2023.07.21--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 16

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

• Online and Remote
• Service
• A Guide to Participating in Virtual Town Council Meetings

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​​​​​​ 
  • Park & Recreation Professionals Day
  • Yard Sign Reminders
  • Softball Showdown 
• Ongoing Initiatives
  • Comprehensive Planning Update
  • Neighborhood Gatherings
  • Social Services Grants
• Events
  • Food Drive
  • Concerts in the Park
• Take Note
  • CMP Line Work
• Falmouth Public Schools
  • Highlight: Student Art Exhibit 
  • Reminder: Career Opportunities 
  • Upcoming Events & Meetings
• Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
  • Town Council
  • Planning Board
  • Board of Zoning Appeals
  • Board of Assessment Review
• 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.

Today, July 21, is Park & Recreation Professionals Day

The Maine State Legislature passed a resolution recognizing July 21, 2023, as Park and Recreation Professionals Day. The resolution acknowledges that the Park and Recreation field improves personal, social, environmental, and economic health for the residents of Maine, helping to make Maine a desirable place to live, work, and visit. Through their work, Park and Recreation professionals strengthen the communities they serve, building resiliency, connecting people with nature, and providing opportunities for healthy living and continued education. They provide recreational development and enrichment opportunities to children, adults, and seniors while ensuring our parks are clean, safe, and welcoming. 

Maine joins a growing number of states in commemorating the contributions of Park and Recreation professionals to their communities. The resolution falls during National Recreation Month, an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association observed every July since 1985. This year's theme is "Where Community Grows," highlighting the critical role of Park and Recreation professionals in uniting residents, providing services, and improving quality of life. Learn more about National Recreation Month here. 

The Town of Falmouth is proud to have an robust Parks & Community Programs Department. The staff offer residents of all ages quality, cultural, educational, and fitness activities, including outdoor adventure, field trips, and indoor programming to meet the recreational interests and needs of our growing community. In addition to running approximately 815 programs annually, the department oversees 1800 acres of open space, 206 acres of parks, and 55+miles of trails. They also maintain multiple recreational facilities including 9 tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, 8 multipurpose fields, and 6 playgrounds. We applaud their efforts everyday and want to especially honor them today, July 21, for their service to our community. Learn more about Falmouth Parks and Community Programs here.  Check out their Summer Program Guide here. 

A Reminder Regarding Temporary Signage

As a reminder to residents, the use and placement of temporary signs on the public right-of-way in Falmouth is governed by our Code of Ordinances. Temporary signs or free-standing signs refer to any sign placed in or on the ground and includes A-frame signs. These signs may be used to promote events, advertise services, or demonstrate support for a cause or political candidate. Temporary signs that are placed in the right-of-way do not require a permit but must comply with all provisions in the Code of Ordinances. See local ordinance requirements as well as state sign standards in the links below:

Falmouth’s Code of Ordinances Related to Temporary Signs

Title 23 of the Maine Revised Statutes: Excerpts from the Maine Traveler Information Services Act

Most importantly, signs that create a traffic hazard or impede vehicular, pedestrian, or cycling traffic on designated roads, sidewalks, lanes, or paths are prohibited and will be removed by the Town. All temporary signs in the public right-of-way:

• Must contain the name, phone number, and address of the person, entity, or organization that placed the sign and the time period the sign will be maintained
• Must not require any digging or excavation
• Cannot exceed 4 feet in height or 7 square feet in size
• Cannot be placed within 30 feet of any other temporary sign bearing the same, or substantially the same, message

Signs within the public right-of-way cannot be: 

• attached to any vegetation;
• placed for more than 42 days per calendar year;
• illuminated either internally or externally;
• consist of or include visible moving parts, pennants, ribbons, streamers, balloons, spinners or other similar devices to attract attention.

In recent weeks, Town staff surveyed the majority of West Falmouth to assess the placement of temporary signs within Town right-of-way. Signs that were found to be in violation of the Code of Ordinances were removed. If you believe your sign was one that was removed and would like to claim it, you may collect it at the Public Works Office located at 101 Woods Road. No fees, fines, or tickets will be assessed. Please be aware that additional signs found to be in violation of Falmouth’s Code of ordinances are subject to removal and will also be held at Public Works. Unclaimed signs will periodically be recycled.

Falmouth's Softball Showdown

Falmouth's Softball Showdown returns! To mark National Night Out, the Town of Falmouth is hosting an epic rematch of last year’s game on Saturday, August 5.

Once again Falmouth Fire-EMS and Falmouth Police will face off. Will Police hold on to their title? Or will Fire-EMS take the prize? The game starts at 1:00pm at the Legion Field Complex. Town Manager Nathan Poore will officiate. Losers wash the winners’ vehicles. A friendly warm-up game among Town of Falmouth employees will take place at noon.

The event is FREE! A 50/50 raffle and donations will be taken with all proceeds benefiting Maine Special Olympics. Burgers and hot dogs will be available for a suggested donation. Lawn games, music, and fun will round out the day. 

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and the whole family for a fun day out!

Comprehensive Planning Update

Work on Falmouth's Comprehensive Plan continues as staff and consultants from BerryDunn compile comments from the three public workshops held this spring, as well as survey results and discussions taking place on the project website. The Comprehensive Plan Committee is also working with the consultants to outline next steps in the process and provide additional opportunities for public input. In the meantime, the Appointments Committee has received numerous applications from residents willing to serve on the re-established Long Range Planning Advisory Committee and will begin interviewing candidates soon. This committee will have a role in advising Town Council on policies and projects related to growth, capital improvements, affordable housing, economic development, and transportation. 

Residents are encouraged to visit the project website for updates and additional opportunities to engage in the planning process, including: 

• 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      

Summer Neighborhood Block Parties in Falmouth

The Falmouth Community Wellness Committee encourages residents to consider hosting a neighborhood party this summer. All that is required is putting a date on the calendar and getting the word out to your neighbors. Fire up a grill, toss on some meat and veggies, and share some dishes to pass. Set up some activities for the kids and enjoy watching their enthusiastic play. What a great opportunity to reacquaint yourself with neighbors you haven’t seen in ages, or chat with that new neighbor you haven’t had a chance to get to know, all while enjoying a beautiful summer afternoon or evening. If you do organize a gathering, please take a few pictures and send them to our committee. We would love to post them on our web and social media pages. Your pictures can be sent to: mfleming@falmouthme.org

Food Drive for Falmouth Food Pantry

The Cumberland Farmers Market Association (CFMA) is holding a food drive every Wednesday in July at the Farmers Market at Hat Trick Drive from 10am to 1pm to benefit the Falmouth Food Pantry. Non-perishable food and/or cash donations will be accepted and CFMA will match cash donations up to $250! Please join us in support of our neighbors in need this summer. 

Concerts in the Park

Summer Concerts in the Park continues!  Hopefully the rain will hold off for the final two concerts! 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: 

• 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.

CMP to Inspect Distribution Lines in Falmouth

Central Maine Power (CMP) is undertaking a series of line projects in Falmouth, known as Distribution Line Inspections, which include replacing poles and cross arms, line transfers, and correcting any deficiencies in the lines. These inspections and replacements will help improve the structural integrity, capacity, and reliability of CMP’s distribution system, and will also help CMP address regulatory requirements.

The work is anticipated to begin on July 10 and will take approximately 4 weeks, weather permitting. Equipment used may include digger trucks, bucket trucks, and other vehicles. Areas impacted include:

• Depot Road
• Fundy Road
• Harriet Road
• Lunt Road

CMP does not anticipate any extended power outages because of this work. A member of a crew will notify property owners if this need arises. Restricted access to businesses and residences is not anticipated. If obstructions do occur, they will be on a limited basis and coordinated by the construction crews. Each work area will be maintained throughout the project to minimize property impact, dust, and to keep neighborhoods clean. All trash or debris will be removed daily. In the rare cases where work could impact abutting properties, such as the need to trim or remove trees to protect the distribution system or access the work location, construction crews will contact property owners and work with them on an individual basis.

Additional Resources:  

Distribution Line Inspections Frequently Asked Questions

Central Maine Power

For more information or questions, contact CMP at: 800-750-4000 (7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday - Friday)

Highlight: Student Art Exhibit This Weekend

Four Falmouth High School students, Owen Burt, Nicholas Camuso, Sabrine Alcock, and Quinn Hagerty will be exhibiting their collage paintings at Ryan Kohler's exhibition at Maine Art Hill in Kennebunk from July 22 - August 16. Ryan demonstrated his unique technique last year to Nancy Goldstone’s advanced art class and was excited to showcase a few of our students’ pieces at his upcoming gallery exhibition. The art opening is Saturday, July 22 from 5-7pm where you can enjoy the art, refreshments, and a live band (exhibition information). Congratulations to our students for this huge honor!

Learn more about Ryan Kohler at https://www.ryankohlerpaintings.com/

Learn more about Maine Art Hill Gallery at https://www.maine-art.com/

Reminder: 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.

Featured Positions this week:

Director of Human Resources. The ideal candidate is compassionate and makes strong relationships quickly, places strong value on public education, is a collaborative team player, creative problem solver, skilled communicator, and able to manage multiple demands while maintaining strong attention to detail. 

Communications Coordinator.  This energetic, enthusiastic, and collaborative individual will implement a communications and outreach strategy that promotes our schools and builds connections and opportunities with our community. 

Please visit our Careers page to learn more and apply.

Upcoming: Events & 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).

Town Council Meeting, Monday, July 24, 2023, 7:00pm

The next meeting of the Falmouth Town Council will take place on Monday, July 24 at 7:00pm. An agenda can be found here. 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. 

At the Most Recent Town Council Meetings…

The Town Council held a meeting on July 10. An agenda and video can be found here.

• The Council approved the renewal of permanent food license for Super Scoops.
• The Council approved a new permanent food license for The Barn at Smith Farm.
• The Council approved a special amusement permit for The Barn at Smith Farm.
• There was a public hearing regarding 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 Ordinance for July 24.
• The Council approved an Order to authorize the Town Manager to execute a Drainage Easement and Agreement substantially in the form presented at this meeting, with such minor changes as may be approved by the Town’s legal counsel, granting an easement to the Tuscan Way Condominium Association for the maintenance and repair of drainage improvements located on the Town’s land abutting the Tuscan Way condominium property.
• The Council approved a Resolution on Route 1 North PACTS Complex Project Funding Endorsement.
• There was concept discussion regarding CDC recommendations related to the Village Center Districts.
• The Council approved an Order to go into Executive Session pursuant to the Laws of Maine to discuss Union contracts, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (D).

Planning Board 

The Falmouth Planning Board convened a site walk for the proposed Hidden Hills Estates Subdivision (Map-lot R04-022) on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. An agenda can be found here. 

At the July 11 Planning Board meeting, the board considered the following items. An agenda and can be found here.  

• A public hearing regarding 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. RECOMMENDED

At the August 1 Planning Board Meeting, the board will consider the following items.  An agenda can be found here in advance of the meeting.

•   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. (Previously Tabled)
•   14 Summit Terrace – Titcomb Associates representing Walter Arsenault & Kenneth Cayer – Request for Re-Approval of the Plan of Amended Lot 7 – Phase II Blackstrap Heights.  Map/lot R08-068-007 & 066.
•   187 US Route 1 – Morong Falmouth – Request for Sign Permit Approval for one new sign.  Map/lot U07-004-B1.
•   Tuscan Way – James Cummings/Cummings Properties – Request for Subdivision Amendment of April 5, 2022 Re-Approval.  Map/lot U47-026-B; Zoned RD, RCZO, SZ-RP.  Map/lot U47-026-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 July 25, the board will consider the following items. An agenda can be found here.

• 16 Ayers Court – Odette Thurston – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to extend bump out on north side of dwelling.  Map/lot U16-046. (Previously tabled).
• 101 Foreside Road – Christian Haas – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for construction of a new deck.  Map/lot U09-006.

For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals

Board of Assessment Review

At the Board of Assessment Review meeting on August 3, the board will consider the following items. An agenda can be found here in advance of the meeting.

• 27 Longwoods Road – Glenn McGillicuddy, Map/lot U22-006-C.
• 2 Clapboard Island – William H. Gilliss, Map/lot R01-094-B.

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.