2023.05.19--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 12
Please note: This newsletter will be sent to subscribers of both The Falmouth Focus newsletter an 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 |
Holiday Closure
Town offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day.
Absentee Ballots Available
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.
A sample ballot can be found HERE. Absentee ballots are now available.
Request an Absentee Ballot
- By Phone: Call the Clerk's Office at 699-5320
- In-Person: Visit the Town Hall during regular business hours, Monday 7:00am-4:30pm & Tuesday-Thursday 8:00am-4:30pm
- By Mail: Print the Absentee Ballot Request Form HERE and drop off or mail to Falmouth Town Hall, Clerk's Office, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, Maine 04105
Please note: Because June is a "Municipal" Election only, the State of Maine's on-line absentee ballot request service, is not available.
Return Your Ballot
All Ballots MUST be received by 8:00pm on Election Day. There are no exceptions. Ballots may be returned as follows:
- Official Ballot Drop Box: An official, secure ballot drop box is available 24/7 and is located at the front of Falmouth Town Hall to the left of the steps at the entrance facing Falmouth Road.
- In-Person: Stop by the Clerk's Department at Town Hall during business hours, Monday 7:00am-4:30pm & Tuesday-Thursday 8:00am-4:30pm
- Mail: Follow the directions on the ballot to return ballot in the mail. The ballot must be RECEIVED by 8:00pm on Election Day. Please note that ballots are NOT accepted by postmark dates. All ballots received after 8 o'clock on election day must be rejected.
Election Day Voting
Voting takes place at the Falmouth High School Gym, 74 Woodville Road, Falmouth. Polls are open on Election Day at 7:00am and close at 8:00pm.
No voting will take place at Town Hall on Election Day. The Clerk's Office at Town Hall will be closed so staff can facilitate the elections at the polling place. Other Town Hall offices and Departments will remain open for business. Voters are asked to follow all COVID-related health and safety procedures put into place at the polls as recommended by the CDC and Secretary of State at the time of the election.
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
Solar Array Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, June 9
Falmouth's land fill solar array has been fully operational for several weeks now, generating renewable energy to offset municipal electric use. You can see just how much energy is produced in real time by visiting our Energy Data Dashboard HERE. We are pleased to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of this project which was many years in the making. The event will take place on June 9 at the Transfer Station on Woods Road. Planning is underway and more details will follow.
Ongoing Initiatives |
Comprehensive Planning Update
Workshop #2: The Natural Environment will be held on May 24 at 7:00pm in the Elementary School Cafeteria. Please join us as we explore the Town’s efforts to understand and improve the Natural Environment. Provide input on how the community can protect and maintain open spaces, enhance environmental health, and continue efforts to create a sustainable community. We hope to see you there!
In addition, you can get involved in the Comprehensive Planning process by visiting the project website, where you can find:
- 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
No Mow May Yard Signs Sill Available
No Mow May signs are popping up all over town and a limited number of these free signs (see image above) are still available for pick up at Town Hall (in the side entrance lobby). 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! 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. The Town has identified several public properties where we will refrain from mowing this month. Look for the new yard signs designating these areas as No Mow spaces.
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.
Events |
Community Clean Up & Tree Planting--TOMORROW!
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 pastries 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.
Falmouth School Board Candidate Forum
The League of Women Voters of the Portland Area and the Falmouth Memorial Library are co-sponsoring an in-person School Board Candidate Night on Wednesday, May 31 from 5:30-7:00pm at the Falmouth Memorial Library. Learn more about the 3 candidates--Alicia Johnson, Jennifer Libby, and Matthew Pines--and the School Board itself in time to vote on June 13. The forum will be moderated by Sue Robins and will be held in the Russell Room Library. It will also be streamed on the League of Women's Voter's Maine Facebook page.
Concerts in the Park
It's nearly that time of year again!! Summer Concerts in the Park hosted by Falmouth Parks & Community Programs kicks off in June! Bring your lawn chair, blanket, and picnic and join your neighbors for free musical entertainment in Village Park beginning at 6:30pm. The summer lineup includes:
- June 26, The Flukes--Fun-loving ukulele musicians playing styles from Bach to the Beatles.
- July 10, The Few--Recreational musicians from Yarmouth playing music for all ages.
- July 24, 2 For Jackson--National award winning duo playing old country and new.
- August 7, Maine POPS Concert Band--Pop, show tunes, big band, jazz, and more.
In case of inclement weather, contact the FCP office at 699-5302 or check our social media pages. Rain decisions will be made by 2pm.
Take Note |
Falmouth Community Programs Seeks Seasonal Staff Parks Staff
The Town of Falmouth is looking for seasonal Parks staff to work and maintain the many parks, trails, and grounds run by the Town. We have full-time seasonal positions available May through August for grounds keeping, lawn care, and general maintenance. The ideal candidate will be at least 18 years old and have a basic knowledge of landscaping, trail maintenance and grounds equipment. Must have a valid drivers license. E-mail or mail a resume to Jeff Mason, Parks Supervisor, at jmason@falmouthme.org, or pick up an application at the Mason-Motz Activity Center, 190 Middle Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. The Town of Falmouth is an EOE.
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlight: Careers at Falmouth Public Schools
Are you interested in working at Falmouth Public Schools? There are a number of District-Wide, School, Substitute, and Coaching positions available. Please visit our Careers page to learn more and apply.
In the News
FES Teacher Heading to Iceland
4th Grade teacher Mrs. Sarah Simmonds is one of 25 teachers selected nationwide to join the National Council for Geographic Education’s GeoCamp Iceland. She will travel to the beautiful Nordic island country for 10 days this summer.
Model UN Conference
Congratulations for an outstanding showing by FHS students at this year's Model UN Conference at USM – Gorham. In addition to a great performance by the entire team, two students won individual awards. Myles Feuer won an honorable mention award for his performance representing Japan on the UN Security Council. Patty Riley won the Diplomacy Award as the best delegate on the NATO committee.
ES Students Become Map Contest Finalists
Congratulations to two of our 5th Grade Navigators who earned Finalist status after submitting entries for the Osher Map Library Contest with guidance and support from Mrs. Madeline Caughey. Gracyn R. earned Second Place for her map Guide to Pexa. Ana K. won Judges Choice for 5th Grade for Antural.
Middle School Students Learn Valuable Environmental Lessons
FMS 6th graders recently took their classroom lessons into the field, tracing the Presumpscot River from Sebago Lake to the sea. Along the way, students made observations of the dams and their impact on the river and its inhabitants. They studied historical ruins of powder mills and noted the emerging spring ephemerals at Gambo Preserve. In Westbrook they observed the mighty Saccarappa Falls, recently freed from a dam. Students viewed the double Denil Fishway as they learned of Chief Polin's fight for fish passage in this area back in the 1700s. This trip and upcoming fieldwork are made possible through the Maine DOE RREV Grant.
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).
- The next meeting is a Workshop on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the FHS Library
Athletic Events:
Keep up to date with Falmouth Athletics online Go Navs! Subscribe to Navs News, e-newsletter. Past issues are available on the newsletter archives page. 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.
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Meeting, Monday, May 22, 2023, 7:00pm
The Town Council will meet on Monday, May 22 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 May 8. Find an agenda and video here.
- There was a public hearing on an Ordinance to Amend the Traffic and Motor Vehicles Ordinance, Ch. II-17, Art. II-17-1 and Art. II-17-2 of the Code of Ordinances. The Council scheduled the Ordinance for May 22.
- The Council approved an Order regarding an application for a license agreement for the Cumberland Farmers Market Association to establish a farmers’ market off Hat Trick Drive on Wednesdays between May 24, 2023 and October 25, 2023.
- There was a public hearing an Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-19, Art. II-19-1, Sec. 19-72 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Erosion and Sedimentation Control. The Council scheduled the Ordinance for May 22.
- The Council approved the renewal of a Permanent Food Service License for Walmart.
- The Council approved an Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-2, Art. II-2-2 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Town Council Compensation.
- The Council approved an Ordinance to Amend Ch. 11-18, Art. II-18-2 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding the Sewer System.
- The Council discussed an Order to Approve a Supplemental Appropriation to Partially Fund the Reconstruction of Twombley Pond at Family Ice. The Council agreed to put this on the May 22 Council meeting agenda with the contribution amount of $100,000.00.
- The Council approved an Order to go into Executive Session pursuant to the Laws of Maine to discuss nomination of the annual Citizen of the Year Award, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 and Property Acquisition, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (C).
The Town Council held a special meeting on May 15. Find an agenda here.
- The Council approved the FY24 School Department Budget as required by M.S.R.A. Title 20-A §1485, §1486, §2307 and §15690.
- The Council approved an Order to sign the June 13, 2023 Budget Validation Referendum and the Municipal Official Election Warrant.
Planning Board
At the May 2 Planning Board meeting, the board considered the following items. An agenda can be found here. The next Planning Board meeting will be held on June 7.
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 next Board of Zoning Appeals meeting will be held on May 23 at 6:30pm to consider the following items. An agenda can be found here.
- 21 Edgewater Road – Peter & Carolyn Cianchette – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for renovations and additions to the existing single-family dwelling. Map/lot U09-047.
- 116 Longwoods Road – Nicholas A Mancini III – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-54 for a home occupation. Map/lot R03-051.
- 1 Underwood Road - Theodore Heidrich – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for the construction of a detached structure. Map/lot U18-025.
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.
- Elizabeth Oakleaf, 12 Old Powerhouse Road; Map/lot U16-080-D DENIED
- John & Karen Winslow, 253 Gray Road; Map/lot R06-033-A DENIED
- Kellie Smith, 202 Foreside Road; Map/lot U14-012-A GRANTED
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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