meetings, are available here. All Board Reports, as well as documents associated with the next School Board meeting can be accessed through the agenda. Past meetings can be viewed here.
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Meeting, Monday, November 14, 2022, 7:00pm
The Town Council will meet on Monday, November 14 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 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 October 24. An agenda and video can be found here.
- The Council approved the minutes of the September 8 Council Workshop Meeting, September 12 Council Meeting, September 28 Workshop Meeting and September 28 Council Meeting.
- The Council approved the following appointments:
- Jason Darby to the Planning Board - Regular Member
- Erika Tepler to the Planning Board – Alternate Member
- The Council approved an order for a new liquor license for Portland Pie Falmouth.
- The Council agreed to schedule the ordinance to amend the General Assistance Ordinance, Appendices A-G to amend the maximum levels of income and expenses for the General Assistance Program, Chapter 6, Article 6, Section 6.68, Appendices A-G of the Falmouth Town Ordinance for the November 14, 2022 Council meeting.
- The Council approved a Supplemental Appropriation of $10,000 for public assistance administered through the food pantry from the Town's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to cover FY2023 expenditures.
- The Council approved a resolution to authorize the Town Manager to execute a contract with BerryDunn to assist with updating the 2013 Comprehensive Plan.
Planning Board
At the November 1 Planning Board meeting, the board considered. An agenda can be found here.
261 US Route 1 – Sicilian Table – Request for Sign Permit Approval to install an 8’ x 8’ wall sign. Map/lot U12-002. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
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
Eagles Lane – Presumpscot River LLC (David Chase) – Request for Final Subdivision Approval for a 12-lot single family conservation subdivision. Map/lot U56-11 & -14-A. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
Board of Zoning Appeals
At its meeting on Tuesday, October 25, the Board of Zoning Appeals considered the following items. An agenda can be found here.
- 22 Greenway Drive – William & Susan Nevins –Request for Conditional Use approval under Section 19-77 to construct an addition. Map/lot U02-193. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
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 04105207-781-5253
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