2023.08.25--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 18

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• News & Issues​​​​​​ 
  • Comprehensive Plan Update
  • Back to School Reminder
  • Bucknam Road Project Overnight Closures
• Ongoing Initiatives
  • From the Wellness Committee
  • Senior Property Tax Assistance
  • Social Services Grants
• Events
  • Healthy Lawn Care Workshops
• Take Note
  • Walton Park
  • Obsolete Pesticide Collection
  • Discounted Internet Service
• Falmouth Public Schools
  • Reminder: Careers
  • Upcoming Events & Meetings
• Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
  • Town Council
  • Planning Board
  • Board of Zoning Appeals
• Stay Informed

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

Comprehensive Planning Update

Work on Falmouth's Comprehensive Plan continues. The Appointments Committee has received numerous applications from residents willing to serve on the re-established Long Range Planning Advisory Committee and is currently conducting interviews. This committee will have a role in advising Town Council on policies and projects related to growth, capital improvements, affordable housing, economic development, and transportation. 

Watch your mail box after Labor Day! We will be mailing out a final community survey to confirm feedback that we have heard so far at community workshops and through other engagement activities as well as current Town planning documents (e.g., Bike/Ped Plan, Open Space Plan, future Climate Action Plan). We are sending a print copy of the survey to every residence in Falmouth but will include links to an online version. We encourage all members of the household to complete their own survey either in print or online. It's important to get feedback from as many residents as possible!

Residents are also encouraged to visit the project website for updates and additional opportunities to engage in the planning process, including: 

• surveys
• a project timeline
• links to the 2013 Comp Plan and the Vision & Values final report
• interactive maps, including housing and growth in Falmouth, conservation lands, recreational facilities, land use, and more 
• opportunities to get involved in the process online by leaving a comment on the Vision Board or Interactive Map
• additional information on upcoming events and activities      

Find the project website at: https://berrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/falmouth-comprehensive-plan

A Back to School Reminder from Falmouth Police

The Falmouth Police Department is reminding residents that Falmouth Schools officially reopen on August 30. There will be increased traffic and school buses on our roads along with children awaiting pickup at driveway bus stops.This will also lead to more traffic at and around the schools. Please allow extra time and be conscious that our students will be waiting for buses, walking to and from school, and moving about the campus area. The corner of Falmouth and Woodville Roads will likely be congested between 7am and 8am on school days. Falmouth Police will be monitoring this area for safe and efficient traffic flow. Please be patient and cautious to keep our children safe.

Overnight Closures Scheduled for Bucknam Road and I-295 Ramps

MaineDOT has provided the following updates regarding overnight closures for Bucknam Road and I-295 ramps. All closures will occur between 10:00pm and 5:00am.

• Bucknam Road: Closed Sunday, August 27, 10pm-5am
• I-295 South Bound Ramps: Closed nightly from 10pm-5am, Sunday, August 27-Thursday, August 31.
• I-295 North Bound Ramps: Closed nightly from 10pm-5am, Monday, August 28-Thursday, August 31.

These closures are to accommodate the final roadwork and paving at these two intersections. Additional information on MaineDOT's Bucknam and Johnson Road Bridge replacement projects can be found on our project page at: https://www.falmouthme.org/bucknam-road-bridge-replacement-project and at MaineDOT's project page at: https://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/falmouth/johnsonrd/

Please enjoy the following article from the Falmouth Community Wellness Committee

My Journey to Owning An EV

by Mark Love

We recently purchased an electric vehicle (EV) and are exceptionally pleased with it.  We’ve learned a lot from our experience and here are some tips when considering an EV.

First, will your primary use be “around town” or longer trips that exceed the car’s range?  This will guide which makes/models to consider.  EV batteries range from 114 miles (Mini Cooper) to over 500 miles (Lucid); most models’ range is 250-350 miles. 

EV demand currently exceeds supply, so contact multiple dealers to inquire about delivery schedules.  We found our EV through a Bangor dealer.  There’s an evolving used market, but currently only Teslas are readily available.  Expect high prices for used EVs, but prices should diminish over time.

“Fueling” an EV requires electricity delivered in one of three ways. 

• Level 1 – 120V AC, 2-3 days charging, home or emergency use only
• Level 2 – 220V AC, 5-10 hours charging, ideal for home garage use
• Level 3 – DC circuit, less than 1 hour charging, ideal for longer trips.

When planning longer trips phone apps are a necessity to locate fast (DC) chargers; expect to leave the highway to reach them.   On a recent trip to Florida we experienced no problems finding & using fast chargers, usually within 3 miles of exiting the highway. 

All EV batteries will slowly degrade over time, but not so much as to cripple the car’s usefulness.  To prolong battery health:

• Keep charge level between 20-80%
• Occasional charging to 100% using level 1 or level 2 chargers is OK
• Occasional charging with DC fast chargers is OK

Charging from 80% - 100% takes almost as long as charging from 20% - 80%. 

Several factors affect an EV’s range.  In order of importance:

• Driver technique (easy does it)
• Slower (better) vs faster speeds
• Warm (better) vs cold weather
• Fair (better) vs inclement weather
• Flat (better) vs hilly terrain
• Heater/air conditioner use (worse)

EVs cost less to operate because:

• No oil changes or tune-ups
• Fewer moving parts
• Brakes last longer with regenerative braking
• Electric motors are more reliable than gas engines
• Lower “fuel” costs:
  • Gas = $.10/mi assuming $3.50/gallon and 35 mpg
  • EV = $.06/mi assuming 4.5 mi/KwH and $.28/KwH (home charging)
• Lower society costs (no CO2 emissions)

If your electricity supply is renewable (solar, wind) home charging is almost free thanks to net energy billing.

There are some disadvantages to owning an EV:

• No home charging if apartment building doesn’t have a charger installed
• No home charging without off-street parking
• Public chargers have higher electricity costs and reduce the convenience factor
• Public charging infrastructure is growing but not yet as convenient as gas stations
• More frequent tire replacement because EVs are heavier

EVs are a great vehicle to reduce your carbon footprint. They’re fun to drive, very quiet and the spectacular acceleration is great for highway merging.  Definitely worth considering. And –  all of the individual choices we make for a healthier environment will contribute in a cumulative way to the well-being of our neighborhoods, our community, and our world!

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.

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

Walton Park

Due to repeated storm damage, the float docks at Walton Park have been removed for the season.  

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.

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/

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. Please visit our Careers page to learn more and apply.

Upcoming: Events & Meetings

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 28, 2023, 7:00pm

The next meeting of the Falmouth Town Council will take place on Monday, August 28 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 August 14. An agenda and video can be found here.

• The Council approved the renewal of Permanent Food Service Licenses for Nouria Energy Retail, LLC (265 US Rt 1) and Nouria Energy Retail, LLC (264 US Rt 1).
• The Council approved a Special Amusement Permit Application from Sicilian Table.
• There was an Introduction of ordinance amendments to Section 19-11 of the Code of Ordinances related to design standards in the Village Center Zoning Districts. The Council agreed to schedule the public hearing for September 11.
• The Council approved an order to Authorize the Town Manager to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding Between the Town of Falmouth and the Teamsters Local Union No. 340.

Planning Board 

At the September 5 Planning Board Meeting, the board will consider the following items.  An agenda can be found here.

•  Chloe Way – Michael Jacobson – Request for Vacation of the Private Way Approved in 2007.  Map/lot U25-005 & U25-005-001.
• PUBLIC HEARING - Amendments to Section 19-11 of the Code of Ordinances related to design standards in the Village Center Zoning Districts 
•   Middle Road – Michael Saccone – Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan Review for a Plant Food Farm.  Map/lot U22-007. 
•   Stormy Brook Road – Arber Development Inc – Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan Review for a 31-lot Conservation Lot Subdivision.  Map/lot R01-022-A/-033/-041. 
•   398 Middle Road/Poppy Lane – Gene Villacci/Helena Hollauer – Request for Private Way Amendment to add 1 new lot on Poppy Lane.  Map/lot R01-035.

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 August 22, 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. WITHDRAWN BY APPLICANT
• 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. APPROVED
• 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. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS

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. 

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.