There is no question that we have officially entered August, as temperatures soar and crowds flock to the beaches to beat the heat. Outside of soaking in the sun at the Wells beaches, there is lots going on in other areas of town. Parks and Recreation summer camps work to stay cool while having a blast, summer concerts ring through the night every weekend, Fiscal Year 2024 closes, and much more. Read on to learn about how Wells is sizzling through the summer months.
Did you know...the Town of Wells social media pages are great resources for quick and timely
updates. We share breaking news, friendly reminders, pertinent information, local events and more!
Follow the Town of Wells on Facebook, on Instagram, and check out our
Police, Fire, Parks and Recreation, Library, and Harbor pages as well.
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Special Town Meeting held to allow voters to consider a temporary ban on large scale housing developments | |
The Town of Wells will hold a special Town Meeting on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024. This election pertains to an ordinance to establish a retroactive moratorium on large-scale residential developments.
This special election is a result of Town leaders addressing the concerns of Wells residents regarding large scale housing developments. The election considers a temporary ban on large housing developments- dwellings that have over 45 units.
Background Information
During a Public Hearing on April 16th, residents expressed their concerns that such large scale housing projects would overwhelm the town’s services, schools, traffic, environment, infrastructure, health care, and overall quality of life.
Between 2009 and 2023, the Town approved 76 residential subdivisions, with an average of 14 dwelling units per subdivision. The Town has recently received applications for subdivisions that are substantially larger. As a result of a Select Board vote in March, the town attorney drafted a retroactive moratorium that, if approved by voters at the August town meeting, would pause such development in Wells for 180 days.
Select Board members have publicly agreed that the town needs to reexamine its zoning and land use ordinances, and fine-tune its management of growth in the community from there.
State Statute Details
State statute allows a municipality's legislative body to enact moratoria if it finds that a moratorium is needed to prevent a shortage or an overburden of public facilities that is reasonably foreseeable as a result of proposed or anticipated development; or because the application of existing comprehensive plan, land use ordinances, or other applicable laws is inadequate to prevent serious public harm from residential...development in the affected geographic area.
A large-scale residential development is defined as "a subdivision that proposes 45 or more residential dwelling units... " Its purpose is to allow the Town to study its existing infrastructure, public facilities, and ordinances to determine land use and other impacts of "Large-scale residential development," and to consider possible ordinance amendments and other measures to address said impacts.
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If enacted, the moratorium will last 180 days from the retroactive date of applicability which is April 16, 2024, and will prevent the following:
- Siting and/or constructing any Large-scale residential development
- The acceptance or processing of any application pending on or after April 16, 2024 for Large-scale residential development
- The issuance of any approval or permit related to any Large-scale residential development.
If the retroactive moratorium is enacted by the town meeting, the Select Board may thereafter extend it for additional 180- day periods, after notice and a public hearing, if the Board finds that the issues giving rise to the need for the moratorium still exist, and reasonable progress is being made to alleviate them.
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Still need more information?
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A public hearing was held to discuss the retroactive moratorium on large-scale residential development projects on April 16th, 2024. You can view the meeting here.
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Background information on the issue can be found here.
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View a sample ballot for the August 6th Special Town Meeting here.
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View the application for an Absentee Ballot here.
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Voter Information- August 6th Election
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To request an absentee ballot, please call our office at (207) 646-2882 or come into the Town Hall. If you would like to vote by absentee ballot but are unable to come to the Town Clerk’s Office during normal business hours to vote in person, contact the staff in the Clerk’s Office at 207-646-2882 to request a ballot by mail. The voter must call the office, as family members cannot request a ballot for another family member by telephone.
Immediate family members can request an absentee ballot for another family member by completing an application form and filing it with the staff in the Town Clerk’s Office.
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Applications, without special circumstance, must be received by the Town Clerks Office by Thursday, August 1, 2024, during regular business hours.
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Completed absentee ballots must be received by Tuesday, August 6th, at 8:00 PM.
To return your ballot, you can conveniently do so through three easy options.
- Return your ballot in-person at the Town Clerk's Office in the Town Hall
- Return your ballot by depositing it in the drop box that is located at the rear entrance to the Town Hall building.
- Return your ballot through the mail.
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To ensure your ballot is accepted, please be sure to sign the return envelope. A common reason absentee ballots may be rejected is because the back of the return envelope has not been signed.
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Voter FAQ's
Where do I vote?
All residents vote at the Wells Junior High School Gymnasium located off of 1470 Post Road, Wells, ME.
When are the polls open?
The polls in Wells are open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Can I vote early?
You can request an absentee ballot, up until the August 1st deadline. This ballot can then be returned in person to the Town Hall, at the drop box at the Town Hall, or by mail.
Where can I find the application for an absentee ballot?
The application for the absentee ballot can be found here.
Where can I return my absentee ballot?
Absentee ballots can then be returned in person to the Town Hall, at the drop box at the Town Hall, or by mail. The drop box is located at the rear entrance of the Town Hall.
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Families flock to Wells 10th Annual HarborFest for a day of fun | |
Wells 10th annual HarborFest, which took place on Saturday, July 27th at Wells Harbor Community Park, was an incredible day of fun and community for visitors of all ages. Crowds came out to enjoy the sunny day and the many activities, including kite making, face painting, sand art, crabbing, axe throwing, bubble soccer, and carnival games. Wells Ocean Rescue put on a thrilling jet ski demonstration, where they treated the crowd to a water rescue simulation. The Wells Fire Department put on a vehicle extrication demo, and Wells Police showed the power and skill of their canine unit with a K-9 demonstration. | |
One of the most popular contests at HarborFest is the longstanding tradition of the International Lobster Trap Toss, which boasts cash prizes and international acclaim! Men and women compete in categories to test their throwing abilities, and contestants admit that it is much harder than it looks. The men's reigning champion this year is Joe Matson from Massachusetts with a score of 68 feet and 10 inches. The winner in the female category is Megan Levesque, from NH, with a score of 32 feet and 2 inches. Many thanks to Partner's Bank for sponsoring the event.
For those that worked up an appetite from the lobster trap throwing, there was plenty of food to enjoy. Wells Rotary hosted a cookout and served up their typical fare of burgers, sausage, dogs, and ice cream, which is always a crowd favorite. The Founders Park Community Center Committee hosted a dunk tank, and dunked notable town figures to raise funds for the community center.
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Those whose appetites were larger than a standard hamburger, could participate in the 10th Annual Doughnut Eating Contest, sponsored by Congdon's Doughnuts. Contestants put their stomachs to the ultimate test to see who could eat the most doughnuts in 10 minutes. Crowds cheered as the contestants inhaled the food, in what has become the biggest spectacle to observe at HarborFest.
Mike Stefanilo was the reigning champion, and ate a whopping 13 doughnuts in the allotted time of 10 minutes! The winners were treated to cash prizes from Congdon's Doughnuts, though they might need a few days before craving a doughnut again.
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Thank you to all those who came out to share in the fun. Most importantly, thank you to our incredible sponsors and volunteers who made this event possible. Our volunteers helped support the event and ensured that everything ran smoothly. Our generous sponsors help fund the activities and the event would not be possible without them. Thank you to Partner's Bank, Save Our Shores Maine, Webhannet River Bait & Tackle, Rotary Club of Wells, and Congdon's Doughnuts…we couldn’t have done it without you!
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Wells to take part in rare critical sun protection study this summer | |
If you've walked Wells Beach recently, you may have noticed new sunscreen dispensers in place.
This summer, Wells is one of only two sites in Maine taking part in an important sun protection study. IMPACT Melanoma and the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health are conducting this Centers for Disease Control (CDC) funded study of teen use of free sunscreen from free community sunscreen dispensers at 2 Maine beaches and 6 neighborhoods in Boston and Cambridge.
“As many of us look forward to a summer of fun, be it on the beach, on a boat, on a golf course, in the yard, or on a playground, it can be easy to overlook the application of sunscreen,” says Wells Town Manager, Michael Pardue.
As part of the research, students will survey teenagers at the beach about sun protection practices and their choice to use the free sunscreen dispenser or not. IMPACT Melanoma will provide an education booth/table near the dispenser to provide education and prevention resources.
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“The Town of Wells, partnering with IMPACT Melanoma and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is working to remind our residents and visitors on the importance of applying sunscreen before partaking in outdoor summer fun,” says Pardue. “Applying sunscreen as a skin protectant can aid in reducing the risk of skin cancer, reducing the signs of aging, and preventing skin discoloration. With all those benefits, why not give sunscreen a try?”
The free dispensers will be available in Wells for the week beginning July 29th and can be found by the lifeguard stand near the jetty. People of all ages are welcome to use the dispenser and a special effort will be made to encourage use by teens with teen-designed signage and messages atop the dispensers.
“The Wells community is so proud to be given this opportunity to show our youth the value of protecting yourself from the harmful effects of the sun on our skin,” states Wells Fire Chief, Mark Dupuis. “This should enlighten the next generation about the damage the sun can cause before they get older and give them a chance to correct any possible habits that they might establish without this program,” says Dupuis.
Please feel free to contact Alan Geller, the study director, with any questions. He can be reached at ageller@hsph.harvard.edu.
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DPW crews work hard to address summer maintenance; winter storm damage continues to be assessed
Stephen Buckley, Public Works Director
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The Wells Public Works Department has had an active summer following a challenging winter and spring marked by severe weather events that required extensive cleanup. So far this summer, although hot, the weather has largely cooperated, allowing us to spend some much-needed time catching up on important projects. | |
Roadside Mowing
Earlier this month, we received a new dedicated roadside mowing tractor, which was quickly put into service for essential roadside mowing. This equipment will be crucial over the next few months as we work to catch up on mowing. Although we had planned to operate two mowers this summer, our older mower has encountered persistent mechanical issues and was only in service for a few weeks before breaking down. Repairs are expected later this summer. Roadside mowing is vital not only for aesthetics but also for safety, as overgrown vegetation can restrict visibility at intersections and corners. Keeping the roadsides mowed also helps maintain clear ditches and drainage.
Ditching
Our team is currently focused on ditching in areas that were recently paved. Ditching work will continue for the rest of the construction season as we strive to clean the many miles of ditches in town.
Road Paving and Painting
Our paving contractor, Libby Scott, completed surface paving on Bragdon Road in July. In August, surface paving will begin on Wire Road and Meeting House Road. Road striping took place in July, ensuring all road lines and crosswalks received a fresh coat of paint.
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Counting the Cost
The severe weather this past winter and spring has left significant impacts, and we are continuing to assess and repair the damage. While initial debris removal was completed earlier this year, Public Works is still evaluating the extent of the damage and working with state and federal agencies for reimbursement and repair efforts to enhance our infrastructure’s resilience. Our initial efforts focused on ensuring that areas along the beachfront were safe for residents and summer visitors, and many of the public access points required repairs.
The Town has working with FEMA and Maine EMA to evaluate costs and secure funding to repair the town seawalls along Webhannet Drive, Ocean Avenue, and Casino Square, as well as several other areas that were damaged this past winter. Navigating this process is complex, as FEMA and other agencies must consider municipal requests alongside the environmentally sensitive areas where this infrastructure is located. Our goal is to implement repairs that improve and strengthen our infrastructure, addressing the vulnerabilities highlighted by this past winter’s storms.
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Shellfish Lab continues to be a popular summer activity for those visiting Wells Harbor |
The Wells Harbor Shellfish Lab has proven to be a popular destination this summer, with hundreds of visitors each day. The Shellfish Lab is a research and educational facility open to the public, where all types of ocean life are studied, such as algae, clams, lobsters, horseshoe crabs and more.
One of the main projects inside the lab is a clam tank with 12 silos filled with baby clams. The tank is raising 500,000 clams this summer. The public has the chance to see these organisms up close and learn about the research that is being done.
The lab is located at Wells Harbor, 362 Harbor Rd, Wells, ME 04090, open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day but Monday.
We encourage you to stop by for a visit, say hello and check out the amazing sea life being studied!
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Assessing Office stays busy this summer with data inputs; reminds residents of senior stabilization program status
Keeley Lambert, Assessor
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The Assessing Office is excited to welcome Jessica Horta as our new part time Assessing Clerk. She comes to us with a wide variety of knowledge and skills. Her main responsibilities will be the large task of taking care of all of the campground ownership changes and putting in new units as well as removing them from the tax base. This is a large job considering the number of campground seasonal unit owners we have in the Town of Wells. Please help us welcome her to the Town of Wells.
We have nearly finished inputting all the personal property asset requests that were sent out earlier in the year and now received. There are just a few remaining to get back to us. As that winds down, we are now starting to input all the Homestead and Veterans Exemption applications we received by the April 1st, 2024, deadline.
Our seasonal pick up of building permit inspections has been completed and we are on to the task of making those corrections and updating our Vision Cama System. This requires a large amount of data entry that takes months to complete.
State of Maine Senior Stabilization program reminder
As a reminder, the State of Maine had a Senior Stabilization program that had a “tax amount freeze” from the previous year’s assessment. This program no longer exists and for those that did have it, some may see the revaluation numbers from last year be reflected on this year’s tax bill. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office and we can help explain. We are hoping to have all of our work done soon and our tax commitment in the month of September this year.
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Parks and Recreation invites you to take part in the 2024 Haunted Hayride | |
Don’t blink because before you know it, Fall will be here and with it will be Wells Park and Recreation's Annual Haunted Hayride! Don’t be shy and come join the fun in presenting your own theatrical scene to the theme of “Nightmares”! It’s easy to be part of the ride. Just call us at 207-646-5826 or stop by the Parks and Recreation office and we will give you all the information you need to develop your scene! Don’t wait too long as there are limited spots along the haunted forest!
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Mice in the Bookshelves! Come check out the art exhibition at Wells Library
Cindy Appleby, Library Director
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Mice in the Bookshelves is a good thing! The Wells Public Library is proud to host the Illustration Institute’s art exhibition in the Ethel Weymouth Art Gallery starting Monday, August 12. The exhibition will showcase illustrations of mice in literature, created by contemporary and historic illustrators from the U.S. and around the world! Come see original illustrations of the most beloved mice in children’s literature. Through mid-November.
Summer reading continues until August 17th! We have lots of fun events to entertain your family.
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Judy Pancoast
Thursday, August 2nd, 5:00 pm
Come dance along with the interactive songs of Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Judy Pancoast. She is sure to put a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
B.J. Hickman
Tuesday, August 6th, 6:00 pm
A staple on our roster of performers, Magician BJ Hickman always puts on a first-rate performance. He entertains with comedy magic including card tricks, audience participation, and mind reading miracles. Don’t miss out!
Santa in the Summer
Thursday, August 8th, 5:30 pm
Did you know Santa vacations in Wells during the summer months? And he loves coming to the library! Come hang out with the big man and tell him your wishes early this year. Stories and activities will be provided for the whole family to enjoy. All ages welcome.
Mother Goose Storytime, Books at the Beach, Crafty Kids and LEGO Club will continue to meet through the week of August 12th. Summer Reading officially ends August 17th, so get your reading logs completed!
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For adults:
Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, August 6th, 6:00 pm
Join us to discuss Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li, the story of a Harvard student studying art who plans a heist with fellow students to reclaim priceless lost Chinese treasures.
Adult Crafternooon
Thursday, August 22nd, 2:00 pm
Join us as we make seashell candles! All materials will be provided. Registration is required.
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Happy Trails, Wells!
Though the crowds are flocking to the beaches this time of year, you might be seeking more shaded solitude away from the bustle of beachgoers. Did you know there is a wide selection of trails and wildlife commons available in Wells, where you can enjoy the great outdoors while taking in the natural beauty of the town.
The Wells Conservation Commission has available maps to mark wildlife commons and hiking trails around Wells, including Tilton Homestead Wildlife Commons, Fenderson East and West Wildlife Commons, Perkinstown Wildlife Commons, Tatnic Hills Preserve, Wells Barren Preserve, and the Hobbs Brook Wildlife Commons.
You can visit the Conservation Commission website here for more information on trails, volunteering, donations, visitors guides and more! Navigate to the trail maps section of the website or click here for the full listing of trails and wildlife commons.
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Staff Spotlight:
Wells Harbor Shellfish Lab Technicians: Olivia Hardy (L) & Rachel Carr (R)
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Name: Olivia Hardy
Department: Wells Harbor Shellfish Lab
Position: Marine Biologist & Lab Technician
Year Started: 2022
Favorite thing about your position: Getting to interact with so many unique individuals each day. I love teaching and inspiring people to learn about the ocean, and one of my favorite things is hearing people share their newly acquired information that they learned at the lab with others! I want our lab to be a place where people can come and learn about our local ecosystem and the ocean and then leave feeling inspired to continue learning more!
What do you like to do in your spare time: I have many things that I enjoy doing in my spare time. One of my favorite things to do is taking walks along the beach to look for shells and sea glass. I also enjoy spending time with my friends, playing with my dog Boots, painting, and doing my newest hobby- crocheting!
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Name: Rachel Carr
Department: Wells Harbor Shellfish Lab
Position: Lab Technician
Year Started: 2023
Favorite thing about your position: I really enjoy seeing the animals. It's like being a kid in a candy shop. I really enjoy teaching the kids about everything in the tanks.
What do you like to do in your spare time: In my spare time, I work another job. I work as a waitress for my grandma at Norma's Restaurant in York. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time in the water and with friends.
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Wells Town Hall to close September 2nd
Please plan ahead, the Wells Town Hall Offices will be closed on Monday, September 2nd. The Transfer Station, Wells Public Library, Parks and Recreation and Public Works will also be closed.
The Town Hall Offices will reopen with normal business hours again on Tuesday, September 3rd.
Thank you for your understanding.
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Tax statements reviewed and new Maine license plate unveiled
Jodie Sanborn, Finance Director
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The Finance/Tax Collector Office staff has finally started to catch their breath as the waiting lines for in person transactions have decreased after the July 4th holiday and the demand for beach stickers has decreased. Staff continues to process lots of new vehicle transactions on a daily basis.
Tax Notices
Staff is currently reviewing tax accounts and sending tax statements to property owners to try and reduce the number of 30 Day Notice of Lien letters that will be going out around the week of August 19th.
As a reminder, the Town is required by law to place tax liens on properties that have an outstanding balance no sooner than eight month from the date of the tax commitment. The window to start the tax lien process for the 2024 tax bills started on June 26, 2024. The department traditionally waits until August to start the process.
Maine Unveils new License Plate Design
Many people have been asking questions regarding the upcoming state issued license plate change to the Pine Tree Plate from the Chickadee Plate. Here is some important information regarding that change.
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New Pine Tree Plate FAQ's
When will the new plate be available?
The new plate design will start to be issued to customers on May 1, 2025.
Why do we need a new plate?
The current Chickadee Plate has been in use in Maine for almost 25 years. Many of the plates are peeling and unreadable, which is a safety issue. The ability for law enforcement, tolling authorities, and citizens to identity license plates quickly and easily is essential, especially in the case of crashes or serious crimes. Older plates also lose their reflectivity as they age, making them less visible at night and in poor weather conditions.
Can’t people with deteriorating plates just ask for new ones?
If someone has a plate that’s peeling or otherwise deteriorating, they can and should ask for new ones. The State’s current registration tracking system doesn’t have way to let the State know how long someone has had a plate.
When will the new plates be ready?
Starting May 1, 2025, when a customer registers or re-registers their vehicle, they will receive the new Pine Tree Plates.
What if someone wants to keep their current plate number?
Customers are able to reserve their current plate number, including vanity and low-digit plates. This service started June 3, 2024. Reserving a plate number costs $25. Customers have the following options to complete the reservation:
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What will the new plates look like?
This is the Pine Tree Plate:
| This is the No Tree Plate: |
What if someone does not like the tree and star design?
Vehicles registered with the PC (passenger car) class code will be able to choose a plate with the same colors but no design. All other plates currently displaying the chickadee design, will only have the Pine Tree Plate option or to purchase one of the specialty plates.
What if someone doesn’t have a chickadee plate?
Unless the person would like to change from a specialty plate or other plate class that does not have the chickadee design to the Pine Tree Plate, they will register their vehicle as usual. The reissuance is solely for the chickadee plate.
Why did I receive a postcard from Motor Vehicle in the mail?
The Secretary of State has been sending out postcards to people that currently have vanity plates to inform those plate holders how they can reserve their vanity plate in the new Pine Tree Plate.
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Staffing Changes
The department has seen some more staffing changes in the past month. The department welcomed Jennifer Strangie as an Assistant Tax Collector in the middle of July. Jennifer fills the vacancy created by the transition of Jennifer Robinson to the Town Clerk’s office to fill the vacant Assistant Town Clerk Position. Jennifer Strangie brings with her a wealth of experience in sales and customer service.
The department congratulates Jennifer Robinson on her new position. With her prior years of customer service experience, Jennifer will be a huge asset to the Town Clerk’s office. We look forward to seeing Jennifer succeed in her new role.
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Wells gives a warm welcome to new staff member | |
Please join us in welcoming the newest Town of Wells staff member. We are confident that her skills will prove to be an asset to the Finance Department and we know she will be a wonderful addition to our team. | |
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Name: Jennifer Strangie
Position: Assistant Tax Collector
About Me: I am excited for a new opportunity gaining new experience and helping the Wells Community. I love spending time with my husband, my two kids and two dogs. We also love exploring all the great things to do and see in Maine!
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The Town of Wells is also pleased to announce that two new members of the Wells Police Department have recently joined our staff. We welcome Monica Fahy and Donald Morse to their role as Patrol Officers. Stay tuned for our September newsletter to learn more about these newest Town of Wells staff.
The Town of Wells is fortunate to have these individuals join our staff and we are confident they will shine in their new role. We wish you all the best!
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Code Office shares critical reminders regarding building permits
Jodine Adams, Code Enforcement Officer
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When is a Building Permit Required?
Posting the permit before you start the work is required by code.
The information is based on the most frequently asked question to the Code Enforcement Office.
Permits are required to build a new structure and/or move it onto the property and/or enlarge, alter, repair, renovate, remodel and update any existing structure. This includes new and replacement of the following.
- Sheds, decks, generators, gazebos, solar systems, landscape walls that retain soil and seawalls (timber or concrete) also require permitting. Fences over 7’ in height that are moved onto, built or rebuilt require permitting for Residential and Commercial uses. All structures require permits. Even if it is built off-site and brought to the site it still requires permitting.
- Any window replacement and exterior door replacement in residential use and all doors and windows in Commercial use.
- Above ground and inground swimming pools as well as hot tubs require permits for Residential and Commercial uses.
- Demolition or removal of a structure (hazard determination may also be required) for Residential and Commercial uses.
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Any existing structure that is adding a new use or occupancy; to include changing the use of the unit/structure or updating the unit/structure with the same use for Residential and Commercial uses.
- Buildings/structures moved into or within the Town of Wells for Residential and Commercial uses.
- Installation or replacement of a sign or banner prior to it being erected for Residential and Commercial uses.
- Driveway openings may require permits for one of the following: new, relocated or altered.
- New Recreational Vehicles and Park Models brought on site after March 1, 2024, that do not have a valid registration and license plate affixed to it requires a permit. All add-a-rooms, decks, stairs and sheds require permits in Recreational Parks/Campgrounds and are not date sensitive.
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Tips for frequently asked questions
- Replacing, building or placing stairs, handrails and guardrails on a deck, staircase or within any structure requires a permit.
- Replacing any window(s) to include exact replacement windows requires a permit.
- Renovating/updating a kitchen requires a permit.
- Adding, removing or replacing insulation or sheet rock requires a permit. Water damage does not exempt the permitting requirement.
- Plumbing permits are also required by the Code.
Permits are not issued the same day. Permits are reviewed in the order that they are received. We recognize that your project is important to you and no project is too big or too small to be ahead of yours. When incomplete applications are submitted, it slows down the review process for everyone in the queue. Please submit the required documentation so that we can get your project reviewed! Currently, it is taking up to 14 +/- business days to review a permit with 2 Code Officer’s reviewing plans full-time.
We encourage you to call or email the Code Office if you are not sure if a permit is required to avoid a Stop Work Order and the associated fees. Application for a Standard Building Permit. Application for Accessory Structure permits
And remember, posting the permit in a location that can be seen from the Public Way is important so that everyone knows you have a Building Permit!
If you are not sure what will be required for your project, please call the Code Office at 207-646-5187 or click the Red Request Information button at the top of the Code Office page and we will respond as quickly as we can. Link to Research Request Form
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Coming to the Town Hall to register your vehicle? Here's what you need to know |
New to Wells? Welcome!
With all the new residents we have in Wells, here is some information to assist you in registering your vehicle in your new hometown.
Were you a Maine Resident but are now new to Wells?
Please bring the following:
- Prior vehicle registration
- Proof of insurance (Maine coverage)
- Current mileage
- Proof of Wells address
- Payment of cash, check or credit/debit card (fees apply when using credit/debit cards). Town policy requires that the person the credit/debit card is issued to must be present to sign for the charge.
Did you live in another state but are now new to Wells?
Please bring the following:
- Prior state vehicle registration
- Title if owned (OR) lien holder information
- Proof of insurance (Maine coverage)
- Current mileage
- Proof of Wells address
- Payment of cash, check or credit/debit card (fees apply when using credit/debit cards). Town policy requires that the person the credit/debit card is issued to must be present to sign for the charge.
If you still have questions, feel free to give the Finance Department a call at 207-646-5113.
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Harbor Concert Series continues to delight with live music throughout the summer | |
The Wells Harbor Park Summer Concert Series will be continuing into the month of August with concerts every Saturday evening from 6:00pm-8:00pm. So far, we've had wonderful turnout and great performances by all.
Some concerts have been cancelled due to inclement weather, but all other concerts throughout the month of July have been a huge success.
The concerts are located at Hope Hobbs Gazebo, at Wells Harbor Community Park. There is plenty of parking, and all parking is free. Benches are available for first-come-first serve seating. Folding chairs and blankets are also welcome to be set-up.
The Summer Concert Series schedule for the remainder of the Summer is as follows:
August 3: The Party Starters
August 10: North River Music
August 17: Club Soda Band
August 24: All Together Now, The Beatles
August 31: New Legacy Swing Band
Come enjoy our beautiful summers on the Harbor!
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Join the Committee for Veteran's Affairs
Our newly established Committee for Veterans’ Affairs is seeking members. This committee will work to serve as a point of contact for matters relating to veterans and the military, to develop and maintain a broad perspective on the Town’s approach to and participation in all such matters, to help ensure the Town honors veterans and the military, and to advise the Board of Selectmen accordingly. The Committee’s responsibilities will include:
- Assisting with Wells’ annual Memorial Day parade, in cooperation with the town and local service organizations.
- Coordinating the hosting of visiting military units for which Wells has been designated the host community.
- Serving as an intermediary between the town and other local, state and national veterans’ and military organizations.
- Serving as a resource for concerned citizens regarding veterans’ and military matters
- Overseeing the periodic inspection of Wells’ war memorials and making recommendations to the Board of Selectmen for needed repairs or alterations.
Call (207) 361-8130 or email rkelley@wellstown.org for more information.
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Wells Reserve plans for August programs for the whole family | |
Wells Reserve August Programs
Friday, August 2, 9am-12pm
Kayaking on the Little River Estuary
Come explore where the river meets the sea—by kayak! Paddle the quiet waters of the Reserve’s estuary while watching for wildlife and learning about this treasured habitat. This is a relaxing paddling experience appropriate for all levels of kayaking ability. Minimum age is 12, and 12-15 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. Kayaks are single (not tandem), so each participant paddles their own kayak. Weather dependent. $60/$48. Preregistration required at wellsreserve.org. Please note: Program fee does not include site admission fee.
Saturday, August 3, 7:30-9:30am
Accessible Bird Walk with York County Audubon
Join York County Audubon birders for a guided bird walk on the Reserve’s Webhannet Marsh Trail at Wells Harbor. This is an ADA-compliant trail with two paths and one overlook that cover a quarter mile on even surfaces. There are benches at the overlook for resting. Beginners are welcome. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Free. Space is limited, and preregistration is required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org or at (207) 646-1555 x116. FMI wellsreserve.org/calendar.
Monday, August 5, 12-1pm
A Summer at the Wells Reserve
Join us in Mather Auditorium for a presentation from Brian Gibson, this summer’s Maine Coast Heritage Trust Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation Intern. Brian will discuss the work he has done with the stewardship and facilities departments throughout his internship at the Reserve this summer. He’ll share updates on the ecoacoustics project he worked on, as well as progress made on invasive species removal. Following the presentation in the auditorium, Brian will take folks who are interested on a brief tour of the invasive species removal sites along the trails. Suggested donation of $5/person. FMI wellsreserve.org/calendar.
Friday, August 9, 10am-12pm
Explore the Shore
Discover the secrets of the land, sea, and beach by exploring the shore. Strolling Laudholm Beach, we will explore the shore through investigations of sand, the wrack line, and other beach treasures. Program will start at the Gazebo with a quick introduction to tides before we head down the trail to the beach. Program duration is about 1 ½ - 2 hours and ends at the beach. Free with site admission. Preregistration required at caryn@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x110. FMI wellsreserve.org/calendar.
Monday, August 12, 12-1pm
From First Human Orbiting the Earth to SpaceX Missions
Join us for a presentation by Yuri Freeman about the most memorable moments in space exploration. Yuri brings to these topics personal experience working in Russian space electronics and later involvement in NASA and SpaceX. Suggested donation of $5/person. Preregistration is not required. FMI wellsreserve.org/calendar.
Monday, August 12, 8-9:30pm
Perseids Meteor Shower
Join local astronomer Scott Negley to learn about the Perseid meteor shower. His talk will feature a variety of space wonders, including comets, meteors, and asteroids, that have fascinated stargazers for years. If weather permits after the indoor presentation, a star party will be held outside to catch some of the Perseid meteors in action. Suggested donation of $5/person. Preregistration is not required. Please meet in Mather Auditorium. FMI wellsreserve.org/calendar.
Tuesday, August 13, 10-11:30am
Secrets of the Salt Marsh
Join us for a jaunt past meadows and forests down to our floating dock on the Little River. Here we will look out over the salt marsh and learn the secrets of this special ecosystem. This guided walk covers about 1 mile of fairly flat, slightly uneven trail terrain. Insect and sun protection are highly recommended. Preregistration required at caryn@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x110. Free with site admission. FMI wellsreserve.org/calendar.
Wednesday, August 14, 1-3pm
Nature Photography Workshop
Join us for a workshop presented by Seacoast Photography School. Founder and instructor David Mazur will lead us in an afternoon exploring the trails while learning about landscape photography lighting and focus techniques, as well as wildlife photography motion techniques. We’ll also cover photography basics, camera fundamentals, and composition tips. This workshop welcomes beginner and intermediate photographers with an enthusiasm for nature. $75/60. Preregistration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x116. FMI wellsreserve.org/calendar.
Wednesday, August 21 (August 22 is rain date), 10am-12pm
Drawing Together
Artists of all ages will gather for a morning of plein air drawing. We’ll support and inspire each other in the process and simple pleasure of observational sketching. Artist and creative wellness educator Laura Jaquays will guide the program and offer tips for drawing and mindfulness in nature. Please dress for the outdoors. Maximum of 20 people. Adults and children ages 8 and up (with adult) are welcome. Bring your own drawing materials or purchase a creativity kit on the day of the program for $10. Free with site admission. Preregistration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x116.
Wednesday, August 28, 10:30-11:30am
Preschool Story Hour: Bird, Butterfly, Eel
Join Education Director Suzanne Kahn for a reading of James Prosek’s Bird, Butterfly, Eel followed by a related craft activity and a trail walk. Ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. Free with site admission. Preregistration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x116. FMI wellsreserve.org/calendar.
Thursday, August 29, 10:30-11:30am
Earth Jams Outdoor Family Concert
Bring the whole family to enjoy this interactive concert with seasoned performer, Keana Loosigian. Keana will get you singing and dancing along with their blues, rock, and folk tunes all about planet Earth, and the wonders of nature. Free with site admission. Preregistration is not required. This program will take place outdoors on the lawn. Please bring a blanket or folding chair for your comfort. In the event of rain, the program will be moved indoors to Mather Auditorium. FMI wellsreserve.org/calendar.
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Current Board and Committee vacancies available- Apply today! | |
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Board of Assessment Review - 1 member vacancies; 2 alternate member vacancies
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Budget Committee -2 alternate member vacancies
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Comprehensive Plan Update Committee- 1 member vacancy
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Energy Advisory Committee - 2 alternate member vacancies
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Lodging Facility Advisory Committee- 1 alternate member vacancy
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Recreation Commission - 1 alternate member vacancy
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Shellfish Conservation Commission: 1 alternate member vacancy
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Committee of Veteran's Affairs - 8 member vacancies
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Wells Emergency Medical Services Board- 1 member vacancy
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Wells Ogunquit Historical Society to host Summer events
Author Colin Woodard
Tuesday, August 13th 7 pm
Held at the Historical Society
$10 all tickets
Woodies in the Cove Car Show
Saturday, August 17th 8:30 am – 2 pm
974 Post Road, Wells, Maine
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Fourth annual Electric Vehicle Show to be held on September 8th | |
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The Town of Wells Energy Advisory Committee will hold its fourth annual Electric Vehicle Show at the Wells Public Library at 1434 Post Road in Wells on Sunday, September 8, 1-4 PM. The event is free to attend and will take place rain or shine.
Provided they have them in stock, many car dealers will bring electric vehicles for public inspection. Local EV owners and organizations will also be on hand to show their own cars and discuss the pros and cons of going electric in Maine.
Efficiency Maine information will be available with details on rebates. The event is free to the general public. For more information, contact craig.merrow@yahoo.com.
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Subscribe to E-Notify to stay informed
Stay informed of the most important notifications from the Town of Wells by subscribing to the Notify Me feature of the Town website. You can choose to receive custom email or text alerts for a variety of different updates, including emergency alerts, voting results, road closures, Town Hall closures, posted agendas, bid postings, calendar updates and town employment alerts.
This feature is free and available to any member of the public. You are able to unsubscribe at any time.
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Apply today to join our team! | |
The Town of Wells has several open employment opportunities.
We encourage you to take a look at the job opportunities currently available with the Town of Wells on our Employment Opportunities page. There is so much important work that goes in to keeping the town 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.
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Stay informed with the RAVE Alert System | |
Sign up for the RAVE Alert System for York County to ensure you receive emergency alerts.
The RAVE Alert System is a reverse 911 application that allows citizens to sign up for emergency alerts. The program allows users to create a profile to alert first responders to their specific needs as well. For example, if there was an evacuation, the program would let first responders know if a user needed evacuation assistance through their profile. The profiles allow users to mark if they need specialized assistance, are dependent on electric supply, or even if they have pets or livestock.
Examples of alerts include: winter storm notices, evacuation notices, flood alerts, bio-terrorism alerts, and boil water notices.
Click here to Sign Up for RAVE Alerts.
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Town of Wells August Meeting Calendar | |
Planning Board Meeting
August 5, 2024, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Town Hall
Selectmen's Special Meeting
August 6, 2024, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Town Hall
Select Board Meeting
August 6, 2024, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Town Hall
Wells Conservation Commission Meeting
August 8, 2024, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Planning Board & Select Board Joint Public Hearing
August 12, 2024, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wells Public Library
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Staff Review Committee Meeting
August 13, 2024, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Town Hall
Planning Board Meeting
August 19, 2024, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Town Hall
Select Board & CPUC Meeting
August 20, 2024, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Town Hall
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
August 26, 2024, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Town Hall
Staff Review Committee Meeting
August 27, 2024, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Town Hall
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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 rkelley@wellstown.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 Town of Wells website at www.wellstown.org.
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