One Day Left to Submit Letters of Interest to Fill Upcoming Ward 4 Council Vacancy |
The Saco City Council is now accepting letters of interest from Ward 4 residents who wish to serve on the City Council for the remainder of Councilor Copeland's term, expiring December 2022. We anticipate that Councilor Copeland will vacate her seat on December 7th to serve as the State Representative for District 14.
Interested candidates must submit a letter of interest to Michele Hughes, City Clerk, at MHughes@sacomaine.org or the City Clerk's Office at Saco City Hall, by 4:00 PM on Tuesday, December 1st.
The submissions from interested candidates will be reviewed and discussed publicly during the City Council Meeting on December 7th.
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Saco Parks & Rec Provides a Thanksgiving Feast |
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The stuffing, mashed potatoes, chicken, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pie were nap-inducing good.
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Ryan Farms Playground Upgrades Complete |
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We have received a lot of feedback that one of the neighborhood playgrounds located off of Jenkins Road required repairs. We are happy to share that the new playground installation at Ryan Farms is complete!
Our Parks team at Saco Parks & Recreation Department oversaw installation of the new equipment this week. The playground officially opens today, Sunday, November 1, 2020.
One of the other five neighborhood playgrounds, Boothby Park, is scheduled for an upgrade in the summer of 2021.
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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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Saco Mills Earn Historic Preservation Award |
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This month was an exciting one for historic preservation in Saco! Both Saco Mill #3 and Saco Mill #4 earned Honor Awards from Maine Preservation's 2020 virtual awards ceremony.
According to Maine Preservation, the annual Maine Preservation Honor Awards celebrate excellence in historic preservation leadership, rehabilitation, and craft. Since 1998, Maine Preservation has recognized historic preservation successes across Maine and the people that make them happen.
Both properties clearly emphasize the pride we have in our history as a mill town. They are part of a complex of industrial buildings located in the Biddeford-Saco Mills Historic District, that was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, and encompasses the remaining buildings of four nineteenth-century manufacturing companies from Biddeford and Saco along the Saco River.
The City of Saco worked with the development teams to see both of these projects to fruition. The Planning & Development department and City Council provided additional support for Saco Mill #4 through the development of a Tax Increment Financing District ("TIF").
Read more about York Manufacturing Mill #3 here: York Mill #3
And read more about York Manufacturing Mill #4 here: York Mill #4
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City Council Honors Extra Mile Recipients |
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On November 2nd, the Mayor and City Council recognized this year's Extra Mile winners in the City of Saco – Don Roth, Chris Rizeakos, and Donna Beveredge.
"Saco is a community which acknowledges that a special vibrancy exists within the entire community when its individual citizens collectively go the extra mile in personal effort, volunteerism, and service," Doyle said. He presented the awards to the winners in private ceremonies on November 6th.
Don Roth is the Facilities Manager for the City of Saco. Don and his team take care of numerous buildings in the City. When COVID-19 started, Don immediately got to work securing supplies and creating new procedures for sanitizing the City's properties. When it was time to re-open City Hall, Don found creative ways to keep both the public and city staff safe while conducting city business. Don goes above and beyond to help and is continually offering solutions to issues that arise. He is a valued member of the city staff and is so deserving of the Extra Mile award.
Chris Rizeakos is the owner of the Golden Rooster Restaurant. He purchased Golden Rooster with members of his family in 1985, after graduating high school. Since then, he has been a constant presence on Main Street. He has supported Saco Main Street and their events, helping to enhance the vitality of Saco's downtown. During COVID-19, Chris participated in Saco Parks & Recreation Department's Meals for Seniors program, which supplied 3,000 meals to 460 residents. Chris and the Golden Rooster did not let COVID slow them down – they increased their outdoor seating on Main Street, offering a safe and friendly environment for people to gather for food. He is a cherished member of the Saco community and has earned this recognition with his years of commitment to our town.
Donna Beveridge is a volunteer with Saco's senior programs. Donna is an outstanding volunteer who goes above and beyond in serving the residents of Saco. She organizes and now runs Age Friendly Saco's Handy Helper program, which has provided many residents with needed home repairs or modifications. Donna also recently helped organize the Tech Handy Helpers program, enabling us to give tablets to low-income seniors and help them bridge the digital divide. She is tireless in finding solutions for our residents and always shares a smile and helping hand.
"I urge each individual in the community to take time not only to go the extra mile in his or her own life, but also to acknowledge those who are inspirational in their efforts and commitment to make their organizations, families, community, country, or world a better place," Mayor Doyle said.
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Did You Miss Leaf Collection Day? Take a Trip to the Transfer Station. |
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Leaves are always accepted for free at the Saco Transfer Station for Saco residents.
LOCATION
The Saco Transfer Station is at 24 Foss Road. Follow Route 112 (North Street/Buxton Road) out of the city. 1.5 miles beyond the Maine Turnpike overpass, you will see Foss Road on the left.
TRANSFER STATION HOURS
Tuesday - Saturday*
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Gates will close at 3:45 to allow a period of clean up and closing process
*Closed All Federal Holidays and during heavy snow events
All residents will need Proof of Residency (License, Tax Record or Vehicle Registration with a valid Saco Address). We can only accept credit or debit card payments with our outside kiosk system. The kiosk is outside of the building and allows our attendant to remain 6 ft away from all traffic entering our facility.
We ask that when you go to the Transfer Station, that you practice social distancing, and maintain 6 ft between you and our staff, as well as from other residents. We will be limiting access to 10 vehicles at a time until further notice. With that, wait times may be longer than normal. Thank you for your patience as we navigate through this process.
CLOSED DURING SNOW EVENTS
The Saco Transfer Station attendant is a plow driver for the City. It is not uncommon for the transfer station to close during storm events, or sometimes even the day after if the event was overnight. Thank you for understanding.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE, 2020
The transfer station will be closed, or closing early on the following holidays:
- December 24 - Open 8 to Noon, Only
- December 25 - Closed
- December 31st - Open 8:00 am to Noon, Only
- January 1st - Closed
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Age Friendly Saco Sand Buckets for Seniors First Year at New Public Works |
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It's not too late to request a bucket – Age Friendly Saco runs this program all winter and will deliver re-fills should you run out.
To sign up, call the Age Friendly office at (207)710-5029 and ask to be delivered a sand bucket. If no one answers, please leave a message. You can also request a bucket online at www.sacomaine.org/agefriendly using the form on that page.
If you received a sand bucket last year, please be prepared to give it to the volunteer who brings your new bucket. Age Friendly has new buckets to provide, but they always appreciate the ability to re-use old ones.
As a reminder, Saco Public Works has sand available for pick up at their facility for residents (please no contractors) at 15 Phillips Spring Road (directly across from 57 Spring Hill Road). Residents can take two 5-gallon pails at a time but must provide their own containers.
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Saco BPAC Hosts "Cranksgiving,"
a Socially-Distant Ride to Food Pantry
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The Saco Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) sponsored a "Cranksgiving" ride on November 14th. Six cyclists turned out to ride, purchase non-perishable food items, and deliver donations to the Saco Food Pantry. Participants, including a toddler and a 6th grader at Saco Middle School, met at the Community Center, rode the Eastern Trail to Hannaford to purchase items, then delivered nearly 50 pounds of food to the Saco Food Pantry for a Monday delivery.
"Getting out on this group ride gave us a great opportunity to spotlight the cycling community in Saco, do some good for the people of the city, and enjoy a beautiful Saturday morning," said Chris Nucci, organizer of the event and founding member of BPAC.
The mission of the Saco Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee is "to support and encourage a bicycle and walking-friendly community, which provides for safe, convenient, and enjoyable active transportation for all ages and abilities." The committee works closely with city staff to advocate for safe places to bike and walk in our City.
To learn more about the Saco Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee or how to participate in their monthly meetings, please visit www.sacomaine.org/BPAC. BPAC's next meeting is on December 2nd at 6:30 PM.
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Visit with Santa at Saco Central Fire |
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The drizzle didn't put a damper on Santa's annual visit to the Saco Central Fire Station!
Organizers at the Saco FD worked hard to ensure that even in a pandemic, Santa could make his stop here in Saco safely.
Things looked a little different this year, and we are grateful for your flexibility in adapting to the new procedures we put into place. We were happy to spend a little bit of our Thanksgiving with all who attended.
We hope you had a great start to your holiday season.
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We produced a special virtual Veterans Day ceremony in partnership with Heart of Biddeford. While we can't gather together for a parade this year, we hope to foster a sense of togetherness as we honor and celebrate veterans through this ceremony.
This virtual, live-stream ceremony will feature a flag raising, student musical performances, remarks from both Biddeford and Saco mayors, and more.
Featured speaker Kimberly LaPointe is a veteran who lives and works in Biddeford. She has had family in every armed conflict since the Revolutionary War, and will reflect on her family's history of sacrifice through the generations.
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Upgraded Light Display on Main Street, Catch it at the Upcoming Drive-Thru Event |
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This month, Saco Public Works staff and Saco Main Street volunteers lit up Main Street with more than 17,000 lights! We hope this expanded display provides you some happiness as you travel through town this season.
You're invited downtown for a lights- and sights-filled ride on Main Street, from Biddeford to Saco, on Friday, December 4. This event, hosted by Saco Main Street and Heart of Biddeford, is sure to be bright. See the event details below, or on the Facebook event page here.
In Biddeford, see Santa and his sleigh plus two *real* reindeer in the City Hall parking lot. There's a gift for every car!
Play along: Look for penguins and polar bears (not real, but very cute) in storefront windows.
In Saco, you'll enjoy a performance by your favorite live characters and pick up another sweet treat! See 17,000 bulbs lighting up the night!
We also invite you to "Share the Love" if you are able, to help families in our greater community. When you see Santa and his reindeer, you can donate non-perishable food items and winter clothing essentials for families in need. Santa’s Elves will be socially distanced and safely collecting! Plus, cash donations collected on 12/4 and online will support direct needs like gift cards for food and clothing, and home heating relief support.
The evening too short? Do it again! Just take a couple left turns in Saco and start up again at the corner of Elm and Main in Biddeford!
Thank you to our sponsors: Saco & Biddeford Savings and Biddeford Savings Bank!
Tickets are not required for this event.
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Two Brothers Open New Barbershop |
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Brothers Trevin and Weston Gregg have the shop open from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Tuesday through Friday, and 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM on Saturday. Find them at 191 Main Street, next door to Rapid Ray's.
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New Dining Option - Pacifico |
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Alejandra Herrera and Carlos Guzman, beloved Saco community members and the owners of Quiero Café Maine, have opened a new casual fine dining restaurant in Saco's historic mill district – Pacifico Restaurant.
Pacifico offers Latin American cuisine, honoring the owners' Chilean and Colombian heritage. Pacifico is open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner. You can check out their menu or make a reservation at www.pacificomaine.com.
Get a preview of the space in this short video of our COVID-19 safe ribbon-cutting and virtual tour of the new restaurant. Please join us in congratulating Carlos and Alejandra on the opening of their latest dining venture – the flavors they serve will not disappoint, and we are thrilled they are part of the Saco community.
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Small Business Saturday Through Dec. 9 |
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This year has been trying for businesses of all kinds. We encourage you to shop local as much as possible for your holiday needs, and participating in Small Business Saturday is a great way to do that.
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Cpl. Fahy Named Hometown Hero After Nomination by Saco Resident |
The latest WJBQ - Q97.9 Hometown Hero is Corporal Monica Fahy from the Saco Police Department.
Fahy was nominated by Lori LaBrecque, who detailed how Cpl Fahy handled a scary, stressful moment for Lori's family with compassion, professionalism, and kindness.
Monica has worked for the Saco Police Department for 15 years. Fahy, promoted to Corporal in 2018, was the first female officer to receive that rank in Saco. During her tenure, Fahy has served in multiple roles: School Resource Officer at Thornton Academy, a Detective with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, Field Training Officer, Evidence Technician, and a member of the Saco Underage Drinking Strategy (SUDS) Team. Additionally, she has assisted Dispatch, and the Court Officer and Data Entry offices over the years.
"We were very thankful she was on duty that morning, and she was helpful, informative, and most of all, supportive," said Lori. "Saco PD is lucky to have her."
We agree that Saco is lucky to have Corporal Fahy. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Check out the full article here: WJBQ
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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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