2022.11.18--Falmouth Focus, Volume 4, Issue 27
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 |
Falmouth PD Investigates Threat to Falmouth Schools
The Falmouth Police Department received information today at 7:00am of a threat directed towards students and staff at one of the Falmouth Schools. We requested the closure of all schools while we investigated this threat.
In working with the Yarmouth Police Department, Maine State Police, Brunswick Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), it was determined this threat was a hoax and not credible.
We recognize the strain and fear this causes for our students, school staff, and community. Their support and cooperation during this event were greatly appreciated. We will continue our vigilance and strong communication with school administrative staff during these challenging times.
Thanksgiving Closures and Services
Town offices and facilities will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25, for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Transfer Station will also be closed November 24 and 25. It will reopen on Saturday, November 26, from 9am-5pm.
Trash and recycling will not be collected on Thursday, November 24. Collection for this route will be postponed until Saturday, November 26. Curbside collection will take place on Friday, November 25. Place bins curbside by 7:00am to ensure collection. There will be no impacts to curbside collection on Tuesday or Wednesday next week due to the holiday.
Pine Grove Preserve Now Open
Pine Grove Preserve has reopened to the public. The tree removal operation is complete, and the trails have been re-marked and cleared for use. A new off-street parking lot, created by the Public Works Department, has room for 5 or 6 vehicles with plenty of additional on-street parking across the way. With the removal of many diseased, dying, and fallen trees, Pine Grove has a new feel with open views and sunlight. The trails are set and will be familiar to previous visitors, but it will take some time to smooth out some areas where trees were removed. Questions may be directed to openspace@falmouthme.org
Road Construction Updates
Bucknam Road Bridge Project
As noted in earlier communications, Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) has begun work to replace the Bucknam Road Bridge over I-295. This work will continue through 2024 and cause significant traffic disruptions to Falmouth.
Lane Closures
Bucknam Road: Starting November 16, there will be occasional nightly single-lane closures of Bucknam Road between the I-295 Northbound and Southbound Ramps between the hours of 7:00PM and 6:00AM. A minimum 11’ lane width with 1’ shoulder will always be provided.
I-295: Starting November 16, there will be nightly lane closures on both I-295 Northbound and Southbound, Sunday through Thursday between 8:00PM and 6:00AM the next morning. Single lane closures on Friday nights will only be permitted Southbound between 10:00PM and 6:00AM Saturday. A minimum 11’ lane width with 2’ shoulder will always be provided.
Future Full Road Closures
Bucknam Road: Starting after November 27, there will be occasional full closures of Bucknam Road between the I-295 NB and SB ramps. These closures will occur on a Sunday through Saturday from 10:00PM to 5:00AM the next day. A clearly marked detour will be in place during all closures.
I-295: Full closures of I-295 NB and/or SB will occur on a Monday through Saturday from 1:00AM to 5:00AM and will be a maximum of 25 minutes long and performed with State Police. Upon completion of the 25-minute closure period traffic shall be cleared completely before another 25-minute closure period begins.
MaineDOT has indicated that notice will be given in advance of these closings, including visible message boards. We will continue to update residents on this large-scale and important project as we receive information.
West Falmouth Sewer Project
Work on the West Falmouth Sewer Project continues on Middle, Lunt, and Woods Roads. The following work is anticipated in the coming week, weather permitting.
Middle Road
Middle Road, between Lunt and Bucknam Roads, is now open to traffic. Work continues from the Bucknam Road intersection to the roundabout with one of lane of alternating traffic directed by flaggers. We anticipate this work finishing up in the next couple of weeks once the final pavement is installed. Once paving is complete, construction will cease on Middle Road until spring. In the spring, the contractor will return to replace the sewer pipe that is hanging on the bridge over the spur highway. This will entail one lane traffic over the bridge for a duration of about one month.
Lunt Road
Work to replace sewer piping across Lunt Road will begin near the train tracks this week. From Lunt Road, the sewer will be replaced off-road on a sewer easement that runs parallel to the train tracks before joining back in to Middle Road. This “cross-country” work will continue for the next month.
Woods Road
A section of Woods Road has been reduced to one lane with alternating traffic directed by a traffic signal. This work will continue into next week and then move from Woods Road into the Woodlands neighborhood.
For more information on the West Falmouth Sewer Project and to sign up for regular updates, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/west-falmouth-sewer-project
Un-Official Election Results
Un-offical election results from the November 8 General Election can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/home/news/un-official-election-results-november-8-2022
Library Rededication
On November 9, Falmouth Memorial Library hosted a re-dedication event to thank the community for their support of the library renovation and expansion. Speakers included Vanessa Record (Library Board President) and Amy Kuhn, (Falmouth Town Councilor and newly-elected State Representative). Carol Iverson-Kauffman, a descendant of the Iverson family, whose home housed the original library, also reflected on the history of the library. Tours of the new library were also offered. During the ceremony, Kauffman was presented with Falmouth's Legacy Award, honoring residents of Falmouth whose volunteer efforts have contributed to the improvement of the community over a period of many years and left a legacy for future residents. Kauffman was unable to attend the original recognition ceremony held in June.
Ongoing Initiatives |
Applications for Stabilization of Property Tax Due December 1
The deadline to apply for property tax stabilization is December 1, 2022. This new state 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," allows 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. For additional questions, please contact the Maine Revenue Services Property Tax Division at (207) 624-5600 or prop.tax@maine.gov.
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
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.
Finding Comfort in Uncertain Times
By Carol Iverson Kauffman RN, MSN; Wellness Committee Member;
Faith Community Nurse, Falmouth Congregational Church, UCC; Falmouth Legacy Award Recipient
In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, here is the latest installment from our Community Wellness Committee.
How do we find balance in our world today? Even lives blessed with abundant goodness, kindness, faithfulness, love and joy may be confounded by what can feel like more reports than ever of hate crimes, natural disasters, warfare and persecution. How and where do we find the comfort, security, peace and courage to move forward? How can we best “keep the faith,” whatever that faith may be?
Health, religious and social services practitioners today stress the importance of talking about mental health because it is now well-recognized that taking care of one’s mind and body are equally important.1 If some of us didn’t realize that before the pandemic, more do now.
Those familiar with New Testament writings may recognize Paul’s description of “the fruit of the Spirit” as love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (moderation, self-control). This fruit I understand to mean qualities that I cannot will into existence. When faced with trouble, challenge, disappointment or temptation to withdraw into myself, I have drawn on such fruit by looking for some way or someone I could help.
Taking a cue from the “Be Kind” signs posted by the Falmouth Lions Club or in the spirit of Thanksgiving, we can care for our mental health by practicing kindness and showing gratitude. In times of disagreement, we can strive to settle matters peacefully through self-control instead of surrendering to anxiety, fear of the unknown or negative emotions.
A few of the many ways that our community offers love, joy and relief to those long-suffering or just in need of healthy activity or fellowship include: suppers, seasonal events, holiday services and food deliveries. Last month, 200 people enjoyed our first Community Cookout hosted by all Falmouth faith communities, 40 volunteers and substantial help from the Boy Scouts. This grand opportunity to reconnect came after two long years of pandemic restrictions. The event’s free-will offering went to the Falmouth Food Pantry.
This year our Wellness Committee co-sponsored a garden event at Tidewater Farm and autumn hikes on Falmouth trails with the UMaine Co-operative Extension and Land Trust respectively. Together with the Yellow Tulip Project and residents who planted 600 tulip bulbs, we shone a light on mental illness awareness. Six high school students contributed to two wellness articles this year that focused on teen mental health. The committee’s human services team continued to grant monies to an increasing number of social service organizations.
Operation PHOENIX – Providing Hope and Opportunity through Education, Networking, and Information Exchange -- is our police department’s new program that partners an officer/recovery coach with those in our community grappling with substance abuse disorder or addiction.
I was blessed as a cane/walker-dependent that a friend took me to join roughly 75 others standing for love and enduring peace at last week’s Veteran’s Day ceremony in front of our War Memorial. Afterwards the Lions Club hosted a delicious luncheon at Post 164 (of which my father was a charter member and past commander.)
Just as our veterans endured, did their duty steadfastly and were not easily swayed by the pressures of war, so we too can lean on the fruits of our spirit (and theirs) to face the many challenges of today’s world, and take a moment to give thanks for all the ways that our community members support each other.
1https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
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 - Foreside Community Church Christmas Fair, including a children's shop where your children can bring their quarters and shop for YOU!
9:00am - 1:00pm - Saint Mary’s Sparkles Church Fair at the Episcopal Church of Saint Mary offers a range of wonderful items including home decor, jewelry, food and so much more!
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!
Take Note |
Seasonal Parking Ban Now In Effect
Falmouth’s seasonal overnight parking ban is now in effect until April 15, 2023. Parking is prohibited on all Town-maintained roads between midnight and 6:00am. Parking bans will be implemented at other times as needed for snow removal. Click here for more info.
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).
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Meeting, Monday, November 28, 2022, 7:00pm
The Town Council will meet on Monday, November 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 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 November 14. An agenda and video can be found here.
- The Council approved an order to renew the food service licenses for The Woodlands Club Restaurant, Snack Shack and Cart.
- There was an introduction of the Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-9, Art. II-9-4., Coastal Waters Ordinance, Section 9-94, of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Marina and Yacht Club Mooring Assignment Numbers. Public hearing is scheduled for December 12.
- There was discussion about the Greater Portland Transit District (Metro Bus) proposed FY 2023 budget.
- There was an update on two requests to accept private streets as public streets.
- There was an introduction of an Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-2, Art. II-2-3, DIV. II-2-3-1 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Boards, Committees, and Commissions. Public hearing is scheduled for December 12.
- The Council approved an order to abate taxes for the parcel identified as U32-013-0P5 for the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 tax years per the request of the property owner.
- The Council approved an 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.
Planning Board
At the December 6 Planning Board meeting, the board will consider the following items: An agenda can be found here in advance of the meeting.
196 US Route 1 – Bailey Sign Co – Request for Sign Permit Approval for 4 new signs. Map/lot U52-001-B; Zoned VC1, VC2.
240 US Route 1 – Portland Pie Company – Request for Sign Permit Approval for 3 new signs. Map/lot U24-005; Zoned VC1.
1 Underwood Road – Atlantic Environmental LLC – Request for Shoreland Zone Permit Approval on behalf of Underwood Road LLC for a proposed dock. Map/lot U18-025; Zoned RA, RCZO, SZ-LR, WVOD.
0 Shoreline Drive – Atlantic Environmental LLC – Request for Shoreland Zone Permit Approval on behalf of Shoreline Hollo, LLC for a proposed dock. Map/lot U02-034-A; Zoned RA, RCZO, SZ-LR, WVOD.
0 Veronica Lane – Atlantic Environmental LLC – Request for Shoreland Zone Permit Approval on behalf of Rivers Edge Homeowners Association for a proposed dock. Map/lot U30-007-002-XXX; Zoned RB, RCZO, SZ-LR
US Route 1 – The Shops at Falmouth Center LLC – Request for Site Plan Approval for a proposed mixed-use commercial/ residential development. Previously Tabled. Map/lot U12-007-A; Zoned VC1, SZ-LC.
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
At its meeting on Tuesday, November 22, the Board of Zoning Appeals will consider the following items. An agenda can be found here.
- 4 Providence Avenue – Benjamin & Tamara Clay – Request for Conditional Use approval under Section 19-77 to construct an addition. Map/lot U04-005; Zoned RA, RCZO.
- 10 Payson Road – Nancy Boulanger - Request for Conditional Use approval under Section 19-77 to construct a shed dormer. Map/lot U02-047; Zoned RA, RCZO, WVOD.
- 234 Falmouth Road – Gregory Michaud – Request for Conditional Use approval under Section 19-54 for a home occupation. Map/lot R04-003; Zoned F, RCZO.
- 83 Johnson Road – Andrew Lebel – Request for Conditional Use approval under Section 19-84 for the tear-down and rebuild of a garage. Map/lot U60-015; Zoned RA, SZ-SP; RCZO.
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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