2022.08.19--Falmouth Focus, Volume 4, Issue 20

Please note: This newsletter will be sent to subscribers of both The Falmouth Focus newsletter and Town News & Announcements. Please excuse cross postings. To change your subscription settings, visit E-Alerts.

General Information

Town offices and Facilities will close at 12:30pm on Wednesday, August 24 for a staff appreciation event. This includes Town Hall, Public Works, Community Programs, and Wastewater Offices. Community Programs events/camps will take place as scheduled.

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Falmouth's Revaluation Update

At the Town Council meeting on August 8, Assessor Ben Thompson presented an update on the revaluation, accompanied by David Cornell, an independent consultant hired to provide a quality review of the revaluation and analytics of the data collected. Find the presentation and video of the meeting here.

The last opportunity for residents to request an informal hearing with an assessor to discuss their new assessment was August 8. In the coming weeks, the assessor will establish the new mil rate (known as the commitment). Property owners who still disagree with the newly assessed value of their property will have 185 days after the commitment to file an abatement with the Assessor's Office.

While numbers are not yet finalized, the assessor believes the new mil rate will fall within the range of .01180 to .01230. This is a tentative estimate and NOT a finalized mil rate. Residents may estimate their tax bill by using the following formula: Assessed value x estimated mil rate = estimated tax bill (for example, $500,000 x .01200 = $6000).

It cannot be stressed enough that this is a TENTATIVE range and NOT the new mil rate. The mill rate CANNOT be established until all assessed property values are finalized-which requires the informal appeals process to be completed. Residents have questioned the impact of the revaluation on their property taxes and, by offering this range, the assessor hopes to address some of these concerns.

Find more information on the revaluation project at: https://www.falmouthme.org/home/pages/revaluation-project-2021-2022

Pine Grove Forestry Management Update

The harvesting of dead and dying trees at Pine Grove Preserve is expected to begin the week of August 22. Weather dependent, the work will take approximately three weeks. For safety reasons, the preserve will be closed during the harvest. Residents can expect increased noise and truck traffic on Route 88. This is a substantial project requiring heavy equipment and will significantly alter the look of the preserve in the short term. While the harvest may appear extreme, it is necessary to address significant safety issues by removing the most dangerous hazards and will also improve the health of the forest, culling it of invasive plants and dead or dying trees to allow for new growth of both pines and hardwoods. To learn more about the history of the preserve, the challenges presented by this property, the management plan developed to address these issues, and what work residents can expect, check out, "Focus on Pine Grove," a series of articles which appeared in The Falmouth Focus in early 2022. For more information or questions, email [email protected].

Absentee Voting

The Clerk's Office is now accepting requests for absentee ballots for the November 8 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:

Is there a deadline to request a ballot?

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Thursday, November 3.

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

Bicycle Repair Station Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

On August 8, the Town held a ribbon cutting ceremony 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 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. Representatives of Bicycle Coalition of Maine, Portland Velo Club (PVC), East Coast Greenway, and Casco Bay Trail Alliance joined Councilors LaFond, Cahan, Johnson, and Asherman at the event.

Cumberland County Seeks Public Input

Cumberland County Government, Maine has launched a second public participatory process to receive input on the allocation of remaining American Rescue Plan funds. This will include a sequence of participatory activities to engage stakeholders within the County on American Rescue Plan funding. Please takes this survey to share how YOU think these rescue funds should be used. Take the survey here.

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.

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.

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 #14: Summer is the season to get those growing weeds removed before they bloom and disperse seed for next year. Chemical herbicides can persist in the soil, make their way into ground water, and may potentially affect beneficial soil life, as well as the humans and other animals that are exposed to them. So rather than broadcasting your entire lawn, pinpoint weeds and treat them on a smaller scale by digging them out. Then, cover bare spots with soil or compost and over seed with the right grass variety. Also, we can all learn to have a higher tolerance for some weeds, such as clover and dandelions, for the benefits they can provide.

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

Community Programs Fall Registration is Open

Falmouth Community Programs is excited to share the Fall 2022 program brochure with something for everyone. Registration opened on Wednesday, August 17 to Falmouth residents both on-line and in person (no phone registrations). Non-residents will be able to register starting September 5. The brochure covers September-December and includes Early Release Days, winter Basketball, Fitness & Yoga classes as well as some new offerings such as a middle school book club, college essay writing for HS students, a walking tour of Boston's famous North End, Intermediate Watercolors, and a whole lot more. The printed copy of the brochure will NOT be available or mailed out before the middle of September. You can review the interactive brochure found here or view and print the pdf version.

How can I register?

1. Online anytime of day using our online registration site. Please note: On-line convenience fees are NON-Refundable.

2. Stop into the FCP office Monday-Thursday, 8am-5pm and Friday, 8am-12pm.

3. By mail, fill out the registration form and mail to: FCP Registration, 190 Middle Rd., Falmouth, ME 04105.

Here's to a fun-filled and busy fall for all!

Road Construction & Road Closures

As Maine's short construction season progresses, several projects are currently underway or will soon begin in Falmouth. Construction projects can take several years to plan, design, and initiate. Many different entities oversee construction projects in Falmouth, including MaineDOT, the Town of Falmouth, or various utility companies to name a few. As is often the case, many of these long-range plans coalesce in such a way as to occur at roughly the same time, much to the consternation of motorists. Below is a list of current and upcoming road construction projects that will impact travel in and around Falmouth in the coming weeks and months. Additional information and updates will be forthcoming on all these projects via News & Announcements E-Alerts (subscribe here), The Falmouth Focus, our website, and social media pages.

Mast Road Closure Begins Today, August 19

Mast Road will be closed to all through traffic beginning today, 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. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes. Please note, work is expected to take one week but is weather dependent. Abutters will receive notice by mail regarding this closure.

Falmouth Road beginning Monday, August 22

The Portland Water District will replace the water main on Falmouth Road between Twin Ponds Drive and Winn Road, including on Mill Road, beginning on Monday, August 22. Traffic will be reduced to one lane during the construction Monday through Friday. Work is expected to take approximately six weeks, weather dependent. A temporary water main will be in place to limit service disruptions. Questions or concerns on this project should be directed to the Portland Water District.

Middle Road Closure Extended

Work on the West Falmouth Sewer Project continues along Middle Road. Several hundred feet of pipe have been laid; however, a significant presence of ledge is slowing the work. 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 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

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.

A Back to School Reminder from Falmouth Police

The Falmouth Police Department is reminding residents that Falmouth Schools officially reopen on August 31. There will be increased traffic and school buses on our roads along with children awaiting pickup at driveway bus stops.This will also lead to more traffic at and around the schools. Please allow extra time and be conscious that our students will be waiting for buses, walking to and from school, and moving about the campus area. The corner of Falmouth and Woodville Roads will likely be congested between 7am and 8am on school days. Falmouth Police will be monitoring this area for safe and efficient traffic flow. Please be patient and cautious to keep our children safe.

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.

Highlight: Job Opportunities!

Falmouth Schools has a variety of excellent job opportunities available, several of which include sign-on bonuses. In addition to the positions listed below, there are openings in special education, food service, transportation, athletics, music, history, and science. View job openings and apply at: www.applitrack.com/falmouth/onlineapp/

Focus: New District Leadership Team Members

Superintendent Gretchen McNulty is thrilled to welcome new members of the District Leadership Team:

• Vicki Decker, FHS Assistant Principal
• Richard Gowers, FHS Principal
• Ryan W. Patrie, FES Co-Principal (Grades 3-5)
• Susan Prince, Assistant Director of Special Education
• Steve Trockman, Director of Communications and Community Relations
• Karen Walker, FES Assistant Principal (Grades K-2)

Upcoming: Fall Sports + New Falmouth Athletics Website

Hot summer weather is turning toward cooler autumn temps. This signals the start of fall sports. Tryouts and practices are underway and games begin soon. Our middle school and high school student athletes are thrilled to have Falmouth community members attend their competitions. Please consider attending games at our beautiful school campus (and at rival locations) to cheer on our Navs! James Coffey, Falmouth Athletic Director, recently unveiled a brand new Falmouth Athletics website. The site includes Teams & Schedules, Registration, Athletic Department Info, and Community Resources (Youth Sports, Club Sports, and Boosters). Visit the site at: athletics.falmouthschools.org

Falmouth Public Schools are located on a 100-acre district K-12 campus on Woodville Road. Our campus features extensive fields, trails, gardens and hoop houses, and rich opportunities for collaboration between schools. Over the past several years, each of our three schools in the district has been a recipient of the National Blue Ribbon Award: student achievement is exemplary and the community takes great pride in all academic, co-curricular, and athletic accomplishments. Equally important is our commitment to ensuring that all members of our community feel known, respected and appreciated as we work to fulfill our District Mission: Navigating Creative Pathways to Courageous, Compassionate, and Fulfilling Lives. For more information, please visit: www.falmouthschools.org

Town Council Meeting, Monday, August 22, 7:00pm

The Town Council will meet on Monday, August 22, 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 August 8. An agenda and video can be found here.

• The Council approved an Order on Amendment 1 of Route 100 Tax Increment Financing District and Development Program.
• There was an update and discussion on the 2022 Town wide property revaluation project.

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 will consider the following items at its meeting on August 28. An agenda can be found here.

• 268 Blackstrap Road - Megan Blanchard- Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 for a home daycare. (Previously tabled from July meeting)
• 6 Webber Way - Josh Soley - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for a Tear down and rebuild of a single-family dwelling.
• 10 Brookside Drive - Alison Lakin - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 & 19-123 for a home daycare.

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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