2021.10.08--Falmouth Focus, Volume 3, Issue 28
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.
General Information
- Town of Falmouth Hours of Operations and Status of Services
- Online and Remote Services
- A Guide to Participating in Virtual Town Council Meetings
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
- Events
- Take Note
- Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
- Stay Informed
News & Issues |
Vision & Values Think Tank, Saturday, November 6
Hybrid format will allow in-person or virtual attendance
The Falmouth Vision & Values Think Tank will take place on Saturday, November 6, from 8:30am – 12:30pm at the Falmouth High School Theater. A hybrid format will also allow participation virtually via Zoom.
The Think Tank is an exciting step in the Vision & Values project and will help to define a broad vision, values, goals and directions for Falmouth. It is conducted as a highly participatory 4-hour workshop that produces a preferred future scenario validated by its participants. The scenario-based Think Tank is a tool to gain better understanding of community priorities and goals that contribute to the creation of effective strategies and actions for program and resource allocation. A range of plausible future scenarios are developed that act as a testing ground to assess resilience and consequences.
For Falmouth, this process will try to answer important questions such as:
- What should Falmouth become?
- What makes Falmouth unique and special and how can the Town use these characteristics to prepare for the future?
- How will community preferences fit into this vision?
The Think Tank methodology will allow community members to tackle these questions in an engaging and thought-provoking manner. This will then lead to the clarification of the vision and values that will guide the Town’s decision-making into the future and as it prepares for the comprehensive planning process. This is a crucial part of the Vision & Values process and we highly encourage residents to attend.
To learn more about the Think Tank format and to register, visit the project portal at: https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/think-tank/overview/
Registration is necessary to plan break-out groups both in-person and virtually, provide preparatory materials to attendees, and ensure proper social distancing can be maintained on site. Note: In-person attendance may be limited to accommodate adequate social distancing during the event. COVID related policies in effect for the Town and school facilities at the time of the Think Tank will also be in effect for this meeting. Though not desirable, should pandemic-related circumstances closer to the event require it, we are prepared to shift to a fully virtual event.
Discussion Boards
If you missed a Focus Group but still want to give input, Falmouth’s Vision & Values Project Discussion boards are still open on the project portal and residents are weighing in with their thoughts for Falmouth's future. Discussion Boards can be found at: https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/focus-groups/focus-group-discussion-boards/overview/. Residents can read background information on the complexities of each Focus Group topic, provide their feedback on the subject, explore a variety of viewpoints, and engage with neighbors on these issues.
Veranda Bridge Project Closures Postponed
The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) announced this week that it will postpone the planned closure of I-295 over Veranda Street in Portland originally scheduled for October 22-25. Following extensive conversations with design consultants and construction contractors, MaineDOT engineers determined that the three-day closure of I-295 will need to be delayed. The planned week-long closure of Veranda Street/Route 1, originally scheduled for October 18-25, will also be delayed.
At this point no new date has been selected for these closures. MaineDOT expects to schedule and announce a new date soon. The project is still on track to be completed by the end of 2022. The closures are necessary in order to move the new bridge into place.
According to MaineDOT, challenges involving the lightweight geofoam fill being used on this project require more time to meet safety requirements. A national resin shortage has hindered the ability to obtain materials to adequately prepare the site for the accelerated bridge construction process.
Changing the closure weekend will not create additional traffic impacts. All lanes of both I-295 and Route 1/Veranda Street will remain open and passable.
Project information and updates are available by visiting www.verandaplan.org. Residents are also encouraged to subscribe to the Town of Falmouth News & Announcements E-Alerts and to monitor Town social media accounts and The Falmouth Focus for updates to the project.
November Election Update
Absentee ballots for the November 2 State Referendum Election are available. You may vote absentee in-person at the Clerk's Office at Town Hall or request an absentee ballot.
Request a Ballot
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.
- 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/pages/absenteeappnov2.2021.pdf and mail the form to Falmouth Town Hall, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, Maine 04105.
- In-Person: Request a ballot at Falmouth Town Hall during business hours, Monday 7:00am-4:30pm; Tuesday-Thursday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
Returning Your Ballot
Ballots may be returned as follows:
- Official Ballot Drop Box: You can deposit your ballot anytime prior to 8:00pm on November 2 in the secure official ballot drop box located at the front of Town Hall to the left of the front entrance.
- In Person: Stop by the Clerk's Department at Town Hall, 271 Falmouth Road, during business hours, Monday 7:00am-4:30pm, Tuesday-Thursday, 8:00am-4:30pm
- By Mail: Return your ballot in the mail. Please allow enough time for us to receive the ballot by 8:00pm on November 2. Please note that ballots are not accepted by postmark dates.
Any ballots received after 8:00pm on Election Day will be rejected.
Election Day Voting
Polls are open on Election Day, November 2, at the Falmouth High School Gym, 74 Woodville Road, at 7:00am and close at 8:00pm.
No voting will take place at Town Hall on Election Day. Voters are asked to follow all COVID-related health and safety procedures put into place at the polls as recommended by the CDC and Secretary of State at the time of the election.
Additional Resources
If you have questions about voting, please contact the Town Clerk's Office at 781-5253. Or contact the State of Maine Elections Division, phone: 624-7650, email: cec.elections@maine.gov.
November 2, 2021 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
Preview Referendum Questions at: https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/upcoming/index.html
Citizen's Guide to the 2021 Maine Referendum Election now available at: https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/upcoming/pdf/11-21citizensguide.pdf
Fire Prevention Week
Falmouth Fire-EMS is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years —to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.” The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. Falmouth Fire-EMS spent the week visiting students and organizations throughout Falmuoth to share information on fire safety and encourages all residents to embrace the 2021 Fire Prevention Week theme.
“It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. When an alarm makes noise—a beeping sound or a chirping sound—you must take action!” said Chief Rice. “Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond. To learn the sounds of your specific smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check the manufacturer’s instructions that came in the box, or search the brand and model online.”
Here are a few safety tips to help you "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety":
- A continuous set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
- A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
- All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
- Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
- Make sure your smoke and CO alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
Some excellent resources are available at the NFPA website and www.sparky.org. These websites are created by the NFPA to provide public education to children and adults. We recommend exploring the videos and information found at these sites. We also recommend the 2021 NFPA "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety" video!
Falmouth Food Pantry Update
Harvest Community Supper Cancelled for Second Year
The Falmouth Food Pantry is still hard at work serving the needs of qualifying individuals and families in Falmouth and neighboring communities. The Food Pantry is organized and run entirely by volunteers with the support of Town officials and the Town Council. It receives donations of food through government surpluses, "Food Rescue" from the Wayside Soup Kitchen, several area supermarkets, and the generosity of many organizations and individuals.
Because of continuing health concerns due to the pandemic, pantry facilities are closed to clients; however, over 45 pantry volunteers are filling boxes and bags of essential foods and delivering to the doors of over 300 families each month. Boxes are filled with traditional non-perishables and pantry shelves are stocked with uniform supplies to ensure each family is getting the items it most needs. For this reason, the pantry is currently discouraging most food drives.
Fundraising remains challenging at this time because safety concerns have resulted in the cancellation of fundraising events. For example, the annual Community Supper, usually held every October has once again been canceled. Since 2008, Falmouth’s religious community has hosted an annual town-wide Harvest Community Supper in the Falmouth Congregational Church Hall, providing good cheer and a free roast turkey dinner for Falmouth residents. The annual Supper grew in numbers every year. In 2019, over 600 Falmouth guests were served dinner by over 250 volunteers from the churches, the Falmouth Food Pantry, Boy Scouts, Brownies, High School, Town and legislative leaders, and Food Pantry clients. Guests’ free-will donations to the Falmouth Food Pantry were a huge help to the Pantry’s annual budgets, as were contributions from area businesses. In 2020, the Falmouth community did what it could to provide dinners to people in their homes. Boy Scouts delivered 200 roast turkey dinners made by Rivalries Falmouth (including 200 desserts) to home-bound residents. Community groups and churches worked together to create an online “show” of performances by Falmouth’s talented residents, for everyone to watch at home while eating their own dinners.
The Food Pantry could not continue its work without the incredible support that so many in the community are willing to give. Despite many challenges posed by the pandemic, there are still many ways to help the Food Pantry.
- If you would like to volunteer or help deliver food to families during this pandemic, please call Nancy Lightbody (207) 781-4670.
- If you would like to have a Food Drive, please contact the Pantry at 632-2687 for a list of most needed items.
- If you would like to support the mission of the Food Pantry with a tax-deductible monetary donation, please make checks payable to “Falmouth Food Pantry” and mail to: 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. Donations can also be made online via PayPal at: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1807575
As always, if you need food assistance, please call the Pantry Hot Line at 632-2687 and leave your name and phone number.
Ongoing Initiatives |
Senior Property Tax Assistance Program Deadline October 14
The Town of Falmouth’s Senior Property Tax Assistance Program is accepting applications from eligible residents for property tax assistance. The program, now in its fourth year, is open to current Falmouth residents age 62 or older with annual income under $50,000. 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 2022 is $60,000. Refunds for eligible applicants will be paid on or before November 18, 2021. Residents can mail in the application and backup documents to Town of Falmouth, Finance Department, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, Maine 04105. Or call Pete McHugh at 699-5311 to make an appointment to submit your application. Residents are encouraged to apply early. The deadline for applications is October 14, 2021.
Contact Pete McHugh, Finance Director, at pmchugh@falmouthme.org or 699-5311 for more information. Application materials, additional information, and an eligibility worksheet, can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/finance/pages/senior-property-tax-assistance.
Living Lawns Lawn Care Tips
Living Lawns offers lawn care tips that help make your lawn healthy and vibrant.
Tip #19: Adding grass seed to your lawn, known as “over-seeding,” is a more effective way to manage weeds than using herbicides. Seeding should be done primarily in late summer and early fall (following aeration when necessary) with a top dressing of ¼ inch of compost. If you have bare spots or areas where the grass is sparse, they should be reseeded or over-seeded with a mixture of grass cultivars. One of the best methods to ensure good germination is to aerate the lawn first before broadcasting seed across the area. Broadcasting seed across an established lawn will result in little to no germination. Finally, water is critical to the success of seeding at any time of the year. Once the seed germinates, the roots are tiny and have an immediate need for water. Depending on the variety of seed, you may need to keep the area moist for 4 to 6 weeks after seeding. Visit your local nursery for the best advice on the right variety of grass seed you should use.
Tip #20: Fall is the best time to dethatch. As a reminder, thatch is a layer of dead and living grass shoots, stems, and roots that shows up between the soil and the grass blades in your lawn. Thatch build-up starts when the turf produces organic debris faster than it can be broken down. A good thatch layer is a half-inch thick or less. Thatch builds up over time, so it’s not necessary to dethatch every year. Plan on doing it every five years or so if your lawn needs it. Unlike aerating, dethatching is performed only if needed and requires large equipment. This is a task best suited for a lawn-care professional who will be able to offer necessary guidance if your lawn, or parts of your lawn, should be dethatched.
For more information on healthy lawn care, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/environmental-initiatives/pages/living-lawns-your-healthy-lawn-care-resource
Events |
Table Talk--Facilitated Talk for Parents, October 14
As part of its ongoing effort to support the recovery community and to prevent substance misuse, The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary is again partnering with Casco Bay CAN to offer a "Table Talk" evening on October 14 at 6:00pm via Zoom, focusing on information for parents, grandparents and mentors of elementary school children. Table Talks are opportunities for parents and other adults to talk openly in a judgment-free environment about how to begin a dialogue with their children regarding underage drinking and substance misuse. The gathering will be facilitated by a trained Casco Bay CAN facilitator. FMI: Jennifer Gregg, 207-781-2665; jenniferanngregg@gmail.com, Zoom link: Casco Bay CAN Table Talk
WindowDressers Build Opportunity, Deadline October 15
The Towns of Falmouth and Cumberland are partnering again to offer residents WindowDressers’ insulating window inserts. These wood inserts fit inside existing windows to let all the sunshine and views in while keeping the cold out!
What is Window Dressers?
WindowDressers brings volunteers together to improve the warmth and comfort of homes, lower heating costs, and reduce CO2 emissions by producing low-cost insulating window inserts that function as interior-mounted storm windows.
How Does It Work:
- Participants place orders for custom window inserts.
- Trained volunteers make a house-call to measure windows.
- Everyone comes together at a Community Build to construct the window inserts. No experience is needed. Skills are taught on site.
- Participants take their window inserts home at the end of the Community Build.
- Because of the volunteer component, participants enjoy discounts on the price of the inserts and, in cases of need, can even receive free inserts.
- Everyone benefits from greater efficiency and comfort in heating their homes this winter and in knowing they helped their neighbors as well!
COMMUNITY BUILD: November 11-13, Cumberland Congregational Church
COST: $30-$60 per window depending on size. Free inserts available to qualifying households. Participants are also asked to volunteer at the Community Build.
ORDER: Community Builds have limited capacity. Orders are taken first come-first served. The deadline to order is October 15 or whenever full capacity is reached.
Learn more at: http://windowdressers.org/insulating-inserts/. Falmouth residents may call 699-5337 for more info.
Virtual Community Overdose Response Training, October 20
The Town of Falmouth, in partnership with Casco Bay CAN, The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary, and The Falmouth Rotary Club, will hold a Virtual Community Overdose Response Training on Wednesday, October 20 at 5:30pm via Zoom. The training, led by Zoe Brokos, will teach participants the signs of opioid overdose and how to respond with naxolone (Narcan). Free Narcan will be provided to participants following the training. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvcOispz8sGNIT1Ix9pVsc0MgWDHD9YnSF. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing instructions for joining the Zoom meeting. Please contact Maggie Fleming at mfleming@falmouthme.org or 207-699-5329 with questions or for more information.
Take Note |
Leaf Bags & Fall Leaf Curbside Collection Dates 2021
Leaf bags are available while supplies last to Falmouth residents for fall clean-ups. There is a limit of 12 bags per Falmouth address. Bags can be obtained at the Public Works Office, 101 Woods Road. Due to ongoing safety concerns with COVID-19, face masks are required in the Public Works office. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Leaf bag curbside collection dates are as follows:
- Friday, October 29
- Friday, November 5
- Friday, November 12
- Friday, November 19
Please make sure that you place your leaf bags curbside no later than 7:00am. Leaf bags are for leaves only. Please do not put trash or brush in the leaf bags. Brush is not collected curbside; however, brush is accepted at the Transfer Station.
Transfer Station hours are:
- Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
- Friday 7:00 am-5:00 pm
- Saturday 9:00 am-5:00
Please contact the Public Works office at 781-3919 with any questions.
Float Removal
Weather permitting, float removal will begin at Town Landing on October 19. Recreational floats will be removed October 19, 20 and 21. Commercial floats will be removed November 3, 4, and 5. The parking lot will be closed during removal.
Falmouth Boards and Committee Vacancies
A new Ad-Hoc Climate Action Planning Committee has been established to oversee and guide the development of the updated Falmouth Climate Action Plan. This planning process will review climate impacts, assess community vulnerabilities, calculate greenhouse gas emissions, and develop target climate mitigation and adaption goals and actions to achieve those goals. This process is being led by Town Staff in partnership with the Greater Portland Council of Governments, but resident engagement and expertise is key for its success. The Town is specifically looking for nine residents with expertise in the following industries/communities: Housing/Development/Architecture, Land Conservation, Climate/Environmental Science, Business Community, Transportation, and Agriculture/Aquaculture/Food Systems. But, if you have other experience or perspectives that you feel would be useful in this process, we encourage you to apply.
Several other Town of Falmouth boards and committees also have vacancies to be filled:
- Board of Sewer Appeals (2)
- Board of Zoning Appeals (1)
- Community Wellness Committee (2)
- Conservation Commission (2)
- Land Management and Acquisitions Committee (1)
- Shellfish Conservation Committee (1)
Follow the links above for more information on each committees' role and function. For a board and committee application, click here.
Hunting Season 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. It's always a good idea to wear bright clothes year round when walking in the woods and it is especially important to wear blaze orange during hunting season.
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Virtual Meeting, Wednesday, October 13
In observance of Indigenious Peoples' Day on Monday, October 11, the next Town Council meeting will be held instead on Wednesdy, October 13. The Falmouth Town Council will conduct a virtual meeting via Zoom as authorized by Section 28, Policy Eight of the Town Council Rules and 1 MRSA §403-B. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm. The agenda and zoom link can be found here. The Zoom application will allow attendees to connect and participate remotely via computer or phone. The public may also watch (no participation option) the meeting on Channel 2 or on the Town website streaming channel. 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 September 27. See agenda and video here.
- The Council approved the minutes of the August 9 and 23 Council Meetings.
- The Council approved the appointment of Robin Sawyer and Randy Harding (alternate) to the Board of Assessment Review, Sarah Verville to the Board of Zoning Appeal-Alternate Members, Stephen Merz to the Conservation Commission, Jason Denby to the Planning Board-Alternate Member and Wally Geyer, David Skillin, Frank Soule and Richie Garrett to the Shellfish Conservation Committee.
- There was an update on the Community Vision and Values Project.
- The Council approved an order to authorize staff to implement forest management strategies, as recommended by the Town’s consulting forester, for Pine Grove Preserve and to approve a supplemental appropriation of $50,000 from unassigned fund balance for associated expenditures.
- The Council approved an order to Approve a Supplemental Appropriation from the Town’s ARPA Grant Funds.
- The Council approved a resolution to establish an Ad Hoc Climate Action Planning Committee to oversee the development of the town-wide Climate Action Plan.
- The Council discussed an order to consider a request from the Ridgewood Condominium Association to accept private sewer collection within the neighborhood as a public collection system. The Council tabled the item for further consideration at a future meeting.
The Council entered Executive Session pursuant to the Laws of Maine to discuss real estate acquisition, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (C).
Planning Board
The Planning Board considered the following items at its October 5 meeting. An agenda can be found here.
- Rogers Trail – Brian Vallelunga – Request for Subdivision Amendment Approval for Stone Ridge Farm to modify the wetland area and building window on Lot 6. Map-lot R09-012-006. Approved w/conditions
- Rebecca Way – Donald Neuts (Joan N. Neuts Trust)– Request for Private Way Amendment Approval for one new lot and widening of private way. Map-lot R04-043-B & R04-049-001. Approved w/conditions
- 55 Blueberry Lane – Ocean View Retirement Community LLC – Request for Site Plan/Subdivision Amendment Approval for creation of a new cottage unit. Map-lot U27-013-E. Approved w/conditions
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 considered the following items at its September 28 meeting. An agenda can be found here.
- 9 Ayers Court – Scott Jacques & John Barragan - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for alterations to steps and front door. Approved
- 46 Lowell Farm Road – Custom Concepts Inc. – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for modifications to the previously approved roof design. Approved
- 65 Gray Road, Suite 3 – WYG, Inc d/b/a The Moose – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 for outdoor seating. Approved
- 7 Avon Road – Sarah A Verville – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to enlarge an existing deck. Approved
- 189 Foreside Road – Dan Ellingson/Harriman representing Craig Coffin – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-86 for the modification of a pool house. Approved
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 and 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
|
