Saco City Council Appoints John Bohenko As Incoming City Administrator | |
|
On Monday, October 2, 2023, the Saco City Council voted unanimously to appoint John Bohenko as Saco’s City Administrator with a start date of Tuesday, October 10th.
“I look forward to partnering with the mayor, city council, and most importantly the citizens of Saco, alongside a very capable city staff, to continue to provide quality services to Saco’s community members,” said Bohenko.
Bohenko comes to the City of Saco as an experienced city manager serving in three new England communities prior to joining Saco, with his longest tenure being with the City of Portsmouth, NH for 23 years. In addition to Bohenko’s strong management experience, he also has a Master of Business Administration degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
“I believe that the City of Saco has many synergies with the City of Portsmouth including excellent municipal services, a strong financial position, access to the beautiful coastline, and a great place to work, own a business, and experience a high quality of life.”
Bohenko was selected after a competitive recruiting and hiring process conducted by HR Maine Consulting with 29 applicants. Nine candidates participated in a rigorous essay process, with three candidates moving forward to a multiphase interview process with a community panel, city staff members, and the City Council.
Mayor William Doyle brought John Bohenko forward as the candidate for council consideration on Monday evening. “We are extremely happy to have John Bohenko joining the City of Saco team,” said Mayor Doyle. “John has the experience and education to help guide the City of Saco with a best practices approach. His long tenure in a previous city will assist our community to meet the challenges of today, tomorrow, and beyond”.
Bohenko’s three-year contract will commence on October 10, 2023, and he will be paid $150,000 annually. The City Council waived the residency requirement, as authorized under the City Charter, recognizing the value his experience will bring to this community.
“Maintaining a stable tax base is a primary focus, as we continue to provide excellent city services, and I look forward to working with city staff to grow the tax base and ease the tax burden for all businesses and residents,” said Bohenko.
| | | |
|
Property Tax FAQ and
Due Dates
| |
Saco's property tax due dates for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 were adjusted at the Aug. 7, 2023, City Council meeting:
The Assessment year is as of April 1, 2023
Current Tax Rate: $14.75 per thousand of assessed value
Commitment date: 8/10/2023
Due dates: 1st: 10/13/2023; 2nd: 3/08/2024
Interest dates: 1st: 10/16/2023; 2nd: 3/11/2024
Interest rate: 8%
Certified Ratio: 100%
Last date to appeal assessment: 02/12/2024
On our website or in the video below, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about the 2023-2024 tax bills. If you have questions, please reach out to the Assessor's office at assessor@sacomaine.org or by calling (207) 282-1611.
| |
|
ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR NOVEMBER ELECTION
The City Clerk is currently taking absentee ballot applications for the November 7, 2023, election:
VOTING IN PERSON - NOVEMBER 7, 2023
On Election Day, November 7, 2023, the polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. All Saco voters will vote at the Thornton Academy Linnell Gymnasium, 438 Main Street. The City is no longer conducting Election Day voting at the Parks & Recreation building on Franklin Street.
| |
Take Our Climate Survey Today | |
|
Saco's Climate Survey is only open a few more weeks!
Now is the time to share your thoughts or pass this survey link along to family, friends, and neighbors.
We're seeking your input on Saco’s first Climate Adaptation & Action Plan by taking our two-minute survey: https://sacomaine.typeform.com/climatesurvey.
This grant-funded initiative is a collaboration among the Energy & Sustainability Committee, Planning Department, Conservation Commission, Water Resource Recovery Department, Southern Maine Planning & Development Commission, and others.
Almost daily, there are news stories about climate impacts to our neighboring communities. Saco is investing millions of dollars to combat climate change impacts to its Water Resource Recovery Facility, and the City is diligently working toward assessing other opportunities to plan for our shared climate future. Learn more about Saco’s Climate Adaptation & Action Plan by visiting www.sacomaine.org/climate.
Climate policy is usually best approached on a regional level. This initiative is timed to coincide with Climate Plans in Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Biddeford. Saco will look to align its climate goals with the regional context.
We value your input on the following questions to help better align our shared community goals. Please take this survey today, and share with friends, family, and neighbors.
| |
City Hall Closed for Indigenous Peoples Day | |
|
City offices will be closed on Monday, October 9th, in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day.
Trash and recycling collection will not be affected by the holiday, so please put your carts out following the normal collection schedule.
Remember, you can still do City business online! We offer a variety of online services, including registration renewal, property tax payment, parking permit sales, ambulance bill payment, and more!
| |
WATCH: Saco Public Works Mechanics Care About the Community | |
Behind a City fleet are the mechanics who keep the equipment in action.
The team at Saco Public Works cares about the community they serve. They're at work at our new facility so that children can be picked up for school, people can drive safely in winter, first responders can help community members in need, and other department operations can run smoothly.
We're looking for mechanics to join us today. Learn more at sacomaine.org/apply.
| |
It's Not Too Late To Get Your 2023 HarborFest T-Shirt and Poster! | |
|
Limited quantities of 2023 Camp Ellis HarborFest t-shirts and posters are still available for purchase! The event will have new shirt and poster designs in future years, so don't miss out on adding this year's design to your collection. Funds from sales will be reinvested in future HarborFest events.
View more photos of the t-shirt and see the poster designs on our website: sacomaine.org/harborfest.
Thank you to the Walker family for spending some time with us for pictures of the 2023 shirt design.
AVAILABLE PRODUCTS AND PRICING:
*HarborFest T-Shirts*
Kids: Small, Medium, Large, $15
Adults: Small, Medium, Large, XL, $20
*Posters*
11x17" print, $10
HOW TO PURCHASE
We welcome you to stop by the Economic Development Office at Saco City Hall (300 Main Street), Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM to make your purchase. Please call ahead at (207) 710-2678 if possible, to verify that we have your size and are in the office. Payments can be made via cash, check, or card. Credit cards will be processed at the Finance Clerk's windows.
| |
2024 Dog Licensing Begins Soon | |
|
2024 DOG LICENSING STARTS OCT. 15
You can license your dog(s) in person at City Hall or online at State of Maine Dog Licensing: https://www.maine.gov/online/dog_license/faq.html.
New Licenses - If this is a first-time registration, and the dog has been Neutered or Spayed, please bring in the Certificate showing the dog has been altered as well as the Rabies Certificate. New licenses need to be processed before the dog turns 6 months old, or if the dog is over 6 months old, then within 10 days of taking ownership, otherwise a $25.00 late fee will be assessed.
Renewal Licenses - For renewal registrations, you just need to bring in a current Rabies Certificate.
The fees are as follows:
- $6.00 for altered dog
- $11.00 for unaltered dog
- $42.00 for a Kennel with up to 10 dogs (Kennel means dogs used for breeding, hunting, show, training, field trials, sledding, competition or exhibition purposes). If more than 10 dogs in a Kennel, an additional fee of $42.00 will be charged.
-
New Service Dogs - No Fee (A Service Dog Verification Form for Waiver of License Fee will need to be completed by applicant and a licensed Practitioner). These forms are available in the City Clerk’s Office or online at State of Maine Animal Welfare Applications: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ahw/animal_welfare/forms.shtml
- Renewal licenses processed after January 31st will incur a $25.00 late fee.
- $5.00 to have a rabies certificate faxed to City Hall.
Note: Online licenses cost an additional dollar to cover postage for mailing the license and tag out.
You must present the following at the time of registration:
- A current Maine rabies certificate - If you need to have a rabies certificate faxed to City Hall, there will be $5.00 fax service charge in addition to the license fee.
- A neutering or spaying certificate if the dog has been altered.
| |
Temporary Office Relocation Comes to an End for Assessing, Code, and Economic Development Departments | |
|
Saco's Assessing, Code Enforcement, and Economic Development departments returned to their City Hall offices last month following the completion of restoration work due to water damage in early February 2023. We appreciate the patience of our citizens while City staff worked hard to address the damage.
You can find these three departments on the first floor of City Hall from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, or online anytime at our website: www.sacomaine.org. Please note we are closed on Monday, October 9, in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day.
Thank you to the Facilities team, who managed the temporary office reassignment and the restoration process. We also appreciate the Information Technology Department's work, which kept our staff connected with other staff, residents, and businesses throughout the disruption. And thank you to all of the employees who adapted to their temporary workspaces and continue providing services to our community members.
| |
Conservation Commission Encourages You To Explore Saco This Fall | |
|
The artistry of Fall in Saco is a delight.
Consider the orange, rust and red in the saltwater marsh. A harvest moonrise beyond the jetty. The yellow and green along the sparkling river shoreline. Explore these autumn treasures guided by this StoryMap from the Saco Conservation Commission. Enjoy!
www.sacomaine.org/explore
| |
Staff Appreciation: IT & HR | |
|
This month, we recognized two departments for their service to Saco.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS DAY
September 19, 2023
In our modern age, we rely on technology to meet the needs of our community. As powerful as it might be however, technology is imperfect. Saco is fortunate to have a dedicated, passionate team of IT professionals ready to solve new problems and prepare us for the future.
On this IT Professionals Day, we want to take the opportunity to thank these bright individuals for offering their skills to serve our community. Approaching daunting challenges with friendliness and determination, Saco’s IT professionals work hard every day to keep the technology that our city departments rely on in working order.
| |
|
HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL DAY
September 26, 2023
On Human Resource Professional Day we expressed our gratitude for our full-time team of HR staff who work each day in support of all City departments, their staff, and the services they provide to the community.
In Saco, HR is responsible for administering employee benefits programs, coordinating and delivering citywide training and workforce development opportunities, designing and administering a fair, equitable, and market-driven compensation management program, and providing consistent and uniform administration of collective bargaining agreements. They also work with each City department to attract, recruit, and retain our talented and qualified workforce. Our team is engaged in even more ongoing efforts, including occupational health and safety programs, monitoring compliance with established safety standards, administering drug-free workplace programs, coordinating citywide recognition programs, and ensuring fair and equal treatment of all employees and applicants.
Thank you, Carolyn and Emily (pictured), and Casey (not pictured) for all you do, often unseen, to support our workplace.
Are you interested in learning more about open jobs in Saco? Visit Human Resources online at www.sacomaine.org/careers today.
| |
Historic Preservation Commission Needs Your Stories for Interactive Community History Project | |
|
Earlier this year, Saco’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) earned a $22,000 grant from the Maine Historic Preservation Commission to provide new public educational resources for the community.
The Certified Local Government Grant will help fund the Saco Community History Project, a self-guided walking tour that highlights landmarks on Saco Island and Downtown. Nearly two dozen signs will be installed, each exploring the rich history of Saco through stories about significant buildings, people, and events.
Saco’s HPC wants your stories! We believe in order to truly tell the full history of our City, community members with special connections to our past should contribute. If you have a historic home, know about the location of a significant business, or know the story of a great person of the past, we’d love to hear from you. Send an email to planning@sacomaine.org.
The Dyer Library will offer resources to assist the Saco HPC in weaving together the tales of Saco, and Saco Public Works will install the signs around the Downtown and Island. We’re proud of Shannon Chisholm, Saco’s Assistant Planner and HPC Staff Liaison, for authoring the grant application.
For more information about the Historic Preservation Commission, such as their recent Camp Ellis Architectural Study and Resiliency Report, visit sacomaine.org/hpc.
| |
End of Season Beach Reminders | |
|
We hope you had another great set of warm months at Saco's beautiful beaches.
As we move into Fall, we've rounded up some seasonal coastline updates for you to keep in mind.
Lifeguard Coverage
Lifeguards final day of patrol for the season was September 3rd. Please be safe around the ocean, as always. And thank you to our team of lifeguards who kept Saco's beaches safe this summer.
Bathrooms*
Saco's beach bathrooms (Located at Bayview Beach and the Camp Ellis Pier) will close around October 11th for the season.
Beach Mat*
The beach accessibility mat at Bayview Beach was removed in September due to storms, and will return in the spring.
*Dates subject to change if seasonal conditions require it.
Dogs
Dogs must remain leashed on Saco beaches through September 30th. From October 1st through March 31st dogs may be off leash if they are under voice control and sight control. Dogs must be on leash while entering or exiting vehicles at the beach.
| |
City Council Considering Updates to Chapter 102, Fire Prevention | |
|
Saco City Council is considering staff-recommended updates to City Code, Chapter 102, Fire Prevention.
Updates within the five Articles of Chapter 102 will ensure accurate reference to appropriate editions of codes and standards; add or refine several definitions; add reference to and expand upon, the residential fire sprinkler requirements incorporated into the Subdivision Ordinance; and adjust the description of fire hydrants to align with requirements of the Maine Water Company.
An addition to Article 1, Fire Code, is the proposed expansion of the current inclusion of a residential fire sprinkler system in new one- and two-family dwellings within subdivisions to include all new dwellings across the City. This update would not be retroactive and would not apply to existing dwellings or projects currently undergoing the City’s building permit process.
City Staff are recommending the updates be made to align with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) life safety standards. Created in 1975, NFPA 13D is the standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes. NFPA 13D became part of the NFPA Life Safety Code in 2005 and became part of the International Code Council (ICC) Building Code in 2009. All states but California and Maryland removed the one- and two-family residential fire sprinkler sections when adopting the newest edition of these Codes, eliminating an important life-saving feature from new homes. Amending the Subdivision Ordinance in 2021 was the first step in restoring the inclusion of residential fire sprinklers systems in new homes in Saco.
Fire sprinklers save lives by quickly extinguishing a developing fire, which ensures families can safely exit their home. The synthetic materials used to manufacture most of the items in homes today burn extremely hot and fast, quickly filling the home with deadly products of combustion. There may be less than two minutes to escape a developing home fire without fire sprinklers.
Watch this virtual reality video from the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition to see the stark difference in outcomes when a fire occurs in identical homes – one with fire sprinkler protection and one without: https://youtu.be/W_S4hmem8Co?si=Lf-6T2m7_6EERS-y
Want to share your thoughts? You can write to your City Councilor, whose contact information is available here: www.sacomaine.org/citycouncil
Have questions? Reach out to Fire Department Deputy Chief David Pendleton at david.pendleton@sacomaine.org or by calling (207) 282-3244.
To learn more, visit the Saco Fire Department online: www.sacomaine.org/fire
| |
Conlon Realty Cuts the Ribbon on New Office Located on Route 1 | |
|
City officials attended a ribbon cutting on September 27, 2023, for one of Saco's newest businesses, Conlon Realty.
Michael Conlon, President, Deana Burke, Designated Broker/Vice President, and Noelle Conlon, Sales Agent, were joined by dozens of family, friends, and colleagues at their office, located at 823 Portland Road in Saco. As some of Conlon Realty's clients also walked through the door to join the celebration, it became obvious that there's truth to this quote on the business' website: "Buying a home with Conlon Realty is like joining the family. Our relationship doesn't end at the close."
Learn more today by visiting Conlon Realty online: www.conlonrealtors.com
Thank you to Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry and Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce for co-hosting this gathering!
| |
|
Click each item for more information, if available.
City Council Meetings
Planning Board Meetings
Other Advisory Body Meetings
Saco Parks & Recreation Programs
Saco Main Street Events
| |
Receive E-mail Notifications for Council, Planning Board, and More Through E-Notify | |
|
Would you like to hear from us more than once a month?
Sign up for e-notify to receive custom e-mail notifications on important City happenings, such as the release of new City Council and Planning Board agendas, RFPs, and more.
If you encounter any issues with this system, please reach out to the Saco Communications Department at sacotv@sacomaine.org.
| |
Apply Today to Join Our Team | |
|
The City of Saco has open positions.
We encourage you to take a look at the job opportunities currently available with the City of Saco on our Careers page. There is so much important work that goes in to keeping the City running, often behind the scenes.
If nothing is a great fit for you, consider passing the listings along to friends and family who might be looking for a satisfying and important career.
| |
We are always looking for ways to improve communication with our community members. As always, if there is anything we can do to better communicate information, please let us know by emailing ERoy@sacomaine.org. Be sure to check out our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages using the buttons below. You can also see news and updates on the City of Saco website at www.sacomaine.org.
| |
| | | |
