2023.03.24--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 7
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-Aerts.
General Information
Table of Contents |
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- News & Issues
- Ongoing Initiatives
- Events
- Take Note
- Falmouth Public Schools
- Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
- 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.
News & Issues |
Comprehensive Planning Update Kicks Off!
In case you missed it, last Friday we released a special issue of the Focus dedicated to Falmouth's Comprehensive Plan Update. You can read the special issue here.
In addition, a special project website is now online which provides:
- a project timeline
- links to the 2013 Comp Plan and the Vision & Values final report
- interactive maps, including housing and growth in Falmouth, conservation lands, recreational facilities, land use, and more.
- opportunities to get involved in the process online by leaving a comment on the Vision Board or Interactive Map
- additional information on upcoming events and activities
On Tuesday, April 11, you are invited to attend a kickoff meeting at 7:00pm at the Falmouth Elementary School Cafeteria. Learn about the planning process, why it's necessary to update our plan, and provide valuable feedback. Arrival and sign-in begins at 6:30pm and light refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there!
Falmouth Using 3-D Imaging to Gather Data on Road Conditions
Falmouth Public Works has contracted with StreetScan to update the Town’s Pavement Conditions Indexes (PCI’s) that were last done in 2016. The PCI’s are a numerical data point from 0-100 assigned to a road segment to determine the overall quality of the road, with 0 being the worst and 100 being the best. The PCI’s are developed from data that is collected during road inspections which quantifies pavement distresses (cracks, holes, bumps, etc.). The Town uses PCI’s for its road paving capital improvement plan (CIP) and to help prioritize the paving schedule.
Data is collected from Falmouth roads via vehicles equipped with imaging systems. These systems detect pavement surface distresses without interrupting traffic flow using 3D imaging technology that provides lateral and seamless road coverage in the direction of travel. Collected data goes into a cloud-based software, allowing municipalities to visualize and manage road assets to schedule, track, and manage work orders, both in the office and in the field.
Data collection in Falmouth is scheduled to begin in April and will take two to three days during which residents may see these specialized vehicles traveling Falmouth’s roads. We will provide updates regarding the timing of these collection days via our website, newsletter, and social media pages. For questions, contact the Public Works Department at 207- 781-3919.
Winter 2023: Plenty of Snow, but No Ice!
Family Ice Board of Trustees Launches Capital Campaign
You may not be aware that, for the first time since it debuted 25 years ago, the Lee Twombly Pond at Family Ice Center did not open this year. There has been an outpouring from residents in Falmouth, Cumberland, Yarmouth and beyond, asking why the pond is closed and how they can help. The issue is that the pond refrigeration system is at the end of its life, and the entire rink infrastructure needs to be rebuilt to provide safe, reliable, high-quality outdoor ice skating for our community.
The Lee Twombly Pond is one of Falmouth’s most treasured community assets and is part of what makes our area in Southern Maine a highly desirable place to live and raise a family. The board of trustees and staff at Family Ice Center have launched a capital campaign to Save the Pond with a goal of raising $1 million to restore the Pond for future generations to enjoy – as always, free of charge.
We are delighted to announce that we’re launching our campaign one-third of the way to our goal with a generous donation of $150K from the Twombly family, and a matching $150K from the de Sieyes/Ward family. Let’s keep up the momentum!
How can you help? By donating to our campaign. Your tax-deductible donation can be made directly here or by sending a check to: Save the Pond, Family Ice Center, 20 Hat Trick Drive, Falmouth, ME 04105.
Family Ice is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to serve the Southern Maine community with indoor and outdoor recreational skating. We also provide specialized skating opportunities for those who would otherwise be unable to participate due to social, physical, or financial circumstances. Thank you for considering this vital contribution!
For more information, reach out to us at: savethepond@familyice.com
Please also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on our campaign progress.
Seasonal Trail Closures Coming Soon
Each spring, the Town of Falmouth closes its trail system for a period of weeks to ensure that the integrity of the trails is not compromised during the rain and mud season in Maine. Weather dependent, we anticipate this year’s closure occurring within the next week or so. Please be advised that Falmouth Land Trust trails will also close during the spring thaw.
This time of year, the trails are particularly fragile. There have been several rain and snowmelt events lately. The ground is going through a cycle of freezing and thawing, resulting in a lot of moisture in the soil, making the trails extremely muddy and subject to severe damage. Our trails are more popular than ever, but we ask for patience as we manage the spring thaw. The integrity of the trails is important to all of us. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
Residents will be alerted of trail closures via E-Alert, social media, postings on the Town’s website, and signage at trailheads.
New Major Projects Web Page
Looking for information on a current Town project? With so much going on in Falmouth, we've created a one-stop-shop for information on current initiatives. Large scale projects such as the Comprehensive Plan Update or the West Falmouth Sewer Expansion, or recurring initiatives such as our annual Brown Tail Moth Spray Program, generate a lot of information over a long period of time. We've created Project Pages for most of these ongoing initiatives to make it easier for residents to keep up-to-date. But as the number of projects and corresponding project pages increase, where do you go to find them? Now you can access all project pages from the home page of our website. Simply click the Major Projects & Initiatives link on the side bar on the left side of our homepage (see image below).
Ongoing Initiatives |
Underwood Park Improvement Project
A second public forum was held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Lunt Auditorium regarding improvements to Underwood Park. Approximately 40 people attended. Aceto Landscape Architects presented a conceptual plan based upon the feedback received from the first public forum and email comments. Attendees broke into small groups to discuss what they liked and disliked about the conceptual plan and used sticky dots to identify their three favorite elements of the plan. The forum presentation describing the conceptual plan is available here: https://www.falmouthme.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif11826/f/uploads/2023-03-16-ala-underwood-concept_diagram_and_precedents.pdf If you were not able to attend the second forum, you are welcome to send feedback via email to mfleming@falmouthme.org. The breakout group comments and forum video recording will be posted soon on the project page at: https://www.falmouthme.org/parks-and-community-programs/pages/underwood-park-improvement-project. For more information, please contact Maggie Fleming at 207-699-5329 or mfleming@falmouthme.org.
FY24 Budget Public Hearing
At the March 13 Town Council meeting, the Town Council officially set the date of the Public Hearing on the FY24 Budget for Monday, April 10 during that evening's Town Council Meeting. The meeting will begin at 7:00PM in Council Chambers at Town Hall. There will be opportunity for public comment. On April 24, at 7:00PM in Council Chambers, the Council will vote to approve the budget.
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. For more information on the FY24 budget and the budget development process, read the article in the last issue of the Falmouth Focus HERE. You may also visit the Finance Department's budget webpage at: https://www.falmouthme.org/finance/pages/fy-23-24-budget Please note: This update on 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.
Events |
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 Thursday April 13, from 12:00pm-1:00pm with Councilor Johnson. Click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87852402247
Or One tap mobile :
US: +16469313860,,87852402247# or +13017158592,,87852402247#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 646 931 3860 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 305 224 1968 or +1 309 205 3325 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 564 217 2000 or +1 669 444 9171 or +1 669 900 9128 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
Webinar ID: 878 5240 2247
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbC7EVAL5k
Urban Run Off 5K, April 22
Our community's health, economy, and way of life depends on clean water. Unfortunately, polluted runoff threatens Maine's lakes, rivers, streams, and bays. You can be the hero we need to protect our water. The Urban Runoff 5k, hosted by Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, supports clean water education in the greater Portland and Saco areas. The 2023 event will allow participants to explore a course anytime during the month of April on their own or join us for our timed event on April 22 in South Portland. Learn more and register at: https://www.cumberlandswcd.org/urban-runoff
Take Note |
Homestead Exemption
The deadline to file for a homestead exemption for property taxes is April 1. The homestead exemption provides a reduction of up to $25,000 in the value of your home for property tax purposes. You need only apply once. If you already have the exemption there is no need to reapply. Once the exemption has been approved, it will remain in effect as long as your ownership and residency status remain unchanged. To learn more about this program read our Homestead Exemption Fact Sheet. Applications can be found HERE. Completed forms can be emailed to: assessor@cumberlandcounty.org
Please note: Information regarding property tax assistance for seniors will be available in late summer. Watch this newsletter, our website, and the Northern Forecaster for additional information and updates.
Nomination Papers Available
The Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, June 13, for the purpose of electing:
- Two (2) people to the Town Council for three (3) year terms.
- Three (3) people to the School Board for three (3) year terms.
Nomination papers are available from the Town Clerk’s Office beginning on Monday, March 6. Residents interested in running for either Town Council or the School Board must submit nomination papers with a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 100 signatures no later than 5:00pm on Friday, April 14.
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlight: Dr. Richard Gowers Named Permanent Principal of Falmouth High School
At Monday night's meeting, Falmouth School Board members voted to approve the hiring of Dr. Richard Gowers to serve as permanent principal of Falmouth High School. Dr. Gowers earned his PhD in U.S. History from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and he taught in Australia and New Zealand before moving to the United States in 2004. Prior to coming to Falmouth in 2022 as interim principal, Richard was principal of the School for Independent Learners in Los Altos, California.
Highlight: Next Year’s School Budget
Planning for the FY 23-24 School budget has been ongoing since December. At this time our Budget page has been updated with slides from the January 3rd and February 6th School Board Workshops, and the detailed FY2024 Proposed Budget. Also on the Budget Page is the complete budget calendar with upcoming dates of meetings and presentations.
In the News: Falmouth Senior Mitch Ham wins 2023 Travis Roy Award
Falmouth’s Mitch Ham was named the 2023 Travis Roy Award winner on Saturday. The Travis Roy Award presented annually to the state’s most outstanding Class A senior boys hockey player. Ham was the second-leading scorer for the Navigators with 24 goals and 42 assists, only behind Aaron Higgins, one of the other four finalists. Deron Barton, Falmouth’s coach who received the Bob Boucher Coaches Award on Saturday, said Ham dominates when he has the puck and improves the play of his teammates. Ham is the fifth Falmouth player to win the Travis Roy, the most by any school, joining Owen Drummey (2021), Theo Hembre (2018), Isac Nordstrom (2015), and Peter Gustavson (2005). Photo: Andree Kehn/Sun Journal
Reminder: Kindergarten Registration for 2023-2024 School Year Open
Online kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year is open. 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.
Fundraisers: Raffle for Theatre Boosters
The Falmouth Theater Boosters are excited to sponsor a raffle in which a winner will be drawn every day in April. Every purchase provides a chance to win. We have a generous list of wonderful prizes to local businesses and terrific items including Apple AirPods Pro, gift certificates to restaurants and stores, a Sea Bag, and many other quality products and services. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25. Proceeds will help to support our theater kids in their incredible efforts to put on amazing shows for our community. Winners will be announced daily on social media and contact by phone or email. Purchase tickets now for a chance to win!
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
Multicultural Calendar: Eager to learn more about the holidays and cultural events celebrated by our students and community members? We welcome you to visit the Multicultural Calendar on our website.
School Board Meetings: A schedule of upcoming 2023 Falmouth 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).
- On Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. is the Joint Town and School Finance Committee Budget Presentation in the Town Council Chambers
Athletic Events: Keep up to date with Falmouth Athletics online Go Navs! If you’re interested in Falmouth Navigators fan gear, visit our online store. Adult and youth gear available.
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 Workshop Meeting, March 27, 5:00pm (in-person only)
On Monday, March 27, at 5:00pm the Falmouth Town Council will hold an in-person meeting in the large conference room upstairs at Town Hall. An agenda can be found here.
Town Council Meeting, Monday, March 27, 2023, 7:00pm
The Town Council will meet on Monday, March 27 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 March 13. An agenda and video can be found here.
- The Council had a public hearing and approved an order for the Falmouth Center Transit Oriented Tax Incremental Financing (TIF).
- There was an introduction of amendments to CH. II-19 of the Code of Ordinances to add Veterinary Clinics as a permitted use in the BP District. The Council agreed to schedule the public hearing for April 10.
- The Council approved an order to authorize the Town Manager to issue a request for qualifications to find a qualified housing development partner to create workforce housing units on the Town-owned property on Woods Road.
- There was a presentation and discussion regarding regional need for transitional housing of those that are unhoused. The Council agreed to discuss further at future budget meetings.
- The Council approved an order to Authorize the Town Manager to Execute a Contract Modification Between the Town of Falmouth and the Maine Association of Police.
- The Council approved an order to schedule a public hearing on the FY24 Municipal and School Department budget for April 10, 2023.
Planning Board
At the April 4 Planning Board meeting, the board will consider the following items. An agenda and video can be found here.
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196 US Route 1 - Morong Falmouth Porsche – Request for Site Plan Amendment to construct a rear entrance off Clearwater Drive. Map/lot U51-001-B; Zoned VC1, VC2. Previously tabled. 
108 Winn Road – Justin M. Fletcher Inc – Request for Preliminary Approval for a 4-Lot major conservation subdivision. Map/lot R06-006-A; Zoned F, RCZO. Previously tabled
330 US Route One – Verdad Real Estate & Construction Services – Request for Site Plan Approval for three (3) 30,000sf 1 story self-storage unit buildings. Map/lot U53-001; Zoned BP. Previously tabled
17 Greta Way – Jared Dinsmore – Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan Review for a minor subdivision amendment to add one residential unit to the existing single-family home creating a duplex. Map/lot R03-001-U1.
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 March 28 meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals, the board will consider the following items. An agenda can be found here.
- 348 US Route 1 - Maine State Ballet - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 for an expansion of the existing parking lot. Map/lot U53-003.
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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