2020.02.21--Falmouth Focus, Volume 2, Issue 5

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.   

Update on Falmouth's Solar Photovoltaic Project

The Town of Falmouth has been exploring the feasibility of constructing a large scale solar photovoltaic (PV) array on the Woods Road Capped Landfill since late 2015. Due to recent favorable changes in state law, which now allow large systems, and better flexibility with offsetting electricity accounts, the Town issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in October 2019 for solar energy firms interested in the project. Bids were due the following month and, of the nine received, eight met the RFP requirements.

A staff review team presented a recommendation to the Town Council at their February 10 meeting which included a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)--a long-term agreement to buy the electricity generated from the array at a fixed rate. This allows a developer to take advantage of a 26% federal tax credit, while providing no upfront costs to the Town for the installation of the solar array. Other benefits of this agreement include reduced utility bills, protection from escalating energy rates, no operation or maintenance expenses, and a reduction of the Town’s impact on the environment by generating and procuring clean, renewable energy. 

The most favorable PPA rate proposal was from Tangent Energy Solutions. The Council supported moving forward with a contract. Tangent and staff are working to review energy data and finalize the system size, which will offset 70% of municipal energy, resulting in a net benefit to the Town of almost $2 million over twenty years. Construction could begin as early as this summer.

Focus on the Falmouth Food Pantry

The Falmouth Food Pantry has been in existence for 35 years and since 2008 has operated out of its current location at the back left of the Falmouth Town Hall. The Town Hall donates the use of this space as well as the cost of utilities. The mission of the Falmouth Food Pantry is to provide support to families unable to meet the nutritional needs of their household or facing an emergency. The Pantry supplies food, household and personal items, and some assistance with fuel and medical expenses to residents from Falmouth and the neighboring towns of Cumberland, Westbrook, and Portland.

The Food Pantry is run entirely by volunteers. Six volunteer managers and over 130 additional volunteers serve clients, shelve donations of food, meet large food deliveries, and bring food to approximately 40 clients who are unable to leave their homes. In addition, volunteers organize special food drives and provide bags of additional lunch-appropriate food for Falmouth families for long weekends during the school year and over school vacation weeks when free and reduced-price lunches are not available.

The Falmouth Food Pantry is fortunate to have the support of area churches, scout troops, community organizations, and the schools among others. Several Falmouth businesses make regular food donations to the Food Pantry, including Falmouth Hannaford, Falmouth Shaw’s, Wal-Mart, Bernie’s Foreside, Rosemont Market & Bakery, Sprout House Microgreens, and Leavitt & Sons Deli. Over 40 area businesses make annual monetary contributions, as do the Falmouth Lions Club, the Falmouth Rotary, Falmouth Schools, several area banks, and all of Falmouth's churches. The Falmouth Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

If you would like to make a donation, any nonperishable non-expired food and toiletries may be dropped off at the Falmouth Food Pantry during operating hours, Town Hall during business hours, or at Falmouth churches. Items currently needed:

• Cereals (both cold and hot)
• Feminine products
• Jelly and jam (to go with peanut butter)
• Plain white rice (in small bags)
• Tea bags

The Food Pantry regular hours every month are:

• 1st and 3rd Monday from 9:00-11:00am
• 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Tuesday from 9:30-11:30am
• 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Thursday from 4:30-6:30pm

The Pantry is not open on major holidays or school “Snow Days.”

If you would like more information, please call (207) 632-2687.

Election Information 

You can find election information at:  https://www.falmouthme.org/town-clerk/pages/election-information.  If you have questions about voting, or your voting district, please contact the Town Clerk's Office at (207) 781-5253.

March 3, 2020 Primary Election—Absentee Voting

Absentee balloting is now being conducted in the Town Hall Clerk’s Department through February 27. Voting by absentee ballot takes place in the Clerks Department/Council Chambers located on the first floor of Falmouth Town Hall, 271 Falmouth Road, during regular business hours: Monday 7:00am-5:00pm and Tuesday-Thursday 8:00am-5:00pm. Note: Town Hall will be open extended hours until 7:00pm on Thursday, February 27, 2020 for absentee voting. More info and sample ballots can be found online at: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-clerk/pages/march32020-presidential-primary.

Town of Falmouth Caucuses

The Republican Caucus was held on Saturday, February 8.  The Democratic Caucus will be held at the Mason-Motz Community Center Gymnasium (19 Middle Road) on Sunday, March 8.  Voter registration begins at 1:00pm and the caucus begins at 2:00pm.   

Special Public Comment Opportunities

February 24, Falmouth Fire-EMS Staffing Study Findings: The findings of the Fire-EMS staffing study were presented to the Town Council at their February 10 meeting. The public is invited to provide feedback at the February 24 Town Council meeting regarding these findings. This will be an opportunity for residents to give comments and ask questions about the department's staffing structure and its current challenges. 

March 9, Falmouth Land Trust: During the March 9 Town Council meeting the public is invited to provide feedback regarding Falmouth Land Trust’s request that the Town contribute funding toward the conservation of 52 acres on Route 1 and Johnson Road. The Trust offered a presentation to the Council at their February 3 meeting. This is an opportunity for residents to ask questions and provide input regarding partial Town funding of this acquisition.  

Car Seat Inspection, March 5

Falmouth Fire-EMS will offer free car seat inspections from 3:00-6:00pm. at Central Station, 8 Bucknam Road on March 5. Appointments are highly encouraged. If you cannot make the event in Falmouth, you can find other opportunities in the area. Visit www.maineseatcheck.org to make your appointment for the next car seat checkup event. Bring your car seat instruction manual and your vehicle owner's manual, if available, to the inspection. For additional information, contact the Falmouth Fire-EMS Department at (207) 781-2610 or click here.

With the exception of the April 1 Public Hearing, public comment is not typically heard at these budget development meetings. Those who would like to offer input prior to the April 1 Public Hearing are encouraged to contact any Town Councilor or the Town Manager. Contact information can be found at https://www.falmouthme.org/town-council-town-manager. More information about the proposed budget and any updates will be available at: https://www.falmouthme.org/finance/pages/fy-20-21-budget

Short-Term Rentals Public Forum, March 11

The Short-Term Rentals Public Forum, originally scheduled for February 6, has been rescheduled to March 11 at 7pm in the Council Chambers at Falmouth Town Hall. In the 2019-2020 Council Work Plan, the Council directed the Ordinance Committee to explore options surrounding the development of short-term rental regulations. This research was presented to the Town Council at their January 13 meeting. At the meeting, the Council directed staff to hold a public forum. We encourage the public to join us in this initial conversation and provide feedback on this issue.  FMI: Maggie Fleming, mfleming@falmouthme.org or 207-699-5329.

Route 88 Intersections Public Forum 2, March 18

Please mark your calendar! Forum 2 on the Route 88 intersections project (Johnson Road/Town Landing Road/Depot Road intersections) will be held on Wednesday, March 18 at 7:00pm in Town Hall. The evening will include a brief recap of the Forum 1 results and allow an opportunity for feedback on various specific proposed improvement “packages.”  Project information can be found here: https://www.falmouthme.org/long-range-planningeconomic-development/pages/route-88-intersection-study.  FMI, please contact Theo Holtwijk, tholtwijk@falmouthme.org, 699-5340 or Maggie Fleming, mfleming@falmouthme.org, 699-5329.

Falmouth Fire-EMS Workshop for Businesses, March 19

Do you own or manage a business in Falmouth? For tips on how to make your business safer for your staff and customers please join us on March 19 from 9am to 11am for our Spring Business Fire Safety Dialogue. This will be the second dialogue Falmouth Fire-EMS has hosted. Panelists and speakers are being chosen based on the feedback from our last workshop. More details regarding speakers and topics will be forthcoming. Also, Falmouth Fire-EMS would like to remind business owners to submit a copy of your annual fire alarm report to Falmouth Fire-EMS. To submit a copy of your fire alarm and sprinkler report or for more information about our March 19 workshop please contact Captain Colin Shea at cshea@falmouthme.org.

Pan Fried Steel, March 29

Mark your calendars for an afternoon of joyful music hosted by Falmouth Community Programs. Pan Fried Steel, a dynamic steel drum band based in Yarmouth, will present a Caribbean-style concert on Sunday, March 29 from 2:30–4:00pm at the Lunt Auditorium, featuring traditional steel drum music, swing, rock, and more. Think summer and pull out your wildest t-shirt and slip on your sandals. Listen and dance the winter blues away. This event family-friendly. All are welcome. Admission at the door is $10 per person or $18 for a family of four. Pay prior to March 27 and save $2 ($8 per person or $16 for a family of four). No further discounts available. Register at the FCP office, Mason-Motz Activity Ctr.,190 Middle Rd. FMI, please contact the FCP office at 699-5302. 

Falmouth Nature Preserve Users...

The parking lot at 152 Foreside Road will be closed Monday, February 24 to remove trees. Please choose another area for walking that day. Thank you!

Posted Roads - 2020

The Town of Falmouth seasonally determines whether weight restrictions should be imposed to prevent damage to roadways due to freezing and thawing. The Town then posts roads in order to prevent damage which may be caused by vehicles of excessive weight (over 23,000 pounds). The following roads will be posted from March 2 to April 3.*

• Foreside Road (Depot Road to Johnson Road)
• Ledgewood Drive
• Merrill Road
• Middle Road  (Woods Road to Cumberland Town Line)
• Pleasant Hill Road
• Woodville Road  (Woods Road to Falmouth Road)

*The road posting removal date is subject to change based on weather conditions.

The Board of Zoning Appeals is anticipated to review the following applications at their February 25, 2020 meeting:

• 33 Old Mill Road - Conditional Use Approval to renovate an existing structure.  (A site walk of the property will be held on February 25 at 5:00 pm)
• 11 Foreside Road – Conditional Use Approval to construct a golf course maintenance facility, a new site entrance, golf practice area, activity/wellness center, tennis pro shop, and 87-space parking lot.
• 6 Just-a-Mere Road – Conditional Use Approval for a second-floor addition.
• 16 East Ramsdell Road – Conditional Use Approval for a tear down of an existing structure and rebuild of new home.
• 11 Hammond Road - Conditional Use Approval for a tear down and rebuild of existing garage and replacement of existing deck with a 2-story addition.
• 1 Hammond Road – Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to add a dormer and egress windows to an existing home.
• 51 Leighton Road - Conditional Use Approval to construct an attached 2 car garage with living area above.
• 3 Earl Street – Request to appeal a decision of the Code Enforcement Officer.

See agenda here.

The Planning Board is anticipated to review the following application requests at its March 3, 2020 meeting:

• 11 Foreside Road – Site Plan Approval for a maintenance facility, parking lot, and wellness center at the Portland Country Club.
• 17 Schuster Road – Site Plan Approval for the construction of a 2,160 s.f. greenhouse. 
• 100 & 102 Gray Road – Preliminary Subdivision Approval for a 20 unit, two-family residential planned development. 
• 348 Woodville Road – Approval for a lot division for a single family house lot. 
• 4 Mountain Road – Final Subdivision Approval for a 65-unit residential planned development. 
• Howards End Drive – Request for Private Way Approval for a single family house lot.

More information and an agenda will be posted in advance of the meeting at: https://www.falmouthme.org/planning-board.

At The Recent Meeting of Falmouth's Town Council...

February 10 

Council Workshop, 6:00pm--The agenda can be found here.

The Council discussed progress made on work assignments outlined in the 2019-2020 Council Work Plan.

Special Meeting, 7:00pm--The agenda can be found here.

The Town Council passed an order for a permanent food service establishment license for Ela Market & Grill.  

Kimberly Darling, Energy and Sustainability Coordinator, Pete McHugh, Finance Director, Adam Cote, Attorney, Drummond Woodsum, and Town Manager Nathan Poore, delivered a presentation outlining the proposal evaluation process and proposals set forth for the installation of solar panels at the Woods Road Transfer Station. The Council approved the Staff Project Review Team's recommendation to develop a contract with Tangent Energy Solutions. 

Travis Miller of Criterion and Associates presented the findings of a staffing study of the Falmouth Fire-EMS Department. The public is invited to give feedback on the findings during a special public comment opportunity at the February 24 Town Council meeting.

Erin Cadigan, Education and Outreach Coordinator delivered a presentation on a proposed Communications Strategic Plan. The public is invited to give feedback on the plan during a special public comment opportunity at the March 23 Town Council meeting.

Amendments to Division II-19-1-2 and Division II-19-1-3, Sections 19-11, 19-13, 19-14, and 19-19, of the Code of Ordinances relative to kennels was introduced.  A public hearing will be held on this topic at the March 9 Town Council meeting.

The Council entered Executive Session pursuant to the Laws of Maine to discuss and consider the acquisition of real estate rights, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (C).

Future Anticipated Agenda Items

February 24--An agenda can be found here.

Public Comment Period.

Update on FY21 Town and School Department budget process and challenges. 

Presentation and special public comment opportunity on Falmouth Fire-EMS Department staffing study findings. 

Public Hearing on an Ordinance for Pesticide and Fertilizer Regulations. A public comment period will be included with this item.

Update on process of selecting a consultant to assist with the community vision and values project. 

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 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.