2023.08.11--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 17--UPDATED

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• News & Issues​​​​​​ 
  • Senior Property Tax Assistance
  • Softball Showdown 
  • Paving Notice
• Ongoing Initiatives
  • Neighborhood Gatherings
  • Social Services Grants
• Events
  • Falmouth Memorial Library Flash Read
  • Healthy Lawn Care Workshops
• Take Note
  • Obsolete Pesticide Collection
  • Discounted Internet Service
• Falmouth Public Schools
  • Highlight: Stuff the Bus 
  • Reminder: Careers
  • Upcoming Events & Meetings
• Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
  • Town Council
  • Planning Board
  • Board of Zoning Appeals
  • Board of Assessment Review
• Stay Informed

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Senior Property Tax Assistance 

Falmouth's Senior Property Tax Assistance Program

The Town of Falmouth is accepting applications for its Senior Property Tax Relief Program. The program is open to current Falmouth residents, age 62 or older, with an annual household income below $60,000. The household’s property taxes must be greater than 4% of the owner’s income. Renters can participate if 15% of their annual rent (assumed to represent the property tax portion of rent) is greater than 4% of the resident’s income. Applicants are required to submit income verification and proof of 2022 property tax payments or rent payments.

The Town Council allocated $90,000 to the program in the FY24 budget. An estimated 150-200 Falmouth households could qualify for the program.

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. 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 in person.

Residents are encouraged to apply early. The deadline for applications is October 12, 2023. For additional information on program requirements and an application, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/finance/pages/senior-property-tax-assistance, or contact Pete McHugh at pmchugh@falmouthme.org or 207-699-5311.

State Legislature Repeals Property Tax Stabilization for Seniors

On July 6, 2023, the Maine State Legislature repealed LD 290 “Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens” program, enacted in August 2022. The program allowed Maine seniors to freeze taxes at the previous year’s level regardless of income.

Though repealed, initial applications will be applied to upcoming tax bills. There is no reapplication process and no need for residents to provide additional paperwork or information to the Town or Assessor. Qualified residents who applied last year will be responsible for the "frozen" property tax bill amount for the 2023-2024 billing cycle. This amount will be equal to the tax amount the owner was billed in 2022-2023 unless the new amount would be lower, in which case the taxes owed would be the lower of the two amounts.

It is important to note that this is a State of Maine program. While the Town of Falmouth played a role in its administration, it had no part in its creation or repeal. Any questions or concerns regarding this program should be directed to your legislative representative. The State is expanding two existing programs to benefit low-income seniors--the Property Tax Fairness Credit and Property Tax Deferral Program. The Town of Falmouth does not administer these two programs but will continue to provide updates to residents as information becomes available. The Town of Falmouth does offer its own Senior Property Tax Assistance Program. See article above for more information or click HERE.

Falmouth PD wins Second Annual Softball Showdown

Falmouth's Softball Showdown

Falmouth Public Safety met on the ball field at the Legion Fields Complex on Saturday, August 5 to face off in its Second Annual Softball Showdown. It was a nail biter but Falmouth Police retained their title in a win of 11-10 against Falmouth FIre-EMS. 

Athlete Paul Sandberg sang the National Anthem, threw out the first pitch, and scored a run in the first inning for the Police Department.

The free community event included a 50/50 raffle, music, lawn games, and food all to benefit Maine Special Olympics. Attendees also donated for a chance to sink the Police and Fire Chiefs in a dunk tank. In total, the event raised $1,316 to support Maine Special Olympics.  Special thanks to the Falmouth Lions Club, who volunteered to assist with food service, and our generous sponsors, including Falmouth Little League, Hannaford Falmouth, Walmart Falmouth, Pine Tree Home Health, Niles, Shedkarski & Co., and Locations Real Estate Group. Also, thank you to Grill Sergeant Kevin Conger and his team for serving up the amazing food!

Falmouth Fire-Ems Softball Team; Fire Chief Howard Rice braves the dunk tank in support of Maine Special Olympics

Paving Notice

Annual roadway paving, originally scheduled for August 7 but delayed due to weather, will now take place on August 14, weather dependent, on the following streets: 

• Bartlett Way
• Kilborn Way
• Raymond Road

Brook Road, from Mountain to Leighton, is also scheduled for paving. The date for this work is still to be determined. 

Paving dates are weather-dependent. Motorists can expect delays, with one-lane of traffic open, during paving activities. Please contact the Falmouth Public Works Department at 781-3919 for more information.

Summer Neighborhood Block Parties in Falmouth

The Falmouth Community Wellness Committee encourages residents to consider hosting a neighborhood party this summer. All that is required is putting a date on the calendar and getting the word out to your neighbors. Fire up a grill, toss on some meat and veggies, and share some dishes to pass. Set up some activities for the kids and enjoy watching their enthusiastic play. What a great opportunity to reacquaint yourself with neighbors you haven’t seen in ages, or chat with that new neighbor you haven’t had a chance to get to know, all while enjoying a beautiful summer afternoon or evening. If you do organize a gathering, please take a few pictures and send them to our committee. We would love to post them on our web and social media pages. Your pictures can be sent to: mfleming@falmouthme.org

Falmouth Memorial Library is excited to host the 2nd Annual FLASH READ festival on Saturday, August 12 from 1-3pm in celebration of the end of summer reading 2023. WHEN YOU HEAR THE FOG HORN, DROP EVERYTHING AND READ! Think flash mob, but with books. Bring your own book (or borrow one from the Library) and a chair or blanket to sit on while you read. The goal is to have the entire community read together for 5-10 minutes! 

Throughout the event, there will be fantastic activities for all ages, featuring Kona Shaved Ice Truck; Hadacol Bouncers band and beginning swing dance lessons with Portland Swing Project; corn hole, book bags to tie dye, rock painting, and chalk drawing; fantastic summer reading prizes from Wyman's Maine, Portland Pie, Sicilian Table, Rivalries, Orchid Thai, and others; and, of course, the FLASH READ! Fun for all ages; everyone is welcome. 

Healthy Lawn Care Made Easy! FREE Workshop!

Do you want a lawn that’s safe for families, pets, and the environment while saving time and money? Learn how to build healthy soil for healthy lawn with tips on fertilizing, weed and pest management, watering, renovating an unhealthy lawn, and more. Whether you maintain your lawn or hire a professional, round up your neighbors and join us!

When: August 29, 6:00-8:00 PM

Where: Lunt Auditorium 74 Lunt Road, Falmouth

Register Today: https://www.cumberlandswcd.org/conservation-shop/p/spring-yardscaping-series

Obsolete Pesticide Collection

Maine residents can participate in the Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program, a joint initiative by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The program aims to safeguard Maine's natural resources and prevent agricultural pollution by promoting the safe and proper disposal of outdated, unused, or unwanted pesticides.

Homeowners and family-owned farms are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by bringing their unwanted pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, disinfectants, and similar products used in agricultural production or around the home, to collection sites in Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta, and Portland.

Key Information:

• The next obsolete pesticide collection days will be held during October 2023, with one-day events in Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta, and Portland.
• Pre-registration is required by September 29 to participate; drop-ins are not permitted.
• The program only accepts pesticides and spray adjuvants.
• Registration instructions and forms can be found on the program webpage: thinkfirstspraylast.org.
• Each registration must be from the person currently possessing the pesticides, and materials collected on behalf of others will not be accepted.

More details, including drop-off locations and the obsolete pesticides inventory form, will be provided soon on the BPC website at www.thinkfirstspraylast.org.

About Maine's Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program 
Removing obsolete and unwanted pesticides is essential for protecting public health, wildlife, and the environment. Improper handling and disposal of pesticides can contaminate land and water resources. The Maine Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program ensures these hazardous materials are handled and disposed of safely. Since its inception in 1982, the program has successfully diverted over 250,000 lbs. of pesticides from entering the waste stream. Collected pesticides are transported to licensed, out-of-state disposal facilities through a hazardous waste disposal contractor.

Disposing of Pesticides Safely 
Always follow the label instructions for the proper use, storage, and disposal of any pesticides you use. For more information about safe pesticide disposal, visit the EPA website at https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/safe-disposal-pesticides.

Discounted Internet Service for Qualifying Households

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a federal program that offers a monthly discount on internet service and a one-time device discount to qualifying households. The program is based upon household income.  Residents, or their child or dependents, who are enrolled in government programs like Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, may also qualify.

What are the program benefits?

• Service discount up to $30/month
• Service discount up to $75/month on qualifying Tribal lands
• Device discount up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)

Note: Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household. Not every internet company offers device discounts.

For more information on qualifying factors, the application process, and participating service providers, visit the program website at: https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/

Highlight: Stuff the Bus!

It's back to school! Time to grab the sweaters and trapper keepers! Townsquare Media (949 HOM), in partnership with Staples and Channel 8 WMTW, will be hosting a Stuff The Bus event next weekend, Friday, August 18th - Sunday, August 20th. We want to fill a Falmouth School Bus full of school supplies for Ruth's Reusable Resources to help out students and teachers and we'd love your help! For additional information, go to 949hom.com or use the HOM app and find a list of the most needed supplies! The event is sponsored by the Bill Dodge Autogroup. Stuff the Bus happening Friday August 18- Sunday, August 20th at the Staples in South Portland!

Reminder: Careers at Falmouth Public Schools

Are you interested in working at Falmouth Public Schools? There are a number of district-wide, school, substitute, and coaching positions available.

Featured Positions this week:

High School Science Teacher(s) 

504 Coordinator K - 6th grade (half-time)

Please visit our Careers page to learn more and apply.

Upcoming: Events & Meetings

The first School Board meeting of the year is Monday, August 21. A schedule of upcoming 2023 Falmouth School Board meetings, and agendas and minutes from prior meetings, are available. 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 on Falmouth Community Television (FCT).

Town Council Meeting, Monday, August 14, 2023, 7:00pm

The next meeting of the Falmouth Town Council will take place on Monday, August 14 at 7:00pm. An agenda can be found here. The meeting will be held in person at Town Hall in the Town Council Chambers. Members of the public may participate in the meeting by either attending the meeting in person or via Zoom. 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 Meetings…

The Town Council held a meeting on July 24. An agenda and video can be found here.

• The Council approved the renewal of permanent food licenses for Portland Country Club (Clubhouse), Portland Country Club (Pool Café), Circle K (MAC’s Convenience Store’s, LLC), The Moose a Maine Sports Pub and Walgreens.
• There was a presentation and discussion regarding Safe in Maine request.
• There was a concept presentation on Municipal Green Building Ordinance.
• The Council approved an Ordinance to amend CH. II-19 of the Code of Ordinances to add Restaurants and Carry-out Restaurants as conditional uses in certain portions of the RB District.
• The Council approved an Order to vote for Maine Municipal Association Vice President and Executive Committee members.

The Town Council also held a work planning session on August 2. An agenda can be found here. 

Planning Board 

At the August 1 Planning Board Meeting, the board considered the following items.  An agenda can be found here.

•   Falmouth Road – Blackstone Development Group – Request for Preliminary Major Subdivision Approval consisting of 9 Conservation Lots and 2 Country Estate Lots.  Map/lot R04-022. (Previously Tabled)  APPROVED 
•   14 Summit Terrace – Titcomb Associates representing Walter Arsenault & Kenneth Cayer – Request for Re-Approval of the Plan of Amended Lot 7 – Phase II Blackstrap Heights.  Map/lot R08-068-007 & 066.  APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
•   187 US Route 1 – Morong Falmouth – Request for Sign Permit Approval for one new sign.  Map/lot U07-004-B1.  APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
•   Tuscan Way – James Cummings/Cummings Properties – Request for Subdivision Amendment of April 5, 2022 Re-Approval.  Map/lot U47-026-B; Zoned RD, RCZO, SZ-RP.  Map/lot U47-026-B  APPROVED WITH 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, 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

Board of Zoning Appeals 

At the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on July 25, the board considered the following items. An agenda can be found here.

• 16 Ayers Court – Odette Thurston – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to extend bump out on north side of dwelling.  Map/lot U16-046. (Previously tabled). TABLED AT THE REQUEST OF THE APPLICANT
• 101 Foreside Road – Christian Haas – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for construction of a new deck.  Map/lot U09-006. APPROVED

At the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on August 22, the board will consider the following items. An agenda can be found here.

• 16 Ayers Court – Odette Thurston – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to extend bump out on north side of dwelling. Map/lot U16-046.
• 9 Payson Road – Kevin Moquin Architect representing Jill Coyle – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for a tear-down & rebuild of existing garage and an addition.  Map/lot U01-030.
• 267 Falmouth Road – Evergreen Learning Center – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 to allow a Day Care Center to operate at Falmouth Congregational Church.  Map/lot U50-013.

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

Board of Assessment Review

At the Board of Assessment Review meeting on August 3, the board considered the following items. An agenda can be found here.

• 27 Longwoods Road – Glenn McGillicuddy, Map/lot U22-006-C. DENIED
• 2 Clapboard Island – William H. Gilliss, Map/lot R01-094-B. PARTIAL ABATEMENT GRANTED

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. 

Please note: This newsletter will be sent to subscribers of both The Falmouth Focus newsletter an Town News & Announcements. Please excuse cross postings. To change your subscription settings, visit E-Aerts.