There is no denying that Wells is in the heart of Winter, with Mother Nature interrupting January with no less than three winter storms in the short span of seven days. Wells was left reeling from the effects of the January 10th and 13th storms, and once again saw itself up against the forces of nature, facing unprecedented coastal flooding and devastating damage to public areas, residences, and businesses. Our Public Works and Public Safety Departments worked tirelessly, day and night to mitigate damage, respond to emergency events, and ensure the Town's safety. While Wells is no stranger to inclement weather, these last few severe storms have shown us how valuable our Public Safety, Public Works and Town staff are. Thank you for always putting our residents first and working to keep our community safe.

Did you know...the Town of Wells Select Board meetings are streamed live for your viewing on Facebook, Town Hall Streams and YouTube?  You can watch previously recorded meetings at any time, or tune in live to share a comment or question for the chance to have it shared during the public forum.

Stay up to date and view the meeting minutes at your convenience.

Within the span of three days, two record-breaking, severe weather events brought historic flooding to the coast of Wells, destroying homes, roads, and buildings, and wreaking havoc on anything in its path. A powerful storm on January 10th brought heavy rain, flooding, huge waves and wind gusts of up to 60 mph along the Maine coast. Within 3 days, and despite still reeling from the previous storm, a second, massive Saturday storm brought record flooding and high winds to Wells, battering homes and roadways up for miles. These storms left a path of destruction in our community, and we are now faced with the heavy task of repairing and rebuilding what was damaged and lost.

In the midst of the destruction, there is a positive force that shines through, which is our municipal staff. Our dedicated employees have spent days, tirelessly working around the clock, to ensure your safety and mitigate the damage caused by the storm. We are grateful for our Police Department, Department of Public Works, Fire Department and Code Enforcement Office for their efforts in serving our town, as well as all other staff members who assisted in the aftermath of the storm. Additionally, thank you to our residents for their support and for coming together in a time of need. We are certainly proud of our Wells community.

As we enter the reconstruction and rebuild phase, we will work to keep you abreast of critical updates and information. Thank you all for your cooperation and compliance with road closures and safe driving throughout both the inclement weather and during the post-storm reconstructive efforts. In the storm's aftermath, we provided 10 large roll off containers, at three locations around town, to be used for the disposal of post-storm debris. Our Public Works department has been working tirelessly to clear debris and ensure the roads are in safe, drivable condition. We will continue this long journey to repair what was damaged, and work together with you, our residents, throughout the process.

FEMA visits Wells to hold Preliminary Damage Assessment

Preliminary Damage Assessment

On January 17, 2024, the State of Maine, Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management, Maine Emergency Management Agency, requested that FEMA take part in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments for Public Assistance in response to severe coastal storms that occurred on January 10, 2024, and January 13, 2024.

On January 23rd, a Preliminary Damage Assessment was held in Wells, in which FEMA representatives, along with York County EMA met with Wells Emergency Management Director and Wells Department of Public Works to examine the damage incurred in the last two storms. Based on the assessment, a determination will be made on whether or not the damages meet the county threshold for FEMA reimbursement. When and if such determination is made, we will be sure to notify the public.

Damage Reporting

Maine Emergency Management Agency is accepting reports for all damage incurred from the recent storms.

Homeowners can use the Individual and Household form to report uninsured damages to their residence (primary dwelling only).

• Individuals and Households Initial Damage Assessment Survey (online)
• Individual and Households Initial Damage Assessment Form (pdf)

This is not an application for assistance nor a guarantee of financial assistance. Submission of damage information will help the State of Maine best understand the extent of damage from the storm.

As a reminder to those who experienced storm related damage, you can still report the damage.

• Individuals who experienced damage to their primary residence should report them to 211 or fill out the survey here.
• Individuals of private industry and privately owned commercial infrastructure who sustained property damage should report it by filling out this online survey here.

Neither of these surveys are an application for assistance nor a guarantee of financial assistance.

Damage assessment is ongoing and critical at the local level. Individuals and businesses can help MEMA assess the need to request potential federal emergency support by documenting the impact of the storm. It’s important to accurately document your damages as soon as possible. 

• Individuals of private industry and privately owned commercial infrastructure who sustained property damage from the storm, including wharfs, floats, vessels, etc. are urged to document and report that damage by filling out the Business and Agriculture Initial Damage Assessment Survey (online).

• Please note that if you require assistance filling out the forms, please dial 2-1-1. Learn more at https://www.maine.gov/mema/.

You can also learn more about individual assistance programs here.

The Code Enforcement Office would like to share the following information with the public regarding permitting, in the aftermath of the recent storms. If you have any questions, please email the Code Office so they can get you the information needed as they try to work with homeowners and contractors through the FEMA/Permitting process. This is meant only to bring structures back to pre-storm condition. 

This applies to all structure damage, as well as all interior water damage, windows and door replacement.

Elevated Structures

If the dwelling is already elevated and meets the FEMA flood requirements with a post/pier or flood vents, the permitting process is the same as it always has been.

• Building permit - Application required. For the areas that were damaged, we will need the total square footage of work to be permitted, appropriate documents, cost of work/labor, detailed scope of work/drawings, and the appropriate fees.
• Flood permit - Application required for a flood permit must also be submitted. Cost of the flood permit is the base fee only.

Non-Elevated Structures

If the structure is not elevated, the process is much different.

• Building permit- Application is required. For the areas that were damaged, we will need the total square footage of work to be permitted, appropriate documents, cost of work and labor (2023 average cost per square foot calculation for the Wells Flood Zone is $162.90), detailed scope of work/drawings, and the appropriate fees. An evaluation of the FEMA 50% will need to be completed by this office to determine if the costs exceed the allowed balance for the structure. If the cost exceeds the allowed balance, the structure will be required to be elevated to meet the FEMA flood requirements of the BFE for the flood zone they are in. Permitting is a two-phase (Phase 1 foundation only/Phase 2 remainder of build) with elevation certificates. When flood proofing a foundation, the max height goes up to 35 feet measured from the average grade to the peak of the roof. Any new foundation will require engineering. Please see the "FEMA Substantial Improvements", an 8-page document found here, that may assist those not familiar with working in a flood zone.

• Flood permit - A flood permit must also be submitted. The cost of the flood permit is the base fee, only unless you are adding a flow through foundation. In that case, the costs of the foundation are included.

Seawalls

Will need a permit and flood permit, as well as engineering. You will need to check with DEP to determine if they require permitting.

Areas that do not require permits

• General cleanup of debris/rocks/sand
• Backfilling washed out areas.
• Replacing just shingles or siding damage.

If you have any questions, please call the Code Enforcement Office at 207-646-5187.

Securing Damaged Areas

You are allowed to temporarily secure structures by boarding up windows and doors, and temporarily bracing/posting up failed structures. This does not mean pouring concrete or finished projects.

Please remember, working without proper permitting is a violation, and will incur double the permit fees.

If you have questions, please email jgenereux@wellstown.org. 

Documents/forms can be found on our website.

Recently there have been news reports about the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), telling states that they must stop using clever, or funny messages on the electronic signs on the nation’s highways. The first one I remember seeing was on Interstate 93 North in Massachusetts, and the message was “USE   YA   BLINKAH”.  There have been lots of very creative humorous messages displayed on electronic sign boards. The FHWA quickly put out a correction, they are not prohibiting these types of messages, but they are discouraging using them. 

It begs the question, why is the FHWA opposing these types of messages, and what is that document they keep talking about, the MUTCD? The MUTCD is the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways. FHWA released the 11th edition of that document in December 2023. It is a national standard for traffic signs, pavement markings and signals to ensure a uniform and predictable environment for people that walk, bike and drive across the United States. As the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg said “it is an essential guide to help state and local transportation practitioners create safe and efficient networks for everyone who drives, walks, bikes or rolls”. The new MUTCD includes guidance on pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements to reflect the changes in how Americans travel today.

The MUTCD within the 1,100 pages says that signs should be simple, direct, brief, legible and clear. FHWA says that these overhead signs with “obscure meanings, references to pop culture or those intended to be funny can be misunderstood or distracting to drivers. They encourage drivers to take their eyes off the road explains the MUTCD.

FHWA originally said that the ban on these messages is not expect until 2026. It only applies to electronic signs, not to static signs, so there will likely be some witty and humorous messages on traditional roadside signs.

Winter weather in northern New England is difficult to predict. In Wells, this is especially true since the conditions along the coast are often very different from what the weather is on the north side of the Turnpike. There are many variables affecting winter maintenance operations such as type of precipitation, air and pavement temperatures, traffic, wind, time of day and even the day of the week. Winter maintenance is considered an art, not a science. 

Click the link below for an in depth explanation of the snow removal process in Wells, as well as Frequently Asked Questions regarding winter weather, plowing, driving and navigating storms in Wells.

February weather can be frightful, but Rapid Renewal is so delightful!

Did you know that you can renew your vehicle registrations online using the state’s Rapid Renewal program without having to come out in the snow and ice? Just follow this link to the State of Maine website here.

You will receive confirmation of your renewal that you can print and your new registration and year stickers for your plates will be mailed to you. As a bonus, the site also allows you to sign up for a registration reminder email a month before your registration comes due.

The State of Maine requires vehicles to register your vehicle(s) yearly. The month which your vehicle expires depends on when you first registered it. The expiration can be found towards the top your yellow registration certificate, or on the registration plate on your vehicle. 

Maine has a variety of registration plates to choose from. If you cannot make it to the Town Hall to register your vehicle, you can renew your registration online here. If you have any other questions surrounding registering your vehicle you can find more answers here.

Vehicles must be inspected yearly as well. This is to ensure the inspection standards of all vehicles which operate on Maine’s roadways. The inspection sticker is most commonly found on the lower left hand corner of the windshield, or in the center of the windshield in back of the rearview mirror (Inspection Sticker Placement). The inspection does not always expire when your registration does. The inspection is marked out the month your mechanic inspects the vehicle. 

If your inspection sticker is expired, you should schedule an appointment with your mechanic immediately.  

Absentee Ballots for the March 5th, 2024 Presidential Primary Elections will be provided to voters beginning in early February at the Wells Town Hall, located at 208 Sanford Road.

You can request your ballot online, come into the Town Clerk’s Office, or call the Town Clerk at (207) 646-2882. 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 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.

• The application for an absentee ballot can be found here.

Absentee ballot requests must be received by close of business on February 29, 2024, unless special circumstances exist.

Completed Absentee Ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on March 5, 2024

AARP Tax-Aide is back for 2024! AARP volunteers will be at the library on Tuesdays beginning February 6th through April 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 207-806-2774. More information about what documents to bring can be found on the library’s tax assistance page.

Winter break already? The library has plenty to keep you and the kids entertained from February 20th - 23rd. Check out our website for more information.

The winter season is in full throttle and with it is our basketball programs, wrestling, downhill skiing at Pleasant Mountain, and many other programs. The Recreation Department has been hoping for some substantial snow to help keep people active outside on snowshoes, skis, and skates but with the rain and lack of snow it has been difficult to engage in such activities, although I must say, it was unusual but nice to see groups of students playing pick-up basketball on our park courts in January!

We are currently hosting 261 girls and boys in basketball for grades K through 5^th grade, 25 boys and girls for Wells Youth Wrestling, 38 participants in our Pleasant Mountain multi week program, 32 swimmers for swim classes, 5 men’s basketball teams for the Adult Men’s league, and 20 participants in our Mad Science program, 109 children in our Before and After School Care combined along with various numbers in our Open Gym program.

We are also offering a once a month “Parent’s Night Out” evening where we entertain your children while you attend an evening out without your precious cargo in tote. The next scheduled evening is February 2nd so reserve your spots!

In February, we will again be hosting our Annual 3rd & 4th Grade Girls Basketball tournament, welcoming 8 teams to compete against each other from February 16th-18th. It is great to see this fun competition take place and a special congratulations to last year’s winners, our very own Wells Girls! Way to go Wells! If there is anyone interested in helping with our tournament by volunteering to keep score, run concessions, or just donate some baked goodies we would greatly appreciate it. Just give us a call at 646-5826 or drop us an email at mwallace@wellstown.org.

Don’t forget to register for our February Vacation Camp where the children will be enjoying daily field trips and activities all week! Just go to www.wellsrec.org to register for all our programs and events.

I know we are wishing for snow but at the same time we are amid planning our Spring and Summer programs! We look forward to every season and enjoy all the community members who participate in all our programs and events every season!

As February fast approaches, our office is busy sending out the Personal Property Declaration forms for the businesses in town. Some have come in already for us to process. If you own a business in town that has not received one yet, please reach out to us at 207-646-6081 so we can go over things with you and get you the correct form. These forms are due back to us no later than May 1st. It will take a few months to go through all the forms and start to process that portion of our assessment roll. There are options for BETE and BETR exemption programs offered by the State. Please contact us for help with this.

In the same vein of thought, we will also be sending out all our notifications to the campground owners in town, asking for updated information on any sales of units in their campgrounds that we were not notified of. It is very important we get all the latest information on these transactions because they are mainly done through a bill of sale that is not registered with the County in any way.

We are continuously updating our tax rolls and going out in the field to do our pick ups of new construction and any changes that may be made to homes that have pulled building permits. It is always good to remember April 1st is the assessment date. Please pay special attention to that if you are transferring any property. Our tax bills will go out to the owner of record on that date.

Along with the April 1st date, all Homestead, Veterans and Blind exemption forms are due in our office by then. Please see our homepage for copies and links to these documents.

Please plan ahead, the Wells Town Hall Offices will be closed on Monday, February 19th 2024 for Presidents Day.

The Town Hall Offices will reopen with normal business hours again on Tuesday, February 20th.

Thank you for your understanding.

Wells Ocean Rescue is now hiring for the 2024 season. Wells lifeguards watch over the tens of thousands of visitors to our beautiful beaches from June through September. This is a fulfilling position, in which you play a critical role in ensuring the safety of others and are a key member of our community.

Applicants must be 16 years of age.

Interested in applying? Fill out an application below and email it to employment@wellstown.org.

• Employment Application

Please join us in welcoming the newest Town of Wells staff member, Diana Boucher.

Name: Diana Boucher

Position: Assistant to the Town Clerk

I am excited to be back in the Town of Wells and working in the Town Clerks office.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family! I love doing crafts and stamping.

The Town of Wells is fortunate to have Diana join our staff and we are confident she will shine in her new role. We wish you all the best!

• Board of Assessment Review - 1 member vacancy; 2 alternate member vacancies
• Budget Committee - 2 alternate member vacancies
• Comprehensive Plan Update Committee - 1 member vacancy
• Energy Advisory Committee - 1 alternate member vacancy
• Planning Board - 1 alternate member vacancy
• Recreation Commission - 2 alternate vacancies
• WEMS Board - 2 member vacancies
• Zoning Board of Appeals - 1 associate vacancy

Over the month of January, Wells Town staff from multiple departments came out to spend their Saturdays dishing up a warm meal and serving the seniors at the Wells Ogunquit Senior Center for their Days of Warming.

On Saturday, January 6, the Wells Fire Department and their families, led by Chief Dupuis, came together to serve about 80 Wells seniors. Staff and their children helped to make the main course, and hand out the meals. There was great music and a sense of family as everyone enjoyed helping to make the event special for everyone.

On Saturday, January 20th, the Wells Police Department, led by Chief Putnam and staff, hosted the second "Day of Warming" for the Senior Center, dishing up delicious food and great service. They served up Italian fare, and a highly anticipated "surprise" cake.

On Saturday, January 27th, Wells Town Manager, Mike Pardue, and Town Hall staff came out for their Day of Warming. They dished up warm shepard's pie, provided top notch service to the seniors and everyone came together with smiles, laughter and full bellies. Alan Brock of “A Rose and Two Thorns” provided musical entertainment for the event.



Thank you to those who came out to give their time, share a laugh, and spread the warmth!

Warm up with this simple-yet-hearty tomato beef and bean soup. You can make it ahead for busy weeknights. It is healthy and delicious, and our Assessing Department gives it two thumbs up!

Beef, Tomato and Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef or chopped chicken or turkey
• 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
• 1 large red or green pepper, seeded and chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, chopped
• 1 large zucchini, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
• 1 bottle (46 oz) low sodium tomato or vegetable cocktail juice
• 1 can (15 oz) black, pinto or garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tbs fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup parsley, chopped

Directions

1. In a large stock pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.  Cook onions, garlic, peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for 5-10 minutes, until crisp-tender, stirring as needed. Remove cooked vegetables from stock pot and set aside.
2. Add ground beef, chicken or turkey to stock pot, and cook 15-20 minutes until cooked through, stirring as needed. 
3. Return cooked vegetables to stock pot.
4. Add to the stock pot mixture of cooked meat and vegetables the following: tomato juice, beans, crushed and diced tomatoes, lemon juice.
5. Cover pot and bring soup to a simmer over medium heat. Do not let it boil.
6. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in parsley, cover and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Soup may be topped with grated parmesan or cheddar cheese. Serve with bread and/or salad. 

Note: Makes 10-12 cups. Serving size is 2-3 cups. Soup can be stored in refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in freezer.  

Nutrition: With a high nutritional value of 40 grams of protein and 474 calories per 3-cup serving, this is a healthy, tasty soup for chilly winter evenings.  

February 2024 Programs at Wells Reserve at Laudholm

Thursday, February 1, 12-1pm

Gulf of Maine’s Fundy Coast.

In this lunch-and-learn hosted on Zoom by the Wells Reserve, instructor Steve Podsiadlo will lead a tour of the Bay of Fundy’s waters and coastal marine geology. Fundy’s dramatic tides, expansive mudflats, and fossil cliffs are just parts of a dynamic coast. Fourth in a series. Free. Registration link at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Saturday, February 3, 9:30-11am

Cultivating Compassion in Nature.

Step into nature to practice expanding your awareness. Become attuned to your outer senses, inner sensations, thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and connections while nature supports your well-being. We meet inside and, weather permitting, move outdoors for a reflective walk. Facilitated and guided by Elizabeth Straka, local author, therapist, and compassion and grief worker. $8/$6. Registration required at growloveportalingawareness@gmail.com or 207-408-5657.

Sunday, February 4, 9am-12pm

Winter Wildlife Tracking.

Can you tell the tracks of a fox from those of a fisher? Have you ever trailed a porcupine to its den? Join Certified Wildlife Tracker and Registered Maine Guide Dan Gardoqui for an outdoor adventure at the Wells Reserve. Spend the morning seeking, interpreting, and following the tracks, trails, and signs of our wild neighbors. Open to curious adults and interested teens. Co-sponsored by York County Audubon. $40/$32. Registration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org or 207-646-1555 x116. FMI wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Thursday, February 8, 12-1pm

Canids of Maine.

Get to know the members of the dog family who call Maine home. In this online talk hosted by the Wells Reserve, ethologist and author Dr. Tammy Cloutier will recommend ways to reduce potential conflicts as human-wildlife interactions increase due to human population growth and canid habitat loss. Cloutier will also describe a new Maine community science canid research initiative. Free. Registration link at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Saturday, February 10, 2-5pm

Art in Nature: Block Printing Workshop.

Block printing is a fun and easy way to create unique designs for cards and other items. Discover your inner artist by crafting your own make-and-take block print at the Wells Reserve. No experience needed and all materials provided. You will leave with your block print and a set of handmade greeting cards. For ages 13 and up. $16/$12. Registration required at caryn@wellsnerr.org or 207-646-1555 ext 110.

Wednesday, February 14, 10:30am-12pm

Wednesday Walk.

On the popular walks she leads at the Wells Reserve, docent Norma Fox uses a variety of creative lenses for exploring the trail selected for that day. For ages 12 and up. Free. Registration required at 207-646-1555 x110 or caryn@wellsnerr.org.

Thursday, February 22, 10am-12:30pm

Winter Wildlife Day

Join the Center for Wildlife, York County Audubon, and the Wells Reserve at Laudholm for a fun celebration of the wildlife of southern Maine. Enjoy live animal ambassadors from the Center for Wildlife, wildlife tracking with an experienced guide, crafts and activities with York County Audubon and Wells Reserve, a scavenger hunt with prizes, sledding, snowshoeing, and hot cocoa for warming up. Bring snowshoes and sleds if you have them, or borrow some of ours. Animal costumes or hats are especially welcome. Free.

Friday, February 23, 5:30-7pm

Full Moon Walk

Experience a tranquil walk on a winter’s night at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm. We will explore moon phases and stories while watching and listening for nocturnal creatures. Families welcome. $8/$6 individual, $20/$15 family. Registration required at caryn@wellsnerr.org or 207-646-1555 x110.

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.

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.

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Examples of alerts include: winter storm notices, evacuation notices, flood alerts, bio-terrorism alerts, and boil water notices.

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Click here to Sign Up for RAVE Alerts.

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.