ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
|
If you haven't voted early, we encourage you to come out to the polls on Tuesday, November 2. Saco's polling place is the Saco Community Center (also known as Saco Parks & Recreation) at 75 Franklin Street. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday.
We have several local seats and issues on the ballot this year, alongside state referendum questions. The one-stop-shop for Saco election information is the City Clerk's web page at www.sacomaine.org/elections.
Local elections include several City Council, School Board, Warden, and Ward Clerk seats, Charter Amendments, and a bond question. View a sample ballot by ward now on our website. Not sure what ward you live in? Check our ward map.
|
|
|
|
Wastewater Bond Information |
On November 2nd, we will see a $50 million bond question, which is on the ballot as “Bond Question #1.”
Adjacent to the tidally-influenced Saco River, Saco’s facility is prone to hydraulic back-ups, is poorly equipped to meet anticipated regulatory requirements, is struggling to support community needs, and consists of aging infrastructure. For these reasons and more, over the past several years, Saco’s Water Resource Recovery Department (WRRD) has been studying these impacts and planning for the facility’s long-term health. As part of this planning process, Saco’s Coastal Resiliency Ad-hoc Committee, WRRD, and Communications Department partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate site alternatives, and the site design with the highest benefit-cost ratio was selected.
If approved, the City of Saco will be authorized to issue up to $50 million in general obligation bonds and accept state and federal grants and funding, if available, to construct a complete upgrade of Saco’s Water Resource Recovery Facility, which will include but not be limited to:
- site work to raise and elevate the facility;
- construction and installation of new, renovated, and/or upgraded wastewater treatment processes, structures, and necessary items in support of wastewater treatment and related operations;
- expansion of overall wastewater treatment capacity;
- reclamation of green space for community use;
- incorporation of public amenities; and
- associated site improvements
If approved, bond repayment is anticipated to be made through WRRD enterprise funds, Tax Increment Financing funds, with the lowest percentage from the general fund. Interest rates are anticipated to be 1%, a historic low, and the City of Saco will pursue Maine’s Clean Water State Revolving Funds for this project. The City of Saco is also actively pursuing federal and state funding opportunities through grants, principal loan forgiveness, and congressionally directed spending requests.
If you have questions, submit them through our Q&A form on the website and answers will be posted there.
|
|
|
|
As we continue to see increasing COVID-19 case numbers across Maine, effective Wednesday, October 27th, all City of Saco employees are required to wear masks in common areas/public spaces regardless of vaccination status. In addition, we kindly ask that all visitors do the same in all City facilities.
Thank you for your ongoing patience and flexibility as we implement safety protocols for our employees and community members.
|
|
There's Still Time to Participate in the Police Department's Pink Patch Program |
|
Did you know 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer? Or that early detection and treatment can be lifesaving?
Join us in our fight against breast cancer and to support breast cancer research through the Pink Patch Project.
The Pink Patch Project is an innovative public awareness campaign designed to bring attention to the fight against breast cancer. Through the sale of collectible uniform patches, public safety agencies world-wide are fighting together.
For the 2021 collectable Pink Patch, please visit the Saco Police Department or call (207) 284-4535. Patches are available for $10 each and cash or check payment types will be accepted. All funds raised will be donated locally to the MaineHealth Breast Care Center in Scarborough.
|
|
An Open House to Learn About OUR City’s Comprehensive Plan
Wednesday November 17 | 6:15-8:00pm | City Hall Auditorium
We want to hear from you at this important stage of the plan’s development. Please join us to learn more about the draft recommendations for the City’s next comprehensive plan and share your comments with us. Bring a friend and enjoy light refreshments.
The open house is a drop-in event, so come when you are able. A gallery of posters describing key plan elements will be displayed for review and a short presentation at 6:30 will cover highlights of the recommendations. Members of our consultant team and City Planning staff will be available to discuss recommendations and answer questions. Masks will be required for attendees.
Unable to join us in person? No problem! Materials from the open house will be posted online after the event for continued review and comment at your convenience.
Please visit our website for open house details and more information. We look forward to hearing from you!
|
|
2021 Leaf Collection Information |
|
The City of Saco will begin curbside leaf collection on Monday, November 15th, 2021.
We require PAPER bags and will only collect a maximum of 20 per household. We ask bags to be placed curbside by 7:00 AM on November 15th. Saco Public Works will begin on one end of the City and continue along each day until each street has been visited once.
If you have additional bags, or missed your street's collection, leaves are accepted year-round at the Transfer Station, free of charge, for Saco residents.
Paper bags are available at most stores that sells garbage bags. They can be found locally at Hannaford, Shaw's, and Reny's, as well as Home Depot, Lowe's, and Walmart.
Please note the City does not enter onto private roads or developments and can only collect within the City right of way.
|
|
Saco Main Street
Pumpkin Harvest Festival Recap
|
|
We were happy to see such strong participation and many families enjoying themselves in downtown Saco on a perfect fall Saturday.
We are incredibly thankful to the City departments who helped make the event happen, including Saco Parks & Recreation Department, Saco Police Department, Saco Public Works, Saco Arts Commission, Economic Development, and City Administration. In addition, Saco Parks & Rec, Saco Water Resource Recovery Department, Saco Fire Department, and the Saco Conservation Commission participated. If you missed their booths, check them out online at www.sacomaine.org.
|
|
Come Explore Saco's Newest Trail |
|
We joined Saco Bay Trails last month to cut the ribbon on the newest Saco trail!
In partnership with the The Ecology School and with generous funding from the Saco Conservation Commission and Saco Parks & Recreation Department, the Mary Merrill Trail is a short hike that takes you from Simpson Road through fields and woods, across three bridges, and to a spectacular view of the Saco river.
While this is a gorgeous standalone hike, the trail is connected with signage to the Stone Bridge Trail and the Horton Woods Trail, meaning you can get all the way from Route 112 to the Saco River along Stackpole Creek.
Want to explore this for yourself? You’ll find the parking lot and trailhead by taking the first right after entering The Ecology Schools’ drive at 184 Simpson Road. The entry to the parking lot is just past the tree stand by the entrance. Watch the short video below to get a taste of the trail.
We know that all who attended the ribbon cutting, including City staff, Saco Parks & Recreation staff, City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath, Mayor William Doyle, Tom Merrill, representatives from The Ecology School, Saco Bay Trails, and the Saco Conservation Commission, were in awe of the natural beauty Saco has to offer.
|
|
City Earns Government Finance Award |
|
Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to City of Saco for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
Thank you and congratulations to our stellar Finance team.
|
|
City Administrator's Open Office Hours & Mornings with the Mayor |
|
City Administrator Open Office Hours
Saco City Administrator, Bryan Kaenrath, has scheduled open office hours on November 30, 2021 from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM at City Hall, 300 Main Street.
All community members are invited to share their thoughts, views, concerns, or complaints with the City Administrator directly.
Please call (207) 282-4191 if you have any questions or if you'd like to schedule an appointment with Bryan outside of the open office hours.
|
|
Mornings with the Mayor
The next monthly Mornings with the Mayor event is set for November 20, 2021, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM in the City Hall Council Chambers.
We hope to see you there for the event designed to increase direct engagement with Mayor William Doyle.
Meetings are in City Hall Council Chambers. If you would like to schedule an individual meeting or a phone call with Mayor Doyle, please contact Executive Assistant Torie Gorman by calling 207.282.4191 or email: vgorman@sacomaine.org.
|
|
Saco Grange Receives Recognition from Council for Spirit of America Award |
|
Saco Grange 53 was the recipient of Saco’s 2021 Spirit of America Award! Grange members Sandra and Robert Leeman, Pat Berry, and Dawn Tarbox joined the City Council for their meeting on October 4th.
Mayor Doyle recounted the many contributions the Grange has made to Saco since they began in 1874, including making quilts and afghans for the New Hope Hospice program, plant and book sales, craft fairs, gardening, hunting safety classes, concerts, blood drives, charitable causes, and, importantly, bean suppers.
“On behalf of the City Council, I hereby resolve, with sincere gratitude and appreciation, that the Saco Grange is recognized for its commitment to the community with the 2021 Saco Spirit of America Foundation Award,” Mayor Doyle said.
“I think this award is very fitting,” said Senator Bailey. “Although they do great bean suppers, they do a whole heck of a lot more, and they do it really well.”
The Grange also received a Legislative Sentiment, the highest honor the body can give.
“Thank you on behalf of the entire legislature,” Representative O’Neil said. “You’re pillars, and we appreciate it.”
Please join us in congratulating Saco Grange #53 on this well-deserved honor.
|
|
Saco Cycles Program Cuts the Ribbon |
|
The Saco Cycles transportation program was launched October 12th by Age Friendly Saco in collaboration with Saco Main Street with a ribbon-cutting on a beautiful October day.
The "Chat", a rickshaw-like chair, was purchased with a grant through Kennebunk Savings Bank from Huntington Commons Charitable Fund. The Fund is earmarked to improve the lives of older adults in York County.
The Saco Cycles program is intended to transport older adults who no longer have cars or the ability to drive, on rides in and around Saco and onto the Eastern Trail. The Chat is powered by a pilot and is escorted by two safety outriders.
For more information, or to participate, contact Age Friendly Saco at agefriendlysaco@gmail.com or by calling (207) 710-5029.
|
|
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, or updates about the ongoing Comprehensive Planning process.
|
|
New Drive-Through Trick or Treat Event at Fire Department a Success |
|
We had a very spooky time at the Saco Fire Department's Central Station on Halloween.
Thank you to all who joined us. We saw lots of smiling faces and excellent costumes. Some people liked it so much they drove through twice!
We appreciate the City departments that joined the FD on this endeavor, including Saco Parks & Recreation, Saco Police Department, and City Administration.
|
|
The City of Saco has a variety of 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 work.
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
