2023.10.06--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 22
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 |
Town offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, October 9 in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Due to the holiday, the next Town Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 11.
Comprehensive Planning Update: Take the Survey!!
Deadline: October 10
The deadline to complete the final community survey is Tuesday, October 10. The survey will help to confirm feedback that we have heard so far at community workshops and through other engagement activities. Your responses will help direct planning for Falmouth's future especially with regards to growth and development.
Take the survey online! Survey deadline is October 10.
Hard copy surveys can be found at Town Hall and can be returned there, or the Mason-Motz Activity Center on Middle Road, upon completion. Print a hard copy here!
Find the Comprehensive Planning project website at: https://berrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/falmouth-comprehensive-plan
Upcoming Bucknam Road & I-295 Overnight Closures
As part of the Bucknam Road Bridge Replacement Project, MaineDOT has notified the Town that there will be full closures of Bucknam Road and rolling closures of I-295 Southbound and Northbound between 10:00pm and 5:00am, Monday-Thursday, October 9-12. The closures will accommodate the removal of the remaining structural steel beams from the old bridge.
Bucknam Road will be closed completely from 10:00pm until 5:00am between the I-295 NB & SB Ramp intersections. Detour routes will be marked.
There will be up to 4 closures of I-295 Southbound and 4 closures of I-295 Northbound at/near exit 10. The first closure of I-295 SB will occur at 10:00pm Monday night and will last up to 25 minutes. Once that closure is complete, traffic will be allowed to completely clear out before another closure takes place. The I-295 closures will be facilitated by the Maine State Police.
Additional information on MaineDOT's Bucknam and Johnson Road Bridge replacement projects can be found on our project page at: https://www.falmouthme.org/bucknam-road-bridge-replacement-project and at MaineDOT's project page at: https://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/falmouth/johnsonrd/
News from Falmouth Fire-EMS
Falmouth Fire-EMS Awards Annual Scholarship
Falmouth Fire-EMS has awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Audrey Murray, a 2023 graduate of Falmouth High School. This is the fourth year of the scholarship award, created to recognize graduating high school seniors living in the Falmouth community who plan to continue their post-secondary education in the field of firefighting, emergency medical services, nursing, or a related field. Audrey will be attending Northeastern University this fall where she will study nursing. Assistant Chief Jay Hallett, chairperson of the department’s scholarship committee, presented the award and wished her well as she headed to school the following week to start her studies. In presenting the award Assistant Chief Hallett stated: “It is great that we have local graduates going on to study in a field such as nursing. We are excited and happy to support people like Audrey from our community.” Several members of the department were on hand for the presentation of the award.
Fire-EMS staff stuff information packets to distribute to local schools as part of National Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week, October 8-14, 2023
Falmouth Fire-EMS is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™(FPW) for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention™.” The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take when cooking to keep themselves and those around them safe.
According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths. Falmouth Fire-EMS encourages all residents to embrace the 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Cooking safety start with YOU.” These key safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire:
- Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
- Have a “kid-and pet-free zone” of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
As part of Fire Prevention Week, Falmouth Fire-EMS has 16 visits scheduled to local schools and day cares, sharing fire safety and prevention tips with just under 900 kids! They are also hosting an open house at Central Station on Saturday, October 14. See details below.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Falmouth, please contact Lt. Nick Pelletier, Prevention, Outreach and Training Officer at Falmouth Fire-EMS at 207-781-2610.
Falmouth Fire-EMS Visits Lifetime Members
On September 23, Fire-EMS staff and members visited six retired life members who live in Falmouth. During the annual visit, they performed small tasks around their yards including weed whacking, leaf blowing, tree trimming, cleaning gutters, stacking firewood, and trimming some hedges. Most importantly, they honored the service these former members gave to our community.
Fall Leaf Bags & Collection Schedule
Leaf bags are available to Falmouth residents at the Public Works Office (101 Woods Road) in quantities of 12 per Falmouth resident address while supplies last. Bags are distributed on a first come, first served basis.
Curbside collection dates have been scheduled for:
- Friday, October 27
- Friday, November 3
- Friday, November 10
- Friday, November 17
Leaf bags must be set curbside on collection dates by 7am to ensure collection. REMINDER: Brush is NOT collected curbside but can be brought to the Transfer Station. Please do not put brush or trash in leaf bags. Transfer station hours are:
- Tuesday: 12-4pm
- Thursday: 12-4pm
- Friday: 7am-5pm
- Saturday: 9am-5pm
Call the Public Works Office with any Questions at: 781-3919
Ongoing Initiatives |
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 are required to transition to the new automated system. No other waste hauler in the region offers rear loading curbside collection.
Cart Delivery & Implementation
A FREE 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. We will work to keep residents notified of the timing of cart distribution through our usual communication channels including our 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. Additional information on this transition can be found here.
Senior Property Tax Assistance Deadline October 12
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 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.
Events |
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 of 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
Note: A rain decision will be made Saturday afternoon. Please consult our social media pages and website for potential cancelation or date change information.
Open House & Touch-A-Truck Event, October 14
As part of Fire Prevention Week, join us for the Falmouth-Fire EMS Open House and Touch-A-Truck on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 9am-12pm at Central Station (8 Bucknam Road). Meet firefighters and officers, climb on fire trucks and other big equipment and learn fire safety tips. Games and activities, refreshments, and raffles round out the fun! Co-sponsored by Falmouth Community Programs. FREE!
Falmouth Community Supper, October 26
Join us for the annual fall tradition of a Community Supper for all Falmouth residents. Enjoy a roast turkey dinner with all the fixings and dine with neighbors and friends! Free-will donations welcome to benefit the Falmouth Food Pantry.
When: Thursday, October 26, 2023, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Falmouth Congregational Church, 267 Falmouth Road, Falmouth
Take Note |
Changes to Public Comment
Due to recent episodes of Zoom bombing in Falmouth, Portland, and surrounding communities, the Town Council has adjusted how public comment will be heard during Town Council meetings. At the regular Town Council meeting, generally held on the second Monday of each month, an open public comment period is offered. This is an opportunity for members of the public to address the Council on matters which are not scheduled for public comment during the meeting. In order to deter Zoom bombers, whose sole intention is to disrupt the municipal process, public comment will be heard at the beginning of the meeting only from those attending in person at Town Hall. A second public comment opportunity will be held at the end of the meeting for those attending virtually.
Public comment regarding individual agenda items will continue to be taken from both in-person attendees and online participants at the time the agenda item is up for consideration before the Council. As a reminder, comments that are not related to the agenda item under discussion will not be heard.
It is our hope that Zoom bombers will tire of these disruptive tactics and we can soon return to our regular process and procedures. The Town Council welcomes input from concerned citizens. The public may contact the Council at any time regarding issues or concerns they may have. Contact information for the Town Council can be found here.
Durable Medical Equipment Program
The Falmouth Police Department recently assumed management of a durable medical equipment program for the Town. In the past, this program was supported through Town Hall, but timely availability and storage of the equipment become challenging. We are pleased to offer this program once again. The following items are available for temporary loan: wheelchair, crutches, cane, or rollator walker. For more information contact Sara Almy at the Falmouth Police Department 207-781-2300.
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
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlight: Students Help Vermont Town After Flooding
A group of high school students spent the weekend of September 29 helping the town of Barre, Vermont, in recovery efforts after catastrophic flash flooding in July damaged streets and infrastructure. They assisted with mucking the streets (removing mud and debris) using shovels and brooms, went door to door gathering information from residents about flood relief, and checked to see if they needed additional help. We’re proud to have such involved students!
In the News: FES Teacher Highlighted on Podcast
Falmouth Elementary School teacher Señor Mo was highlighted on the podcast America the Bilingual. We're proud to have such an amazing individual at Falmouth Schools! Listen to his story.
Reminder: Jumpstart Your Career as an Educational Apprentice - Earn While You Learn!
Are you or someone you know eager to kickstart a career and earn money while learning? Look no further! Falmouth Public Schools is seeking eager individuals to join the exciting and absolutely free Educator Apprentice Program. Gain valuable hands-on experience as an ed tech while earning a steady income working at Falmouth Public Schools and earn your ed tech II certification taking classes through USM/SMCC.
The program provides the perfect blend of classroom knowledge and practical application, setting you on a path to success from day one. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to invest in your future.
If interested, contact Susan Prince (susan.prince@falmouthschools.org) or Mark Campbell (markcampbell@falmouthschools.org) or learn more about the program.
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
School Board Information and Meetings:
The next School Board workshop is Monday, October 2 and the next meeting is Monday, October 16th. The schedule of additional 2023-2024 Falmouth School Board meetings has been posted on the Falmouth Public Schools website. Also, archived board reports, minutes, and agendas can be accessed online. Past business meetings can be viewed on Falmouth Community Television (FCT).
Athletics Events:
We hope to see you at the next meet, match, or game! Cheer on our Navigators at these upcoming athletic events.
FHS Musical - "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical":
Purchase your tickets for The Theatre Company at Falmouth High School’s production of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical”.
Learn more about Falmouth Public Schools at their website, and stay connected through social media, calendars, and Principal Notes here. Follow Falmouth Public Schools on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for the latest school news.
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Meeting, Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 7:00pm
The Town Council will hold a Workforce Housing workshop on Wednesday, October 11 at 5:00pm. An agenda can be found here. The meeting will be held in person at Town Hall in the large upstairs conference room.
The next meeting of the Falmouth Town Council will take place on Wednesday, October 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 also held a meeting on September 27. An agenda and video can be found here.
- The Council approved the minutes of the August 2, August 14, and August 28 Council meetings.
- The Council approved the adoption of ordinance amendments to Section 19-11 of the Code of Ordinances related to design standards in the Village Center Zoning Districts.
- There was an introduction of an ordinance to amend the General Assistance Ordinance, Appendices A-H to amend the maximum levels of income and expenses for the General Assistance program, Chapter 6, Article 6, Section 6.68, Appendices A-H of the Falmouth Town Ordinance. The public hearing is scheduled for October 23.
- The Council approved an order to schedule a public hearing for a referendum regarding an ordinance proposed by voter petition in accordance with The Town of Falmouth Charter, Sec. 902. The public hearing for the referendum is scheduled for October 11.
- There was a Climate Action Plan Presentation and Discussion.
Planning Board
At the October 3 Planning Board Meeting, the board considered the following items. An agenda can be found here.
12 Northbrook Drive – Addison Capital LLC – Request for Second Amended Site Plan Review for a 10,032 sf two-story commercial office building. Map/lot U59-010-A1. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
US Route 1 – NDVH Maine Realty, LLC – Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan Review for a proposed 35,000 sf multispecialty veterinary hospital & associated infrastructure improvements. Map/lot U62-001. DISCUSSED
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 September 26, the board considered the following items. An agenda can be found here.
- 12 Reg Roc Road – Vivian Gibbons – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to remove and replace the existing front porch with a 2-story front porch. Map/lot U01-123. APPROVED
- 404 Pride Farm Road – Evan & Donna Lebson – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for a second story addition on the existing 2-car garage. Map/lot HL6-026. WITHDRAWN PRIOR TO MEETING
- 46 Leighton Road – Kayla Cavallaro – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 for a dog daycare/boarding facility. Map/lot R05-044-008. TABELED
- 4 Kelley Road – Land Design Solutions representing Benjamin Henchel – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for an addition to the existing garage. Map/lot U01-210. APPROVED
- 5 Ellrose Lane – Kathryn Ellis – Request for Variance under Section 19-120 to correct a setback encroachment. Map/lot R09-039-C. TABLED BY APPLICANT PRIOR TO THE MEETING
- 3 Coles Village Road – Seth Putnam – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for a teardown & rebuild. Map/lot U23-008-003. APPROVED
- 19 Winslow Road – Sean Carroll – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for the teardown & rebuild of a garage structure. Map/lot U02-038. APPROVED
For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals
Board of Assessment Review
At the October 17 meeting, the Board of Assessment Review will consider the following items. An agenda can be found here.
- 47 Seaside Way (U18-048-006) - Joy Foster
- 206 US Route 1 (U52-002) - Wal-Mart Stores East LP (Tenant-Taxpayer)
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.
Town of Falmouth, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105207-781-5253
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