2023.06.02--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 13
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 |
Election Notice & Information
The Town of Falmouth will hold the Municipal Election and Budget Validation Referendum on June 13, 2023. The election will take place at the Falmouth High School Gym, 74 Woodville Road. Polls open at 7:00am and close at 8:00pm. The regular office hours of the Voter Registrar/Town Clerk’s Office, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, Maine are: Monday - 7:00am - 4:30pm; Tuesday - Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm, Closed Fridays. Sample ballots can be found HERE and are also available from the Clerk's Office by request.
Voter Registration
For registration questions, please call the Registrar at 699-5320.
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. The last day for absentee voting is Thursday, June 8.
Submitting Your Voted Absentee Ballot
To be counted, voted absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8:00pm on Election Day. There are three ways to return a completed absentee ballot.
- Official Ballot Drop Box: An official ballot drop off box is located at the front of Town Hall to the left of the staircase. Ballots can be deposited here at any time up to 8:00pm on Election Day.
- In Person: Return your ballot to the Clerk's Office at Falmouth Town Hall during business hours, Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 4:30pm (Closed Fridays and Election Day). On Election Day, voted absentee ballots may be submitted at the polling place (Falmouth High School Gymnasium) or via the drop box at Town Hall.
- By Mail: Return your ballot in the mail. Please factor in potential postal delays and allow enough time for us to RECEIVE the ballot by 8:00pm on June 13. Ballots are NOT accepted by postmark dates. Any ballots received after 8:00pm on Election Day will be rejected.
The last day for absentee voting is Thursday, June 8. The Clerk's Office will offer extended hours from 4:30-6:30pm on June 8 to facilitate absentee voting.
In-Person Absentee Voting
In person absentee voting is underway at Town Hall during opening hours, Monday - 7:00am - 4:30pm; Tuesday - Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm, (Closed Fridays). Extended hours for voting will be offered on Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 4:30pm-6:30pm.
Election Day Voting
Voting will take place on Tuesday, June 13 at the Falmouth High School Gym, 74 Woodville Road. Polls open at 7:00am and close at 8:00pm. No voting will take place at Town Hall on Election Day. On Election Day, voted absentee ballots may be submitted at the polling place or via the drop box at Town Hall.
Election Day Closure
The Clerk’s Office at Town Hall will be closed on Election Day, June 13, so staff can facilitate the elections at the polling place. Other Town Hall Departments will remain open. Enter through side door.
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
Community Clean Up Thank You!
On Saturday, May 20, a group of volunteers gathered for a Community Clean Up of Route 1. Many thanks to all who turned out to assist and to those who joined the tree planting ceremony to mark Falmouth's designation as a Tree City USA.
Ongoing Initiatives |
Get Involved! Comprehensive Planning Opportunities for Input
Workshop #2: The Natural Environment was held on May 24 at the Elementary School Cafeteria. Approximately 30 attendees gathered to provide input on how Falmouth can protect and maintain open spaces, enhance environmental health, and continue efforts to create a sustainable community. Please visit the project website to cast a vote on the Capital Investment Projects and Policy Priorities that were identified in Workshop #2 to support the Town's values of environmental protection and sustainably. Vote HERE!
Workshop #3: The Built Environment will be held on Wednesday, June 7, at 7:00pm in the Elementary School Cafeteria. This session will explore the complicated issues of commercial development, residential growth, affordable housing, and transportation in Falmouth. Join your neighbors and provide input on this important topic.
Survey #2: In advance of the next workshop on June 7, please take a short survey on development, growth, and housing in Falmouth's future. Click HERE to take the survey! You can also still take Survey #1 on Community & People HERE.
In addition, you can get involved in the Comprehensive Planning process by visiting the project website, where you can find:
- a weekly discussion question
- surveys
- 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
Events |
Solar Array Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, June 9
Join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of Falmouth's landfill solar array project. The event will take place at noon on June 9 at the Transfer Station on Woods Road. Since the event will take place during opening hours, attendee parking will be limited to the roadway in front of the facility. Please abide by the no parking signs. For planning purposes, please RSVP to the event by emailing ecadigan@falmouthme.org. In the meantime, you can see just how much energy is produced in real time by visiting our Energy Data Dashboard HERE.
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 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.
Celebrity Golf Tournament
The 2023 Drive Fore Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament will be held June 22-24 at the Falmouth Country Club. An anticipated 36 celebrity participants will compete for a $250,000 prize purse with charitable proceeds to benefit The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. This will be a well-attended event, bringing large crowds to Falmouth. Residents should expect increased traffic during the dates of the event, especially along Winn Road.
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
FHS Produces Two U.S. Presidential Scholars
Each year, two Maine high school seniors are awarded the prestigious title of Presidential Scholar. This year, for the first time since at least 2003, both winners come from the same high school. Coco Xu and Patrick Wahlig are both seniors at FHS and have been named two of the only 161 Presidential Scholars nationwide. WMTW News 8 shares the story.
Abilities Awareness Week
The FES PTO recently sponsored a week of celebrating different abilities and neurodiversity at the Elementary School. The week was filled with activities for all students at school, as well as for parents/caregivers and their families at home. The week included a wonderful assembly featuring writer Lisa Krikorian Wentzell, co-author of A Dog & His Boy; and a Saturday Superhero Walk. Thank you FES PTO Abilities Awareness Committee!
Falmouth Students, Asylum Seekers Find Sense of Community in Chess
“Falmouth students can be found every Saturday morning seated across chess boards from young members of asylum-seeking families staying in South Portland. Despite different backgrounds, life circumstances and language barriers, there is a sense of community and belonging at the gatherings, said [Falmouth resident] Katie Moore, who spearheaded the Falmouth students’ involvement.” Read the full story in the Northern Forecaster.
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, Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 7:00pm
As is customary, there will be only one Town Council Meeting in June. Due to the Juneteenth holiday, the next meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 21 at 7:00pm. An agenda will be posted here in advance of the meeting. 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 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.
Prior to the meeting, the Town Council Annual Caucus will take place at 6:00pm in the upstairs conference room at Town Hall. An agenda can be found here prior to the meeting.
At the Most Recent Town Council Meetings…
The Town Council held a meeting on May 22. Find an agenda and video here.
- The Council approved the minutes of the April 10 Town Council Meeting and April 24 Town Council Meeting.
- The Council approved the following re-appointment: Danielle Tracy to the Falmouth Memorial Library Board of Trustees.
- And the following appointment: David Skillin to the Shellfish Conservation Commission.
- The Council approved the renewal of a permanent food license for Shaw's Supermarkets (251 US Route 1).
- There was a public hearing on 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 Ordinance for June 21.
- The Council approved an order for a supplemental appropriation of $100,000.00 from unassigned fund balance to partially fund the reconstruction of Twombley Pond at Family Ice.
- The Council approved an order for certain activities and uses on Lot R08-85, known as the Wilshore Farm, for which the Town holds a conservation easement.
- The Council approved 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 approved an order to Establish a Parking Violation Fine Schedule.
- The Council approved an Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-19, Art. II-19-1, Sec. 19-72 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Erosion and Sedimentation Control.
- There was an introduction of amendments to CH. II-19 of the Code of Ordinances to add Restaurants and Carry-out Restaurants as conditional uses in certain portions of the RB District. The Council agreed to schedule the public hearing for July 10.
- The Council approved an Order to go into Executive Session to discuss the Town Manager's Performance Review, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (A).
Planning Board
At the June 6 Planning Board meeting, the board will consider the following items. An agenda can be found here.
37 Casco Terrace – Garth & Andrea Connor – Request for Shoreland Zone Permit Approval for slope stabilization. Map/lot U17-040.
356R US Route 1 – SBA Communications Corporation – Request for Personal Wireless Service Facility III modifications to existing cell tower. Map/lot U53-004-T.
17 Greta Way – Jared Dinsmore – Request for Minor Subdivision Amendment Approval to add one residential unit to the existing single-family home creating a two-family dwelling. Map/lot R03-001-U1.
Falmouth Road – Blackstone Development Group – Request for Preliminary Major Subdivision Approval consisting of 9 Conservation Lots and 2 Country Estate Lots. Map/lot R04-022.- Public Hearings: 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.
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 Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on May 23 the board considered 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. APPROVED
- 116 Longwoods Road – Nicholas A Mancini III – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-54 for a home occupation. Map/lot R03-051. APPROVED
- 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. TABLED FOR SITE WALK
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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