Chilly mornings, the ever-so-subtle change in foliage, and the sight of yellow school buses winding through town are all harbingers of Summer's end. The crew of lifeguards is thinning for the season as students return to school and the last Summer Concert of the 2023 season will wrap up this weekend. Although Labor Day weekend and subsequently, Autumn, are fast approaching, there are still plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the summer season while it is still here. The beaches are still drawing crowds and we are as busy as ever here at the Town Hall. The Comprehensive Plan has been finalized by the state and is advancing to the next stages before it can come before voters next year. Wells Harbor has welcomed a resident bald eagle, making itself at home by the salty mud flats. Wells Fire Department is seeking to fill four new Firefighter positions and an Assistant Chief position to balance the demanding workload.

Read about these updates and more to find out how Wells is welcoming September.

Did you know...previous editions of the newsletter are archived on our website. These are great resources for information, updates, and articles that were previously released.

You can access our June Newsletter, July Newsletter, August Newsletter, and more!

Photo Courtesy of Wells resident, Matthew Rainey

Crisp mornings and a slight waning of visitors may be a tell-tale sign that the season is changing, but a lot is still happening at Wells Harbor. We have a resident juvenile Bald Eagle that seems to enjoy the easy meal of a fish carcass on the mud flats. Dad keeps a watchful eye on her and often comes swooping by when a crowd gathers, while Mom is content to watch the whole show from a distance.

Another visitor to Wells Harbor is the Blue Crab. Wells Reserve has trapped several of the species over the past couple of years, indicating a rising ocean temperature. The Shellfish Lab has two on display for the curious.

Hannah Yechivi of NEWSCENTER 6 is airing live from Wells Harbor on August 24^th as a lead up to a story they did on the Shellfish lab a couple of weeks ago. If you don’t happen to catch the story on the news, you can check it out here.

The Town of Wells Energy Advisory Committee will hold its third annual Electric Vehicle Show at the Wells Public Library at 1434 Post Road in Wells on Sunday, September 10, 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. Vehicle brands expected to participate include Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Tesla and others. Test drives will be possible for several models.

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. Included in the pros are the extended range of new models, their low maintenance costs, and their remarkable acceleration. Last year’s event was attended by owners from across Maine and New Hampshire, with brands such as Kia, Lucid, Nissan, Rivian, Tesla and Toyota represented.

In addition to vehicles, electric bicycles, scooters and yard equipment are also planned to be available for examination.

Efficiency Maine information will be available with details on rebates up to $7,500 on new and used EVs, as well as rebates on a full range of products from heat pumps to washing machines and hot water heaters. In addition, federal tax credits up to $7,500 are available for many vehicle models.

Because they run on electricity, much of which is generated from renewable sources, EVs offer many benefits. They are economical, low-maintenance, and increasingly available from a wide range of car manufacturers. “EVs continue to grow in popularity, with many people embracing the technology once they’ve tried it,” says Beth Widmayer, chair of the Wells Energy Advisory Committee.

“Come and take a look, as this event may change everything you think about cars.”

When discussing back to school, we want to outline two specific areas surrounding the operation of your personal vehicle. There are two specific areas which involve schools and motor vehicle law. 

Passing a Stopped School Bus

The first is rules surrounding “Overtaking and Passing School Buses.” (Title 29-A § 2308.2) Within this law, it discusses how the “Operator of a vehicle on a way, in a parking area or on school property, on meeting or overtaking a school bus from either direction when the bus has stopped with its red lights flashing to receive or discharge passengers, shall stop the vehicle before reaching the school bus.”

Something that a lot of people do not know is that if the bus driver, or another witness, identify the registration and description of the vehicle that illegally passed or overtook the bus, the registered owner of the vehicle can be asked to provide the operator’s name at the time of the offense. (Title 29-A § 2308.5). If the registered owner fails to identify the operator, “The investigation may cause the registered owner of the vehicle to be served with a summons for a violation of this subsection.” A violation of the law is a Class E crime, punishable by a minimum fine of $250.00.

Speeding in School Zones

Within the motor vehicle statues, it states, “An operator shall operate a vehicle at a careful and prudent speed not greater than is reasonable and proper having due regard to the traffic, surface and width of the way and of other conditions then existing.” This goes into more detail regarding the “Rates of Speed” which discusses the speed limits in school zones (Title 29-A § 2074.1.A-E). A major piece to highlight regarding school zones is that when children are going to or leaving school, the speed limit is reduced (15 miles per hour for Wells) ½ hour before and ½ hour after the beginning and end of the school day. Violators who are stopped for speeding in a school zone could pay fines starting at $228.00 and fines up to $531.00. 

The Comprehensive Plan Update Committee (CPUC) has completed its task of reviewing and updating its previous plan to reflect the aspirations of what the town’s future character, aesthetics, and growth will be over the next ten year period.

The updated plan has been submitted to the State, and the State has approved it as presented. Now, it is time for the residents of Wells to be active in the acceptance and implementation of the plan. Approval by the citizenry will be by vote during the next annual Town Meeting in June of 2024.

The plan can be accessed on the Comprehensive Plan Update Committee website and hard copies available for viewing at the Library, Town Clerk’s Office, Town Manager’s Office and at the Code and Planning Office. There will also be forums scheduled for the public’s attendance to learn the various areas of coverage that the Plan addresses. It is vital to the citizens of the Town to absorb the importance of the Plan’s implementation. Announcements will be made well advance of the scheduled forums so the date can be saved on your calendars.

Plan Details

A sampling of the topics covered in the Plan are:

The Vision for Wells, Population Policies, Economic Development, Land Use, Flood Hazard Mitigation, Critical Natural Resources, Marine Resources, Transportation, Housing, Environment Protection, and so much more. There are also maps provided with the plan demonstrating Zoning and Overlay Districts, Floodplains, Conservation Ownership, and other land designations.

Be aware that information will be forthcoming on meetings scheduled for resident participation, and prior to these gatherings your interest and review of this plan is of great importance.

A public hearing with the CPUC, Town’s Consultant and Town Staff has been scheduled for September 21, 2023 at 6:00 PM at the Town Hall in the 2^nd floor meeting room.

Household hazardous wastes (HHW) are products disposed of by households that may contain hazardous ingredients or are toxic, flammable or explosive. HHW includes some cleaners, oil-based paints, stains, varnishes, paint thinners, lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, automotive fluids, pesticides, herbicides, and some electronics. Collecting and managing HHW separately from regular household trash helps ensure these products are managed safely.

If you've been saving your unneeded household hazards, such as paint, pesticides, batteries and more, now is the time to safely dispose of them. Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held on Saturday, September 30th at the Kennebunk Public Services Department, located at 36 Sea Road, from 8am -1pm.

Please refer to the accompanying list for items that will and will not be accepted. Proof of residency will be required!

Read more about Household Hazardous Waste on the Maine Department of Environmental Protection website here.

Town of Wells 30-Day Lien Notices were mailed out on Monday, August 21st. Here's what you need to know if you receive one:

• When a taxpayer does not pay the entire real estate tax obligation within eight months after commitment, the law allows the tax collector to record a lien certificate against the real estate in the Registry of Deeds.
• Before the lien certificate can be recorded, however, you as the taxpayer must be given notice of the tax collector's intention to record the lien (which we call it the "30-Day Lien Notice") and a 30-day opportunity to pay the tax obligation.
• All taxpayers that will be receiving these notices have until the close of business on Wednesday, September 20th to pay the outstanding balance on their 2023 tax bill.
• Payment should be mailed to 208 Sanford Road, Wells, ME 04090. The payment must be made by certified funds (cash, bank check or money order).

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Finance Department at 207-646-5113.

What a wonderful summer the library had with a record 505 children and teen signups and 197 adult signups! We had a blast with magicians, jugglers, cupcake decorating contests and so much more. Thank you to all our sponsors listed below who made the fun possible!

• Big Daddy’s Ice Cream
• Congdon’s Doughnuts
• Dairy Queen
• Wells Fire Department
• Flagship Cinemas
• Harbor Candy Shoppe
• Harbor Flags
• Las Olas Taqueria
• Loveshack Juicery
• Mike’s Clam Shack
• Ogunquit Playhouse
• Wells Police Department
• Scoop Deck Ice Cream
• Seacoast Pizza and Pasta
• Smitty’s Cinemas
• Sun Outdoors Campground
• Village Toy Funatic
• Waggerstown Pet Supplies
• Wells Chamber of Commerce
• Wonder Mountain Fun Park

Children’s programming resumes Wednesday, September 6^th.

September Adult programs:

Fiction book discussion

• Tuesday, September 5^th, 6:00 pm

Discussing The Paris Bookseller by Kerri Maher

French Club resumes

• Thursdays, September 7, 14, 21, 28, 6:30 pm

Great Decisions

• Friday, September 8^th, 10:30 am

Great Decisions is back from its summer hiatus. This month’s topic is Global Famine.

Oyster Aquaculture in Maine

• Tuesday, September 12^th, 2:00 pm

Jaclyn Robidoux and Annie Fagan, marine extension associates from the Maine Sea Grant program, will take you through the past, present, and future of Maine's oyster story.

Stargazing with ASNNE

• Wednesday, September 13^th at 6:30 pm

This program will be held at the ASNNE Observatory in Kennebunk. *Registration is required*

Nonfiction Book Discussion

• Thursday, September 21^st, 4:30 pm

Discussing The Bookseller of Kabul by Åsne Seierstad

Comprehensive Plan to be finalized

The State Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry (Municipal Planning Assistance Program) has found the updated Wells 2023 Comprehensive Plan to be complete and consist with the Growth Management Act. The Comprehensive Plan Update Committee (CPUC) has conducted meetings to finalize the proposed Plan and a public hearing has been scheduled for September 21, 2023. The Select Board will also be conducting meetings and holding a separate public hearing(s) through 2023 and 2024 with the goal to have the Plan on the June 2024 Annual Town meeting ballot for voter determination. The existing 2005 Comprehensive Plan and the current draft update are available on the Town website and hard copies are available at the Library and Town Hall Offices.

Subdivision of Land

Most residential lots are the result of being created through the subdivision approval process. By State law and Town ordinances, this requires approval by the Wells Planning Board. For small subdivisions (4 lots or less) that do not involve the construction of a new street, the process includes at least 3 Planning Board meetings and a public hearing. Abutters are notified at least twice, prior to the first meeting and by certified mail for the public hearing. For larger subdivisions, State law and Town ordinances require a two-step approval process, preliminary plan approval and final plan approval. No lot can be sold or construction started until both approvals are granted. Each step requires multiple meetings and notices to abutters and typically two public hearings.

Division of Land

Maine is unique in that State law prohibits Towns from regulating some lot subdivisions. Property owners are exempt from Planning Board subdivision approval if a property division meets certain criteria as defined by State statute. Many lots are created each year or have been created in past years by this provision in law.

Please plan ahead, the Wells Town Hall Offices will be closed on Monday, September 4th for Labor Day.

The Town Hall Offices will reopen with normal business hours again on Tuesday, September 5th.

Thank you for your understanding.

We have some big changes coming for the Wells Fire Department. With the 4 additional firefighters we were able to change the departments schedule to have a better work-life balance. With the current shift, they rotate 48 hours on and 96 hours off but working up to 96 hours a week with overtime is not uncommon due to vacations, sick leave, and recall incidents. With the new shift of 24 hours on 48 hours off then 24 hours on and 96 hours off, they will not only get to spend more time with their families, but it is also much safer for them and the community.

Also, with the addition of an Assistant Fire Chief, the day to day workload for our department members will have a better balance. With the increasing number of incidents in our ever growing community, we welcome the changes and the additional members! We look forward to growing our department to better serve the people of Wells.

As we head into autumn, the lifeguards start to wrap up their season and head back to school. Though this season was a wet one, they stayed available to help those in need. Even when the weather didn’t cooperate and they couldn’t be on the beach, they used their time well with continuous medical and water rescue training.

This season’s training has become more in-depth and continuous then previous years. This year, our guards were held to the USLA (United States Lifesaving Association) standards as they prepare to be certified in the future. With this, they are required to do 40 hours of open water rescue training and no less than 21 hours of medical training throughout the season.  

If you would like more information about USLA and the qualifications to be certified, please visit www.usla.org. 

You may have seen the flagstaff at Wells Harbor and wondered what the significance of the three flags is. Besides the United States of America and State of Maine flags, there is a third, lesser known flag currently flying.

Each year, a new flag is chosen that has historical significance to fly alongside the American and Maine State flags. This year, the Guilford Courthouse Flag was chosen. The Guilford Courthouse Flag is the name given to a North Carolina militia banner that was reported to have flown at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse (March 15, 1781, Greensboro, North Carolina). The flag is recognizable by the reverse colors normally seen on American flags: red and blue stripes in the field with eight-pointed blue stars on an elongated white canton.

The unique colors and dimensions are sometimes described as showing a lack of uniformity in a young nation at war, with poor infrastructure and bad communication. However, it was common practice during the Revolution for military units to carry flags that featured common American symbols (such as stripes and stars), but to make them uniquely identifiable for use as a company or regimental flag. As such, this flag was probably never intended for use as a national flag.

The original flag has been preserved since 1914 in the collection of the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is considered the oldest surviving example of an American flag with eight-pointed stars.

We hope you make a visit down to the Harbor to check out the Guilford flag.

The bridge on Bragdon Road is being posted with a maximum weight limit of 3 tons. All vehicles heavier than the posted limit that need to get from one end of Bragdon Road to the other should use nearby Bald Hill Road, High Pine Loop Road and Sanford Road as an alternate route.

At this weight limit, vehicles such as school buses, fire trucks, oil delivery trucks and dump trucks will not be able to use this bridge. Cars and Light Duty pickup trucks will still be able to use this bridge.

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the weight limit posting.

Why is the bridge being posted?

Maine DOT determined that a 3-ton posting is necessary based on the extent of deterioration found during a recent field inspection.

When is the posting effective?

This posting is effective immediately.

What impact does this 3 ton posting have on me?

Cars and light duty trucks will still be able to use the bridge. Heavier vehicles such as school buses, fire trucks, oil delivery trucks, and dump trucks will need to use a detour.

How is the Town of Wells working to solve this problem?

Fortunately, this bridge was already scheduled for replacement. The design was completed this past spring and the Town selected a contractor through a competitive bid process to perform the work. Fabrication of the new precast bridge components is scheduled for this fall with on-site construction to follow.

Maine DOT regrets this inconvenience and encourages motorists to drive safely.

The Town of Wells has been advised by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention that a case of Jamestown Canyon Virus was recently identified in Wells.

Information regarding the Jamestown Canyon Virus can be found here.

Common signs and symptoms of identified cases include fever and flu-like illness. Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV) can lead to inflammation of the brain, causing a more severe illness. About half of JCV cases result in hospitalization. It is unknown how long it takes for signs and symptoms to develop after being bitten by an infected mosquito. 

Information regarding repellants that can help prevent mosquito bites and subsequently mosquito-borne illnesses can be found here.

Out of precaution, the Town of Wells and Maine CDC recommend the following:

• Draining sources of artificial standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
• Covering exposed skin when outdoors.
• Using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved repellents, such as EET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus on skin.
• Avoid being outdoors during dawn/dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering buildings.
• Consult with an Integrated Pest Management Specialist.
• Consider rescheduling outdoor events.

More information regarding the Jamestown Canyon Virus and other mosquito-borne illness can be found on the Maine CDC website.

The Newhall Road Bridge will be closed starting September 18th for approximately 9 days for repair and improvement of the bridge. Impacted families who require access to the bridge have been notified. Stay tuned to our Facebook page and website for updates.

Add Finest Kind to your Labor Day weekend plans as they close out the Wells Summer Concert series on Saturday, September 2nd, beginning at 6 p.m. Finestkind Country Band originates from Southern Maine and features the best of traditional country music. Finestkind Country Band is made up of these fine musicians who are dedicated to enhancing your experience of traditional country music and its “kissin’ cousins,” blues and honky-tonk.

Jeff Merrow is a Nashville alum, having sought his fortune there before returning to Maine. He is a true natural, has played in several rock and blues bands and has a dynamic solo act. Mark Gunter is a local, much sought after keyboard player who is dedicated to music of many genres. He graces the stage with other bands but to us he is made for country. Ron Breton on drums will make you smile. Ron is an experienced drummer and does not overpower the subtle sound that country music can call for. Christopher Bailey is the bass player. An experienced player for several area bands he fills out our sound with the full undercurrent that defines the bass role. Janet Wentworth has been singing country songs since she was a young girl. She has won several singing awards from many of the country music associations throughout New England.

This free concert will take place at the Hope Hobbs Gazebo at Wells Harbor Community Park, 331 Harbor Road, Wells. There is plenty of free parking and admission is free (though contributions are accepted). There is abundant park bench type seating. You can bring your own blanket, folding chair and/ or a picnic and we highly recommend bringing a friend or two to enjoy some great music in a beautiful setting. We hope you enjoy this last week of wonderful entertainment with lots of good folks in a scenic spot.

For more information, visit our website or call 207-361-8130.

• Board of Assessment Review - 1 member vacancies; 2 alternate member vacancies
• Budget Committee - 1 alternate member vacancy
• Conservation Commission - 1 member vacancy
• Energy Advisory Committee - 1 member vacancy; 2 alternate vacancies
• Lodging Facility Advisory Committee - 1 alternate member vacancy
• Personnel Advisory Board - 1 member vacancy
• Planning Board - 1 alternate member vacancy
• Recreation Commission - 1 member vacancy, 1 alternate vacancy
• WEMS Board - 2 member vacancies
• Zoning Board of Appeals - 1 associate vacancy

Come out to the 14th Annual Family Jamboree sponsored by the Wells Chamber of Commerce, held Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, at Wells Harbor Park, 331 Harbor Road.

This is a free family fun day of games, crafts, food, pumpkin decorating, and a Junior Firefighter obstacle course. This is a shine only event.



A big thank you to Kennebunk Savings, as the main event sponsor. For more information, please call 207-646-2451 or visit the Chamber of Commerce website.

September 2023 Programs at Wells Reserve at Laudholm

Morning Yoga

Tuesday, September 5, 8-9:15am

Begin a new series of gentle Hatha yoga classes hosted weekly by the Wells Reserve. Increase your strength, flexibility, endurance, focus, and concentration with guidance from Leslie Fiore, founder of Port Yoga in Kennebunkport, who has been practicing and teaching yoga for more than 20 years. Leslie brings a heart-centered, playful, and life-affirming approach to her classes. Most sessions can be attended either in-person or online. $84/$70 for 7 weeks. Registration required. Call 207-646-1555 x116 or email [email protected] to reserve your space.

Explore the Shore

Wednesday, September 6, 10am-12pm

The treasures we find on the beach can tell us stories about the land, the ocean, and the beach itself. While strolling Laudholm Beach, we will explore questions about the sand, the wrack line, and found objects. Free with site admission. Registration required at 207-646-1555 x110 or [email protected].

Laudholm’s Farming Past

Tuesday, September 12, 10am – 11:30am

Delve into the rich history of the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, from homestead to farmland to estuarine reserve. This docent-led walk covers about ½ mile and includes access to some buildings not normally open to the public. Free with site admission. Registration required at [email protected] or 207-646-1555 x110.

Other September events and details can be found at https://www.wellsreserve.org

The 2023 Laudholm show promises seaside hospitality and professional vitality on the Maine coast, with new and returning artists welcoming faithful shoppers. It's at the top of things-to-do lists for the weekend after Labor Day. The event will take place from Saturday, September 9, 2023 – Sunday, September 10, 2023, 10:00am – 4:00pm

The Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival is a juried event highlighting many of New England's most skilled creative people. It attracts thousands of visitors who appreciate their fine work. The event is held every September on the weekend after Labor Day. Music and food round out the festival, which is a major fundraiser for Laudholm Trust, the nonprofit that supports the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. More than 130 exhibitors have been invited to participate.

The Wells Ogunquit Senior Center will be hosting a Golf Tournament on Monday, September 11th, beginning at 11 am, with a 9:30 am check in. Teams are wanted for this Golf Tournament benefiting the Wells Ogunquit Senior Center & Warriors Football Honor Flight Project. Join for a fun day of golf for two terrific fundraising goals! The tournament is sponsored by Sevigney Lyons Insurance.

Pre-Registration is available at 300 Post Rd or by contacting [email protected].

Please call (207) 228-3211 or follow the link below for more information.

• Select Board Meeting

September 5, 2023, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Wells Town Hall

• Staff Review Committee Meeting

September 6, 2023, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

• Planning Board Meeting

September 11, 2023, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Wells Town Hall

• Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

September 18, 2023, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

• Energy Committee Meeting

September 20, 2023, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

• Comprehensive Plan Update Committee Public Hearing

September 21, 2023, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM; Town Hall

• Planning Board Meeting

September 25, 2023, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Town Hall

If you have submission requests for The Wells Connector,

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