2024.01.05.--Falmouth Focus, Volume 6, Issue 1
Table of Contents |
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
- 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 |
Holiday Hours & Trash/Recycling Collection
Town offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, January 15 in observance of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Find online services here.
Note: The holiday WILL NOT impact curbside trash and recycling collection. Trash and recycling will be collected as usual on Monday, January 15 and throughout the week.
The holiday will not impact Transfer Station hours.
Upcoming Bucknam Road & I-295 Overnight Closures
As part of the Bucknam Road Bridge Replacement Project, MaineDOT has notified the Town that there will be full closures of Bucknam Road and rolling closures of I-295 Southbound and Northbound between 10:00pm and 5:00am, Monday-Friday, January 15-19. The closures will accommodate installation of the remainder of structural steel for the new Bucknam Road Bridge
Bucknam Road will be closed completely from 10:00pm until 5:00am between the I-295 NB & SB ramp intersections. Detour routes will be marked.
Additionally, there will be full closures of I-295 Southbound and Northbound at/near exit 10. The rolling closures will occur between 10:00pm and 5:00am and last up to 25 minutes. Once each closure is complete, traffic will be allowed to completely clear out before another closure takes place. The I-295 closures will be facilitated by the Maine State Police.
In the event of inclement weather, these closures will be postponed until the following week. We will keep residents informed via e-alerts, our website, and social media pages.
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/
Efficiency Maine Updates Its EV Rebate Program
The new year brings changes to Efficiency Main's electric vehicle rebate program that may be of interest to residents. These changes include:
1. Increase the any-income EV rebate amounts for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)
FROM:
- $1,000 (new BEV, Any-Income)
- $500 (new PHEV, Any-Income)
TO:
- $2,000 (new BEV, Any-Income)
- $1,000 (new PHEV, Any-Income)
2. Increase battery electric chassis cab/cutaway rebate from $5,000 to $8,000
3. Increase the manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) cap for trucks and vans
FROM:
- $73,000, in the case of an eligible pickup truck or commercial van with an EPA-rated range of 300 miles or more;
- $65,000, in the case of an eligible pickup truck or commercial van with an EPA-rated range of less than 300 miles; or
- $50,000, for all other eligible vehicles
TO:
- $80,000 in the case of an eligible pickup truck or commercial van
- $50,000 for all other eligible vehicles
If you have any questions, please contact Efficiency Maine at 866-376-2463 or info@efficiencymaine.com.
Ongoing Initiatives |
Giving Tree A Huge Success
The Falmouth Police Department extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this year's Giving Tree. "To say it was a success is an understatement," said Police Chief John Kilbride. Five vehicles filled with clothing, toys, and household goods, as well as $300 in gifts cards, were delivered to Maine Needs. Special thanks to Officer Amanda Hogg and Falmouth's Community Resource Liaison, Lauren Bartlett, for coordinating the event and assisting in the final delivery. Along with the many generous members of the community, we would also like to give a special thanks to the Falmouth Maine Lions Club and the Walmart Falmouth who showed great support towards this cause. 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. We were delighted, but not surprised, by the outpouring of support for their good work--support that benefits our neighbors locally. Learn more about Maine Needs at: https://www.maineneeds.org/
Short-Term Rental Registration
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.
From the Wellness Committee: New Year, New Habits
by Susan M. Gallant
It’s the beginning of a new year. “Beginnings are notation for the symphony of the possible in us. They ask us to break the pattern of our lives and reconfigure it afresh — something that can only be done with great courage and great tenderness, for no territory of life exposes both our power and our vulnerability more brightly than a beginning.” (Maria Popova, The Marginalian)
Many of us begin the New Year with the intention to create something new, or to change something that no longer serves us. Unfortunately, those New Year’s resolutions have a low success rate. Possibly because we underestimate what it means, and what it takes, to break a pattern and create a new habit.
A habit is a behavior that starts as a choice, and then becomes a non-conscious pattern, and then autopilot takes over. There is no one formula for changing habits. Some habits are more easily influenced, and others are more complex and can be obstinate. However, science provides some guidance that is likely to increase our success rate in following through. (Katy Milkman, How To Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be)
Neuroscience teaches us that it is much easier to create new habits than to overcome bad habits. The brain prefers “approach” rather than “avoid.” Focus on what you want to create, not what you want to stop doing. The intention is to create new circuitry—neural wiring—in the brain.
- Get committed: Reflect on what makes this new habit important to you. What purpose will it serve? Why are you motivated? How committed to change are you?
- Set a specific goal and write it down. What exactly do you aim to do and how often? For example, “exercise regularly” is too vague. “I’ll walk 3 miles five times a week” is more concrete and easier to see your progress.
- Create a detailed cue-based plan. What will cue you to follow-through? Research has shown almost all habitual cues fit into one of five categories: location, time, emotional state, other people, and the immediately preceding action (Charles Duhigg, The Power of Habit). For example, an effective set of cues for establishing a walking habit might be: “B efore I go to bed, I’ll leave my walking clothes on the chair. In the morning, after I brush my teeth, I’ll dress for my walk and be outside by 6:00 a.m. I’ll send myself a daily digital reminder at 6:00 a.m." Different kinds of goals will have different environmental cues. It may take some experimenting to establish the cues that work best for you.
- Build in flexibility. It can be helpful to build in some flexibility. Life happens, so allow for a little variability. Some flexibility is likely to increase follow-through.
- Practice. New habits need to be repeated until they get hard-wired (auto-pilot). It can take time for a new habit to come more naturally than the old one. It also helps to mentally rehearse the new habit. Mental practice activates the same neural pathways in the brain.
- Cultivate social support. Good habits are contagious. We’re influenced by the behaviors of those around us. Share your goal with others.
So, as we begin this new year, what possibilities might you be considering?It could be patterns related to habits of the heart, habits of the mind, exercise, relationships, learning something new, or letting go of that afternoon cocktail. Be patient.Practice.And keep in mind how hard it is to change our habits, but how incredibly rewarding it is when we do!
Events |
Community Programs Winter Offerings
Adult & Senior Programming
The Winter/Spring Adult & Senior program brochure with Falmouth Community Programs is open for registration for residents. Non-residents will be able to register starting December 28th. Come along as we take a sleigh ride in January, go behind the scenes of a local TV studio in March or visit the butterfly House in April. Are you interested in learning how to play cribbage? We have a class for that. Want to visit Iceland? We have a trip for that too. Want to try some place new to eat? We have 9 different venues to try in and around the area. Trips to the theatre, early morning workouts, and a class on Genealogy are all on the calendar too. To view the Adult & Senior brochure in a pdf format (printable), click here. To view the brochure online and click-thru to register, click here. We look forward to seeing everyone soon!
Youth Programming
Youth Programming registration opened on December 6. Find Early Release and No School Day programming, as well as Afterschool Enrichment activities and Youth Sports. Registration for youth programs is available online and in person only. We no longer accept phone registrations. Program spaces are not held so if there is something of interest you will want to sign-up ASAP. Find the Youth Program Guide here.
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
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 are now available. The cost is $10 for Falmouth residents and $25 for non-residents. Children under 12 are free. Inquire with the Town Clerk's office at 207-781-5253.
Falmouth Public Schools |
Highlight: FHS Teacher Builds Connections with Current and Former Students
At Falmouth High School, Art teacher Ms. Goldstone goes beyond the classroom to cultivate lasting connections with her students. Recognizing the importance of a shared story, she organized a unique event for her Advanced Art class. Alumni, now professionals in various fields or students in college, returned to FHS to candidly discuss their post-high school experiences. Their narratives resonated with the students, offering real insights into navigating careers, school, and passions. By facilitating meaningful interactions between current students and alumni, Ms. Goldstone ensures students are prepared for the future and alumni maintain an affiliation with Falmouth.
In the News: Maine Musical
Manie Musical, the international song competition that was started by two Maine teachers, including FMS's Madame Fournier, was highlighted in a News Center Maine story. Find the story here: https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/education/manie-musicale-french-song-competition-maine/97-053056f2-10fe-4265-aaef-57b4af03644f
Reminder: Join Our Team at Falmouth Public Schools
We have exciting roles available at Falmouth Public Schools!
- Director of Special Education
- K-12 School Nurse Substitutes
- Food Service - On Call Substitutes
- Building-Based Substitute (full-time with benefits)
- Lunch Aide Substitutes
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
School Board Information and Meetings:
- Policy Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 10 at 7:30am
- School Board Business Meeting - Tuesday, January 16 at 7:00pm
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.
Kindergarten and Pre-K Dates
Save these dates for Pre-K pre-registration, lottery, and screening dates and Kindergarten registration and screening dates:
- Kindergarten Registration* - February 5, 2024
- Pre-K Lottery Pre-registration-March 4 - 22, 2024
- Pre-K Lottery - March 26, 2024
- Kindergarten Screening* - April 25 & 26, 2024
- Pre-K Screening - May 9 & 10, 2024
*If your student is a current Pre-K student, you do not need to screen or register them for Kindergarten.
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, January 8, 2024
On Monday, January 8, 2024 at 4:00 pm, the Falmouth Town Council will hold a mid-year work plan review meeting at Town Hall in the Large Conference Room. Find the agenda here.
The next meeting of the Falmouth Town Council will take place on Monday, January 8 at 7:00pm. Find the agenda 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 Meeting…
The Town Council held a meeting on December 11:
- The Council approved the minutes of the November 13 Town Council Meeting, November 27 Town Council Workforce Housing Workshop and November 27 Town Council Meeting.
- The Council approved the following appointments:
- Dennis Keller and Peter Rickett to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Martha Frost and Deborah Roy to the Community Wellness Committee.
- Christopher Meaney to Conservation Commission.
- And the following for re-appointments:
- Randy Harding and Richard Olsen to Board of Assessment Review.
- Chris Doehne to Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Sarah Boudreau to Conservation Commission.
- Carol Kauffman to the Community Wellness Committee.
- Danielle Tracy to the Falmouth Memorial Library Board of Trustees.
- Marty Bruno, Richard Craven, Richie Garrett and Peter Leavitt-Portland Yacht Club Representative to the Harbor/Waterfront Committee.
- John Adelman to the Land Management and Acquisitions Committee.
- Janet Dye, Denise Martin and Scott Simmonds to the Parks and Community Programs Advisory Committee.
- Karen Farber and Jamie Mason to the Planning Board.
- Dave Low and Dos Dias to the Falmouth Sustainability Committee.
- Wayne Geyer and David Skillin to the Shellfish Conservation Commission.
- The Falmouth Memorial Library Board of Trustees provided an update.
- The Council approved a Resolution in Support of Prohibiting the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products in Falmouth and Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-10 of the Code of Ordinances to Establish a New Section, 10-5, Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products Prohibited.
- There was an introduction of amendments to Section 19-10 of the Code of Ordinances to add Day Care Centers as a conditional use in the RC Zoning District. The public hearing is scheduled for January 8.
- The Council approved an ordinance to Amend Chapter II-19 of the Code of Ordinances to implement the requirements of L.D. 2003 “An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions" as codified at 30-A M.R.S. §§4364, 4364-A, and 4364-B.
- There was a Concept Discussion on Route 100 and Blackstrap Road Parking Plans and Ordinance Amendments.
- The Council approved an order to go into Executive Session pursuant to the Laws of Maine to discuss the Town Manager's employment contract, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (A).
- The Council approved an order to approve the Town Manager’s amended contract.
Planning Board
At the January 2, 2024 Planning Board Meeting, the board considered the following items. Find the agenda here.
- 269 US Route 1 – Bailey Sign representing The Form Lab - Request for Sign Permit Approval for 2 new wall signs. Map/lot U12-007-A; Map/lot VC1, SZ-LC, RCZO. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- Public Hearing - Amendments to Section 19-10 of the Code of Ordinances to add Day Care Centers as a conditional use in the RC Zoning District.
RECOMMENDED - Public Hearing - Amendments to Section 19-71 of the Zoning and Floodplain Management Ordinance and Appendix 7-5.E.5 of the Subdivision Ordinance.
RECOMMENDED W/CHANGES
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
NOTE: Due to schedule conflicts, the next meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals will take place on January 16 and combines the December 2023 and January 23, 2024 meetings. Find the agenda here.
- 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. Previously tabled. The Board will conduct a site walk at 91 Waites Landing Road on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 4 p.m. just prior to this meeting. The public is welcome to attend.
- 20 Gilsland Farm Road - Acorn Engineering representing Maine Audubon Society - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 for renovations and expansion to the Maine Audubon Society Headquarters. Map/lot R02-007-A. Previously tabled.
- 5 Ayers Court – Sharon Bolton – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-85 for an addition to the existing structure. Map/lot U17-070.
- 279 Foreside Road – Simon & Whitney Wignall - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to add a 3-car garage and additional renovations. Map/lot U17-053.
- 125 Bucknam Road – TLC Baking d/b/a BamBam Bakery - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 & 19-123 to operate a bakery. Map/lot U23-028.
- 27 Town Landing Road – Virginie Stanley - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for the addition of a canopy. Map/lot U17-065.
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.
Town of Falmouth, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105207-781-5253
|
