2023.10.20--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 23
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 |
November 7, 2023 State and Municipal Referendum Election Notice
The Town of Falmouth will hold the State and Municipal Referendum Election on Tuesday, November 7, 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, Friday – Closed. Sample ballots are available by request and can be found here.
Citizen Petition Referendum
The Municipal Referendum Election includes a Citizen Petition to amend the Town Zoning and Floodplain Management Ordinance. The proposed amendment applies to Village Center Districts (VC1, VC2, and VCC). Find zoning map here.
The Question on the ballot is: Shall an ordinance entitled “2023 Amendment to the Town Zoning and Floodplain Management Ordinance” be enacted? Click here to see a sample ballot. The changes are shown via underline and strike through text.
Voter Registration
For registration questions, please call the Registrar at: 699-5320.
Requesting an Absentee Ballot
Absentee ballots are now available. There are three ways to request an absentee ballot.
- By Phone: Contact the Town Clerk's Department at 699-5320
- In Person: Visit Town Hall during regular business hours, Monday 7:00am-4:30pm, Tuesday - Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm, to pick up a ballot. Note: Town Hall is closed on Fridays.
- By Mail: Print the Absentee Ballot Request Form HERE and mail to Falmouth Town Clerk's Department, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105
The last day to request an absentee ballot is Thursday, November 2, 2023.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
To be counted, voted absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8:00 pm on Election Day. There are three ways to return a completed absentee ballot.
- Official Ballot Drop Box: An official ballot drop 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 Department at Falmouth Town Hall during business hours, Monday 7:00am-4:30pm, Tuesday - Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm, (Closed Fridays).
- By Mail: Return your ballot in the mail. Please allow enough time for us to receive the ballot by 8:00pm on November 7. Ballots are not accepted by postmark dates. Any ballots received after 8:00pm on Election Day will be rejected.
On Election Day, the Clerk’s Office at Town Hall will be closed. If you need to return an absentee ballot on that day, either use the Drop Box located at the front of Town Hall or bring it to the polling place at the high school.
Absentee Voting
In-person absentee voting is available at Town Hall during opening hours, Monday 7:00am-4:30pm, Tuesday - Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm, (Closed Fridays). The last day for in-person absentee voting is November 2 and we will have extended hours for voting from 4:30pm-6:30pm.
Election Day Voting
Voting will take place on November 7 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. The Clerk’s Office at Town Hall will be closed on Election Day so staff may facilitate the election.
For more information, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-clerk/pages/11723-state-referendum-municipal
Veterans Day Events & Closures
Town offices and facilities will be closed on Friday, November 10 in observance of Veterans Day.
The Town of Falmouth Veterans Day Ceremony is planned for Saturday, November 11 at 11:00 a.m. at the Falmouth Veterans Memorial located at 65 Depot Road. Following the ceremony, the Falmouth Lions Club will provide a luncheon at the Falmouth Legion Post for our Veterans, their families, and everyone who would like to show appreciation for our Veterans. For further information, please contact: Diane Moore – 671-8439.
Falmouth High School will present a Veterans Day Concert on Thursday, November 9 from 1:25 pm - 2:20 pm. Veterans are invited to arrive at 1:15pm. Reception to follow.
Boston Post Cane Presented to Betty Shively
The Town of Falmouth presented resident Betty Shively with the Boston Post Cane at a ceremony and reception held at OceanView at Falmouth on October 12. Town Council Chair Hope Cahan presented the cane to Shively in recognition of her 23 years of residency in the Town of Falmouth and declared her the oldest female citizen of the Town at the age of 101.
Betty was born Grace Elizabeth McComb in Haddonfield, NJ, on July 23, 1922. She attended public schools in Haddonfield, often riding her bicycle to and from the high school, which was about three miles from her home. She graduated from Temple University in 1944 with a degree in medical technology, and worked in the diagnostic laboratory at Cooper Hospital, Camden, NJ, before marrying Edward Shively September 19, 1953. The couple moved to Raymond, Maine, in 1957 and raised three children there while Ed founded and ran his electronics manufacturing business, Shively Laboratories. In addition to being a life-long animal lover, Betty was always very active in the community. She moved from Raymond to Cottage 64 at Oceanview in 2000, where she lived until relocating to Falmouth House in December 2021. She served as Treasurer of the residents’ committee, worked in the library, helped with the summer fund raiser, and rarely missed a wine and cheese party. In addition, she has been an active member of Falmouth Congregational Church.
The tradition of the Boston Post Cane dates to 1909 when Edwin Grozier, publisher of the Boston Post newspaper, sent gold-headed ebony canes to towns throughout New England to be presented with the compliments of the Boston Post to the oldest male citizen of the town. The cane belonged to the town and not the recipient and was continually passed to the next oldest resident. In 1930, eligibility for the cane was expanded to include women. The newspaper went out of business in 1957, but the tradition of the Boston Post Cane continues in many communities today.
Recent Events
Falmouth Trails Day
Though rain delayed the event, the 2nd Annual Falmouth Trails Days took place on Monday, October 9. Participants enjoyed their choice of four guided hikes through Woods Road Community Forest, Community Park, Suckfish Brook Conservation Area, and River Point Conservation Area. Thanks to the Falmouth Community Wellness Committee and the Falmouth Land Trust for organizing the event. (photos courtesy of Susan Gilpin)
Fire-EMS Open House
Falmouth Fire-EMS hosted over 500 visitors to Central Station on October 14 as part of their annual Open House and Touch-A-Truck event. Participants met firefighters and officers, climbed on big equipment, learned about fire safety, operated inspection cameras, played games, and more! Local second grade artists were honored for their contributions to the annual Fire Safety Calender. You can pick up your own 2024 calendar at Town Hall while supplies last. Thanks to Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency, Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office, Falmouth Public Works, Falmouth Parks and Community Programs, Jason Macmaster Trucking, Oakhurst Dairy, and Safekids Maine for making this event such a success!
Ongoing Initiatives |
Automated Curbside Collection: Cart Delivery Update
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 Update
We anticipate that cart delivery will begin in November, avoiding the Thanksgiving holiday. A free, Town-owned trash cart and a recycling cart will be delivered to residents’ homes. 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. Carts will include an information packet with more details on routes, cart placement, and other Q&As. Watch for a post card in your mailbox in November! 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.
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 finalizing the new routes and we will have more details soon. We will provide updates regarding route changes as information becomes available. The new schedule and routes will also be posted to our website and listed in the information packet attached to the carts upon delivery.
Implementation
Begin using your new carts immediately upon receipt for your next scheduled pick-up day (note that day may have changed due to route changes, see above). As always, carts should be placed curbside by 7am to ensure collection. All trash and recycling must be contained in the new carts for pick-up. Yellow Town trash bags are still required for trash collection. Place recycling directly into the recycling cart and not in a plastic bag. Additional bags, boxes, or bins will not be collected but can be taken to the Transfer Station during opening hours or held until the following week. Old trash bins may be dropped off at the Transfer Station for recycling.
More Information
Find more information on this transition at: https://www.falmouthme.org/home/news/carts-are-coming-falmouth-moves-to-automated-trash-recycling-collection
Comprehensive Planning Update
Thanks to everyone who completed the Final Community Survey regarding Falmouth's updated Comprehensive Plan. Some 700 people completed the survey, including hundreds of hard copy responses which need to be manually entered. Once data is compiled, it will be presented to the public via the project website (see link below) and presentations before the Falmouth Town Council. The Town Council will hold a Comprehensive Plan Update Workshop on Monday, October 23, in the upstairs conference room at Falmouth Town Hall beginning at 5:00pm. Find the agenda here: https://play.champds.com/falmouthme/event/2926
In addition, the newly re-formed Long Range Planning Advisory Committee (LPAC) has begun meeting to develop next steps in the comprehensive planning update process. These meetings are open to the public and we welcome continued community input. Find information about LPAC at: https://www.falmouthme.org/long-range-planning-advisory-committee. Find the Comprehensive Planning project website at: https://berrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/falmouth-comprehensive-plan
Events |
Sustainable Living Workshop, October 23
Join the Falmouth Memorial Library, the Town of Falmouth, and Natural Resources Council of Maine on Monday, October 23 at 6pm at Falmouth Memorial Library for a presentation on sustainable living in Maine! Discover practical steps individuals and families can take to reduce their environmental footprint with Vanessa Berry from the NRCM. Learn about ways to reduce your household waste, avoid toxins in household products, and how to take action at home and in your community. We'll also explore the state and local policies enacted to tackle waste management challenges in Maine, showcasing real-world solutions. Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment and communities!
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
Fall Car Seat Event, October 28
Falmouth Fire-EMS is teaming up with Safe Kids Maine to offer a FREE car seat check event on Saturday, October 28 from 10am to 1pm. Our Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be available to install and educate you on your new car seats or they can inspect your currently installed car seats for safety requirements. Appointments are not required but are recommended. For more information or to book your appointment, visit www.mainseatcheck.org
Take Note |
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
Board of Zoning Appeals Seeks Alternate Members
In this issue of The Falmouth Focus, we are highlighting two vacancies for alternates on the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). The BZA is responsible for hearing and deciding administrative appeals of decisions made by the Code Enforcement Officer, variance applications, and conditional use applications. It consists of 5 regular and 2 alternate members appointed by the Town Council, for 3 year terms. Members are limited to serving no more than 3 consecutive 3 year terms. For more information on the BZA, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals. For a volunteer application, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/appointments-committee/webforms/online-board-committee-volunteer-application
Commercial Float Removal
Weather permitting, commercial floats at Town Landing will be removed on November 16.
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlight: Homecoming Celebrations at Falmouth
Our high school students celebrated Homecoming last week with a spirit week filled with themes such as “Anything but a Backpack Day”, “Pajama Day”, and “Class Colors Day”. We saw plenty of creativity, personality, and enthusiasm from our students.
Highlight : Join Us for Our Veterans Day Concert, November 9
Falmouth High School's Veterans Day Concert will be held on Thursday, November 9 from 1:25 pm - 2:20 pm. Veterans are invited to arrive at 1:15pm. Reception to follow.
In the News: Falmouth Golf Team Wins Class A Championship
We’re incredibly proud of the FHS golf team, who recently won the Class A state title. Go Navs! Read more here!
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 Mark Campbell (markcampbell@falmouthschools.org) or learn more about the program.
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
School Board Information and Meetings:
- Special School Board Workshop - Monday, October 30 from 6:30-8:30pm
- Facilities Committee Meeting - Wednesday, November 1 from 7:30-9:00am
- Wellness Committee Meeting - Friday, November 3 from 7:30-9:00am
- School Board Business Meeting - Monday, November 6 from 7:00-9:00pm
- Policy Committee Meeting - Wednesday, November 8 from 7:30-9:00am
School Board Business, Workshop, and Committee Meeting schedules and agendas can be found here. Also, archived board reports, minutes, and agendas can be accessed online. Past business meetings can be viewed on Falmouth Community Television (FCT).
FHS Musical - "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical":
Get ready, ‘cause The Theatre Company at Falmouth High School’s production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical opens October 27 at 7pm! You do not want to miss this spectacular production. Most people know the story of Percy Jackson, but you’ve never seen or heard it told like this. The best part is, it’s great for all ages, so bring the entire family to watch this pop/punk adventure. Purchase your tickets today!
- October 27 @7pm
- October 28 @7pm
- November 3 @7pm
- November 4 @2pm
- November 4 @7pm
FES PTO Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 21 from 11am-3pm. This free event features fun games and activities, great food, contests and prizes, and is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of the community.
FMS PTO Fall Fun Fest
Saturday, October 21 from 12pm-6pm. Bring your whole family for a day of fun and games, pick your own pumpkins, sunflower field, corn pit, paintball and SO much more! (rain date October 22). Admission $12.
Athletics Events:
We hope to see you at the next meet, match, or game! Cheer on our Navigators at these upcoming athletic events.
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 Meetings, Monday, October 23, 2023
The Town Council will hold a Comprehensive Plan Update Workshop on Monday, October 23, in the upstairs conference room at Falmouth Town Hall beginning at 5:00pm. Find the agenda here: https://play.champds.com/falmouthme/event/2926
The next meeting of the Falmouth Town Council will take place on Monday, October 23 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. Information on making public comment during Council meetings can be found HERE. If you have questions, please call (207) 699-5335.
At the Most Recent Town Council Meetings…
On October 11, the Town Council had a workshop on Workforce Housing. An agenda can be found here.
The Town Council also held a meeting at 7:00pm on October 11. An agenda and video can be found here.
- The Council approved the renewal of a permanent food service license for The Woodlands Club (Restaurant) and The Woodlands Club (Snack Shack and Cart).
- There was a public hearing for a referendum regarding an ordinance proposed by voter petition in accordance with The Town of Falmouth Charter, Sec. 902.
- The Council approved an order to place the voter-petitioned Article on the ballot of a referendum of the Town of Falmouth to be held on November 7, 2023, and to approve the Warrant for the referendum.
- The Council approved the 2024 Shellfish License Allocation order.
- There was an update of the Comprehensive Plan process and progress to-date.
- The Council did not take action on the order to accept Alpine Drive and Sylvan Drive as public streets.
- The Council approved the resolution to adopt the Climate Action Plan.
- There was an introduction of an Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-2, Art. II-2-3, DIV II-2-3-13 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Boards, Committees, and Commissions to Change the Name of the Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee..
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 October 24, the board will consider the following items. An agenda can be found here.
- 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. Previously Tabled
- 5 Ell rose Lane – Kathryn Ellis – Request for Variance under Section 19-120 to correct a setback encroachment. Map/lot R09-039-C. Previously Tabled
- 4 Ocean Street – Luanne Zurlo– Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to construct a screen porch. Map/lot U17-037.
- 10 Phillips Road – John Clemons – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to construct a garage with in-law suite. Map/lot U01-005.
- 18 Fern Avenue – Phil Kaplan representing Valerie Leathers – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-86 for a teardown & rebuild. Map/lot U01-177.
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 DENIED
- 206 US Route 1 (U52-002) - Wal-Mart Stores East LP (Tenant-Taxpayer) DENIED
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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