City of Saco Newsletter
July 2020 Edition
Doing Business at City Hall
as of July 1, 2020
City staff have been continually adapting our municipal services to minimize risk to employees and community members under the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines regarding COVID-19.

For the month of June, City Hall has been open by appointment only. We are resuming customer service without an appointment for City Hall departments on Wednesday, July 1st. We would like to take a moment to communicate a few changes you should anticipate as you head to City Hall to do business.

For all business at City Hall (except for voting), you will access the building using the entrance on Cutts Avenue.

We expect long lines for vehicle registration and transactions with our finance department as we reopen the doors to City Hall. We appreciate your patience as our clerks assist each customer.

If you visit City Hall to do business with a department outside of finance, please call (207) 282-1032 and select the department you are there to see. These other departments ( Assessing, City Clerk, Code Enforcement, Planning & Development, etc. ) are still scheduling appointments when possible to avoid having customers wait in line. A representative from the department you are meeting with will escort you into the building for your appointment.

As a reminder, we encourage you to do business online or using our City Hall mailbox whenever possible. Doing business online will help you avoid the lines!

I f you are visiting City Hall to vote , you will access the voting area using the doors on Main Street. Additionally, we have an absentee ballot drop box outside of City Hall for your convenience.

Our Facilities team has worked hard to install protective barriers and physical distancing signage and decals throughout the building. We strongly encourage you to wear a mask when doing business inside City Hall. Please be patient and kind with our volunteers who will be assisting us with limiting the number of people entering the building at once and directing community members to the proper departments.

With our building reopening so close to Independence Day, please note that the building will be closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of the holiday.

Thank you for your ongoing patience, friendliness, and compassion, as we navigate through these changes.
News & Updates
Saco PD Pays it Forward, Using Contest Money to Enhance Training Opportunities
The  Saco Police Dept.  announced a new initiative on June 23rd that will bring implicit-bias training to Saco and other Maine law enforcement agencies.

Beginning with funds earned through the grand prize of the  Aftermath Services LLC  "Pay It Forward" national video contest, Saco Police Chief Clements wanted to dream bigger.

“We felt it would be short-sighted to keep that money and training just here in Saco,” said Chief Clements. “Since the entire law enforcement community in the State of Maine works just as hard as we do at community engagement, we started having conversations around how we could use this money to bring enhanced diversity training to Maine law enforcement, which led us to contact the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), who introduced us to  Fair & Impartial Policing .”

Clements also contacted Maine Public Safety Commissioner Sauschuck to secure additional support and make the most effective use of this opportunity. Together, they are coordinating the upcoming inter-agency training events so that the benefit reaches beyond Saco to other Maine law enforcement agencies, and the community members they serve.

“Chief Clements is not just thinking about his agency or community, but he truly wants to reach out across the state and have an impact," said Commissioner Sauschuck. “The training he has earmarked gives us an opportunity to have 30 individuals come together (15 members from law enforcement and 15 community members) to work to build relationships and partnerships, make an impact, and continue to have these conversations in the future.”

The video that won Saco the national contest and secured the initial $5,000 for this training initiative featured Officer Royle. The short film follows her adjusted workflow in response to COVID-19. Royle used to be a School Resource Officer, but when schools closed, Clements shifted Royle and SRO Condon to new roles of Community Resource Officer.
“It is important to state how we value and engage with our community all the time," Chief Clements said.

Fair & Impartial Policing , which runs the #1 implicit-bias-awareness training program in North America, will send staff to Maine for the training. In addition to this initial round of training, the Saco Police Department plans to train additional staff in a train-the-trainer session, to ensure these practices are carried and re-iterated throughout the organization.

We are closely monitoring COVID-19 cases to ensure the safety of our first responders during training. Training dates, locations, and details will be forthcoming as we finalize plans.
Royle exemplifies the best of us in her passion for the community, as you can see in this video.
July 14, 2020 Maine Primary Election
The July 14, 2020, Maine Primary Election is just around the corner and Saco City Clerk Michele Hughes is reporting that her office has processed 2,017 absentee ballot requests as of June 25th.

We encourage you to vote and make your voice heard! This election not only includes the State Primary, but also the important local issues of the School Budget Validation Referendum Election and Special Election for Ward 1 & Ward 3 School Board Seats.

To learn more or view a sample ballot, please click on the button below.
Council passes temporary COVID-19 restaurant policy to aid local businesses
On June 1, the City Council adopted a temporary policy allowing businesses to expand retail and restaurant services into outdoor spaces through November 1, 2020. This policy will help businesses operate safely and in compliance with Covid-19 restrictions and best practices. Under the new policy, restaurants and retailers may apply to expand into sidewalks and parking areas.

To learn more, or to apply for a permit today, visit SacoMaine.org/OutdoorService
Community Resources
If you are uncertain how to accomplish something with the city due to the pandemic, need help finding available community or business resources, or are experiencing food insecurity, give us a call. We will do our best to point you in the right direction. Please call our Administration Department at  (207) 282-4191  or please submit the online form by using the button below. While this is not a crisis hotline or a place to get official updates on COVID-19, it will serve as a helpful way to connect citizens with services and resources.

For official updates on COVID-19, the City of Saco continues to recommend following the Maine CDC guidelines and orders from Governor Mills. Remember, 211 is a helpful resource for updates regarding COVID-19.
2020 Beach Parking Passes
The parking kiosk meters were installed Wednesday, June 3rd at the Bayview Beach and Camp Ellis parking lots.

If you are a Saco resident, one of the easiest ways to get a parking pass is to simply pay for an all-day pass at one of these meters and keep the receipt. Then, if you submit a copy of the $10 receipt and proof of Saco residency to us, we will mail you a parking pass for the summer.

Otherwise, online payment for parking passes is coming soon. For now, you can pay in the following ways:

  • Parking Pass by Mail: Submit a copy of your registration and a check for $10 to the Finance Department, 300 Main Street, Saco, ME 04072. We will send you a pass by mail. If you qualify for a free parking pass, please also submit proof of age or disabled veteran status.
  • Parking Pass by Dropbox: Submit a copy of your registration and a check for $10 to the night deposit box at Saco City Hall. We will send you a pass by mail. If you qualify for a free parking pass, please also submit proof of age or disabled veteran status.
  • Parking Pass by Kiosk: If you purchase an all-day parking pass for $10 at the kiosk meters, SAVE THE RECEIPT! Submit the receipt and a copy of your registration, and we will send you a pass by mail.

If paying by check, please make it payable to the City of Saco and mail it to the Finance Department, 300 Main Street, Saco, ME 04072.
New Stories at Cascade Falls Trail
Cascade Falls has been a natural sanctuary to locals since the late 1800s.

In late-June, the Saco Parks & Recreation Department  partnered with  Dyer Library/Saco Museum  to bring a story walk to the trail.

Stories are nothing new at Cascade Falls – In the 1930s, a silent movie was filmed here, and if you venture across the brook you can find a bear cage once used as a tourist attraction. The 14 acres of land surrounding the falls was donated to the City of Saco in 2005 by Elliot Chamberlain. The new story walk will be available seasonally and updated periodically.

The loop trail that features the story walk is a gently sloping trail (about .25 mile) surfaced with stone dust that allows for wheelchair accessibility. You will see the first story sign near the trailhead.

Thank you to the those who brought this project to life, including the Dyer Library, especially Children’s Room Coordinator Brooke Palmer (pictured top-right installing a sign, and below).

The library has more engaging opportunities for your children this summer. Follow  Dyer Library/Saco Museum  to keep up to date or visit their website.

Learn more about their summer reading program for kids and teens which will include bingo challenges, make-n-take kits, virtual programs, and much more here .
Directions to trailhead: From downtown Saco, take Route 1 north to Cascade Road (Route 98). Take a right onto Cascade Road and go about 1/4 mile and turn left into the parking lot.
Estimated walking time: 15 minutes for the Trout Pond Loop and up to an hour for for all trails. For more details about trails in Saco, visit  sacobaytrails.org/trails
Fire Department Brings On-Site Antibody Testing to First Responders, City Staff, Mutual Aid Partners
The City of Saco partnered with  AFC Urgent Care South Portland  to administer 121 coronavirus antibody tests at the Central Fire Station on two days in June.

The antibody tests, available to employees considered at most considerable risk of coronavirus exposure and our mutual aid partners, help our staff determine if any of our first responders have had enough exposure to Coronavirus to elicit an immune response. Individuals who chose to participate are expected to receive their test results within 24-48 hours of testing.

"Our focus is on providing reassurance to our public safety responders, so they may know whether or not they have had COVID-19," said Fire Chief John Duross.

"While there is still much to learn about this virus and the risk to first responders, there is some value in knowing just how significant the occurrences of spread are. We may find that some are in that asymptomatic population, or some who may have had minor illness may now be able to determine if it was seasonal allergies, a different strain of the influenza virus, or was the Coronavirus."

Saco's Firefighter/EMS Providers respond to more than 3,500 fire suppression incidents per year (including 81 major fire incidents) and more than 2,800 emergency medical calls. In the time of COVID-19, these brave men and women face new challenges to their health and safety but have remained dedicated to protecting our community members.
Featured Video
Re-live the 2019 Sidewalk Arts Festival by watching this highlight reel.

While we won't be gathering for an in-person festival this summer, Saco Main Street is organizing a virtual version.

For more details, follow Saco Main Street on Facebook or visit the virtual art festival web page using the button below.
Saco's IT Preparedness Benefits Ongoing Continuity of Public Services
While the pandemic has kept us physically distant for months now, our Information Technology Department has helped city staff stay connected.

COVID-19 has demonstrated the importance of digital networks and service platforms and how critical it is for municipal governments to have continuity plans.

The Saco IT Department, a team of just three, quickly mobilized resources to ensure our employees were able to deliver consistent services to our community members from the early stages of the pandemic to this day. While many employees still physically reported to work through facility closures, other departments performed work remotely whenever appropriate. This was only possible because of this well-prepared and talented team; the success of our Information Technology Department was not in its reaction to the crisis but its proactive commitment to planning, preparation, and analysis.

Preparation enabled our employees to utilize remote working options, ensuring continuity of operations in the event where on-site work was not possible. Additionally, our IT team quickly made modifications to enable our Firefighter/EMS Providers to temporarily separate to minimize the risk of exposure of COVID-19 to an entire shift. Additionally, our team deployed a remote management tool to continue to update systems, ensure security, and patch management while offsite.

In the eyes of our IT Director, the effort of planning is continuous since plans are fluid and never complete. The IT Department's commitment to developing a business continuity plan has paid off as they were able to accommodate the varying requests from departments with short notice to avoid a service gap.

We appreciate Ryan, Henry, and Joe's talent, their commitment to efficiencies, integrity, and usability, and all the behind-the-scenes actions they take every day to keep our City functioning and secure.
Saco Fireworks Ordinances
Fun Alternatives to Fireworks
  • Use glow sticks. They glow in the dark and are a safe alternative to a sparkler. Fun for all ages!
  • Loud and proud. Noise makers are sure to make a statement. They can be found at local party supply stores or make your own.
  • Outdoor movie night. Set up a screen and projector. Don’t forget the bug spray!
  • Red, white and blue silly string!
  • Make a patriotic craft with the family.
  • Throw a birthday party for the USA, and don’t forget the cake.
Celebrate carefully to keep yourself and your family safe,
and to help prevent fires.
Fireworks are often used to mark special events and holidays. The only safe way to view fireworks is to attend a professional show. With many professional firework shows being canceled this year, it is important to know that fireworks are not safe in the hands of consumers. Fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year.

As you prepare to celebrate Independence Day, please keep in mind that consumer fireworks are prohibited in Saco. Hefty fines may be levied on individuals who use or sell fireworks. This policy is in place to keep not only you safe, but also children and other by-standers as well. The Saco Police and Fire Departments want you to have a fun and safe Fourth of July. For more information, check out Saco's Fireworks Ordinance below.
That's a Wrap on the Spring Saco
Parks & Rec Meal Program for Seniors
Saco Parks & Recreation Department  created this new initiative quickly to address food insecurity issues that began to arise in our community as the pandemic took hold. It also allowed the department to support the local business community.

Saco Parks & Recreation SENIORity distributed more than 3,000 meals over 13 weeks to 460 separate Saco residents. Local restaurants received $20,107.36 through SPR funds, donations from community members, and sponsorships from local businesses and non-profits.

Reflecting on the past 13 weeks of food distribution, program coordinator Amelia Meier said she is amazed by how the community has come together.

"This became more than just a meal program with food," she said. "Staff, volunteers, and participants looked forward to Fridays for the human connection and a friendly hello. For a lot of people, this was their one outing of the week. Businesses supported each other, people supported neighbors, and it all just truly shows the power of community. "
Many Parks & Rec full-time staff helped with the program week-after-week, adapting to our changing world and giving critical assistance, even if a meal program was never in their job description. Thank you to all Saco Parks & Rec staff, volunteers, and those at outside organizations who made this possible.

This includes (but is not limited to)  Golden Rooster Restaurant ,  Ricetta's Brick Oven Ristorante ,  Lucky Loggers Restaurant ,  The Run of The Mill Public House and Brewery ,  Quiero Café Maine ,  The Deli & Company ,  Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center ,  Bradley Street Deli & Catering ,  Saco Main Street ,  Saco Valley Credit Union ,  Rotary Club of Biddeford-Saco , Lawyer on the Corner,  Saco House Of Pizza ,  Age Friendly Saco ,  PeoplesChoice Credit Union ,  Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution ,  Saco Food Pantry ,  Janet Spiegel Yoga ,  Alan Minthorn - Saco City Council Ward 5 , City Councilor Jodi MacPhail,  Senator Justin Chenette ,  Representative Donna Bailey , Rob and Ripley Biggs, Officers Condon and Royle from the  Saco Police Department , and Saco Facilities Division.

Of the $20,000 raised and put into our community through this program, it's important to point out that $3,500 was cash donations from community members. Volunteers spent more than 130 hours packing and distributing meals. And those in the drive-thru often had some homemade masks or other simple, thoughtful gifts to donate each week.

That says a lot about how people in Saco find many ways to support each other.

We are proud of our community, our local businesses,
and especially our amazing Saco Parks & Rec team!

We are always looking for ways to improve communication with our community members. As always, if there is anything we can do to better communicate information, please let us know by emailing ERoy@sacomaine.org. Be sure to check out our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages using the buttons below. You can also see news and updates on the City of Saco website at www.sacomaine.org.