2023.09.22--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 20

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​​​​​​ 
  • Town Council Meeting Dates & Public Comments
  • Comprehensive Plan Survey
  • Vehicle Theft
  • Durable Medical Equipment Program
  • Precaution Regarding Rabies
• Ongoing Initiatives
  • Automated Trash & Recycling Collection
  • From the Wellness Committee
  • Senior Property Tax Assistance Program
  • Social Services Grants
• Events
  • Lithium Battery Safety
  • Maine Marathon
  • Falmouth Trails Day
  • Community Supper
• Take Note
  • Property Tax Bills
  • Brook Road Paving
  • Absentee Ballots
• Falmouth Public Schools
  • Highlights: Back in Session!
  • 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.

Upcoming Town Council Meetings & Public Comment Opportunities

Meeting Dates

Due to Yom Kippur and Indigenous Peoples Day, the upcoming calendar of Town Council meetings has been adjusted. The next Town Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 27. In October, Town Council meetings will be held on Wednesday, October 11 and Monday, October 23.

Changes to Public Comment

Due to recent episodes of Zoom bombing in Falmouth, Portland, and surrounding communities, the Town Council has adjusted how public comment will be heard during Town Council meetings. At the regular Town Council meeting, generally held on the second Monday of each month, an open public comment period is offered. This is an opportunity for members of the public to address the Council on matters which are not scheduled for public comment during the meeting. In order to deter Zoom bombers, whose sole intention is to disrupt the municipal process, public comment will be heard at the beginning of the meeting only from those attending in person at Town Hall.  A second public comment opportunity will be held at the end of the meeting for those attending virtually.

Public comment regarding individual agenda items will continue to be taken from both in-person attendees and online participants at the time the agenda item is up for consideration before the Council.  As a reminder, comments that are not related to the agenda item under discussion will not be heard.

It is our hope that Zoom bombers will tire of these disruptive tactics and we can soon return to our regular process and procedures. The Town Council welcomes input from concerned citizens. The public may contact the Council at any time regarding issues or concerns they may have. Contact information for the Town Council can be found here. 

Special Public Comment Opportunity

At the next Town Council meeting on Wednesday, September 27, there will be a special public comment opportunity following a presentation of, and Council discussion about, Falmouth's Climate Action Plan. Find the Climate Action Plan here.  

Comprehensive Planning Update: Take the Survey!!

Over 400 residents have completed the final community survey for the Comprehensive Plan Update but we would like to hear from more of you! 

If you have not yet done so, please complete the final community survey for Falmouth's Comprehensive Plan Update. The survey will help to confirm feedback that we have heard so far at community workshops and through other engagement activities. Your responses will help direct planning for Falmouth's future especially with regards to growth and development. 

Take the survey online!  Survey deadline is October 10. 

Hard copy surveys can be found at Town Hall and can be returned there, or the Mason-Motz Activity Center on Middle Road, upon completion.

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

Vehicle Thefts in Falmouth

Attention Vehicle Owners: There have been multiple vehicle thefts and car burglaries in Falmouth in the last 10 days. Locking your vehicle may seem like a little thing, but it does help protect you and your property. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, a car is stolen every 39 seconds in the United States, and driver error, such as leaving keys in the vehicle or leaving the car unlocked, factor in one half of all auto thefts. Falmouth PD recommends community members remove valuables from your vehicle, never leave your keys in your car while unattended, and lock your car when parked.

Durable Medical Equipment Program

The Falmouth Police Department recently assumed management of a durable medical equipment program for the Town. In the past, this program was supported through Town Hall, but timely availability and storage of the equipment become challenging. We are pleased to offer this program once again. The following items are available for temporary loan: wheelchair, crutches, cane, or rollator walker. For more information contact Sara Almy at the Falmouth Police Department 207-781-2300.

Precaution Regarding Aggressive Animals and Rabies in Falmouth

As noted in a previous E-Alert to the community, the Maine CDC has notified the Town of Falmouth of a recent case of animal rabies found in a fox in Falmouth. The animal was killed. Rabies is a disease caused by the rabies virus. It affects the brain and spinal cord and can cause death if left untreated. Rabies in wild animals is common in Maine and often found in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. These rabid animals roam widely, therefore, specific locations of encounters is not indicative of a continued threat in that area. Residents are advised to be cautious in all areas of town. Rabies spreads when an infected animal bites or deeply scratches a person or another animal. There is no treatment for rabies once symptoms develop, however, it is 100% preventable by avoiding exposure and seeking care immediately after exposure. Residents are also advised to vaccinate their pets against rabies. Maine law requires that all dogs and cats, including indoor pets, be vaccinated. Report any encounters with aggressive animals to the Falmouth Police Department. To find more information, visit: www.maine.gov/dhhs/rabies

Carts Are Coming! Falmouth Transitions to Automated Curbside Collection

Beginning this fall, Falmouth will transition to an automated waste collection system. Like many communities in Southern Maine, Falmouth contracts with Casella Waste Systems for residential curbside trash and recycling collection. Casella is now moving to an automated collection system which requires use of Town-owned trash and recycling carts along its routes. All communities contracting with Casella will be required to transition to the new automated system. No other waste hauler in the region offers rear loading collection.

Cart Delivery & Implementation

A trash cart and a recycling cart will be delivered to residents’ homes in late October or early November. Exact dates have not yet been determined. We will work to keep residents notified of the timing of cart distribution through our usual communication channels including our website, E-Alerts, social media sites, newsletter, direct mailings, and Forecaster ads. Residents are strongly encouraged to subscribe to News & Announcements E-Alerts to receive the most up-to-date information regarding this transition. Subscribe at: www.falmouthme.org/subscribe. Additional information on this transition can be found here.

Please enjoy the following article from the Falmouth Community Wellness Committee

Falmouth’s Protected Land: Connecting People to Nature and Community

by Rebecca Dugan, Falmouth Land Trust

Falmouth is home to 2,700 acres of protected land and over 55 miles of trails, all under the care of the Falmouth Land Trust (FLT) and the Town of Falmouth. FLT was first formed in 1981 in order to protect and steward land in Falmouth; the first land donated to FLT was the McCrann Preserve. Since then FLT has worked to conserve land and protect sensitive habitat, steward trails, provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and offer educational programming to kids and adults.

Open space and protected land are so valuable for so many reasons. Wildlife has connected corridors to live and feed; sensitive plants have protected spaces to grow; and community members have quiet places to get outside and enjoy nature. The Land Trust Alliance describes these many benefits best: “Every piece of natural land that we protect means less carbon dioxide being pumped into the air we breathe, healthier soil for our crops, cleaner water from our taps, and more protected habitats for plants and wildlife. Land trusts are working to ensure that everyone has access to natural areas, close to home. Places where children can play, friends can connect and people can find calm from a stressful day.” 

There are so many ways to enjoy Falmouth’s conserved properties and trails. Meet a new neighbor at Underwood Springs Forest or decompress after a busy day next to the East Branch of the Piscataqua River at McCrann Preserve. Get an adrenaline rush while mountain biking at Blackstrap Hill Preserve and Community Forest or appreciate and honor the Wabanaki tribes who stewarded the land for generations at River Point Conservation Area. Get out this fall and enjoy the color change at Woods Road Community Forest or volunteer to help maintain trails to keep them in good shape for all to use. Using the trails in any of these ways is sure to generate a smile and a sense of pride in Falmouth’s conserved land.    

More information about Falmouth’s protected land and trails can be found at FalmouthLandTrust.org. Details about FLT’s upcoming guided walks and other events can be found at FalmouthLandTrust.org/events. Questions and comments can be directed to FLT at info@falmouthlandtrust.org. 

Senior Property Tax Assistance Deadline October 12

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 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.

Lithium Ion Battery Safety Events, September 25 & October 5

Do you have an EV (bike or car)? Do you know there are different ways to safely use anything that has a lithium ion battery? Learn the basics about batteries, electric vehicles, e-mobility devices, lithium-Ion batteries, proper usage, recycling and proper disposal options for all types of different batteries. Lt. Nick Pelletier of the Falmouth Fire Department will instruct this course on proper safety and handling as part of Falmouth Community Programs fall offerings. 

Location: Mason-Motz Activity Center

Session 1: Monday, September 25, 7:30-8:30pm  

Register at: http://apm.activecommunities.com/falmouthcommunityprog/Activity_Search/9753

Session 2: Thursday, October 5, 1:15-2:15pm 

Register at: http://apm.activecommunities.com/falmouthcommunityprog/Activity_Search/9754

Maine Marathon, October 1

Sunday, October 1 is the Maine Marathon and Falmouth will welcome approximately 3500-4000 runners through town from Martin's Point Bridge to the side streets off Route 1, and then north on Route 88. Falmouth residents have traditionally lined the route to cheer runners on with waves and smiles. To avoid congestion, motorists are advised to seek alternate routes between 7:30am and 2:00pm. Notification of closings and delays are posted along the route and, as in past years, Falmouth Police Department will work to direct traffic and keep runners safe. More information about the marathon can be found at:  https://mainemarathon.com/

2nd Annual Falmouth Trails Day, October 8

The Falmouth Community Wellness Committee and Falmouth Land Trust invite you to come and enjoy a day of guided hikes with family, friends and neighbors on Sunday, October 8. All are welcome. Choose any or all of the hikes and delight in some time in nature while exploring some of our wonderful trails. Hikes will be offered at 9:00 am (Woods Road Community Forest), 11:00 am (Community Park), 1:00 pm (Suckfish Brook Conservation Area), and 3:00 pm (River Point Conservation Area). No pets, please. Bring water, snacks, and bug spray as needed. For more information visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/community-wellness-committee

Falmouth Community Supper

Join us for the annual fall tradition of a Community Supper for all Falmouth residents. Enjoy a roast turkey dinner with all the fixings and dine with neighbors and friends! Free-will donations welcome to benefit the Falmouth Food Pantry. 

When: Thursday, October 26, 2023, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Where: Falmouth Congregational Church, 267 Falmouth Road, Falmouth

Property Tax Bills

Property tax bills will be mailed out by by the end of September and the first installment is due on November 2. Please watch your mail.  

The State of Maine offers several property tax relief programs and exemptions to qualifying residents, including the Homestead Exemption, Veterans Exemption, and Senior Tax Assistance Programs. Find information on property tax relief at: https://www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/tax-relief-credits-programs/property-tax-relief-programs

Find information on Falmouth’s Senior Property Tax assistance at:  https://www.falmouthme.org/finance/pages/senior-property-tax-assistance

Brook Road Paving Delayed

Paving work on Brook Road, originally scheduled for this fall, has been delayed until next spring due to excessive rain throughout the paving season. We will update residents in early spring regarding when this paving work will occur.

Absentee Ballots

The Clerk’s Office is now accepting requests for absentee ballots for the November 7 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/town-clerk/pages/11723-absentee-ballot-request-form Mail or drop off the form at Falmouth Town Hall.
• In Person: Request a ballot at Falmouth Town Hall.

When can I request a ballot?

Absentee ballots may be requested beginning 90 days before Election Day. Make your request early to allow enough time for the ballot to be mailed to you. NOTE: Absentee ballots will not be mailed out until 30 days prior to the election.

Is there a deadline to request a ballot?

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Thursday, November 2.

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

Highlight: School is Back in Session!

Falmouth Public Schools welcomed back over 1,900 smiling faces to the school campus at the end of August. There have been countless learning opportunities, co-curricular happenings, and community events. 

At Falmouth Elementary School, we welcomed the inaugural Pre-Kindergarten class, Grade 1 students visited the Falmouth Farm & Garden Learning Center to explore nature and taste tomatoes, and school families socialized at the FES PTO Ice Cream Social. 

Falmouth Middle School students participated in a multitude of co-curriculars—from Quidditch Club to D&D to Cooking and Gardening Club. Teachers introduced new learning systems and styles including Thinking Classrooms, Metric Olympics, and an introduction to Manie Musicale. Grade 6 students spent this week at The Leadership School at Camp Kieve, focusing on social-emotional learning, building relationships, and environmental stewardship. 

Falmouth High School students are building relationships among the schools through Falmouth Friends. Falmouth Friends are groups of FHS students from various sports teams or school clubs who welcome the FES students to school in the morning. Students are practicing public speaking skills in Mr. Paul’s ELA class by reading stories aloud to kindergarten students. 

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:

• Special Education Ed Techs (K-12) 
• Part-time Lunch Aide (10:30am - 1:30pm Monday - Friday)
• Educational Technician III - High School Science Department 

Please visit our Careers page to learn more, find more career opportunities, and apply. 

Upcoming: Events & Meetings

School Board Information and Meetings:

The next School Board workshop is Monday, October 2 and the next meeting is Monday, October 16th. The schedule of additional 2023-2024 Falmouth School Board meetings has been posted on the Falmouth Public Schools website. Also, archived board reports, minutes, and agendas can be accessed online. Past business meetings can be viewed on Falmouth Community Television (FCT).

Athletics Events:

We hope to see you at the next meet, match, or game! Cheer on our Navigators at these upcoming athletic events.

FHS Musical - "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical":

Purchase your tickets for The Theatre Company at Falmouth High School’s production of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical”. 

Learn more about Falmouth Public Schools at their website, and stay connected through social media, calendars, and Principal Notes here. Follow Falmouth Public Schools on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for the latest school news.

Town Council Meeting, Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 7:00pm

The next meeting of the Falmouth Town Council will take place on Wednesday, September 27 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…

On September 11, the Town Council held a workshop with Park and Community Programs Advisory Committee (PACPAC) on the Underwood Park Improvement Project. The Council and PACPAC discussed elements of the master plan that they were interested in prioritizing for implementation including upgrading the playground, a pavilion, or other options for providing shade, and field and parking lot improvements. Staff will develop phased implementation options for discussion at a future meeting.

The Town Council also held a meeting on September 11. An agenda and video can be found here.

• There was a public hearing on ordinance amendments to Section 19-11 of the Code of Ordinances related to design standards in the Village Center Zoning Districts. The ordinance is scheduled for September 27.
• The Council approved an order to authorize the Town Manager to contribute $25,000 to Safe in Maine.
• There was an update and discussion regarding the Town Council Annual Work Planning Session and FY2024 Work Plan.
• The Council approved an order to authorize the Town Manager to Execute a Labor Contract and Memorandum of Understanding - Referral Bonus Between the Town of Falmouth and Falmouth Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 5306.

Planning Board 

At the October 3 Planning Board Meeting, the board will consider the following items.  An agenda can be found here.

•   12 Northbrook Drive – Addison Capital LLC – Request for Second Amended Site Plan Review for a 10,032 sf two-story commercial office building.  Map/lot U59-010-A1.
•   US Route 1 – NDVH Maine Realty, LLC – Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan Review for a proposed 35,000 sf multispecialty veterinary hospital & associated infrastructure improvements.  Map/lot U62-001.

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 September 26, the board will consider the following items. An agenda can be found here. 

• 12 Reg Roc Road – Vivian Gibbons – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to remove and replace the existing front porch with a 2-story front porch.  Map/lot U01-123. 
• 404 Pride Farm Road – Evan & Donna Lebson – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for a second story addition on the existing 2-car garage.  Map/lot HL6-026.
• 46 Leighton Road – Kayla Cavallaro – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 for a dog daycare/boarding facility.  Map/lot R05-044-008.
• 4 Kelley Road – Land Design Solutions representing Benjamin Henchel – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for an addition to the existing garage.  Map/lot U01-210.
• 5 Ellrose Lane – Kathryn Ellis – Request for Variance under Section 19-120 to correct a setback encroachment.  Map/lot R09-039-C.
• 3 Coles Village Road – Seth Putnam – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for a teardown & rebuild.  Map/lot U23-008-003.
• 19 Winslow Road – Sean Carroll – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for the teardown & rebuild of a garage structure. Map/lot U02-038.

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.