2023.05.05--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 11
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 |
Falmouth Marks Peace Officers Memorial Day
by Police Chief John Kilbride
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy recognized May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, an opportunity for the nation to pause and give thanks to the men and women that dedicate their lives for the protection of life and enforcement of law--law that is necessary to maintain a safe nation, state, and community. Each year on average, more than 150 police officers make the ultimate sacrifice from the many hazards the job presents. These are dangerous and unforgiving times to be a police officer, and I am grateful for the incredible men and women that serve Falmouth each and every day. Maine Law Enforcement, and the high standards of recruitment, training, and oversight attracts the best officers the nation has to offer. On May 15, please pause for a moment to think of these officers and their commitment to serving our community. Give them a wave and a friendly smile when you see them out and about; it truly means the world to them. Thank you, Falmouth, for your continued support; this is a great community to serve.
Falmouth Celebrates National EMS Week, May 21-27
The 49th Annual National EMS Week is May 21-27, 2023. In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities. This year's theme is EMS: Where Emergency Care Begins. EMS Week is a time to thank paramedics, EMTs, and the entire EMS workforce for their service and sacrifices. It's also an opportunity for EMS to continue to raise public awareness about the critical role of EMS in the community.
Falmouth Fire-EMS responds to nearly 1,500 medical calls for service each year, making up two-thirds of all incident responses. EMS crews staff one ambulance at Central Station 24/7, cross-staff a second ambulance with an engine company at Station 4 on Winn Road, and a third Ambulance with an engine company at Central Station around the clock. It is not uncommon for this department to field three EMS calls at the same time in town. To handle the large volume of medical calls, Falmouth Fire-EMS has sixty-five EMS providers on staff, including twenty-nine Basic EMTs, fifteen Advanced EMTs, and twenty-one Paramedics. All full-time firefighters and officers are cross-staffed as EMS providers.
In addition to responding to calls, Falmouth Fire-EMS provides public outreach classes in CPR, First Aid, Choking, Bleeding Control, Evacuation, and Fire Extinguisher selection and use. They also inspect car seat installations and help businesses draft Emergency Action Plans (EAP) and conduct fire drills. More information on the Department’s outreach and prevention can be found on our website: https://www.falmouthme.org/fire-ems-department/pages/public-education
To celebrate all our Falmouth Fire-EMS staff during National EMS Week, Department Administration will prepare and serve a meals to on-duty crews. Crews can select from a menu of eleven different meal options. On Friday, OceanView at Falmouth will treat on-duty crews to a BBQ dinner. Finally, on Monday night, during monthly EMS training, administrative staff will provide dinner to the call company EMS providers. The Department also has plans to honor EMS life members, thanking them for their service to Falmouth throughout the years.
Congratulations and thank you to Falmouth's EMS providers!
No Mow May
This spring, on recommendation of the Conservation Commission, the Town of Falmouth will be participating in No Mow May. This national campaign encourages people to refrain from mowing their lawns during the month of May to promote biodiversity and to provide a habitat for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other insects. In May, many wildflowers are in bloom, providing a vital source of nectar and pollen for pollinators. By allowing these flowers to grow and avoiding mowing the lawn, people can help to provide a much-needed refuge for these important pollinator species. The Town has identified several public properties where we will refrain from mowing during the month of May. Look for our new yard signs (see above) designating these areas as No Mow spaces. Residents may join in by picking up a free No Mow May yard sign at Town Hall while supplies last. Place these signs in your yard to let your neighbors know you are taking the month off from mowing and helping the pollinators in the process!
Falmouth's No Idling Initiative
Falmouth Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee has launched a new initiative to encourage motorists to turn off their engines while idling in parking lots or pick up lines to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate air pollution. Idling vehicles emit toxins, which are pollutants known or suspected to cause serious health effects. You will see signs, like the one above, popping up at area businesses, organizations, and Town properties. If your business or community organization would like to participate by placing a sign in your parking area or storefront, please contact Sustainability Coordinator Theresa Galvin at tgalvin@falmouthme.org, to receive a FREE sign to install at your place of business. Signs are available while supplies last.
Ongoing Initiatives |
I-295 and Bucknam Road Overnight Closures, May 8-May 11
MaineDOT has advised that work on the Bucknam Road Bridge over I-295 at exit 10 will require short closures of both the north and south bound lanes of I-295 to accommodate the installation of structural steel bridge girders. These closures will take place between 10:00pm and 5:00am, Monday, May 8 through Thursday, May 11 (that is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights). Maine State Police will provide assistance. Advance warning of the closures will be posted on variable message boards on the interstate to allow motorists to use exits 9 (NB) and 10 (SB) to avoid the work zone. The closures will last no longer than 25 minutes and then traffic will be cleared before the next closure begins.
In addition, Bucknam Road will also be closed between the northbound and southbound ramp intersections on Monday, May 8 through, Thursday, May 11 from 10:00pm until 5:00am to accommodate this work. Detour routes via Lunt Road will be posted.
Comprehensive Planning Update
Approximately 30 residents attended the first Comp Plan Workshop #1: People & Community on Wednesday, May 3. During the workshop, attendees worked in small groups to discuss the priorities that emerged from Survey 1, including: investing in parks and playgrounds, walkability and bikeability, village centers, improving town facilities, and creating opportunities for more diverse housing.
Workshop #2: The Natural Environment will be held on May 24 at 7:00pm in the Elementary School Cafeteria. Please join us.
In addition, you can get involved in the Comprehensive Planning process by visiting the project website, which provides:
- a weekly discussion question
- Survey #1
- 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
Applications Sought for 2023 Falmouth Fire-EMS Scholarship
The Falmouth Fire-EMS Scholarship recognizes graduating high school seniors living in our community who plan to continue their post secondary education in the field of firefighting, emergency medical services, nursing, or a related field. Falmouth Fire-EMS recognizes the value of having emergency service providers living in our community. We also believe in education being the foundation for a successful future as a provider of emergency services whether it is as a career firefighter or paramedic, a volunteer or call firefighter or EMT, or a nurse, doctor, etc.
Who may apply: Graduating high school seniors residing in the Town of Falmouth who have been accepted or expect to be enrolling in a college or university to study firefighting, emergency medical services, nursing, or a related field.
To apply: Complete and return the Falmouth Fire-EMS Scholarship application by Friday May 19, 2023. Applications can also be obtained by calling (207) 781-2610, or e-mailing jcosta@falmouthme.org. Be sure to include the required one-page summary as well as two letters of reference (by non-family members) in your application. Completed applications can be delivered or mailed to Falmouth Fire-EMS, 8 Bucknam Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. Applications delivered to the station by 4 pm on May 19, 2023 or post-marked by May 19, 2023 will be considered.
Eligibility Requirements: You must be a resident of the Town of Falmouth and graduating from high school this calendar year.
Award Amount: The award shall be $1,500.
Award Selection: Applications will be reviewed by a panel made up of members of Falmouth Fire-EMS. Applications must be filled out completely. The Award will be announced in early July 2023.
Donations: Donations to support the scholarship can be made to the Falmouth Fire-EMS Scholarship Fund and sent to Central Station, 8 Bucknam Road, Falmouth, ME 04105.
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 Wednesday, May 10, 6-7pm
Attendees: Councilors Cahan & Johnson
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87870629467
Or One tap mobile :
US: +16469313860,,87870629467# or +13017158592,,87870629467#
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 7062 9467
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcsiXgpGDp
Community Clean Up & Tree Planting
Join the Conservation Commission for a Community Clean-Up of Route 1 on Saturday, May 20. Meet at 10am at the Village Park Gazebo off Hat Trick Drive next to the Casco Bay Ice Arena. Trash bags will be provided but bring your own gloves and water bottles. Participants in the clean-up will receive a free movie pass courtesy of Flagship Premium Cinemas in Falmouth. After the clean-up gather at 1pm on the corner of Lunt Road and Route 1 (near the Verizon Store) for a tree planting ceremony to mark Falmouth's designation as a Tree City USA.
Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
The Town of Falmouth’s Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony will take place on Monday, May 29. The parade will start at 10:00 a.m. at the American Legion Post, 65 Depot Road and proceed to Pine Grove Preserve, 34 Foreside Road for the ceremony. Falmouth Veterans and their families are invited for coffee and pastry prior to the parade at 8:30 a.m. at the American Legion Post. For further information contact Diane Moore, 671-8439 or Police Chief John Kilbride, 781-2300.
Take Note |
The Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 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.
You can find additional information regarding the upcoming election HERE, including information about requesting absentee ballots.
Additional Resources
Town of Falmouth Election Information--https://www.falmouthme.org/town-clerk/pages/election-information
Town of Falmouth Election Fact Sheet--https://www.falmouthme.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif11826/f/uploads/elections_general_information_draft_1.25.2023.pub_.pdf
State of Maine Upcoming Elections Page--https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/upcoming/index.html
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlight: Campus Master Planning
The Falmouth Schools Campus Master Plan draft report was presented for discussion at the May 1, 2023 School Board Workshop. Following the presentation, the public were invited to participate in a Q&A. The 5/1/23 presentation is available here.
Highlight: Abilities Awareness Week (May 1 - 5, 2023)
This week is Abilities Awareness Week. We celebrate this week to help our school community better understand diverse abilities and how we can appreciate and celebrate differences. A huge thank you goes out to the Falmouth Elementary School (FES) PTO Abilities Awareness Group for their work in preparing a week full of inclusive, educational activities for various grade levels and parents/caregivers.
Navs News: Weekly Athletic E-Newsletter
Last week the Athletics Department rolled out Navs News. Navs News is the Athletic Department’s version of Principal Notes. Each issue of this e-newsletter is delivered across the Falmouth Schools community (parents/caregivers, staff, FMS/FHS students) and to interested community members on Monday mornings throughout the school year. It includes high school and middle school event schedules, highlights, announcements, contacts, and social media links.
Past issues are available on the newsletter archives page. If you do not receive Navs News, but are interested, please fill out this brief Subscribe Form.
In the News: The new kid in town is one of the nation’s top junior tennis players
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) ranks Falmouth High senior Xander Barber No. 1 in New England and No. 8 in the country among boys 18-and-under. Read more about Xander in this April 20 Portland Press Herald article by Glenn Jordan.
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
Falmouth School Board Candidate Night
The League of Women Voters of the Portland Area and Falmouth Memorial Library are co-sponsoring a live Falmouth School Board Candidate Night. Learn more about the three candidates and the School Board itself in time to vote on June 13. The forum will be held in the Russell Room at the Falmouth Memorial Library on Wednesday, May 31 from 5:30–7 pm and features the following candidates: Matthew Pines, Jennifer Libby, and Alicia Johnson
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
PATHS Music Student Showcase
The Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS) Music program will hold their annual showcase at the St. Lawrence Arts Center on May 10-11, 2023 at 6:30 pm. Purchase tickets in advance, as they usually sell out. The Music program at PATHS opened its doors to high school students interested in the study of performing arts in 1999, creating an environment for highly focused and individualized study. The two-year music program teaches students how to interpret and perform many contemporary musical styles including, but not limited to, Rock, R&B, Pop, Jazz, Folk, and Funk. There are three aspects of the program: Performing, Music Theory, Recording Studio. Students perform four times a year, the evening Showcase of talent off campus at St. Lawrence Arts.
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).
The next Business Meeting is on Monday, May 15, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the FES Cafeteria
Athletic Events:
Keep up to date with Falmouth Athletics online Go Navs! Cheer on our Navs by attending athletic events: schedules. If you’re interested in Falmouth Navigators fan gear, visit our online store. Adult and youth gear available. Deadline May 15.
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Meeting, Monday, May 9, 2023, 7:00pm
The Town Council will meet on Monday, May 9 at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in person at Town Hall in the Town Council Chambers. 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 April 24. Find an agenda and video here.
- The Council approved the minutes of the March 13 Town Council Meeting, March 27 Town Council Workshop Meeting and March 27 Town Council Meeting.
- The Council approved the following appointments:
- Board of Zoning Appeals-Regular Member: Chris Doehne
- Community Wellness Committee: Denise Martin
- Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee: Dos Diaz and Stev Parker
- General Assembly of the Greater Portland Council of Governments: Councilor Asherman
- The Council adopted the fiscal year 2023-2024 General Fund budget and appropriate the budgeted funds to the various departments pursuant to Article V of the Falmouth Town Charter and the relevant sections of the Maine state statutes.
- The Council approved the fiscal year 2023-2024 Capital Improvement Plan and Tax Increment Financing District Plan spending budget and Capital Improvement Plan General Fund appropriation from Uncommitted Fund Balance.
- The Council approved the fiscal year 2023-2024 Wastewater Department Enterprise Fund operating and capital improvement plan budget and appropriate the budgeted funds for these proprietary funds.
- The Council adopted new sewer service rates, effective beginning with the normal billing cycle occurring after July 1, 2023.
- The Council established the tax collection dates, interest rates, and payment application methods for 2023-2024 property taxes.
- The Council approved a supplemental appropriation from uncommitted fund balance in the amount of $90,250 to fund the hire of a Development Director for the Falmouth Memorial Library.
- The Council approved the Final ARPA spending Plan presented as part of the FY2024 Budget process.
- There was a public hearing on 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 ordinance for May 8.
- There was a public hearing on an Ordinance to Amend Ch. 11-18, Art. II-18-2 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding the Sewer System. The Council agreed to schedule the ordinance for May 8.
- The Council approved an order to appoint election workers for the 2023 elections.
- The Council approved an ordinance to Amend CH. II-19 of the Code of Ordinances to add Veterinary Clinics as a permitted use in the BP District.
- The Council approved an order to Accept Ridgewood Sewer System.
- There was an introduction of amendments to Chapter II-19 of the Code of Ordinances to implement the requirements of L.D. 2003 "An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions" as codified at 30-A M.R.S. §§4364, 4364-A, and 4364-B. The Council agreed to schedule the public hearing for May 22.
Planning Board
At the May 2 Planning Board meeting, the board considered the following items. An agenda can be found here.
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. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
117 Gray Road – Anthony W. Hayes – Request for Final Subdivision Approval for 7 new condominium units. Map/lot U43-004. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
US Route 1 – The Shops at Falmouth Square LLC – Request for Site Plan Amendment for architectural building plan modifications. Map/lot U12-007-A. 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. Previously Tabled APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
Clearwater Drive – Empire Development LLC – Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan Review for a Conceptual Development of the TV3 parcel in Tidewater Village. Map/lot U52-006. WITHDRAWN BY APPLICANT
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 April 25 meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals was canceled due to a lack of quorum. The next Board of Zoning Appeals meeting will be held on May 23 at 6:30pm.
For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals
Board of Assessment Review
At the May 4, 2023 Board of Assessment Review meeting, the board considered the following. An agenda can be found here. Results of this meeting will be posted in the next issue.
- Elizabeth Oakleaf, 12 Old Powerhouse Road; Map/lot U16-080-D
- John & Karen Winslow, 253 Gray Road; Map/lot R06-033-A
- Kellie Smith, 202 Foreside Road; Map/lot U14-012-A
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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