2024.02.09.--Falmouth Focus, Volume 6, Issue 3
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 |
March 5 Primary Election
Election Notice
The Presidential Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at the Falmouth Highschool Gym, 74 Woodville Road. Polls will be open from 7:00am - 8:00pm. No voting will take place at Town Hall. 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, Closed Fridays. Sample ballots can be found online here and are also available by request.
NEW! Primary Information
Effective January 1, 2024, Maine transitioned from a closed primary system to a semi-open primary. Unenrolled voters—that is voters who have not declared a party—will now be able to participate in primaries.
When requesting a ballot, unenrolled voters should choose a party. If you are unenrolled, you will be sent the ballot you choose. Choosing a party in the primary does not enroll you in a party. You will remain an unenrolled voter. Voters who are unenrolled may enroll in a party at any time
Enrolled voters will receive a ballot for the party in which they are already enrolled.
What Primary Ballot are you eligible to receive?
- Unenrolled Voters: Beginning in 2024, unenrolled voters may select either a Democratic or Republican Ballot. This does not enroll you in a party.
- Democrat: Must receive the Democratic Ballot
- Republican: Must receive the Republican Ballot
- Green Independent, Libertarian, or No Labels party: No ballot selection. These parties are not participating in this Primary.
Withdrawing or Changing Parties
A voter must remain in a party for 3 months before withdrawing or changing enrollment to a new party. Enrolled voters, who withdraw (unenroll) or change their enrollment (from party to party), must do so at least 15 days before the election or they will be ineligible to participate.
The deadline to change party enrollment is Friday, February 16, 2024, to participate in the March 5 Primary. NOTE: Falmouth Town Hall is closed on Fridays. If you wish to change parties you must do so by 4:30pm on Thursday, February 15.
Voters who are unenrolled may enroll in a party at any time, including on election day. There is no waiting period.
Important Dates
- February 5 Absentee ballots are available. See below on how to request a ballot.
- February 14 Closed period begins: Only in-person registrations will be accepted until Election Day.
- February 15* Last day to withdraw or change enrollment from one party to another in time to vote on Election Day.
- Enrolled voters who change their enrollment (from one party to another party or from one party to unenrolled) after this period will be within the 15 day pending period, and ineligible to vote in the Primary Election on March 5, 2024. *Note the official deadline is February 16, however, Falmouth Town Hall is closed on Fridays, therefore the last day to withdraw or change enrollment in Falmouth is Thursday, February 15.
- Voters enrolling in a party will need to stay in the party for 90 days before being eligible to change parties/unenroll.
- February 16 As per usual, Falmouth Town Hall is closed on Fridays.
- February 19 Falmouth Town Hall is closed for Washington’s Birthday.
- February 29 Last day to vote in-person absentee. Extended hours from 4:30-6:30pm at Town Hall for voting only.
- March 5 Election Day. Polls open 7am-8pm.
- March 5, 8:00pm Deadline for returning voted absentee ballots.
Voter Registration
For registration questions, please call the Registrar at 699-5320.
Absentee Ballots
Absentee ballots are 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
Submitting Voted Absentee Ballot
To be counted, voted absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8:00pm on Election Day. There are three ways to return a completed absentee ballot.
- Official Ballot Drop Box: An official ballot drop off 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 - Thursday 8:00am - 4:30pm (Closed Fridays and Election Day).
- By Mail: Return your ballot in the mail. Please allow enough time for us to receive the ballot by 8:00pm on Election Day. Ballots are not accepted by postmark dates. Any ballots received after 8:00pm on Election Day will be rejected
- NOTE: On Election Day, voted absentee ballots may be submitted at the polling place or via the drop box at Town Hall.
For more information, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-clerk/pages/presidential-primary
Nomination Papers Available
The Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, June 11, for the purpose of electing:
- Two (2) people to the Town Council for three (3) year terms.
- Two (2) people to the School Board for three (3) year terms.
Nomination papers are available from the Town Clerk’s Office beginning on Monday, March 4. Residents interested in running for either Town Council or the School Board must submit nomination papers with a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 100 signatures no later than 5:00pm on April 16.
Town Council Moves Forward on Plan for Housing Behind the Police Station
Public Comment Opportunity February 12
Over the past two decades, attempts have been made to bring more affordable housing to Falmouth. See our fact sheet here for more information and why this housing is needed.
On Monday, February 12, beginning at 5:00pm, the Town Council will hold a workshop at Town Hall to include an update on the status of a project to create a more affordable or workforce housing development at the Woods Road site behind the Police Station on Marshall Drive. The meeting will be held in-person with an option to attend via Zoom. This workshop will not include a public comment opportunity. Find the agenda and Zoom link here.
At the Town Council meeting at 7:00pm, that same evening, the Council will consider action to move the Woods Road Project forward. This meeting will include a public comment opportunity. The meeting will be held in-person at Town Hall with an option to attend via Zoom. Find the agenda and Zoom link here.
Background
To gauge developer interest and potential development types for the project site, the Council issued a broad request for qualifications (RFQ) which was released on March 20, 2023. They formed a working group to review three submissions from New Ventures/Avesta Housing, Scittery Woods Partners, and Westbrook Development Corporation/Habitat for Humanity. In reviewing the proposals, the group used the following criteria:
- Affordability
- Sustainable construction
- Compatibility with existing zoning
- Home ownership vs. rental opportunities
- Project time frame
At a Town Council Workshop on October 11, 2023, the working group provided an update on the Woods Road site RFQ process and the responses received. They discussed the implications of moving forward with a development on this site and proposed several questions for the respondents to consider. A second workshop was held on November 27 to review and discuss the respondents' responses and to determine next steps. At that workshop, the Council expressed interest in refining the proposal from Scittery Woods Partners.
Public Input
The Town is interested in public feedback and is currently developing a process for additional public input as the project moves forward. Next steps in the project include:
- Workshop, Monday, February 12, 5:00pm: The public is invited to attend an in-person workshop at Town Hall to include an update on the status of the Woods Road Project. A public comment period will not be included. The meeting will be held in-person with an option to attend via Zoom. Find the agenda and Zoom link here.
- Town Council Meeting, Monday, February 12, 7:00pm: The Town Council will consider action to move the Woods Road Project forward. This meeting will include a public comment opportunity. The meeting will be held in-person at Town Hall with an option to attend via Zoom. Find the agenda and Zoom link here.
Upcoming FY25 Budget Meetings
The FY25 budget development process is underway. Below is a schedule of upcoming meetings.
- February 15, 5:30pm—Proposed operating budget for the Town, Wastewater (Finance Committee Meeting)
- March 6, 5:30pm—Budget Book Presentation of Town Budget to Finance Committee (Finance Committee Meeting)
- March 27, 5:30pm—Joint Town & School Budget Presentation to Finance Committee (Finance Committee Meeting)
- April 3, 7:00pm—Public Hearing FY25 Budget (Town Council) Public Comment Opportunity (Town Council Meeting)
- April 24, 7:00pm—Council Vote to Approve FY25 Budget (Town Council Meeting)
Meetings are held at Falmouth Town Hall. Additional information and a link to join by Zoom or phone for hybrid meetings will be provided in advance of each meeting on the meeting agenda. Find agendas in advance of the meetings at www.falmouthme.org/finance-committee or www.falmouthme.org/town-council-town-manager (including Zoom links when available) are also sent via E-Alert. Subscribe to the Finance Committee Alerts and/or Town Council Alerts at: www.falmouthme.org/subscribe
With the exception of the Public Hearing, public comment is not typically heard at these budget development meetings. Those who would like to offer input prior to the Public Hearing are encouraged to contact any Town Councilor or the Town Manager. Contact information can be found at www.falmouthme.org/town-council-town-manager.
For more information about the School Budget process, visit: https://www.falmouthschools.org/about/budget
Holiday Closures & Trash/Recycling Collection
Town offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, February 19 in observance Washington's Birthday. Find online services here.
Note: The holiday WILL NOT impact curbside trash and recycling collection. Trash and recycling will be collected as usual on Monday, February 19 and throughout the rest of the week.
Ongoing Initiatives |
Comprehensive Planning Update: Save the Date!
The Town of Falmouth is updating its Comprehensive Plan to guide future growth and policy decisions for the next decade. This planning process has built upon the work completed during the Vision & Values initiative completed in early 2022. Like preceding Comprehensive Plans, this updated Plan will guide Town decisions on managing growth and redevelopment, investing in capital improvements, and addressing community issues including environmental protection, transportation, and housing.
Join the Town of Falmouth to learn more about the Comprehensive Plan Update and the future of Falmouth on Wednesday, February 28 at 7:30pm in the Lunt Auditorium at Oceanview, located at 74 Lunt Road in Falmouth.
Learn more about the Comprehensive Plan Update at: https://berrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/falmouth-comprehensive-plan
Events |
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 next Coffee with Councilors will be held on Wednesday, February 14 from 12:00-1:00pm. Councilors de Lima and Trickett will be in attendance. Click here for Zoom link.
Additional Dates
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
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
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
According to Maine State Law, any dog over age 6 months must be licensed annually 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: New Student Registration Open for 2024-2025
Calling all K-12 families! Registration is now open for the 2024-2025 K-12 school year! We are thrilled to welcome new Navigators to our halls next year. Visit the new student registration page to register your student(s), learn more about registration, and more. In order to be eligible for kindergarten in the fall of 2024, a child must be five years old on or before October 15, 2024.
The Pre-K lottery application opens March 4. Learn more about our Pre-K program.
Highlight: FHS Student Photograph Displayed in Art Exhibition
Falmouth High School student Susie Walsh's photograph, Afloat, was selected from over 800 student art submissions to be part of a 200-piece high school virtual art exhibition at UMass Dartmouth's School of Visual and Performing Arts. Congratulations, Susie!
In the News
FHS senior Will Gale was announced as a winner of the Gaziano Lineman Award in late January. We’re incredibly proud of Will, who will play at Williams College in the fall. https://fox23maine.com/sports/content/gaziano-lineman-award-winners-announced
Congratulations, Coach Halligan! Our longtime soccer and basketball coach is an inductee in the 2024 Maine Sports Hall of Fame. The ceremony will be held September 15. https://www.pressherald.com/2024/01/31/falmouth-highs-dave-halligan-among-2024-maine-sports-hall-of-fame-inductees/?fbclid=IwAR2_LV_1a2NKmKqHw1WWtLWnS3la8JbfmR0nYsw_PnPBynjzRG0Z9JzNsWo
Reminder: Join Our Team at Falmouth Public Schools
We have exciting roles available at Falmouth Public Schools!
- Food Service - On Call Substitutes
- Head Varsity Football Coach
- Director of Special Education
- Special Education Pre-K Teacher - Part-time Substitute
- Middle School Wrestling - Head Coach
- Special Education Ed Tech II & III - K-8
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
School Board Information and Meetings:
- Policy Committee Meeting - Wednesday, February 14 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.
Pre-K Dates
Save these dates for Pre-K pre-registration, lottery, and screening dates and Kindergarten registration and screening dates:
- Pre-K Lottery Pre-registration-March 4 - 22, 2024
- Pre-K Lottery - March 26, 2024
- Pre-K Screening - May 9 & 10, 2024
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, February 12, 2024
The Falmouth Town Council will hold a workshop at 5:00pm on Monday, February 12. The meeting will be held in-person at Town Hall with an option to attend via Zoom. Find an agenda here.
The next meeting of the Falmouth Town Council will take place on Monday, February 12 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…
The Town Council held a meeting at 7pm on January 22. See agenda and video here.
- The Council approved the minutes of the December 11 Town Council Meeting.
- The Council approved a Resolution to Commit to the Local Match Fund Requirements for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant to Fund the East Falmouth Sewer Collection System Flood Mitigation: Phase 1 Project.
- The Council approved a Resolution to Commit to the Local Match Fund Requirements for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant to Fund Town Landing Resiliency Improvements.
- The Council approved an Ordinance regarding amendments to Section 19-71 of the Zoning and Floodplain Management Ordinance and Appendix 7-5.E.5 of the Subdivision Ordinance.
- The Council approved an Ordinance 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.
- There was an update on the Falmouth Conservation Commission's Plastics Reduction Initiative.
- The Council approved a Resolution in support of the Maine Trails Bond.
Planning Board
At the February 6, 2024 Planning Board Meeting, the board considered the following items. Find the agenda and video here.
- 269 US Route 1 – Bailey Sign on behalf of Generator Supercenter – Request for Sign Permit Approval for 2 new wall signs. Map/lot U12-007-A; Zoned VC1. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- 269 US Route 1 – Bailey Sign on behalf of Blaze Partners – Request for Sign Permit Approval for 1 new wall sign. Map/lot U12-007-A; Zoned VC1. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- Longwoods Road – Michael Cloutier – Request for Fill Permit Approval for a proposed dwelling. Map/lot R03-054-004; Zoned Fm, RCZO. DENIED
- 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. APPLICANT TABLED PRIOR TO MEETING
- 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. 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 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.
Town of Falmouth, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105207-781-5253
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