Local Election This Month

Saco's Senior Tax Assistance Program is in its second year, authorized by the City Council annually to provide a local match to the State of Maine Property Tax Fairness Credit.

Applicants must meet the requirements below in order to apply, and applications are due by July 1, 2023. We ask that residents complete them early so we can contact them in a timely manner regarding any missing documentation.

If you were a part of the local Senior Tax Assistance Program at any point, including during the previous year, you must reapply to continue participating.

Applicants must:

• Be 65 years of age or older prior to application deadline.

• Have been living in Saco for 10 consecutive years.

• Be a recipient of a Maine Property Tax Fairness Credit.

• Have applied for a Homestead exemption.

• Have paid property taxes due through the application deadline.

Residents are encouraged to reach out to the Saco Finance Department with questions at (207) 283-3303. Age Friendly Saco, a local non-profit and City supported entity, also assists residents with preparation of applications for both City and State tax programs and can be reached at (207) 710-5029.

For more information and to apply today visit: sacomaine.org/seniortax

Saco Seeks Next City Administrator

The City of Saco, Maine (Population 20,000+), seeks an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking municipal manager to serve as its next City Administrator. Saco is ideally situated on the mouth of the Saco River in Southern Maine along the Atlantic Ocean, less than 20 minutes south of Downtown Portland and less than two hours north of Boston, Massachusetts. Saco has a growing population, a thriving economy, and vast recreational opportunities. In addition, Saco is a coastal community with a picturesque downtown area, top-tier schools, and varied housing options. Saco’s workability and livability are possible due to its proximity to Interstate 95, US Route 1, the Amtrak Downeaster passenger rail, and a freight rail. In a 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey, 97% of residents indicated their quality of life in Saco was “good” or “very good.” The City Administrator oversees city services and operations.

Salary is negotiable and commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus an excellent benefits package and highly competent staff. The City of Saco is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The City is accepting applications until Friday, June 23, 2023, at 5:00 PM.

Learn more and apply today at sacomaine.org/casearch

HarborFest Returns in August

Camp Ellis HarborFest is back!

Camp Ellis HarborFest is a locally grown community festival celebrating its active working waterfront and the rebuilding effort to bring the beach back to Camp Ellis, all while having family fun and great food! This community event, sponsored by the City of Saco, will kick off with fireworks on August 12, 2023, and continue with the festival on August 13, 2023.

HarborFest began in the late ‘70s and served as both a celebration of community at the working waterfront and a way to call attention to erosion in Saco Bay. While the event has been dormant in recent years, it’s coming back now stronger than ever.

RSVP to our Facebook events:

• Camp Ellis HarborFest 2023 - FIREWORKS
• Camp Ellis HarborFest 2023 - FESTIVAL

Learn more on our website: sacomaine.org/campellisharborfest

And sign up for our e-mail list to receive event announcements as they become available.

Memorial Day Follow-Up

Thank you to everyone who joined us last weekend at the Biddeford-Saco Memorial Day Parade, where we honored service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Guest Speaker | Michael Gibney, Retired US Air Force Staff Sergeant, Commander of American Legion Post 26 (Biddeford)

Grand Marshall | Gene Foster, Retired US Navy Command Master Chief, Member of AmVets Post #1

Chaplain | Reverend Lori Whittemore

Master of Ceremony | Ryan Fecteau, Senior Advisor, Governor's Office, Community Development & Strategic Initiatives

Chief of Staff | Joseph McKenney

Bands | Sea Coast Band of Old Orchard Beach and Biddeford, and Thornton Academy Band

Guest Speaker Michael Gibney entered the United States Air Force in 1972 after graduating high school in York, Pennsylvania. He was stationed at Charleston AFS; Udorn AFB, Thailand Tactical Unit Operation Center, and Langley AFB. He was discharged from active duty in 1978 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He retired from Motion Industries in 2017 after 39 years of employment in the industrial distribution field. While working, Michael attended Husson College on nights and weekends, earning a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1988. He is a life member with the Air Force Sergeants Association, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), and Vietnam Veterans of America. He has been a member of the American Legion for 38 continuous years and he is currently the Commander of American Legion Post 26 located in Biddeford. He is also a Chapter Service Officer with DAV Chapter 19 of York County. He spends his spare time assisting other veterans, and resides in Alfred, Maine, with his wife Susan.

Thank you to the American Legion, AmVets, Heart of Biddeford, and the cities and staff of Saco and Biddeford Government for organizing the parade and ceremonies.

We especially thank Saco Police Department and Biddeford Police Department, as well as Saco and Biddeford Public Works, Fire, and Parks & Recreation departments for ensuring public safety during the event.

Meet Saco's New Tax Collector

We'd like to introduce our new Tax Collector, Kristy Cyr. She's a Saco native with 18 years of municipal government experience, 15 of which was in the tax office for our neighbors in Biddeford.

"It's great to be able to work in the city I grew up in and reside now," she said.

Your Tax Collector is responsible for processing real estate taxes and personal property tax payments. When taxes are overdue, they will reach out to help you explore payment options. Kristy said she values the opportunity to help those who might be struggling with taxes, working with them to find a solution.

Please join us in giving this longtime Saco resident a warm welcome to City Hall.

The Saco Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) has 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 the Saco Island and Downtown area. Nearly two dozen signs will be installed, each exploring the rich history of Saco through stories about significant buildings, people, and events.

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 area. We’re proud of Shannon Chisholm, Saco’s Assistant Planner and HPC Staff Liaison, for authoring this grant application.

In the coming months, the Historic Preservation Commission will form a subcommittee with members and residents to collect and consolidate the stories of Downtown Saco and Saco Island. For more information about the Historic Preservation Commission visit sacomaine.org/hpc.

Beach Reminders as Summer Arrives

Beach season is here! City staff have been hard at work preparing facilities for the arrival of more locals and visitors to our coast. Below you’ll find some important information regarding beach operations this summer. Please note dates are subject to change.

April 1 to Sept. 30 — 

All dogs must be leashed on Saco Beaches from April 1^st thru September 30^th. Piping Plovers have already been seen scrapping, making nests, and brooding eggs (pictured) on Saco Beaches. We thank you for doing your part to help these threatened shorebirds survive. As a reminder please make sure that you pick up after your dog and dispose of it properly.

Today — 

Parking passes are available online at www.sacomaine.org/parking. The online system saves you a trip to City Hall, relieves pressure on our Finance staff, and simplifies the process. Parking passes allow parking at the Camp Ellis lot, the two parking lots at Bayview, and the Saco Transportation Center. Bayview and Camp Ellis parking meters are now active.

The accessibility mat at Bayview Beach’s main entrance has been installed.

The bathrooms at Bayview Beach, Camp Ellis, and the Foss Road Athletic Complex are open.

June 17 to End of Season — 

Saco Parks & Recreation seasonal lifeguards will begin patrolling Saco beaches.

Efficiency Maine: Inflation Reduction Act and Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Saco’s Energy & Sustainability Committee wants to share some ways that you can save money and improve your home efficiency.

Part 2: Save on Energy Efficiency Upgrades with the Inflation Reduction Act

On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law by President Biden. The law included incentives for homeowners to complete energy efficiency upgrades to their homes. The tax credit grid below, from the Department of Energy, outlines tax credits available for 2022 and 2023. If you have specific questions about these tax credits and your annual tax filings, please work with your tax accountant. More information can be found on the Department of Energy page for tax credits.

In addition to the tax credits outlined above, the Inflation Reduction Act included $8.8 billion designated for home efficiency projects and home electrification and appliance rebates. This funding is going to be distributed through state offices, so you are most likely to receive a rebate from the Inflation Reduction Act through Efficiency Maine! 

Last month, we talked quite a bit about Efficiency Maine and the different tools and resources available through Efficiency Maine to offset the costs of energy efficiency upgrades. If you missed it, check out the article here. Efficiency Maine has a dedicated page about the Inflation Reduction Act, and has announced that the rebates are likely to roll out in late 2023 or early 2024. 

Other Resources:

• Efficiency Maine
• CMP Seasonal Heat Pump Program
• City of Saco Swap Shop
• Maine Guide to IRA Tax Credits

Ribbon Cutting Round-Up

In the past month, we've celebrated the successes of several longtime local businesses. Read about each below.

THE SACO DRIVE-IN AT AQUABOGGAN WATER PARK

Aquaboggan is now home of the Saco Drive-In, keeping alive a loved tradition of outdoor movies. They opened last weekend with showings of The Super Mario Bros. Movie & Puss in Boots. Pictured are Aquaboggan founder Wes Hurst and General Operator Ethan Mongue cutting the ribbon with Ward 1 City Councilor Marshall Archer. Visit them at 980 Portland Road and www.thesacodrivein.com, and keep an eye out for the water park’s opening once it warms up a bit more.

SCHOONER MINI GOLF

Schooner Mini Golf has a brand new 18-hole course with incredible localized design featuring details of seaside life. The first nine holes of the course are ADA accessible, a beer garden was added, the full ice cream selection remains, and they have big food truck plans for the summer. Allison and Bryan Skoczenski took over the Schooner Mini Golf operation in June 2022. Find them at 58 Ocean Park Road or www.schoonerminigolf.com.

CAMP ELLIS GENERAL STORE & LOBSTER POUND

Ray and Kim Smith cut the ribbon on the refreshed Camp Ellis General Store & Lobster Pound during an event organized by Saco’s Economic Development Department this month. This historic seaside shop has long been a community hub, as was made obvious by the dozens of Camp Ellis residents in attendance this morning, some recounting memories of visits to the shop from decades past. You’ll find the Camp Ellis General Store & Lobster Pound at 23 Main Avenue in Saco, open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Thursday through Sunday. We encourage you to stop in for a treat. Learn more on their website at www.campellisgeneralstore.com.

Bicycle Pedestrian Committee Ride of Silence Recap

On May 17th, 2023, the Saco Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) hosted its third annual International Ride of Silence. Saco, along with three other Maine Communities, participated in this global event to honor both cyclists and pedestrians who have died in traffic-related accidents. Participants in more than 11 different countries and 400+ locations join together every third Wednesday in May to raise awareness about the importance of sharing the road.

Saco BPAC and community members gathered in the Dyer Library parking lot at 6:30 PM to share memories and pay tribute to their lost loved ones. The ride began at 7:00 PM, and the group, along with a ghost bike, rode around Downtown Saco. A ghost bike is a bicycle that has been painted white and left as a memorial at a site where a collision with a motor vehicle fatally injured a cyclist. It is a physical symbol of the vulnerability of cyclists, and the lives lost to vehicular violence.

The Saco ride was just under 3 miles and was suitable for all ages and skill levels. If you are interested in participating in next year’s ride, please be aware that helmets and lights are required for safety. Biking and walking enthusiasts can also visit the BPAC page at sacomaine.org/BPAC to learn more about upcoming events. Or, join us at 6:30 PM on the 4th Wednesday of every month at the Saco Community Center (75 Franklin Street) for BPAC’s monthly meeting. These meetings are open to the public, and all are welcome.

Cascade Falls Improvements Continue

A great collaboration between Saco Parks & Recreation Department and Saco Bay Trails came to be last month with the installation of a new wattle arbor by Woven Wood at the Fairy House Village at Cascade Falls.

Wattle construction is a weaving method of building using natural materials like branches or trees, which creates a strong, resilient product, similar to basket weaving. Crow Boutin and Anthony Spires of Woven Wood built and installed this beautiful new gateway on the Trout Pond Loop trail.

Saco Bay Trails will host their second annual Fairy House Building Day on July 22, 2023, at Cascade Falls, beginning with a Fairy Mayor ribbon cutting and featuring mermaids, the Maine Book Fairy, fairy crown making, face painting, and, of course, fairy house building using natural materials. Follow their page to keep up to date: Saco Bay Trails

Cascade Falls is located approximately 1/4-mile down Cascade Road off of Route 1 in Saco. See a trail map and learn more to plan your visit at sacomaine.org/explore.

Saco FD Takes Part in Home Fire Sprinkler Week

Fire is fast, but sprinklers are faster. This month, Saco Fire Department shared the message of Home Fire Sprinkler Week, a project of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition.

A home fire can become deadly in as little as two minutes. Watch this home fire timeline and see what sprinklers could do to protect your family, your pets, and your home.

Treatment Plant Team Saves Ducklings

Saco’s Water Resource Recovery team works every day to protect our incredible natural resource, the Saco River, and its residents. Sometimes, those residents are a new and growing family of ducklings who found themselves stuck at the treatment plant.

WRRD Operator Keith Anderson recounts the story below:

“I was walking through the plant and I saw a mother duck with only two baby ducks. I thought, ‘Oh, that’s not a lot of ducks!’ She was just kind of standing there quacking. I went to go open our back gate to help them off the property, because I didn’t want them to fall into the clarifiers. I came back and there was only one duckling!”

Keith also called over Jim Ferguson, a WRRD Mechanic, to help.

“I discovered they all fell in the nearby stormwater grate,” Keith continued, “there were almost a dozen of them that fell in. Jim and I got the pool skimmer and carefully reunited them with their mother. They went under the fence and off into the woods.”

Thank you to Keith and Jim for using your compassion to bring a spark of joy to our newsletter.

Learn more about wastewater services provided by the WRRD at sacomaine.org/wrrd

Fire Department Makes a Dream Come True

In May, students from Young School had the opportunity to explore Central Fire Station.

One student got to live out his dream job behind the wheel of a fire engine as part of the school's "Someday" wish program. This student's wish was to visit and do some "on the job" training.

The students had a grand tour of the station, including touring fire engines, ambulances, and the apparatus bay, where our firefighters and paramedics work hard every day.

Young School Resiliency Coordinator Adele Lawler said the student left the station feeling great.

"As we left the fire station," Lawler said, "[the student] turned and said, 'I want to be a firefighter when I grow up!'"

Thank you to the Saco Fire Department and Fire & Life Safety Educator Lt. Karl Finley for helping this student and others have a rewarding life-changing experience.

If you're interested in working with Saco FD to create fire prevention programs for your organization, reach out to Lt. Finley at KFinley@sacomaine.org.

Recognizing City Staff in Saco

Each City department is critical to providing the high quality services we offer to residents and businesses in Saco. In May, we had a chance to recognize four departments for the work they put in every year to move Saco forward.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK

2023 Economic Development Week was May 8-12, and we’d like to introduce you to Saco’s Economic Development Director Tracey Desjardins.

Director Desjardins joined the team in Saco about seven months ago, and she has hit the ground running. She’s invested dozens of hours in getting to know local businesses from North Saco to Camp Ellis, all while listening to their challenges and their needs. Director Desjardins has also spent time learning the ins and outs of our industrial and business parks, building relationships with other local business support organizations like Saco Main Street and Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce, and evaluating and bolstering municipal programs that support local businesses.

“Saco is just a happening place, it really is,” she said. “People want to come here and do business. That’s the kinds of calls I’m getting.”

Learn more about all that Saco’s Economic Development Department has to offer, including façade grants and small business grants and loans, at sacomaine.org/EconomicDevelopment.

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

This National Police Week we saluted the officers who serve our community and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting others.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week of May 15 as National Police Week. National Police Week was established to pay tribute to police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Saco would like to offer a special thanks to our City's officers for their dedication to the protection and safety of others, and their commitment to their values of Professionalism, Accountability, Compassion, and Trust.

Learn more about our local police department online at sacomaine.org/police or follow them at Saco Police Department on Facebook.

PUBLIC WORKS WEEK

Each day, and many nights and weekends, our Public Works team is out keeping our city’s infrastructure clean and running. This Public Works Week we recognized the Saco Public Works staff responsible for everything from road and truck maintenance, trash removal and transfer station operations, winter snow clean up, stormwater and sewer infrastructure upkeep, city engineering, facilities maintenance, and so many collaborations with other city departments and local organizations.

Saco Public Works is responsible for the behind-the-scenes work that is a big part of what makes our City so great. They do their work in the engine compartment of the school bus you see in the morning, in our old brick sewer lines around downtown, in the middle of the night during a snowstorm, and all kinds of other unseen ways.

Without these hardworking professionals, the infrastructure that allows Saco to be safe, vibrant and functional would not be the same. We ask you to join us in saying thank you to each of them.

EMS WEEK

Each year we pause to recognize our local EMS providers during EMS Week. This year, May 21st to the 27th, is the 49th anniversary of EMS Week, initially authorized by President Gerald Ford in 1974.

Our local EMS heroes often go above and beyond in their already-critical roles in our community. We are fortunate that Saco Fire Department is full of professionals who genuinely care about this city and each call they respond to. In the calendar year 2022, Saco responded to 3,234 ambulance incidents.

"Our providers are all very caring," Acting Deputy Chief Dave Hamel said while recounting a story about a call for service where a resident experienced chest pains while shoveling. The on-duty team took the resident to the hospital, then went back and finished shoveling their driveway.

"That wasn't something we asked them to do," Hamel said. "They do that stuff without complaints, and they take pride in it. You can teach someone to be a paramedic and do these really cool treatments, but the human aspect is something you either have or you don't, and I think our providers have that. That's what really sets us apart."

Thank you for serving Saco with compassion, dignity, and expertise as you respond to each call. We appreciate each of you!

City Administrator's Open Office Hours 6/20/23

Saco City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath has scheduled his monthly open office hours on June 20, 2023, from 2:30 to 4:00 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.

Bark in the Park This Weekend

Join Saco Main Street for Bark in the Park, a celebration of our four-legged friends at the Saco Dog Park located on School Street behind Fairfield Elementary School on Saturday, June 3rd from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The day will be filled with pet themed vendors, non-profits, activities for your pet friends, face painting for kids, and raffles!

Rescue organizations will be available to talk about how you can help a dog in need. Saco Main Street will also be collecting items for local dog rescues and shelters.

Saco Main Street puts proceeds from this event toward enhancements for the park such as permanent bench seating and landscaping improvements. The new pavilion, installed this spring, was paid for in part through Bark in the Park funds.

Learn more on Saco Main Street's website.

Click each item for more information, if available.

• City Council Meetings
• June 5, 2023
• June 26, 2023
• July 10, 2023
• July 24, 2023
• 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
• June 6, 2023, 5:30 PM
• June 20, 2023, 5:30 PM
• 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 events!

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.

We're currently hiring for these positions:

• Firefighter/EMS Provider (Fire Department)
• Grounds Worker I (Parks & Recreation Department)
• Crossing Guard (Police Department)
• Emergency Communications Specialist (Police Department)
• Patrol Officer (Police Department)
• Administrative Assistant (Public Works)
• Laborer (Public Works)
• Mechanic (Public Works)

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.