2022.08.05--Falmouth Focus, Volume 4, Issue 19

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General Information

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Public Safety at Walton and Presumpscot Falls Park

In light of recent events, Falmouth Public Safety would like to remind residents of the very real danger of drowning to both people and pets in the strong currents of the Presumpscot River. While many people take advantage of the hand-carry canoe and kayak water access from Walton Park, the river trail access from Presumpscot Falls Park, as well as Portland Trails and private property fronting the river, users should be aware that the currents (including river and tidal) are strong and fast moving making it very dangerous, even for skilled swimmers, kayakers, and other recreationalists. The Town of Falmouth is working to increase warning signage (see below) at Walton and Presumpscot Falls Parks and to enhance education and outreach to the public regarding the dangers of the river currents.

Falmouth's Revaluation Update

Deadline to schedule an informal hearing is August 8

Property owners who disagree with their new property assessment may review it with a representative of Vision Government Solutions by scheduling an informal telephone hearing. The deadline to make an appointment for an informal hearing is August 8. Appointments may be scheduled in the following manner:

ONLINE: Visit www.vgsi.com/schedules, click on "FALMOUTH MAINE HEARINGS," and follow the instructions. To make appointments for more than one property, please use the number below. If, due to a conflict, you are unable to find an available appointment via the online portal, you may call the toll-free number below.

PHONE: Call toll-free 1-888-844-4300, 9am-4pm, Monday- Friday. Note: Call center operators taking appointments are not trained nor qualified to discuss home values or assessment data.

Informal hearings will be held primarily by phone however, in-person hearings are available on a limited basis and will be held by appointment in the Town Council Chambers at Falmouth Town Hall.

If you are unable to attend a hearing by phone or in-person, you may present evidence supporting your opinion of the fair market value of your property to Vision Government Solutions in writing by August 8. Letters should be sent to Vision Government Solutions c/o Appraisal Dept., 1 Cabot Road, Suite 100, Hudson, MA 01749.

To view your assessment:

• Visit www.vgsi.com and select the "TAXPAYER INFO" tab along the top of the page.
• Choose "ONLINE DATABASES" from the dropdown menu.
• Select the state of Maine symbol.
• Scroll to "Falmouth, ME," and enter search information for your parcel.

For additional information on how assessments are conducted see our new guide: Property Assessments and Procedures: A Guide for Residents

Special Public Comment Opportunity

The August 8 Town Council meeting will include a discussion and update on the 2022 town wide property revaluation project. A special public comment opportunity will be offered. David Cornell of Cornell Consultants, and Ben Thompson, Assessor, will provide a presentation that addresses the quality of and analytics about the revaluation. The analytics will help explain shifts in tax burden, market impacts on certain types of properties, and more. This presentation will also identify a proposed new tax rate based on the new valuations. The rate is subject to change based on final results of the revaluation, but it will give property owners some idea for what to expect in their November tax bills. To learn more about tax rate calculations and how the revaluation could impact taxes, visit www.falmouthme.org/home/pages/revaluation-project-2021-2022.

Senior Property Tax Assistance

Stabilization of Property Tax Law (LD290) Application Information

Applications for the Stabilization of Property Tax are now available in the Finance Office and online. This new law allows certain senior residents to stabilize, or freeze, the property taxes on their homestead. As long as the individual files an application each year, the tax on their homestead is fixed at the amount assessed in the year prior to the initial application. Eligible residents may transfer the fixed tax amount to a new homestead, even between municipalities. The State will fully reimburse municipalities for lost revenue. The law goes into effect on August 8, 2022 and applies to property tax years beginning April 1, 2023. Interested taxpayers will need to apply with the municipality where their homestead is located on or before December 1. An applicant must be:

• At least 65 years old
• A permanent resident of Maine
• Owned a Maine homestead for at least ten years.
• Eligible for a homestead exemption on the property they are placing in the program.

Click here for the application

The text of the new law is available here. For additional questions, please contact the Maine Revenue Services Property Tax Division at (207) 624-5600 or [email protected]. Please feel free to contact the Finance Department at 207-699-5336, for more information.

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. Both property owners and renters are eligible to apply. 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. The total amount budgeted for this program in fiscal year 2023 is $60,000. 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 13, 2022. 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 207-781-5253 x5311.

Farmers Market Supports Food Pantry

On Wednesday, August 3, Cumberland & Falmouth Farmers Market presented Falmouth Food Pantry with a check for $1534.30. "Throughout the month of July, during our Wednesday market, our generous patrons and vendors collected canned goods and funds to aid the Falmouth Food Pantry," said Kathy Shaw, president of the Cumberland Farmers Market Association and a market vendor. "As a result, the Farmers Market in Falmouth is pleased and delighted to contribute $767.15 as a match for all funds donated." Nancy Lightbody accepted the check on behalf of the Food Pantry, noting, "This generous donation is a wonderful example of the amazing support of the Falmouth Food Pantry by so many members of the community. Many many thanks to everyone for your thoughtfulness, which will directly benefit the neediest in our community." Town Manager Nathan Poore and Council Chair Pete LaFond also attended the event.

Nancy Lightbody with the Falmouth Food Pantry thanks Kathy Shaw and the Cumberland & Falmouth Farmers Market for their generous donation.

The winning team.

Police Win National Night Out Softball Showdown

To mark National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, Falmouth Public Safety met on Legion Field in a Softball Showdown of Police vs. Fire to raise money for Special Olympics Maine. The Falmouth Police Department handily won the game, 23-4. As a result of their loss, Falmouth Fire-EMS will now be faced with washing police cruisers, unable to redeem themselves until next year's game. "We had a great night," said Fire Chief Howard Rice, despite the loss. "It's rare we can all get together like this and just have some fun." A good crowd turned out to watch the game and enjoy food cooked by Sergeant Grill Master Kevin Conger of Falmouth PD and his team. Thanks to generous donations and a 50/50 raffle, the event raised over $1000 for Special Olympics Maine. Special thanks to sponsors and contributors including: Hannaford Supermarkets-Falmouth, Maine Marathon, Pine State Beverage, Falmouth Little League, Falmouth Public Schools, Rivalries Restaurant, and Bob and Mike's Store-Saco. A big thank you also goes to the teams who played and the fans that came out to support them. We look forward to next year and making this charitable community event an annual tradition.

Chief Howard Rice (center), Assistant Chief Jay Hallett (left), and Captain Dave Cuttler (right) present Alexandra Dowling with the scholarship award.

Falmouth Fire-EMS Awards Annual Scholarship

Falmouth Fire-EMS has awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Alexandra Dowling, a 2022 graduate of Falmouth High School. This is the third year of the scholarship award, created to recognize graduating high school seniors living in the Falmouth community who plan to continue their post-secondary education in the field of firefighting, emergency medical services, nursing, or a related field. Alexandra will be attending Tufts University this fall. Chief Howard Rice, Jr. presented the award and wished her the best of luck in her future career path. In presenting the award Chief Rice stated: "Awarding this scholarship is a small investment that we are making in our future, and it is consistent with our mission to help our community." Several members of the department were on hand for the presentation of the award. Donations to help support the scholarship fund can be made out to the Falmouth Fire-EMS Scholarship Fund and mailed to Falmouth Fire-EMS, 8 Bucknam Road, Falmouth, ME 04105.

Social Services Agencies Grant Application Open

The Town of Falmouth is pleased to make available grants to social services providers who meet the needs of Falmouth residents whose safety or health is at risk. Funding could include support for such community needs as trauma response, domestic violence response, food insecurity, counseling, mental health and substance use treatment, dental health, refugee services, transportation, senior services, disability services, home health, and end-of-life care.

To apply for a grant from the Town of Falmouth for the fiscal year 2022-2023, submit an application to Marguerite Fleming at [email protected] or by mail to 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105 by September 30, 2022. The application is available here.

From the Wellness Committee: Town Landing Inspires and Connects

by Susan M. Gallant, Falmouth Community Wellness Committee Member

Living in Maine, we can't help but know how much "place" supports our general health and wellness. A variety of place-based factors influence health, including ready access to clean water, adequate nutrition, number and kind of pollutants, sanitation, safety, access to immunizations and health care facilities.[1] In Falmouth, additional nature-based resources provide residents and visitors with inspiration, commerce, recreation, refuge, and social connections. Town Landing is one such place.

Neighborhood residents have slightly different perspectives on how this community resource supports greater wellness, but there are common themes - access to nature, social connections, physical exercise, recreation, and play.

Nature serves as a refuge to inspire, reflect and heal. Being in nature has a powerful positive effect on the mind, body and spirit. Witnessing a sun rise, full moon or high tide at Town Landing can elicit awe. Or simply sit with the rhythm of the waves and a meditative mindset. From Town Landing, it's a short jaunt to Falmouth's Nature Preserve.

Walking and spending time in forests, known as shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is a popular form of preventive health care in Japan. Studies show that it lowers stress, blood pressure and supports the immune system. My hunch is that the benefits are similar for a healthy walk up Town Landing Road to the Preserve, or down it to walk along the shore. It's sort of like our own micro-Blue Zone.

Blue Zones[2] are regions of the world that are home to some of the oldest and healthiest people in the world. Although their lifestyles differ slightly, they mostly eat a plant-based diet, exercise regularly, drink moderate amounts of alcohol, get enough sleep and have good spiritual, family and social networks. In Blue Zones, people don't exercise by going to the gym. Instead, it is built into their daily lives through gardening, walking, cooking and other daily chores. A walk to Town Landing is part of many a resident's regular healthy ritual.

Social connections are an essential factor contributing to wellness. Town Landing has a constant flow of people walking and talking together, folks walking their pets, riding bicycles, pushing strollers, flying kites, saying hello to those passing by, and a sense that the community is supporting each other to keep moving and connecting.

All of these things help create conditions for each of us to more often choose behaviors that enhance our well-being. And while we're doing it, don't forget to smile! Seriously. Right now. Just generate a wonderful big smile. Maybe even a giggle; play with it. Feel your energy shift? There's a lot of that at Town Landing.

Living Lawns

Living Lawns offers lawn care tips to help make your lawn healthy and vibrant. Over the spring, summer, and fall, Falmouth's Conservation Commission will share tips in The Falmouth Focus and on social media.

Living Lawns Tip #13: If you're mowing at higher heights as we suggest, there are true benefits as we are now in the heat of summer! Lawns maintained at higher heights usually develop deeper roots and dry out more slowly than closely mowed turf. Lawn growth will slow as the weather gets drier and hotter. If your lawn looks as though it could use watering, water wisely! Water lawns deeply and infrequently, applying about 1 to 1-1/2 inches per application to encourage drought-tolerant roots. Water early in the day if possible, to reduce the chances of evaporation and fungal growth.

For more information, visit the Livings Lawns web page at: https://www.falmouthme.org/environmental-initiatives/pages/living-lawns-your-healthy-lawn-care-resource

Bicycle Repair Station Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, August 8

Please join the Town of Falmouth on Monday, August 8 at 11:00am for a ribbon cutting celebrating the installation of two bicycle repair stations at the Route 88 and Town Landing/Johnson Road intersection and on Route 1 in front of Falmouth Shopping Center. The ribbon cutting will be held at the Route 1 repair station (in front of Shaw's by the bus stop). The repair stations include repair tools and an air pump for cyclists to fix their bikes on the go. The Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee (REAC) recommended funding for the repair stations in the FY23 budget to encourage bicycle use as an alternative means of transportation to cars.

Road Construction & Road Closures

Mast Road Closure Begins August 19

Mast Road will be closed to all through traffic beginning on August 19 through August 26 to install a culvert over Suckfish Brook, which is located just south of McDermott Way. Residents will be allowed access to their properties. Detour routes are being established and will likely include Babbidge and/or Brook Roads. Please note, work is expected to take one week but is weather dependent. Abutters will receive notice by mail regarding this closure. Additional information and updates will be forthcoming via News & Announcements E-Alerts (subscribe here), this newsletter, our website, and social media pages.

Middle Road Closure Extended

Work on the West Falmouth Sewer Project continues along Middle Road. Several hundred feet of pipe have been laid; however, contractors indicate the closure, originally estimated to take four weeks, will require several weeks longer than anticipated. We will continue to update residents on the progress and provide a more specific timeframe for the reopening as work continues. Once the road is reopened, additional construction will continue on Middle Road between Lunt and the Woods Road roundabout into mid- to late-September. For the most current information on the project, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/west-falmouth-sewer-project and subscribe to West Falmouth Sewer Project E-Alerts for regular email updates. For questions or more information, contact the Wastewater Department at 207-781-4462.

Bucknam Road Bridge Replacement Begins in September

Beginning in mid- to late-September, MaineDOT will begin work on the Bucknam Road bridge over I-295. The work includes replacing the aging bridge and improving traffic signals. Significant traffic disruption is anticipated. Residents can anticipate preparatory work, such as brush removal, to begin shortly. Additional information and updates will be forthcoming via News & Announcements E-Alerts (subscribe here), this newsletter, our website, and social media pages.

Town Boards and Committees Seeking Members

The Appointments Committee is seeking volunteers to fill vacancies on a number of Town boards and committees. If you are interested in getting involved, please consider the following openings:

Board of Sewer Appeals (2)

Community Wellness Committee (2)

Conservation Commission (1)

Climate Action Planning Committee (Ad-Hoc) (2)

Falmouth Memorial Library Board of Trustees (1)

Land Management and Acquisitions Committee (1)

Parks and Community Programs Advisory Committee (1)

Recycling & Energy Advisory Committee (2)

Follow the links above for more information on each committees' role and function. For a board and committee application, click here.

Town Council Meeting, Monday, August 5, 7:00pm

The Town Council will meet on Monday, August 5, at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in person at Town Hall in the Town Council Chambers as authorized by Section 28, Policy Eight of the Town Council Rules and 1 MRSA §403-B. Members of the public may participate in the meeting by either attending the meeting in person or via Zoom. The agenda and Zoom link can be found here. The Zoom application will allow attendees to connect and participate remotely via computer or phone. The public may also watch (no participation option) the meeting on Channel 2 or on the Town website streaming channel. Check out our Guide to Participating in Virtual Public Meetings. If you have questions, please call (207) 699-5335.

At the Most Recent Town Council Meetings…

The Town Council held a meeting on July 25. An agenda and video can be found here.

• The Council approved the minutes of the June 20 Annual Caucus Meeting and June 20 Council Meeting.
• There was an introduction of an Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-14, Art. II-14-2, DIV. II-14-2-3 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Street Addressing. The public hearing was scheduled for August 22.
• There was an emissions reduction targets presentation.
• There was an update on the Falmouth Town Landing Resiliency Study.
• There was an update on the current and pending road/intersection projects.
• The Council approved an Ordinance to adopt amendments to Chapter II-7 and Chapter II-19 of the Code of Ordinances relative to removing outdated and unnecessary language, bringing consistency to policies, and improving the usability of the ordinances.
• The Council approved an Order to amend the Land Use Permit Fee Schedule to add an inspection fee for fill permits and Shoreland Zone permits approved by the Planning Board.
• The Council approved an Order to vote for Maine Municipal Association Vice President and three Executive Committee members.
• The Council approved an Order to authorize the Town Manager to grant a poverty abatement.

The July 5 Planning Board meeting was postponed until July 12 due to lack of a quorum. At the meeting, the board considered the items below. An agenda can be found here.

At the August 2 Planning Board meeting, the board considered the following items. An agenda can be found here.

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 [email protected]

The Board of Zoning Appeals considered the following items at its meeting on July 26. An agenda can be found here.

• 251 US Route One - Philadelphia Sign Company - Request for Variance under Section 19-120 to install 3 signs for Chase Bank. Map/lot U12-002; Zoned VC1, SZ-SP. WITHDRAWN
• 268 Blackstrap Road - Megan Blanchard- Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 for a home daycare. Map/lot R07-029-B; Zoned F, SZ-SP, RCZO. TABLED
• US Route 1 - Verdad Real Estate Inc.- Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 construction of three warehouse buildings. Map/lot U53-001; Zoned BP. APPROVED
• 30 Casco Terrace - Kevin Browne Architecture representing Mary-Erin Casale & Benjamin K. Smith - Request for Variance under Section 19-120 to expand within setbacks. Map/lot U17-032; Zoned RA, SZ-LR, RCZO, WVOD. DENIED
• 30 Casco Terrace - Kevin Browne Architecture representing Mary-Erin Casale & Benjamin K. Smith - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for an expansion. Map/lot U17-032; Zoned RA, SZ-LR, RCZO, WVOD. APPROVED

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.

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