2023.02.10--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 3

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. Scroll down to read the newsletter.

• News & Issues​​​​​​ 
  • Holiday Closure
  • Heating Assistance
  • FY2024 Budget Process
  • News from Falmouth Police Department
  • Water Quality Monitoring Survey
  • Transportation Safety Survey
• Ongoing Initiatives
  • Heating Assistance Fundraiser
  • From the Wellness Committee
• Events
  • Coffee with Councilors 
• Take Note
  • Posted Roads
  • Board & Committee Vacancies
• Falmouth Public Schools
  • Highlights: Kindergarten Registration
  • Focus: Students of the Quarter & Campus Planning
  • In the News: Wisdom Tea
  • Upcoming Meetings & Events 
• Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
  • Town Council
  • Planning Board
  • Board of Zoning Appeals
  • Board of Assessment Review
• Stay Informed

Please note, currently the Table of Contents links feature is not supported by all email clients or browsers. Scroll down to read the newsletter.

Holiday Closure

Town offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, February 20 in observance of Washington's Birthday. 

Heating Assistance Funds Available to Qualified Falmouth Residents

The Town of Falmouth has joined the “Keep Cumberland County Warm” project, established by the Cumberland County Government to allocate $1.35 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for homeowners who are struggling to pay for heat this winter. Nineteen additional communities in Cumberland County have signed up to participate in the program so far. Cumberland County has committed $50,000 to each participating community, including Falmouth, to distribute to residents who qualify.

The heating aid program is designed to support residents whose earnings are above the limit to qualify for General Assistance aid or the Federal Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) but are still below 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit and are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of heat. In Cumberland County, a household of four would qualify for aid if their household income is below $82,710. 

Falmouth residents who meet established Low & Moderate Income Guidelines (see link below) may apply for heating assistance by completing an application (link below). This program is not retroactive and applies only to bills for service or delivery AFTER an application has been approved. Multiple heat sources qualify. For qualified and approved applicants, the Town of Falmouth will pay invoices directly received from an oil, propane, electricity, or wood supplier. Heating assistance funds will be available through April 15, 2023. 

Applications are confidential. Questions may be directed to Katie Wilcox, at 207-553-5820 or Katie.Wilcox@opportunityalliance.org

Program Guidelines

Application

FY2024 Budget Development Update

At the February 8 Finance Committee Meeting, Town Manager Nathan Poore and Finance Director Pete McHugh presented the Proposed FY2024 Budget for the Town. (The school’s budget development process occurs separately.) The proposed budget expenses will increase mainly due to inflationary increases associated with staffing and energy costs. Other increases to fund additional senior tax refunds and the library are also included in the proposed budget. Revenues are also expected to increase with much of the gains associated with motor vehicle excise tax. The budget could be approved without a mil or tax rate increase (not including the school budget), however it was determined that a new building/capital fund is necessary to address the need to fund future anticipated buildings and infrastructure projects. The proposed budget includes a 3% increase to create this new building/capital fund. The Town Manager reported that he is impressed with the budget requests from all departments and how the collective budget will meet the needs of today while preparing for the future. He further reported that this is all being accomplished while still showing an increase well below inflation.

The Town of Falmouth will hold the following meetings regarding the FY24 Budget.

• March 1, 5:30PM in Large Conference Room - Budget Book Presentation of Town Budget to Finance Committee
• March 29, 5:30PM in Council Chambers - Joint Town and School Finance Committee Budget Presentation (Finance Committee)
• April 5, 7:00PM in Council Chambers - Public Hearing – FY24 Budget (Town Council)--Opportunity for public comment          
• April 24 7:00PM in Council Chambers - Council Vote to Approve (Town Council)      

Finance Committee Agendas can be found here. Town Council Agendas can be found here. Agendas (including Zoom links) are also sent via E-Alert. Subscribe to Finance Committee Alerts and/or Town Council Alerts at: www.falmouthme.org/subscribe

With the exception of the Public Hearing on April 5, public comment is not typically heard at these budget development meetings. Those who would like to offer input prior to the Public Hearing are encouraged to contact any Town Councilor or the Town Manager. Contact information can be found at https://www.falmouthme.org/town-council-town-manager. 

Please note: This update on the status of the FY24 budget development does not include information regarding the proposed School Budget. For more information about the School Budget process, visit: https://www.falmouthschools.org/about/budget

L-R: Chief John Kilbride, Det. Mathew Yeaton, SRO Alex Beaton, Sgt. Christopher St. Pierre, and Lieutenant Jeffrey Pardue

News from Falmouth Police Department

Awards

At its annual awards banquet on Saturday, January 28, 2023, the Maine Association of Police (MAP) recognized three officers from the Falmouth Police Department for their respective extraordinary acts of service.

Falmouth Police Sergeant Christopher St. Pierre received MAP’s Meritorious Service Award, presented to a MAP member who, through outstanding police work, prevents a death or serious injury, solves a difficult crime or crime(s), or performs an act that required a great deal of courage. Sgt. St. Pierre helped lead a challenging investigation that resulted in the arrest of an alleged drug trafficker, whose dealings had caused the overdose death of a Falmouth resident.

Detective Mathew Yeaton and School Resource Officer Alex Beaton were presented with MAP’s Lifesaving Award. While working a task force detail in South Portland, Det. Yeaton helped rescue an infant who had fallen into a swimming pool. Det. Yeaton’s quick action saved the young child from what would have been a tragic drowning accident. Additionally, SRO Beaton was recognized with the Lifesaving Award after he performed the Heimlich maneuver on a choking student at the Falmouth schools. SRO Beaton’s timely intervention cleared the child’s airway and ensured his safety.

In attendance to congratulate the award recipients was Falmouth Police Chief John Kilbride and Lieutenant Jeffrey Pardue. Please join the entire department in applauding the extraordinary acts of service of these three highlighted officers.

Promotions

On Tuesday, February 7, Police Chief John Kilbride announced the promotion of Lieutenant Jeffrey A. Pardue to Deputy Police Chief. This position will manage department operations and facilitate moving the department forward through the emerging challenges of staffing, crime, homelessness, drugs, community outreach, technology, and legislative affairs.

Lt. Pardue joined the Falmouth Police Department in 2010 and has been instrumental with advancements in accreditation, policy development, technology implementation, investigations, and the management of the Falmouth Regional Communication Center.  Lt. Pardue’s new assignment will begin on February 21. 

Water Quality Monitoring Survey

Help protect Falmouth’s water! The Town of Falmouth, with help from FB Environmental Associates, has completed a pilot study to test local waters for contaminates such as fertilizers and synthetic pesticides. As part of their final report, FB Environmental would like to incorporate feedback from Falmouth residents regarding the use of pesticides in their lawn care practices.  Like similar surveys in the past two years, this information will help the Conservation Commission better understand synthetic pesticide and fertilizer use within the community. To complete this survey online, please visit: https://arcg.is/1y814n0  For more information on Falmouth's water quality initiatives, click here. 

Transportation Safety Survey

We want to hear from Falmouth residents! The Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) is working to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries in the region. Take this short survey and/or drop a pin on our transportation hazard map to tell planners what roads, intersections, crosswalks, etc. make you feel unsafe. Your input will help shape their Vision Zero Action Plan, a draft of which will be ready this spring. Just as a reminder: this is a regional plan, so Falmouth is part of this work. Take the survey here.  Find the map here. 

Heating Assistance for Those in Need

As temperatures drop and winter sets in, many residents wonder what they can do to support their neighbors in need when high heating costs threaten their comfort and safety. Residents may not be aware that, in addition to regular food distribution, the Falmouth Food Pantry assists residents with heating and utility needs. Monetary donations to the Food Pantry make this possible. 

On January 4, Governor Mills signed the Winter Emergency Energy Relief Plan, which will provide heating assistance to Mainers. The measure provides $450 relief checks to an estimated 880,000 Maine residents. In the past, when the government distributed relief checks, the Food Pantry saw an organic up-tick in donations from residents who passed along their share to those less fortunate. With relief checks soon arriving in the mail, the Town of Falmouth wants to remind residents that the Food Pantry serves approximately 250 families and would gratefully accept any amount of monetary donations. You can donate by sending checks made out to the Falmouth Food Pantry to 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105 or donate online via PayPal at: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1807575.  If you so choose, you may indicate in the memo line of your check: "to assist with utility bills." The Falmouth Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) charity and all donations are tax deductible.

Please enjoy the following monthly Community Wellness Committee article.

Belief is Choice: Put Down the Potato Chips!

By Susan M. Gallant, Ed.D.

Belief is a compulsion beyond the realm of choice. When we choose, we’re relatively clear about options and understand enough to select one. A belief is a psychological state or habit of mind in which we hold a certain proposition, premise, assumption, or idea to be true--at times, without supporting evidence. Once established, we accept such a belief as fact, rarely subject it to scrutiny, and often are not influenced by newly verified information. Like a computer operating system (OS), beliefs become our personal OS forming the “software” of our brains and controlling how we sort and file input data.

Sometimes we hold beliefs firmly as true or false. More often we think of them as grayscale depending on our level of confidence about how the world works.  In other words, we may generally believe something, and at the same time hold enough doubt or skepticism to stay open and curious about exploring that belief.

Beliefs are powerful forces with outsized influence on our health and well-being. They inform our behavior, how we react, what we create, and our attitudes toward life. We mirror in our world what we accept in belief. Some beliefs are empowering, some limiting.

Self-limiting beliefs are the junk food of life. Like favorite potato chips — we don’t want to keep eating but can’t seem to stop. Once hooked, it’s easy to go on automatic pilot, and remain unconscious of the impact of the belief until either the bag is empty, or we feel sick. A self-limiting belief is not an idea that we hold. It’s an idea that holds us! It constricts us, limiting the unique expression of who we are and what’s possible. Once identified, it’s important to put the chip bag down and make conscious decisions about what we choose to believe. How do we do that?

First, make the belief “visible” to yourself – name it, visualize it. Next, get curious. Is it true? How do I know? How does this belief impact me? Keep exploring. A good time to start is when you notice a contradiction in what you say, think, and do. For example:

• You want something but repeat a pattern that inevitably blocks you from getting it.
• You hear yourself saying:
  • I don’t have enough [time, money, …] to move toward what I want.
  • Yeah, but _____ [logical reason out of my control, for example, “it’s genetic.”]
  • I’m too [old, young, ...] OR I’m not [fit, motivated, …] enough.

If what we want is outside the limits of our current belief structure, then to create it we need to change our beliefs. Remember, beliefs aren’t real.  They may feel like truth, but they are simply habitual thinking patterns.  Bringing our beliefs into awareness is a moment-to-moment mindfulness practice. Our shifts are sometimes incremental, and slow, and sometimes a giant “Aha!”  Bottom line: We can choose what we believe.

Coffee With Councilors

The Town Council would like to invite all residents to join two Councilors at a time for an informal Zoom gathering. These meetings will be scheduled for one hour each with no set agenda. It is a chance for an informal dialogue on whatever is on residents' minds. We will vary the days and times to try to be accessible to all. We hope to see you there!

The next Coffee with Councilors will be held on Wednesday, February 15, from noon until 1:00pm with Councilors Asherman and LaFond. Click the link below to join the webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87008688923
Or One tap mobile : 
    US: +13052241968,,87008688923#  or +13092053325,,87008688923# 
Or Telephone:
    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
        US: +1 305 224 1968  or +1 309 205 3325  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 646 558 8656  or +1 646 931 3860  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 689 278 1000  or +1 719 359 4580  or +1 253 205 0468  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 360 209 5623  or +1 386 347 5053  or +1 507 473 4847  or +1 564 217 2000  or +1 669 444 9171  or +1 669 900 9128 
Webinar ID: 870 0868 8923
    International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kzQz3IvR7

Additional dates have been scheduled for: 

• Friday, March 17, 8am-9pm with Councilors Kuhn and DeLima
• Thursday, April 13, 12pm-1pm with Councilor Johnson and TBD

Links will be provided in advance of the meetings in this newsletter and on the events calendar at www.falmouthme.org.

Heavy Loads Limited

The Town of Falmouth seasonally determines if weight restrictions should be imposed on roadways to prevent damage due to freezing and thawing. Posted roads may be impacted by vehicles of excessive weight (over 23,000 pounds). The following roads will be posted beginning Friday, February 17 and ending April 8: Foreside Rd. (Depot Rd. to Johnson Rd.), Mast Rd., and Field Rd. The road posting removal date is subject to change based on weather conditions.

Board & Committee Vacancies

The Appointments Committee is seeking volunteers to fill vacancies on a number of Town boards and committees. If you are interested in getting involved, please consider the following openings:

• Ad-Hoc Climate Action Planning Committee (1)
• Board of Sewer Appeals (2)
• Board of Zoning Appeals (1 alternate)
• Community Wellness Committee (5)
• Conservation Commission (2)
• Parks and Community Programs Advisory Committee (PACPAC) (1)
• Land Management and Acquisition Committee (LMAC) (1)
• Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee (REAC) (2)

Follow the links above for more information on each committees' role and function. For a board and committee application, click here.

Highlight: Kindergarten Registration for 2023-2024 School Year Now Open

Online kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year opened on February 1st. In order to be eligible for kindergarten in the fall of 2023, a child must be 5-years-old on or before October 15, 2023. There are no exceptions, as this is state law as well as a school board policy.

To register, please visit our New Student Registration web page and select 2023-24 Kindergarten Registration, to complete a brief pre-registration form.

Focus: 

Three Falmouth Students Recognized as  PATHS ‘Students of the Quarter

Falmouth High School students Aiden Labbe (Automotive Collision), Trevor Low (Automotive Technology), and Rocco Mancini (Marine Service Technology) were recognized as Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS) ‘Students of the Quarter.’  PATHS is greater Portland’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school, offering hands-on technical and career-focused education. PATHS provides its students with the opportunity for relevant and challenging applied learning experiences designed to enhance their occupational, personal, and academic success while preparing them to meet the needs of the Maine workforce. Learn more at the PATHS website.

Campus Master Planning Community Event Held, Presentation Slides Available

A Campus Master Planning Community Input Session was held on January 12th at Falmouth Middle School. Community members joined Falmouth Public Schools and Master Planning consultants Oak Point Associates for a community conversation to guide our long-term planning. Presentation slides are available online.

To learn more about Falmouth Schools Campus Master Planning, please visit the website. We welcome your input! Please share your thoughts and ideas about our Master Planning process

Pictured from left to right: Angelina Graceffa, Macy Bush, Hope Bramhall, Val Rand, Ann Knowles, Holly MacEwan, Gail Shand, Dave Barrett, Dick Shand. Photographer: Sydney Richelieu. Courtesy: The Forecaster

In the News: Wisdom Tea Turns 20!

There is a wonderful article in this week’s Northern Forecaster highlighting Falmouth High School students and residents of OceanView at Falmouth: Falmouth students gaining wisdom from OceanView residents (Northern Forecaster, Feb 7, 2023).

Sydney Richelieu’s feature article concerns the Wisdom Tea program, now in its 20th year. Facilitated by Falmouth High School students, the monthly gatherings are organized around a theme that “allows students and residents to focus their conversations around a specific topic such as food, life challenges and transitions.”

Angelina Graceffa, a FHS senior and Wisdom Tea facilitator, has been attending the Teas since second grade. Graceffa reflected, “I really can’t imagine my high school career without Wisdom Tea and our school’s relationship with OceanView. It’s been such an integral part of my time here.”

Read the article here.

Upcoming: Events & Meetings

Theater: The Theatre Company at Falmouth High School presents “Black Comedy” on March 9, 2023 at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $12, available at the door only

Blood Drive:  Thursday, March 16, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Falmouth High School Small Gym. FHS seniors Chloe Staley and Emerson Roy are organizing an American Red Cross Blood Drive on March 16th. “Currently, there is a national blood shortage, so for our senior project we are hosting a blood drive. Our drive is looking to fill 47 spots and we are asking you, the Falmouth community, to make a difference and donate blood. View available time slots and register online.

School Board Meetings: A schedule of upcoming 2023 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).

• The next regular School Board meeting is scheduled on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Falmouth Elementary School Cafeteria.

Athletic Events: Keep up to date with Falmouth Athletics online   Go Navs!  

Learn more about Falmouth Public Schools at their website, and stay connected through social media, calendars, and Principal’s Notes here.    

Town Council Meeting, Monday, February 13, 2023, 7:00pm

The Town Council will meet on Monday, February 13 at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in person at Town Hall in the Town Council Chambers as authorized by Section 28, Policy Eight of the Town Council Rules and 1 MRSA §403-B. Members of the public may participate in the meeting by either attending the meeting in person or via Zoom. The agenda and Zoom link can be found here. The Zoom application will allow attendees to connect 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 January 23. An agenda and video can be found here. Due to inclement weather, the meeting was held virtually.

• The Council approved the minutes of the December 12, 2022 Town Council Meeting.
• The Council approved the following re-appointment:
  • Richard Klain to the Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee
• The Town Council approved the following appointments:
  • Julia Maslen to the Community Wellness Committee.
  • Sara Verville to the Board of Zoning Appeals-Regular Member
• There was an introduction to the concept of a Transit Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District

On January 27, the Town Council held a mid-year work plan review meeting. An agenda can be found here. At the meeting, the Council reviewed the 2022-2023 work plan A priority items. 

Planning Board 

At the February 7 Planning Board meeting, the board considered the following items. An agenda and video can be found here.

•   177 Gray Road – Southpaw Sign Studio – Request for Sign Permit Approval for 1 new free-standing sign.  Map/lot U42-037-B. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
•   12 Northbrook Drive – Addison Capital LLC – Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan Review for a 12,000+ sf two-story commercial office building.  Map/lot U59-010-A1. DISCUSSED

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 the January 24 meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals, the board considered the following items. An agenda and video can be found here.  

• 21 Casco Terrace – Michael Maines representing Janet Dooley & Kathryn Bell – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for a teardown and rebuild of a garage. Map/lot U17-052; Zoned RA, RCZO, SZ-LR, WVOD.  APPROVED

For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals

Board of Assessment Review

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.