2022.12.23--Falmouth Focus, Volume 4, Issue 29
Pleas 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 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 |
A Message from Falmouth Emergency Management
Falmouth’s Emergency Management Director, Chief Howard Rice, encourages residents to prepare for power outages and low temperatures related to Friday’s storm. Power outages are likely for many residents. Temperatures will also drop below freezing and into the teens late Friday. This cold weather will continue into next week. Residents are reminded that the combination of low temperatures and no electricity can often cause water pipes to freeze and burst. This is especially relevant if you will be traveling out of town over the holiday weekend. Please consider the following reminders:
- Test your generator before you lose power.
- Place generators outdoors away from garage doors, windows, and vents.
- Place generators in dry areas. Do not operate in rain or wet conditions.
- Use heavy duty extension cords with your generator.
- Fill your bathtub with water for use in toilets or for other household needs.
- Gather batteries, flashlights, candles, and other needed items in a central location.
- Charge electronic devices.
- Purchase enough non-perishable food and water.
If you are traveling or will be away from home:
- Keep your furnace settings at a temperature that will prevent freezing pipes.
- Ask a friend or neighbor to check your home or business while you are away.
If sustained power outages occur, the Town will provide information on warming centers and additional services.
Holiday Closures and Services
Town offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, December 26 and Monday, January 2 in observance of Christmas Day and New Year's Day respectively.
The Transfer Station will offer reduced hours on Saturday, December 24 and Saturday, December 31, from 9:00am-1:00pm.
Curbside trash and recycling will not be impacted by the Christmas or New Year's holidays. Place bins curbside by 7:00am to ensure collection.
New Project Page for Bucknam Road Bridge Project
Subscribe for updates
The Town of Falmouth has created a webpage for information related to the Maine Department of Transportation’s Bucknam Road Bridge Replacement. In September 2022, work began on this large-scale project. The work, which will continue into 2024, includes replacing the aging bridge and improving traffic signals. Significant traffic disruption is anticipated. To sign up for updates regarding construction schedules, lane closures, and traffic disruptions, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/bucknam-road-bridge-replacement-project.
Please note: This is not a Town of Falmouth project. MaineDOT will provide updates on construction schedules, road closures, and changes to traffic patterns to the Town of Falmouth. Upon receipt of this information, we will post to this newly created project page and send out E-Alerts as quickly as possible. To the best of our knowledge this information is correct at the time of publication. Changes due to extenuating circumstances on the ground, such as weather, contractor, or supply delays, are beyond our control. MaineDOT will also set up a project page on their website. We will provide a link to that page once it is online. Queries can be directed to MaineDOT at: https://www.maine.gov/mdot/contact/
Town of Falmouth Awarded $50K Grant
The Town of Falmouth received notification of funding from the Governor's Office of Policy, Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) in response to a Community Action Grant application that was submitted in September. This is the second award that the Town has received through this program, the first being in March of this year for a geomorphic study of five major streams in town. Working with community partners, the $50,000 grant will help to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and assist in the expansion of equitable access to locally grown food. Grant funding will be used to partially electrify Hurricane Valley Farm and to support the mission of Cultivating Community, the organization that leases the farm from the Falmouth Land Trust. The project will include installation of rooftop solar panels and a Tesla battery at the farmhouse, providing an alternative energy infrastructure and a direct source of electricity to farm systems. In addition, the propane heating system in the farmhouse will be removed and replaced with an air source heat pump system. For more information contact Falmouth's Sustainability Coordinator, Theresa Galvin at tgalvin@falmouthme.org
LD2003 Update
In April 2022, the Maine State Legislature passed “An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions." Commonly known as LD2003, the law went into effect in July 2022 and its requirements must be implemented by July 2023. The new law is in response to a December 2021 report from the Commission to Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions, which indicated an urgent need to address the availability of affordable housing in Maine. LD2003 seeks to address Maine’s affordable housing crisis by reducing barriers to the construction of housing units.
What does this new legislation mean for Falmouth? The short answer is we don’t know just yet how fully LD2003 will impact the community. The Town will be required to amend its ordinances to comply with this new law and is currently awaiting further guidance from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). DECD is in the process of drafting rules that will provide clarity for municipalities on how these new policies will be implemented. Once the Town receives this guidance from DECD, we will be better able to provide additional updates to the community. As new information becomes available, we will share it via this newsletter and through News & Announcement E-Alerts.
Ongoing Initiatives |
In the photo is Officer Amanda Hogg with “Donuts,” who was abandoned near a Dunkin' and is suffering from hair loss and malnutrition. Chief Kilbride is holding “Grace,” a calm little cat looking for a home.
Don't Forget! Falmouth Police Department Annual Giving Tree
They are our best friends, family members, and therapists. We take the job of protecting them very seriously, as they have no voice to summons our help. This year the Falmouth Police Department’s fourth annual Giving Tree is to support our animals and provide food, comfort, and love to the little ones that give us so much. All donations will support the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. Drop off items at the Falmouth Police Station, 2 Marshall Drive. As always, we thank you in advance for your incredible support! Find more information here.
Needed items include:
2023 Short-Term Rental Registrations and Renewals Deadline January 1
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.
Events |
Underwood Park Improvements Public Forum
Join us on Tuesday, January 10, 6-7:30pm at Holy Martyrs Church Hall (266 Foreside Road) to share your ideas for enhancements to Underwood Park and the adjacent "Marion Brown" property at 260 Foreside Road. Town staff and representatives from Aceto Landscape Architects will present preparatory work including existing conditions and site analysis. Attendees will be asked to provide feedback and suggestions for potential amenities and improvements. Please contact Maggie Fleming at 207-699-5329 or mfleming@falmouthme.org for more information.
Falmouth Public Schools Campus Master Planning Community Input Session
Thursday, January 12, 6:30-8 PM at Falmouth Middle School: CAMPUS MASTER PLAN - Visioning our Campus for the Future
Join Falmouth Public Schools and Master Planning consultants Oak Point Associates for a conversation to guide planning of our 125-acre campus for the next decade and beyond.
Our goal?
Create a plan that supports our district and community needs, and promotes what is best for our students.
Why is campus master planning important?
Several factors demand a careful review and reconsideration of our campus learning environment:
- Age and wear of facilities and infrastructure
- Program expansion and staff to serve evolving student needs
- Proactive planning avoids costly, reactive decisions
What does the planning process look like?
- Gather data, input, and feedback from all stakeholders (students, staff, families, community, etc.)
- Optimize campus design for security, accessibility, functionality, sustainability, efficiency, aesthetics, and mental well-being, while considering benefits to the broader community
- Establish realistic priorities that account for the importance of both long-term vision and fiscal responsibility
If you are unable to attend, stay informed at: www.falmouthschools.org/about/campus-master-planning
Meditation for the Ever-Beginner, Saturday, January 14
Presented by the Falmouth Community Wellness Committee and Guided by Susan Lebel Young
Have you tried meditation once, but it didn't work? Maybe you want to start practicing again or take a refresher class? Perhaps you meditate regularly, and would welcome an opportunity to join with others. Whatever your motivation, you're invited to this workshop on January 14 from 10:30am to noon at the Falmouth Memorial Library Russell Room. The workshop will be led by Susan Lebel Young, MSED, MSC, who has practiced and taught meditation for 40 years. Susan will talk a little, lead practice a little and leave plenty of time to answer questions. "Lots of us think meditation is about clearing the mind, which seems impossible, so we don't want to try, even though we've heard it can help alleviate stress. No worries. There is nothing wrong with you. Meditation is not what you think. I love sharing these teachings. Come however you show up, agitated mind and all."--Susan
Take Note |
Holiday Recycling & Tree Disposal
2023 Transfer Station & Parking Stickers Available
It's time to purchase your 2023 Transfer Station & Parking sticker to access the Transfer Station and to park at Town Landing in the coming year. Stickers are $5.00 annually and can be purchased at either Town Hall or the Public Works Office on Woods Road. The color of the sticker changes each year. Stickers are valid for the calendar year from January 1 through December 31, 2023.
Remember, disposal of certain materials and large items at the Transfer Station require disposal tickets, which are also $5.00 each. These tickets are available at Town Hall, Public Works, Shaw's, Hannaford, Town Landing Market, and Waldo's. Tickets are NOT available for sale at the Transfer Station. Most materials will cost 1 or 2 tickets ($5.00 or $10.00). You can find a listing of accepted items and rates at: https://www.falmouthme.org/transfer-station/pages/transfer-station-procedures-and-rates
Dog Licenses
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).
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.
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlights
Furniture Friends Donations
The Falmouth High School Community would like to thank everyone who donated household cleaning supplies and personal care products to fill 25 beautiful bags that will be given to the individuals and families served by Furniture Friends. Falmouth Schools’ Service Learning Program has a long-standing partnership with Furniture Friends. Watch a video about Furniture Friends featuring former students.
Falmouth High School Freshman Wins Congressional App Challenge
Congratulations to FHS Freshman Victoria Wahlig for winning this year’s Congressional App Challenge! Watch Congresswoman Chellie Pingree call Victoria to announce her win: VIDEO
Freshman Class Clothing Drive
We thank and celebrate the Freshman Executive Board and all who donated items to the Winter Clothing Drive. Items, like those shown, were collected through our Freshman Advisory classes, and are on their way to Maine Needs.
Middle School Community Service Club
THANK YOU x2! Thank you to all who donated art and craft supplies for the Choose Your Charity Craft Event! And thank you to all who attended. Falmouth Middle School Community Service Club raised $282 for a variety of causes and had a lot of fun at the event.
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
Falmouth's Got Talent is back!
Coming soon to a theater near you! SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, March 19, 2023. Visit the FHS Project Graduation website to learn more.
Keep up to date with Falmouth Athletics online. Go Navs!
School Board Meetings
A schedule of upcoming 2022-23 School Board meetings, and agendas and minutes from prior meetings, are available. 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 on Falmouth Community Television (FCT).
- There is a School Board workshop on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Falmouth High School Library.
The next regular business meeting is on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Falmouth Elementary School Cafeteria
Learn more about Falmouth Public Schools at their website, and stay connected through social media, calendars, and Principal’s Notes here.
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Meeting, Monday, January 9, 2022, 7:00pm
The Town Council will meet on Monday, January 9 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 December 12. An agenda and video can be found here.
- The Council approved the minutes of the November 14 Council Meeting and November 28 Council Meeting.
- The Council approved the following re-appointments:
- Lois Lengyel and Bill Lunt to the Board of Assessment Review
- Bill Lunt to the Board of Sewer Appeals
- Joseph Lloyd to the Board of Zoning Appeals
- Andrea Ferrante and Lisa Joy to the Community Wellness Committee
- John Connolly to the Conservation Commission Committee
- Manny Kourinos to the Harbor/Waterfront Committee
- Fred Farber to the Land Management and Acquisitions Committee
- Robert Carver and Karen Jones to the Parks and Community Programs Advisory Committee
- Dave Sinnett and Jason Denby to the Planning Board
- Richard Bicknell to the Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee
- Richard Craven and Richie Garrett to the Shellfish Conservation Commission Committee
- The Council approved an order to abate taxes for the parcel identified as U01-074-00A for the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 tax years per the request of the property owner.
- There was an update from the Community Wellness Committee.
- There was a Public Hearing on an 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. The ordinance was scheduled for January 9.
- There was a Public Hearing on 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. The ordinance was scheduled for January 9.
- The Council approved an order to authorize the Town Manager to execute the contract for waste and recycling collection with Casella.
- There was a one year update on the short-term rental ordinance and registration program.
- There was a comprehensive plan update.
- The Council approved a Resolution on two requests to accept private streets as public streets.
Planning Board
At the January 3 Planning Board meeting, the board will consider the following items. An agenda can be found here.
241 US Route 1 – Bailey Sign representing Chase Bank – Request for Sign Permit Approval for 2 new wall signs. Map/lot U12-002.
60 Gray Road - Evan Amell – Request for Sign Permit Approval for 1 new wall sign for EA Fitness & Performance. Map/lot R05-045-B.
7 Shaw Road – Julie Seavey – Request for Private Way Amendment to convey a portion of the property to an abutter. Map/lot R06-052.
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. 
117 Gray Road – Anthony W. Hayes – Request for Preliminary Major Subdivision Approval for 7 condominium units. Map/lot U43-004.
330 US Route One – Verdad Real Estate & Construction Services – Request for Pre-application Sketch Plan Review for three (3) 30,000sf 1-story self-storage unit buildings. Map/lot U53-001.
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, December 20, the Board of Zoning Appeals considered the following items. An agenda can be found here.
- 26 Phillips Road – Custom Property Solutions representing Barbara Jean Harper – Request for Disability Variance under Section 19-122 for wheelchair access and fire egress. Map/lot U01-011. APPROVED
- 279 Foreside Road – Arcadia Kitchen & Bath representing Whitney & Simon Wignall - Request for Conditional Use approval under Section 19-77 to construct a breezeway and 2-car garage. Map/lot U17-053. 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.
Town of Falmouth, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105207-781-5253
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