2020.08.21--Falmouth Focus, Volume 2, Issue 18

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. 

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. While events in recent weeks have not required regular updates regarding COVID-19, the situation remains fluid and direct communications from the Town via E-Alerts is the best way for residents to stay informed. Subscribe to Town News & Announcements and/or Emergency Management at www.falmouthme.org/subscribe. Alerts regarding COVID-19 will be sent to both lists.

Town Services, Offices, & Facilities

• Town of Falmouth Facility Closures, Cancellation, and Status of Services
• Online and Remote Services
• A Guide to Participating in Virtual Town Council Meetings
• Transfer Station and Waste Disposal
• Falmouth Parks, Playgrounds, Trails & Trailhead Parking
• Falmouth Schools Updates

November 3 Election Information

As the pandemic continues, many residents are requesting information about voting in the upcoming November election. Watch future editions of The Falmouth Focus for more information or check out our Election Factsheet.

How can I vote in the November 3, 2020 Election?

There are three ways to cast your ballot.

1. Vote at the polls on Election Day, November 3, 2020. Falmouth's polling location is the Falmouth High School Gym, 74 Woodville Road. The polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. The Town Clerk’s Office is working hard to ensure safe and efficient voting during the pandemic. We will include information on sanitization and social distancing efforts surrounding the elections and the polls in future issues of The Falmouth Focus.
2. Absentee voting allows you to cast a ballot without going to a voting place on Election Day. Maine law makes it easy to cast an absentee ballot. You don't have to be out-of-town or have any other reason to take advantage of this easy way to vote at a time that is most convenient for you. See below for more details on absentee voting
3. Vote at Town Hall beginning October 5. You can cast your ballot at Town Hall beginning in October by “voting absentee” in person. Voters can complete and submit a ballot on site through October 29. Due to the pandemic, this date may be subject to change. 

Absentee Voting

The Clerk’s Office is now accepting requests for absentee ballots for the November 3 General Election. NOTE: Absentee ballots will not be mailed out until they are received, which is 30 days prior to the election.

Who can vote absentee?

Any registered voter may cast an absentee ballot instead of voting in person at a voting place on Election Day.

How do I get an absentee ballot?

Absentee ballots are available 30 days prior to the election. There are four ways to request an absentee ballot:

• By Phone: Call and request your own ballot, which will be mailed to the address you provide. Call the Voter Registrar in Falmouth at: 699-5320 or 699-5308.
• Electronically: Request your own ballot electronically using the Secretary of State’s online absentee ballot request service at: http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/AbsenteeBallot/index.pl   
• By Mail: Print the Absentee Ballot Request Form at: https://www.falmouthme.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif11826/f/uploads/11.03.20_absentee_ballot_request_form.pdf.  Mail or drop off the form at Falmouth Town Hall.
• In Person: Request a ballot at Falmouth Town Hall.

When can I request a ballot?

Absentee ballots may be requested beginning 90 days before Election Day. The Town Clerk's Office is currently accepting requests for absentee ballots. Make your request early to allow enough time for the ballot to be mailed to you. NOTE: Absentee ballots will not be mailed out until 30 days prior to the election.

Is there a deadline to request a ballot?

The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the November 3 election is October 29. Due to the pandemic, this date may be subject to change. 

Can I request a ballot for someone else?

You can request a ballot for an immediate family member by filling out a request form at Town Hall.

How do I submit a completed absentee ballot?

Fill out and return the ballot to Town Hall by mail, in person, or via the drop box at Town Hall. The drop box is located outside the front door of Town Hall next to the stairs (see photo). To be counted, voted absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. On Election Day, ballots may be submitted at the polling place or via the drop box at Town Hall.

Can I vote by absentee ballot in person somewhere?

Yes. You may vote absentee at the Clerk's Office at Town Hall as soon as absentee ballots are available which is 30 days before the election.

Where can I find more information?

November 3 Election Fact Sheet 

Town of Falmouth Election Information--https://www.falmouthme.org/town-clerk/pages/election-information

State of Maine Upcoming Elections Page--https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/upcoming/index.html

Public Forum Opportunity 

During the September 14 Town Council meeting the public is invited to provide feedback and ask questions regarding the proposed Communications Strategic Plan presented to the Town Council at its February 10 meeting. Erin Cadigan will deliver a second presentation at this meeting. The Council designated the creation of a strategic communications plan a top priority and would like an opportunity to hear public comment on the proposed plan prior to taking any action. Click here to find the plan and Februray 10 presentation.  

Neighborhood Clean-Up Week, September 19-26

Join the Town of Falmouth September 19-26 for Neighborhood Clean-up Week! Residents are invited to volunteer to clean up litter in neighborhoods and public areas throughout town. Participants will be provided yellow trash bags, masks, and gloves. Participants will be entered to win one of several prizes donated by local restaurants. Coordination amongst neighbors is encouraged. To volunteer sign up here by September 11.

Public Forum – Route 88 and its intersections with Depot Road and Johnson/Town Landing Road

Mark your calendar! Forum 2 on the Route 88 intersections project (Johnson Road/Town Landing Road/Depot Road intersections) will be held on Wednesday, September 23, at 7:00pm via Zoom. This meeting has been rescheduled from last March. The evening will include a brief recap of the results from Forum 1 (held in December 2019) 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.

Senior Property Tax Assistance Program Now Open

The Town of Falmouth’s Senior Property Tax Relief Program is now accepting applications from qualified residents for property tax assistance. The program, now in its third year, is open to current Falmouth residents age 62 or older with annual income under $40,000. Both property owners and renters are eligible to apply. Refunds will be determined based on the number of valid applications received. Recipients will be refunded a proportional share of the available program funds based on income level. The total amount budgeted for this program in fiscal year 2021 is $50,000. Refunds for eligible applicants will be paid on or before November 17, 2020.

A complete list of application materials, as well as additional information and an eligibility worksheet, can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/finance/pages/senior-property-tax-assistance.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, residents can mail in the application and backup documents to Town of Falmouth, Finance Department, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, Maine 04105. You may also call Pete McHugh at (207) 699-5311 to make an appointment to submit your application. Appointments may be held by phone or via a socially distanced, in-person meeting at Town Hall. Residents are encouraged to apply early. In order to ensure social distancing, appointment times are limited, so call early to secure a meeting date. The deadline for applications is October 8, 2020.

Please contact Pete McHugh, Finance Director, at pmchugh@falmouthme.org or 699-5311 for more information.

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. 

• Tip #14: If you’re mowing at higher heights as we suggest, there are true benefits as we are now in the heat of summer! Lawns maintained at higher heights usually develop deeper roots and dry out more slowly than closely mowed turf. Lawn growth will slow as the weather gets drier and hotter. If your lawn looks as though it could use watering, water wisely! Water lawns deeply and infrequently, applying about 1 to 1-1/2 inches per application to encourage drought-tolerant roots. Water early in the day if possible, to reduce the chances of evaporation and fungal growth.

Learn more about living lawns at: https://www.falmouthme.org/environmental-initiatives/pages/living-lawns-education-campaign

Route 100/Gray Road Project Update

Shaw Brothers Construction will be surface paving locations on Gray, Falmouth, Leighton, and Mountain Roads beginning on Monday, August 31 as part of the Route 100 Project. Paving is expected to last approximately one week. Paving operations may carry into nighttime hours and may begin as early as Thursday, August 27, schedule and weather permitting. No detours or closures are anticipated at this time, however, significant traffic delays are anticipated. Travelers are advised to seek alternate routes during this time. Questions may be directed to the Public Works office at 207-781-3919.

Job Openings at Falmouth Community Programs

Falmouth Community Programs is hiring staff for their extended Before Care/After Care Program to work with students in grades K-5. Click here for an application and mail completed applications to Kate Harris at kharris@falmouthme.org

Town Council Virtual Meeting, August 24, 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, August 24 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 can be found here. Check out our Guide to Participating in Virtual Public Meetings. If you have questions, please call (207) 699-5329. 

At the Most Recent Town Council Meeting…

The Town Council held a meeting on August 10 at 7:00 pm via zoom.

• The Council approved food service license renewals for European Bakery, Hannaford, Shaw's, and Walgreens. 
• The Council approved a new liquor license for The Moose. 
• The Council approved an order to vote for April Humphrey, Yarmouth Town Councilor and Councilor Amy Kuhn (write-in) for the Maine Municipal Association Legislative Policy Committee. 
• The Council approved an order to vote for the Maine Municipal Association Vice President and three Executive Committee members. 

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals is expected to hear the following applications at its August 25, 2020 meeting:

• 20 Just A Mere Road – Design Concepts – Request for Conditional Use Approval to construct a dormer.
• 14 Hammond Road – Laurie B Winslow - Request for Conditional Use Approval to construct a garage addition.
• 97 Foreside Road – Sarah C. Young - Request for Conditional Use Approval to construct a garage addition.
• 331 Foreside Road – Brian Corcoran & Melissa Smith - Request for Conditional Use Approval for first and second floor expansions.

For more information, please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals. View past meetings online here.

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.