2022.10.21--Falmouth Focus, Volume 4, 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.
General Information
Table of Contents |
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- News & Issues
- Ongoing Initiatives
- Events
- Take Note
- Falmouth Public Schools
- Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
Please note, currently the Table of Contents links feature is not supported by all email clients or browsers. Scroll down to read the newsletter.
News & Issues |
Route 1 North and Johnson Road Bridge Project Updates
In addition to the Bucknam Road Bridge Replacement project beginning this fall, MaineDOT will also replace the Johnson Road Bridge at a later date. The Bucknam Road Bridge and associated sidewalk will be completed first, then work will begin on Johnson Road. MaineDOT has already begun clearing trees and brush along both Bucknam and Johnson Road Bridges.
While replacing the Johnson Road Bridge, MaineDOT will add a sidewalk over the bridge and work with the Town to replace a very deep culvert just west of the Johnson Road Bridge abutment. The sidewalk will span the bridge and continue up to the new culvert. This work compliments Falmouth’s future Route 1 North Concept Project which proposes reconstruction of the Route 1 and Johnson Road intersection, as well as a multi-use path on Route 1 from Bucknam Road to the Cumberland town line.
These are two large-scale bridge and sidewalk projects. The exact schedule has not yet been determined and requires careful coordination between the Town and MaineDOT. We anticipate Johnson Road Bridge construction to begin late 2023 or perhaps 2024, after the Bucknam Road Bridge is complete. The Town hopes to start construction of a sidewalk on Johnson Road in 2024. This will connect with the sidewalk MaineDOT will install during the bridge replacement. The rest of the Route 1 North Project, including the multi-use path on Route 1 and improvements at the Johnson Road intersection, is still in development for funding and timing as we work to resolve a gap in bike/pedestrian connections near the Turnpike connector. Construction on the Route 1 North Project is still a few years away.
We will continue to provide updates regarding both projects via our News & Announcements E-Alerts, The Falmouth Focus, and on our website at www.falmouthme.org. You can subscribe to E-Alerts and the newsletter at: www.falmouthme.org/subscribe. For more information and background on the Route 1 North Project, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/long-range-planningeconomic-development/pages/route-1-north-infrastructure-project-2020-2022. You may also contact the Public Works Department at 207-781-3919 with any questions.
Climate Action Plan Survey
The Town of Falmouth has been conducting a Climate Action Plan planning process for the last year. In order to ensure an effective plan, we need to understand the priorities and needs of the residents. Your responses to this survey will help shape our goals as the planning process evolves.
Please take this survey so we can hear from as many community members as possible!
If you would like more information about this process but missed our Climate Action Planning workshop in September, please go to 2022.09.22 Climate Action Planning Public Workshop to watch a video recording.
If you are interested in general information regarding what the Falmouth Sustainability Department is involved with aside from climate action work, please go to https://www.falmouthme.org/sustainability
Special Events Recap & Thank You!
Falmouth Community Cookout, October 6
The first-ever Community Cookout, hosted by Falmouth’s Faith Communities and held on October 6, was a success! Approximately 200 people attended enjoying great (free!) food and camaraderie with their neighbors. Some 38 volunteers, including Boy Scouts, worked together to provide food (delicious!), welcome guests, serve, cook, direct traffic, wash dishes, lug tables, and graciously do anything they were asked to do. The weather was perfect and all free will donations supported the Falmouth Food Pantry. If you missed the dinner, but still want to give, donations to the Food Pantry will be gratefully accepted via PayPal at: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1807575. The Falmouth Food Pantry serves over 300 families and individuals in Falmouth and surrounding communities.
Falmouth Trails Day, October 8
Thanks to all who came out on October 8 for Falmouth Trails Day, hosted by the Community Wellness Committee. More than 60 participants enjoyed guided hikes at multiple Falmouth Trails, including Suckfish Brook Conservation Area, Tidewater Farm Preserve, Falmouth Community Park, Underwood Springs Forest, and Morrill-Stillings Bird Sanctuary. Special thanks to our guides and Falmouth Land Trust who made the hikes both informative and fun!
Fire-EMS Open House, October 15
As part of fire prevention week, Falmouth Fire-EMS opened the doors of Central Station for a fun-filled day of activities and learning. The event also honored second graders who created art work for the annual Fire-EMS calendar. Thanks to all who came out to meet the firefighters and see big trucks and fire engines up close and thanks to the many people who helped to make this event possible.
Dog Licenses Now Available
Dog licenses are now available for 2023. All current dog licenses expire December 31, 2022. 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. Online 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).
Ongoing Initiatives |
Falmouth's Solar Array Update
Progress continues on the solar array installation at the landfill. Crews are working six days a week and have installed all of the tub bases that hold the racking system, which holds the glass panels in place. The racks have been installed on one-third of these tubs. Once all the racks are installed, the concrete will be poured into the tubs, and then the panel installation will begin.
Stabilization of Property Tax Law (LD290)
Guidance for Applicants
As you may be aware, a new law, LD290 "An Act to Stabilize Property Taxes for Individuals 65 Years of Age or Older Who Own a Homestead for at Least 10 Years," will allow certain senior residents to stabilize, or freeze, the property taxes on their homestead. Several residents have already taken advantage of this program and submitted applications. Recently, the State has clarified some of the requirements and paperwork needed to accompany an application. If you have already applied with the Town, you will receive a letter describing additional documentation, if any, that may be needed.
An applicant must be:
- At least 65 years old*
- A permanent resident of Maine*
- Owned a Maine homestead for at least ten years.
- Eligible for a homestead exemption on the property they are placing in the Program.
*All applicants must provide a copy of their driver's license or State Issued ID as proof of age and further confirmation of residency.
If you have not yet submitted an application, contact the Finance Department for assistance in gathering the appropriate documents to accompany your application. Call 207-699-5311 or pmchugh@falmouthme.org. Click here for the APPLICATION. Interested taxpayers will need to apply with the municipality where their homestead is located on or before December 1. As long as the individual files an application each year, the tax on their homestead is fixed at the amount assessed in the year prior to the initial application. Eligible residents may transfer the fixed tax amount to a new homestead, even between municipalities. The State will fully reimburse municipalities for lost revenue. The law goes into effect in 2023. The property tax for your homestead will be frozen at the amount you were billed the prior tax year. For applications received in 2022, this means that the amount that appears on the tax bill you receive in October 2022 will be the frozen amount going forward. The application deadline is December 1, 2022. For additional questions, please contact the Maine Revenue Services Property Tax Division at (207) 624-5600 or prop.tax@maine.gov. You may also contact the Town of Falmouth Finance Department at 207-699-5311, for more information.
Events |
Drug Take Back Event
On Saturday, October 29, 2022, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, the Falmouth Police Department will hold a Drug Take-Back event at the police station on Marshall Drive. This national initiative provides an opportunity for the public to dispose of pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications to law enforcement officers for destruction. Expired, unused, or unwanted controlled substances in our homes are a potential source of supply for the increasing abuse of pharmaceutical drugs in the United States and pose a risk to public health and safety every day. Since 2010, this initiative has resulted in over 1.6 million pounds of pharmaceutical waste collected over twenty-two drug take-back events in New England. Falmouth PD encourages residents to take stock of their medicine cabinets and drop off any unused, unwanted, or outdated medications to the police station for safe disposal.
Falmouth Climate Talk Series: Falmouth Land Trust
Join the Town of Falmouth, Falmouth Land Trust, and the Falmouth Memorial Library for the next lecture in the Climate Talk Series on November 2 at 6:00pm at Falmouth Memorial Library. Mila Plavsic, Executive Director of the Falmouth Land Trust, will be speaking on the potential impacts climate change will have on forested lands, as well as the benefits of protecting open space and promoting responsible land management practices.
Window Dressers Build Opportunity
The Towns of Falmouth and Cumberland are partnering again to offer residents Window Dressers’ 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?
Window Dressers 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 10-12, 2022, Cumberland Congregational Church, 282 Main St, Cumberland Center
COST: $32-$77 per window depending on size and materials. 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.
Learn more at: http://windowdressers.org/insulating-inserts/. Falmouth residents may call 699-5337 for more info.
Take Note |
Fall Curbside Leaf Collection Begins Friday, October 28
Leaf bags are available to Falmouth residents at the Public Works Office (101 Woods Road) in quantities of 12 per Falmouth resident address while supplies last. Bags are distributed on a first come, first served basis.
Curbside collection dates for leaf bags have been scheduled for:
- Friday, October 28
- Friday, November 4
- Friday, November 11
- Friday, November 18
Leaf bags must be set curbside on collection dates by 7am to ensure collection. REMINDER: Brush is NOT collected curbside but can be brought to the Transfer Station. Please do not put brush or trash in leaf bags. Transfer station hours are:
- Tuesday: 12-4pm
- Thursday: 12-4pm
- Friday: 7am-5pm
- Saturday: 9am-5pm
Call the Public Works Office with any questions at 207-781-3919
School Zone Safety Reminder
The Falmouth Police Department would like to remind residents that the flashing lights indicating a 15 mile per hour speed zone on Woodville Road through the school campus are active on school days until 4:00pm. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of vehicles traveling over 30 miles an hour through this zone while school is still in session. Please keep the safety of our students and school staff in mind when traveling through this area.
Voter Registration
How do I register to vote? You may obtain a Maine Voter Registration Application at Town Hall or by calling the Clerk’s Office at 781-5253 and requesting one be mailed to you. A valid identification and proof of residency are required. Completed voter registration cards may be delivered by hand or by mail to Town Hall. Voter registrations completed by mail must be received 21 days prior to the election. If you are registering to vote within two weeks of the election, you are in the closed period and must register in person with proper i.d. and proof of residency.
Can I register to vote on Election Day? Yes. On Election Day you can register to vote at the polls. When registering, you must provide a valid identification and proof of residency.
Can I change my registration? Yes. All changes, including name and address changes, require completing a new registration application. If you are unenrolled in a political party you may enroll at any time. If you are enrolled and want to change parties you may, but there is a 15 day waiting period between changing parties and voting. Once enrolled, you must remain in the party for 90 days.
Absentee Voting
The Clerk’s Office is accepting requests for absentee ballots for the November 8 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/pages/absenteeballotrequest11.8.22.pdf Mail or drop off the form at Falmouth Town Hall.
- In Person: Request a ballot at Falmouth Town Hall.
Is there a deadline to request a ballot? The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Thursday, November 3.
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.
Where can I find more information?
- 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.htm
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlight: 4th Grade Teacher Anna Soule Honored
Falmouth Elementary School Grade 4 Teacher Anna Soule has been selected to receive the 2022 Maine Psychological Association Educator Recognition Award to honor her commitment to advancing positive mental and behavioral health outcomes for Maine's school-aged population.
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
Cheer for Our Falmouth Athletics Teams in Regional Playoffs!
Thursday 10/20 - Volleyball hosting Hampden Academy - 6:00pm - Class A Prelim
Friday 10/21 - Girls Soccer hosting Bonny Eagle - 4:00pm - Class A South Prelim
Friday 10/21 - Field Hockey hosting Marshwood - 6:30pm - Class A South Prelim
Friday 10/21 - Boys Soccer AT Kennebunk (UNE) 6:45pm - Class A South Prelim
Saturday 10/22 - Cross Country AT Twin Brook - Regional Competition
Keep up to date with Falmouth Athletics online. Go Navs!
Tickets Still Available for Chicago - Teen Edition
Tickets are on sale for the first production of the season at The Theatre Company at Falmouth High School. CHICAGO - Teen Edition opens October 28.
Chicago is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history and the second longest-running Broadway production ever. In the Roaring Twenties, aspiring chorus girl Roxie Hart and fading vaudeville star Velma Kelly each face trial for murder. Both as cynical as they are cunning, the two women compete for the services of shady lawyer Billy Flynn, who promises to make them media celebrities and win them acquittals. With its killer score and knock-’em-dead dance numbers, this incredibly fun show packs some serious heat.
School Board Meetings
The next School Board meeting is on Monday, November 7 2022 at 7:00 p.m. This will be a workshop meeting.
All meetings are held in the Falmouth Elementary School Cafeteria, unless otherwise noted.
A schedule of upcoming 2022-23 School Board meetings, and agendas and minutes from prior meetings, are available here. All Board Reports, as well as documents associated with the next School Board meeting can be accessed through the agenda. Past meetings can be viewed here.
Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Meeting, Monday, October 24, 2022, 7:00pm
The Town Council will meet on Monday, October 24, at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in person at Town Hall in the Town Council Chambers as authorized by Section 28, Policy Eight of the Town Council Rules and 1 MRSA §403-B. Members of the public may participate in the meeting by either attending the meeting in person or via Zoom. The agenda and Zoom link can be found here. The Zoom application will allow attendees to connect 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) 699-5335.
At the Most Recent Town Council Meeting…
The Town Council held a meeting on October 12. An agenda and video can be found here.
- There was an update on the Climate Action Planning Committee (CAPC).
- The Council approved a new liquor license for Foreside Fitness & Tennis.
- The public hearing on a new liquor license for Portland Pie Falmouth was deferred until the October 24 meeting.
- There was an update and public comment opportunity on the process of selecting a consultant to assist with updating the 2013 comprehensive plan. The Council will consider a resolution at the October 24 meeting.
Planning Board
At the October 11 Planning Board meeting, the board considered the following items. An agenda can be found here.
Nicholi’s Way – Nicholas Karahalios – Request for Private Way Amendment Approval to add one new lot to be accessed from the private way. Map/lot R06-037; Zoned F, RCZO, RT100 CO. APPROVED W/CONDITIONS
US Route 1 – The Shops at Falmouth Center LLC – Request for Site Plan Approval for a proposed mixed-use commercial/ residential development. Map/lot U12-007-A; Zoned VC1, SZ-LC. TABLED
108 Winn Road – Justin M. Fletcher Inc – Request for Preliminary Approval for a 5-Lot major conservation subdivision. Map/lot R06-006-A; Zoned F, RCZO. TABLED
At the November 1 Planning Board meeting, the board will consider the following items. An agenda can be found here in advance of the meeting.
261 US Route 1 – Sicilian Table – Request for Sign Permit Approval to install an 8’ x 8’ wall sign. Map/lot U12-002.
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 Lisa Sangillo at 207-699-5303 or lsangillo@falmouthme.org
Eagles Lane – Presumpscot River LLC (David Chase) – Request for Final Subdivision Approval for a 12-lot single family conservation subdivision. Map/lot U56-11 & -14-A.
Board of Zoning Appeals
The next Board of Zoning Appeals meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 25 at 6:30pm. An agenda will be posted here in advance of the meeting. Please note: Board of Zoning Appeals agendas for upcoming meetings may not always be complete at the time of this newsletter's publication. For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals
- 22 Greenway Drive – William & Susan Nevins –Request for Conditional Use approval under Section 19-77 to construct an addition. Map/lot U02-193.
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 04105207-781-5253
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