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With the start of November, and as we head deeper into the fall season, our thoughts and attention turn to the upcoming election. From absentee voting, to frequently asked ballot questions explained, we have the answers you need to ensure you exercise your right to vote with ease. We'll be sure to share election results next week, and in the meantime, we encourage you to vote this week or on Election Day. In addition to election day help, we cover stories regarding the upcoming dredge, the newly established tax rate, and safety tips from our Public Safety Departments.
Read on for these stories and more, and to learn about the happenings in Wells this November.
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Photo Courtesy of Wells resident, Matthew Rainey | |
Election Day Basics: Prepare to cast your vote | |
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Absentee Ballot deadline is fast approaching
Absentee ballots, for the November 7th Elections ARE NOW AVAILABLE.
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.
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
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.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot without a special circumstance is November 2nd at 4pm.
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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?
For the November 7, 2023 Election, the polls in Wells are open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Where can I view a sample ballot?
You can view a sample ballot by following the link here.
Where can I view the Special Town Meeting Warrant?
You can view the Special Town Meeting Warrant here.
Can I vote early?
You can request an absentee ballot, up until the November 2nd deadline. This ballot can then be returned in person to the Town Hall, at the drop box at the Town Hall, or by mail.
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You can learn additional information about election day here. | |
New Town of Wells tax rate announced | |
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A new tax (mil) rate was established by the Town in late October, based on the total town property valuation and the 2023-24 approved budget. The new tax rate is $5.96 per thousand of valuation for the fiscal year. Please refer to the general tax information below.
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Tax Rate: $5.96 per thousand of valuation for fiscal year
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Assessment Ratio: 100%
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Interest Dates: Starts to accrue on the 1st installment December 12, 2023, and on the 2nd installment June 11, 2024
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Overdue Interest Rate: 8.00%
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Fiscal Year: July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024
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Assessment Date: April 1, 2023
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Commitment Date: October 26, 2023
A reminder that the latest assessment of property values from the 2023 revaluation are available in the online Vision Database, found here.
Additional Resources
More FAQ's and information about the Town of Wells 2023 revaluation can be found here.
General information regarding assessment, property tax and market value can be found here.
If you need additional information, find an error in your property record, or have a question, please call the Assessor’s Office at 207-646-6081, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. The first and third Tuesday of each month 8 am to 6 pm.
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Wells Harbor undergoes preparations for the upcoming dredge
Michael Yorke, Harbormaster
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Wells Harbor is alive with activity as we prepare for the upcoming dredge. Over 60 floating docks have been removed and are stacked up in Harbor Park, special thanks to Public Works and Pete for coming down with their loader. We apologize for the odor associated with the docks drying out, but it should disappear after a hard freeze. Pepperrell Cove Marine has been contracted to remove the Helix moorings and has mobilized a barge and excavator to begin the process.
The Army Corps of Engineers has awarded the dredge contract to Michel’s Construction, who is also dredging Scarborough this Winter. At this writing I have not had a meeting with a Michel’s representative, but rumor has it they are going to mobilize in Scarborough first. That would most likely move the start date in Wells around early January. The dredge should produce 120,000 cubic yards of sand to replenish Drake’s Island and Wells beach.
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As some of you may or may not be aware, York County has purchased a cutter head suction dredge like the one that will be used in Wells and Scarborough this year. This type of dredge will be used for beach nourishment projects in Southern Maine. The York County Dredge Authority has been formed and will take control of the of the equipment and operations side of the dredge. We hope to utilize this equipment in future maintenance dredges.
You can check out the following video which shows an example of the dredge process.
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9th annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast held to honor those who serve Wells | |
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The Town of Wells hosted its 9th annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on October 31st at Hobbs Harborside Restaurant. The day was to honor and recognize the hundreds of Wells volunteers who give their talents, time, efforts and passion to serve our community.
Volunteers in attendance serve on various boards and committees, while other serve in volunteer programs such as the Piping Plover Program, Maine Healthy Beaches, the Wells Road Rangers, Wells Public Library volunteers, and Wells Transportation Station Hosts.
Speakers at this year's breakfast included Wells Town Manager, Michael Pardue, Volunteer and Communications Coordinator, Rebekah Kelley, Maine Audubon's Wildlife Biologist and Conservation Assistant, Laura Williams, and Wells Public Library Director, Cindy Appleby. Pardue stressed the importance of volunteers in our community and expressed his sincere gratitude on behalf of the Town and Board of Selectmen for the volunteer efforts. Kelley implored volunteers to reflect on the impact they've made. "Think about the lives you've touched, the problems you've solved, and the community you've strengthened," says Kelley. Appleby stressed the importance of Library volunteers, saying, "These volunteers know the value of the Wells Library to the town, and their time, energy, and effort to make it the best library it can be are greatly appreciated."
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Bev Esson was recognized at the event as Volunteer of the Year for her commitment to serving Wells, and her longstanding volunteer work with both Wells Public Library and as an election worker. Esson began her volunteer work in 1987 and has shown dedication and commitment throughout her many years as a volunteer. She is a tireless worker at the library, always working with a smile on her face. Esson assisted with the Library's Minerva conversion, and also was responsible for helping research and compile cemetery information for over 200 cemeteries in Wells, a task that has huge historical significance.
The library adds between 2,000-3,000 new items to its collection each year and Esson works hard to put the plastic cover, due date sheet and spine label on them. When the library was closed for nine weeks last February due to a burst pipe, Esson still came out every Wednesday, helping get new books ready.
She is known by all those who know her as a positive, pleasant person to have working at the library.
Esson says that she loves her work as a volunteer because she enjoys the community aspect, and being in touch other people. She loves to stretch her mind, and also to rope in other people, persuading others to also dedicate their time to Wells.
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A Wells Public Library staff member shared the following about Esson:
Bev Esson is a wonderful volunteer. She comes to the library every Wednesday to help process the books and AV materials that have been cataloged. She is knowledgeable and conscientious about her work and always takes the extra time to make sure everything is correct and ready to go out. She always goes above and beyond to help whether that’s answering questions about how best to adhere a spine label to a cloth binding or offering to come in an extra day if there’s an abundance of books that have just come in. She is also always willing to learn new things and offer advice on solutions to any processing challenges we encounter. It’s been an honor to work with and learn from Bev this past year. I look forward to seeing her every week and know that if Bev has processed a book, it’s immediately ready to go out to patrons.
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Don't drive impaired! Safe driving reminders from Wells Police
Jo-Ann Putnam, Police Chief
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Well, that time of year is rapidly approaching…no not winter! The time of year I’m speaking about is family and holiday gatherings. During this time people often indulge in substances that impair their driving abilities. So, with that in mind please make prior arrangements for a designated driver or maybe even see if it is possible to spend the night at the gathering location. If neither of these options appeal to you, maybe you should not consume anything that will impair your decision whether or not to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.
If you don’t make the right decision, you could end up having an encounter with a police officer. In Maine, when your “senses are impaired to the slightest degree,” you are considered operating under the influence. Outside of the obvious dangers that you put yourself and the other motorists on the road in, being caught can be an expensive endeavor.
- Bail - $200
- Towing Fee - $250
- Attorney Fees - $5,000
- Court fines - $1,000
- Missed time from work - $200-1,000
- Insurance premium increases: $100-1,000
Other things to consider are the mandatory license suspension, and treatment or education class on substance abuse.
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Staff Spotlight:
Tess Schuster
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Name: Tess Schuster
Department: Wells Public Library
Position: Library Cataloger
Year Started: 2022
Favorite thing about your position:
Getting to catalog and process all the new materials for patrons to check out.
What do you like to do in your spare time:
I enjoy reading (of course), spending time outside, cooking, and exploring new cities.
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Parks and Recreation wraps up Fall season
Tina LeBlanc, Park and Recreation Director
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Fall programs are wrapping up after a very rainy season. Several soccer games were cancelled or rescheduled. Archery was rained upon. And most saddening of all we needed to cancel the 34th Annual Haunted Hayride. The Haunted Hayride is a huge community event bringing together over 120 volunteers, over 20 in-kind and monetary sponsors and over 900 visitors from near and far. Our dedicated volunteers work on their sets and props for weeks and spend several hours on site getting ready before our visitors arrive. It is not a small undertaking. In the 34 years, we have had snow, morning showers, rain the whole week before and other crazy New England weather but it has never come down to having to cancel. Sadly, this is a first. The decision to cancel was not an easy one. | |
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Moving on to late fall and winter we are picking up our chins and getting excited for holiday events and winter programs. We recently received a call from the North Pole to let us know that Santa is planning to visit on December 1st. As we gear up for Santa, we are also getting ready to sell Christmas trees starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Adult Open Gym (Basketball & Volleyball) has recently started and will be ongoing throughout the winter. Youth Basketball registration is in full swing and will be starting before we know it.
For more information on these and other Recreation programs please visit www.wellsrec.org.
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Wells Library hosts art gallery and virtual author visit this Fall
Cindy Appleby, Library Director
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The Ethel Weymouth Art Gallery
By Tess Schuster
Established in January 2003 by the Friends of the Library and the director at the time, Stephen Bahre, the Ethel M. Weymouth Exhibit space provides an opportunity for the public to appreciate the arts in a manner that reflects the library's mission of lifelong learning and in the spirit of community service. The gallery has had exhibits displaying everything from painting and photography to quilts, crocheting and rug hooking. Exhibits usually display approximately 20 pieces of art and last a month, allowing library patrons and other community members to view the art and leave a comment for the artist at their leisure. Artists also may decide to hold receptions for their exhibitions during which they gather family and friends to celebrate and mingle with light refreshments, but all are welcome to join. The date and time for an exhibit’s reception can be found on the flyer displayed at the library. Maine artists from Wells and surrounding communities are encouraged and permitted to exhibit. For more information or to apply to display your artwork, please contact Tess Schuster at [email protected] or 207-646-8181 ext. 407.
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Virtual Author Visit
Tuesday, November 7th, 6:00 p.m.
The Wells Public Library is pleased to announce author Robert Dugoni will join the fiction book group via Zoom to discuss his novel The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell. The book group discussion will meet in the community room, and Mr. Dugoni will join around 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
For information on November’s library programs, please see the calendar at Wells Public Library Calendar of Events.
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Wells Police Department staff finish 3rd place in local 5K | |
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Comprehensive plan updates; ordinance change to appear on November ballot
Mike Livingston, Town Planner & Engineer
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Comprehensive Plan:
The Comprehensive Plan Update Committee (CPUC) has approved the final plan update and voted unanimously to send it to the Board of Selectmen for consideration to place on the June 2024 Annual Town meeting ballot for voter determination. The existing 2005 Comprehensive Plan and the State and CPUC approved update are available on the Town website and hard copies are available at the Library and Town Hall Offices. Workshops are to be held by the Board of Selectmen and another public hearing is to be scheduled.
Applications Pending:
Several existing subdivision applications are in the review process and new applications have been submitted prior to winter. The Planning Board does not conduct site walks during the winter season.
Ordinance Changes:
One zoning change is on the November Special Town Meeting ballot which involves creating a College Zone on the York County Community College property. Future ordinance changes possibly for the June 2024 Town Meeting could include the following: Short Term Rental regulations and licensing; Workforce housing ordinance; Updates to Lodging facility requirements; Updates to Accessory dwelling unit requirements, affordable housing and multi-family developments.
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Wells Town Hall and Transfer Station to close on November 10th | |
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Please plan ahead, the Wells Town Hall Offices will be closed on Friday, November 10th for Veterans Day.
The Town Hall Offices will reopen with normal business hours again on Monday, November 13th.
The Wells Transfer Station will also be closed on Friday, November 10th and will reopen on Saturday, November 11th.
Thank you for your understanding.
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Fire Department shares home fire safety tips and reflects on a busy October
Mark Dupuis, Fire Chief
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As we head into the holiday season, we wanted to remind the community of home fire safety. Test all smoke alarms at least once a month and replace them when they are 10 years old. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every 8 years. Change the batteries in detectors at least once a year or if you hear a “chirping” sound coming from the device. Make sure there is a smoke detector in every room of your home.
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The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is caused by unattended cooking. While you prepare your holiday meals for your family and friends do not leave cooking food unattended. Keep anything that can catch fire, oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from your stovetop. In case of a fire, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Thanksgiving is also the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. To help keep your family and friends safe, keep the floor clear of any tripping hazards in the kitchen. Make sure children stay away from the stove and any hot food or liquids. Monitor any candles that are lit and keep anything that can catch fire away. More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles.
We also want to warn of the danger of using turkey fryers. NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) discourages the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil. If you decide to use this product, use extreme caution. Never use a turkey fryer in your home. Ensure the fryer is situated on a sturdy, level surface, ideally on asphalt or concrete. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before placing in hot oil.
Please help us keep you safe!
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We also want to keep you all updated on our progress at the Fire Department. On October 5th, the Fire Department held its first annual Fire Prevention Day & Open House. It ended up being a great success, with a food truck, and several demonstrations of our new tower truck, our air packs, fire gear and a tour of the station. We had lots of free gifts for everyone and several raffles for fire extinguishers, Dunkin Donuts, movie tickets and other similar prizes. Although the threat of rain caused the antique truck portion of the show to be canceled, the rest of our event was well attended. With that we wish to thank our residents for attending.
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As the month of October ends, we were also able to hire four new firefighters and an Assistant Fire Chief. During the last half of the month, we ran each of them through a rigorous timed agility test which included a ladder climb, hose drag, ladder carry, dummy drag and sledgehammer prop.
Each of our candidates did a fantastic job and we are proud to have them join our ranks.
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Willie Hill Road crossing to be paved on November 6th | |
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On Monday, November 6th, CSX will be repaving the railroad crossing on Willie Hill Road. It will take about 8 hours, and will result in one way alternating lane traffic. Please use caution.
Thank you for your understanding.
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Bragdon Road crossing to be closed on November 8th | |
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On Tuesday, November 8th, Bragdon Road crossing will be closed to traffic for paving. CSX will be paving the Bragdon Road crossing and will close the road completely, since there is a reasonable detour available. Proper signage will be in place to guide traffic, and the project should take about 8 hours to complete.
Thank you for your understanding.
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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 - 1 regular member vacancy, 1 alternate member vacancy
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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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Personnel Advisory Board - 1 member vacancy
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Planning Board - 1 alternate member vacancy
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Recreation Commission - 1 member vacancy, 1 alternate vacancy
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WEMS Board - 2 member vacancies
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Zoning Board of Appeals - 1 member vacancy, 1 associate vacancy
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Run for a cause at the 9th annual Veteran's Day 5K | |
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Come out and enjoy the crisp Fall air as you race for a great cause! The Wells Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their 9th annual Veterans Day 5k Run/ Walk on Saturday, November 11, at 10:00am. All proceeds will benefit Honor Flight Maine. Run (or walk) your own 5k. The start and finish are both located at the Wells Elks Lodge and the 5K loop takes you through beautiful, remote back roads of Wells. The course is considered flat, which is great for those either looking to set a new PR and/or for first-time 5K'ers.
The cost to enter is $20 (adults 18+), $15 (students 11-17) and kids (10 and under) are free. As in past years, the first 100 paying registrants will receive a men's long-sleeve t-shirt.
Click the link below for more information, or reach out to the Wells Chamber of Commerce at (207) 646-2451. For more events and a calendar of listings, please visit the Chamber of Commerce website.
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Don't forget to "Fall Back"! Daylight savings time ends November 5th | |
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Our clocks and watches turn back an hour on Sunday, November 5th at 2:00 am for the end of Daylight Savings Time. Sunrise and sunset will occur an hour earlier as well. Bonus, you will get an extra hour of sleep!
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Wells Reserve plans for a packed November of new programs | |
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November 2023 Programs at Wells Reserve at Laudholm
Wednesday Walk
Wednesday, November 1, 10:30am-12pm
On each biweekly walk she leads at the Wells Reserve, docent Norma Fox chooses a trail she thinks will be best for exploring on that particular day, using the natural world as her muse. For ages 12 and up. Free. Registration required.
Morning Yoga
Tuesday, November 7, 8-9:15am
Begin your day with a gentle Hatha yoga class designed for people who need to stretch, strengthen, tone, and relax on a regular basis. This is the first in a series of six weekly sessions hosted by the Wells Reserve on Zoom and led by Leslie Fiore, founder of Port Yoga in Kennebunk. Fiore has been practicing and teaching yoga for more than 20 years. $72/$60 for the series.
Gulf of Maine
Wednesday, November 8, 12-1pm
Discover features of the peculiar body of water known as the Gulf of Maine in this virtual talk hosted by the Wells Reserve and presented by docent Steve Podsiadlo. Steve will cover topics from coasts and currents to shores and seabed.
Portaling Awareness Walk
Saturday, November 11, 9:30-10:45am
Learn about compassion and mindfulness from author, therapist, compassion educator, and grief worker Elizabeth Straka. We will meet and talk at the welcome kiosk, then take a facilitated walk to discuss principles of compassion and elements of awareness. Free. Registration required.
Cranberry Walk
Saturday, November 11, 10am-12pm
Bask in the drama of field and forest in late fall while looking for cranberries and searching for seasonal changes. Guided at the Wells Reserve by environmental educator Linda Littlefield Grenfell. $8/$6. Registration required.
Wabanaki Wonderings
Monday, November 13, 10am-12pm
Gather inside the Wells Reserve visitor center to begin reflecting on life in this area before European settlers arrived, then walk to the edge of the salt marsh and imagine an indigenous people’s sweetgrass camp. Explore how people lived and thrived, and share insights about Wabanaki life past and present. Presenter Linda Littlefield Grenfell, of European descent, has studied about and with the Wabanaki people and all information and knowledge is referenced to them. $8/6. Registration required.
Wednesday Walk
Wednesday, November 15, 10:30am-12pm
The natural world has long been a muse for poets, writers, and artists. On this walk at the Wells Reserve, docent Norma Fox will choose a route for exploring and finding inspiration. For ages 12 and up. Free. Registration required.
Art in Nature: Block Printing Workshop
Thursday, November 16, 1:30-4pm
Block printing is a fun and easy way to create unique cards and decorate other paper goods. Discover your inner artist by crafting your own make-and-take block print at the Wells Reserve. No experience needed. All materials provided. For ages 16 and up. $16/$12. Registration required.
Other November events and details for registration can be found at here.
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Wells Police to host Veteran's Meal at the Senior Center | |
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The Wells Ogunquit Senior Center will be hosting a Veteran's Meal provided by the Wells Police Department on November 9th, 2023 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Veterans eat free. Member cost is $5 per person. The event is limited to 60 people and RSVP's are required.
Please call (207) 228-3211 or follow the link below for more information.
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Wells plans for annual holiday tree lighting, volunteers needed! | |
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The 4th Annual Wells Holiday Tree Lighting will take place on Saturday, December 9th at 5:00 PM. This year includes a meet and greet with Santa, performances from the Atlantic Harmonies singing group, led by Bailey Smith, Touch A Truck, where kids of all ages will have the chance to explore a Wells Fire Truck, cookie decorating, letters to Santa, ornament decorating, a hot cocoa bar and more! This is a free event and welcome to all ages.
We are seeking volunteers to assist with the event. Duties include handing out hot chocolate and helping to run the cookie station and the letters to Santa station. All interested volunteers can contact our Volunteer Coordinator by phone at 207-36-18130 or by email at [email protected].
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Winter safety reminders from the Town of Wells | |
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Somehow, winter is just around the corner, again!
Consider this your annual reminder that winter is on its way. Whether you are gleefully anticipating or grumpily dreading the coming season, there are a few necessary things to keep in mind
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Clear all items (basketball hoops, etc.) from the edge of the roadways. Please move them back at least 12 – 15 feet from the edge of the pavement. This better enables us to clear the roads properly and reduces the possibility of items and equipment being damaged.
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Snow tires are pretty important during Maine winters. If you don’t have them, you should get some. Soon.
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When it snows, road conditions worsen. It doesn’t matter if you drive a tank. Allow yourself extra time, go slow, watch for others that seem to think snow and ice does not affect the roadways, and get to where you are going safely!
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When clearing your driveway of snow, please do not place the snow into the roadways. This creates dangerous (and unnecessary) conditions for everyone. Furthermore, when clearing the snow, remember to clear it to the down side (or right side) of your driveway. Trust me, this will save you a backache (and/or headache) when you have to re-clear your driveway after the plow comes through, and plops it all right back into your driveway.
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Dig out the snowblower. Doing this now, before you actually need it is advisable. Look it over, kick the tires, give it an oil change, and some general overall TLC. . Make sure all parts are working correctly.
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Town of Wells November Meeting Calendar | |
- Lodging Facility Advisory Committee Meeting
November 1, 2023 1 PM - 3 PM
Wells Town Hall
November 6, 2023, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Wells Town Hall
November 7, 2023, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Wells Town Hall
November 13, 2023, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
November 14, 2023, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
November 15, 2023, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
November 20, 2023, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Town Hall
November 27, 2023, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
November 28, 2023, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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If you have submission requests for The Wells Connector,
please contact Rebekah Kelley at 207-361-8130 or by email.
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