2021.04.23--Falmouth Focus, Volume 3, Issue 10
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
Table of Contents |
Please note, currently the Table of Contents links feature is not supported by all email clients or browsers.
- News & Issues
- Ongoing Initiatives
- Committee News
- Events
- Take Note
- Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
- Stay Informed
News & Issues |
Special Public Comment Opportunity
At its regular meeting held virtually at 7:00pm on April 26, the Town Council will offer a special public comment opportunity regarding the Town's rate of growth ordinance. Agenda and zoom link
Falmouth has a rate of growth ordinance that limits the number of building permits that may be issued annually for certain types of new housing development. Rate of growth ordinances are adopted as a means to prevent surges in housing construction from occurring in the community in any given year. The Town issued its annual allocation of permits under the single-family/two-family dwelling category in calendar year 2020 and is poised to do the same for calendar year 2021 later this month. In light of the pace with which the Town has issued its annual allocation of permits, the Council would like to have a discussion and special public comment opportunity regarding the rate of growth ordinance.
Living Lawns
Earth Week is the perfect time to launch this year's Living Lawns Campaign. Living Lawns offers lawn care tips that help make your lawn healthy and vibrant. Over the spring, summer, and fall, we will be sharing tips in The Falmouth Focus and on social media. So let's get started....
Tip #1: Rake! It's best to give the lawn time to warm up, dry out, and start waking up from dormancy before raking it. So, wait until the ground has thawed, and your lawn begins to turn green before you start to rake grass in spring. Spring raking removes lingering fall leaves and grass blades that didn't survive winter. Left alone, these dead blades add to your lawn's thatch layer. Raking also loosens matted grass clumps caused by snow mold, which can smother new growth. Use a spring-tine rake with a strong upward pull to remove dead grass.
For more information on healthy lawn care, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/living-lawns-0
Ongoing Initiatives |
Vision & Values Project Update
On April 12, David Beurle from Future iQ gave an update to the Town Council with results from the two Future Summits held in March as well as next steps in the Visioning Process. You can watch David's presentation at: https://play.champds.com/falmouthme/event/1976
Next steps include discussion forums on the Vision & Values Portal and Focus Groups. Work is underway to determine broad topics for these forums and focus groups (see David's presentation above) and what forms the focus groups will take--virtual, in person, or a mixture of both (keeping all CDC guidance on COVID-related health and safety precautions in mind).
Get Involved--Watch this space, News & Announcements E-Alerts, and our social media pages for information on additional opportunities to get involved and share your Vision for Falmouth's future as we proceed with the Visioning process. Learn more about the project at https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/ or call 207-699-5346.
Call for Nominations for 2020 Citizen of the Year
Each year the Town of Falmouth honors an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the municipality through the Citizen of the Year Award. The award acknowledges exceptional contribution to the community and positive examples of citizenship.
The Town of Falmouth is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Citizen of the Year Award. Nominations may be submitted by any individual or group in writing and must be 500 words or less. Nominations will be judged by the Town Council on the following criteria:
- Contributions to community welfare
- Civic achievement
- Volunteerism
- Conscientious service to Falmouth Town government
The Award will be presented to the 2020 Citizen of the Year in June. Please send nominations to the Town Manager’s office, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105, Attn: Erin Cadigan, or you may e-mail them to ecadigan@falmouthme.org. The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 7. To find more information on past recipients, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-council-town-manager/pages/citizen-of-the-year
Committee News |
Falmouth Conservation Commission
At the April 12 Town Council meeting, Nancy Lightbody, Falmouth Conservation Commission (FCC) Chair, gave an update on the work of the Commission over the past year. The mission of the FCC is to strive to protect the natural resources of Falmouth and improve the Town’s ecological integrity and wildlife diversity. The Commission works to increase public awareness of the intrinsic value of the Town’s natural resources and to study and conserve them. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the Commission accomplished many goals, including:
- Pesticide and Fertilizer Ordinance passed March 9, 2020 which requires professional applicators to register with the Town and submit annual usage reports and prohibits the application of fertilizers from December 1 through March 31.
- Living Lawns Campaign including, surveying residents on lawn and garden care practices and what information they would find valuable, developing informational handout, and providing lawncare tips via The Falmouth Focus and Town social media channels. This work continues in 2021.
- Invasive Terrestrial Plant Management Outreach to educate residents on about invasive plants, ticks, pesticides, and fertilizers.
The FCC's goals for 2021 include:
- Manage Pesticide & Fertilizer Restriction Ordinance compliance and work with the Town Council on ordinance next steps
- Continue educational outreach through the Living Lawns Campaign
- Continue Invasive Terrestrial Plant Management through ongoing outreach and education, right-of-way roadside maintenance, and oversee the Invasive Management Plan
- Oversee implementation of the Watershed Protection Plan once approved by the Council.
- As a Tree City USA community, host Arbor Day event
- Participate in Earth Day by organizing community clean-ups in recognition of “Restore Our Earth” theme. See Community Clean-up Events scheduled for April 24 below.
To view the presentation given to the Town Council, visit: https://play.champds.com/ATT/falmouthme/2021-04/9b0b49d00ba439deeafc6ad9567d4e22715c91be.pdf
Events |
Earth Week 2021 Events
This week is Earth Week! Mark the occasion by joining us for a Clean-Up on Saturday, April 24!
Community Clean-Up #1, Saturday, April 24 (rescheduled from April 17)
Location: River Point Conservation Area, on Route 100, just east of the West Falmouth Crossing Shopping Center. Park at the head of the railroad bridge or in the rear of the shopping center lot. After crossing the bridge, look for an informational kiosk to the right. We will have bags and info at the kiosk.
Time: 9am-12pm
Details: Town to supply trash bags. Please bring your own reusable work gloves and masks. Each participant will receive a free movie pass courtesy of Flagship Premium Cinemas in Falmouth!
Community Clean-Up #2, Saturday, April 24
Location: Route 1 – Waldo’s General Store to Bucknam Road. Meet at Flagship Premium Cinemas, 206 US Route 1. Park in the lot at the side of the building.
Time: 9am-12pm
Details: Town to supply trash bags. Please bring your own reusable work gloves and masks. Each participant will receive a free movie pass courtesy of Flagship Premium Cinemas in Falmouth!
Neighborhood Clean-Ups
Organize your own neighborhood clean-up and the bags are on us! Email Ashley Krulik, akrulik@falmouthme.org if you’d like to organize a clean-up in your neighborhood and we’ll set aside some bags for you to pick up in April.
Drug Take Back, April 24, 2021
Falmouth Police will again be taking part in National Drug Take Back day on Saturday, April 24, 10am-2pm. Due to current restrictions, an officer will meet you at the entrance door of the police station on Marshall Drive (off Woods Road) where you can drop the items into a container. No one will be allowed into the facility. Please follow all Covid guidelines in any interaction with anyone who may also be present. A reminder as well that no needles, epipens or liquids will be accepted.
Urban Runoff 5K
The Urban Runoff 5K supports clean water education in the greater Portland and Saco areas. Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District made the difficult decision to host a virtual event in 2021. Runners will be able to participate anytime during the month of April. You choose the time and the course or you can use one of our suggested routes throughout the Casco Bay Watershed. Run individually or get your friends, family, or coworkers together and form a team. Push each other to be fit, and band together as heroes to protect our water! For more info and to register visit: https://www.cumberlandswcd.org/urban-runoff
Spring Lawn Care Virtual Workshops
Do you want a lush green lawn that is safe for kids, pets, and the environment while saving you time and money? Join Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District to learn how to create a more resilient, beautiful lawn, without relying on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Learn strategies for fertilizing correctly, controlling weeds and thatch, renovating poor lawns, transitioning to organic care, and more. Whether you maintain your lawn or hire a professional, round up your neighbors and join us! Program teachings are compatible with the City of Portland’s pesticide ordinance, the City of South Portland’s landcare management ordinance, and the Town of Falmouth’s Living Lawns program.
The final workshop will be held:
- Thursday, April 29, 6-8pm
Register at https://www.cumberlandswcd.org/conservation-shop/tickets to receive the webinar link. The cost to attend each workshop is $15. For more info, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif11826/f/uploads/spring_2021_lawncare_workshops.pdf
Take Note |
Spring Leaf Bag Collection Schedule
Spring curbside collection for leaf bags will take place on:
- Friday, April 30
- Friday, May 14
(Note, there will be no leaf collection on Friday, May 7!) All Leaf bags MUST be placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m. to ensure pick up.
REMINDER – Brush is NOT collected curbside but can be brought to the transfer station. Leaf bags are for leaves only. Do not put brush or trash in the leaf bags.
Transfers station hours are:
- Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:00pm – 4:00pm
- Fridays 7:00am – 5:00pm
- Saturdays 9:00am – 5:00pm
For more information, please contact the Public Works Office at 207-781-3919
Float Installation at Town Landing, April 26-27
Recreational and commercial float installations at the town landing are scheduled for April 26 and April 27, with a rain date of April 28. Residents can anticipate the closing of the parking lot and limited access to the pier and beach during this time frame.
Browntail Moth
If you struggle with browntail moth on your property, the time to treat it is now, before the leaves begin to fill in.
In the past few years, Falmouth has seen a reduction in nests and levels of infestation. However, it is likely that there will be nests in some trees and residents are advised to assess their own properties for nests. The best means of preventing a browntail moth infestation on your property is to clip and destroy overwintering webs between October and mid-April. It is also best practice to treat trees before leaves have filled in, generally by the end of May or the first week in June. Residents with trees on their property that they want treated will need to hire a qualified contractor to do so. Residents are also advised that the poisonous hairs responsible for the rash that accompanies exposure to browntail moth can remain in the environment and toxic for up to three years after an infestation. Therefore, there is still a possibility of exposure this year. The Town has created a fact sheet with additional information on browntail moth problems, precautions, and prevention. Find more information and resources at: https://www.falmouthme.org/home/pages/browntail-moth-2021
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Virtual Meeting, Monday, April 26, 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, April 26 beginning 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 April 12 at 5:30pm via Zoom. See agenda here.
- At 5:30pm, the Council met in Executive Session pursuant to the Laws of Maine regarding the following: discussion of real estate rights, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (C); negotiation parameters associated with the Teamsters Local 340 and Maine Association of Police contract renewal, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (D); and consultation with the Town Attorney regarding legal rights and responsibilities, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (E).
- The public portion of the meeting began at 7:00pm.
- The was an update on the Community Vision and Values project.
- There was a public hearing on amendments to Section 19-19 of the Code of Ordinances and to the West Falmouth Crossing Master Development Plan in order to allow private schools as a conditional use at one of the development sites in the West Falmouth Crossing Master Planned Development District. The order was scheduled for April 26.
- There was a public hearing on the proposed amendments to the Shellfish Management Ordinance. The order was scheduled for April 26.
- The was a discussion and special public comment opportunity on a proposed resolution on the commitment to racial equity and social justice.
- There was an update from the Conservation Commission.
- The Council approved a resolution regarding the development of an updated Falmouth Climate Action Plan.
- The Council approved an order to accept Seaside Way as a public street.
- The Council re-entered executive session to continue the 5:30pm discussion and did not return.
View past Town Council meetings here.
Planning Board
The Planning Board will consider the following items at its May 4 meeting. An agenda can be found here in advance of the meeting.
- 11 Foreside Road – Portland Country Club – Request for Site Plan Re-Approval for a Maintenance Facility and Wellness Center. Map/lot R02-004.
- 1 & 15 Baysite Lane – Baysite Condominium Association – Request for Subdivision Amendment for drainage improvements and to expand the driveways at 1 and 15 Baysite Lane. Map/lot U18-010, Zoned RA.
- 251 US Route One – Falmouth Shopping Center/20 Thames Street LLC – Request for Site Plan Amendment to re-locate a previously approved 5 story building referred to as “A” on this project site along with associated site improvements. Building “A” is on the northern end of the property near the intersection of Bucknam Road and Route One. Map-lot U12-002.
Site Walk
The Falmouth Planning Board will conduct a site walk for the proposed Hidden Hills Estates Subdivision (Map-lot R04-022) on Saturday, April 24, 2021. The Board will convene the site walk at 1:30pm at Falls Road near the intersection of Falmouth Road. The site walk is open to the public. Please follow COVID guidelines by wearing masks and social distancing.
Please note: Planning Board agendas for upcoming meetings may not always be complete at the time of this newsletter's publication. Within the agendas, when possible, links will be provided to direct users to any additional information available on projects at the time of publication, including building elevations and images when available. Information on planning board projects and activities, including agendas and minutes, can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/planning-board
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals will next meet on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 6:30pm via Zoom. An agenda can be found here.
- 22 Whitney Road – Daniel & Jennifer Vogt - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to add two dormers to the second floor of the home. (Tabled from previous meeting) The Falmouth Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a site visit for this property. The Board will convene the site walk at 5:00 pm (immediately before the BZA meeting) at the project site (map/lot U01-073). The site walk is open to the public. Please follow COVID guidelines by wearing a mask and social distancing.
- 1 Shoreline Drive – Burnham & Lobozzo Builders, LLC representing Usha Reddi – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for the tear down and rebuilding of a 2-car garage. (Tabled from previous meeting) The Falmouth Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a site visit for this property. The Board will convene the site walk following the site walk at 22 Whitney Road (immediately before the BZA meeting) at the project site (map/lot U01-082). The site walk is open to the public. Please follow COVID guidelines by wearing a mask and social distancing.
- 3 Tanya Lane – Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-66 for tower modifications.
- 2 Coles Village Road – Liv Chase & Brent Adler - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for the tear down and rebuilding of a single-family dwelling.
- 11 Foreside Road – Portland Country Club – Request for Conditional Use Re-Approval under Sections 19-119 & 19-123 to relocate the existing golf course maintenance facility, reconstruction of the site entrance, and construction of a new golf short game practice area, activities/wellness center, tennis pro shop, and 87-space parking lot.
- 31 Underwood Road – Chris Kelley (Apex Luxury Rentals LLC) - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 to tear down and rebuild of an existing single-family dwelling.
- 33 Andrews Avenue – Julie Kavaliauskas and Andrew Dixon- Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to increase width of front steps and construct roof over same.
- 279 Foreside Road – Robin and Cyrus Noble - Request for Mislocated Single Family Dwelling Appeal under Section 19-118.1.
The link to join the Zoom meeting via computer or phone will be provided the day of the meeting at https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals. Visit our information page on how to participate in virtual public meetings at https://www.falmouthme.org/town-council-town-manager/pages/how-to-participate-in-virtual-town-council-meetings.
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 an can be accessed from the home page. 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. 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
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