2019.12.20--Falmouth Focus, Volume 1, Issue 7

Please note:  This newsletter will be sent to subscribers of both the Falmouth Focus newsletter and Town News & Announcements. To subscribe only to the Falmouth Focus, visit E-Alerts.   

Holiday Office Hours:  Town offices will close at noon on Tuesday, December 24 and will be closed all day Wednesday, December 25 and Wednesday, January 1.

Click here to find our regular office hours. 

Focus on Falmouth Fire-EMS

In January 2020, the results of a Falmouth Fire-EMS staffing study will be submitted to the Falmouth Town Council. In advance of that report, this special series will explore Falmouth Fire-EMS by looking at its history, the role of volunteerism in the provision of fire services, and the evolving function of the department and the service it provides to our community today. See the first installment, "A History of Service," here.

Generations of Service

The first American fire companies, including those formed in Falmouth, were comprised of volunteers. The earliest rolls of Falmouth’s fire department include names from many of the town’s founding families. Fire service was often considered a civic duty and fire companies also acted as a social club for members. For many Falmouth residents, joining the fire department became a life-long commitment. Ted Vail, who wrote a history of the department, joined the West Falmouth Fire Station at age sixteen and served for fifty-five years. Bill Lunt also joined as soon as the Central Company would let him and served fifty years. Bill Taplin was another member who served fifty years. Many volunteer members were employees of the Public Works department and could leave their posts to answer fire calls during the day. Other local businesses simply closed when a fire call came in so their owners and/or employees—also volunteer firefighters—could answer the call. 

The social aspect of volunteering was part of its allure. Social activities, galas, and bi-monthly supper meetings helped to build comradery among members, all of whom lived in Falmouth. Generations of families volunteered. Fathers often served with sons. Ladies Auxiliary units supported their efforts and hosted fundraisers, such as card parties, dances, and suppers, well into the 1990s. Even today, there are several families who serve together, including four father-daughter pairs. 

In 1987, rapid growth and increased calls led Falmouth to hire its first full-time paid fire chief. Although the Town appropriated stipends to each fire station, that funding was not used to pay individuals. In Vail’s history of the department, written in 2000, the lack of volunteers was noted as a growing problem for rural and suburban fire departments, including Falmouth. In 1970 there were more than 120 active volunteer firefighters in Falmouth. In 2019, the number of active members has dwindled to fifty. This steady drop in volunteerism, coupled with an increase in call volume, led Falmouth to begin paying part-time rates to on-call firefighters and EMS providers in the late 1990s. Yet paying for call service has not solved the shortage of providers.

“We have no problem recruiting people,” said Fire Chief Howard Rice. “We get really good, dedicated people. Many are paramedic and EMT students who work long hours for us for a few years.” However, noted Rice, they go on to find full-time employment elsewhere. In the past fifteen years, over twenty-five call firefighters have obtained full-time firefighting jobs in other communities. Also, as many as ten former EMS providers from Falmouth Fire-EMS have become medical doctors or physician assistants. Recently, members have left the department after moving out-of-state to places including Michigan, Colorado, Indiana, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. Additionally, the average age of volunteers keeps getting older. Many high schoolers who serve the department do not return to Falmouth upon graduating from college. Fewer younger members leads to gaps in institutional knowledge and experience as older members age out of service. In June 2013, there were twenty members of Falmouth Fire-EMS with over twenty years of service. Thirteen have since retired. As a result, the Fire Department now recruits on-call firefighters and EMS professionals from other communities. Today over thirty of Falmouth’s members live outside of Falmouth.

The reasons for the decline in those able to serve are many, but include the extensive requirements, time commitments, and expectations placed upon members as a major contributing factor. State law requires technical training and this training, along with weekly drills, requires a greater time commitment than just responding to calls. Best practices in medicine have also shifted, placing a greater responsibility on first responders. Protocol changes, such as administering pain medications or diagnosing heart problems with cardiac monitors on site or performing CPR prior to transport rather than during, result in better patient outcomes. For Falmouth, as call frequencies continue to increase, these changes require highly trained staff and longer call times for an already stretched department.

In the next issue of the Falmouth Focus, we will explore the changing nature of Fire-EMS service.

Pesticide and Fertilizer Ordinance

At the December 9 Town Council meeting, an ordinance regarding the use of pesticides and fertilizers was introduced. A public hearing on the ordinance has been scheduled for the next Town Council meeting on January 13. Please take note that the January 13 meeting and broadcast will begin at 6:00pm. Public hearings and all matters requiring Council action will begin after 7:00pm.

Purpose

The purpose of the ordinance is to safeguard the health and welfare of the residents of Falmouth and to conserve and protect Falmouth’s environment, water, and natural resources by ensuring the proper use of outdoor pesticides and fertilizers in Falmouth. The data collected through the required reporting will act as a baseline and inform water-testing procedures and protocols the Town may want to pursue.

Background

As part of the 2016-17 Falmouth Town Council Work Plan, the Town Council tasked the Falmouth Conservation Commission (FCC) to draft an ordinance restricting the use of pesticides in Falmouth. Over the past three years, the FCC researched the issue, examined what other municipalities in Maine have done, and spoke with scientists, applicators, stakeholders, and other experts in the field.

In May 2019, the FCC submitted a draft ordinance for the restriction of pesticides and fertilizers to the Falmouth Ordinance Committee. Over the fall, edits, changes, and additional information led to the ordinance as presented to the Town Council on December 9. This ordinance will allow the Town to determine which pesticides and fertilizers licensed applicators in Falmouth are using, to track that information, and to develop a water-testing regimen to determine what is escaping into the waters in and around Falmouth.

The Proposed Ordinance

The proposed ordinance requires licensed commercial pesticide and fertilizer applicators to register annually with the Town of Falmouth prior to the application of any pesticide or fertilizer in Falmouth. They are also required to submit an annual report of applications made in Falmouth following the same format required by the Maine Board of Pesticides Control. Additional information required includes general location of applications by geographic area and the date of applications.

Companies will be notified by mail, and registration and reporting will be done electronically through the Town of Falmouth website. Registration is proposed to cost $50 annually and is valid from February 1 through January 31 of the following year. The ordinance also prohibits the use of all fertilizers from December 1-March 31.

The FCC will lead an outreach campaign accompanying the passage of the proposed ordinance to educate Falmouth residents on the importance of proper, environmentally sound lawn care practices. The FCC will also evaluate the effectiveness of the campaign to determine if future regulations are warranted.

Property Revaluation Project Update

As noted in the October 11, 2019 issue, Falmouth plans to conduct a townwide property revaluation next year. Town staff issued a request for proposals for a mass appraisal firm in August. A staff team consisting of the Finance Director, Town Manager, Assessor, and Assistant Assessor interviewed the three companies that submitted proposals and concluded that Vision Government Solutions should be awarded the contract. A full revaluation project using Vision Government Solutions would cost $239,000.

At the December 9, 2019 Town Council Meeting, the Council discussed whether to contract with Vision to conduct a statistical market analysis ahead of the revaluation. The analysis could help residents prepare for the revaluation by providing advanced information about the valuation of different real estate segments in Falmouth, but the cost of such an analysis would not be recovered through a reduction in the cost of a revaluation. The analysis would cost $29,500. The Council also discussed whether to move forward with the proposed 2020-2021 timeline for the revaluation or to defer the project until 2022. No decisions were made at this meeting and the Council agreed more discussion and public input is necessary prior to making any decisions to move forward with a revaluation and/or a separate market analysis.

On January 13, the Council will consider a supplemental appropriation to fund both the market analysis and the revaluation. The agenda item will include public comment. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and speak. Please take note that the January 13 meeting and broadcast will begin at 6:00pm. Public hearings and all matters requiring Council action will begin after 7:00pm.

The Council also expressed the need to encourage residents to become informed about a revaluation. We will address the following questions in a future issue of the Falmouth Focus:

• What is a property revaluation?
• How is it performed?
• What input will property owners have during the process?

Route 88 Intersection Study Webpage Launched

A big thanks to all those who came to the December 11 forum on the Route 88 intersections at Depot and Johnson/Town Landing Road, and to those who commented on this effort via e-mail. The results and video of the forum have been posted here. Over the next few weeks, Town staff and consultant Tom Errico will digest what you told us. Please stay tuned for a follow-up meeting on this project in 2020 (date TBD) to provide feedback on some improvement scenarios.

UPDATE:  Falmouth Police Department's Giving/Awareness Tree

Thanks to all who have donated to the Falmouth Police Department's Giving Tree to support Through These Doors and their work on behalf of domestic violence victims. The response has been overwhelming. All the ornaments have been claimed but donations will be accepted until December 26. A list of needed items can be found below. These practical items can be helpful to someone who is affected by domestic violence and considering making a life change. Unwrapped items should be returned to the police station to be placed under the Giving/Awareness Tree.

West Falmouth Crossing Public Forum Rescheduled to January 21

The Town of Falmouth initiated, with support of the West Falmouth Crossing (WFC) property owners, an effort to review the West Falmouth Crossing Master Plan (which was developed in the late 1990s) and to conduct a development feasibility analysis of the West Falmouth Crossing area. The Town will conduct a public meeting about this effort on Tuesday, January 21, at 7:00pm in the Falmouth Town Hall Council Chambers. This meeting was rescheduled from an earlier date due to inclement weather. The purpose of this meeting is to present a site analysis based upon existing conditions and information known to date as well as gather input from the public. This meeting will be recorded for broadcast on community TV at a later date. More information can be found here.

Parks & Community Programs Winter/Spring Brochure

Falmouth Parks & Community Programs Winter/Spring 2020 brochure is now online. Click here for links to online registration as well as interactive and PDF versions of the brochure. Classes and programs fill up quickly, so register early!

Town offices will close at noon on Tuesday, December 24 and will be closed all day Wednesday, December 25 and Wednesday, January 1.

Trash & Recycling Collection

Trash and recycling collection regularly scheduled for Wednesday, December 25 will be rescheduled to Saturday, December 28. The collection schedule for December 24, 26, and 27 remains unchanged.

Trash and recycling collection regularly scheduled for Wednesday, January 1 will be rescheduled to Saturday, January 4. The collection schedule for December 31, January 2, and January 3 remains unchanged.

Tree Disposal

Christmas trees can be disposed of year-round at the Transfer Station. Remove all tinsel, wire, bases, and decorations before disposing. Visit https://www.falmouthme.org/transfer-station for info on disposal procedures and rates.

Dog Licenses Expire December 31, 2019

All current dog licenses expire December 31, 2019. 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

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 via www.maine.gov.  On-line 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). The online dog licensing service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

At Recent Meetings of Falmouth's Town Council...

December 9

The Council passed resolutions recognizing the 2019 Falmouth High School Boys Soccer Team, the 2019 Falmouth High School Girls Volleyball Team, and Sofie Matson, New England Cross-Country Champion and Class A State Champion.

The Council approved November meeting minutes.

The Council approved the renewal of Orchid Thai’s permanent food service establishment license. 

An ordinance regarding pesticide and fertilizer use was introduced. Nancy Lightbody and Kimberly Darling delivered a presentation regarding the goals and development of the ordinance. A public hearing was scheduled for January 13. 

The Council discussed contracting with Vision Government Solutions to conduct a property assessment market analysis in advance of the town-wide property revaluation. The Council will continue to consider this proposal at its January 13 meeting. Public comment will be taken in connection with any supplemental appropriation.

The Council resolved to commit to a process to develop a Vision and Values statement for the community that includes outreach and public input and to release an RFQ for a consultant to lead the process.

The Council passed an ordinance to adopt the maximum levels of income and expenses for the General Assistance program. These levels are established by state law and, therefore, must be adopted by the Town Council annually.

The next Town Council meeting will be held January 13, 2020. Please take note that the January 13 meeting and broadcast will begin at 6:00pm. The public hearing and all matters requiring Council action will begin after 7:00pm. An agenda will be posted here prior to the meeting. 

Future Anticipated Agenda Items

January 13--An agenda will be posted here prior to the meeting.

Please take note that the January 13 meeting and broadcast will begin at 6:00pm. The public hearing and all matters requiring Council action will begin after 7:00pm. 

• Staff presentation on short-term rental regulation and request for the Council to provide high level policy direction for the Ordinance Committee
• Earth Day Resolution
• Ordinance to amend Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 19-128 of the Code of Ordinances to increase abutter notification requirements for Planning Board site plan and subdivision applications
• Public Hearing on an Ordinance for Pesticide and Fertilizer Regulations.
• The Council will consider a supplemental appropriation to fund a statistical market analysis and the townwide property revaluation.
• Presentation and discussion on Falmouth Fire-EMS Department current and past staffing structure and pending staffing study
• Order to accept Cavendish Way, Killarney Road, and Paddock Way as public streets
• Order to accept common open space in the Cavendish Way, Killarney Road, and Paddock Way neighborhood

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. 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 view online within 24 hours after the meeting. E-Alerts allows you to subscribe to specific email lists about Town-related issues that interest you. Over 70% of respondents to our Communications Methods Survey found E-Alerts to be an effective means of getting info about Town activities. 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.