2020.03.06--Falmouth Focus, Volume 2, Issue 6

March 6, 2020

Focus Masthead

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.   

office hours

News & Issues

2020 elections

Unofficial Election Results

Unofficial election results for the March 3, 2020 Town of Falmouth Presidential Primary and Special State Referendum can be found here


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Update on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Falmouth Emergency Management Agency is working with Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency and Maine CDC to monitor changes with COVID-19. As of this morning, March 6, 2020, Maine has no confirmed cases of COVID-19. 

The Town of Falmouth has issued a statement regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here to read the statement. Updates from the Town of Falmouth will be posted on the Town's Emergency Management Page. Additional information on COVID-19 can be found at: 


interns tagging bins

Lessons from Falmouth's Recycling Intern Program

Global recycling markets have changed over the last few years and are more stringent than ever regarding contaminated material--items that cannot be recycled. Tossing items that cannot be recycled into the recycling bin is also known as “wish-cycling.” As a result of the changing markets and increased contamination, ecomaine, which provides recycling services to the Town of Falmouth, charges an additional penalty to loads which are highly contaminated. Recycling has always been a free service for residents; however, it can become a growing expense to the Town if there is a lot of “wish-cycling” happening. Because of this growing concern, the municipalities of Falmouth, South Portland, Scarborough, and Windham worked together to develop a summer internship program to grade residents’ recycling efforts with green, yellow, and red tags.

Over last summer, for eight weeks, two interns tagged recycling bins in four different Falmouth neighborhoods—the Flats, Stapleford, Brook Road and Town Landing, reaching 610 households. This pilot project was an effort to educate residents on the importance of keeping contamination to a minimum. The interns had extensive training at ecomaine before the tagging began. While homeowners have the convenience of “single-sort” recycling, all recyclable materials need to be sorted at ecomaine’s sorting facility before being sent to different markets. Seeing the sorting facility first-hand gave the interns a better understanding of why certain items—thin film plastics, Styrofoam, batteries, hazardous items, and the like—are problematic.  

During the eight-week project, the most common items interns found in recycling was paper towels. Paper towels cannot be recycled because the fibers are too short to be created into something new. They can be composted, though. A handful of other contaminates were seen often in the inspection of recycling bins, including Styrofoam and thin film plastic. Throughout the project, the interns participated in over 100 positive and encouraging interactions with residents. When the program concluded, the two interns delivered a presentation to the Town Council. One of the recommendations offered was for residents to sign a pledge to continue to improve their recycling efforts. Since November, almost 190 residents have signed the Recycle Right Pledge. If you haven’t signed it yet, keep your eye out at elections and special events for the opportunity to sign on.

For more information on what can and cannot be recycled, ecomaine has a RECYCLOPEDIA app, which can be found on their website, www.ecomaine.org.  Kimberly Darling, Falmouth’s Energy and Sustainability Coordinator, is another resource residents can rely upon.  She can be reached at kdarling@falmouthme.org or 699-5337.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Special Public Comment Opportunity

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.  

There may be additional public comment opportunities at upcoming Town Council meetings. Agendas are posted by 5pm on the Thursday prior to the Town Council meetings at: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-council-town-manager


Budget Meeting

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

April 1 Public Hearing on Budget

At the March 9 Town Council meeting, the Council will vote to schedule a public hearing regarding the FY2020-2021 budget for both Town and schools to take place on Wednesday, April 1 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. The public is encouraged to provide input on the budget during this public hearing. Items under consideration include significant staffing increases for Falmouth Fire-EMS. To offset budget increases, the Council will consider increasing mooring fees at Town Landing and raising the price of Town trash bags to better align with actual waste disposal costs. The public hearing is an opportunity for residents to weigh in on the proposed budget and accompanying fee increases. The proposed budget can be found online at: www.falmouthme.org/finance/pages/fy-20-21-budget


public forum

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.


Falmouth Consituent Office Hours

Falmouth Constituent Office Hours, March 14

Join Sen. Cathy Breen, Rep. Ed Crockett, and Rep. Teresa Pierce for their Constituent Office Hours event in Falmouth from 9:00-10:30am on Saturday, March 14 at the Mason-Motz Activity Center, 190 Middle Road in Falmouth. Stop by to hear updates from the State House, ask questions about activities in Augusta and share any local concerns that you have noticed in our community. 


Route 88 Intersections

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 Maggie Fleming, mfleming@falmouthme.org, 699-5329.


grass

Healthy Lawn Care Made Simple Workshop, March 26

The Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District is offering a FREE workshop on Thursday, March 26 from 6-8pm at Cumberland Town Hall. Start the growing season off right! Learn ways to grow a beautiful lawn that’s safe for families, pets, and the environment while saving money, time, and effort. Topics include how to correctly fertilize, control weeds and thatch, renovate unhealthy lawns, transition to organic care, and more. Whether you maintain your lawn or contract with professionals, round up your neighbors and join us. Program teachings are compatible with the City of Portland’s and City of South Portland’s pesticide ordinances. Please register with Ali at 892-4700.


Pan Fried Steel

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 is family-friendly. All are welcome. Limited admission available at the door ($10 per person or $18 for a family of four). Pay prior to March 27 to guarantee entry 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. 


Fire-EMS Workshop

Falmouth Fire-EMS Workshop for Businesses RESCHEDULED to April 2

Due to a scheduling conflict the Falmouth Fire-EMS Workshop for Businesses has been rescheduled to April 2.  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 April 2 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 April workshop please contact Captain Colin Shea at cshea@falmouthme.org.

Take Note

Nomination Papers Now Available

Nomination papers are available from the Falmouth Town Clerk’s Office. 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 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 13. The Municipal election will be held on Tuesday, June 9, for the purpose of electing:
• Two (2) people to the Town Council for three (3) year terms, and
• Three (3) people to the School Board for three (3) year terms


public works logo

Job Opening

Are you looking for a challenging engineering position with a municipality? The Town of Falmouth seeks an Engineer Technician. Based in the Public Works Department and working closely with the Town Engineer, this position assists with capital improvement projects, review and inspection of site development, the town’s stormwater management program, departmental permits, and the collection of GIS data. Applicants must have engineering or construction experience with road and utility infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have an Associate’s degree in engineering technology, environmental science, construction, or a related field. Applicants must have a clean driving record and possess a valid driver’s license. Salary is negotiable based on relevant experience. Falmouth offers a comprehensive benefits package and a terrific work environment. EOE.  See Job Description 

Please submit cover letter and resume to: Human Resources, Town of Falmouth,
271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. Deadline is Monday, March 16, 2020.


Monthly Update from Falmouth Schools

Click here to see this month's update from School Board Chair Danielle Tracy and Superintendent Bruno


posted road sign

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.

Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals

The Planning Board acted on the following applications at its March 3, 2020 meeting (See agenda here):

  • 11 Foreside Road – Site Plan Review for a golf course maintenance facility, parking lot, and activity/wellness center. (Approved)
  • 17 Schuster Road – Site Plan Review for the construction of a 2,160 s.f. greenhouse. (Approved)
  • 100 & 102 Gray Road – Preliminary Subdivision Review for a 20 unit, two-family residential planned development. (Approved)
  • 4 Mountain Road – Final Subdivision Review for a 68-unit residential planned development. (Tabled)

For more information about the Planning Board, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/planning-board
 

The Board of Zoning Appeals acted on the following applications at its February 25, 2020 meeting (See agenda here):

  • 33 Old Mill Road - Conditional Use Review to renovate an existing structure. (Approved)
  • 11 Foreside Road – Conditional Use Review to construct a golf course maintenance facility, parking lot, and activity/wellness center. (Approved)
     
  • 6 Just-a-Mere Road – Conditional Use Review for a second-floor addition. (Approved)
  • 16 East Ramsdell Road – Conditional Use Review for a tear down of an existing structure and rebuild of new home. (Tabled)
  • 11 Hammond Road - Conditional Use Review for a tear down and rebuild of an existing garage and replacement of existing deck with a 2-story addition. (Approved)
  • 1 Hammond Road – Conditional Use Review under Section 19-77 to add a dormer and egress windows to an existing home. (Approved)
  • 51 Leighton Road - Conditional Use Review to construct an attached 2 car garage with living area above. (Approved)
  • 3 Earl Street – Request to appeal a decision of the Code Enforcement Officer. (Upheld decision of CEO)

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

Town Council

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

February 24--An agenda can be found here.

Pete McHugh, Finance Director, provided an update on FY21 Town and School Department budget processes and challenges. Additional budget information can be found here

There was a presentation and special public comment opportunity on the Falmouth Fire-EMS Department staffing study findings. The presentation included the impact on the FY21 budget based on the Town Managers recommended “phase 1” staffing increases.

A public hearing was held on the re-introduced Ordinance for Pesticide and Fertilizer Regulation

Nathan Poore, Town Manager, provided an update on the process of selecting a consultant to assist with the community vision and values project. In February, an ad hoc review team consisting of Mr. Poore, Councilor Amy Kuhn, Councilor Jay Trickett, and Theo Holtwijk, Director of Long Range Planning, reviewed all the request for qualification submissions and interviewed six consulting firms. The Team recommended Future iQ as the best qualified candidate. At the meeting the Council expressed support for staff to work with Future iQ to develop a draft scope of services and cost proposal. At the March 9 Council meeting, the Council will consider an order to approve a supplemental appropriation of $63,000 from unassigned fund balance for Future iQ to assist the Town with the community vision and values project.


Future Anticipated Agenda Items

March 9--An agenda can be found here.

Update on the Falmouth Memorial Library expansion project and proposed budget. A public comment period will not be included with this item. Council action is not anticipated.

Public Hearing on 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.

Council update on the possible acquisition of approximately 80 acres of undeveloped land on Falmouth Road. A public comment period will not be included with this item. Council action is not anticipated.

Presentation by the Falmouth Land Trust and special public comment opportunity regarding the conservation of 52 acres on Route 1 and Johnson Road. A public comment period will be included with this item. Council action is not anticipated.

Ordinance for Pesticide and Fertilizer Regulations. A public comment period will not be included with this item as public comment was taken at an earlier date. Council action is anticipated.

Resolution on the Town Council's commitment to monitor the use of fertilizers and pesticides from licensed applicators through ordinance and to delegate the Conservation Commission to lead an outreach campaign to educate Falmouth residents on the importance of proper, environmentally sound lawn care practices. A public comment period will be included with this item. Council action is anticipated.

Order to amend the Town's fee schedule for Land Use Permits. A public comment period will be included with the item. Council action is anticipated.

Order to schedule a public hearing on the FY21 Municipal and School Department Budget for April 1, 2020. A public comment period will be included. Council action to schedule hearing is anticipated.

Order to approve a supplemental appropriation of $63,000 from unassigned fund balance for Future iQ to assist the Town with the community vision and values project. A public comment period will be included with this item. Council action is anticipated.

Resolution for the Town of Falmouth to Support Recycling Reform in Maine. A public comment period will be included with this item. Council action is anticipated.


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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 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. 

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

207-781-5253
www.falmouthme.org

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