Saco Hiring Patrol Officers Starting at $35.50/hr

The Saco Police Department is seeking academy-certified candidates for a lateral transfer police officer opening to join our team and make a difference in the Saco community.

The starting pay rate for a patrol officer is $35.50 per hour plus years of service credits for certified officers, so an officer with nine years of experience would start at $41.53 per hour. We also offer education incentives added to the base pay: Associate’s and Military Experience: $.50 per hour, Bachelor’s: $.75 per hour, and Master’s: $1.00 per hour.

Excellent Benefits Package:

• Retirement: Choose one of our retirement offerings with an employer contribution, including MainePERS 3C Pension with 25-year, 2-thirds retirement, and 401a and 457b plans.
• Health Insurance: We offer a PPO500 plan plus a health reimbursement arrangement for out-of-pocket expenses. We also offer dental, vision, and other voluntary insurance coverage options, as well as income protection/disability coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, personal days, holiday pay, and floating holidays.

Make your next career move with Saco PD! Learn more and apply today at www.sacomaine.org/apply.

Climate Plan Public Comment Period Open

Saco’s Climate Adaptation & Action Plan published on August 7th, and we have opened a two-week public comment period, ending August 21st!

A Climate Adaptation & Action Plan identifies areas of a community that are vulnerable to climate-related changes like stronger storms and hotter temperatures and develops solutions to mitigate and adapt to impacts of these events. Saco’s Climate Adaptation & Action Plan includes a vulnerability assessment, a greenhouse gas assessment, and a strategy matrix that will be used to plan a sustainable path for the City’s future.

We invite you to review the plan on our website at www.sacomaine.org/climate and send any feedback to planning@sacomaine.org. Community engagement has been important through this climate planning process.

This grant-funded initiative is a collaboration among the Energy & Sustainability Committee, Planning Department, Water Resource Recovery Department, Communications Department, Conservation Commission, and other departments and committees. Read more about the history of the project on our website: www.sacomaine.org/climate.

City Council and School Board Nomination Paper Deadline Approaching

Nomination papers are available in the City Clerk's office for the November 5, 2024, election. Saco residents who wish to seek municipal political office are required to collect and return signatures following the details below:

CITY COUNCILOR, Wards 1, 3, & 6

Candidates for City Council must collect 35 signatures of registered voters in their respective ward. Only Wards 1, 3, and 6 are on the ballot in 2024. City Councilors serve a three-year term.

SCHOOL BOARD, Wards 1, 3, 5, & 7

Candidates for School Board must collect 35 signatures of registered voters in their respective ward. Only Wards 1, 3, 5, and 7 are on the ballot in 2024. School Board members serve a three-year term.

WARD MAP & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

To view the Saco ward map, visit the City Clerk online: www.sacomaine.org/FindYourWard

The deadline to return nomination papers to the City Clerk is 1:00 PM on Friday, September 6, 2024. If enough valid signatures are collected and returned to the City Clerk's office, your name will be on the ballot.

The Saco City Clerk's office is located on the first floor of Saco City Hall (300 Main Street), and office hours are from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM on Fridays. Visit the City Clerk online at www.sacomaine.org/CityClerk.

Saco Awarded $1.25 Million Infrastructure Grant

The City of Saco is pleased to announce that the Maine Department of Transportation has awarded $1,257,000 in funding for infrastructure improvements at the entrance to Camp Ellis through the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund (MIAF). This investment is part of a broader effort to enhance coastal resiliency in response to rising sea levels and the increased frequency of coastal storms.

In June 2024, Saco Public Works staff, in collaboration with the Planning Department, submitted a grant application for the MIAF for a $1,357,000 project aimed at mitigating sea level rise and coastal storm flooding around the intersection of Ferry Road and Seaside Avenue. On August 8, MDOT awarded Saco $1,257,000 towards this critical infrastructure investment to replace an aging culvert and elevate a section of roadway that frequently floods during major storms, significantly improving emergency access to more than 200 properties, as well as the city's pier and waterfront areas. Additionally, the project will enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety during the busy summer season. Construction could begin as soon as fall 2025.

“We are deeply grateful to MDOT for recognizing the importance of this project and providing substantial funding to make it a reality,” said Patrick Fox, Public Works Director. “This infrastructure improvement is vital for protecting our community and ensuring safe and reliable access during extreme weather events.”

Saco will contribute just $100,000, or 8% of the total project cost, with the remaining funds generously provided by MDOT. The City extends its gratitude to the grant committee at MDOT and acknowledges the hard work of City staff, including City Engineer Joe Laverriere, Public Works Deputy Director Travis Moore, City Planner Emily Prescott, and Public Works Director Patrick Fox, for their roles in securing this grant.

This project is one of several ongoing initiatives in Saco aimed at enhancing coastal resiliency. The city is actively pursuing and utilizing regional, state and federal partnerships to support a variety of efforts, including a Beach Management Plan, Climate Action Plan, Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades, and the Jetty erosion mitigation project.

Final Jubilee Music Series Show This Sunday

The 2024 Jubilee Island Music Series comes to a close this Sunday, August 18th, with a 5:00 PM performance from Rob Pellerin. Join us for this wonderful event in Saco’s one-of-a-kind Jubilee Park.

Traffic Advisory Notices

Please be aware of these traffic advisories as you plan your travel around Saco through the end of summer:

PLEASANT STREET ONE-WAY PILOT PROJECT

Beginning the week of August 12, 2024, Pleasant Street has temporarily become a one-way street between Main Street and Elm Street, with traffic flowing from Main Street toward Elm Street.

This is part of a 90-day trial period enacted by Saco’s Traffic Safety Committee with positive input from Pleasant Street residents and Saco Police, Public Works, Fire, and Administration departments. The goal of this trial is to encourage right turns onto Elm Street, remove left turns onto Main Street, increase on-street parking, and improve parking access to businesses on the ends of Pleasant Street. After the trial period, the change will be evaluated by the committee as they consider a permanent change.

If you’d like to submit any feedback regarding this trial, please reach out to Traffic Safety Committee Chair and Deputy Police Chief Corey Huntress. Contact information can be found at sacomaine.org/police.

ROUTE 5 BRIDGE WORK

Beginning Monday, August 19, 2024, Maine Department of Transportation, in partnership with Scott Construction Corporation, will be conducting bridge rehabilitation work on New County Road (Route 5) between the Saco and Biddeford/Dayton line.

The bridge, spanning over the Saco River, will be reduced to single-lane traffic. Temporary traffic signals will be installed to provide a safe area for workers and motorists. The lane closure is set to be lifted by or before mid-November.

If you have any questions regarding the project, contact Scott Construction Corporation: (207) 632-0521.

BIDDEFORD RIVER JAM FIREWORKS STREET CLOSURE

On Saturday, August 17th, at 9:25 PM, Main Street in Biddeford will be closed around Mechanics Park for Heart of Biddeford’s River Jam Festival fireworks display. The closure is expected to last until the fireworks show finishes at approximately 9:45 PM. This will impact traffic in Saco, and we encourage you to plan an alternate route if you will be traveling between or through either city at this time. For more information on River Jam Festival, visit Heart of Biddeford’s website: www.heartofbiddeford.org/riverjam

Photo Recap: HarborFest and National Night Out 2024

August has been full of activity at City-hosted community events! If you missed HarborFest or National Night Out, check out our recaps below, and plan to join us next summer.

CAMP ELLIS HARBORFEST

We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who joined us at Camp Ellis HarborFest on August 3rd and 4th! Your enthusiasm and support for Saco's working waterfront were instrumental in making this year's event unforgettable.

Check out our photo gallery to experience all the fun that was had from the spectacular fireworks show to the engaging dance and music performances, as well as delicious food and fun activities for all ages including the crab derby, crafts, the dunk tank, and balloon twisting.

At the peak of the festival, we recognized this year’s Grand Marshal, Marjorie "Midge" Moore Sanborn. Midge was born in Somerville, Mass., "because that's where the doctor was." She grew up in Camp Ellis and by the time she was 18 she had her federal captain's license.

She then worked with her father from the 1940s through 1960s to book and captain the 46-foot "Sea Hawk," operating deep sea fishing charters and tours. In 1949, the Sea Hawk shop began as the booking office for the boat charters, serving ice cream and candy. Later, it transformed into the Sea Hawk Gift Shop that so many know and love.

Midge had some moments of fame in the early ‘60s when she was on the popular television shows "To Tell the Truth" and "What's My Line?" She is passionate about the Camp Ellis community and values her connections with her church and the Nasson College Administrative Board. She is a pretty great square dancer, too.

Midge was escorted to the festival by Saco Police Department Chief Jack Clements and Deputy Fire Chief/Harbormaster David Pendleton. She arrived to crowds of people waiting to greet her as she made her way down the dock and through the parking lot to the stage. It was clear she has made a large impact on Camp Ellis throughout her life, and we appreciated the opportunity to shine the spotlight on someone who has called Saco home for so long. Midge spoke to the crowd before the return of an old tradition, the Blessing of the Boats, led by Chaplain AbbyLynn Haskell.

Camp Ellis HarborFest wouldn't be possible without a group of dedicated individuals who put in a huge amount of work behind the scenes. We wish to extend deep gratitude to all volunteers, of which there are too many to name. Many volunteers went above and beyond to make sure the event was smooth and fun, including kid’s activities leader and event planner Misty Houle, the Crab Derby operations team of James Houle and Travis, Hunter, and Melody Perrault, dunk tank participants, UNE volunteers, and game contributors.

A complex collaboration between City departments also brings life into this event through increased safety, available emergency services, organizational support, and communications. This event is led by Saco's Economic Development Department with the partnership of Saco Administration, Dock Stewards, Fire, Saco Parks & Recreation Department, Police, Public Works, and Communications. Supporting organizations included Age Friendly Saco, BSOOB Transit, Camp Ellis Rod & Gun Club, Saco Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and Saco Schools.

Lastly, event sponsors are crucial to make HarborFest sustainable. We especially appreciate our major sponsors SOS: "Save Our Shores" Saco Bay, University of New England, Camp Ellis General Store & Lobster Pound, Huot's Seafood Restaurant, Chadbourne's Lobsters, and Hancock Lumber. A full list of sponsors, including many more who gave in-kind gifts and donations, is available on our website at www.sacomaine.org/harborfest.

The planning committee will take one month off before gathering again to prepare for an even better Camp Ellis HarborFest 2025! In the meantime, we encourage you to stay connected to Saco’s working waterfront, visit the area to support local businesses, and put your feet in the sand.

Thank you all for a wonderful weekend of family fun. We'll meet you at the pier next time around!

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Saco’s sense of community was on full display at the Saco Police Department's National Night Out event on August 6th! Saco PD staff feel fortunate to serve you, and they love gathering everyone for this annual tradition with an emphasis on community policing.

Families took part in activities including a foam party, meet and greets with Police, Fire, and other City and Saco Schools staff, helmet fittings from the Michael T. Goulet Traumatic Brain Injury & Epilepsy Foundation, tosses at the dunk tank, trips down the inflatable slide, inspections of police cruisers and fire engines, recycling education from ecomaine, and more. Saco Fire Department Career and Call Divisions grilled dinner, and we ate some sweet treats from Nothing Bundt Cakes and Maine Needhams.

We appreciate Thornton Academy for being a fantastic host organization, partnering with City staff to ensure we have a safe, spacious, and beautiful environment for the gathering each year. We are also thankful for the support of City departments who help make the event happen each year, including the Facilities Division, Saco Parks & Recreation Department, Fire Department, and Communications Department. We hope you enjoyed the opportunity to meet some non-emergency City staff, including representatives from the Administration, Water Resource Recovery, and Planning Departments.

A huge thank you goes out to all National Night Out sponsors and community donors. Major sponsors include ADT, Amtrak Downeaster, Aquaboggan Waterpark, Bangor Savings Bank, Blue Triton/Poland Spring, Hannaford Supermarkets, Maine Needham Co., Michael T. Goulet Traumatic Brain Injury & Epilepsy Foundation, National Distributors, Saco and Biddeford Savings, Saco Valley Credit Union, and Vessel Services, Inc.

View more photos on the Saco Police Department Facebook page.

YardScaping Workshop 8/17

Have you considered alternatives to the standard grassy lawn? Other landscaping designs can provide pollinator resources, fresh produce, and nutrients to rehabilitate your soil, all while requiring less overall maintenance.



To learn more, join the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District’s YardScaping workshop on Tuesday, September 17th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Old Orchard Beach High School (40 Emerson Cummings Boulevard). This event provides inspiration for all the creative ways to customize your yard and basic know-how to make it happen.

Pre-registration is required. Claim your spot now through Saco/Old Orchard Beach Adult Education’s website.

Program director Ali Clift holds degrees in Environmental Studies and Marine Science from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla., and is the Education & Outreach Coordinator for the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District. Saco Public Works partners with Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District through the Interlocal Stormwater Working Group, aimed at meeting state and federal stormwater regulations to keep our watershed clean and healthy while educating residents on these topics.

To learn more about the course and see other Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District events, visit www.cumberlandswcd.org..

Saco 2024 Spirit of America Award Winner Recognized

Last week, Mayor Jodi MacPhail and the Saco City Council were proud to present Ernest Merritt III with Saco’s 2024 Spirit of America Award to recognize his incredibly valuable contributions to the community.

Ernie, well known for his artisan woodworking skills, started crafting customized canes for the City of Saco in 2015, gifting them to Saco’s oldest citizens. He has also donated approximately 100 canes to those in need.

For the past 16 years, Ernie has volunteered as a facilitator for the Chronic Pain Support Group of Southern Maine. He often works on a volunteer basis with doctors, researchers and medical professionals to advocate for community members living with chronic pain.

On behalf of the City of Saco, we would like to extend our deep gratitude to Ernie for his dedication to creating beautiful, handcrafted canes for local community members and for his unwavering support in advocating for those with chronic pain.

With Back-to-School Approaching, SPR is Hiring After the Bell Counselors

Do you love working with kids and planning activities? If so, come join our team at Saco Parks & Recreation Department as an After the Bell Programmer!

After the Bell is an after-school care program for Saco kids from Pre-K to 5th grade. Programmers are responsible for planning and supervising activities at one of four locations: CK Burns, Saco Community Center, Saco Pre-K, and Dayton Consolidated School.

HOURS:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM (dependent on school scheduling)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must be 15+, willing to be flexible with scheduling, and passionate about working with kids!

APPLICATION PROCESS:

For more information and to apply today, visit sacomaine.org/apply.

Take Part in Saco's Ongoing Transportation Planning Process

Saco’s Transportation Master Plan is underway!

The Transportation Master Plan is best described as a “mini comprehensive plan” focused on how we use our roads as drivers, walkers, and bicyclists. The plan divides different sections of the city into smaller corridors to study needs and improvements that will be needed now and into the future. The plan will also inform growth needs and help the city plan for larger infrastructure investments. Over the next year, we will be engaging the community in discussions about this study, led by Saco’s Planning and Public Works departments.

Now, we’re looking for your input. By completing our brief online survey, you can identify areas that you love, where you feel safe, or areas that need improvements. You can choose from three modes of transportation (driving, biking, and walking) and can provide an explanation for why you feel strongly about each location. The online survey will be open and available until September 6th, 2024, so please consider sharing your experiences with us. Thank you to all who participated in this engagement activity at Saco’s National Night Out event on August 6th, as seen in the attached photos.

Saco PD Partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine for Tour

Last weekend, Saco Police Patrol Officer Henderson teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine to give Alex and his “little brother” Kaden a special station tour. After meeting some of our officers at National Night Out earlier this month, Kaden, who is interested in police work, was excited to get an inside look at what we do.

They explored every corner of the station—from chatting with dispatchers in the Saco Communications Center, lifting kettlebells in the fitness center, and walking through the sally port and booking area. The visit continued with time spent with our Community Engagement Specialist/Mental Health Liaison, browsing our historical memorabilia, checking out the immersive Training Simulator, and, of course, flashing lights and sirens on our police cruisers!

While Kaden has a few years before he can officially apply to join our ranks, you can! We are hiring with a new increased starting pay of $35.50/hr. Plus, we offer years of service credits for certified officers, higher education, and military pay incentives.

Are you or someone you know ready to make a difference? Learn more and apply today at www.sacomaine.org/police.

Pickleball Courts Refinished

Saco Parks & Recreation Department's pickleball courts have been resurfaced and are in great shape for continued use through the end of the season! Thank you for your patience while we got things ready for you to return to the courts, located behind Saco Schools Central Office at 90 Beach Street.

Dyer Library Annual Book Sale Begins this Weekend

Get ready for a reading adventure like no other at Dyer Library's annual Library Book Sale!

Dive into thousands of gently-used books across every genre you can imagine —mysteries, romances, science fiction, non-fiction, and more. Whether you’re hunting for your next great read, a gift for a friend, or just a delightful browsing experience, we’ve got you covered. The sale runs during Library hours, and everything must go by August 31, so keep an eye on the later days of the sale for deep discounts. 

Click each item for more information, if available.

City Council Meetings

• August 26, 2024
• September 9, 2024
• City Council agendas are available at www.sacomaine.org/councilagendas. Sign up for e-mail alerts when meeting materials are published at www.sacomaine.org/enotify.

Planning Board Meetings

• August 20, 2024
• September 3, 2024

Other Advisory Body Meetings

• Visit the City calendar here for more.

Saco Parks & Recreation Programs

• Visit www.sacorec.com for a full list of upcoming SPR programs for all ages!

Mayor's Office Hours

• The next Mayor's Office Hours is scheduled for August 27th, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM on the second floor of Saco City Hall. Please check our calendar for any cancellations before attending.

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Sign up for e-notify to receive custom e-mail notifications on important City happenings, such as the release of new City Council and Planning Board agendas, RFPs, and more.

If you encounter any issues with this system, please reach out to the Saco Communications Department at sacotv@sacomaine.org.

Apply Today to Join Our Team

The City of Saco has open positions.

We encourage you to take a look at the job opportunities currently available with the City of Saco on our Careers page. There is so much important work that goes in to keeping the City running, often behind the scenes.

If nothing is a great fit for you, consider passing the listings along to friends and family who might be looking for a satisfying and important career.