2020.11.13--Falmouth Focus, Volume 2, Issue 25

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. 

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

Take the Vision & Values Project Survey!

What is your vision for Falmouth's future? The Town of Falmouth is embarking on a Vision & Values Project to answer that question! The Vision & Values Project is a months-long public process to identify Falmouth residents’ shared “vision and values” and to formulate a Town Vision Statement. This initial survey is an important opportunity to engage in this process and is the first concrete effort to solicit residents’ hopes and concerns for the future of the community. According to the 2003 Community Visioning Handbook by the former Maine State Planning Office, a community vision is a “mental picture of what residents want their community to look and feel like in 20 years.”  A Vision Statement reflects the broadly shared aspirations of residents for their community. It describes the desired future community character. The purpose of a vision statement is “to capture a picture of the community’s future that any resident quickly can grasp and appreciate.” The responses to this first survey will be used to help frame future community engagement around the Vision & Values process. Additional phases of the project include public forums (either virtual or in person, if possible), think tanks, discussion boards, focus groups, surveys, and questionnaires.

Take the survey at: https://www.research.net/r/FalmouthVisionValuesSurveyNo1

The survey will remain open until December 31, 2020.

To learn more about the project visit the project portal at: https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/

Stay informed about this project

The best way to stay informed about the project is to subscribe to the News & Announcements E-Alerts. You can also follow us on social media and visit the Vision & Values portal regularly. At important points in the process we will alert residents by mail. We also have a weekly ad in The Northern Forecaster where we will include important updates. The Falmouth Focus newsletter is another source for information. You can find hard copies at Falmouth Town Hall or the Mason-Motz Activity Center or subscribe to it online and have it come straight to your inbox. Finally, watch Town Council meetings on Channel 2. The Town Council will provide regular updates on the project at each meeting. And you can always call us at 207-781-5253.

Town of Falmouth Receives FEMA Funding

The Town of Falmouth has received $30,253.19 in reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for COVID-19 expenses. These expenses were incurred between the start of the pandemic and October 1, 2020. The funds covered a variety of expenses including:

• Fire-EMS Staffing—During the initial stages of the pandemic, Falmouth was one of the first places in Maine to have known positive COVID-19 patients. As a result, Falmouth Fire-EMS increased per diem Firefighter/Paramedic and EMT staffing to assist with the initial surge in call volume of COVID-19 related illnesses. Additional crew provided coverage for quarantined staff and assisted with the daily decontamination of ambulances, station, and apparatus after responding to COVID-related calls. The cost of the additional crews was $13,744.73.
• Fire-EMS Supplies – FEMA funding also covered the cost of supplies used for cleaning and decontaminating the station, apparatus, and crew. Funding also went toward the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment including surgical masks, N95 masks, gloves, gowns, and safety glasses. The total spent on supplies was $7,7677.13.
• External Communications – During the spring, the Town produced multiple mailings to alert residents of the dangers of COVID-19 and to provide information on safe town operations and other resources available including food and general assistance and federal support for businesses. Many residents do not rely upon or have access to digital communications and were no longer picking up weekly newspapers. Mailing important information directly to residents was critical during the early stages of the pandemic. The cost of the external communications was $8,831.33.

In most cases, FEMA disaster reimbursements only cover 75% of the total approved expenses. This reimbursement was 100% of the total cost, 75% paid by FEMA and an additional 25% from the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund. There was no local or state share required for these projects. 

“It’s a lot of work for staff to document these expenses,” noted Falmouth Emergency Management Director and Fire-EMS Chief, Howard Rice. “There is a lot of extra paperwork required by the federal government which can be difficult to keep up with during a crisis. Fortunately, we have systems in place that allow staff across multiple departments to track and submit these expenses. It was a team effort and worth it in the end.”

The FEMA reimbursement is in addition to approximately $150,000 the Town of Falmouth received as part of the Keeping Maine Healthy Grant, a state grant funded by CARES Act to cover additional COVID-related expenses. As the pandemic continues, the Town will continue to document all COVID-related spending and submit applications for additional reimbursement as funding is made available.

Say Cheers to a More Sustainable Thanksgiving

by Ashley Krulik, Sustainability Coordinator

The holiday season is a time for gathering with friends and family, giving thanks, and sharing in traditions. While things may look a bit different this year, your shopping list is probably still growing in size. As you plan and prep for Thanksgiving this year, please keep in mind a few simple sustainability tips to reduce your waste during this holiday season:

• Bring reusable shopping bags. Many grocery stores are now allowing reusable bags again so don’t forget to throw them in your cart!
• Recycle plastic bags. If you do use plastic bags, they can’t be recycled in your curbside bin, but they CAN be recycled at the grocery store. Bring them back the next time you shop.
• Know before you throw. Reduce contamination in your curbside recycling bin and check ecomaine’s Recyclopedia before throwing unknown items into your bin.
• Bonus points! Falmouth offers free compost drop off to residents. Compost bins are located at Community Park and the Transfer Station. Separate your food scraps from your trash as you prep and clean-up after the big meal, then get some fresh air by dropping them off in one of our designated compost bins.

Thank YOU for taking an extra step this Thanksgiving to make it more sustainable. Cheers!

Elections

Unofficial Election results for the November 3 election can be found here. 

Casco Bay CAN Earns Nationwide Recognition

Casco Bay Create Awareness Now (CAN) has earned national recognition by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) as one of the top ten case studies nationwide for successful strategies to reduce substance use in young people.

“Falmouth has been a proud partner in this program,” said Falmouth Police Chief John Kilbride. “It’s nice to hear that this successful formula will be shared across the country.”

Casco Bay CAN is a Coalition of members serving Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Gray, New Gloucester, North Yarmouth, Yarmouth, and Pownal. The program engages parents, faith leaders, school staff, and law enforcement, including Falmouth Police Department, to conduct programs ranging from education about the dangers of underage drinking and substance use, to peer-to-peer prevention messaging.

Casco Bay CAN also worked with local law enforcement to implement “Project Sticker Shock,” a point-of-sale campaign to bring awareness to state laws and penalties for providing alcohol to minors. In May and December each year, approximately 100 youth volunteers work in collaboration with all five local law enforcement agencies and nearly 20 local retailers to place bright orange awareness stickers on alcohol packs. The project is supported with ad campaigns and social media posts. Local restaurants participate by placing pizza box top stickers with the headline, “Because You Care About Teens, Don’t Provide the Means.” Youth volunteers wear “Project Sticker Shock” t-shirts and receive recognition for their efforts.

Casco Bay’s outcome data will be shared with members of Congress, both in Maine and in other states.  The case study can be found at: https://www.cascobaycan.org/cbcwp/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/CAN-case-study-2020-digital-with-links.pdf

Veterans Day

Veterans from American Legion Post #164 held a very small ceremony on Wednesday, November 11 to honor those who serve and have served in our military. Due to current restrictions, this event was shorter than usual and could not include public access. Falmouth Police Chief John Kilbride and Lt. Frank Soule were in attendance to document the event in order to share it with residents. The video can be viewed on the Falmouth Police Department Facebook Page. The Town of Falmouth extends a sincere thank you to all our veterans for their service.

Very Merry Giving, November 18-December 31, 2020

Due to the pandemic, this year's holiday celebrations will look very different. While we can't join together under the big tent on Route 1, the Town of Falmouth encourages all residents to take part in Very Merry Giving this holiday season. Falmouth is full of great businesses, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues who need our support now more than ever. Very Merry Giving encourages you to give back to your community while giving gifts to your loved ones.

The businesses below have joined us by offering special incentives, deals, events, and offers to make your holiday shopping easier and more merry. Offers good November 18-December 31 unless otherwise noted. Shop local, eat local, enjoy local. Learn more at www.verymerryfalmouth.com. 

SHOP

• Ace Hardware Falmouth--20% off all regularly priced Celebrations LED holiday light sets, Dec. 1-24, Free assembly and delivery on all grills $399 & up, Dec. 1-24
• Book Review*--Virtual shopping, free local delivery, and curbside pick up
• Centerpoint Martial Arts*--Three Month On-Line or In Person Karate Classes, $10 donated to the Falmouth Food Pantry for every membership sold
• Lamey Wellehan Shoes--Safe shopping for the warmest and coziest winter boots or slippers for your entire family
• Mint Salon Block--Free Hair Perfume with any purchase over $75, Kerasilk Gift Box for $59 (Value $77), Kerasilk Luxury Soap $15 or free with purchase of $60. Curbside pick up available. Call first and pay with credit card by phone.
• Moss Galleries*--10% off Custom Picture Framing, 5% of art sales will be donated to the Falmouth Food Pantry 
• Pet Quarters--$10 off all extra large bags of dog and cat food November 19-22
• Pine Tree Dental Care--Full set of diagnostic X-rays at no charge when you schedule a comprehensive new patient appointment
• Primp Salon--15% off all retail products from November 18-December 31
• Rainbow Toys--Phone orders, curbside pickup, and personal shopping appointments (call ahead to schedule one)
• Red Barn Wellness--Complimentary oxygen hydration therapy ($40 value) with a purchase of a micropeel or microderm treatment for the month of December; Gift cards available; Curbside pick- up available for products
• Scan to Health--Free bio-energetic assessment
• Simply Home--25% off Gifts & Accessories
• South Paw Signs--$100 off all services
• St. Mary Sparkles*--10% off to the first 10 customers each week, open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9-12

EAT

• Bueno Loco Restaurante--10% of proceeds on all dessert purchases during December will go to the Falmouth Food Pantry
• Foreside Tavern--Try Table30 our new meal subscription/delivery service to Falmouth—Two meals once a week for you to cook or warm up yourselves. For every party that braves the cold (enjoying the heaters) on the patio throughout the winter, $1 will be donated to the Falmouth Food Pantry.
• Ricetta's*--Buy $40 in Gift Cards get $10 FREE
• Rivalries*--Enjoy a Very Merry cocktail and we’ll give $1 for every one sold to the Falmouth Food Pantry
• Rosemont Market & Bakery--Curbside pickup, home delivery, pre-order meal items for your holiday feast, wine specials, fresh baked goods
• Town Landing Market--Holiday meal pre-order sides & desserts, award winning clam chowder, holiday gift basket assembly, 15% off any gift basket over $100, complimentary gift wrapping, 15% off cases of wine, curbside pick-up, complimentary delivery within 2 mile radius (24 hour notice required), $1 of every transaction in December will go to the Falmouth Food Pantry

ENJOY

• Footlights Theater*--Michael J. Tobin brings his award-winning Ebenezer Scrooge to life in the holiday classic "A Christmas Carol", live on stage, December 1-23
• Maine State Ballet--Complimentary video performance of The Nutcracker: Behind the Mask, on demand November 27-December 12

GIVE

• Re/Max Shoreline*--Collecting monetary and grocery store gift card donations to benefit the Falmouth Food Pantry
• Join OceanView at Falmouth, Rivalries, Scan to Health, and Book Review in support of the Falmouth Food Pantry. Mail donations to Falmouth Food Pantry, 279 Middle Road, Falmouth, ME 04105 or donate online via PayPal.

The above locations marked with an asterisk (*) are also drop off places for monetary donations & grocery store gift cards to benefit the Falmouth Food Pantry. No donations of food accepted at this time.

Are you a Falmouth business owner who would like to take part in our Very Merry Giving promotional campaign?  Learn more here about this FREE marketing opportunity.

34th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

Falmouth Community Programs is planning its 34th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. This year it will be a virtual event but no less cheerful and fun. Stay tuned for details!

Falmouth Food Pantry

For the past several months, the Falmouth Food Pantry has distributed food to 80-95 families twice monthly through a drive through pick-up service at the Food Pantry on Falmouth Road. Food Pantry volunteers also deliver boxed food to dozens of families. With cold weather and winter storms approaching, the Food Pantry will move to an entirely door-step delivery distribution system beginning in December. Boxes will be packed at the Pantry and delivered by volunteers. While the Pantry will continue to provide food to all area families who are already served by the Pantry, the only new families accepted during the pandemic will be Falmouth families. “During this pandemic we have had a significant increase in the number of Falmouth families needing help,” says Dorothy Blanchette. “We appreciate the support of the community in allowing us to continue meeting their needs.”

At this time for the safety of our volunteers all food donations have been discontinued. If you would like to help out and still make a donation, cash or checks are welcome. Please make checks out to Falmouth Food Pantry and mail to 279 Middle Road, Falmouth Maine 04105 attention Dorothy Blanchette.  You may drop off cash (in sealed envelope marked Food Pantry) to the Clerk’s Office at Falmouth Town Hall.  Donations can also be made via PayPal at: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1807575

Leaf Bag Curbside Collection Dates

The final leaf bag collection date will be Friday, November 20. Please make sure your bags are placed curbside no later than 7am. Leaf bags are for leaves only. Do not put trash or brush in leaf bags. Brush is not collected curbside; however, brush is accepted at the Transfer Station. Transfer Station hours are: Tuesday and Thursday, 12pm-4pm; Friday, 7am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm.

Leave the Leaves!

If you hate the thought of raking and bagging leaves this fall, there is another alternative. Falmouth's Sustainability Coordinator, Ashley Krulik, reminds us that it is okay to leave leaves where they fall and rake in the spring. "Leaves act as a natural mulch to sustain birds, protect overwintering pollinators, insulate plant roots, and build living soil," notes Ashley. 

Open Space Reminder

Hunting for game with seasonal restrictions is underway. Please take note of the orange signs at trail heads noting that a property is open to hunting. Follow the links below to the Open Space website page with property information, the Town's hunting regulations, and the state's season dates.

Parks & Public Lands Map

Hunting Guidelines and Map

Season Dates

Town Council Virtual Meeting, Monday, November 23, 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, November 23 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. 

At the Most Recent Town Council Meeting…

The Town Council held a meeting on November 9 at 7:00pm via zoom.

The Council approved a renewed food service license for Subway.

There was a public hearing on an ordinance to amend the maximum levels of income and expenses for the General Assistance program, Chapter 6, Article 6, Section 6.68, Appendices A-H of the Falmouth Town Ordinance. The order was scheduled for November 23. 

There was a public hearing on an amendment to establish a new Chapter II-22 of the Code of Ordinances relative to creating a procedure for considering requests for ordinance amendments. The order was scheduled for November 23.

The Falmouth Memorial Library provided an update.

There was an update on the Community Vision and Values Project (see above article). 

The Council re-enacted Ordinance 128-2020, 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. 

There was a discussion about an application to accept Seaside Way as a public street.

There was a presentation and discussion about the Greater Portland Transit District (Metro Bus) preliminary FY2021 budget. 

There was a presentation of the results of the Communications Method Survey. 

View past Town Council meetings here. 

Planning Board

The Planning Board acted upon the following applications at its November 3, 2020 meeting:

• Ralph Sama – Alpine Drive & Sylvan Drive – Request for Subdivision Amendment for easement amendments. (WITHDRAWN BY APPLICANT)
• Jeffrey Graffam – 601 Blackstrap Road – Request for Private Way Approval for one new lot.  (APPROVED W/CONDITIONS)
• Falmouth Shopping Center - 251 US Route 1 – Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan Review for a 24,870 sf Bank/Office Building. (DISCUSSED)
• Laura Putnam – 20 Craddock Way – Request for Fill Permit for stream restoration.  (APPROVED W/CONDITIONS)
• Andrew Berube - 27 Arborside Drive – Request for Subdivision Amendment reduce the existing 30ft building setback on Lot 5A. (APPROVED W/CONDITIONS)
• MGL Properties LLC (Anthony Hayes, property owner) – 117 Gray Road – Request for Private Way Approval to serve one mixed use lot. (APPROVED W/CONDITIONS)
• MGL Properties LLC – Gray Road – Request for Site Plan Approval for a mixed use building. (APPROVED W/CONDITIONS)

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

Board of Zoning Appeals 

The Board of Zoning Appeals is expected to consider the following applications at its November 24, 2020 meeting.

• 9 Blackstrap Road – William J. Condon - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-85 to replace two accessory buildings with a single accessory building. Previously tabled.
• 5 Raymond Road – Donald & Mary McCrann – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77/19-84 for removal and reconstruction of a garage/family room addition.
• Carmichael Avenue – Paul Crowley – Request for Variance under Section 19-120 to reduce setbacks on 3 lots.
• 323 Pride Farm Road – Daniel Doody & Kevin Browne representing Tim Landry – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to create a small overhang.

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

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.