2023.11.10--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 24
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 |
Unofficial Election Results
Unofficial election results for the State and Municipal Referendum Election held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 can be found here.
Veterans Day Events & Closures
Town offices and facilities, including the Transfer Station, will be closed on Friday, November 10 in observance of Veterans Day. The Transfer Station will be open on Saturday, November 11 for regular hours.
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.
Upcoming Closures & Holiday Hours
Town offices and facilities, except for essential public safety operations, will be closed on Wednesday, November 15 from 11:30am to 2:30pm for a staff appreciation event. Find online services here.
Likewise, with the exception of essential public safety operations, Town offices and facilities will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 23 and 24 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
The Transfer Station will also be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 23 and 24. It will reopen on Saturday, November 25 for regular hours, 9am-5pm.
Trash and recycling collection on Thursday, November 23 will be postponed until Saturday, November 25. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday collection (November 21, 22, & 24) will not be impacted by the Thanksgiving holiday.
Short-Term Rental Registration
The online form for 2024 Short-Term Rental registrations and renewals is now open. Falmouth's ordinance requires that owners renew their short-term rental registrations annually on or before January 1. The annual registration fee is $300.
Please Note: All new registrations after November 1, 2023 will be considered 2024 registrations. Please email str@falmouthme.org or call Julie Baxter at (207) 699-5335 if you intend to advertise, operate, or rent your short-term rental before the end of the year and have not already registered with the Town.
Pursuant to Falmouth's Short-term Rental Ordinance, effective January 1, 2022, no person shall advertise, operate, or rent a short-term rental in the Town of Falmouth without first registering the short-term rental with the Town. Short-term rental is defined as the advertising, offering for rent, use, control, management, or operation of a dwelling unit in whole or in part, for dwelling, sleeping, or lodging purposes for a period of less than thirty consecutive days, for compensation, directly or indirectly.
Town staff are happy to assist you with the registration process. Please email str@falmouthme.org or call Julie Baxter at (207) 699-5335 if you have questions or need additional information.
Click here to view the list of registered short-term rental units as of November 3, 2023.
Ongoing Initiatives |
Carts Are Coming! Automated Curbside Collection: Cart Delivery Update
Delivery of carts will begin on Monday, November 27 and continue for up to two weeks. Every residence will receive a new recycling and trash cart. A packet will be attached to your carts with information regarding cart placement, route changes, and other frequently asked questions regarding the transition to automatic collection. Learn more here.
When do I start using my cart?
Automated collection and the new collection route schedule will begin on Monday, December 4. Residents should begin using the new carts immediately upon receipt for their next scheduled trash collection. Note, some routes have changed. Find the new collection schedule here and in the brochure included in the information packet attached to your new carts upon delivery. Carts will be distributed by collection routes. For example, Monday collection routes will begin receiving their carts on Monday, November 27. Tuesday collection routes will receive their carts once all Monday carts are distributed, and so on. If for some reason you have not received your cart by your scheduled collection date during the week of December 4, continue to use your old trash and recycling bins. However, going forward, you must use the new carts to participate in curbside collection service in Falmouth.
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. Bins in good repair will be re-purposed for use elsewhere. Alternatively, you can use your old bins for additional storage (firewood/kindling, CLYNK, wrapping paper/holiday decor, toys, sports equipment, brush).
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
Still Have Questions?
The recent postcard mailer regarding automated collection contained an error in the phone number. For questions, call Public Works at: 207-781-3919. Find the revised postcard mailer here. 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. We will continue to provide updates via our website, E-Alerts, social media pages, and in The Forecaster.
Events |
Mark Your Calendars for Very Merry Falmouth!
The Town of Falmouth, Falmouth Memorial Library, and the Falmouth-Cumberland Community Chamber of Commerce present Falmouth's annual community event, Very Merry Falmouth, Thursday, November 30 through Saturday, December 2.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, November 30
5:30pm - Annual Falmouth Community Tree Lighting at Village Park (off Hat Trick Drive)! Hosted by Falmouth Parks and Community Programs. FREE!
Friday, December 1
6:00-8:00pm - The Merry Mix & Mingle. Join us for this family-friendly, open air, community party. Enjoy music, cookies & other treats, gourmet hot chocolate, kids activities (including fun with CenterPoint martial Arts!), Touch-A-Truck, photo booth, good cheer with your neighbors, and more. Falmouth-Cumberland Community Chamber of Commerce will hold a Gift Basket Raffle to benefit their scholarship fund. FREE!
7:00pm - Fireworks! Launched from the Legion Fields on Depot Road and best viewed from the Merry Mix & Mingle in the American Legion parking lot or along Route 1. FREE!
Saturday, December 2
9:00am - Ugly Sweater 5K and Merry Mile Fun Run, Route 1. Throw on your gaudiest sweater and race down Route 1 in Falmouth's famously festive hustle! Proceeds will benefit the Falmouth Memorial Library! Race begins at the American Legion. Prizes will be awarded for best sweaters! Register here. Join us as a race volunteer!
8:30am-1:00pm - Saint Mary’s Sparkles Church Fair (9:00am-1:00pm) at the Episcopal Church of Saint Mary at Route 88/Foreside Road offers a range of items including home decor, jewelry, food and so much more! Then wander up Route 88 to Foreside Community Church, 340 Foreside Road, for another charming Christmas fair (8:30am-12:30pm), to finish off your holiday shopping list.
Note: Falmouth Congregational Church will hold its Christmas Fair on November 18 from 10am-2pm.
10:00am-2:00pm - Free ice skating on Twombly Pond (weather permitting)
More info at www.verymerryfalmouth.com
Shop Local, Shop Falmouth!
The Town of Falmouth encourages all residents to take part in Very Merry Falmouth by shopping local. Falmouth is full of great businesses, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues that need our support now more than ever. Very Merry Falmouth encourages you to give back to your community while giving gifts to your loved ones and celebrating the holiday season.
Volunteer!
Join the fun and lend a hand as a Very Merry Volunteer! Community service hours available for high school students. Click here for volunteer sign-up!
Take Note |
Fall Leaf Bag Collection Schedule
Curbside collection dates for fall leaf bags continue on Friday, November 10 and Friday, November 17. Please note: Our entire supply of leaf bags have been given out to residents. You can purchase leaf bags at hardware or home improvement stores.
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 (Closed November 10)
- Saturday: 9am-5pm
Call the Public Works Office with any Questions at: 781-3919
Dog License Renewal
Dog licenses are now available for 2024. All current dog licenses expire December 31, 2023. According to Maine State Law, any dog over age 6 months must be licensed by January 1.
Cost: Neutered/Spayed Dog - $6.00; Unaltered Male or Female - $11.00 (note: an additional fee of $1.00 is charged for online registrations)
Two Ways To Register!
- In person: Registration is available at the Clerk’s Office at Falmouth Town Hall. You must present the following at the time of registration: a current Maine rabies certificate and a neutering certificate if the dog has been altered
- Online: Register online here. Online registrations require a credit card, a rabies certificate, your veterinarian’s information, a license/tag number (if a renewal), and a spay or neuter certificate (if your dog has been altered).
Pandemic Relief for New Small Businesses
New pandemic relief funding is now available to small business owners in most of Cumberland County who started their business during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not received state or federal recovery funding to address economic impacts of the pandemic. Applications may be submitted starting Nov. 1. Grant amounts range between $5,000 and $20,000. Funding comes from the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan. The Maine DECD has contracted with the Greater Portland Council of Governments to administer the grant in the region. Maine for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. Out-of-state businesses are not eligible.
Apply at newbusinessrecovery.org. Business owners with questions or who need assistance with the application can contact the Greater Portland Council of Governments at BusinessRecovery@gpcog.org or call 207-774-9891 extension 205.
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlight: Veterans Celebrated at FPS
It was a week full of celebrations for Veterans at Falmouth Public Schools—Falmouth Elementary School and Falmouth High School both held assemblies honoring those who have served in our schools and communities. At Falmouth Elementary, a veteran spoke to the students about what a veteran is and shared about his experience in the Navy. Falmouth High School held their annual Veterans Day Assembly on Thursday. Community members, staff, and students joined together to honor those who have served through a program of reading and music that was followed by a reception.
Highlight: Falmouth Golf Team Honored
The Falmouth High School Golf Team was honored at Monday’s School Board workshop for winning the Class A state championship. We’re proud of their hard work and dedication.
In the News: Falmouth Athlete Highlighted in News Center Maine Story
FHS student Ruby P. is impressive both on and off the field. News Center Maine recently interviewed the senior about her passions, hopes for the future, and leadership efforts at school: https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/sports/high-school/varsity-club/varsity-club-its-all-about-hard-work-and-repetition-for-this-falmouth-high-school-senior/97-2d06680d-d6dd-4e24-8a88-19bf0e3b12f6
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:
- Facilities Committee Meeting - Wednesday, November 15 from 7:30-9:00am
- School Board Business Meeting - Monday, November 20 from 7:00-9:00pm
- Policy Committee Meeting - Wednesday, November 29 from 7:30-9:00am
- Special School Board Workshop with Lawrence Alexander - Wednesday, November 29 from 6:30-8:30pm
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).
Winter Sports:
The FPS winter sports season is here! See the full list of games and cheer on your Navigators.
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, Monday, November 13, 2023
The next meeting of the Falmouth Town Council will take place on Monday, November 13 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 23, at 5:00pm, the Town Council had a workshop on the Comprehensive Plan. Find an agenda here.
On October 23 at 7:00pm, the Town Council held a meeting. Find agenda and video here.
- The Council approved the minutes of the September 11 Town Council and PACPAC Workshop, September 11 Town Council Meeting, and September 27 Town Council Meeting.
- The Council approved the following appointments: Carol Kauffman to the Community Wellness Committee and Jay Trickett to the Long Range Planning Advisory Committee-Council Liaison.
- There was a Public Hearing on 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 ordinance is scheduled for November 13.
- Senator Teresa Pierce and Representative Amy Kuhn provided a Legislative review.
- There was an introduction of an Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-10 of the Code of Ordinances to Establish a New Section, 10-5, Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products Prohibited. The public hearing is scheduled for November 27.
- The Council approved a Resolution Supporting an Interim Bicycle & Pedestrian Trail on the Berlin Subdivision Rail Corridor.
Planning Board
At the November 7 Planning Board Meeting, the board considered the following items. An agenda can be found here.
- Linsausiq Way – Trolly Farm Homeowners Association – Request for Subdivision Amendment to pave an existing gravel road. Map/lot R06-069 etal; Zoned Fm, RCZO, RT100CO. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- 261 US Route 1 – Neokraft Signs representing Sicilian Table – Request for Sign Permit Approval for a new sign. Map/lot U12-002-ON-TFA; Zoned VC1, SZ-SP. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- 0 Shoreline Drive – Atlantic Environmental LLC – Request for Shoreland Zone Permit Approval to construct a new dock. Map/lot U01-102-E; Zoned RA, RCZO, SZ-LR; WVOD. APPROVED WiTH CONDITIONS
- 0 Old Mill Road – Atlantic Environmental LLC – Request for Shoreland Zone Permit Approval to construct a new dock, pier, ramp & float. Map/lot U09-024; Zoned RA, RCZO, SZ-LR; WVOD. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- 108 Winn Road – Justin M Fletcher Inc – Request for Subdivision Amendment to allow for a 24-foot-wide paved travel way. Map/lot R06-006-A; Zoned Fm, RCZO. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- 267 & 269 US Route 1 - The Shops at Falmouth Square LLC – Request for Site Plan Amendment Approval for site plan modifications. Map/lot U12-007-A; Zoned VC1, SZ-LC. 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 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 APPROVED
- 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 TABLED AT REQUEST OF APPLICANT
- 4 Ocean Street – Luanne Zurlo– Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to construct a screen porch. Map/lot U17-037. APPROVED
- 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. TABLED
- 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. APPROVED
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.
Town of Falmouth, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105207-781-5253
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