Mayor's Weekly Open Office

Hour Meetings Begin Tonight

Ward 6 City Council Vacancy: Meet the Candidates

The deadline has passed for letters of interest from Ward 6 residents who wish to serve on the City Council to fill a term set to expire in December 2024.

Here is the final list of candidates who have submitted letters of interest:

• Steven P. Boucouvalas
• Tricia Huot

View the submitted letters of interest on our website.

The submissions from interested candidates will be reviewed and discussed publicly during the City Council meeting on January 8, 2024. A public hearing will be held on this matter.

To learn more about the responsibilities of a City Councilor or to view the ward map, please visit sacomaine.org/citycouncil.

Winter Operations Information

PARKING BANS

If a significant storm is predicted or if additional snow removal is required, a parking ban may be ordered. The parking ban will prohibit parking on city streets, allowing Saco Public Works crews to clear the roadways effectively.

The best way to ensure you see parking ban notices and building closures is to sign up for our e-mail list today at www.sacomaine.org/parkingban. Once you sign up, just check your email as it snows. You can also always reach our parking ban hotline at (207) 282-SNOW (7669), or check local radio and TV stations, who also receive notices from us in the event of a parking ban or building closure.

For a list of public parking options available for Saco residents during snow parking bans, visit our website: www.sacomaine.org/parkingban.

During parking bans, the Transfer Station is typically closed so Saco Public Works can have all available personnel out fighting the storm, and trash and recycling collection are sometimes affected, as decided by Casella Waste. If we are notified of trash and recycling collection impacts from a winter storm, the change in collection will be shared with the parking ban notification. You can always contact Casella Waste directly at (888) 485-1469 Opt. 3.

Looking forward, the City recently acquired an additional downtown parking lot within 500 feet of the Transportation Center with approximately 70 parking spaces, which will add to future public parking options. Improvements are underway to make the lot safe and accessible for all users, and we'll update you as this project progresses.

SNOW PLOW RIGHT OF WAY REMINDER

Saco Public Works has a few reminders for residents to help ensure the most efficient clearing and treatment of public ways by City crews when snow flies:

• Put away items that are in the City's right of way. This could be basketball hoops on the curb, hockey nets, or any other obstruction on the curb or sidewalk. Items left in these areas risk damaging the City fleet's snow removal equipment and may be hard to see when covered by snow.
• Do not shovel, blow, or plow snow from driveways into or across the road. This practice is prohibited by City ordinance and can cause a serious traffic hazard. If possible, it’s best to place snow on the side of the driveway opposite the direction from which the plow is coming. That way, the plow will carry snow away from the driveway rather than back into it.
• Get sand/salt mix from our facility in the Saco Industrial Park. Visit us at 15 Phillips Spring Road, where you'll find the sand/salt mix available for residents near the compost drop-off site. Bring your own bucket, and no contractors, please.
• Leave adequate distance, at least 200 feet, whenever following a piece of snow removal equipment on the road.

To learn more about Saco Public Works' winter operations, visit them online.

SALT/SAND MIX FOR RESIDENTS

Saco Public Works has sand/salt mix available for pickup at their facility (15 Phillips Spring Road) for residents. Residents can take two 5-gallon pails at a time but must provide their own containers. No contractors, please.

You’ll find the sand at the end of Phillips Spring Road next to the Garbage to Garden compost drop-off. This service will be available throughout the season until March 2024.

Elected Officials Inaugurated

Saco's newest elected officials were inaugurated on December 4th in a ceremony at City Hall, including Saco's first woman mayor, Jodi MacPhail!

Family, friends, and members of the public joined us and enjoyed refreshments from several local restaurants and bakeries.

City Clerk Michele Hughes administered the oath of office to:

• Mayor Jodi L. MacPhail
• Ward 2 City Councilor Joshua D. Parks
• Ward 7 City Councilor Nathan Johnston
• Ward 2 School Board Member Jennifer L. Preble
• Ward 4 School Board Member Kevin Roche
• Ward 6 School Board Member Sarah J. Truman

Thank you to the following elected officials who did not seek re-election for your years of service:

• Mayor Bill Doyle
• Ward 2 City Councilor Jim Purdy
• Ward 4 School Board Member Kevin Lafortune

To learn more about the responsibilities of a City Councilor or to view the ward map, please visit us online: www.sacomaine.org/citycouncil.

Holiday Festival Recap

There was lots of warmth among the smiling faces at the Saco Main Street Holiday Festival & Parade of Lights last month!

Thank you to the dozens of organizations, community members, City Departments, and individual volunteers who come together every year to make this tradition a heartwarming success.

We’re thankful for Saco Main Street, Saco Public Works, Saco Parks & Recreation Department, Saco Police Department, and BSOOB Transit for their behind-the-scenes efforts to make sure everyone could have a safe and happy time in our glowing downtown.

The Business Buzz...

Welcome to the City of Saco’s Economic Development Department’s “Business Buzz.” Each month we will feature information about programs, opportunities and highlight Saco’s business sector. 

My New Year’s Resolution is “I want to own my own business.”

If you’re considering starting a business, 2024 could be the perfect time to take the leap. With the world gradually recovering from the pandemic, there are plenty of opportunities (and challenges) for small businesses to thrive. 

As you read this article and thinking about starting up a business in the City of Saco, please reach out to the Economic Development Department at tdesjardins@sacomaine.org or tgorman@sacomaine.org as we are here to assist and guide you through the process.

Here are some reasons why you should start a business in 2024:

• The economy is rebounding
• Increased consumer spending
• Possible access to local, state, or federal funding
• The rise of online shopping
• Personal fulfillment

The Mindset of Starting a New Business

Starting a new business can be both exciting and intimidating, especially for those who have never been a business owner before. It requires a unique mindset that can help you navigate the challenges and uncertainties that come with owning your own business. So, what kind of mindset does it take to venture on your own?

Here are some key mindsets to keep in mind when starting a new business:

• Be willing to take risks: Starting a new business involves taking risks, and being willing to take calculated risks is essential to success. It’s important to be comfortable with uncertainty and be willing to learn from your mistakes.
• Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: Failure is a natural part of the business journey, and it’s important to view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Instead of seeing failure as a setback, use it as a chance to pivot and improve your approach.
• Be adaptable: The business landscape is constantly changing, and being adaptable is crucial for success. Be open to new ideas, be willing to pivot when necessary, and stay ahead of the curve by embracing new technologies and trends.
• Have a growth mindset: A growth mindset is one that embraces challenges and sees them as opportunities for growth. This mindset can help you stay motivated, persevere through tough times, and ultimately achieve success.
• Stay focused on your goals: Starting a new business can be overwhelming, but it’s important to stay focused on your goals. Keep your eye on the prize and don’t get sidetracked by distractions or setbacks.

By adopting these mindsets, you can approach starting your own business with confidence and set yourself up for success. You also have to ask yourself some serious questions and answer them honestly to see your venture through.

Sustainability and Ethical Business Practices

As the world increasingly focuses on sustainability, your new business should too. Adopting ethical business practices and sustainable methods isn’t just good for the planet – it’s what modern consumers expect.

This could range from sourcing eco-friendly materials or reducing waste to ensuring fair labor practices. These efforts not only contribute to a healthier environment but also build trust and loyalty among eco-conscious consumers.

Why do you want to start a business?

You are the only one who can answer this, but if you have a clear answer and you want to go for it, by all means, do. There are many benefits to owning your business if you are willing to put in the hard work.

The rest of the questions are just as important because together, they will help you make a more informed decision in learning more about how to start a business. This is not in any particular order.

Are you ready to be a business owner?

Much goes into running a business, especially during the initial startup phase. Find out what it entails and see if you are willing to commit to it. If it seems daunting, don’t get discouraged. After all, there are other people doing it.

What are your expertise and skillsets?

Many small business owners start with a particular skill or expertise. If this is your case, find out your proficiencies across the board and determine how you can improve or complement them. It can be as simple as hiring another individual or learning about them.

Do you have passion for your business idea?

Listen to successful entrepreneurs, and the one thing they tell you is to follow your passion. Passion for your business will carry you beyond the long hours, slow season, and hiccups along the way.

This is a summarized article written by: Michael Guta published in Small Business Trends on December 28, 2023. You can click on “How To Start A Business in 10 Easy Steps: A 2024 Guide”  for the complete article.

Fire Sprinkler System in Saco Apartment Building Extinguishes Fire Quickly

The Saco Fire Department responded to a 911 call last month and arrived to find an extinguished apartment fire, thanks to a fire sprinkler system.

On December 26th, the Saco Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call shortly before 8:00 PM from the occupant of an apartment who discovered a fire in a bedroom, which was being contained by the building's fire sprinkler system at the time of the call. The occupant alerted her daughter, and the family safely evacuated outside.

Fire crews arrived on the scene and saw no smoke or fire but did confirm the fire in the bedroom was fully extinguished by the fire sprinkler system, which was then shut off and drained to prevent any additional and unnecessary discharge of water.

The apartment is part of a complex consisting of two three-story buildings connected by an enclosed breezeway with 24 units in total.

An investigation determined that a candle on top of a bookshelf ignited decorative items nearby and that some of these items dropped onto a plastic tote below, causing the ignition of the tote. The single side-wall sprinkler head in the bedroom performed as designed, and when it operated, water flowed in an umbrella-like fashion, wetting the bedroom and extinguishing the fire.

The Saco Fire Department is happy to report that the quick activation of the building fire sprinkler system prevented a developing fire from extending beyond the first few items ignited.

We remind everyone never to leave a burning candle unattended and that when in use, a candle is at least 12 inches away from anything that can catch fire and is on a stable and heat-resistant surface.

Welcoming New Behavioral Health Practice to Saco

We want to extend a very warm welcome to Peace Behavioral Health, a board-certified Psychiatry and Psychology practice, who opened their doors on Saco Island in June. In mid-December, the City of Saco, Saco Main Street and Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry held a ribbon cutting to celebrate Peace Behavioral Health’s arrival and recognize the service they provide for community members.

Peace BH prides themselves on using evidence-based approaches to treatment to provide quality care for their patients. Dr. Nicolas Sikaczowski specializes in adult, adolescent, and child psychiatry while Dr. Ashley Shaw has a focus on cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral treatments.

Dr. Shaw highlighted the collaborative benefit their practice provides. “I think it’s really unique to see your psychologist and psychiatrist in the same practice. We communicate back and forth so regularly. We share a medical record. Especially for our patients seeing both of us, it can be a real plus.”

They are currently accepting new patients for in-person and telehealth appointments. Learn more by visiting them online: www.peacebh.com

More Than 700 Pairs of Socks Donated Through Saco PD "Socks for Seniors" Program

We are extremely grateful to the Saco community, who once again donated more than 700 pairs of socks for our 8th Annual Socks for Seniors Program!

Administrative Assistant Sinclair and Officer Gray delivered the socks to their destinations on December 20th, including:

• Maine Veterans' Homes - Scarborough
• Lord Pepperell Apartments
• Seal Rock Healthcare at Atlantic Heights
• Wardwell
• St. Andre Health Care
• Paul Hazelton House
• Arthur P. Huot House

We appreciate your participation and are proud to serve this generous and caring community that looks out for its neighbors. Happy holidays to all.

Online Dog Licensing Ends Jan. 31

Online dog licensing through the State of Maine ends January 31st. We encourage dog owners to complete your renewal for the 2024 calendar year. Your 2023 license expired on December 31st.

Save yourself a trip to City Hall by completing the simple process online through the State of Maine’s Dog Licensing page. Licenses are issued for one year ending December 31st.

Find the online link, a list of required documents, and more information at the City Clerks webpage: www.sacomaine.org/doglicense.

And remember to pick up your dog waste for the health and safety of our waterways. Learn more at www.thinkbluemaine.org.

Click each item for more information, if available.

City Council Meetings

• January 8, 2024
• January 22, 2024
• January 29, 2024
• February 5, 2024
• February 12, 2024
• February 26, 2024
• City Council agendas are available at www.sacomaine.org/councilagendas. Sign up for e-mail alerts when meeting materials are published at www.sacomaine.org/enotify.

Planning Board Meetings

• January 10, 2024
• January 17, 2024

Other Advisory Body Meetings

• Visit the City calendar here for more.

Saco Parks & Recreation Programs

• Visit www.sacorec.com for a full list of upcoming SPR programs for all ages!

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.