2023.12.22--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 27
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 |
Holiday Hours & Trash/Recycling Collection
Town offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, December 25 and Monday, January 1 for the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Find online services here.
The Christmas and New Year's holidays will impact ALL curbside collection routes. Trash and recycling collection will be pushed forward to the next day for ALL ROUTES beginning the week of Monday, December 25 (Christmas Day). Monday collection will take place on Tuesday, Tuesday collection will take place on Wednesday and so on through Saturday. Likewise for the following week beginning on Monday, January 1. Collection on New Year's Day (Monday) will take place on Tuesday, Tuesday collection will take place on Wednesday and so on through Saturday. The regular collections schedule will resume the week of January 8. As always, place your trash and recycling curbside by 7am to ensure collection.
The Christmas and New Year's holiday will not impact Transfer Station hours.
Climate Action Plan Now Online
Falmouth has completed its Climate Action Plan! The Falmouth Town Council recently approved a resolution to adopt the Climate Action Plan (CAP). The Town can now move forward on working to implement strategies laid out in the plan.
Town staff and the Climate Action Planning Committee worked with the Greater Portland Council of Governments for close to two years on the plan. This plan aligns with the State of Maine’s Climate Action Plan called “Maine Won’t Wait” and charts a course towards becoming more resilient to the effects of climate change while also taking action to reduce the Town’s greenhouse gas emissions. Successful implementation of this plan will rely on collaborative efforts between many entities beyond the Town, including state and federal government, local organizations, businesses, and individual community members. Resident engagement will be critical moving forward. Find the Climate Action Plan here.
To hear more about the plan and planning process, listen to Theresa Galvin, Sustainability Coordinator for the Town of Falmouth, David Low, Chair of the Sustainability Committee, and Anna Paddock, Sustainability Associate at the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) on WMPG's “Let’s Connect Greater Portland” radio broadcast. The three discuss Falmouth’s Climate Action Plan and what Falmouth is doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while preparing for the impacts of a warming climate. Listen here.
Twombly Pond Reopens
Lee Twombly Pond has reopened after a significant renovation of the outdoor rink’s refrigeration system. A fundraising campaign over the past nine months raised close to $1 million to pay for the work. Town Councilors Amy Kuhn and Peter LaFond attended the grand reopening event on Sunday, December 10. Councilor LaFond spoke about the tremendous asset the facility has been to the Falmouth community and the Council's pleasure at seeing it once again open and in use. At its May 22 meeting, Falmouth's Town Council voted unanimously to approve a donation of $100,000 in support of the preservation of the pond, recognizing it as a cherished local gathering place that aligns with the community’s vision and values. As part of the Family Ice mission, skating on the outdoor rink is free. For more information about the Save the Pond Campaign, Family Ice, or Lee Francis Twombly, visit www.familyice.org.
Downeaster Rail Service
Last week, the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), which operates the Amtrak Downeaster was awarded two grants through the Federal Railroad Administration Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program and Corridor Identification and Development Program. The Federal-State Grant, in partnership with CSX Transportation, will fund track-related upgrades to maintain service reliability. The Corridor Identification Grant will assist with planning for potential future service improvements to the Amtrak Downeaster aimed at reducing travel times and improving access. These include relocating the Portland Station to the railroad mainline, building a new station near Exit 53 in Falmouth, and initiating a regularly scheduled passenger rail service pilot program on the Rockland Branch.
The Town is aware of NNEPRA’s interest in adding a station in Falmouth. In 2019, the Town partnered with the West Falmouth Crossing (WFC) property owners, NNEPRA, and the Maine Turnpike Authority to conduct a "West Falmouth Crossing Feasibility Study." A public forum was held on January 21, 2020. The Council was last provided an update on the study at its meeting on February 3, 2020. The various stakeholders held several meetings in 2020 and 2021 to discuss concepts for the train platform and MTA park and ride parking. Town staff plan to meet with NNEPRA, MaineDOT staff, and engineering consultants in the next several weeks to continue discussing concept plans. Public comment opportunities will be offered as planning discussions continue.
Finance Department Wins Award
The Government Finance Officers Association of the US and Canada (GFOA) has awarded Falmouth the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. The GFOA established this Certificate Program in 1945 to encourage and assist state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare comprehensive annual financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure. Falmouth’s report was judged by an impartial panel and found to meet the high standards of the program. According to the GFOA, the award is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. Congratulations to Falmouth's Finance Department and its director, Pete McHugh.
Holiday Recycling
Our partners at ecomaine have provided some tips for holiday recycling. Obviously cardboard boxes can be recycled but so can wrapping paper if its made from paper. Natural trees and wreaths may be able to be mulched or composted, but fake ones should either be reused or put in the trash. You can bring your real tree to Falmouth's Transfer Station for recycling. Items that cannot be recycled include: styrofoam, string lights, plastic mylar and cellophane wrapping, gift bags, fabric, bubble wrap or plastic envelopes. ecomaine's free Recyclopedia can answer many holiday waste questions and is available 24/7. Check out their Holiday Recycling Dos & Don'ts.
Ongoing Initiatives |
Giving Tree
The Falmouth Police Department is pleased to announce the fifth annual “Giving Tree,” running through December 29, 2023. Through the community leadership of Falmouth Police Officer Amanda Hogg, the “Giving Tree” has provided thousands of dollars of goods and donations from the Falmouth community to local providers like Through These Doors (2019-2021) and the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (2022).
This year, the Falmouth Police Department’s “Giving Tree” is partnered with Maine Needs. Maine Needs is a Portland-based organization that strives to help individuals and families in Maine meet their basic, material needs by providing donated clothing, hygiene products, household items, and other necessities to those in need. Maine Needs focuses their work on those starting life over from scratch: domestic abuse survivors, asylum seekers, and those facing financial hardships. Maine Needs has worked with schools, caseworkers, teachers, nurses, and professional care providers to provide these material resources.
Suggested winter donation items include:
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Items should be new or gently used. Donations can be dropped off at the Falmouth Police Department (2 Marshall Drive, Falmouth) between now and December 29, 2023.
Automated Trash & Recycling Update
Cart distribution is complete. If you have not received a cart, contact Public Works at 781-3919. If you received carts but wish to opt out of the program, call Public Works at the number above and they will collect the carts from your residence. Remember, you must use Town-owned carts to participate in curbside collection. Casella will no longer pick up trash or recycling that is not in a Town of Falmouth cart.
Casella staff have been shadowing the collection vehicle to provide feedback for residents regarding cart placement and collection. You may have found a brightly-colored note attached to your carts indicating a problem with cart placement, overflow, or incorrect collection day. The most prominent issues Casella staff are seeing that will prohibit collection are:
Cart placement—Carts must be placed at least 3 feet apart and at least 3 feet away from other objects like mailboxes or utility poles. The arrows on each lid should be pointing toward the street. See placement guide here or in the materials included with your carts upon distribution. Improperly placed carts cannot be collected. Avoid placing carts on the sidewalk or shoulder if possible as a courtesy to bicyclists and pedestrians.
Overflow materials—All trash and recycling must be contained in the carts with the lid closed. Additional items set next to bins will no longer be collected curbside. Additional items can be dropped off at the Transfer Station or held until the next week.
Yellow Bags—Yellow “Town” trash bags are still required. Falmouth has a “Pay-per-bag” trash collection system and relies on the revenue from yellow trash bags to fund trash/recycling collection and disposal.
Incorrect Collection Day—Collection schedules have changed. Find new collection schedule here.
Still Have Questions? Find more information on this transition at: https://www.falmouthme.org/public-works-department/pages/automated-trash-recycling-collection
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, 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.
From the Wellness Committee
Please consider joining us!
The Community Wellness Committee is a relatively new Town committee that was formed in 2020 with the goal of promoting wellness for individuals, families, and the community as a whole. We define wellness to be “the active process of becoming more aware and making choices toward healthy and fulfilling life and community”.
We are currently looking for dedicated and enthusiastic residents who might be interested in contributing to Falmouth by volunteering with our committee. If you have a few hours a month to give to this effort and are interested in getting to know some fellow Falmouth residents, inspiring people to embrace and enhance well-being, and participating in a group that cares about bringing community together through fun events, then please consider joining us.
Our initial efforts have been spent administering a social service grant program to provide funding to agencies that serve Falmouth residents, creating a guide to wellness resources in town, writing monthly articles for the Falmouth Focus on a broad range of topics related to wellness, and sponsoring several wellness-related events in town. We would welcome volunteers that are interested in continuing these efforts, as well as helping us to develop new ideas for promoting wellness in our community. We are especially hopeful to launch our first annual community festival in 2024, for which we will begin working in earnest this January.
It is a huge contribution to be part of something meaningful and helpful to those around you, and to share in the spirit of community and well-being with one another. Please consider joining our committee now, by contacting Maggie Fleming, Assistant Town Manager at: mfleming@falmouthme.org or (207) 699-5329.
How do YOU reduce stress?
We at the Wellness Committee are interested in knowing what YOU do to reduce stress and find enjoyment. Perhaps it is spending time in nature. Enjoying family. Going to the movies. Exercising. Reading a good book. Eating ice cream… Whatever your preferred way to reduce stress might be, please send us your ideas and we will publish an article based on them! Send your thoughts to: Maggie Fleming (mfleming@falmouthme.org)
Events |
Community Programs Winter Offerings
Adult & Senior Programming
The Winter/Spring Adult & Senior program brochure with Falmouth Community Programs is open for registration for residents. Non-residents will be able to register starting December 28th. Come along as we take a sleigh ride in January, go behind the scenes of a local TV studio in March or visit the butterfly House in April. Are you interested in learning how to play cribbage? We have a class for that. Want to visit Iceland? We have a trip for that too. Want to try some place new to eat? We have 9 different venues to try in and around the area. Trips to the theatre, early morning workouts, and a class on Genealogy are all on the calendar too. To view the Adult & Senior brochure in a pdf format (printable), click here. To view the brochure online and click-thru to register, click here. We look forward to seeing everyone soon!
Youth Programming
Youth Programming registration opened on December 6. Find Early Release and No School Day programming, as well as Afterschool Enrichment activities and Youth Sports. Registration for youth programs is available online and in person only. We no longer accept phone registrations. Program spaces are not held so if there is something of interest you will want to sign-up ASAP. Find the Youth Program Guide here.
Take Note |
Transfer Station/Parking Stickers
It's time to purchase your 2024 Transfer Station & Parking sticker to access the Transfer Station and to park at Town Landing. Stickers are $5.00 annually and can be purchased at either Town Hall or the Public Works Office on Woods Road. The color of the sticker changes each year. Stickers are valid for the calendar year from January 1 through December 31, 2024.
Remember, disposal of certain materials and large items at the Transfer Station requires disposal tickets, which are also $5.00 each. These tickets are available at Town Hall, Public Works, Shaw's, Hannaford, Town Landing Market, and Waldo's. Tickets are NOT available for sale at the Transfer Station. Most materials will cost 1 or 2 tickets ($5.00 or $10.00). You can find a listing of accepted items and rates at: https://www.falmouthme.org/transfer-station/pages/transfer-station-procedures-and-rates
Seasonal Parking Ban
Falmouth’s seasonal overnight parking ban is now in effect until April 15, 2024. Parking is prohibited on all Town-maintained roads between midnight and 6:00am. Parking bans will be implemented at other times as needed for snow removal. Click here for more info.
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).
2024 Annual Shellfish License
Annual 2024 Shellfish Licenses are now available. The cost is $10 for Falmouth residents and $25 for non-residents. Children under 12 are free. Inquire with the Town Clerk's office at 207-781-5253.
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlight: Falmouth Middle School Crafting Event Raises Money for Charity
The Falmouth Middle School cafeteria was transformed into a vibrant hub of crafting, creativity, and community when Falmouth Middle School’s Community Service Club hosted their annual “Choose Your Charity Craft Event”. Students, staff and community members were invited to craft for the afternoon and donate to one of the four chosen local charities. The Community Service Club raised over $100 for NAMI Maine, Falmouth Food Pantry, Epilepsy Foundation, and the Animal Rescue League of Greater Portland.
Mark Your Calendars: Key Dates for 2024-2025 Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
Save these dates for Pre-K pre-registration, lottery, and screening dates and Kindergarten registration and screening dates:
- Kindergarten Registration* - February 5, 2024
- Pre-K Lottery Pre-registration-March 4 - 22, 2024
- Pre-K Lottery - March 26, 2024
- Kindergarten Screening* - April 25 & 26, 2024
- Pre-K Screening - May 9 & 10, 2024
*If your student is a current Pre-K student, you do not need to screen or register them for Kindergarten.
In the News: FHS Student Nominated for US Naval Academy by State Senators
Our students continue to be leaders in the community. FHS senior Nathaniel “Cole” Gorsuch was nominated by Senators Susan Collins and Angus King to be a candidate for the United States Naval Academy. Congratulations, Cole! https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-and-king-announce-2023-maine-nominees-to-the-united-states-military-service-academies
Reminder: Join Our Team at Falmouth Public Schools
We have exciting roles available at Falmouth Public Schools!
- K-12 School Nurse Substitutes
- Food Service - On Call Substitutes
- Building-Based Substitute (full-time with benefits)
- Lunch Aide Substitutes
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
School Board Information and Meetings:
- School Board Information and Meetings:
- School Board Workshop Meeting - Tuesday, January 2 at 7:00pm
- Policy Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 10 at 7:30am
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, January 8, 2024
The next meeting of the Falmouth Town Council will take place on Monday, January 8 at 7:00pm. An agenda can be found here in advance of the meeting. 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 Meeting…
The Town Council held a meeting on December 11:
- The Council approved the minutes of the November 13 Town Council Meeting, November 27 Town Council Workforce Housing Workshop and November 27 Town Council Meeting.
- The Council approved the following appointments:
- Dennis Keller and Peter Rickett to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Martha Frost and Deborah Roy to the Community Wellness Committee.
- Christopher Meaney to Conservation Commission.
- And the following for re-appointments:
- Randy Harding and Richard Olsen to Board of Assessment Review.
- Chris Doehne to Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Sarah Boudreau to Conservation Commission.
- Carol Kauffman to the Community Wellness Committee.
- Danielle Tracy to the Falmouth Memorial Library Board of Trustees.
- Marty Bruno, Richard Craven, Richie Garrett and Peter Leavitt-Portland Yacht Club Representative to the Harbor/Waterfront Committee.
- John Adelman to the Land Management and Acquisitions Committee.
- Janet Dye, Denise Martin and Scott Simmonds to the Parks and Community Programs Advisory Committee.
- Karen Farber and Jamie Mason to the Planning Board.
- Dave Low and Dos Dias to the Falmouth Sustainability Committee.
- Wayne Geyer and David Skillin to the Shellfish Conservation Commission.
- The Falmouth Memorial Library Board of Trustees provided an update.
- The Council approved a Resolution in Support of Prohibiting the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products in Falmouth and Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-10 of the Code of Ordinances to Establish a New Section, 10-5, Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products Prohibited.
- There was an introduction of amendments to Section 19-10 of the Code of Ordinances to add Day Care Centers as a conditional use in the RC Zoning District. The public hearing is scheduled for January 8.
- The Council approved an ordinance to Amend Chapter II-19 of the Code of Ordinances to implement the requirements of L.D. 2003 “An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions" as codified at 30-A M.R.S. §§4364, 4364-A, and 4364-B.
- There was a Concept Discussion on Route 100 and Blackstrap Road Parking Plans and Ordinance Amendments.
- The Council approved an order to go into Executive Session pursuant to the Laws of Maine to discuss the Town Manager's employment contract, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (A).
- The Council approved an order to approve the Town Manager’s amended contract.
Planning Board
At the January 2, 2024 Planning Board Meeting, the board will consider the following items. An agenda can be found here in advance of the meeting.
- 269 US Route 1 – Bailey Sign representing The Form Lab - Request for Sign Permit Approval for 2 new wall signs. Map/lot U12-007-A; Map/lot VC1, SZ-LC, RCZO.
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
There is no December meeting for the BZA. Instead, there will be a meeting on January 16, 2024 that combines both the December and January meetings. For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals
Board of Assessment Review
At the Board of Assessment Review meeting on December 7, 2023, the board considered the following agenda items. Find an agenda here.
- U70-004 - 9 Lakeside Drive – Dianne & Stephen Wilkins PARTIAL ABATEMENT GRANTED
For more information visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-assessment-review
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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