2023.12.08--Falmouth Focus, Volume 5, Issue 26
Table of Contents |
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- News & Issues
- Ongoing Initiatives
- Events
- Take Note
- Falmouth Public Schools
- Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
- 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.
News & Issues |
McCrann Preserve Trailhead is Open
The McCrann Preserve trailhead at 309 Falmouth Road has re-opened to the public after being closed during the West Falmouth sewer upgrade. Please be aware that there may be periodic construction work, such as parking lot grading, through the spring.
Giving Tree
The Falmouth Police Department is pleased to announce the fifth annual “Giving Tree,” running through December 29, 2023. Through the community leadership of Falmouth Police Officer Amanda Hogg, the “Giving Tree” has provided thousands of dollars of goods and donations from the Falmouth community to local providers like Through These Doors (2019-2021) and the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (2022).
This year, the Falmouth Police Department’s “Giving Tree” is partnered with Maine Needs. Maine Needs is a Portland-based organization that strives to help individuals and families in Maine meet their basic, material needs by providing donated clothing, hygiene products, household items, and other necessities to those in need. Maine Needs focuses their work on those starting life over from scratch: domestic abuse survivors, asylum seekers, and those facing financial hardships. Maine Needs has worked with schools, caseworkers, teachers, nurses, and professional care providers to provide these material resources.
Suggested winter donation items include:
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Items should be new or gently used. Donations can be dropped off at the Falmouth Police Department (2 Marshall Drive, Falmouth) between now and December 29, 2023.
Rail Road Crossing Closure
The CSX railroad will close the railroad crossing on Route 9/Longwoods Road in Cumberland, near the intersection of Range Road, on Tuesday, December 12. The closure is necessary to upgrade the crossing. The closure will begin at 7:00am and conclude at 5:00pm, weather permitting.
A detour will be set, routing traffic down Tuttle Road to Middle Road to get back to Route 9, from Main Street. On the Falmouth end, detours will be at the round-a-bout, up Middle Road and to Tuttle Road. There will also be signage at Main Street and Winn Road directing traffic through detours. Harris Road, Winn Road, and Cross Road will remain open.
This closure is weather permitting. They will postpone to the next available date if there is inclement weather. As it is available, we will share more information on our website and social media. Motorists are advised to plan ahead to avoid the area and use detoured routes.
Wreaths Across America
The Wreaths Across America convoy will pass through Falmouth on Sunday, December 10. The estimated arrival time is between 6:30 and 6:45pm. Residents are welcome to watch the convoy as it passes along Route 1.
Holiday Hours & Trash Collection
Town offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, December 25 and Monday, January 1 for the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Find online services here.
The Christmas and New Year's holidays will impact ALL curbside collection routes. Trash and recycling collection will be pushed forward to the next day for ALL ROUTES beginning the week of Monday, December 25 (Christmas Day). Monday collection will take place on Tuesday, Tuesday collection will take place on Wednesday and so on through Saturday. Likewise for the following week beginning on Monday, January 1. Collection on New Year's Day (Monday) will take place on Tuesday, Tuesday collection will take place on Wednesday and so on through Saturday. The regular collections schedule will resume the week of January 8. As always, place your trash and recycling curbside by 7am to ensure collection.
The Christmas and New Year's holiday will not impact Transfer Station hours.
Ongoing Initiatives |
Cart Distribution Nearing Completion
Delivery of trash and recycling carts continues and has taken considerably longer than originally anticipated. If you have not received a cart by Monday, December 11, please contact Public Works at 781-3919, and continue to use your old bins or bags.
The new collection schedule is in effect. Consult the brochure in the packet provided with your carts for the new collection routes. Click here to see new routes.
Issues with Cart Placement
The most common issue Casella is finding as we transition to the use of new carts is improper placement of the carts. Carts must be placed with the wheeled side toward the curb/house and the lid opening facing the street. Cart lids are marked with directional arrows showing which side should face the street. Carts must also be placed three feet apart to accommodate the mechanical arm of the truck. During this transition phase, Casella is collecting trash and recycling even when these guidelines are not met. You may find a yellow sticker attached to your cart indicating a problem or issue with cart placement, overflow materials, or the wrong collection day. Placement guidelines can be found in the informational packet attached to your cart or click here.
When do I start using my cart?
Residents should begin using the new carts immediately upon receipt for their next scheduled trash collection. Note, some routes have changed. Find the new collection schedule here and in the brochure included in the information packet attached to your new carts upon delivery. As always, carts should be placed curbside by 7am to ensure collection. All trash and recycling must be contained in the new carts for pick-up. Yellow Town trash bags are still required for trash collection. Place recycling directly into the recycling cart and not in a plastic bag. Additional bags, boxes, or bins will not be collected but can be taken to the Transfer Station during opening hours or held until the following week.
My cart lid doesn't fit or my cart looks misshapen. What should I do?
Some carts may become compressed or distorted during shipment and the lid will not appear to fit or close entirely. Usually, after sitting outside in the sun for a few days, the carts will return to their correct shape and the lid will fit. Please allow for this adjustment period before calling Public Works. If your cart appears cracked or broken, call 207-781-3919.
What do I do with my old bins?
Old trash bins may be dropped off at the Transfer Station for recycling. Bins in good repair will be re-purposed for use elsewhere. Alternatively, you can use your old bins for additional storage (firewood/kindling, CLYNK, wrapping paper/holiday decor, toys, sports equipment, brush). Click here to learn about converting your old trash can into a compost bin.
The Town of Falmouth worked with our partners at Casella and The Recycling Project to find a sustainable way to secure informational packets to the carts. Unfortunately, as many communities before us have discovered, the best way to keep the information from falling unseen into the cart, getting wet, or blowing away is to include it in a plastic bag. These bags can be recycled at facilities who offer this service. You can bring your bag to Town Hall and we will recycle it at the correct facility for you. Alternatively you can return these plastic bags to these merchants who will recycle them for you. Learn more about recycling plastic bags here.
Do I live on a back down road?
Residents who live on back down roads should have received a letter via mail. If you live on a back down street (click here for routes, streets with asterisks are back down streets), Casella is unable to turn around on your road because it is too narrow or a dead end. Therefore, the truck must back down the road. As a result, all carts must be located on the same side of the road for collection. The automatic arm of the truck is located on the passenger side of the vehicle, so carts must be placed on the right side of the road--that is the driver's right/passenger side as they back down the road or your right as you exit your street.
Still Have Questions?
Find more information on this transition at: https://www.falmouthme.org/public-works-department/pages/automated-trash-recycling-collection
Comprehensive Planning Update
Thank you to everyone who completed the Final Community Survey regarding Falmouth's updated Comprehensive Plan! Over 800 people completed the survey, and the results are available online as an interactive dashboard or raw survey data. The Long-Range Planning Advisory Committee (LPAC) and Comprehensive Plan Committee (CPC) continue to meet and develop policies and actions that will form the basis of the plan document. These meetings are open to the public and there will be additional opportunities for community input into 2024. Find information about LPAC at: https://www.falmouthme.org/long-range-planning-advisory-committee and CPC at https://www.falmouthme.org/comprehensive-plan-update. A project website for the Comprehensive Planning may be found at: https://berrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/falmouth-comprehensive-plan and includes materials from past public events, interactive forums and discussion boards, and the survey data.
Short-Term Rental Registration
The online form for 2024 Short-Term Rental registrations and renewals is now open. Falmouth's ordinance requires that owners renew their short-term rental registrations annually on or before January 1. The annual registration fee is $300.
Please Note: All new registrations after November 1, 2023 will be considered 2024 registrations. Please email str@falmouthme.org or call Julie Baxter at (207) 699-5335 if you intend to advertise, operate, or rent your short-term rental before the end of the year and have not already registered with the Town.
Pursuant to Falmouth's Short-term Rental Ordinance, no person shall advertise, operate, or rent a short-term rental in the Town of Falmouth without first registering the short-term rental with the Town. Short-term rental is defined as the advertising, offering for rent, use, control, management, or operation of a dwelling unit in whole or in part, for dwelling, sleeping, or lodging purposes for a period of less than thirty consecutive days, for compensation, directly or indirectly.
Town staff are happy to assist you with the registration process. Please email str@falmouthme.org or call Julie Baxter at (207) 699-5335 if you have questions or need additional information.
Click here to view the list of registered short-term rental units as of November 3, 2023.
Very Merry Thank You!
Thank you to all the residents who turned out for Very Merry Falmouth. A special thank you also goes to all the volunteers who assisted over the course of three days. It takes several dozen volunteers to help with the event, especially the 5k race, and we appreciate each and every one of you. We couldn't have the event without you, so thank you!
Take Note |
Transfer Station/Parking Stickers
It's time to purchase your 2024 Transfer Station & Parking sticker to access the Transfer Station and to park at Town Landing. Stickers are $5.00 annually and can be purchased at either Town Hall or the Public Works Office on Woods Road. The color of the sticker changes each year. Stickers are valid for the calendar year from January 1 through December 31, 2024.
Remember, disposal of certain materials and large items at the Transfer Station requires disposal tickets, which are also $5.00 each. These tickets are available at Town Hall, Public Works, Shaw's, Hannaford, Town Landing Market, and Waldo's. Tickets are NOT available for sale at the Transfer Station. Most materials will cost 1 or 2 tickets ($5.00 or $10.00). You can find a listing of accepted items and rates at: https://www.falmouthme.org/transfer-station/pages/transfer-station-procedures-and-rates
The Falmouth Community Wellness Committee is seeking volunteers! Please consider joining us!
The Community Wellness Committee is a relatively new Town committee that was formed in 2020 with the goal of promoting wellness for individuals, families, and the community as a whole. We define wellness to be “the active process of becoming more aware and making choices toward healthy and fulfilling life and community”.
We are currently looking for dedicated and enthusiastic residents who might be interested in contributing to Falmouth by volunteering with our committee. If you have a few hours a month to give to this effort and are interested in getting to know some fellow Falmouth residents, inspiring people to embrace and enhance well-being, and participating in a group that cares about bringing community together through fun events, then please consider joining us.
Our initial efforts have been spent administering a social service grant program to provide funding to agencies that serve Falmouth residents, creating a guide to wellness resources in town, writing monthly articles for the Falmouth Focus on a broad range of topics related to wellness, and sponsoring several wellness-related events in town. We would welcome volunteers that are interested in continuing these efforts, as well as helping us to develop new ideas for promoting wellness in our community. We are especially hopeful to launch our first annual community festival in 2024, for which we will begin working in earnest this January.
It is a huge contribution to be part of something meaningful and helpful to those around you, and to share in the spirit of community and well-being with one another. Please consider joining our committee now, by contacting Maggie Fleming, Assistant Town Manager at: mfleming@falmouthme.org or (207) 699-5329.
Seasonal Parking Ban
Falmouth’s seasonal overnight parking ban is now in effect until April 15, 2024. Parking is prohibited on all Town-maintained roads between midnight and 6:00am. Parking bans will be implemented at other times as needed for snow removal. Click here for more info.
Dog License Renewal
Dog licenses are now available for 2024. All current dog licenses expire December 31, 2023. 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).
2024 Annual Shellfish License
Annual 2024 Shellfish Licenses will be available beginning on December 1, 2023. The cost is $10 for Falmouth residents and $20 for non-residents. Children under 12 are free. Inquire with the Town Clerk's office beginning December 1 at 207-781-5253.
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlight: Students Run in National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championship
Five students from Falmouth are running in the USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships this Saturday in Louisville, Kentucky. Falmouth Middle School students Jonah, Theo, Mateo, and Flynn and Falmouth High School student Georgia are members of the Maine Puffins, a USATF cross-country club composed of runners of various ages. Watch their interview with News Center Maine.
We’re so proud that they’re representing Maine and we wish the team the best of luck!
Highlight: Winter Concerts for Band & Chorus
Our band and chorus students have been working hard and are ready to perform for the community! Join us on December 13th and 20th for these concerts:
- Wednesday December 13 @ 6:30pm: FHS Concert Band Winter Concert
- Wednesday December 20 @ 6:30pm: FHS Chorus Winter Concert
In the News
Press Herald Names Falmouth Senior “Player to Watch”
Senior ice hockey defensive player, Morgan Adams, was named to Portland Press Herald's "Players to watch" list for the 23/24 season. Morgan is a captain for this season's Falmouth/Scarborough girls ice hockey team. https://www.pressherald.com/2023/11/30/girls-hockey-players-to-watch-in-southern-maine-2/
Forecaster Highlights Navigator Fall Athletes of the Year
Congratulations to Mallory Kerr and Johnny Hwang, who were named Fall Athletes of the year. Mallory is on the soccer team and Johnny is on the golf team. https://www.pressherald.com/2023/11/25/falmouth-navigators-fall-athletes-of-the-year-3/
Reminder: Join Our Team at Falmouth Public Schools
We have exciting roles available at Falmouth Public Schools!
- K-12 School Nurse Substitutes
- Food Service - On Call Substitutes
- Special Education Ed Techs (K-12)
- Assistant Varsity Nordic Ski Coach
- Building-Based Substitute (full-time with benefits)
- Lunch Aide Substitutes
- Final chance! Join the Educator Apprentice Program! This is a full-time, paid position where you earn your Ed Tech II certification for free.
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
School Board Information and Meetings:
- Policy Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 13 at 7:30am
- Policy Committee Meeting - Friday, December 15 at 7:30am
- School Board Business Meeting - Monday, December 18 at 7:00pm
- Facilities Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30am
School Board Business, Workshop, and Committee Meeting schedules and agendas can be found here. Also, archived board reports, minutes, and agendas can be accessed online. Past business meetings can be viewed on Falmouth Community Television (FCT).
Winter Sports:
The FPS winter sports season is here! See the full list of games and cheer on your Navigators.
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, Board & Committee Meetings |
Town Council Meeting, Monday, December 11, 2023
The next meeting of the Falmouth Town Council will take place on Monday, December 11 at 7:00pm. This will be the only Town Council meeting in the month of December. 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. Information on making public comment during Council meetings can be found HERE. If you have questions, please call (207) 699-5335.
At the Most Recent Town Council Meetings…
On November 27, the Town Council had a workshop on Workforce Housing. Find the agenda here.
The Town Council held a meeting November 27. Find an agenda and video here.
- The Council approved the minutes of the October 11 Town Council Workforce Housing Workshop, October 11 Town Council Meeting, October 23 Town Council Comprehensive Plan Workshop and October 23 Town Council Meeting.
- There was a Public Hearing on an Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-10 of the Code of Ordinances to Establish a New Section, 10-5, Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products Prohibited. The Ordinance is scheduled for December 11.
- There was Concept discussion regarding possible ordinance amendment to allow daycare centers as either a permitted use or a conditional use in the RC Zoning District. The introduction is scheduled for December 11.
- The Council approved an Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-2, Art. II-2-3, DIV II-2-3-13 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Boards, Committees, and Commissions to Change the Name of the Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee.
- The Council approved a Resolution on the Falmouth Sustainability Committee Mission and Duties.
- There was an Introduction of ordinance amendments to Section 19-71 of the Zoning and Floodplain Management Ordinance and Appendix 7-5.E.5 of the Subdivision Ordinance. The public hearing is scheduled for January 8.
Planning Board
At the December 5 Planning Board Meeting, the board considered the following items. An agenda can be found here.
110 Gray Road – DeVivo Bus Sales – Request for Sign Permit Approval for a new sign. Map/lot U43-007; Zoned VMU, RT100CO. 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 November 28, the board considered the following items. An agenda can be found here.
- 5 Ellrose Lane – Kathryn Ellis – Request for Variance under Section 19-120 to correct a setback encroachment. Map/lot R09-039-C; Zoned F, RCZO, HLOD. Previously tabled. WITHDRAWN PRIOR TO MEETING
- 10 Phillips Road - John Clemons - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to construct a garage with in-law suite. Map/lot U01-005; Zoned RA, RCZO, WVOD. Previously tabled. DENIED
- 20 Phillips Road - Erik & Carrie Hayward - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for the addition of a roof over the back door. Map/lot U01-009; Zoned RA, RCZO, WVOD. APPROVED
- 23 Edgewater Road - James Baldino - Request for Set-Back Variance under Section 19-121. Map/lot U09-048, Zoned RA, RCZO, WVOD. WITHDRWAN PRIOR TO MEETING
- 21 Winslow Road - Virginia Armstrong - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for a garage and shed teardown and rebuild. Map/lot U02-037; Zoned RA, RCZO, WVOD. APPROVED
- 91 Waites Landing Road - Dan & Jennifer Kelley - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-86 to construct a new home within existing footprint. Map/lot U05-010; Zoned RC, SZ-LR, RCZO, WVOD. TABLED
- 20 Gilsland Farm Road - Acorn Engineering representing Maine Audubon Society - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 for renovations and minor expansion to the Maine Audubon Society Headquarters. Map/lot R02-007-A; Zoned RA, SZ-RP/LR, RCZO. TABLED
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 December 7, 2023, the board considered the following agenda items. Find an agenda here in advance of the meeting.
- U70-004 - 9 Lakeside Drive – Dianne & Stephen Wilkins
For more information visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-assessment-review
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.
Town of Falmouth, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105207-781-5253
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