Urgent Need, Please Pass This On

The economy being what it is (i.e., dismal), the Falmouth Service Center is seeing an increased demand for its services this year. This email was forwarded to me...

"We have been inundated with families in need this year. With another day of sign-up ahead we have already received more than a hundred requests for Thanksgiving baskets over our record number of 894 last year. Your support with turkeys and other food (especially cereal) to fill our pantry shelves is critical to our getting through the next several weeks with enough to feed all who need our help. Please send this on to others who may not know about our drop off this Sunday, November 20th from 1 to 4pm here at 611 Gifford Street. Thanks for being part of the solution!"

If you can help, please do.

Hurricane Irene, part 3

Power's out in some parts of Falmouth and the Upper Cape area, and there are reports of trees down and roads flooded here and there. If you can stay home, stay home.

If you want to see the storm up close, I've posted some videos at my personal YouTube channel.

Hurricane Irene, part 2

A hurricane warning has been issued by the National Weather Service.

What follows is a press release issued by the Town of Falmouth.

For Immediate Release August 26, 2011

Hurricane Irene is expected to bring tropical storm force winds followed by hurricane force winds by early Sunday morning. Governor Patrick has declared a state of emergency. Low lying areas, particularly the area of Buzzards Bay should prepare for storm surge as high as 6-10’. Residents and visitors should be vigilant in preparation and be prepared for the possibility of evacuations of low lying coast areas. Further residents and visitors should be prepared for extended power outages and the potential for flooding, tree damage and blocked roadways and potential stranding until emergency response crews are dispatched after the height of the storm.

Preparations should be made well in advance of the storm as emergency response will be limited during the height of the storm. Residents in need of oxygen or electricity for personal safety should plan for extended power outages. Emergency response units will not respond when conditions are not safe.

The Town of Falmouth will be offering shelter to residents and visitors at Falmouth High School beginning at 6:00 PM on Saturday, August 27, 2011. The Emergency Call center will open at 4:00 PM on Saturday, August 27, 2011 and can be reached at 508-495-2602.

Hurricane Irene

What follows is a press release issued by the Town of Falmouth.

"For Immediate Release- Wednesday August 24, 2011

The Town of Falmouth encourages all residents and visitors to be vigilant in monitoring the path and potential impact of Hurricane Irene. Hurricane Irene is expected to make her presence known in our region beginning tomorrow, Thursday, August 25, 2011 with stormy seas and potential rip tides.

If this storm makes landfall as planned, it will occur during an astronomical high tide which will increase the storm surge particularly in low lying areas and in and around Buzzards Bay. The Bridges will close when winds reach high velocity and residents and visitors should plans accordingly.

Please be prepared to make accommodations for your family, pets and property prior to the storm anticipated on Saturday, August 27, 2011 peaking on Sunday August 28th.

The Town of Falmouth’s Emergency Response Team is monitoring the storm closely and will make an announcement at 3:00 PM on Thursday August 23, 2011 about the Town’s intention to open a shelter and possible evacuation plans. The hours of operation of the Town of Falmouth’s Emergency Operation Center will also be announced, as well as schedule for regular storm related announcements.

Community announcements will appear on Falmouth Community Television Channels 13 & 15 as well as on the Town of Falmouth’s web page and will be provided to WCIB, WQRC, and WMVY.

Please refer to the Town of Falmouth’s Home Page at www.falmouthmass.us for information about emergency planning and to the LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING PAGE for more information about Hurricane Preparedness."

November Town Meeting schedule

Selectmen Announce Annual Town Meeting: Monday, August 16, 2010

Close Warrant: Friday, September 3, 2010

Selectmen Vote Articles and Execute Warrant: Monday, September 20, 2010

Publish Articles Only: Friday, September 24, 2010

Selectmen Vote Article Recommendations: Monday, October 4, 2010

Publish Warrant with Recommendations: Friday, October 29, 2010

Town Meeting: Monday, November 15, 2010

Zip Trip! Woods Hole!

In case you missed it, I've posted some information about the Fox 25 News Zip Trip to Woods Hole on my Facebook page.

Happy Birthday to the United States of America

It's worth noting that The Falmouth Fireworks Committee has managed to develop a nationally recognized fireworks show while using "no taxpayer money."

This year, because of Falmouth's budget constraints, the Committee has been asked to help cover the cost of the police department's overtime budget - something the town usually handles.

If you can, send a check (for any amount) to:

Falmouth Fireworks Committee
PO Box 500
Falmouth, MA 02540

I did.

BREAKING NEWS: Boil water order lifted

The Falmouth Water Department in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has lifted the Boil Water order for the entire Town of Falmouth. the most recent analytical data has indicated that the complete schedule of water samples was free of total coliform and E-Coli for two consecutive days as required. Having met this standard, the Massachusetts Department of environmental Protection has determined that the water is safe for consumption in the Falmouth community.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR POST-BOIL ORDER

Residents are advised to “flush” their water following the lifting of the boil order in order to clear plumbing of potentially contaminated water. Flushing your household and building water lines includes interior and exterior faucets; showers; water and ice dispensers; water treatment units, etc.

Please follow these guidelines:

Cold Water Faucets: Run tap water until the water feels cold, 1 minute or more, before drinking, tooth brushing, or using for food preparation.

Hot Water Faucets: To clear hot water pipes and water heater of untreated water, turn on all hot water faucets and flush for a minimum of 15 minutes for a typical household 40-gallon hot water tank and 30 minutes for an 80-gallon hot water tank or larger. Never use water from the “hot” faucet for drinking, cooking, or other internal-consumption purposes. After this flushing, hot water is then safe to use for washing hands, and for hand- washing of dishes, pots and pans, etc.

Refrigerators: Water dispensers from refrigerators should be flushed by at least one quart of water.

Dishwashers: After flushing hot water pipes and water heater, run dishwasher empty one time.

Humidifiers: Discard any water used in humidifiers, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), oral, medical or health care devices, and rinse the device with clean water.

Food and baby formula: Be sure you have discarded any baby formula or other foods prepared with water on the days of the boil order. (If unsure of the dates contact your Water Department.) When in doubt, throw it out!

Ice cubes: Automatic ice dispensers should be emptied of ice made during the boil order. Then, discard ice made over an additional 24 hour period to assure complete purging of the water supply line. Discard any ice cubes made manually, wash dispenser and refill.

Water Treatment Devices: Some types of water treatment devices and filtration systems may need to be disinfected and flushed to remove any contaminated water. Some types of water treatment devices may need to be disinfected or replaced before being used. If in doubt, discard used filter and replace with new filter. Check with the manufacturer for details.

Due to the flushing of the lines by residents and the flushing of the hydrants, some customers may experience a lack of water pressure and/or discolored water. However, this is an expected result and does not pose a health risk. Contact the Water Department at 508-457-2543 if you have any questions.

The information for the post Boil‐Order instructions are provided by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services Department of Public Health.

For more information, visit the Town of Falmouth website.

BREAKING NEWS: Boil water order issued for Falmouth

Falmouth residents ordered to boil water

From the MA DEP: "We just declared a boil order for the Town of Falmouth.

We were notified yesterday that there were Total Coliform and E Coli positive samples at 5 locations collected on June 7th. Repeats have been clean (no coliform) with the exception of two locations since June 9th. The two locations North Falmouth and Woods Hole, have been positive for total coliform but negative for E. Coli. We have asked Falmouth to increase chlorination and to flush the two problem areas. It is likely that these areas are somewhat dead ends and quite a distance from the treatment plants.

This will be a Tier 1 public notice with radio and TV coverage. Newspaper notice will be tomorrow. We will be telling folks to through out ice, beverages, etc made with tap water since June 7th.

The suspected problem is related to a heavy rain event on the weekend prior to June 7th. It was noted that there was increased chlorine consumption at the Long Pond surface water treatment plant."

BREAKING NEWS...Election results

These are preliminary results (final results are certified in a few days to a week), and I don't have the exact numbers in front of me, but...

Selectmen's race:
Mary Pat Flynn ~3100
David Braga ~2700
Carey Murphy ~2500
David Moriarity ~2100

Ballot questions:
Question 1 - Capital projects - No
Question 2 - School roofs - Yes
Question 3 - Harbor bulkheads - No
Question 4 - Term limits for the Zoning Board of Appeals - Yes

BREAKING NEWS - Falmouth loses ARCADD suit

Earlier today, the jury in the ARCADD v. Falmouth case ruled in favor of ARCADD, awarding the architect $1,530,000. Falmouth was awarded nothing on its $5 million counter claim for negligence in project administration and design.

DPW kudos

It's about time for some more kudos.

This picture is from a constituent who frequents the Mare's Pond Reservation; a 152-acre parcel of town-owned conservation land that surrounds the Mare's Pond well. Apparently, someone decided to dump their post-election trash here.

This was brought to the attention of various persons in town government, including DPW Superintendent Ray Jack. Shortly thereafter, our concerned citizen reported that the trash had been removed.

So, kudos to our DPW!

Police Requesting assistance in identification of witness

From the Falmouth Police Department:

The Falmouth Police is investigating an incident that occurred in our town at approximately 0830 am on 11 June, 2009. I young female was walking to school when she was approached by a man in a car who’s behavior alarmed her. The subject depicted in these three pictures may have information valuable to this investigation and the Falmouth Police would like to identify the man and talk to him.

Anyone with information is asked to please contact the Falmouth Police at (508) 457-2527.

Kudos, and a prediction

The Cape Cod Times reported today that the search for a new superintendent for the Falmouth Public Schools is down to two individuals.

I'll go out on a limb here and predict that Acting Superintendent Marc Dupuis will get the nod.

Not long ago, the school committee decided - in a split vote - to limit the search for a new superintendent to internal candidates only. Committee members Emily Davern, Samuel Patterson and Donna Mattison-Earls earn kudos for objecting to this and arguing for a wider search. Unfortunately, they were in the minority.

At first glance, one can understand the reluctance of the majority. After all, they got burned by Richards, who left after just three years. And in Dupuis' defense, some folks have noted that the administration of the school system has improved under his tenure.

While things might be better now than they were under Richards, we cannot lose sight of the fact that we might be able to do even better. Mr. Dupuis could be the best person for the job, but we will never know for sure if the benchmarks are limited to a handful of his subordinates and his predecessor.

Election results

From the town clerk's office:

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS FOR COMPLETE ELECTION

BALLOTS CAST: 4948

Melissa Freitag: 1784
John Flanagan: 1308
Sheryl Kozens-Long: 1236
Robert Volosevich: 334
David Moriarty: 283
Write-in: 3

Commentary to come...

BREAKING NEWS - Enterprise publishes forged letter

Today's (Tuesday, May 19, 2009) edition of the Falmouth Enterprise includes a correction.

A letter originally attributed to Nancy Hayward (published in the Friday, May 15 edition) was apparently submitted by an unnamed third party. That letter was not written by Ms. Hayward, but has been attributed to candidate for selectman Melissa Freitag.

Ipsa scientia potestas est

In 2006 and 2007, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) National Civic Literacy Board conducted studies of college students' civic literacy, i.e., Do our college students understand our history and the fundamental principles of our nation?

The results have been dismal, at best.

This year, the Civic Literacy Board expanded it's study by testing 2,508 adults. The results of this multiple-choice test were truly depressing, with a 71% failure rate and an average score of 49%.

I've said before that I try to keep this blog focused on local issues, which begs the question: Why am I writing about this?

Because the article that brought this study to my attention was titled, "US officials flunk test of American history, economics, civics" and since I fall into that category, I wanted to find out more.

What I learned was that of the 2,508 adults, 164 individuals claimed to have been elected to government office. Of those 164, 74% failed with an average score of 44%. Given that we should be electing the best and brightest to lead us, if this test even remotely reflects the knowledge of our elected "leaders" then this is really depressing.

But it also raises serious questions about what we need to know as citizens and public servants in order to maintain our nation and way of life. If knowledge is power, these results would suggest that too many of us are powerless.


How did I do? My results are in the screen shot above.

Falmouth WINS!

In a nail biter of a game, Falmouth won the 121st game against Barnstable, 26-21.

Kudos to the Falmouth High School football team; you earned your turkey today!

By the way...21 years ago - during my junior year at Falmouth High School - the 100th game was commemorated by this medallion key chain. Mine is a little beaten; it was actually used as a keychain for some time before being retired as a memento.

Brent's Town Meeting votes - Monday

My apologies for the fact that this is a little tardy. Here they are - my 2008 Fall Town Meeting votes.

Articles 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38 and 40 passed on the blanket vote. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, "blanket vote" means that town meeting agrees with the recommendation in the warrant booklet. I won't review these articles because the controversial issues - the ones worth discussing - are the ones that get held and voted individually.

Article 1 was to accept the nominations for the finance committee. There were three reports, from the Falmouth High School Building Committee, the Cable Advisory Committee and the Finance Committee.

The high school was pretty much routine stuff until Precinct 3 representative Chester Krajewski asked a question about showers. Committee Chairman Don Johnson acknowledged that there are showers for the high school renovation which are stored in the Lawrence School (sources tell me they are in the wood shop). For some reason, these showers will never be used, but we apparently paid for them.

It creates still more questions about the high school renovation project.

I voted "aye" (i.e., yes) to accept the reports; the article passed on a voice vote.

Article 2 was to adopt new presentation guidelines so we wouldn't be squinting to see the fine print. This was a no-brainer; I voted "aye"; it passed.

Article 3 was for $3,341.22 for unpaid bills from a prior fiscal year. Some might object to this, but it happens. For example, my employer reimburses me for certain expenses related to my job, but occasionally my reports get submitted after the deadlines. I voted "aye"; it passed.

Article 4 changed Article III of the zoning bylaw definitions to ensure that someone operating a home-based business actually lives in the home. Another no-brainer; I voted "aye"; it passed.

Article 5 generated a little bit of controversy. Part of the wording of this change to the zoning bylaw included two lines...

"The Building Commissioner may limit the time frame of said permit to specific times of the day or seasons or may issue a temporary permit subject to renewal."

...and...

"...or further restrict the activities subject to the permit as may be in the best interests of the neighborhood or town."

Precinct 1 representative Jay Kingwill raised concerns about the power provided in these lines. As an example, he suggested that someone with a home-based media company might be shut down - that their First Amendment rights could be infringed if someone disagreed with what they wrote - simply because the Building Commissioner thought it was "in the best interests of the town."

I agreed, and voted for Mr. Kingwill's amendment that would've stricken the language. Unfortunately, it failed.

Dan Shearer, a Precinct 5 representative, offered another amendment that would have prohibited the levying of any fees for home-based businesses. For me this was another no-brainer; I voted "aye" and it passed.

However, on a standing vote of 111 to 110, the article itself failed (it required 2/3rds to pass). I can't speak for anyone else, but I voted no because I shared Mr. Kingwill's concerns. We need to very strictly define what government can do. Give government an inch, and it will take a mile.

Article 6 was a change to the Senior Care Retirement District (Zoning Bylaw Article XIII.1, Section 240-65.1), which allows for the creation of Senior Care Retirement Communities (SCRC) - i.e., independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.

Discussion about this article largely revolved around the required open space. Topics included what qualified as open space (non-buildable land is excluded), and where it could be located (anywhere).

Mr. Shearer offered an amendment that would have required all of the open space to be in one location (as opposed to having an acre here and an acre there). I wasn't convinced that this was a good idea, as there may be small, desirable parcels we want to acquire, like the Haddad parcel which extended Menahaunt Beach. I voted "no"; the amendment failed.

Precinct 8 representative Ed Schmitt raised some concerns about the potential of the businesses allowed in a SCRC. Because the zoning could be anywhere, it would create some business zoning in locations where there currently is none. He proposed an amendment that would have restricted the use of such businesses to the residents of the SCRC only. The problem with such a restriction is that no business could survive if you limited its clientèle, and Precinct 1 representative Peter Clark observed that one wouldn't be able to have dinner with an elderly relative under this scenario.

Town meeting agreed that the restriction was too restrictive, and I voted "no" with the vast majority. The amendment failed.

There were a few other questions, but no serious objections. The article passed on a voice vote. I voted "aye."

Article 10 would have made a change to the zoning bylaw (Section 240-108.H.(4)) about curb cuts for drive-thru's. It would have allowed businesses like banks and pharmacies - but not fast food restaurants - within 300 feet of each other. Personally, I was OK with this change, since banks and pharmacies don't draw the kind of drive-thru traffic that fast food restaurants do.

Unfortunately, this article fell into the same trap as some prior zoning articles by being linked to a specific project.

That project is the redevelopment of the northeast corner of Palmer Avenue and Jones Road - the Cape Cod Bagel building at the hospital lights. The owners wanted the change to the zoning for a drive-thru pharmacy. Unfortunately, any development at this intersection gets microscopic scrutiny and any suggestion of any potential of any additional traffic sends folks into a frenzy.

There was an amendment offered that would have restricted the drive-thru lane to three vehicles, but neither I nor the majority of town meeting was convinced that it could be effectively enforced. I voted "no"; it failed on a voice vote.

Had this article been presented on its own and discussed on its merits, I think it would've passed. Unfortunately, it was associated with a specific location that is notorious for bad traffic, and that killed it.

I voted "aye", but on a counted vote of 90 to 124, it failed to pass.

Article 11 would have rezoned three parcels around Falmouth Harbor from Marine to Business 3 zoning. None of these parcels are on the water, so it doesn't make much sense to restrict them to Marine use only. However, this change would represent spot zoning, and the Planning Board is currently discussing the potential of a "Harborside District" to address these and other parcels.

I voted "no"; it failed to pass on a voice vote.

Articles 12 and 13 were petition articles by different people, held and moved by different town meeting representatives. However, they are similar in that they are changes to the zoning bylaw that would have made it easier to permit pre-existing, non-conforming apartments, or even to create new ones.

While there's no doubt that we could use the affordable housing that these articles would create, the unintended consequences are unknown. The Planning Board noted that no one knows how many dwellings would be covered by these changes.

I voted "no" on both articles; both failed on voice votes.

That was it for Monday night. Wednesday began with Article 16...

Milestone

I've a counter on this blog that allows me to see how many visitors we get every day. This morning, we reached a milestone - 5,000 hits since we started counting about a year ago.

It doesn't seem like much, but for a blog that is targeted to a very small, specific audience (the 27,000-some-odd voters in Falmouth), it's not bad.

That said; the numbers really are secondary to the primary mission of keeping you all informed.