Camp Ellis HarborFest Brings Community Back to the Ocean | |
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We're so excited to welcome you back to Saco's working waterfront for Camp Ellis HarborFest, with fireworks on August 3rd and the festival on August 4th.
Saco's Economic Development Department and a group of community volunteers have collaborated to bring this event to life, focused on Saco's commercial fishing hub, local coastal businesses, and shoreline erosion education. Our active coast is a vital part of the Saco community, and we invite you to explore it during Camp Ellis HarborFest 2024. We'll have all kinds of exciting, engaging activities meant for all ages, great food, and live music.
Find all the details about Camp Ellis HarborFest, including information on transportation, a list of food trucks, and a schedule of events and activities, on our website. Parking is extremely limited in Camp Ellis and we encourage all participants to take the shuttle option provided with the support of Saco Schools and BSOOB Transit.
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Thank you, Saco voters! A huge shoutout to everyone who voted on June 11th. Your participation makes our community strong. Election results are now available on the City Clerk's webpage: sacomaine.org/elections.
We want to thank the City Clerk and her dedicated team, including the Deputy City Clerk, Assistant City Clerk, Election Wardens, Ward Clerks, and Election Clerks. Their hard work ensures that every voice in Saco is heard, whether it's a local, state, or federal election. By the end of 2024, they will have overseen three elections in just one year, a testament to their dedication and the impact of their work on our community.
By partnering with Thornton Academy, the city has provided a larger, more accessible voting location with better parking and a bigger polling area to better accommodate the needs of all of Saco's citizens. The support of Saco's high school in providing an opportunity for citizens to exercise their right to vote is essential to showcase.
You may not know that Saco's Facilities Division is crucial in setting up and dismantling the election equipment. They started at 6:00 AM and wrapped up after 10:00 PM on Election Day. We truly appreciate their dedication and hard work ensuring the polling place was ready for voters last month.
Together, we make Saco a vibrant and engaged community. Thank you all!
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Official Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Beginning of Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade | |
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Saco held an official groundbreaking ceremony yesterday, honoring the beginning of an historic, citizen-approved infrastructure initiative: The Saco Water Resource Recovery Project. Construction is expected to occur over three years, ending in spring 2027. We were proud to share the occasion today with U.S. Senator Susan Collins, U.S. EPA - New England Region Administrator David Cash, Maine DEP Commissioner Melanie Loyzim, and other project partners.
Saco’s Water Resource Recovery Facility provides sewer services to more than 12,000 residents and 375 businesses, with numbers increasing as our community grows. Because the wastewater treatment plant is just a few feet away from the tidally influenced Saco River, the facility has experienced adverse effects from flooding, sea level rise, and weather events.
With scientists anticipating these effects will increase in the future, Saco studied the facility for three years with the help of experts and with rigorous community input to determine the most sustainable path forward. The Coastal Resiliency Ad Hoc Committee, comprised of community stakeholders, worked with Saco’s Water Resource Recovery Department, City Communications Department, and the US EPA to complete an analysis of three possible resiliency upgrades, recommending the site design with the highest benefit-cost ratio to the City Council for consideration. This proposal, which elevates the facility, provides new and renovated treatment processes, and expands overall wastewater treatment capacity, was brought to voters in November 2021 through a $50 million bond question. Voters approved the bond on November 2, 2021, with a pledge from the City to seek alternative funding sources and the City has worked hard to deliver on that promise.
Senator Collins, in collaboration with Senator Angus King, sponsored a Congressionally Directed Spending Request for $3.93 million toward the initial phase of the Saco Water Resource Recovery Project. This funding was signed into law on March 15, 2022, in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022. The project has also secured other funding sources, with $2 million in principal loan forgiveness from the DEP and two other critical Congressionally Directed/Community Project Funding initiatives bringing the state or federal funding amount to $10,956,978. These funds will contribute to our collective environmental sustainability.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, we were joined by individuals and organizations that have helped bring this project to life, including:
- U.S. Senator Susan Collins
- David Cash, EPA Region 1 Administrator
- Melanie Loyzim, Maine DEP Commissioner
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Brian Ambrette, Senior Climate Resilience Coordinator, Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future
- Sarah Stanley, Regional Representative to Senator Angus King
- Mayor Jodi MacPhail
- City Departments and City Council
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MWH Constructors
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Tighe & Bond
The project team continues to work diligently on construction while maintaining plant operations, with local approvals attained from the Planning Board and Saco River Corridor Commission. Saco has been working closely with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection on all aspects of the project.
To view a live-stream of construction activity and read more project information, visit www.sacomaine.org/resiliency.
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Saco City Hall Closed July 4 and 5 | |
Saco City Hall will be closed Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5, 2024, in observance of Independence Day. This week's Mayor's Office Hours, scheduled for Tuesday, July 2, has also been canceled.
Saco Transfer Station will also be closed Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5, and will re-open Saturday, July 6. Curbside trash and recycling collection will not be affected by the holiday.
You can still do business with us online at sacomaine.org/pay, where we offer a variety of services:
- Vehicle re-registrations
- Property tax payments
- Sewer or water bill payments
- Parking ticket payments
| Jubilee Island Music Series Kicks off 2024 Season Sunday | |
Join us for our 4th annual concert series on Jubilee Island, a beautiful park surrounded by the Saco River and accessible through the covered pedestrian bridge on Water Street in downtown Saco. The one-acre park is an ideal spot for some weekend evening sun while you take in the sounds of Maine musicians.
We'll have concerts from on weekends between July 6th and August 4th:
There are a few benches and picnic tables, but we encourage you to bring your own seating and snacks. The wide, paved path across the bridge makes this park very accessible to all. Parking is available nearby in the short-term lot at the Saco Transportation Center, in the public parking lot on Free Street behind the post office, and in the City Hall lot on Cutts Ave.
This event was created by the City of Saco, Saco Parks & Recreation and Saco Main Street.
*In the event of inclement weather, please check facebook.com/sacomaine/events for cancellation notices.
|  | Fire Department Provides Local Students with Memorable Ride to School |  | |
With lights flashing, four Fairfield School students arrived at school in style last month.
These new junior firefighters - Aiden, Harry, Anthony, and Adrian - were treated to a ride to school in a ladder truck after Aiden's grandparents won the ride during the 17th Annual Thornton Academy Fund Auction in May.
"We were simply expecting a ride to Fairfield School," said Joyce, Aiden's grandmother. "What transpired was an experience that these boys will remember for the rest of their lives. The hats, t-shirts, and opportunity to take pictures on and in the firetruck only added to the experience."
As they arrived at the school, their classmates cheered and welcomed them, and the boys ran off to their friends. They prepared to head into school for the day, but not until they returned to Lt. Karl Finley and Firefighter/Paramedic Tyler Vesey to say a polite "thank you."
Saco Fire Department values opportunities to engage with young community members, educating them on fire safety and forming connections that help build trust. This trust can lead to better outcomes in the event of an emergency. When a young person in our community needs help, we want them to feel safe going toward our firefighters and EMTs.
|  | Saco Main Street Wins $50k Grant to Improve Local Park | |
We’re thrilled to announce that Saco Main Street is a proud recipient of T-Mobile’s Hometown Grants program, designed to kickstart local development projects that enhance communities.
On June 22, T-Mobile presented a generous $49,276 check to Saco Main Street at Pacifico Restaurant. This grant will fund the revitalization of Riverfront Park, featuring new picnic tables, seating, bike racks, and security cameras—creating a safer, more enjoyable space for everyone to relax and appreciate the Saco River. Thank you to Saco’s Economic Development Department for grant submission support and Saco Parks & Recreation Department for the design, vision, and planning involved with revitalizing this special park and of course, congratulations to Saco Main Street!
| 53rd Annual Sidewalk Arts Festival Brings Color to Downtown |  | |
What a beautiful Saturday on Main Street for the 53rd Annual Sidewalk Arts Festival!
We enjoyed seeing so many of you browsing artist booths and joining in activities hosted by various community groups, city committees, and municipal departments.
At the festival's center was a new interactive community art project! The five-foot-tall "I <3 SACO" letters became a colorful canvas as people of all ages added their creative touch. Participants collaboratively transformed the blank canvas into something we made together to represent our community with one brush stroke at a time from people of all ages. After the weather-sealing process, this sign will be installed at several locations throughout the community this summer. Keep an eye out!
We are deeply grateful for the active engagement of all who participated and attended this event. Your presence and contributions made the 53rd Annual Sidewalk Arts Festival a resounding success.
Thank you, Saco Main Street, for organizing such vibrant events, and a huge thanks to our city staff and departments for keeping everything safe and enjoyable!
Want to see more?
|  | Local Educator Recognized for Teacher of the Year Honor | |
"What took them so long?"
This is the feedback State Senator Donna Bailey said she has heard most when talking with students and their parents about York County's Teacher of the Year selection, Saco's own Danielle Pelletier.
"We're glad that they are finally giving you the recognition that you deserve," Senator Bailey said, while presenting Danielle with a Legislative Sentiment at the June 3rd City Council meeting. The Maine Department of Education and Educate Maine administer the Teacher of the Year program annually, with more than 600 teachers nominated by a member of the school community statewide.
Saco Deputy Mayor Marshall Archer and the City Council also recognized Danielle during the meeting.
"In addition to her outstanding work with her third-grade students, promoting collaboration between students and, as a result, improving social skills, Ms. Pelletier also mentors teachers and works with her peers to develop new curriculum and strengthen professional development," said Deputy Mayor Archer. In 2022, Danielle was also a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Training. She has been an educator for 16 years, with eight of those in Saco as a third-grade teacher at C.K. Burns School.
We are fortunate to have wonderful educators in our community. Please join us in thanking Danielle for her dedication to Saco's students and her passion for this important work at Saco Schools!
|  |  | National Night Out Returns 8/6 |  | |
We are pleased to share that the Saco Police Department will again be hosting National Night Out 2024, in conjunction with the City of Saco.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.
The event will take place on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Thornton Academy (438 Main St.) in Saco.
Please join us for free food, drinks, games, and a number of free activities such as bounce houses, an obstacle course, and children's games, to name a few. There will also be a "touch a truck" display and meet and greets with public safety and City employees. Don't forget to save the date!
Anyone with questions, or a business/organization interested in participating in National Night Out, is welcome to contact Saco Police Department Administration at 207-282-8214 and speak with the Administrative Assistant.
RSVP and invite your friends and family on Facebook.
|  | Keeping our Coastline Safe: Meet Saco's Lifeguards | |
Saco Parks & Recreation lifeguards have hit the beach!
These public safety professionals are dedicated to making sure everyone who visits Saco’s beaches have a safe visit to our coastline. They are trained and certified to provide beachgoers with first aid and rescue services.
You’ll see them patrolling Bayview Beach and Kinney Shores this summer. Learn more about Saco’s beaches on our website: www.sacomaine.org/beaches.
| Saco Police Department Participates in Torch Run | |
On June 5th, Saco Police and Fire departments were joined by Buxton Police Department as the group participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics. The group received the torch at the Biddeford-Saco border from Biddeford Police Department, and the runners made their way up Route 1 to the handoff to the Scarborough Maine Police Department at the town line.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for the Special Olympics, with more than 85,000 participants in 35 countries, including all 50 states. The torch was carried by runners all the way to Orono, 150 miles from Saco, where the Special Olympics Maine 2024 State Summer Games Opening Ceremonies were held on June 7th.
Learn more about Special Olympics Maine on their website: www.somaine.org
| Firefighter Retires After 30+ Years of Service to Saco Community |  | |
On June 26th, the Saco Fire Department celebrated the distinguished career of Firefighter Mark Kelley, who retired after more than 30 years of exemplary service.
His dedication was particularly evident during his many years responding to emergencies with Ladder 7. Throughout his time in Saco, Mark was known for being a reliable, skilled firefighter/EMS provider and a valued mentor to his colleagues. He is also known for his pride in service, industry knowledge, and sense of humor, which positively impact all who know him.
The department hosted a retirement lunch on June 26 in the apparatus bay at Central Station, attended by old friends, colleagues, and family, all eager to honor Mark's contributions to the community.
Mark's final ride in the fire engine, accompanied by his family, was a powerful symbol of his professional journey and his transition to a well-earned retirement.
The Saco community, united in its appreciation for Mark's service, extends its heartfelt best wishes as he embarks on this new chapter.
|  | Recognizing Saco's Mechanics | |
Automotive Service Professionals Week took place in June, and we thanked the mechanics who keep our City fleet running.
From plow trucks and loaders to school buses, firetrucks, and police cruisers, this skilled team of professionals works hard each day to solve problems and keep vital city vehicles in action.
Saco Public Works is looking to add mechanics to their team. If you or someone you know has a passion for automotive work and is looking to take the next step in their career, visit sacomaine.org/apply to submit an application today.
| Household Hazardous Waste Collection In Saco This Month | |
The City of Saco is partnering again with the cities of Scarborough and Biddeford to facilitate proper disposal of hazardous waste in your household. Household hazardous waste collection events will take place in our cities throughout the year.
These events are the perfect opportunity to dispose of any chemicals and materials you have in your home or garage that you may have been holding onto. Some materials collected include oil-based paints, paint thinner, pesticides, herbicides, gasoline, degreasers, wood stain, pool chemicals, drain cleaner, cleaning agents, and solvents.
Saco Public Works (15 Phillips Spring Rd) will be hosting a Household Hazardous Waste Collection on Saturday, July 27th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Residents of Saco are also welcome to participate in our neighboring communities’ collection events:
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Collection in Scarborough (20 Washington Ave) will take place Saturday, May 11th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
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Collection in Biddeford (371 Hill St) will occur Saturday, September 14th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Please provide proof of Saco residency, such as a driver’s license, at any event you may participate in.
For a full list of accepted materials for disposal, visit our website.
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Click each item for more information, if available.
City Council Meetings
Planning Board Meetings
Other Advisory Body Meetings
Saco Parks & Recreation Programs
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Visit www.sacorec.com for a full list of upcoming SPR programs for all ages!
Mayor's Office Hours
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The July 2, 2024, office hours event has been canceled. Otherwise, this occurs weekly on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7:00 PM on the second floor of Saco City Hall. Please check our calendar for any cancellations before attending.
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Receive E-mail Notifications for Council, Planning Board, and More Through E-Notify | |
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Would you like to hear from us more than once a month?
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.
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Apply Today to Join Our Team | |
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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.
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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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