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Town of Scarborough Newsletter |
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Summer is a time for vacations, new beginnings, and mixing up the routine. We've welcomed new employees this month, said goodbye to longtime staff members heading off into retirement, and are keeping active with several outdoor programs as we continue through Parks & Rec month! Summer hasn't meant less busy at the Town, though. We've recently held public meetings on road projects, police & homelessness, and a council workshop on a GMO exemption request. There are many ways to get involved—email or call councilors, check the online Town Calendar for upcoming meetings, and check our website homepage for the latest updates on new programs. |
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Make the most of Scarborough this weekend... Visit one of our incredible beaches, walk a Land Trust trail ( upcoming events), stop by the Farmers Market, or have a picnic at one of our Town parks. |
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New Fire Truck Has Arrived |
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After several months in production, the Scarborough Fire Department received its new Ladder 1 fire truck last Thursday! This week they conducted factory training and then the truck will head to Public Works for additional equipment installation. The Fire Department hopes to have it in service by the beginning of August. This new truck replaces an older model and will serve the Town of Scarborough for many years to come. |
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August 11: Parks & Rec Survey Findings Presented |
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Thank you to all who took our Parks & Recreation Facilities survey to help inform the direction of the future of our parks! We received over 450 mailed surveys and 200 completed online.
With this information, our consultant BerryDunn is compiling response trends as the next phase of the comprehensive parks and recreation facilities master plan that is underway. The survey findings will be presented publicly on Thursday, August 11. The will be more information to come, but save the date for this public meeting. |
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Welcome Bailey Pratt, New Case Manager |
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This month we welcomed Bailey Pratt to the Scarborough Police Department! She joins us as our new Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Case Manager.
Bailey has a background in dispatch and was previously a Supervisor at Sagadahoc County Communications for the past several years. While she really enjoyed dispatching, she is looking forward to switching gears and getting to work with people on a more extensive, in-person basis.
Bailey and her husband just welcomed their first child, Amelia, about two months ago. She loves spending time with her family, including three large Labradors— Louie, Captain, and Cooper, and hopes to get back into running, one of her favorite ways to wind down from a stressful day before her little one came along.
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Workshop Held on GMO Exemption Request |
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On Wednesday, July 13, the Town Council held a workshop to review the draft GMO exemption order for The Downs. They presented on the background and context on the new GMO, exemption request from the Downs, and prior actions. They then gave a status update and solicited feedback and questions from councilors and the public on the next steps. This was the first dialogue as a full Council on this topic. Read more from the perspective of Councilor Ken Johnson below. |
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Upcoming Workshop: On Wednesday, July 20 at 5:30pm, the Town Council will host a Facilities Workshop. The Library Board of Trustees will participate to discuss the proposed Library Expansion Project. Find links to view/participate on the Town Calendar. |
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Never-Ending Summer...Happy Retirement! |
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This summer, two longtime Public Safety employees are hanging up their hats to enjoy the retired life. |
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Detective Ivan Ramsdell
Detective Ivan Ramsdell began his law enforcement career in Scarborough in March of 1987. He was a graduate of the 57th Municipal County Basic Police School and came to serve as a patrol officer, member of the tactical team, accident reconstructionist, Drug Recognition Technician and Field Training Officer.
Ivan was named Patrol Officer of the Year in 1988 and his career continued to build. He became the Youth Aid Officer and DARE Instructor, and in 2002, was promoted to the Detective Bureau. During his time in the detective bureau, Ivan became an expert in the field of video forensics, and served as the department's Computer Crimes Investigator.
Over the course of his 35+ years of service to the Town of Scarborough, Ivan received several Official Commendations and Unit Citation awards surrounding his investigative expertise, and for life saving efforts he displayed saving the life of a stranded motorist in rising floodwaters in 1996.
Thank you Ivan for your service and constant support, not only to your community, but to the Scarborough Police Department. Your example, knowledge, and experience have left an everlasting mark on the Scarborough Police Department Detective Bureau, and the Department as a whole. You will be greatly missed. Enjoy your hard earned retirement Detective.
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Deputy Fire Chief Jerry LaMoria
This month Jerry LaMoria will be retiring as Deputy Chief of Operations from our Fire Department. He was first hired as a temporary plow truck driver in late 2015, then as a Per-Diem firefighter in the Spring of 2016. In March 2018, Jerome LaMoria came to the department full time in his current position. Jerry is a veteran fire chief with over thirty years of experience. Prior to joining Scarborough, he most recently served as the Fire Chief in the City of Portland.
Jerry grew up in a very small town in Vermont and was intrigued with the local volunteer fire department at a very young age. He went to his first fire in the spring of 1977 at the age of 15 and knew very quickly that he wanted to make it his career. Over the years, he's found that he most enjoys being a fireman for the sense of accomplishment and purpose from "calming the chaos".
Jerry values the last few years that he has spent with Scarborough. “What I find special about the Town of Scarborough is the sense of family and teamwork across all departments. From a temporary plow driver to a deputy department head I have always felt valued and appreciated. Scarborough is blessed to have some of the most helpful, friendly and caring employees that I have ever experienced.”
In his retirement, Jerry plans to spend more time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
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Scarborough Public Safety Explorer Golf Tournament |
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August 22, 2022
Willowdale Golf Club
52 Willowdale Road, Scarborough
7:15am registration, 8:00am start
Gather a team and come join the 2022 Scarborough Public Safety Explorer Golf Tournament! There will be raffles, awards and giveaways, as well as competitions such as:
• Closest to the pin
• Longest drive
• Straightest drive (with a unique twist!!)
Lunch will be catered by The Garage BBQ of Scarborough. We still have slots available for both team registrations and sponsorship registrations! Team registrations are $100.00 per team member (maximum of 4 members) and include the following:
• Golf Cart
• Garage BBQ Lunch
• Complimentary golf bag with towel, balls, etc.
• Access to competitions
Become a Hole Sponsor:
• Silver Sponsor ($250.00) Includes an advertisement sign with your company name/logo at a tee box
• Gold Sponsor ($500.00) Includes an advertisement sign with your company name/logo at a tee box and advertising on the Explorer Social Media Accounts
• Platinum Sponsor ($750.00) Includes an advertisement sign with your company name/logo at a tee box, advertising on the Explorer Social Media Accounts, your company logo on a golf towel that is included in a golf bag given to all golfers in the tournament
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Parks & Rec Month: Two Weeks Left for Outside Fun! |
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July is National Parks and Recreation Month! Scarborough Community Services is offering FREE fitness and wellness activities almost every day of the month, made possible with Martin's Point Healthcare. Check out the schedule and class descriptions on our website. |
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Discount Amusement Park Tickets
Stop by the Community Services Hub at 418 Payne Road (Weekdays 8am-4pm, or 6pm on Tues/Thurs) to grab discounted one-day passes to the following parks:
Funtown/Splashtown Combo Passes $40 each
Aquaboggan $21 each
York's Wild Kingdom (Zoo only) $11 each
Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and are available to residents and non-residents. All tickets are non-refundable. We'll have them on sale all summer long until we run out, so stop by to secure your summer fun!
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Senior Trip to the Theater
Kinky Boots at Maine State Music Theatre
Thursday, August 18
12:45pm - 4:15pm
$85 resident/$90 non-resident (Includes transportation and ticket)
Register by Monday, July 18 at 11:00am
Meet us at the Community Services Hub (418 Payne Road) and together we'll ride up to the Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick to see six-time Tony Award-winning Kinky Boots. The play tells the story of Charlie Price as he reluctantly inherits his father’s failing shoe factory. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola – a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man that he is meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, the unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible… and discover that when you change your mind about someone you can change your whole world.
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There are programs happening nearly every weekday for ages 55+. Take a look at the May-July Brochure for a schedule and registration details.
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Concerts in the Park in Full Swing |
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Our free and family-friendly concerts are held on Thursdays evenings at 6:30pm. Pack a picnic dinner and bring your chairs or blankets!
July 21: Motor Booty Affair
July 28: Something Stupid
August 4: Running Down a Dream
August 11: Don Campbell Band (Postponed from July 14)
Additional parking is available at the High School. In the event of rain, concerts are moved to the high school auditorium. Thank you to Scarborough Chamber of Commerce and Scarborough Community Services for co-sponsoring this annual tradition!
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Summerfest is on August 19! |
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Friday, August 19
5:00-10:00pm
High School Sports Complex
Before school gets going and the summer sun sets, the Town of Scarborough and Community Services hosts our annual Summerfest event! Join us at the High School Sports Complex for fun, food, and free entertainment. Local nonprofits, businesses, and organizations will have info booths, demonstrations, raffles, free swag and samples, activities to participate in, and much more. You can expect:
• FREE Kids Bounce Zone Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Town & Country Federal Credit Union
• Music! Holly Heist, New England's premier rock/pop/dance cover band, will be performing from 7-9 pm
• Food trucks and vendors include Mr. Tuna, Cheese the Day, Char Wrig's Sno & Dough Adventures, Texas Roadhouse, Millside Creations Hotdogs, Betty ReeZ WhoopieZ, and Poppies Kettle Corn
• Fireworks around 9:15pm
Free parking available at Scarborough High School, Wentworth School, Scarborough Middle School, and Scarborough Public Library.
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Public Safety Building Open House |
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This year for Summerfest, our Public Safety team is opening up their building for tours every half hour! See our dispatch center, which handles 24-hour emergency calls for Police, Fire, and Rescue. Meet police officers and see our fire trucks, too. The Public Safety Building Open House will be held from 5:00-7:00pm as part of Summerfest. |
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New Property Tax Law L.D. 290: More Info Next Month |
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The Assessing department has received several recent inquiries about L.D. 290. This is a new State law that will go into effect on August 8, 2022. L.D. 290 is “An Act to Stabilize Property Taxes for Individuals 65 Years of Age or Older Who Own a Homestead for at Least 10 Years.”
The Assessing department will update its website and share information as it becomes available. Currently, the Property Tax Division of Maine Revenue Services is still creating application materials and FAQ documentation for the new law. This guidance will be issued by August 8th. Once the Scarborough Assessing office has received instructions and application materials from the State, we will notify residents when they can start applying. Be on the lookout for more specifics coming your way in mid-August. Details from the State of Maine:
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New Property Tax Law for Homesteads of Senior Residents
During the most recent session, the Legislature passed L.D. 290 - “An Act to Stabilize Property Taxes for Individuals 65 Years of Age or Older Who Own a Homestead for at Least 10 Years.” This new law allows certain senior residents to stabilize, or freeze, the property taxes on their homestead. An applicant must be at least 65 years old, a permanent resident of the State, and must have owned a Maine homestead for at least ten years. As long as the individual files an application each year, the tax on their homestead is fixed at the amount assessed in the year of 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. Maine Revenue Services is currently drafting forms and instructions, along with guidance for applicants and municipalities, which will be released in advance of the law’s effective date in August. View the text of the new law. |
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For more details and contact information, please contact the Property Tax Division at (207) 624-5600 or prop.tax@maine.gov. |
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Council Corner: GMO Exemption Review for The Downs
By Ken Johnson, Town Councilor
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The Town Council is in its first exemption review process since adopting an updated Growth Management Ordinance (GMO) in 2021. The GMO is a very specific tool to manage the pace of development within our community and has been used in Scarborough for over twenty years. It regulates how much of the allowable growth in an area can occur in a single year. As housing has become more diverse with multi-family vs single family in recent years, it became increasingly difficult to track permit counts based on definitions in the 2001 GMO. The Town Council updated the Ordinance last year to improve the regulation and ensure fairness in allocation. |
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The updated Ordinance also contains various exemptions from the requirements, which would allow developers additional permits beyond the limits if approved by the Town Council. An exemption could be permitted if the unit is located within the Town’s designated growth areas, is part of a mixed-use or multifamily development, or promotes the general welfare of the residents of Scarborough, is in the public interest and will have beneficial impacts on the Town as a whole.
The Downs has requested an exemption to gain additional permits over and above the annual allocation, and the process is front and center for the council over the next couple of months. I hope to get as much resident involvement and input as possible during the public process for this exemption request. As Councilor, I hear two opposing views—that of the residents concerned about the amount of growth, and that of the developer who has the understanding that all had agreed to the number of new homes. The recent community-wide survey results clearly indicate that growth is a concern for a majority of residents. The Developer invested time, effort and money in the development of the Downs. Hence the challenge of a fair and balanced decision on my part. How do I find a balance in these two opposing views? This is where I need your help. I truly would like to hear your thoughts on how to balance the competing interests before the final vote.
There has been much coverage lately about the size and scope of the development project—that it is the largest such development in the State’s history (The Downs plans to develop 1,800 to 2,000 new homes on the property over a 20-year period). Despite recent coverage, this is not part of the exemption review process. These agreements and policy decisions were established several years ago before my time as Councilor, and it is referenced in the Comprehensive Plan, the Credit Enhancement Agreement, as well as the Downtown Revitalization plan adopted by the Town Council in 2018. Our GMO is used to manage the pace of growth, not total growth within the community. It cannot, on its own, determine how much ultimate growth is allowed in an area of town.
The initial Town Council workshop was held on July 13. At the workshop the council reviewed the latest request for exemption for the very first time as a group. We had approximately 20 residents attend the meeting and half expressed their views during the meeting public comment.
The next meeting will be held on September 7, where the council will offer their input and suggestions on changes to the submitted request. The public is encouraged to attend and contribute. We also plan on holding a ‘Council Corner Live’ session time TBD to discuss the ‘Public Benefit’ component of the Ordinance exemption process. What is a ‘Public Benefit’? We want to hear from our residents.
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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. |
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Scarborough Town Council
John Cloutier, Chair • Ken Johnson, Vice Chair • Jonathan Anderson • Jean-Marie Caterina • Don Hamill • Nick McGee • April Sither
Town Council meets the first and third Wednesday of each month. Visit our online calendar for links to attend and view agendas.
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Scarborough Board of Education Meet & Greets |
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Tuesday, July 19, 5-7pm
Town Hall, Central Office (2nd Floor, School Department)
Thursday, July 21, 12-2pm
Town Hall, Council Chambers
The Scarborough Board of Education is hosting two meet and greet sessions for residents interested in joining the School Board this fall! There are 3 positions available: Two 3-year terms and one 1-year term. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet current school board members, ask questions, and hear about general board operations.
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Scarborough Public Library Upcoming Programs |
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Arts on the Lawn
Join the Scarborough Public Library for ArtS on the Lawn on Saturday morning, July 30 from 9:00am to Noon. This is an event for the entire family, a celebration of summer and the Arts at our Library.
Violinists Diane and Lisa Pettipaw will present a Musical Picnic, the Library Sketching Group will be showing and selling their works, Scarborough children's author Elisa Boxer will read from her latest book, Splash!, and the Library Knitting Group is offering spinning and knitting demos. Fiber Arts, Fine Arts, Literary Arts; we've got it all—AND more!
Library Sketchers will be selling prints, cards, and many fun creations. Radio Station 98.9 WCLZ will be selling merchandise featuring the winning design of their t-shirt contest, created by our own Michael Brown, founder of the Library Sketchers! Rain Date: Sunday, July 31
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Scarborough Marsh Program
Tuesday, August 2, 6:30pm
Sign up for Scarborough Marsh: Defining Our Most Iconic Geographic Feature with Linda Woodard, Director of Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center (SMAC) in-person at the Library on Tuesday, August 2 at 6:30pm. SMAC is celebrating its 50th anniversary! This evening program is based on fifty facts about our amazing marsh. Call 883-4723 or email askSPL@scarboroughlibrary.org to register. Click Here to learn more. |
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iPhone Summer Skill Up
Tuesday, July 26, 10:00am
iPhone Summer Skill Up is a new digital literacy program taught by Hailie Posey, Adult Services Assistant. It will be a quick, easy-to-understand, refresher on how to do some basic iPhone tasks, including including basic navigation, downloading an app, adding a contact, sending a text message, taking and editing a photo, and more. Email askSPL@scarboroughlibrary.org or call 883-4723 to register.
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Summer Hours are now in effect at the Library:
Monday – 9am to 5pm • Tuesday – 9am to 7pm • Wednesday – 9am to 7pm • Thursday – 9am to 7pm • Friday – 9am to 5pm • Saturday – 9am to 1pm • Sunday – Closed
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Click on the calendar event to view Town Council meeting Zoom links |
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