City Hall Hours Updated in 120-Day Pilot Program

Saco and Army Corps Sign Project Partnership Agreement for Erosion Mitigation

On January 30th, Colonel Justin R. Pabis of the New England District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, joined us at City Hall to sign the Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) to begin a Section 111 Shoreline Erosion Mitigation project valued at $45 million. The project is 100% federally funded and administered by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Since constructing the jetties at the mouth of the Saco River between 1828 and 1968 as part of a federal navigation project, our community has experienced severe coastal erosion north of the jetty. For decades, the United States Army Corps of Engineers has evaluated potential shoreline erosion mitigation measures for Camp Ellis and the larger Saco Bay.

On November 27, 2023, the City Council authorized the City Administrator to enter into the PPA with the Army Corps of Engineers, the first step towards the project's design and construction phases.

The proposed project includes the construction of a 750-foot-long stone spur jetty and an estimated 300,000 cubic yards of sand beach fill, with future sand renourishment on a 10-year cycle. The spur jetty intends to reduce the overall wave energy arriving at Camp Ellis Beach and seaward material removal from the beach.

It is understood that this project will lessen the main jetty's impact on accelerating and intensifying erosion and storm damage in Camp Ellis, and we look forward to working with the Army Corps throughout the design and construction of this multiyear project. We will provide additional updates as the project moves forward.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to sign this historic agreement on behalf of the City of Saco,” said Mayor Jodi MacPhail. “Many years of hard work and dedication by countless administrations, federal and state authorities, and our own ‘SOS: Save Our Shores’ volunteer group have helped make this day happen. While not a complete solution, the impact of this remediation cannot be underscored enough and puts Camp Ellis, and Saco, on a path to stability in helping protect our residents, neighborhoods, businesses, and shoreline.”

Tricia Huot Selected and Sworn In as New Ward 6 Councilor

Tricia Huot, Saco's new Ward 6 City Councilor, was officially sworn in during the January 22nd City Council meeting.

She was appointed by the Council on January 8th, filling the vacancy left by newly-elected Mayor and former Ward 6 Councilor Jodi MacPhail. Councilor Huot will fill the remainder of the term set to expire in December 2024.

To learn more about the Saco City Council, visit our website at www.sacomaine.org/citycouncil.

Absentee Ballot Requests Open Now for March Primary, Early Voting Starts Next Week

The City Clerk's Office is now accepting absentee ballot applications for the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election.

Voters should note, effective January 1, 2024, Maine has moved from a closed primary system to a semi-open primary system. This means that voters who are not enrolled in a party may choose to vote in one party’s primary.

Absentee Ballot requests will be accepted until Thursday, February 29, 2024.

Beginning Monday, February 5, 2024, voters can also cast ballots early at Saco City Hall from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday to Thursday and 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM on Fridays.



For more information about absentee voting, Maine’s primary system, early voting, and the upcoming March 5th Presidential Primary Election, visit sacomaine.org/elections.

Mayor's Minute

Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail will be providing a monthly update to citizens that you will see featured in the City newsletter and on social media.

Saco Community Members,

First, let me start by thanking you for allowing me to represent you as Mayor. It's an honor to work with everyone to help lead our great city. It is something we can and will do together. It will take a team effort, and we want to ensure everyone is represented.

The first thirty days have been very productive. We have set up the Mayor's Office hours where we can provide a comfortable open forum. I have been meeting with neighborhood groups and residents, hearing their questions and concerns, and opening up lines of communication. I met with the Superintendent of Schools and look forward to building a solid relationship with our school system. I attended the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, which works on finding solutions to our traffic safety issues. I am continuing the great work done by Save Our Shores (SOS) to keep the positive forward momentum with the Army Corps and recently signed PPA. I am also working with our new City Administrator on consistency with our policies and procedures.

On that note, we have many opportunities to join our boards, committees, and commissions, offering residents a voice that can truly be felt and a way to help shape Saco to its fullest potential. From boards and commissions that help advise the city on policy to groups representing various interests, from our farmland to the ocean - there is something for everyone! Join our incredible community volunteers who contribute their unique talents and passions to helping make Saco a better place to live for all of us.

I encourage you to visit our website and, under the "Residents" button, click the link for Boards and Commissions, or visit https://www.sacomaine.org/advisorybodies. There, you will see a wide range of interests, allowing you to make a direct and much-needed impact.

If you have any questions about serving, feel free to reach out to me, and we can discuss where we have specific needs. Please join me during my next office hours on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

Sincerely,

Mayor Jodi MacPhail

Saco FD Recognized as Premier Blood Partner of Red Cross

Saco Fire Department has been recognized by the American Red Cross as one of its Premier Blood Partners for 2024, a prestigious honor, for its support of the community and national blood supply.

Last year, Saco Fire Department helped the Red Cross collect 116 blood donations as part of its deep-rooted commitment to help save the lives of patients facing illnesses and injuries in this community and across the country.

“We are proud to be a part of the Red Cross mission that helps ensure lifesaving blood is available for hospital patients in need,” said Saco Fire Department Chief John Duross. “We are grateful to our community members for dedicating their time and energy to such a noble cause.”

Every day, volunteer blood and platelet donors across the country are needed to help save lives. Blood and platelets are needed for accident and burn victims, heart surgery, and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or sickle cell disease, according to the Red Cross.

Saco Fire Department will host its next Red Cross blood drive on Monday, March 18th, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Central Fire Station, 271 North Street, Saco. Community members are urged to come out and roll up a sleeve.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood at the Saco Fire Department, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Saco%20Fire or call 207-282-3244.

Planning Department Updates

CLIMATE PLAN INFORMATION SESSION

The City of Saco will host an information session on the creation of its first Climate Adaptation and Action Plan. Join us as we share information about the draft plan, which will provide a road map for the next ten years of Saco’s climate future. Info session details: Wednesday, March 6, 2024 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM / City Hall Auditorium, Live streamed and recorded. Learn more about the climate plan: www.sacomaine.org/climate. RSVP online here.

PLANNING BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE UPDATE

On January 17th, the Planning Board provided its 2024 meeting schedule. The Board will be meeting Tuesdays at 6:30 PM (instead of 5:30 PM) as indicated, and the schedule has been posted to the city’s online meeting calendar. (Please note: The Planning Board can revise its schedule on an as-needed basis). 

The Business Buzz...

Welcome to the City of Saco’s Economic Development Department’s “Business Buzz.” Each month we will feature information about programs, opportunities and highlight Saco’s business sector. 

Economic Development Department One-on-One with Dirigo Physical Therapy & Performance

Dirigo Physical Therapy & Performance recently cut the ribbon on their new location at 110 Main Street, Suite 1106 in Saco. Their original location opened in 2020 and due to their success, they needed a larger space.

To help us understand more about Dirigo Physical Therapy and Performance, Economic Development Director Tracey Desjardins asked owner Lloyd Beckett a few questions:

Who is Lloyd Beckett?

Lloyd is the visionary behind Dirigo Physical Therapy and Performance and boasts an illustrious career that spans from his roots as a young athlete in Falmouth to his impactful tenure with professional sports teams like the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Brooklyn Nets. His journey began in his hometown, where his passion for proper athlete care ignited during his own experiences as a high school athlete at Falmouth High School, where he played baseball and football.

What inspired you to become a business owner?

Following multiple injuries during my time as a high school athlete, I found myself drawn to the complexities of injury rehabilitation. This interest prompted me to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Northeastern University, followed by a Master’s in Athletic Training at Bridgewater State University. In the initial phases of my career, I honed my skills through varied experiences at outpatient clinics, including roles at the Vanderbilt Orthopedic Institute and with the U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command.

Returning to Maine with a newfound purpose, I established Dirigo Physical Therapy and Performance in Portland, driven by a mission to fill a void in quality care for young athletes. The practice, influenced by his extensive experience treating elite athletes, emphasizes an active, exercise-based approach aimed at empowering patients to reclaim control of their recovery journey.

What strategies do you use to attract new customers and retain existing ones?

At Dirigo, personalized attention is paramount, with exclusive one-on-one care ensuring that each patient receives focused, individualized treatment. Supported by a team of dedicated professionals, including physical therapists and athletic trainers, patients benefit from a collaborative environment conducive to optimal healing and performance enhancement. 

What services do you offer and how do you differentiate them from your competitors?

The practice's commitment to excellence extends beyond its clinic walls, as evidenced by partnerships with local high schools and colleges. Through these initiatives, Lloyd and his team are pioneering innovative approaches to athlete care, integrating advanced technology and fostering a culture of collaboration to elevate performance standards.

Why did you choose Saco for your second location?

In 2020, Dirigo PT seized the opportunity to open a satellite clinic within CrossFit Rising Tide. Having outgrown their shared space, they have recently moved next door into a dedicated state of the art clinic within the Saco Mills. The Saco office of Dirigo PT and Performance mirrors the ethos of its parent location, offering personalized, one-on-one care tailored to the unique needs of each patient. The Saco clinic has assembled a team of skilled professionals led by Dr. Brianna Stagg, dedicated to delivering exceptional care and fostering a culture of collaboration. In addition to Portland and Saco, Dirigo PT has opened a Westbrook office within the past year.

What was the decision to move into a larger location?

The opportunity presented itself to move into a more spacious studio to better serve our growing client base. Saco’s Economic Development Department provided a $15,000 small business grant. The grants and the support from the city to help us get this space up and running were huge.

In closing, as Dirigo PT and Performance continues to shape athletic care, their dedication to empowering athletes of all levels remains steadfast. Dirigo Physical Therapy and Performance continues to work toward making a profound impact on the communities they serve, ensuring that individuals from aspiring young athletes and weekend warriors to seasoned professionals have access to the highest standard of care.

If you would like more information about Saco’s Economic Development grant programs, visit their website at www.sacomaine.org/economicdevelopment.

New Conservation Book Club Kicks Off Tonight, February 1st, at Dyer Library

Saco Valley Land Trust and Dyer Library/Saco Museum are teaming up to bring a new Conservation Book Club to Saco, with the first meeting coming up tonight, February 1st! Future book club meetings will take place on April 4th and June 6th.

Sign up for the book club by e-mailing Abby Wilson, Event and Outreach Coordinator, at awilson@sacovalleylandtrust.org. Tonight's book is "The Overstory" by Richard Powers.

Families Enjoy Clark's Hill Sledding, Now Managed by City of Saco

In October 2023, the Saco City Council accepted a land donation from the Clark family of the popular sledding location on Ferry Road, locally known as "Clark's Hill." Deed restrictions now prohibit the development of the property, with an agreement that the City will mow the field at least once a year before snow falls so that it can continue to be used for sledding and other recreational uses as appropriate.

After recent snowfalls, we got glimpses of the joy families have on the hill each winter with run after run down the slope overlooking the Saco River, pictured here.

Thank you to Saco Parks for their ongoing efforts to maintain the property. In the spring, the City will install a bench in honor of Richard Clark and move the bench honoring Janice Clark to the front of the hill.

Clark's Hill is across the street from 210-216 Ferry Road. When visiting, please pull your vehicle to the side of the road and be cautious of passing traffic. If the area is full and you cannot park safely, please come back another time.

Library & Museum Director Retires After Distinguished Career

The City of Saco, along with Senator Donna Bailey and Representative Lynn H. Copeland, recognized Leslie Rounds during the January 8th City Council meeting as she recently retired from 18 years of service as the executive director of the Dyer Library/Saco Museum.

Leslie has made a great impact on community members of all ages and leaves behind a lasting legacy.

"She is someone who would never ask anyone to do something she would not do herself," said Mayor Jodi MacPhail. "Leslie has managed to instill wonder, imagination, and the feel of holding a book in your hand into a new generation of library lovers."

We are grateful for your many years dedicated to bettering our community, Leslie.

Click each item for more information, if available.

City Council Meetings

• February 5, 2024
• February 12, 2024
• February 26, 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

• February 6, 2024
• February 20, 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!

Saco Fire Department Blood Drive

• March 18, 2024. Register online or by calling (207) 282-3244.

Mayor's Office Hours

• Weekly on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7:00 PM on the second floor of Saco City Hall. Please check our calendar for any alterations to this schedule before attending.

Saco Main Street Events

• Biddeford-Saco Restaurant Week 2024, March 10th to 17th, 2024. RSVP here and learn more here.

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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.