2024.01.19.--Falmouth Focus, Volume 6, Issue 2

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• News & Issues​​​​​​ 
  • Coffee with Councilors
  • Reporting Storm Damage
• Ongoing Initiatives
  • Short-Term Rental Registration
• Events
  • Falmouth Climate Action Plan Presentation
  • Pet First Aid & CPR
  • Community Programs Winter Offerings
• Take Note
  • Transfer Station/Parking Stickers
  • Seasonal Parking Ban
  • Dog License Renewal
  • Shellfish License
• Falmouth Public Schools
  • Highlight: Student Art Show & Snow Day 
  • In The News: Falmouth Ice Hockey  
  • Reminder: Join our Team 
  • Upcoming Events & Meetings
• Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
  • Town Council
  • Planning Board
  • Board of Zoning Appeals
• Stay Informed

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Virtual Coffee with Councilors

It's back! Coffee with Councilors returns for 2024. The Town Council would like to invite all residents to join two Councilors at a time for an informal Zoom gathering. These meetings will be scheduled for one hour each with no set agenda. It is a chance for informal dialogue on whatever is on residents' minds. We will vary the days and times to try to be accessible to all. We hope to see you there!

The first Coffee with Councilors will be held on Thursday, January 25, from 8:00-9:00am. Councilors Johnson and de Lima will be in attendance. Click here for Zoom link.

Additional Dates

Wednesday, February 14, 12-1pm
Attendees: TBD

Friday, March 15, 8-9am
Attendees: Councilors Cahan and Kuhn

Thursday, April 11, 12-1pm
Attendees: Councilors Cahan and Johnson

Wednesday, May 8 (6-7pm)
Attendees: Councilor Hach and TBD

Maine Emergency Management Encourages Residents and Businesses to Report Storm Damage

On January 17, at the direction of Governor Mills, Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) formally requested the federal government initiate preliminary disaster assessment for last week’s storm and flooding.

Residents and businesses who experienced damage as a result of the recent storm are encouraged to report those damages by calling 211 Maine or filling out a form linked below. MEMA is asking that those impacted by the January 13 storm respond by January 22.

• Individuals & Households Initial Damage Assessment: Online Survey or PDF form.
• Business and Agriculture Initial Damage Assessment: Online Survey

By reporting this damage, you are NOT applying for assistance. This information is to assess damages. It will be provided to your town to enable them to learn who has storm-related damage. This information will help the State of Maine estimate the full impact of the storm and unlock the maximum amount of potential Federal support available.

If a disaster is declared, residents and small businesses may be eligible to receive physical damage loans and economic injury loans.

The best way for businesses to stay informed about the status of disaster relief and resources specific to businesses is to sign up for updates from Maine’s District Office of the Small Business Administration. Sign up at: www.sba.gov/me.

The State of Maine has developed a resource page for those impacted by the storms. The page includes information on insurance resources, flood clean-up (including oil spills and oil system inspections after flooding), food assistance, tree debris safety, unemployment eligibility, and employer support. https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/flood

Short-Term Rental Registration

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. 

Click here to register.

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.

Falmouth Climate Action Plan Presentation, January 31

Join Falmouth's Sustainability Coordinator, Theresa Galvin, at Falmouth Memorial Library on Wednesday, January 31 at 11:00am for a presentation of Falmouth's new Climate Action Plan. Learn how Falmouth is preparing to face the climate challenge and the efforts underway to make our community more resilient to the effects of climate change while also taking action to reduce the Town’s greenhouse gas emissions. The event will take place in the Russell Room at the Library.

Pet First Aid & CPR, March 9

The Falmouth Police Department has joined forces with Falmouth Community Programs to offer a workshop on pet first aid and CPR. This course will provide an overview of what to do for a pet in an emergency situation prior to getting veterinary care. Space is limited to 25 people. The course fee is $80 per person, prepaid, and includes a book and certificate. All proceeds benefit the Maine Pet Oxygen Mask Project. The Maine POM project helps equip local fire and rescue organizations statewide with Pet Oxygen Masks designed for most companion animals.

When: March 9, 2024, 10:00am-3:00pm

Where:  Mason-Motz Activity Center, 190 Middle Rd, Falmouth, ME 04105

Register: Contact Officer Michelle Cole at mcole@falmouthme.org. Payment can be made by cash or check to: Town of Falmouth c/o Falmouth Police Department, 2 Marshall Dr., Falmouth, ME 04105

Community Programs Winter Offerings

Adult & Senior Programming

Registration is open for Winter/Spring Adult & Senior programs through Falmouth Community Programs. By now you should have received by mail a hard copy of the Adult & Senior program brochure. If not, hard copies are available at Mason-Motz, the Library, and Town Hall. You may also contact Community Programs at 207-699-5302 to be included in future mailings. 

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.

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. We look forward to seeing everyone soon!

Youth Programming

Youth Programming registration is also open. 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. 

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.

 Highlight: FHS Hosts 1st Semester Student Art Show

The hallways of Falmouth High School were a kaleidoscope of color last week with the addition of student paintings, photos, sculpture, and more. These works celebrated the semesters-long efforts of Art students; their works highlighted the various theories, mediums, and techniques they’ve experimented with. Congratulations to the students and Art teachers on the show!

 Highlight: FES Students Celebrate Snow Day with Barron Center Residents 

The weather outside may be frightful, but the Barron Center has been so delightful due to the sounds of laughter and chatting between students and residents. Our Falmouth Elementary School students had a blast creating indoor snow sculptures with the residents, proving that friendship has no age limit. 

In the News: Falmouth Boys and Girls Ice Hockey Teams

Falmouth Boys and Girls Ice Hockey Teams were successful in the new year—both took home Dudley Cup trophies! Congratulations to the teams on their wins. Read about it here: https://www.pressherald.com/2024/01/01/sports-digest-maine-mariners-pick-up-william-provost-to-complete-previous-trade/

Reminder: Join Our Team at Falmouth Public Schools

We have exciting roles available at Falmouth Public Schools! 

• Director of Special Education
• Falmouth Elementary School Co-Principal (Grades 3-5)
• Elementary School Administrative Assistant (Pre-K - 2)
• K-12 School Nurse Substitutes 
• Food Service - On Call Substitutes

Upcoming: Events & Meetings

School Board Information and Meetings:

• Facilities Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 17 at 7:30am
• School Board Budget Meeting - Tuesday, January 23 at 6:00pm (rescheduled from January 16th)
• School Board Business Meeting - Tuesday, January 23 at 7:00pm (rescheduled from January 16th)
• Policy Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 24 at 7:30am
• Climate, Safety, and Wellness Committee Meeting - Friday, February 2 at 7:30am
• Combined Budget Workshop / Business Meeting - Monday, February 5 at 7:00pm

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. 

Kindergarten and Pre-K Dates

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.  

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 Meeting, Monday, January 22, 2024

The next meeting of the Falmouth Town Council will take place on Monday, January 22 at 7:00pm.  Find the agenda 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 Meeting…

On January 8, the Town Council had a Mid-Year Work Plan Review. See agenda here.

The Town Council held a meeting at 7pm on January 8. See agenda and video here. 

• There was a Public Hearing regarding amendments to Section 19-71 of the Zoning and Floodplain Management Ordinance and Appendix 7-5.E.5 of the Subdivision Ordinance. The ordinance is scheduled for January 22.
• There was a Public Hearing regarding 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 ordinance is scheduled for January 22.
• There was an update of the Comprehensive Plan process and progress to-date.
• There was a Parks and Community Programs Advisory Committee (PACPAC) Update.
• The Council approved a Resolution on the Parks and Community Programs Advisory Committee (PACPAC) Mission and Duties.
• There was an introduction of an Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-17, Art. II-17-3, Sec. 17-90 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Prohibiting Parking on Eastern Avenue and Portions of Gray Road near Old Smith Farm. The public hearing is scheduled for February 12.
• There was an introduction of an Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-17, Art. II-17-3, Sec. 17-90 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Prohibiting Parking on a Portion of Blackstrap Road near the North Falmouth Community Forest Trailhead. The public hearing is scheduled for February 12.
• There was discussion about a request for property rights from the Town of Falmouth regarding property located at 17 East Ramsdell Road.

Planning Board 

At the February 6, 2024 Planning Board Meeting, the board will consider the following items.  Find the agenda here in advance of the meeting. 

• 20 Town Landing Road – LHJ Holdings LLC – Request for Shoreland Zone Permit Approval for stabilization of the shoreline.  Map/lot U17-060; Zoned RA, SZ-LR, RCZO, WVOD.
• 12 Liberty Road – Christopher & Rachel Miner – Request for Private Way Amendment Approval to create 2 new lots.  Map/lot R05-055-B; Zoned MUC, SZ/LR&RP, RT100CO.
• Longwoods Road – Michael Cloutier – Request for Fill Permit Approval for a proposed dwelling.  Map/lot R03-054-004; Zoned Fm, 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 

At the January 16 meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Board considered the following items.  Find the agenda here.

• 91 Waites Landing Road - Dan & Jennifer Kelley - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-86 to construct a new home within existing footprint.  Map/lot U05-010.  Previously tabled. The Board will conduct a site walk at 91 Waites Landing Road on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 4 p.m. just prior to this meeting.  The public is welcome to attend. APPROVED
• 20 Gilsland Farm Road - Acorn Engineering representing Maine Audubon Society - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 for renovations and expansion to the Maine Audubon Society Headquarters.  Map/lot R02-007-A.  APPLICANT REQUESTED TO BE TABLED PRIOR TO THE MEETING.
• 5 Ayers Court – Sharon Bolton – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-85 for an addition to the existing structure.  Map/lot U17-070. TABLED TO CONDUCT A SITE WALK
• 279 Foreside Road – Simon & Whitney Wignall - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to add a 3-car garage and additional renovations.  Map/lot U17-053. APPROVED
• 125 Bucknam Road – TLC Baking d/b/a BamBam Bakery - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 & 19-123 to operate a bakery.  Map/lot U23-028. APPROVED
• 27 Town Landing Road – Virginie Stanley - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for the addition of a canopy.  Map/lot U17-065.  APPROVED (APPROVAL DOES NOT INCLUDE THE CANOPY OVER REAR STEPS)     

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.