2022.01.021-Falmouth Focus, Volume 4, Issue 2

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General Information

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Free Personal Protection Kit Available for Falmouth Businesses

Due to the surge of Omicron cases in Maine, the Town of Falmouth will make available a kit of free personal protection supplies to our local businesses to encourage mask use among patrons and customers. These kits will contain 200 surgical masks, 2 16oz. containers of hand sanitizer, 3 packages of sanitizing wipes, and mask signage.

If you are a Falmouth business and interested in receiving a kit, please complete the form at: https://www.falmouthme.org/home/webforms/covid-19-supply-form-january-2022.

Focus on Pine Grove Preserve

To address safety concerns and improve the health of Pine Grove Preserve, located off Route 88, the Town will implement a forestry management plan in 2022 that includes a substantial harvest of dead and dying pine trees on this property. This new series of articles will focus on the history of the preserve, challenges presented by this property, the management plan developed to address these issues, and what work residents can expect to see in the coming months. Find the first installment on the history of Pine Grove here.

Today's Challenges

"Over the last 100 years or so, the pine trees in Pine Grove, which are all about the same age, have been competing for the same sunlight," explains Town Forester Paul Larrivee in a video presentation about the health of Pine Grove Preserve. "When you look up at the canopy there are no openings for sunlight to come in, which means the crowns of the trees cannot expand." Over time, the dominant trees survive, and the weaker trees die, eventually falling and becoming hazardous to the ground below, including the trails within the preserve. With the lack of sunlight reaching the forest floor, few young pines can grow. Only when old trees die and fall, leaving space for light to come in, can other trees take root. While some new young pines are growing in Pine Grove, most of the forest is regenerating with hard woods. If left alone, this forest will eventually no longer be a pine forest. Pine will be a component of the preserve, but it will be a mixed forest with maples, oaks, and birch.

In addition to competing for sunlight, the white pines are also subject to White Pine Needlecast disease, caused by fungi, further weakening the trees. Another concern in Pine Grove is the increased presence of invasive plants. Invasives stifle new growth trees. As the old pines fall, they open gaps in the canopy for sunlight, giving invasive species the opportunity to flourish. Glossy Buckthorn, Japanese Honeysuckle, Japanese Barberry, and Winged Euonymus are the primary invasive plant species within Pine Grove Preserve and each are spread across the property. Japanese Knotweed is becoming more prevalent. It grows very quickly, forms dense thickets, and, once established, becomes difficult to remove.

The changes to Pine Grove, outlined above, are normal occurrences. Forests regenerate all the time. In a wilderness or remote setting this is rarely an issue. However, Pine Grove is a well-used preserve, located in a densely populated area of our community. On any given day, numerous residents can be found enjoying the many trails on this property. As dominant trees flourish and weaker trees fall, safety to trail users becomes an issue. As a result, a careful management plan is necessary to maintain safety and promote the health of the preserve.

The next installment of this "Focus on Pine Grove Preserve" series will explore the forest management plan developed to address these issues. Can't wait for the next article? Read the whole series here.

Save up to $5,000 on Home Insulation Costs

The Efficiency Maine Trust is the administrator for programs to improve the efficiency of energy use and reduce greenhouse gases in Maine. They offer rebates on many energy-saving actions for homes and businesses, such as insulation, heat pumps, energy sealing, electric vehicles, and more.

Is your home feeling a little drafty this winter? The good news for you is that Efficiency Maine just raised their insulation rebates from $3,000 per home to $5,000. This is for all homes regardless of income. Plus, they've increased the percentage of the project cost they cover from 30% to 50%. So, what used to be 30% up to $3,000 is now 50% up to $5,000, meaning that customers can get a $5,000 rebate on a $10,000 insulation project.

Learn more about all the Efficiency Maine rebates now!

Vision & Values Community Survey #2

Deadline: January 31!

After nearly 12 months of community participation in the initial community survey, Future Summits, Discussion Boards, Focus Groups, and a dedicated Think-Tank, we are now at the FINAL STAGES of the Vision & Values project.

With each successive step, we have drilled deeper into key topics to explore their complexity, begun to understand the trade-offs that come with different future directions, identified the larger forces that might impact the community in coming years, and looked for common ground around which we can create a shared vision for the future.

All residents are encouraged to weigh in with your views to help shape the future of Falmouth. In this survey, you will see a lot of familiar language that reflects the ideas, thoughts, and views that have been expressed by residents throughout the process. Please add your own voice to this process.

Take the survey! An instructional video, Think Tank Report, and the survey can be found on the project portal at: https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/community-surveys/community-survey-2/.

You may also request a hard copy survey by calling 207-699-5235 or by picking up a copy at Town Hall or the Mason-Motz Community Center. The survey will remain open until January 31, 2022.

Short-Term Rental Registration Now Open

Pursuant to Falmouth's Short-term Rental Ordinance, effective January 1, 2022, 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.

The ordinance requires that owners renew their short-term rental registrations annually on or before January 1. As the ordinance and registration program are new, the deadline to register a short-term rental unit(s), for initial registrations in 2022 only, has been extended to February 18, 2022.

Town staff are happy to assist you with the registration process. Please email [email protected] or call Julie Baxter at (207) 699-5335 if you have questions or need additional information.

To register, please visit: https://secure.hostcompliance.com/falmouth-me/permit-registration/welcome

Coffee with Councilors

Building on the productive dialogues established during the Town's Vision & Values process, the Town Council would like to invite all residents to join two Councilors at a time for an informal Zoom gathering. These meetings will be scheduled for one hour each with no set agenda. It is a chance for informal dialogue on whatever is on residents' minds. We will vary the days and times to try to be accessible to all. Note, this is a pilot project; we will assess continuation after a few months. The first virtual coffee launches on Tuesday, January 25 from 12:00-1:00pm. Visit the events calendar on the home page for Zoom links to each meeting or watch this space. We hope to see you there!

The next Coffee with Councilors will be held...

Tuesday, January 25, 12-1pm
Attendees: Councilors Kuhn and LaFond

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88326784379

Or One tap mobile :
US: +13126266799,,88326784379# or +16465588656,,88326784379#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782
Webinar ID: 883 2678 4379
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keJqySAbKn

Additional Dates

Note: Links to each coffee will be posted on the events calendar on our home page at www.falmouthme.org and listed here in each issue.

Wednesday, February 16, 6-7pm
Attendees: Councilors DeLima, Asherman

Friday, March 18, 8-9am
Attendees: Councilors Cahan, Trickett

Thursday, April 14, 12-1pm
Attendees: Councilors Johnson, Kuhn

Wednesday, May 11, 6-7pm
Attendees: Councilors LaFond, DeLima

Falmouth's Family Ice Center Continues Free Pond Skating for All

Thanks to generous corporate and family support, free outdoor skating on Falmouth's Lee Twombly Pond continues this winter. The picturesque refrigerated pond, and adjacent heated pond house is open daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and is the ideal place for family and friends to gather. The spacious Pond House, has indoor and outdoor seating, tables and a gas fireplace. The Lee Twombly Pond and Pond House was donated by the family of Lee Twombly, an avid skater and hockey player, who was diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor at age 14. It is the family's wish for the facility to be a regional resource for all.

2022 Transfer Station & Parking Stickers Available

It's time to purchase your 2022 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, 2022.

Remember, disposal of certain materials and large items at the Transfer Station require 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

We need your help! Would you like to help keep our schools open? Have you ever considered subbing in the schools? Are you in a place to lend a hand?

Increased Covid-19 infections among our staff, combined with the closure of daycare facilities and schools in neighboring communities, has led to increased staff absence and significant strain on our employees. Only through the unwavering dedication of our educators have we been able to keep our doors open for students each day. Our teachers, support personnel, and administrators are covering for one another every day in the schools, while also supporting students and families who are at home in isolation due to Covid-19 in their own families. There have been several moments when we have had to ask ourselves if we can find the creative solution to staying open.

We have also heard from various constituent groups that people are eager to help, and for that we are appreciative and hopeful. We invite parents, residents and other interested individuals to consider joining our team. We need help with lunch, recess, bus duty, and more, as well as substitute teachers for classrooms. Substitutes are needed for half or full-day support, and can choose when, and where, they wish to work. Additionally, we have a number of full-time position openings in our schools (ed techs, bus drivers, food service, lunch aides). A background check (completed by the district) is required of all staff, substitutes, and volunteers.

Want to learn more or are you ready to register to lend a hand? Please go to 'Lend a Hand ' on our district website for more detailed information. You can also contact our Central Office for more information (781-3200 or [email protected]).

We thank you in advance for your help in reducing this strain and helping us stay open as we continue to forge through this pandemic surge. We are eager to invite our community members, parents, residents and others to apply to be a substitute or to lend a hand.

School Board Workshop Meeting - Monday, February 7th @ 7:00 in the Falmouth Elementary School cafeteria. The agenda is posted 5 days prior to the meeting on the falmouthschools.org website.

For more information on Falmouth Public Schools, visit: www.falmouthschools.org

Town Council Virtual Meeting, Monday, January 24, 7:00pm

The Town Council will meet on Monday, January 24 at 7:00pm. The Falmouth Town Council will conduct a virtual meeting via Zoom as authorized by Section 28, Policy Eight of the Town Council Rules and 1 MRSA §403-B. 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) 699-5329.

At the Most Recent Town Council Meeting…

The Town Council held a meeting on January 10.

• There was an update on the Community Vision and Values Project. Residents were encouraged to complete Community Survey #2.
• The Parks and Community Programs Advisory Committee (PACPAC) and the Community Wellness Committee provided updates.
• There was a public hearing on ordinance amendments to the Code of Ordinances Art. II-14-4, Sec. 14-121 to remove public access restrictions at Woods Road Community Forest and to require that pets be on leash December 1 to March 30 each year. The ordinance was scheduled for January 24.
• The Council approved an order regarding a proposed 4^th amendment to the Town's existing Route One North Tax Increment Financing District and related Development Program.
• The Council approved an ordinance to adopt amendments to Article II-19 of the Code of Ordinances related to permitting processes for the establishment of outdoor eating areas.
• There was discussion regarding proposed land use and zoning recommendations related to the Route 100 Vision Plan and the Route 100 corridor.
• There was an introduction of Proposed Amendments to Ch. II-14, Art. II-14-2, Div. II-14-2-2, Sec. 60-65 of the Code of Ordinance Relative to Street Acceptance and Changes to the Street Acceptance Application Review Process. The public hearing was scheduled for February 14.

The following items will be considered at the Planning Board meeting on February 1. 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 Dawn Emerson at 207-781-5326 or [email protected]

The Board of Zoning Appeals will be considered at its meeting on January 25. An agenda can be found here.

• 37 Casco Terrace - Joe Waltman representing Garth Conner - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-86 to raise existing deck one story to allow for living space below. (Previously tabled) THERE WILL BE A SITE WALK ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 25TH AT 4 P.M. AT 37 CASCO TERRACE. THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME TO ATTEND.
• 24 Amerescoggin Road - Jeremy & Karli Nickerson - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-86 for an expansion. TABLED UNTIL FEBRUARY 22, 2022

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 Minutesfor 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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