As we settle deeper into the fall season, our focus turns toward the upcoming election. We encourage all eligible residents to vote on Election Day or return absentee ballots before the deadline. We'll share the results with you next week, so stay tuned!



In this issue, we also cover an exciting update on Wells’ involvement with Wreaths Across America this December, introduce our newest team members, highlight engaging programs at the library, and provide a roundup of end-of-year events.

Read on to stay informed about all that’s happening in Wells this November!

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A new tax (mil) rate was established by the Town in late September, based on the total town property valuation and the 2024-25 approved budget. The new tax rate is $6.08 per thousand of valuation for the fiscal year. Please refer to the general tax information below.

• Tax Rate: $6.08 per thousand of valuation for fiscal year                            
• Assessment Ratio: 100%
• Interest Dates: Starts to accrue on the 1st installment, November 15, 2024 and on the 2nd installment May 15, 2025.
• Overdue Interest Rate: 8.5%
• Fiscal Year: July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025
• Assessment Date: April 1, 2024
• Commitment Date: September 30, 2024

A reminder that property values are available on the online Vision Database, found here.

Additional Resources

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 and the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 8 am to 6 pm.

With November in our sights, we are starting to get ready for Winter.

This winter should be somewhat of a return to normal, without all of the dredging and construction equipment. Perkins Cove, however, is getting their turn at a dredge, and in the spirit of being neighborly, we have invited any Lobstermen who need a place to operate out of, to come to Wells for the winter. This will ensure daily activity for the public who regularly visit the harbor.

Cross over floats and the long gangway at the Eastern Shore Marina have been removed for the winter, as well as the pump out station shut down for the winter. At the time of writing, fresh water to all floats is being shut off and the water lines blown out. Next up, we will remove most skiff floats and channel markers and finally in December, the launch floats. We will attempt to keep the ice machine running until the Blue Fin Tuna quota is reached.

Thanks in part to another grant from Maine Submerged Lands, we will be having two more 32’x11.6’ floats built this winter, to replace the last two 35-year-old main floats. With most of the floats parallel to the current, they will remain in place like always for the winter. Hopefully, we will see the return of the seals, hauling themselves out on the floats and basking in the winter sun’s waning rays.

Soon winter’s snowflakes will appear, dancing down to decorate the buoy tree. This brings to mind the Christmas season just around the corner. Rumor has it, more of the Town’s Holiday activities are slated to happen in the harbor this winter, Tree lighting, bonfires and Christmas carols are all on the agenda.

Please join us in welcoming the newest Town of Wells staff members. We are confident that their skills will prove to be an asset to their respective departments and we know they will be a wonderful addition to our team.

The Town of Wells is fortunate to have these individuals join our staff and we are confident they will shine in their new roles. We wish you all the best!

Wreaths Across America Visit to Wells

Last year, we announced that the Town of Wells had been selected to participate in Wreaths Across America in December, an esteemed annual tradition of placing wreaths at each gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery. 

This year Wreaths across America will not only be driving through Wells on Monday, December 9th, they will also be stopping in Wells for a ceremony at the Wells Junior High School on Route 1! Wells is excited to announce this event for this year and the Town is working diligently with the School department to make it a very memorable ceremony honoring our veterans and those that also have lost their lives protecting our freedoms.

The Wreaths Across America Convoy will be coming down Route 1 from the north and stopping at the Junior High School. They will arrive around 8:30 AM and we encourage the public to line Route 1 to greet them upon their arrival, as well as send them off on their departure at 10:10 AM. The trucks in the convoy will be parking along Route 1 while the rest of the convoy will be pulling into the JH School parking lot. Over 160 people in the convoy will join the students of the Wells Schools to listen to Gold Star family speakers as well as local veterans and many children will be offering up gifts and mementos for all those in the convoy. The crowd will also be treated to patriotic music from the Wells School bands as well as a beautiful rendition of the star-spangled banner by one of the Wells School children. It will be a great event for Wells and is an incredible honor!

Hunting season is upon us!! It is essential to stay informed about the current laws and regulations in the State of Maine.

License Requirements:

• All hunters aged 16 and older must possess a valid hunting license. Youth hunters under 16 must have a youth license and be accompanied by an adult.

Firearm Safety Course:

• A hunter safety course is mandatory for first-time hunters. Online and in-person classes are available. Completion of this course is necessary for obtaining a license.

Tagging and Reporting:

• Successful hunters must report their harvest within 24 hours.

Hours for Hunting:

• You can find the hours for hunting here.

Hunting Zones and Restrictions

• Hunting zones and restrictions in Wells are governed by our Town Ordinance. Shotguns may only be used to hunt east of Route 1 (Post Road). Bow hunting is legal in all zones also.
• Specialized permits are awarded for hunting in the marsh and in restricted wildlife zones. This means that just because you hear or see someone hunting in an area, it may not be illegal. 

Safety Tips

• Wear Blaze Orange: Maine law requires hunters to wear at least 250 square inches of blaze orange material during hunting seasons. This enhances visibility and safety.
• Hunt with a Partner: Whenever possible, hunt with a partner. This adds a layer of safety and can make your experience more enjoyable.
• Stay Informed: Always check for updates on hunting laws, as they can change frequently. The IFAW website is a valuable resource.

Resources

• Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
• Hunter Safety Info
• Maine Hunting Regulations



Stay safe, informed, and enjoy your hunting! If you have questions or topics, you'd like us to cover in future newsletters, please reach out.

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. 

The Wells Library has a lot going on during November including the Portland Ballet and special Mice in the Bookshelves art programs. Come check them out!

Portland Ballet

Tuesday, November 19, 5:30 pm

Recommended for teens and adults

Portland Ballet is coming to the Wells Library! Have you ever wondered what goes into becoming a professional ballet dancer? Members of the Portland Ballet will be at the library to talk about their training and information about the Portland Ballet program. They will then perform pieces from the Nutcracker for us in costume!

Mice in the Bookshelves Art Exhibit

Ending November 15

Don't miss your chance to see original illustrations from some of the greatest children's literature in history! In the Ethel Weymouth Art Gallery through November 15.

Special Mice in the Bookshelves Art Programs

Mouse Needlefelting

Tuesday, November 12, 5:30 pm

Teens and Adults

In conjunction with the current Mice in the Bookshelves exhibition, the curators at Illustration Institute are presenting local artist extraordinaire, Sara Astley, in a special free workshop on creating a 3-D mouse character. Inspired by one of the exhibits’ exquisite 3-D models used in Maggie Rudy’s City Mouse Country Mouse picture book, Astley will demonstrate needle felting as an expression of character. Many illustrators create 3-D models of their characters to draw from and as the basis for story narratives. 

Felting supplies provided including roving, needles and protective leather finger pads.

This workshop is free, open to teens and adults, space limited to 20.

Register by clicking here.

The Great Mousaic!

Thursday, November 14, 5:30 pm

All Ages

THE GREAT MOUSAIC Drawing, Painting & Collaging More Mouse Characters Than You Can Possibly Imagine with Scott Nash & Nancy Gibson-Nash. Join us for the best possible fun in creating new, original mouse characters and be a part of history as we attempt to create the largest Mousaic in the U.S.. A Mousaic, otherwise known as a Mouse Mosaic, is a wall of individual pieces of art depicting mouse characters combined together to create a stunning effect. Come create your “mouse”terpiece to add to the Mousaic

Nancy Gibson-Nash and Scott Nash are the founders of Illustration Institute and NASHBOX studios which has worked for Nickelodeon, Disney, Cartoon Network, and PBS.

Other November Programs

SMAA Medicare Info Sessions

Monday, November 4, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging Medicare Program will be here to help answer any questions you may have on Medicare, such as how to enroll, help understand your Medicare coverage or help you understand your billing issues. This unbiased free service is offered through a partnership with the Wells Library to help you make an informed decision about your health insurance.

If you have any questions, please call Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging at 207-396-6524 for more information.

Walking with WPL

Thursday, November 14, 12:00 pm

Join WPL librarians on the second Thursday of the month to meet people, get outside, and experience the gorgeous scenery here in Wells. All ages and abilities welcome. This month we will meet in the library parking lot and walk to Ocean View Cemetery. 

Adult Crafternoon

Thursday, November 21, 2:00 pm

Join Kim to make dot monogram mugs! Participants will be able to take home a coffee mug with a monogramed letter and a design they create! All supplies will be provided. Registration for this event is required. Registration will open on November 1st. For any questions, please contact Kim at kswejkoski@wellstown.org.

Members of the Wells Police and Fire Department participated in the Trooper Black Foundation 5K this October in York. Part of the proceeds went to Wells Maine Fire Department call member Tyler McDermott.

First Responders can enter teams into the race for some friendly competition, with the winner receiving a trophy that they will keep until next year’s race. This year, there were 11 First Responder Teams. The Fire Department finished 2nd in the team event and Wells Police team finished in 6th place.



A thank you to all who participated to not only support local first responders, but one of Well's own Tyler McDermott. We are proud to stand behind Tyler and support him and his family!

Ordinance Changes - The November Special Town Meeting

Please remember to vote on November 5th. 13 Ballot questions for multiple ordinance changes are on the local ballot. A summary and detailed information can be found on the Town website. You can go to the main header Government on the website, the top right sub-header is Ordinance Changes which takes you to a summary and all of the individual ordinance changes with strike outs and additions. There are a lot of changes to review.

Ordinance Changes Include the following – Articles 2 through 14

Increases in dedicated Open Space requirements for subdivisions; increased buffers for cluster subdivisions and multifamily developments; elimination of most density bonuses for cluster subdivisions; elimination of setback reductions within a cluster subdivisions; added restrictions concerning the amount of wetlands within Open Space; added restrictions on the amount of wetland on subdivision lots; added buffers from structures to wetlands within subdivisions; added subdivision default/violation ordinances; updated application processes and requirements; updated parking and traffic requirements; updated nonconforming lot/development standards and water/well testing requirements for subdivisions.

Other Ordinance/Zone Change – Article 15

A property owner applied for an ordinance change to create a use definition for a Funeral Home and allow that use in the Residential A, Residential Commercial and General Business Districts.

Ordinance Change Application for the June 2025 Town Meeting

An application has been made to allow adult use (recreation use) cannabis sales in Wells. The application is under review by the Planning Board and a public hearing is scheduled for November 4th.

Moratorium

The Moratorium on large-scale residential development was extended for 180 days by the Board of Selectmen after a public hearing held on October 15th.

The Planning Board continues to review various subdivision and site applications at their regularly scheduled meetings.

Wells Town Hall to close on November 11th for Veterans Day

Please plan ahead, the Wells Town Hall Offices will be closed on Monday, November 11th for Veterans Day. 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, November 12th.

Thank you for your understanding.

Thanksgiving Hours

Please plan ahead: the Town Hall will also be closed on Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Promotion Ceremony

On October 4th the Wells Fire Department celebrated the promotion of David Tobeck’s promotion to Captain. 

David started his journey with the Wells Fire Department in April of 2014. In October of 2023, he began his journey as a new Captain for the newly formed D shift, where he would remain for his 1-year probation. 

In the last year, David has become an integral part of the leadership team and has been a great asset to the department as he works well with others and assists management with the goals set forth by the Chief. He has also learned to utilize his firefighters to help him achieve the mission of organization. Congratulations to Captain David Tobeck for his promotion to the rank of Captain!

Public Safety Open House

On Saturday, October 5th the Wells Fire Department along with the Wells Police Department held an open house. This was a first for police and the second year for the fire department. Firefighter cooked hotdogs and hamburgers for the crowds all during the event. The It was a great success with several hundred people showing up for demonstrations, food and tours of the building.

Unfortunately, several calls pulled most of our firefighters away and we were not able to conduct the auto extrication demonstration due to a fire and a serious medical call during the event.

Wells Chamber Jamboree

On Saturday, October 19th the Wells Fire Department participated in the Chamber of Commerce Family Jamboree at Harbor Park. Firefighters demonstrated the aerial tower truck and had a fire hose demonstration for children to put out a “mock” house fire. During the event, there was also a place one could purchase a ticket to raise money for Founders Park Community Center to be built in town. Participants were given the opportunity to throw a pie in the face of selectman Scot Defelice, as well as the former selectman Robert Foley. In addition, Captain Chabot of the Wells Police Department also donated his time to participate in this event as well as our own Wells Fire Chief. Fun was had by all!

5k Fundraiser for Call Firefighter Tyler McDermott

On Saturday, October 26th, the Wells Fire Department participated in the Trooper Black Foundation 5k race for First Responders held in York. Tyler McDermott, a Wells on call firefighter was the recipient of this year’s event. The Trooper Black Foundation will donate 50% of the proceeds raised for Tyler as he battles a rare form of pancreatic cancer.

We also want to thank our brothers and sisters in the Ogunquit Fire Department for providing station coverage for a few hours that morning while Wells Firefighters participated in this event. This allowed nearly the entire department to participate as a team coming in second place overall! Additionally, we would like to thank the Wells Police Department for their efforts and participation in the event. It was great to run alongside our brothers in blue to support a great cause!

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.  

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 Fire Safety

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! 

Please be aware, there will be an upcoming lane width restriction due to bridge rehabilitation on Buffam Bridge, located at Webhannet Falls Park, on Route 1, starting on November 1st.

There will be single alternating lane maintained by flaggers and temporary traffic signals throughout phase 1 of the project. The lane width restriction is expected to occur from November 1st, 2024 at 7:00 AM through April 17th 2025 at 5:00 PM.

Once phase 1 of the project is completed, two lane traffic will be maintained throughout the remainder of the project. Work is expected to be completed prior to November 30th, 2025.

We greatly appreciate your understanding and thank you for your cooperation.



Questions or concerns?

Please direct all inquiries to MaineDOT’s contractor for the project: Scott Construction Corporation wscott@scottcon.com

Run for a cause at the 10th annual Veteran's Day 5K

Come out and enjoy the crisp Fall air as you race for a great cause! The Wells Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their 10th annual Veterans Day 5k Run/ Walk on Saturday, November 9th, 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.

Don't forget to "Fall Back"! Daylight savings time ends November 3rd

Our clocks and watches turn back an hour on Sunday, November 3rd 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!

The Wells Ogunquit Senior Center will be hosting a Veteran's Meal provided by the Wells Police Department on November 8th, 2024. Veterans eat free. 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.

The 5th Annual Wells Holiday Tree Lighting and Caroling will take place on Saturday, December 14th at 4:00 PM at Wells Harbor Community Park. The night will begin at 4:00 PM with caroling, led by members of Seacoast Bible Church. We encourage those of all ages to bundle up, grab a cup of hot chocolate and come ready to sing traditional carols. Hot cocoa and lyrics will be provided.

At 4:45 PM, we will hold our annual tree lighting, led by Santa himself. The night includes a meet and greet with Santa, performances from the Atlantic Harmonies singing group, the opportunity to meet our Wells Fire and Police departments, cookies & hot cocoa, s'mores by the fire pit 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 Rebekah Kelley by phone at 207-36-18130 or by email at rkelley@wellstown.org.

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

• 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. 
• Snow tires are pretty important during Maine winters. If you don’t have them, you should get some. Soon.
• 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! 
• 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. 
• 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.

• Board of Assessment Review - 1 member vacancies; 1 alternate member vacancy
• Budget Committee -2 alternate member vacancies
• Comprehensive Plan Update Committee- 1 member vacancy
• Energy Advisory Committee - 1 alternate member vacancy
• Lodging Facility Advisory Committee- 1 alternate member vacancy
• Recreation Commission - 1 alternate member vacancy
• Shellfish Conservation Commission: 1 alternate member vacancy
• Zoning Board of Appeals- 1 alternate member vacancy

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.

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.

If you have submission requests for The Wells Connector,

please contact Rebekah Kelley at 207-361-8130 or by email.