2020.06.05--Falmouth Focus, Volume 2, Issue 13

June 5, 2020

Focus Masthead

Please note:  This newsletter will be sent to subscribers of both The Falmouth Focus newsletter and Town News & Announcements. Please excuse cross postings. To change your subscription settings, visit E-Alerts

News & Issues

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Updates on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Town of Falmouth has updated its COVID-19 information page which includes all updates and information sent out by Falmouth's Emergency Management Agency as well as additional updates from the Town. We strongly encourage residents to subscribe to our E-Alert e-mails in order to keep up-to-date. Subscribe to Town News & Announcements and/or Emergency Management at www.falmouthme.org/subscribe. Alerts regarding COVID-19 will be sent to both lists.

Latest Updates

Town Services, Offices, & Facilities


Phased Reopening of Town Offices & Facilities Continues

The Town of Falmouth’s phased reopening continues. Under the phased reopening, some buildings will open to the public sooner than others, new safety measures will be put into place at all locations, and services that can be and have been done remotely will continue to be transacted in that manner. For everyone’s continued safety, we strongly encourage members of the public to avoid visiting Town buildings and facilities whenever possible and to continue to utilize our website and remote services when able. Most of our services are offered online, via e-mail, phone, and mail. Visit https://www.falmouthme.org/home/news/town-services-during-the-covid19-pandemic for additional information regarding remote services.

TOWN HALL

Clerk’s Office

On June 8, the Clerk’s Office will re-open to the public, without the need to schedule an appointment. Revised hours will be Monday-Thursday, 8:00 am-4:00 pm. The earlier closure time will allow for staff to process the high volume of transactions anticipated upon reopening. Parking may be limited to allow for social distancing. Follow additional signage regarding new safety and social distancing protocols.

Community Development/Planning/Code Enforcement

Because of space constraints on the second floor of Town Hall, the Community Development Department (Planning and Code Enforcement offices) will reopen on June 15 by appointment only. Inspections are continuing as normal. Virtual inspections may be available in certain instances at the discretion of staff. To schedule an appointment with Code staff, call 699-5310. To schedule an appointment with Planning staff, please contact staff directly. For Planning staff contact information, click here.

Other Town Hall Offices

All other Town Hall departments, including Administrative, Finance, Assessing, Sustainability, Open Space, and Long-Range Planning & Economic Development, will open to the public by appointment on June 15. Contact specific departments directly for an appointment. For a directory of departments, click here.

PUBLIC WORKS

The Public Works office reopened to the public on June 1 for purchasing transactions only (disposal tickets, window stickers, replacement recycle bins, etc.). Residents are encouraged to use online, phone, and remote services when possible (for inquiries, service requests, and permits) and to schedule appointments for all other matters. For appointments, call 781-3919. Office hours are Monday-Thursday 7:00 am-4:30 pm.

TRANSFER STATION

On June 2, the Transfer Station resumed normal hours of operation (Tue and Thu.: 12:00-4:00; Fri.: 7:00-5:00; Sat.: 9:00-5:00). Also, on June 2, the facility began collecting all disposal items, with the exception of two items: Bargain Barn and bottle donation drop-offs (please continue to use the bottle drop-off location at Central Fire Station on Bucknam Road). Residents and contractors who need to use disposal tickets will also need to wear a protective face covering when making this transaction. Social distancing procedures also will remain in place until further notice. Note: Curbside pick-up will continue as usual.

MASON-MOTZ COMMUNITY CENTER

The Mason-Motz Community Center office is open for registrations only. Residents are encouraged to use online and remote services when possible and reserve appointments for only those transactions that cannot be completed online, by e-mail, or by phone. Office hours during this time are Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-4:00 pm and Friday 8:00 am-noon. Limited programming will resume in June. Please call 699-5302 for more information or visit https://www.falmouthme.org/parks-and-community-programs.

PARKS, TRAILS, PLAYGROUNDS, FACILITIES

Falmouth trails and trailhead parking are open. Social distancing precautions remain in place and parking at several locations is limited to every other space. Visit https://www.falmouthme.org/parks-and-community-programs/pages/falmouth-trails-and-playgrounds for guidelines regarding safe trail use.

Parks, facilities, and athletic fields reopened on June 1. 

WASTE WATER TREATMENT FACILITIES

The Wastewater Department and all related facilities will be open to the public by appointment only.  For appointments, call 781-4462. Office hours are Monday-Friday 7:00 am-3:00 pm.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Central Station and the Falmouth Police Station will be open to the public by appointment only. For appointments at Falmouth Police Department, call 781-2300.  For appointments at Central Station with Falmouth Fire-EMS, call 781-2610.


Cumberland County Criminal Justice Community Issues Statement on Death of George Floyd

The Cumberland County criminal justice community, which includes the police chiefs from Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Windham, Gorham, Falmouth, Yarmouth, Cumberland, Freeport, Brunswick, Bridgton, and the Cumberland County Sheriff, along with the Cumberland County District Attorney, have issued a statement regarding the death of George Floyd. To read the full statement, click here.

In addition, Falmouth Town Council Chair Amy Kuhn issued a letter to the Falmouth community on behalf of the Town Council regarding Falmouth Police Department's role in supporting Portland Police during the recent protests, noting that "Town leadership is committed to participating in a dialogue with residents, the Falmouth Police Department, the School Department, Town staff, and regional and state leaders, to consider whether and to what extent our institutionalized systems serve all residents and are aligned with our community’s values." The full letter can be found here.


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Falmouth Business News & Information

Fire and Safety Guidelines for Business Reopening

Falmouth Fire-EMS would like to share guidelines created by the National Fire Prevention Association regarding Fire and Life Safety for businesses that are reopening. The guidelines give particular attention to adjustments that might be needed for the physical configuration as well as the operational use of many buildings, including offices, restaurants, and retails stores, in order to adhere to public health guidelines or modified provisions required in response to the pandemic.  Click here for a PDF copy of the guidelines.

Outdoor Eating and Outdoor Retail Display

On Wednesday, June 3, the Falmouth Town Council adopted an Emergency Ordinance to temporarily suspend certain provisions of the Falmouth Code of Ordinances relating to outdoor eating areas and outdoor retail display to assist businesses suffering economic loss due to COVID-19 in a manner consistent with the Governor’s Reopening Plan. See: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-council-town-manager/agenda-items/20200527-council-agenda-item-emergency-order.

If you are a business owner and are interested in having an outdoor eating area and/or outdoor retail display for your business, we encourage you to complete the application form and support materials ASAP and submit those to the Community Development Department. Click the links for an application form:  Outdoor Service Form [.DOC]  Outdoor Service Form [.PDF]

Please note: There is no application fee for an outdoor eating area or outdoor retail display.

For assistance in completing the application or additional information, please contact Theo Holtwijk, Director of Long Range Planning and Economic Development, tholtwijk@falmouthme.org or 207-699-5340. Completed applications should be submitted to the Community Development Department, lsangillo@falmouthme.org, 207-699-5303.


browntail moth caterpillar

Browntail Moth Information

The infestation of browntail moth on the Southern Maine coast in recent years is the largest in the world since 1915. Fortunately, in the past few years, Falmouth has seen a reduction in nests and levels of infestation. This year, the Town initiated a spraying program to target areas in the public right-of-way that were deemed to be high risk. The spray program was completed in May. The Town’s goal is to preserve the health of the street trees and to minimize public health effects of browntail moth caterpillars. This effort will not fully eradicate browntail moths in Falmouth. If you have infested trees on your property, a qualified arborist or contractor can advise on the best method for their removal. Unfortunately, it may already be too late to treat this year. It’s best to treat trees before leaves have filled in, generally by the end of May or the first week in June. Consult a professional to assess conditions on your property. In the meantime, the Town has created a new Browntail Moth Fact Sheet describing the public health effects of browntail moth caterpillars as well as tips to mitigate their impact on your daily life. Click here to view the fact sheet. Visit www.falmouthme.org/home/pages/browntail-moth-2020 for additional information specific to browntail moths in Falmouth. 


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Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Invites Comment 

The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands has received an application for the construction of a boat ramp on Clapboard Island. Under the Bureau’s review process, any interested party is invited to comment on the possible impacts of the proposal. Click here to read the official notice.  Comments must be received on or before June 22, 2020.  For more information, contact Karen Foust, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, 207-287-6128, Karen.L.Foust@maine.gov.


Cumberland County EMA logo

Cumberland County EMA Seeks Public Participation in Hazard Mitigation Survey

Survey will guide Agency in planning response to local emergencies

The Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency is seeking public participation in a Hazard Mitigation Survey.  The purpose of the Five Year Hazard Mitigation Plan is for each municipality to review its priorities for reducing the severity or seriousness of a hazard, and to look for ways the County can assist the communities. 

Mitigation planning improves the speed of recovery and redevelopment efforts; it helps the region to qualify for additional grant funding in both the pre- and post-disaster environment; and it is an important component in complying with federal and state requirements for local hazard mitigation plans.

Cumberland County has not experienced as many severe disasters as other parts of the country have, but the region does face the potential for natural disasters to occur. The Hazard Mitigation plan addresses these natural hazards, such as flooding and wind storms. Other hazards, such as technological hazards (chemical release), human-caused hazards (terrorism), or public health emergencies (pandemics) are addressed in other plans.

As Cumberland County EMA completes the Hazard Mitigation Plan’s five-year update, the Agency is asking for feedback from County residents.  Residents of Cumberland County know the local hazards best, so EMA is asking to hear directly from them. The Agency has developed a brief survey for residents, business owners, and community partners to share what concerns them the most about potential disasters. The survey can be found at http://cumberlandcounty.org/hazardmitigation.

Survey responses will be accepted until June 30, 2020 at 4pm. Answers will help the Planning Committee prioritize the community’s concerns and questions about the Hazard Mitigation Plan, guide discussions during the revision process, and direct future outreach and education programs.

For more information regarding Hazard Mitigation, please visit the CCEMA’s website.  

Continuing Initiatives

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Living Lawns Education Campaign

The Falmouth Conservation Commission, in collaboration with Falmouth’s Energy and Sustainability Office and the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, have launched the Living Lawns education campaign to share healthy lawn care practices with residents. Over the next several weeks, the Town will post healthy lawn care tips and tricks including requests for your lawn care provider, seasonal growing advice, soil care, and more on social media and in the Falmouth Focus Newsletter.

  • Tip #7: Top dressing your lawn with compost will provide so many benefits. It adds organic matter and nutrients that will improve the soil structure and health. Did you know that lawns need 6 inches of good soil to thrive? Top dressing will also enhance root development, reduce the need for fertilizers, and increase the soil’s ability to retain water. This is also a good time to over-seed any bare spots on your lawn if you plan to make sure the seeds are properly watered. Establishing dense turf crowds out weeds!

  • Tip #8: In a recent post, we suggested mowing at 3” because there are real benefits from mowing high! It promotes establishment of a larger root system, which is more drought tolerant. Mowing high also provides broadleaf weed and crabgrass control by shading the soil surface. Another benefit is that it also establishes a grub-tolerant lawn because of the larger root mass. So, remember, mow high and let the clippings lie for free, natural fertilizer! 

Have healthy lawn care questions or tips you would like to share? E-mail Kimberly Darling at kdarling@falmouthme.org.


Food Pantry Logo

Falmouth Food Pantry Summer Operations

The Falmouth Food Pantry building is currently closed, but volunteers are still meeting the Pantry's mission of getting food to those in need. Food Pantry volunteers continue to deliver pre-packed boxes of non-perishable food to homes that need food assistance. In addition, the Food Pantry is continuing to distribute food for those who need help. Volunteers will be in front of the Food Pantry building (271 Falmouth Road) on the following Fridays at 9:30am: June 5, June 19, July 3, July 17, August 7, and August 21. They will distribute until all the supplies have been given out or until 11:00am.

If you have a food emergency, please call the Falmouth Food Pantry emergency line 632-2687 (primary) or 781-2996 (secondary). Leave your name and phone number. The Food Pantry is not accepting food donations at this time nor, given current operations, are they seeking additional volunteers.

At this time the best way to support the Falmouth Food Pantry is through monetary donations. Donations should be made payable to the Falmouth Food Pantry and mailed to: 279 Middle Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. Donations can also be made online via PayPal at:

Additionally, Rivalries restaurant in Falmouth is collecting donations of grocery store gift cards on behalf of the Food Pantry. Safe drop-off is available during opening hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 am-9:00 pm; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 am-10:00 pm. Call 747-4020 upon arrival for instructions.

Upcoming Events

Urban Run Off Poster

Urban Run Off 5K Race & Walk

The Cumberland County Water and Soil Conservation District has shifted their annual Urban Runoff 5K to a virtual event taking place the weekend of June 20-21. Be a water hero! Support your community by participating in this local fundraiser to bring hands-on water education lessons to your schools. Sign up today at urbanrunoff5k.com.

Take Note

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Memorial Day Virtual Tribute Available Online

On Monday, May 25, the Town of Falmouth held a virtual tribute and video commemoration of Memorial Day. The virtual tribute video to Falmouth veterans and all the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpf2YslzIhk.

In addition, Falmouth Police Department live streamed a ride along the flag-lined parade route. That video can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP1zcCHiP0U


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Falls Park Parking Area Closed

The Falls Park parking area will be closed during the Presumpscot Bridge rehabilitation construction project on the Allen Avenue Extension from June 1 through December 18, 2020. MaineDOT will be using the area for construction staging but will allow for pedestrians to access the Portland Trails Presumpscot Falls Park Trail. Visitors and hikers should park in the Walton Park parking lot. A temporary crosswalk will be available to provide safe access to the trail head.


 2020 Elections

Election News

The Clerk’s Office is now accepting requests for absentee ballots for the July 14 State Primary and Referendum and Regular Municipal Election through the State of Maine Absentee Ballot Request Service at https://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/AbsenteeBallot/index.pl. Absentee ballots will not be mailed out until 30 days prior to the July 14 election. A video explaining the absentee voting process can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTcUTMTRI3E&feature=youtu.be.

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, Maine's chief elections official, has released an informative video talking with voters about the July 14, 2020 primary election and absentee voting. Watch the video here.

Town Council, Board & Committee Meeting

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Town Council Virtual Meeting, June 15, 7:00pm

The Falmouth Town Council will conduct a virtual meeting using emergency legislation, Sec. G-1 MRSA §403-A, that allows cities and towns to conduct meetings online. The meeting will be held on Monday, June 15 at 7:00pm using Zoom. This application will allow attendees to connect via computer or phone. A meeting link and phone instructions will be provided in advance of the meeting via the Town website homepage and E-Alerts that will allow you to join the meeting via computer or phone, as well as, a phone number to dial in. An agenda will be posted here in advance of the meeting. Check out our Guide to Participating in Virtual Public Meetings. If you have questions, please call (207) 699-5329. 


Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals acted on the following applications at its May 26, 2020 meeting:

  • 4 Gray Road – Neil Gerber - Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to add a 1-bedroom accessory dwelling above existing garage.  (Approved)
  • 17 Andrews Avenue – Erica Rice & Dan Rosenfeld - Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to add a third-floor bedroom, bathroom and office space to existing home. (Approved)

For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals


Planning Board 

The Planning Board acted on the following applications at its June 2, 2020 meeting:

  • Homestead Acres, LLC – 4 Mountain Road – Final Subdivision Approval for 68 Single Family Condominium Units. (Approved)
  • Apex Management LLC – 100 & 102 Gray Road – Final Subdivision Approval for a 20 unit/3-lot major subdivision. (Approved)
  • Gregory Green – 11 Aspen Way – Private Way Amendment to create 2 new lots. (Approved)
  • Gary Beck – 10 Plumwood Way – Private Way Amendment to create one new lot. 

For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/planning-board


At the Most Recent Town Council Meetings...

The Town Council held a meeting on May 27 via Zoom.

The Council approved the minutes of the March 9, March 23, and March 27 Council meetings. 

Staff provided an update on the solar photovoltaic landfill project. The Council approved an order to authorize the Town Manager to execute the Power Purchase Agreement with Tangent Energy Solutions.  

The Council discussed and heard public comment on an emergency ordinance to temporarily suspend certain provisions of the Falmouth Code of Ordinances relating to outdoor eating areas and outdoor retail display to assist businesses suffering economic loss due to COVID-19 in a manner consistent with the Governor’s re-opening plan. A Special Virtual Town Council meeting was scheduled on June 3 for the Council to vote on the emergency ordinance. 

The Council approved an order to (i) postpone the annual meeting to swear in Councilor-elects from the third Monday in June to the third Monday in July and to establish the July 20 meeting as the regular meeting for the month of July, (ii) establish a regular Town Council meeting for the month of June on June 22 and, (iii) cancel the regular Town Council meeting on July 27.

The Town Council held a meeting on June 3 via Zoom. 

The Council approved an emergency ordinance to temporarily suspend certain provisions of the Falmouth Code of Ordinances relating to outdoor eating areas and outdoor retail display to assist businesses suffering economic loss due to COVID-19 in a manner consistent with the Governor's re-opening plan.

Police Chief John Kilbride discussed the deployment Falmouth police officers to support the City of Portland Police Department in their response to recent protests in Portland.

Chair Kuhn provided an update on this meeting in a recent letter to the community. 

View past council meetings online here.


 

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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 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. 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. 

Town of Falmouth, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105

207-781-5253
www.falmouthme.org

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