2021.12.23-Falmouth Focus, Volume 3, Issue 37

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

Please note, currently the Table of Contents links feature is not supported by all email clients or browsers. 

• News & Issues​​​​​​  
  • Holiday Hours & Services
  • Vaccination Sites
  • Mental Health Resources
• Ongoing Initiatives
  • Vision & Values Community Survey #2 
  • 3rd Annual Giving Tree
  • Veranda Street Bridge Project Update
• Events
  • Falmouth Night at the Mariners
• Take Note
  • Board & Committee Vacancies: Board of Sewer Appeals 
  • Holiday Recycling Tips
  • Dog Licenses
• Falmouth Public Schools
  • Highlight: Vaccine Clinic  
  • Focus: Student Research 
  • In Case You Missed It: Winter Concerts 
  • Upcoming: Meetings & Athletics
• Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
  • Town Council
  • Planning Board
  • Board of Zoning Appeals
• Stay Informed

Holiday Closures, Transfer Station, Trash & Recycling Collection

With the exception of the Transfer Station, Town facilities will be closed on Friday and Saturday, December 24-25 and Friday and Saturday, December 31 & January 1.

The Transfer Station will be open with reduced hours on Friday, December 24 and Friday, December 31, from 7:00am-1:00pm. The Transfer Station will be closed on Saturday, December 25 and Saturday, January 1. 

The upcoming holidays will not impact curbside trash and recycling collections. Trash and recycling will be collected as usual the weeks of December 20 & 27, including Friday, December 24 & Friday, December 31. Place bins curbside by 7:00am to ensure pickup.    

COVID Vaccination Information

The Maine CDC’s Immunization Program has teamed up with health care systems, emergency medical services clinicians, school systems, businesses, federal agencies, and other partners to make vaccination as easy and accessible as possible for all Maine people. COVID-19 vaccines are available at no charge at sites across the state. For information on getting a vaccine, please visit Maine.gov/covid19/vaccines or call the Community Vaccination Line at 1-888-445-4111.

Mental Health Resources

Many people struggle with depression during the holidays and winter months. The ongoing pandemic has added to these stressors. Several organizations offer online and in-person support for individuals and their family members who struggle with stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges. Below are some resources that could be useful to you and your family during this busy season. You can also find more information and assistance at the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Behavioral Health at: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/obh

• If you have a medical emergency, dial 9-1-1
• Statewide Crisis Line: 888-568-1112
• Intentional Peer Support Warmline:Speak with staff who have experience with mental health conditions: 866-771-9276
• Teen Text Line: 207-515-8398
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)
• The FrontLine WarmLine: Support for clinicians and first responders from 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week by calling (207) 221-8196 or 866-367-4440
• StrengthenME Helpline: Free stress management and resiliency resources to anyone in Maine experiencing stress reactions to the COVID-19 Pandemic from 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week by calling 207-221-8198
• 211 and 211maine.org: Provides general COVID-19 information, including how to access behavioral health and social service resources

Vision & Values Community Survey #2

Final opportunity to weigh in and share your views about Falmouth's future

What to Expect: This survey has 19 questions broken into 4 sections and will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.

• PROFILE QUESTIONS: This section asks 8 profile questions to verify your residency and to allow us to sort respondents according to various cohort groups (age, neighborhood, etc.).
• KEY THEMES: This section asks 7 questions related to key themes that have emerged from the visioning process and are important to the future of the town. These questions ask you to rank your response on a 1 to 10 continuum explained in the question.
• SCENARIO MATRIX: This section asks 3 optional questions related to the scenario matrix framework developed at the Think-Tank. The future scenarios framework brings together the key themes explored in the previous section and looks at how they may combine to shape the future of Falmouth. Please note it is highly recommended that you watch the instructional video and review the Think-Tank report if you choose to complete this section.
• COMMENTS: This section provides one final opportunity for you to provide any additional comments you may have.

How to Prepare: We encourage you to do the following prior to taking the survey to ensure you get the most value from it:

• View a short video from Future iQ CEO David Beurle providing an overview and instructions on how to take the survey. Watch the video here.
• Review the Think Tank report posted to the portal to understand more detail about the possible scenarios presented on the matrix. Find the Think Tank report here.

Take the Survey: The survey and accompanying back ground information can be found on the Vision & Values portal at: https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/community-surveys/community-survey-2/. You may also request a hard copy survey by calling 207-699-5335 or by picking up a copy at Town Hall or the Mason-Motz Activity Center. The survey will remain open through January.

Falmouth Police Department's Giving Tree 

Veranda Street Bridge Project 

All on-site construction at the Veranda Street Bridge project site has concluded for the winter. The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) postponed the planned closure of I-295 over Veranda Street in Portland, originally scheduled for October 22-25, and the week-long closure of Veranda Street/Route 1, originally scheduled for October 18-25, until Spring 2022. Project information and updates are available by visiting www.verandaplan.org. We will continue to keep residents updated on new closure dates via News & Announcement E-Alerts, social media pages, this newsletter, and the Town website. 

Falmouth Night at the Mariners, March 19

Are you ready for some hockey? Join Falmouth Parks & Community Programs and your neighbors for Falmouth Night at the Mariners on March 19. Yes, it's a long way off, but the first 30 people to purchase tickets will be eligible to sit on the Mariners bench while the players warm up! That's something to look forward to all winter! For tickets visit: https://www.fevo.com/edp/Maine-Mariners-vs-South-Carolina-Stingrays--Falmouth-Rec-Department-SozkFJxU

Board of Sewer Appeals Seeks Board Members

In this issue of The Falmouth Focus, we are highlighting two vacancies on the Board of Sewer Appeals. The Board of Sewer Appeals is responsible for determining whether the decision of the Town Wastewater Superintendent or Engineer is in conformity with the provisions of the Ordinance and to determine the meaning of the Sewer Ordinance in cases of uncertainty. The Board also grants variances from the terms of the Ordinance where there is no substantial departure from its intent and/or where it would be necessary to avoid undue hardship. For an application, click here.

Additional Town board and committee vacancies are listed below. If you are interested in getting involved, please consider the following openings:

• Community Wellness Committee (3)
• Conservation Commission (1)
• Climate Action Planning Committee (4)
• Falmouth Memorial Library Board of Trustees (1)
• Recycling & Energy Advisory Committee (2)

Follow the links above for more information on each committees' role and function. For a board and committee application, click here.

Holiday Recycling Tips from ecomaine

Dog Licenses Now Available

Dog licenses are now available for 2022. All current dog licenses expire December 31, 2021. According to Maine State Law, any dog over age 6 months must be licensed by January 1.

Cost: Neutered/Spayed Dog - $6.00; Unaltered Male or Female - $11.00 (note: an additional fee of $1.00 is charged for online registrations)

Two Ways To Register!

In person: Registration is available at the Clerk’s Office at Falmouth Town Hall. You must present the following at the time of registration: a current Maine rabies certificate and a neutering certificate if the dog has been altered

Online: Register online here. On-line registrations require a credit card, a rabies certificate, your veterinarian’s information, a license/tag number (if a renewal), and a spay or neuter certificate (if your dog has been altered).

Highlight: COVID Vaccine Clinic

The Falmouth Schools Health Services Team in collaboration with MaineHealth have completed a very successful vaccination clinic for our K-6 students with their second shot being administered earlier this week. Additionally, staff were also able to obtain their booster shots. 

Focus: Student Research

High School student Audrey Farnham is conducting research for a science fair project related to Climate Change. She is looking to gain insights from Falmouth residents about their willingness to alter lifestyle choices to benefit climate. If you would like to share your thoughts, please click here to access the survey.

In Case You Missed It: Winter Concerts

The Middle School and the High School Winter Concerts were a success and recordings are available for those who were unable to attend in person.

Upcoming: Meetings & Athletics

School Board Meeting

School Board Workshop and Business Meeting - Monday, January 10 at 7:00pm in the Falmouth Elementary School cafeteria. The agenda is posted 5 days prior to the meeting on the falmouthschools.org website.

Winter Athletic Season

The winter athletic season is well underway.  Please visit our website for the full schedule of events.

For more information on Falmouth Public Schools, visit: www.falmouthschools.org

Town Council Virtual Meeting, Monday, January 10, 7:00pm

The Town Council will meet on Monday, January 10 at 7:00pm. 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 agenda and zoom link can be found here in advance of the meeting. 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 December 13. The agenda and a video of the meeting can be found here. 

• The Council approved the November 8 and 22 Council Meetings.
• The Council approved the following appointments:
  • Katherine Klibansky to the Ad-Hoc Climate Action Committee
  • Ryan Shadrin to the Land Management and Acquisitions Committee
  • David Irish to the Shellfish Conservation Commission
• The Council also approved and the following re-appointments:
  • Robin Sawyer to the Board of Assessment Review
  • Nick Guerrette to the Board of Zoning Appeals
  • Julie Butler, Nancy Lightbody, Doug Michaud and Doug Zlatin to the Community Wellness Committee
  • Richard Bicknell and Nancy Lightbody to the Conservation Commission
  • Chris Wasileski and Dave Gagnon to the Land Management and Acquisitions Committee
  • Doug Zlatin to the Parks and Community Programs Advisory Committee
  • Peter Kenlan to the Planning Board
• There was an update on the Community Vision and Values Project. Residents were encouraged to participate in the Final Community Survey. which will remain open through January
• The Council approved a Special Amusement Permit for The Moose-A Maine Sports Pub to allow acoustic live music.
• There was a public hearing on ordinance amendments to Article II-19 of the Code of Ordinances related to permitting processes for the establishment of outdoor eating areas. The ordinance was scheduled for January 10.
• The Council approved a resolution in Support of Metro Bus’s Efforts to Secure Federal Funding for a Pilot Project to increase frequency in service.
• The Council approved an order to accept a corrective deed related to the acceptance of Slocum Drive as a public street, approved by the Town on September 28, 1998.
• There was an introduction of an ordinance to amend the Code of Ordinances Art. II-14-4, Sec. 14-121 to Remove Public Access Restrictions at Woods Road Community Forest and to Require that Pets be on leash December 1 to March 30 each year. The public hearing was scheduled for January 10.
• The Council approved an order to approve a revised budget for the OceanView-Natural Gas Tax Increment Financing District funding short term improvements to the Johnson Road and Depot Road Intersections with Route 88 in FY 2022.
• There was an introduction of proposed amendments to the Route 1 North Tax Increment Financing District. The public hearing was scheduled for January 10.
• The Council held an executive session pursuant to the Laws of Maine to discuss real estate rights pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A § 405(6)(C).

Planning Board

The following items will be considered at the Planning Board meeting on January 4. An agenda and link to the meeting can be found here. 

• Amendments to Article II-19 of the Code of Ordinances related to permitting processes for the establishment of outdoor eating areas.
• Other Business - Adoption of findings of fact and conclusions of law for a March 3, 2021 decision by the Board for the following:  Mountain Road – West Falmouth Development II, LLC – Request for Second Amendment to Homestead Farms Subdivision to amend building envelopes abutting Open Space. Map-lot U42-015, Zoned VMU, RT100CO.  

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, plans, 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. For additional information or questions, contact Dawn Emerson at 207-781-5326 or demerson@falmouthme.org

Board of Zoning Appeals 

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider the following items at its December 28 meeting. An agenda can be found here.

• 37 Casco Terrace – Joe Waltman representing Garth Conner – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-86 to raise existing deck one story to allow for living space below. (Previously tabled)

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.