2023.04.07--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 9
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 Kicks Off April 11
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!
In case you missed it, we recently 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
Important Info Regarding Tax Bills
Tax Bills Acreage Data
The second installment for the 2022-2023 property tax bills mailed out on March 29 erroneously included incorrect acreage data. The dollar amount owed as reflected on this bill is correct. This printing error has no impact on your property taxes or the assessed value of your property. You can find the correct acreage for your property on the original tax bill mailed out last October. You may also look up your property record online by following the instructions below. If you wish to discuss this matter further with Town staff, please call the Finance Department at 207-699-5336.
To look up your property in the online assessor’s database, visit https://gis.vgsi.com/falmouthme/. Click “Enter the Online Database.” Once you enter your address for the property you are looking up you can find the land information towards the bottom of the record.
You may also access the online database from the Town’s home page at www.falmouthme.org. Click “Property Look Up” on the tool bar on the left side of the home page and follow directions above.
Online Payment Option for Property Taxes
Property tax payments are due May 4. Given reports of mail delays, especially in Falmouth, residents are reminded that property taxes can be paid in-person at Town Hall or online using our Citizen Self Service portal. Property owners can also search for their bill and payment history through this online option.
To pay online visit: https://falmouthme.munisselfservice.com/citizens/default.aspx. Choose "Real Estate" from the tool bar at left and follow the instructions on the search form to find your property. Click the “Pay Bill” button at the right of the screen under your property information and follow the directions to make a payment.
Please note, online payments are processed through a third-party payment service, which charges a convenience fee for the transaction. Payment may be made either by e-check (a $1.95 convenience fee), debit card (a convenience fee of 1.5% of the total charge), or credit card (a convenience fee of 2.5% of the total transaction).
Nominations Sought for Citizen of the Year
The Town of Falmouth is accepting nominations for the 2022 Citizen of the Year Award, honoring an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the municipality and sets a positive example of citizenship. Nominations of 500 words or less may be submitted in writing by May 4 via email to Julie Baxter at jbaxter@falmouthme.org, or by mail to Town Manager’s Office, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. The Town Council will judge nominations on the following criteria:
- Contributions to community welfare
- Civic achievement
- Volunteerism
- Conscientious service to Falmouth Town government
For more information, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-council-town-manager/pages/citizen-of-the-year-2
Seasonal Trail Closures
Each spring, the Town of Falmouth and Falmouth Land Trust close trails for a period of weeks to ensure that the integrity of the trails is not compromised during the rain and mud season in Maine. The good news is that not all trails are closed. Some have stayed remarkably dry and are safe to use. Any changes to trail closures will be posted as soon as possible. Closure signs are posted at trailheads. Trails that are currently closed include:
- Blackstrap Hill Preserve and Community Forest
- North Falmouth Community Forest
- Suckfish Brook Conservation Area
- Hadlock Community Forest
- Hurricane Valley Farm
- McCrann Preserve
Falmouth Receives Aaa Rating from Moody's
On March 29, Moody’s Investor Services published its final Annual Issuer Comment Report (AICR) for Falmouth at Moodys.com. An AICR is a research publication that provides a single reference source for the most recent credit information on a Moody’s-rated local government, higher education, or municipal utility issuer. The report provides the bond market with a summary of key economic, demographic, financial, and operating information within the context of Moody’s ratings methodologies. A rating is Moody’s opinion of the credit quality of individual obligations or of an issuer’s general creditworthiness. The rating is also often the single most important factor affecting the interest cost on bonds. These ratings also help provide issuers of debt, such as the Town of Falmouth, with stable, flexible access to sources of capital for large scale projects. In its most recent report, Moody’s issued a Aaa rating – stable for Falmouth. This is Moody’s highest rating indicating minimum credit risk.
Ongoing Initiatives |
FY24 Budget Public Hearing
At the Town Council meeting on Monday, April 10, there will be a Public Hearing on the proposed FY 2024 Budget. Public comment will be taken at this time. The Council meeting will begin at 7:00pm. Members of the public may participate by attending in-person or via Zoom. The agenda and Zoom link are available here.
At the March 29 Joint Finance Committee meeting, both the municipal and school budgets were presented to the Town Council. These presentations will be repeated at the April 10 meeting.
Town Manager Nathan Poore and Finance Director Pete McHugh presented the Proposed FY2024 Budget for the Town. 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 buildings and infrastructure projects. The proposed budget includes a 3% increase to create this new building/capital fund. For the town: The proposed expenditure increase is $1.26 million or 7.1% which will increase the mil rate from $2.67 to $2.75. This is an increase of .08 or 3%. The projected impact for every 100,000 in property is $8. For more information on the Town's FY24 budget , visit the Finance Department's budget webpage at: https://www.falmouthme.org/finance/pages/fy-23-24-budget
Falmouth Schools Finance Director Dan O’Shea presented the FY2024 School Budget. The proposed budget increase for the schools is primarily due to existing staff cost increases as well as new personnel requests that support programming and instructional support, including the start-up of the pre-K program (3 teachers and an Ed Tech), a school Literacy Coach, a grade 5 Teacher, a Middle School Counselor, a library support Ed Tech, an Assistant High School Principal, and a Director of Human Resources. Other inflationary increases in healthcare benefits, workers compensation, and rising energy costs also contribute to the increase. Revenue increases include $500K in grant funding that will offset nearly all start-up costs of the full-day pre-K program. Additionally, State education funding has increased by nearly $770K over the current year, which will limit the projected mil rate increase to $0.59. For the schools: The proposed expenditure increase is $3.43 million or 7.96% which will increase the mil rate from $8.71 to $9.29. This is an increase of $.59 or 6.7%. The projected impact for every $100,000 in property is $59. For more information about the School Budget process, visit: https://www.falmouthschools.org/about/budget.
Combined increase to property taxes: The mil rate will increase from $11.92 to $12.59 an increase of $.66 or 5.6%. The projected impact for every $100,000 in property is $67.
On April 24, at 7:00PM in Council Chambers, the Town Council will vote to approve the budget.
Construction Resumes on Middle Road
As part of the West Falmouth Sewer Project, pipe installation on Middle Road will resume on Monday, April 3 (weather permitting) with the replacement of pipe suspended under the Falmouth Spur bridge. This work will result in single lane bridge traffic on Middle Road for approximately six weeks, weather dependent. There will also be lane closures on the Falmouth Spur. Site restoration and final paving will follow. Please exercise caution in these work zones. Thank you for your continued patience and support of this project.
Learn more about the West Falmouth Sewer Project and subscribe for updates at: https://www.falmouthme.org/west-falmouth-sewer-project
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 |
Spring Leaf Collection
Spring curbside collection for leaf bags will be Friday, April 28 and Friday, May 5. Leaf bags are available at the Public Works Office (101 Woods Road) in quantities of 12 per Falmouth resident address beginning Monday, April 10. (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!)
All leaf bags MUST be at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on collection days. REMINDER – Brush is NOT collected curbside but can be brought to the Transfer Station. Do not put brush or trash in the leaf bags.Transfers station hours are:
- Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:00 – 4:00
- Fridays, 7:00 – 5:00
- Saturdays, 9:00 – 5:00
For more information, please contact the Public Works Office at 207-781-3919
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: Public Pre-K Lottery Open Until April 25th
We are pleased to announce that Falmouth Elementary School will provide full-day public Pre-K programming for up to 48 students during the 2023-24 school year. In order to be eligible, children must be four-years-old on or before October 15, 2023. Students turning five before October 15, 2023 would not be eligible for our Pre-K program, but would be eligible for Kindergarten. Parents/caregivers must commit to sending their children full-time (5 days a week/full days). Students will be selected through a lottery process.
Our Pre-K lottery is open for three weeks, from April 4-25, 2023. It does not matter when you apply within the window, as long as you apply before the deadline. Names will be pulled at random. For more information and to register, please visit the Pre-K page: www.falmouthschools.org/about/pre-k
Highlight: Service Trips Return!
After a two-year hiatus from service trips, Falmouth High School ran two trips to support communities in need. In February, 10 students and three teachers spent a week in Guatemala volunteering for Safe Passage. Safe Passage is a Guatemalan-led learning community of educators, volunteers, and administrators creating real opportunities through education for Pre-K to 9th grade students living around the Guatemala City garbage dump. Falmouth had been one of the last teams to visit Safe Passage in February 2020, and were the first team back since the Pandemic began. The students showed resilience and flexibility during the changing plans and schedules, and enjoyed the time they were able to spend with the Safe Passage students. Spanish and English were practiced, games were played, commonalities were found, and a wonderful experience was had by all.
In March, 10 more students and 3 staff spent a week in Punta Gorda, Florida volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Punta Gorda and the surrounding areas were hard hit by Hurricane Ian in September and the efforts to clean up and rebuild continue. The students arrived on a Monday to a cement slab, and over the week they framed the entire house and installed the plywood exterior walls. Hurricane brackets were installed at nearly every joint, which was physically taxing work. The team was able to meet the future homeowner and agreed that it felt good to know they had left her with a structurally-safe home.
In the News: Three Falmouth High Students Win Awards at 2023 Maine State Science Fair
Under the direction of science and engineering teacher Ethan Whited, 11 students recently attended the 2023 Maine State Science Fair in Orono. Students have been working hard, some starting in November, others beginning over a year ago, on independent research projects. It has been an inspiring process watching these students live their science projects. Congratulations to three students who won awards for their efforts!
- Adriana Rogow, sophomore (3rd place for the Cognitive Psychology and Sociology category; American Psychological Association Special Award)
- Victoria Wahlig, freshman (3rd place for Computer and Data Sciences category; NOAA Taking the Pulse of the Planet Special Award)
- Patrick Wahlig, senior (2nd place for Environmental Sciences category)
In the News: Falmouth Students Perform Well at 44th Maine State Math Meet
On Tuesday, April 4, Augusta Civic Center hosted the 44th Maine State Math Meet. Falmouth was represented by 10 team members and two alternates from grades 9-12. It was an exciting day. The team competed in six individual rounds, two relay rounds, and two team rounds. Prizes were awarded to individuals and teams based on accumulative scores over the regular season as well as scoring at the state meet. Falmouth students who received awards include:
- Regular season:
- Coco Xu received 5th in the state for regular season points earned
- State Meet:
- Connor Lund received 2nd highest individual score for 9th graders
- Yuanne Lin received 7th highest individual score for 10th graders
- Daniel Kim received 5th highest individual score for 11th graders
- Coco Xu received the 10th highest individual score for 12th graders
Falmouth finished 7th overall in the entire state for the regular season, and finished 2nd place as a team in their division for the state meet.
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.
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
The Theatre Company at Falmouth High School Presents: Clue: On Stage! The classic board game is brought to life! Only three performances, so don’t wait:
- May 12, 7:00 pm
- May 13, 2:00 pm
- May 13, 7:00 pm
★ Tickets ON SALE now: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/72789 $15 General Admission, $10 Seniors, $10 Students
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 Monday, April 10, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. is the FY24 Public Budget Hearing in the Town Council Chambers. An agenda and Zoom link can be found here.
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 Meeting, Monday, April 10, 2023, 7:00pm
The Town Council will meet on Monday, April 10 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…
On March 27, the Town Council held a 5:00pm Workshop Meeting to discuss the Long-Range Planning Advisory Committee membership and role. An agenda can be found here.
At the Town Council meeting on March 27 at 7:00pm:
- The Council approved the minutes of the February 13 Town Council Workshop Meeting, February 13 Town Council Meeting, and February 27 Town Council Meeting.
- The Council approved the following appointment:
- Denise Martin to the Parks and Community Programs Advisory Committee.
- There was a public hearing on an Ordinance to Amend the Coastal Waters Ordinance, Ch. II-9, Art. II-9-4. of the Code of Ordinances. The Council agreed to schedule the ordinance for April 10.
- There was an introduction of an Ordinance to Amend Ch. 11-18, Art. II-18-2 of the Code of Ordinances. The Council agreed to schedule the public hearing for April 24.
- There was an introduction of an Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-2, Art. II-2-2 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Town Council Compensation. The Council agreed to schedule the public hearing for April 24.
Planning Board
At the April 4 Planning Board meeting, the board considered the following items. An agenda and video can be found here.
- Amendments to CH. II-19 of the Code of Ordinances to add Veterinary Clinics as a permitted use in the BP District. RECOMMENDED WITH REVISION
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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. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS 
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. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
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. 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. 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
The March 28 meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals was canceled due to the single application on the agenda being withdrawn.
- 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. WITHDRAWN
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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