2023.09.08--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 19

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• News & Issues​​​​​​ 
  • Comprehensive Plan Update
  • Automated Trash & Recycling Collection
  • FY24 Tax Rate
  • DEP Sampling Sites in Falmouth
  • Absentee Ballots
  • Farmers Market Supports Food Pantry
• Ongoing Initiatives
  • Senior Property Tax Assistance
  • Social Services Grants
• Events
  • Shellfish Presentation
  • Falmouth Trails Day
• Take Note
  • Recovery Awareness Month
  • Public Works Receives Funding
• Falmouth Public Schools
  • Reminder: Careers
  • Upcoming Events & Meetings
• Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
  • Town Council
  • Planning Board
  • Board of Zoning Appeals
• 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.

Comprehensive Planning Update: Take the Survey!!

Check your mailbox!  The final community survey for the Comprehensive Plan Update has been mailed out and should be arriving in your mailbox any day. The survey will help to confirm feedback that we have heard so far at community workshops and through other engagement activities as well as current Town planning documents (e.g., Bike/Ped Plan, Open Space Plan, future Climate Action Plan). 

Take the survey online! We are mailing out a print copy but we also encourage you to take the survey online. Scan the QR code on the printed version or take the survey right now at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RZYQWV2

We encourage all members of the household to complete their own survey either in print or online. It's important to get feedback from as many residents as possible to guide planning for Falmouth's future! Hard copy surveys can be returned to Town Hall or the Mason-Motz Activity Center on Middle Road. Take the Survey Here!

Find the project website at: https://berrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/falmouth-comprehensive-plan

Carts Are Coming! Falmouth Transitions to Automated Curbside Collection

Beginning this fall, Falmouth will transition to an automated waste collection system. Like many communities in Southern Maine, Falmouth contracts with Casella Waste Systems for residential curbside trash and recycling collection. Casella is now moving to an automated collection system which requires use of Town-owned trash and recycling carts along its routes. All communities contracting with Casella will be required to transition to the new automated system. No other waste hauler in the region offers rear loading collection.

Automated Collection

Automated collection requires specialized trucks with an automated side loader. From inside the truck, the driver controls a mechanical arm which grabs the trash or recycling cart and dumps it into the truck. These automated trucks save time, labor costs, and are generally safer for employees.

For communities, there is an initial expense involved in this transition: namely the purchase of new trash and recycling carts for every residence. These new carts are specifically created to function with the automated trucks’ mechanical arm. For Falmouth, this means approximately 10,000 carts are needed to provide every residence with both a trash and recycling cart. 

New Carts

Falmouth worked with neighboring communities in a joint bid process to purchase new trash and recycling carts. The Town awarded a contract to Toter, an industry leader, who offered a local representative for on-site assistance and high-quality stackable, fully recyclable carts, composed of up to 50% recycled content. The 64-gallon carts have wheels for easy maneuvering and attached lids to keep trash and recyclables dry and secure. Falmouth was fortunate to receive a grant of $25,000 from The Recycling Partnership to fund a portion of the needed recycling carts. The grant will also cover the costs of some educational and outreach materials related to the transition. The Town will rely on uncommitted fund balances to pay for the remainder of the carts. Residents will not be charged for carts and their purchase will have no impact on the mil rate. The total cost to the Town is approximately $600,000.

Cart Delivery & Implementation

A trash cart and a recycling cart will be delivered to residents’ homes in late October or early November. Exact dates have not yet been determined. The start date for implementing the new collection system is dependent upon Casella’s receipt of their new automated trucks. We will work to keep residents notified of the timing of cart distribution through our usual communication channels. Additional information on cart placement and use will be included in a packet attached to the carts upon distribution.

Route Changes

As part of this transition, Casella will add an additional collection day (Monday) to Falmouth’s collection schedule. As a result, collection days may change for some residents. Casella is still finalizing the new route. We will provide updates regarding route changes as information becomes available. The new schedule and routes will also be listed in the information packet attached to the carts upon delivery.

Yellow Trash Bags

Falmouth will continue its “Pay As You Throw” (PAYT) waste disposal fee structure. Yellow bags are still required for trash disposal. Recycling should be placed directly into the new recycling carts and not in a bag. Everything must be placed in the cart for collection. Additional bags, bins, or broken-down boxes sitting next to the carts cannot be collected.

More information

The Town will provide additional information regarding cart delivery and the implementation of the new collection system via its website, E-Alerts, social media sites, newsletter, direct mailings, and Forecaster ads. Residents are strongly encouraged to subscribe to News & Announcements E-Alerts to receive the most up-to-date information regarding this transition. Subscribe at: www.falmouthme.org/subscribe. Information can also be found on our website at:  www.falmouthme.org.

Tax Rate Set for FY24

The Town Assessor has set the FY24 tax rate at $12.64. Property tax bills will be mailed out by September 25 and the first installment is due on November 2. Additional information regarding the FY24 Budget can be found at:

• FY24 Municipal Budget: https://www.falmouthme.org/finance/pages/fy-23-24-budget
• FY24 School Budget: https://www.falmouthschools.org/about/budget
• Presentation before the Town Council on FY24 Municipal and School Budgets: https://play.champds.com/falmouthme/event/2808
• Falmouth Focus article on FY24 Budget: https://www.falmouthme.org/your-town-newsletter/news/20230407-falmouth-focus-volume-5-issue-9#anchor_budget

The State of Maine offers several property tax relief programs and exemptions to qualifying residents, including the Homestead Exemption, Veterans Exemption, and Senior Tax Assistance Programs. Find information on property tax relief at: https://www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/tax-relief-credits-programs/property-tax-relief-programs

Find information on Falmouth’s Senior Property Tax assistance in the article below or visit:  https://www.falmouthme.org/finance/pages/senior-property-tax-assistance

Ongoing statewide PFAS sampling includes sites in Falmouth

Since 2021, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), has been monitoring the presence of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at many statewide locations. These locations have been identified as Tier 1 and Tier 2 sites. Recently, the DEP notified the Town that it will start initial sampling evaluations of more than 400 Tier 3 sites throughout the state this fall. This will include two of several Tier 3 sites in Falmouth, which were identified due to the land application of sludge in the 1980s and 1990s. There are no known Tier 1 and 2 sites in Falmouth.

The purpose of DEP’s investigation is to identify sites statewide that are impacted by PFAS, identify drinking water supplies that are impacted above Maine’s Interim Drinking Water Standard for PFAS, and to provide impacted individuals with water that is consistent with that standard. Investigations will begin this fall and continue into 2024 and DEP will work in cooperation with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) for sites with agricultural operations. See letter here. 

One of the sites to be sampled this fall, is the location of a formerly licensed paper mill ash and sludge application site. This location is hosting a large outdoor event (Hurricane Meadows Fall Festival) subject to permitting by the Town. Per Falmouth’s Ordinance governing large scale outdoor events an analysis of the health and safety of an event site is required as part of obtaining a temporary event permit. Upon notification of the upcoming sampling evaluation of the site, Town staff contacted Maine DEP and CDC to inquire about the safety of holding this public event. Based on the guidance offered by Maine DEP and CDC, the town believes that attending the forementioned festival poses little risk. Drinking water at the festival will not be sourced from the site unless it has been tested and meets the state’s standards.

The Town will continue to work with Maine DEP and CDC regarding any additional publicly accessible licensed sludge and septage sites in Falmouth and relay information to the public through our usual communication channels as more data becomes available.

Absentee Ballots

The Clerk’s Office is now accepting requests for absentee ballots for the November 7 General Election. NOTE: Absentee ballots will not be mailed out until they are received, which is 30 days prior to the election.

Who can vote absentee?

Any registered voter may cast an absentee ballot instead of voting in person at a voting place on Election Day.

How do I get an absentee ballot?

Absentee ballots are available 30 days prior to the election. There are four ways to request an absentee ballot:

• By Phone: Call and request your own ballot, which will be mailed to the address you provide. Call the Voter Registrar in Falmouth at: 699-5320 or 699-5308.
• Electronically: Request your own ballot electronically using the Secretary of State’s online absentee ballot request service at: http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/AbsenteeBallot/index.pl   
• By Mail: Print the Absentee Ballot Request Form at: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-clerk/pages/11723-absentee-ballot-request-form Mail or drop off the form at Falmouth Town Hall.
• In Person: Request a ballot at Falmouth Town Hall.

When can I request a ballot?

Absentee ballots may be requested beginning 90 days before Election Day. Make your request early to allow enough time for the ballot to be mailed to you. NOTE: Absentee ballots will not be mailed out until 30 days prior to the election.

Is there a deadline to request a ballot?

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Thursday, November 2.

Can I request a ballot for someone else?

You can request a ballot for an immediate family member by filling out a request form at Town Hall.

Where can I find more information?

Town of Falmouth Election Information--https://www.falmouthme.org/town-clerk/pages/election-information

State of Maine Upcoming Elections Page--https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/upcoming/index.htm

Cumberland-Falmouth Farmers Market Raises Funds for Food Pantry

On Wednesday, September 6, Cumberland-Falmouth Farmers Market President Kathy Shaw, along with Association Vice-President Sue Mack and other market vendors, presented the Falmouth Food Pantry with a check for $500.00. Throughout the month of July generous Farmers Market patrons had already donated $931.17 to the Food Pantry.  "The Cumberland-Falmouth Farmers Market is so happy to contribute to the Food Pantry," said Shaw, "and we thank our generous customers for their donations during the month of July."

In addition, Russ Donahue and Cass Gilbert of the Pine Ridge Ramblers, who frequently play music during market hours, presented their own check of $200 to the Food Pantry for a grand total of $1631.17. Nancy Lightbody accepted both checks on behalf of the Food Pantry, noting, "These donations speak to the generosity of this community. Many, many thanks to everyone for your contributions. Every dollar will directly benefit our food pantry families." Town Manager Nathan Poore and Council Chair Hope Cahan also attended the event.

Nancy Lightbody from the Falmouth Food Pantry thanks the Cumberland & Falmouth Farmers Market and Pine Ridge Ramblers for their generous donations.

Senior Property Tax Assistance 

Falmouth's Senior Property Tax Assistance Program

The Town of Falmouth is accepting applications for its Senior Property Tax Relief Program. The program is open to current Falmouth residents, age 62 or older, with an annual household income below $60,000. The household’s property taxes must be greater than 4% of the owner’s income. Renters can participate if 15% of their annual rent (assumed to represent the property tax portion of rent) is greater than 4% of the resident’s income. Applicants are required to submit income verification and proof of 2022 property tax payments or rent payments.

The Town Council allocated $90,000 to the program in the FY24 budget. An estimated 150-200 Falmouth households could qualify for the program. Refunds will be determined based on the number of valid applications received. Recipients will be refunded a proportional share of the available program funds based on income level. Residents can mail in the application and backup documents to Town of Falmouth, Finance Department, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, Maine 04105. Or call Pete McHugh at 699-5311 to make an appointment to submit your application in person.

Residents are encouraged to apply early. The deadline for applications is October 12, 2023. For additional information on program requirements and an application, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/finance/pages/senior-property-tax-assistance, or contact Pete McHugh at pmchugh@falmouthme.org or 207-699-5311.

State Legislature Repeals Property Tax Stabilization for Seniors

On July 6, 2023, the Maine State Legislature repealed LD 290 “Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens” program, enacted in August 2022. The program allowed Maine seniors to freeze taxes at the previous year’s level regardless of income.

Though repealed, initial applications will be applied to upcoming tax bills. There is no reapplication process and no need for residents to provide additional paperwork or information to the Town or Assessor. Qualified residents who applied last year will be responsible for the "frozen" property tax bill amount for the 2023-2024 billing cycle. This amount will be equal to the tax amount the owner was billed in 2022-2023 unless the new amount would be lower, in which case the taxes owed would be the lower of the two amounts.

It is important to note that this is a State of Maine program. While the Town of Falmouth played a role in its administration, it had no part in its creation or repeal. Any questions or concerns regarding this program should be directed to your legislative representative. The State is expanding two existing programs to benefit low-income seniors--the Property Tax Fairness Credit and Property Tax Deferral Program. The Town of Falmouth does not administer these two programs but will continue to provide updates to residents as information becomes available. The Town of Falmouth does offer its own Senior Property Tax Assistance Program. See article above for more information or click HERE.

Presentation: Soft-Shell Clams, September 21

Join the Shellfish Conservation Commission for a presentation on “Soft-Shell Clams: Their Biology, Ecology, Culture, and Management” by Dr. Brian Beal on Thursday, September 21 at 5:30pm at Town Hall in the Town Council Chambers. Dr. Beal is a Professor of Marine Ecology at the University of Maine at Machias (UMM) and is Director of Research at Downeast Institute. Additionally, he directs UMM’s Marine Field Station at Black Duck Cove. Dr. Beal was instrumental in establishing Maine’s first lobster hatchery in the town of Cutler in 1986 and Maine’s first public clam hatchery in 1987, known as the Beals Island Regional Shellfish Hatchery. He is known for his work with soft-shell clams throughout the eastern U.S. and Canada.

2nd Annual Falmouth Trails Day, October 8

The Falmouth Community Wellness Committee and Falmouth Land Trust invite you to come and enjoy a day of guided hikes with family, friends and neighbors on Sunday, October 8. All are welcome. Choose any or all the hikes and delight in some time in nature while exploring some of our wonderful trails. Hikes will be offered at 9:00 am (Woods Road Community Forest), 11:00 am (Community Park), 1:00 pm (Suckfish Brook Conservation Area), and 3:00 pm (River Point Conservation Area). No pets, please. Bring water, snacks, and bug spray as needed. For more information visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/community-wellness-committee

September is Recovery Awareness Month

The Falmouth Police Department would like to remind the community that September is Recovery Awareness Month. We believe that connection is a key component to recovery and advocate for building mutual trust and creating open dialogue. As allies, we will cultivate partnerships by engaging and connecting individuals and families to resources, treatment, and services within the recovery and mental health communities unique to personal needs and healing process.

We realize the importance of working to reduce stigmas attached to substance misuse and understand that addiction is a chronic, sometimes relapsing medical condition. Recovery is a process of change. You are not defined by your illness. With support and encouragement, our goal is to identify risk factors and remove barriers and obstacles to your success. Our focus is on core values to help you achieve sobriety, improve your health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and reach your full potential.

When a citizen or affected loved one are experiencing a crisis and contacts Falmouth Police Department, your call will be received by Communications Officers who respond with empathy, kindness, and compassion. These characteristics of professionalism are carried forward with the responding officers. On scene, officers conduct themselves free of bias and judgment and strive to de-escalate the crisis and provide necessary, immediate police and medical services.

Falmouth is a community of support. We are just a phone call away.

Public Works Department Receives Funding

The Town of Falmouth recently signed a Municipal Partnership Initiative (MPI) agreement with the Maine Department of Transportation and the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS). This agreement awards the Town $400,000 for the Falmouth Road and Winn Road Paving and Safety Improvements Project. The full scope of the project includes surface paving, drainage improvements, shoulder improvements, and bicycle/pedestrian improvements. Safety improvements to the railroad crossing at Leighton Road and Falmouth Road are also included with the project. The project limits are along Falmouth Road from Woodville Road to Winn Road and continuing along Winn Road from Falmouth Road to the Cumberland town line. The total project cost is estimated to be $800,000 and construction is scheduled to be completed in 2024.

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. 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, September 11, 2023, 7:00pm

The next meeting of the Falmouth Town Council will take place on Monday, September 11 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 August 28. An agenda and video can be found here.

• The Council approved the minutes of the July 10 and July 24 Council meetings.
• The Council approved a new permanent food service license for FUEGO.
• The Council approved an order to authorize the Town Manager to sign the First Amendment to the Solar Power Purchase Agreement for the Town Landfill Solar Array.
• There was an update and discussion about new automated waste and recycling collection program.
• 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 

At the September 5 Planning Board Meeting, the board considered the following items.  An agenda can be found here.

•  Chloe Way – Michael Jacobson – Request for Vacation of the Private Way Approved in 2007.  Map/lot U25-005 & U25-005-001. APPROVE WITH CONDITIONS
• PUBLIC HEARING - Amendments to Section 19-11 of the Code of Ordinances related to design standards in the Village Center Zoning Districts  RECOMMENDED WITH CHANGES
•   Middle Road – Michael Saccone – Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan Review for a Plant Food Farm.  Map/lot U22-007.  DISCUSSED
•   Stormy Brook Road – Arber Development Inc – Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan Review for a 31-lot Conservation Lot Subdivision.  Map/lot R01-022-A/-033/-041.  DISCUSSED
•   398 Middle Road/Poppy Lane – Gene Villacci/Helena Hollauer – Request for Private Way Amendment to add 1 new lot on Poppy Lane.  Map/lot R01-035. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS

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 August 22, the board considered 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. WITHDRAWN BY APPLICANT
• 9 Payson Road – Kevin Moquin Architect representing Jill Coyle – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for a tear-down & rebuild of existing garage and an addition.  Map/lot U01-030. APPROVED
• 267 Falmouth Road – Evergreen Learning Center – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 to allow a Day Care Center to operate at Falmouth Congregational Church.  Map/lot U50-013. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS

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. 

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.