Gingerbread cookies, decorative lights, homemade gifts...the holiday season has begun! No matter how you celebrate, this is a time to hunker down for the long winter ahead and have some fun along the way. Read on for upcoming events, programs, and project updates. It's also the season of cold temps, so we have some reminders for you about CodeRED alerts and snow clearing. Take note of the many updates on what's happening in Scarborough.

There are a lot of dates to save from this email! If this gets lost in your inbox, check the Town News page of our website at any time for the highlights and most recent newsletter.

Prepare for the Winter Season

Sign Up for CodeRED Alerts

As we head into the winter storm season, one way to prepare is signing up for our Town's CodeRED computer alert system. It is used to quickly notify large groups of people for emergency situations like criminal activity, severe weather, road closures, evacuations, and missing persons. Only those who are signed up receive these alerts. It's free and secure to sign up for cell phone alerts. Select how to receive alerts: text, phone call and/or email. Help us keep you informed and safe by signing up for CodeRED.

Tips from Public Works

Snow will come any day now! Here are some reminders from Public Works:

• Keep edge of the roadways clear (at least 12-15 feet from the edge of the pavement) for plowing.

• Do not shovel or snowblow into the roadways.

• Be aware of and abide by parking bans.

• Place your trash and recycle carts in your driveway, not on the roadside.

• Put snow tires on your car. Drive slowly and safely.

• Get your snowblower ready to go.

Christmas Week Hours

Non-emergency Town offices will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th and the following day, Thursday, December 26th. Offices will reopen on Monday, December 30th.

Dog Licenses Expire on December 31, 2024

Dog license registration is now open for 2025, and licenses are valid through December 31, 2024. Register or renew your dog license in person at the Clerk's office or online (If you register your dog(s) online, you will receive your tag(s) at the beginning of the next month). All dog renewals must be completed by January 31, 2025. The cost is $6 (spay/neutered) or $11 (not spayed/neutered). There is an additional $25 late fee after February 1st. To receive a license for your dog, please come into the Town Clerk's Office at Town Hall during our business hours, Monday through Thursday from 7:00am-5:00pm.

Why do dogs need to be licensed? Many reasons! Dog licensing ensures rabies vaccination which protects the health of your pet. Fees also go directly to the Maine Animal Welfare Program to fight animal cruelty and abuse, accounting for 95% of the State Animal Welfare Program’s entire funding. Without these fees, the State would be unable to protect the animals of this state.

Holiday Events for the Family

Santa in the Park

Friday, December 7, 5:00-7:30pm

Bundle up the family and head to Memorial Park to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to Scarborough! Shuttles from the High School parking lot will begin making their rounds at 4:30pm. We’ll be getting in the Holiday spirit with sweet treats, activities, music, fireworks, and more from 5:00-7:30pm.

Please Note: The fireworks will be at the start of our event this year. During that time, shuttles and walking down to the park will be paused to ensure safety of attendees. Please make sure to arrive early if you want to see the show before meeting with our guest of honor.

Help us spread the holiday cheer by bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to the Scarborough Food Pantry. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Saco and Biddeford Savings, and supporting sponsors The Little Gym, Goldfish Swim School, Hannaford, and Rotary Club of Scarborough for helping celebrate with us!

Gingerbread House Decorating

Friday, December 13, 6:30-8:00pm

Wentworth School Cafeteria

$8 per house kit

Register

Usher in the holiday season with our Annual Gingerbread House Night at Wentworth School. Leave the mess and all of the extra gingerbread bling to us! We will provide the house kits, icing, so much candy you won't be able to make up your mind, plus music, coloring tables, and light refreshments. Thanks to sponsors Michelle Raber State Farm and Portside Real Estate Group, it is only $8 per gingerbread house! Expected to sell out

Local Gifts & Events: Scarborough Holiday Guide

Before you head out for shopping, be sure to review the 2024 Holiday Guide for Scarborough, brought to you by Scarborough Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO), Scarborough Community Chamber of Commerce and Scarborough Buy Local. You'll find a list of events in Scarborough, a selection of regional events and a mini guide to gifts and offers. Many events are happening this weekend, so be sure to check it out soon and plan your outings!

Winter Program Brochure: Register Now!

It's almost New Year's Resolution season and Scarborough Community Services is here to help! Their winter brochure has exciting new programs to help you learn a new hobby, focus on your fitness, or get social. SCS offers programs for all ages year-round—be sure to give it a look.

✨Program Highlight: Holiday Lights Ride

Thursday, December 12, 6:00-8:00pm

$10 (Beverage cost on your own); Ages 55+

Come aboard the Community Services bus to be chauffeured through the streets of Scarborough and surrounding towns to admire the "lights of the season!" We will admire the beautifully decorated homes and streets as well as make a stop for coffee and hot chocolate along the way. Come along for this annual tradition! Call 207-730-4150 to register.

Our Winter 2024-25 brochure has arrived and it’s packed with some frosty fun!

December 7: Children's Craft Fair

Saturday, December 7

10:00am-12:00pm

Community Services Hub, 418 Payne Road

Join us for our first Children's Craft Fair! Participants have developed skills to create and sell their products, learning about supplies, inventory, cost, profit, marketing, and selling through hands-on activities. During the fair, they will showcase and sell their creations, including baked goods, fire starters, magnets, jewelry, lip scrub and lip gloss, perler bead art, ornaments and greeting cards. 

Finance Clerk Barbara Fagnant Retires After 23 Years

If you've stopped into Town Hall to register a vehicle, you may remember our Finance Clerk Barbara Fagnant. Barb is retiring after 23 years of dedicated service to the Town of Scarborough!

Barb started working for the Town in August 2001 part time in the Clerk's Office. She also helped out at the Fire Department and Public Works until being transferred in 2004 to what at that time was the Excise Office. In earlier years, the Excise Office did vehicle registrations, trailers, ATVs and boat registrations. She became full time in 2013 in the Excise Office and eventually when the Tax Office and Excise Office merged, Barb became the Town's Excise Agent for the State and the Agent for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. She also assisted with many elections, which she enjoyed and felt to be very rewarding.

Barb looks forward to spending her retirement with her husband of 43 years, her 2 daughters and their significant others, her son and daughter-in-law and her 11 grandchildren. She enjoys bringing the grandkids to the beach, spending time at the lake, creating lasting memories and keeping up with family and friends on Facebook. She and her husband are also planning on downsizing their home and building something closer to their children.

Barb will be very missed by her work family, Town employees that she has made lasting relationships with, and of course her valued residents that she has served for all of these years. We all wish her health, love and happiness in her retirement and so much gratitude for being such a valued employee, not just for the Finance Department but also the other departments she has assisted through the years.

Board & Committee Updates in Special Newsletter

In addition to Town staff and council, citizen-led boards and committees actively meet to work toward goals that enhance our community. We wanted to highlight the important work they do, so last year we created a periodic Board & Committee Newsletter to share the updates. The most recent one was sent out last week. In case you missed it, find the newsletter here and get a recap on the year's larger Planning Board site approvals, School project work, new ordinances, the Transportation Study, and more.

Join a Town Committee

There is no better time for you to join a committee, as terms are soon to expire for some members. See a list of all boards and committees, and complete an application on our website. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by our Appointments & Negotiations committee. Thank you for your interest.

View the Transportation Study Draft

Seeking public feedback

The Town has been working with consultants for the past several months on a Townwide Transportation Study. A draft is now available to view on our website.

To develop the study, consultants evaluated our transportation network and identified next steps for design, further study or additional efforts. The Town's Transportation Committee has reviewed and provided comments along the way. Town staff and consultants Barton & Loguidice and TYLin will be presenting key elements from the study during a Council Workshop on December 4th.

The working group relies on public input in this stage of the process. We ask you to review the Study on our website and complete this form with your feedback. Comments will be discussed by the Transportation committee and an updated version of the Study will go before the council this spring.

The Study focuses on 5 guiding principles: Implement Complete Streets Strategies, Prioritize Safety, Create a Multi-modal Network, Meet Transportation Demands, and Encourage Connectivity.

Mobile Food Vendor Ordinance in Process

In the November 20th Town Council meeting, the Planning department proposed a mobile food vendor ordinance, specifically for food vendor courts (multiple food trucks set up at one site). The Council moved to approve the draft Mobile Food Vendor ordinance at first reading that evening. The draft will be forwarded to the Planning Board for a public hearing on December 16, 2024. Further Town Council action will be taken in January.

While there is currently a policy permitting mobile food trucks for one-time events, private events and catered events, several requests have come in for expanded opportunities. Planning staff received a request to consider a new use to allow for a mobile food vendor court. They've also received many requests over several years to allow for mobile food vending in some form. 

The proposed draft creates a new use “mobile food vendor court” that would be permitted in non-residential districts currently permitting restaurants. The new use would fall under the commercial site plan ordinance requirements in much the same way a restaurant would. Mobile food vendors would be subject to license requirements and would need to provide the approved location as part of the license requirements. This proposal does not contemplate mobile food vendors who would drive from site to site.

Open Space Plan Available for Review Soon

After months of consultant work, a draft Open Space Plan will soon be available for the public to review. The plan will help guide and prioritize land conservation efforts is Scarborough. Over the past several months, the planning team has compiled and analyzed data and collected community input through an in-person workshop, online survey, and community events. Information was compiled into a draft plan that is under review by staff and the Ad-Hoc Open Space Committee. A revised draft will be available to the public in late December. Be on the lookout and ready to give feedback through January.

Traffic Signals to Make Route 1 More Efficient

After several years and a multi-phase installation approach, there are now adaptive traffic signals at five major intersections along Route 1 in Scarborough. While getting the new technology up and running, there were some hiccups that disrupted operations. Recent issues were mainly around the Haigis Parkway and Route 1 intersection—power fluctuations were causing the controllers to short out and need replacement. Public Works fixed the issue by installing a backup power unit, and the system has been up and running since October 30th.

Troubleshooting is nearly complete for a traffic signal at the Downs Road intersection and should be fully functional in December.

Adaptive Traffic Signals are intended to maximize the traffic volume by prioritizing the approaches of an intersection with the greatest demand instead of on a predicted pattern. While there have been some issues in the process, the Town is monitoring the lights and actively troubleshooting to address any of the disruptions. Commuters should notice a more efficient flow of traffic from these "smart" signals, which begin to predict traffic patterns over time. The longer it runs, the better it will become at learning the patterns and operating more efficiently.

Proposed Ordinance Amendments on Wetland Setbacks

After being reviewed in Ordinance committee in October, the Town Council will hold a first reading on December 4th on proposed amendments to ordinances regarding wetland setbacks.

This year, the Conservation Commission has been working with the Planning Department to propose wetland standards be added to Chapter 405B, Site Plan Review Ordinance and Chapter 406 Subdivision Ordinance. The goal is to enhance protections to Scarborough's wetlands and create standards during the development process. The amendments would provide clear requirements for resource protections to create understanding among developers, staff, and the Planning Board.

The proposed amendments include having a minimum wetland buffer of 25 feet from the edge of a wetland to any building lot boundary for new development requiring site plan or subdivision approval. It will be further discussed in the December 4th Town Council meeting.

Learn more from materials in the October 9, 2024 Ordinance Committee meeting agenda. Wetland Setback materials begin on page 27 of 42.

Now Hiring: Finance Clerk

The Town of Scarborough is now hiring for a Full Time Finance Clerk and a Part Time Finance Clerk (25-28 hours/week). Duties involve friendly customer service to residents and visitors in the office and when answering phones. Responsibilities include processing various property taxes, registering vehicles, including automobiles, trailers, snowmobiles, ATVs, boats and issuing boat launch and beach permits. Accepting applications until Sunday, December 22nd.

Town Council Corner: New Councilor Introductions

By Scott Doherty, Bill Donovan, & Cory Fellows, Town Council

Town Clerk Tody Justice swears in new councilors on November 20th (from left to right): Scott Doherty, Cory Fellow, and Bill Donovan

Scott Doherty

I am a self employed lobster fisherman. As a lifelong Scarborough resident I wanted to join the Town Council to be fair and equitable to the average homeowner, and to lower taxes and fees. I think that things like the school project should go to the voters before the council decides to buy land for something the people don't want. The majority should make these decisions, and they should be done at the November elections.

Cory Fellows

I was born in Bozeman, Montana and moved around a lot growing up as a military kid. I lived in seven different states before graduating from high school in upstate New York and attending Colgate University. I've been in New England since coming to the Boston area for graduate school in the mid-90s, and have now lived in Scarborough for over 20 years - far longer than I've ever lived anywhere else. Our three boys, who are now in college but back in the nest for Thanksgiving as I write this, all attended Scarborough schools from K-12. I served for nearly 12 years on the Planning Board and was also a member of the Long Range Planning Committee, during which LRPC spearheaded the latest update to the Town's Comprehensive Plan. In my spare time I'm a runner, hiker and skier, and enjoy fly-fishing for stripers at Pine Point and other local spots. I can never claim to be a native, but our family chose to put down roots in Scarborough - and I'd like to think that my varied background gives me a unique and valuable perspective. 

I've worked in the affordable housing industry for more than two decades, and one of my goals on the Town Council is to help formulate a real vision and actionable strategy for promoting affordability in Scarborough through thoughtful land use planning and the selective use of Town resources to support a diverse range of housing options in designated growth zones. I also support the continuation and potential expansion of property tax relief for those with fixed incomes. I believe we can strike a healthy balance between housing, commercial development which bolsters our tax base, and the protection of ecologically valuable open space. And while I no longer have kids in our public schools, I strongly support the ongoing effort to identify the most viable path for addressing our schools' pressing needs. Finally, it's my hope that we can continue the recent work of the Council in building a greater level of public trust through sound fiscal management and transparency.

Bill Donovan

I grew up in public schools in Concord MA, and then attended Dartmouth College and BC Law. For the forty years thereafter I practiced municipal law for a large business law firm in Manchester NH, acting as its Managing Partner for those last 10 years. In my spare time I followed my greatest interest, to serve the communities where I lived, serving on planning, zoning and school boards, coaching rec sports and serving on rec commissions. I retired to Higgins Beach and for the last 10 years have served 6 years as a Town Councilor and 4 years as President of the Scarborough Public Library. Additionally I golf (a lot) and enjoy participating with the Higgins Beach team protecting plovers.

My goals as a Councilor remain unchanged from my prior terms. While seeking collaboration with fellow Councilors and employing responsible budgeting, find ways to improve our community and protect it from the most serious pressures it faces. These include controlling our unusually rapid growth and protecting our quality of life, be it difficulties arising with our transportation system to the risks presented by climate change.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Scarborough Town Council.

Scarborough Town Council

April Sither (Chair) • Jonathan Anderson (Vice Chair) • Don Cushing • Scott Doherty • Bill Donovan • Cory Fellows • Karin Shupe

Town Council meets the first and third Wednesday of each month. Visit our Town Calendar for links to attend and view agendas.

Scarborough Board of Education Upcoming Events

The Scarborough School Board meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month. Here are a few upcoming dates:

December 5: Regular School Board meeting at 7:00pm. The board will hear from the Director of Nutrition Services, Peter Esposito, for a review of the Nutrition Services within the district. 

December 12: The School Board will hold at Round Table discussion at 6:00pm in the Wentworth Learning Commons. This is a two-way conversation and a chance to get to know your School Board representatives. Talk candidly about topics of interest to you within the schools. Zoom option

December 19: Board workshop at 6:00pm on “Understanding AI”, presented by IT Director Jenn Day and Curriculum Director Katie Vetro. Regular Board meeting at 7:00pm.

School Solution Work Continues

Portland-based Firm Harriman Selected to Assist

By Diane Nadeau, Scarborough Schools Superintendent

The Scarborough School Building Advisory Committee (SBAC), a joint advisory body of dedicated community members formed by the Board of Education and Town Council, has been working diligently since last winter towards the purpose of coming up with a school solution to address the deficiencies and previously identified needs in the town’s K-8 schools. This community-driven initiative began with the long-range goal of developing a comprehensive solution that meets both current and future needs of our community. In June 2024, the SBAC presented four potential proposals to the Town Council and School Board, marking the conclusion of the first phase of their work. 

The second phase of the SBAC’s efforts commenced in October 2024. This phase involves a reconstituted committee, including both members from Phase 1 and new community participants, tasked with collaborating alongside school department staff and qualified consultants. Their mission is to provide recommendations on the preferred concept, site, design, and cost estimates for a viable school solution that can gain voter approval. 

To aid in this critical work, a subcommittee of 10 SBAC members undertook the responsibility of selecting an architectural firm. This process began with the issuance of a statewide Request for Qualifications (RFQ), inviting firms to submit proposals. The subcommittee conducted a thorough review and ranking of the submissions, followed by an intensive interview process. During these interviews, firms showcased their credentials and strategies, addressing key considerations such as project milestones, creative problem-solving, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. 

After careful deliberation, the subcommittee unanimously recommended Harriman, a Portland-based firm, to lead this project. Harriman’s proposal stood out for its detailed alignment with the 15 RFQ criteria and its reflection of community feedback gathered through Scarborough’s Spring Community Survey. One subcommittee member remarked on Harriman’s evident preparation, stating, “It was clear they had done their homework.” Another highlighted the firm’s innovative approach during their presentation, which included a prioritization exercise to gauge key community values such as fiscal responsibility and safety. 

Although Harriman was previously tasked with the specific ask of designing a K-3 school for the unsuccessful 2023 referendum, their role in this new endeavor is markedly different. This time, they will build upon the SBAC’s extensive groundwork and work within clear financial parameters and the four initial concepts developed by the committee. The project’s proposed budget ranges from $70 million to $130 million, with a target cost in the area of $100 million. Achieving this budget will necessitate difficult decisions to manage expenses effectively. Harriman will handle all aspects of the project with their in-house team, including engineering, and they have assigned a dedicated outreach coordinator to ensure consistent communication with the community. Additionally, the firm will partner with Market Decisions to survey public sentiment at key milestones. 

Harriman brings an extensive understanding of Scarborough’s school facilities, having previously worked on renovations and additions to Scarborough High School, the construction of Wentworth School, and the development of a Long Range Facilities Plan in 2017. Their familiarity with the town’s infrastructure and their proven track record were key factors in the committee’s decision. A selection committee member expressed confidence in Harriman’s ability to “hit the ground running,” citing their knowledge, experience, and success with similar projects across Maine. 

On November 21, the School Board hosted a joint workshop with the Town Council to review SBAC2’s progress and outline next steps. Following the workshop, the School Board unanimously voted to approve SBAC2’s recommendation to engage Harriman. Board members voiced strong support for the firm, emphasizing their ability to build on the grassroots efforts of the SBAC, tailor solutions to Scarborough’s unique needs, and help prioritize critical improvements within the project’s financial constraints. 

With Harriman now on board, the SBAC and the firm will work collaboratively to finalize a school solution that addresses the town’s educational needs and aligns with community priorities. The goal is to present this plan to voters in a referendum scheduled for November, 2025.

"Let's Connect Greater Portland" Episode on Scarborough Marsh

A November 6th episode of the "Let's Connect Greater Portland" radio show was on the topic of protecting Maine's vulnerable marshes, with a focus on the Scarborough Marsh.

The show featured Kate Cough, editor at The Maine Monitor, and Steve Pinette, a retired geologist and a leader in efforts to protect Scarborough Marsh. They spoke with host Kristina Egan about the impact of climate change on Maine’s marshes.

Let's Connect Greater Portland is a weekly public affairs radio show & podcast hosted by Greater Portland Council of Governments Executive Director Kristina Egan. The show covers Maine's most pressing issues, including housing, transportation and climate change.

Listen to the episode on all major podcast platforms (listen here on Spotify).

Events & Programs at Scarborough Public Library

Richard Cass, Author Talk

Tuesday, December 3, 7:00-8:00pm

Register

Join acclaimed author Richard Cass for a talk about his latest novel, Closing Time, the last in the Elder Darrow Mystery series. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

From Kirkis Reviews: A bar owner investigates the death of his detective friend in Cass’ crime novel, the seventh in a series. Boston-based jazz lover and alcoholic Elder Darrow owns a bar—the Esposito—but he’s been slowly losing his passion for the business, and the drinking is starting to catch up with him. When Elder’s best friend, Boston police detective Dan Burton, is gunned down in what appears to be a random liquor store robbery, Elder barely has time to grieve before mobster Mickey Barksdale shows up at the Esposito with a proposition. A compelling and often poignant mystery about aging and loss.

Craft & Chat: Easy Creative Fun for Adults Who Need a Minute

Friday, December 6, 11:30am-12:30pm

Register

We're going to make some wintry decorations! Let's get in touch with our inner child and do some silly and fun craft projects. We'll listen to music, have some hot chocolate or coffee, and have some good silly fun.

Want to come, but you don't like this particular project? Feel free to bring your own thing! Coloring books, knitting, whatever craft you find relaxing!

Local Film Screening: 43 Degrees North

Saturday, December 7, 2:00-4:00pm

Register

While grieving the loss of his late wife, a world-renowned author goes into seclusion on an island in the Gulf of Maine. In his isolation, he befriends a strange entity that may not be of this world.

43 Degrees North was filmed on four of the Calendar Islands of Casco Bay, and multiple locations on the mainland, including Old Orchard Beach, Cape Elizabeth, and Brunswick. The film features all local talent and a Maine-centric soundtrack that includes the music of Schooner Fare, Noel Paul Stookey, and the Portland String Quartet. More about the project can be read in this article from the Portland Press Herald.

"Strata: Stories from Deep Time" with Laura Poppick

Wednesday, December 11, 7:00-8:00pm

Register

Join science and environmental journalist Laura Poppick on a journey through deep time. With a focus on Maine's oldest rocks, we'll explore pivotal geologic moments that shaped Earth as we know it today, and discuss what we gain by studying Earth's ancient past. 

Poppick is a Portland-based science and environmental journalist whose stories have appeared in The New York Times, Scientific American, National Geographic, and elsewhere. Her debut book, Strata: Stories from Deep Time, will be published in 2025. 

This is part of the Friends of the Scarborough Library Emerson Lecture Series, bringing science lectures to the library.