Election and Early Voting Information, Including Polling Location Change |
This is the last week for early in-person voting for the November 3, 2020 General Election. We encourage you to vote early if you are unable to make it to the polls on Election Day.
The City Clerk has made extended hours available this Friday, October 30, 2020, with hours from 7:45 AM to 6:00 PM. Friday is also the last day to request an absentee ballot, unless a special circumstance exists. You can register to vote during these extended hours, too.
The rest of this week, early voting hours will remain the same – 8:45 AM - 4:45 PM Monday - Thursday.
You can return your absentee ballot at any time before Nov. 3. Make use of the City Hall dropbox on Cutts Ave., which will be available until 8:00 PM on Election Day, or submit it in-person in the City Clerk's office.
As a reminder, the polling place for in-person voting on November 3, 2020, is Thornton Academy's gymnasium at 438 Main Street.
This change was made because it better enables social distancing and our ability to satisfy requirements from the CDC and the State. Additionally, there are two large parking lots available for use, which increases the number of parking spaces available on Election Day.
To communicate this change, we're asking for your help to spread the word! Please pass this information along to any Saco voters you might know.
You cannot submit absentee ballots at the polling place, you must have mailed it, drop it in the Cutts Ave dropbox at City Hall, or hand-deliver it to the City Clerk's office.
Full details of how to vote in Saco can be found on our website, including sample ballots.
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Saco Parks & Rec Brings Back Meal Program |
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The Saco Parks and Recreation Department will be bringing back an occasional version of their Meal Distribution Program for Saco Residents and SENIORity members.
Their goal is to offer special meals in place of their annual meal events, potentially on a monthly basis depending on sponsorships opportunities.
SPR will provide a to-go meal program in partnership with local restaurants to support and highlight their business. Following Maine CDC social distancing recommendations, individuals will be able to easily pick up take-home meals curbside at the Saco Community Center parking lot.
Menus will vary with different participating restaurants. Limited servings will be available and individuals who would like the free meal must RSVP. See the details below:
Upcoming Meal Program Information:
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Veterans Day Meal: Wednesday, November 11th, 2020. Sponsored by Saco Valley Credit Union.
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Thanksgiving Meal: Thursday, November 19th, 2020 (in place of our Annual Luncheon)
Where: Saco Community Center parking lot (south side closest to Bradley Street)
Pick-up: Between 11:00am-12:30pm (Deliveries also made during this time)
Restaurant: The Golden Rooster. Menu TBD. We will have a staff member check your name on our sign-in sheet and they will bring the meal out to your car.
To request a meal: Meal Sign-ups will be available ONLY within the following dates:
- Veterans Day Meal: 11/4/20-11/11/20
- Thanksgiving Meal: 11/12/20-11/19/20
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"To-go" Thanksgiving Meals Available on
November 25th through Age Friendly Saco
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In collaboration with Ferry Beach Retreat and Conference Center, Age Friendly Saco will offer 300 “to go” Thanksgiving meals on Wednesday, November 25th. The deadline to sign up is Monday, November 23rd, but you are encouraged to sign up quickly since only 300 meals will be available.
This meal will be a drive-through pick-up process on Wednesday, November 25th, from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM at the Ferry Beach Retreat and Conference Center on Morris Avenue. This meal is being made possible by donations by various partners in our community. Meals are available for all Saco community members regardless of age.
To participate, please email Kate at knicoll@ferrybeach.org or call (207)282-4489 X1 You can also call (207)710-5029 to speak with an Age Friendly Saco volunteer.
If you cannot drive or pick-up your items, please let them when you sign up, so Age Friendly Saco can coordinate the delivery of your meals.
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Need to Report a Problem to the City?
Use our convenient online tool, with status tracking.
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See a pothole? Have a broken trash or recycling cart? Notice a traffic light issue? Tell us! Click here, or the button below, to access "Talk to my City," a mobile app to report issues and submit requests.
Community members who report issues through this system will have the ability to track and monitor their requests status if an account is created. You can look back to how many requests you’ve made, how long ago you made them, and when they were completed.
If you don’t want to create an account, no worries! You can also sign in as a guest user and still enter your request. Simple as that.
We welcome citizen feedback and will be monitoring the application regularly in an effort to continuously improve its effectiveness.
**Please note, requests will typically only be handled during working hours. Should you have an issue that requires immediate attention, we recommend calling the non-emergency police dispatch line at 284-4535.
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We can't do it all, some issues are handled by other agencies:
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Street Light Issues or Downed power lines CMP: 1-800-750-4000 (CMP also has an online request form available here )
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Street Light installation: Policy and Request form
- Tree trimming around power lines CMP: 1-800-972-8600
- Water Issues including shut off covers or hydrants - Maine Water: 282-1543 or 1-800-287-1643
- Trash and Recycling Curbside pick up Pine Tree Waste: 934-2525
- Signage. Changing existing or adding new signs (speed limit or parking, etc.) Traffic Safety Committee through the Saco Police Department: 282-8214
- City tree pruning and or removal: Saco Parks & Rec Dept - 283-3139
- Ordinance Violations: Code Enforcement Office - 284-6983
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Veterans Day Virtual Celebration |
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Biddeford and Saco once again are collaborating to host a unique virtual, live-stream ceremony, this time on Veterans Day, November 11th, beginning at 11 a.m. This event is to acknowledge the sacrifices of the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces of the United States.
The event will feature musical selections from students, a guest speaker, messages from both mayors, as well as ceremonial aspects such as flag raising to honor veterans, performed by members of our local veterans organizations.
Students and community members who wish to offer their thanks or appreciation to veterans can send short (10-15 second) video clips to SacoTV@sacomaine.org.
Afterwards, the video of the entire event will be uploaded to the City of Saco’s YouTube page with links to it from the two cities’ and HOB websites.
RSVP to the event here or using the button below.
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New All-Electric Vehicle Added to Saco Fleet |
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This past summer, the City of Saco purchased a 2020 Chevy Bolt EV, an entirely electric vehicle, using Efficiency Maine incentives.
The Chevy Bolt EV is the newest car in the Water Resource Recovery Department fleet and will connect to the charging station at their facility. The WRRD is also now using energy from its windmill to partially offset both the building’s and electric charging station's energy use. The vehicle's range is approximately 250 miles on a full charge, and the average charge time is 9 hours.
This is not only a sustainable step forward for the City of Saco fleet, but it is part of a city-wide effort.
The current Saco City Council identified environmental sustainability as one of their primary goals. They aim to implement resiliency measures to foster this sustainability and to mitigate the effects of climate change and coastal erosion.
They recently unanimously passed a Declaration of Climate Emergency in September. The resolution was initially brought forward for consideration by a group of Saco Middle School students and was reviewed and supported by the Saco Energy and Sustainability Committee before coming to Council acceptance.
Efficiency Maine has incentives for individuals, whether it is Efficiency Maine instant rebates, instant manufacturer rebates, or federal tax credits. Learn more about their programs here or at the button below.
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Saco PD Joins the Pink Patch Project |
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The pandemic has stopped the Saco Police Department from being involved in the many community events, opportunities that they look forward to because they get a chance to engage with you.
To counter that, they will be participating in the Pink Patch Project this month to support breast cancer awareness and research. The Saco PD is now the first police agency in Maine to be registered with the Pink Patch Project.
You might see a pink Saco Police Patch on our officer's shoulders, while the civilian staff will have pink embroidered shirts to support the cause. We are hoping to increase awareness of breast cancer and raise funds to donate locally.
Officer Gregory, pictured, brought the project to life for the department.
"Our local businesses continue to do so much to help out members of our community when they need it most," said Officer Gregory. "I want the Saco PD to join the community to help bring awareness and support to those impacted by breast cancer, and help ease the transition for patients and their families adjusting to life with a breast cancer diagnosis. I believe that coming together as a community; we are one step closer to accomplishing that."
If any community members are interested in participating, we will be selling the pink Saco patches for $10. All funds raised will be kept here in Southern Maine and donated to the SMHC Breast Care Center in Biddeford. This donation will provide essential resources to breast cancer patients, including educational materials to the newly diagnosed, social worker services to care for those living with a breast cancer diagnosis, and support group facilitation. The donation may also go towards gas station gift cards for patients unable to afford travel, and other items to offer support for those impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis.
If you would like to participate in the program, please call (207)282-8214 and reference the Pink Patch Project.
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Saco Leaf Collection Day Set for November 9 |
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Mark your calendars! The 2020 leaf collection date has been set for Monday, November 9th.
The City will accept up to 20 bags (paper only), placed curbside, so long as they are placed by 7 AM, Nov. 9.
Leaf pick-up is managed by Saco Public Works and not Pine Tree Waste, so it has nothing to do with your trash collection schedule. Our collection begins the 9th, and public works crews make their way across town.
Please note, we cannot enter private property. Wherever you live, be sure to have the leaves curbside (in the City right of way).
Should you miss your street's collection, leaves are always accepted for free at the Saco Transfer Station for Saco residents.
Happy Fall!
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Free Sand for Residents &
Sand Buckets for Seniors
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The sand pile is located at the new facility - 15 Phillips Spring Road.
The city's residential sand and salt pile is located at the Public Works Department. This sand and salt pile is for residential use only (not available to contractors). Residents can take two 5-gallon pails at a time. Containers will not be provided.
Age Friendly Saco, in collaboration with the Saco Public Works Department, will pick up five gallons of sand-salt mixture for any homebound resident older than 65 who needs it, and deliver it to their home in a pail provided by the Age Friendly Saco group. To have it delivered, call (207)710-5029 and leave a message if no one is in the office. Or you can complete the application at www.sacomaine.org/agefriendly.
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CDBG Grants Available for Saco Businesses |
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Grants of up to $5,000 are available for small businesses in Saco through the Maine SBDC Micro-Enterprise Forgivable Loan Program.
The program application is quick and easy – just fill out a one-page application, report your 2019 revenues and federal income tax return(s), and have a virtual meeting with a SBDC counselor.
To qualify, you:
- Must be a Maine business.
- Must demonstrate a revenue loss as a direct consequence of COVID-19.
- Must have five or fewer employees including the owner(s).
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Must have a DUNS Number (learn how to obtain one at www.smpdc.org).
- Owner’s household income must meet income eligibility requirements, as verified by 2019 tax return.
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The “Fisherman’s Path” segment of the Saco RiverWalk Trail (RWT) has existed for decades, providing access to the shoreline of the Saco River for generations of anglers. For much of that time, this section of the trail was a narrow, worn into soil, with access complicated by tree roots, exposed rocks, and extensive ledge outcrops.
Great Northern Docks manufactured approximately 300 feet of boardwalk, four feet in width, and a 10-foot by 18-foot overlook near the easterly end of the Path. Installed by Allied Dock Services and Saco Parks & Recreation, the ribbon was cut on the improvements on October 23, 2020.
While this segment of the RWT is relatively brief, it provides trail users with a spectacular view of the adjacent Cataract Dam, and access for fishing on a seasonal basis. It is a three-minute stroll from Main Street and within an existing residential neighborhood. With these improvements to the Trail, we hope to significantly improve access and safety for a greater range of users.
Visit our website here for a trail map, and get a sneak peek of the trail in the video below.
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Saco Public Works Construction Overview |
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In October 2019, construction began on the new Saco Public Works facility that voters had approved in a 2017 bond. The old DPW facility is under contract with a new owner, which helped finance the new facility. And the project was completed on time and within budget.
Modifying the former facility would have been more costly over time, so voters chose to construct this new facility to provide:
- Increased handicap accessibility for our community members since the old facility had customer service spaces on the second floor without an elevator.
- Proper locker room/shower space, separating the breakroom from the locker rooms. Additionally, the new facility enables adequate separation of contaminants from eating areas.
- Proper drainage and pavement limiting corrosion which is the #1 cause of the City’s equipment school bus failure.
- Adequate garage and storage space, increasing efficiency on repairs and extending the lifespan of expensive equipment and vehicles.
We held a small, private ribbon-cutting ceremony last week to mark the occasion. Public Works crews have begun working from the new facility as of this week.
We will release a virtual tour of the new facility later this year. In the meantime, we are offering limited in-person tours to interested community members, following proper health and safety protocols. Please contact Fleet Manager John Wentworth at JWentworth@sacomaine.org to tour the facility.
To learn more about the bond that financed this project, visit sacomaine.org/bonds.
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Halloween Guidance from Maine CDC |
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We've received many inquiries this month about Halloween. The City of Saco does not regulate Halloween activities such as trick-or-treating.
We're happy to answer any local questions, but please defer to Maine CDC for the most up-to-date health guidance.
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Santa is Planning a Drive-Through Visit to Saco FD on Thanksgiving Night |
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We've talked with Santa, and he agrees that we should take all the necessary precautions this year to keep all our loved ones healthy and happy through the holidays.
He's planned a stop at the Saco Fire Department Central Station on Thanksgiving evening, November 26, 2020, for a special drive-through event.
We're waiting on one more letter from Santa confirming the details, so keep an eye on the City's Facebook page where we will share updates with more specifics.
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Lieutenant Karl Creates Virtual Classroom To Teach Fire Prevention |
You can watch four videos featuring Lieutenant Karl Finley, Public Education Coordinator with the Saco Fire Department, and explore further fire safety resources through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen,” focuses on cooking fire safety. Home cooking fires are the leading cause of all fires in the kitchen, and unattended cooking is the primary cause of these fires. Hear more from Lt. Karl here: www.sacomaine.org/fireprevention
Our classroom has materials for families, educators, and children, and helpful and practical reminders for everyone. Let's work together to keep each other safe.
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Walking and Rolling with SBPAC |
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So Many Places to Enjoy Walking in Saco!
Would anyone who enjoys taking a stroll, going for a hike or walking off your worries dispute that Saco is blessed when it comes to giving your walking shoes a workout? We think not, not when those of us who enjoy getting ambulatory can take a walk on the beach. Or a gambol through the Saco Heath. How about sauntering down the sidewalks through downtown, or rambling along the RiverWalk Trail?
Some of the most inviting ambling about town is through Saco’s Historic Preservation District – think downtown, Main Street, Elm and North Streets – look for the signage. Newer neighborhoods, too, as it’s been the City’s policy for decades to require that sidewalks be built when new residential neighborhoods are developed.
What haven’t we touched on? Saco Bay Trails, of course. Whether you opt for a visit to the newly replaced pedestrian bridge at Horton Woods, or wander along the Atlantic Way trail in the Rachel Carson Preserve, the devoted volunteers at SBT continue to log countless hours building and maintaining trails for public use all over Saco, Biddeford, OOB and beyond.
Let’s see, have we missed any opportunities for stepping out? How about the beautiful, 176 year old Laurel Hill Cemetery? No bikes allowed, but we can roam the well maintained grounds, visit the daffodils in late April and May, and sit for a bit of contemplation.
Seems pretty clear to us: whether you decide to stretch your legs, promenade, tramp about, stride along, plod, trudge, trek, ramble or traipse, you will find plenty of options in natural resource-rich Saco – and what better time of year than right now?
Walking Needs to Be Safer
October is both National Pedestrian Safety Month and Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Both serve as a reminder we are all pedestrians at some point and that distracted driving threatens the lives of other road users, including pedestrians.
Sadly, the pedestrian death toll on America’s roadways reached a 30-year high of 6,590 last year.
Did You Know?
"Walking is so simple that everyone can do it," says fitness expert Denise Austin. "Plus it has tremendous benefits, from supporting a healthy immune system to boosting your metabolism to strengthening your joints, muscles, and bones—not to mention it's amazing for stress relief and enjoying a little 'me time.'"
Top Five Benefits of Walking
Walking will:
- Improve your mood.
- Burn calories.
- Reduce your risk of chronic disease.
- Improve digestion.
- Boost your immunity.
Source: Prevention.com
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National Cybersecurity Awareness Month |
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As Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes to a close, our Information Technology Department wants to remind everyone that it is not only necessary to safeguard our personal devices, but all the devices we interact with. No matter what the future brings, everyone needs to be to do their part and #BeCyberSmart to ensure the safety of cyberspace.
Source: CISA.gov
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Upcoming Holiday Closings |
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Veteran's Day 11/11 Wednesday
Thanksgiving Day 11/26 Thursday
Day after Thanksgiving 11/27 Friday
Half Day Christmas Eve* 12/24 Thursday
Christmas Day 12/25 Friday
Half Day New Year's Eve* 12/31 Thursday
New Year's Day (2021) 01/01 Friday
*Hours for half days vary by department.
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City Administrator's Open Office Hours |
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Each month, Saco's City Administrator, Bryan Kaenrath, will host an "Open Office Hours" session to provide citizens with an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, or share feedback regarding municipal services. Join Bryan on Tuesday, December 1st, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the City Hall Auditorium. If you'd like to speak with the City Administrator outside of these office hours, please call (207)282-4191. |
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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. |
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