Vote Next Week in the June 11th State Primary & Local Election

This year's State Primary, Municipal Budget Validation Referendum, and Special Referendum Election takes place on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Thornton Academy's Linnell Gymnasium (438 Main Street).

WHAT'S ON THE BALLOT?

This year's ballot includes the state primary and two referendum questions:

• Referendum Question 1: This question allows citizens to vote on the school budget for fiscal year 2025.
• Referendum Question 2: This ballot item allows Saco residents to explore funding a new two-school campus with a 28% local and 72% state funding split (with local taxpayer funding capped at $39 million and $101 million in State support). The proposal aims to replace Young, CK Burns, and Fairfield schools, plus Saco Pre-K, to provide equitable education from Pre-K to Fifth grade.

To help residents learn more about the new school construction bond referendum question, the City's Communications Department produced this explanatory video in partnership with Saco Schools:

For even more information on the new school construction project, including details on the multi-year planning process, site renderings, and project outcomes, visit the Schools' dedicated website for Question 2: www.info-on-2.com.

Other helpful links:

• Saco Schools project overview. 
• Answers to frequently asked questions.
• Submit your own questions here.
• Follow Saco Schools on Facebook for ongoing updates.

Absentee voting ends this week, with June 6th as the final day to request or vote an in-person absentee ballot. The City Clerk's office has extended hours, open until 6:00 PM, on the June 6th deadline.

To learn more about absentee voting, visit the City Clerk's website.

On our website, you'll also find sample ballots and more information on the state's new semi-open primary system, where unenrolled voters (those not affiliated with a political party) may choose to vote in one party's primary. This change went into effect this year.

We hope to see you at the polls between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM at Thornton Academy on June 11th.

Saco Fire Department Hosting Blood Drive June 17th

Saco Fire Department, an American Red Cross 2024 Premier Blood Partner, is hosting another blood drive on June 17th! There are still several donation spots available — will you sign up to give today?

Donating blood is an act of service that helps save lives. In emergency situations, blood donations help meet the need when demand for blood can suddenly spike. An hour of your time can act as a real form of community support, and through your action you might inspire others to do the same.

Consider signing up today to donate at Saco Fire Department on June 17th, and share this message with friends and family who might want to do the same. You can register by calling the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS or by visiting them online.

Saluting Sacrifice: Memorial Day Parade Highlights

Thank you to everyone who braved the rain this Memorial Day to participate in the Biddeford-Saco parade, showing respect to American soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail led the opening and closing ceremonies in front of large crowds of Biddeford-Saco residents, and attendees of all ages lined Main Street in both communities. Also in attendance were City Councilors Marshall Archer, Phil Hatch, and Tricia Huot. We heard performances from local choirs and bands, including Saco Middle School (Saco Schools) and Thornton Academy. During ceremonies in Saco and Biddeford, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman laid wreaths of remembrance.

A special thanks goes to Heart of Biddeford and the event planning team, including local veterans and Saco Main Street. We are thankful for the support of City departments, without which these events would not be possible. We appreciate the work of Saco Public Works, Saco Parks & Recreation Department, Saco Police Department, Saco Fire Department, and Saco Communications Department for providing another safe Main Street event.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction Continues

Saco’s Water Resource Recovery Facility upgrade is moving along quickly!

Work began earlier this spring, including the demolition of the Front Street garage, as the treatment plant is made resilient for future generations.

Pile driving work began on Monday, May 20th. This necessary but noisy step of the construction process will occur during business hours and will be completed as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimize disruption to the surrounding community. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to our team at using the form at sacomaine.org/resiliency.

The project at the Water Resource Recovery Facility was part of a bond question in November 2021, and voters gave it overwhelming support. The construction phase of the project is expected to take three years (ending in spring 2027). You can watch the upgrade process as it happens by viewing the construction live stream linked on our project page, sacomaine.org/resiliency.

Reminders for Your Next Beach Trip

As the sun shines brighter and the days get warmer, Saco's beaches are gearing up for a bustling season ahead! Here are some essential coastal reminders to make your beach experience safe and enjoyable:

BEACH ACCESSIBILITY MATS: Bayview Beach now has accessibility mats installed, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sandy shores. For added comfort, benches are provided along the walkway.

BATHROOMS: Bayview Beach and Camp Ellis bathrooms opened on May 19th. Hours will adjust with the changing sunset times. Report any issues at www.sacomaine.org/bathrooms.

DOGS ON THE BEACH: Remember, from April 1st to September 30th, keep your furry friends on a leash no longer than 12 feet. Let's respect the piping plovers by staying at least 100 feet away from their nesting sites. Learn more at www.sacomaine.org/dogs.

LIFEGUARDS: Our dedicated lifeguards will be on duty starting June 15th, keeping watch from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Your safety is our priority, so please heed their guidance.

PARKING: Paid parking enforcement at beach lots began on May 24th. Secure your seasonal parking permits online or at City Hall. Residents, veterans, and seniors enjoy special rates. Non-resident permits are available, too—details are posted at www.sacomaine.org/parking. To view beach parking regulations in Saco City Code, visit https://ecode360.com/9679399.

For more beach info, head to sacomaine.org/beaches. Let's make this beach season one to remember!

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. 

State Launches New Business Resource

Saco entrepreneurs: We have some exciting news for you!

The State of Maine recently launched an innovative new resource, the Maine Funding Network, aimed at helping Maine business owners explore public and non-profit financing options to help them grow and succeed.

This initiative of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and the Finance Authority of Maine is a centralized, easy-to-use platform designed to help interested borrowers easily navigate Maine's menu of public and nonprofit business funding options. The portal was designed with input and feedback from Maine business owners, lenders, and economic development leaders.

Learn more and explore this new resource today: www.mainefundingnetwork.com

----

If you're looking to start or grow your business in Saco, our Economic Development team would love to hear from you. Learn more about local programs and set up a meeting today by visiting sacomaine.org/economicdevelopment.

Bike-Ped Committee Hosts Local Ride of Silence

Continuing a three-year tradition, Saco Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee took part in the International Ride of Silence last month.

The International Ride of Silence is hosted in more than 400 locations with the purpose of honoring cyclists and pedestrians who have been injured or killed while walking or cycling on public roadways and to raise awareness of the importance of sharing the road.

Saco's ride included a 'ghost bike,' the white bicycle pictured here. The ghost bike serves as a physical symbol of the vulnerability of cyclists, and the lives lost to vehicular violence. The ride route also crossed into Biddeford for the first time this year. Cyclists and pedestrians often cross the river on foot or bike in their daily commuter or recreational travel.

We ask you to join us in making a safer Saco for everyone by being alert while driving and looking for cyclists and pedestrians, who have a right to public roadways.

Learn more about the Saco BPAC on their webpage: sacomaine.org/bpac

Library Visitors Vote for No Mow May Youth Art Contest Winners

We have our winners!

Congratulations to the talented young artists who captured the beauty of No Mow May through their illustrations at the Dyer Library. Library visitors voted for their favorite pieces of art throughout the month of May, and today we're announcing the selected winners.

The Saco Conservation Commission promoted No Mow May again this year, highlighting the benefits of allowing lawns, and the wildflowers within them, to grow uncut in May. This simple, voluntary act increases the food resources available for pollinators like bees or butterflies. The Commission was happy to partner with the Dyer Library for this illustration contest, and all participants were offered wildflower seed packets from the Conservation Commission.

The three winners, one from each age group, will receive a family pass to Maine Botanical Gardens. Dyer Library has a community pass program, which allows them to provide any library member with a one-day family pass to the gardens and other Maine institutions, pending availability. Learn more on Dyer Library's newly redesigned website: sacomuseum.org/park-museum-passes

Now, let's recognize these young artists who won the vote:

Birth to 5 years old: Connor Arsenault, Age 5

Six to 10 years old: Isaiah Cloutier, Age 6

11 to 18 years old: Juniper L., Age 12

To learn more about the Saco Conservation Commission's No Mow May campaign, visit their website at sacomaine.org/bees.

HarborFest 2024 T-Shirt Design Revealed

The t-shirt design for Camp Ellis HarborFest 2024 has been selected!

Thornton Academy student Isabelle Loignon's design was selected after review of Thornton Academy submissions by the Camp Ellis HarborFest planning group and Saco Arts Commission. Isabelle is a senior at TA who says her goal is to be a self-employed artist.

"I wanted to create a design that wasn't simply of the festival, but something that likely hadn't been done for the organization before," she said. "I came up with the idea of merging text with graphics and chose a fun, summery font to draw the pier inside."

You can follow Isabelle's budding art career by following her on Instagram @izzys_creations4.

Camp Ellis HarborFest is set for August 4th, 2024, with fireworks on August 3rd to kick off the celebration of our working waterfront. Vendor applications are open now, and we'll share more announcements about performances, activities, and transportation as the event draws closer. Learn more and follow along by signing up for our e-mail list at www.sacomaine.org/harborfest and RSVP here.

Saco Main Street Hosts Inaugural Pride Event

We had a blast at Saco Main Street’s first ever Pride in the Park last weekend!

Color and joy filled the air, as community members participated in the color run, enjoyed some local food, and danced to music in the sun. The new event celebrates the LGBTQ+ community in Saco and coincided with the start of June, Pride Month. 



Thank you to all the participants and volunteers who made this gathering such a success. You can check out Saco Main Street's upcoming events, including the Sidewalk Arts Festival, Music in the Park, and Saco Car Show by visiting their website: www.sacomainstreet.org

Safe Boating Week Reminders

National Safe Boating Week (May 18-24, 2024) reminded us to brush up on our boating safety & skills as we prepare to hit the water this summer.

Taking basic steps to protect yourself and the ones you love can save lives:

• Always wear a life jacket & make sure it fits properly. Cold water this time of year is especially dangerous, and a life jacket dramatically improves your chances of surviving a boating accident.
• Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition.
• Check the weather forecast before going out. Be prepared with charts/maps and emergency communication tools.
• If you’re operating a motor-powered vessel, wear your engine-cut-off switch lanyard. This simple device will stop the engine in the unexpected event of the operator falling overboard.
• Never drink while operating. Always designate a sober skipper.



Beginning this year, there are new rules regarding the operation of boats for younger people. You can find information regarding those newly implemented state laws and boating education courses on the State of Maine's website.

Learn more about how to stay safe on the water at safeboatingcampaign.com.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Information

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:

• Collection in Scarborough (20 Washington Ave) will take place Saturday, May 11th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
• 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.

Unveiling Two New Route 1 Utility Cabinet Art Installations

You may have noticed some new pieces of public art as you've traveled along Route 1 in Saco this spring!

The Saco Arts Commission has completed installation of two new utility box art wraps with original artwork by Thornton Academy students Larry Zitong Zhou and Amelia In-Young Hwang. Larry and Amelia were the winners of a contest run among students to continue the Traffic Signal Cabinet Renovation project, expanding the existing three installations to five.

Amelia's piece depicting a crosswalk is located on the corner of Thornton Academy's campus at the intersection of Main and Fairfield streets. Larry's design can be found at the corner of Main Street and Ocean Park Road.

The Arts Commission is proud to showcase the talent of these young local artists, serving the commission's mission of bringing together members of the community, City Councilors, and staff to improve the aesthetic quality of the City's public spaces. The commission encourages and supports art in our community while strengthening economic development and improving quality of life. Learn more about their projects at www.sacomaine.org/artscommission.

Saco: City of A Million Trees

For the 14th consecutive year, Saco has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Foundation. The City is proud of the more than one million trees on city property and easements.

Elected officials took the time to acknowledge Saco’s dedication to the preservation of trees in public spaces. At a meeting in May, Saco City Council & Mayor Jodi MacPhail proclaimed May 20th through May 24th as Saco’s celebration of Arbor Week.

“This recognition demonstrates the commitment that the Saco Parks and Rec department has to ensure that Saco’s urban landscape remains rich with a variety of tree species that are vibrant healthy and safe,” Mayor Jodi MacPhail said during her proclamation. “Saco is celebrating Arbor week this week, which is an excellent time to spotlight the work of our Parks team and their dedication to keeping trees a vital part of Saco's community landscape.”

Thank you to our Parks Department for maintaining and preserving the rich landscape of Saco.

Learn more about what it means to be a Tree City USA by visiting the Arbor Day Foundation’s website, www.arborday.org.

Recognizing the Service of City Staff

Through the month of May, we took several opportunities to honor the work of different City departments as we participated in national recognition weeks for EMS Week, National Public Works Week, Home Fire Sprinkler Week, Economic Development Week, National Police Week, and International Firefighters' Day.

In Saco, our staff come to work each day to serve the residents of this community, providing high-quality services backed by true commitment to making our City a better place for everyone. We'd like to express our gratitude one more time to those that we recognized this month from the Saco Fire, Public Works, Police, and Economic Development. Their dedication is noticed and appreciated as they fill their roles: keeping us safe and enforcing laws, enhancing the economic and cultural vibrancy of our City, responding to medical emergencies, and maintaining and improving local infrastructure and public travel routes. Thank you to all.

Saco Main Street Summer Continues

The summer is packed with Saco Main Street events! There's something for everyone. Here’s a sample of what we have to look forward to, hosted by the downtown nonprofit: 

• 53rd Annual Saco Main Street Arts Festival: Saturday, June 22 at 9:00 AM, Main Street 
• Music Mondays: Mondays from July 8 – August 12 at CK Burns 
• 15th Annual Saco Car Show: Saturday, July 27 at 8:00 AM, Thornton Academy 
• Bark in the Park: Saturday, September 14, Pepperell Park 

Find more information and RSVP on Saco Main Street’s Facebook events page. 

Click each item for more information, if available.

City Council Meetings

• June 3, 2024
• June 10, 2024
• June 17, 2024
• July 8, 2024
• July 22, 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

• June 4, 2024
• June 18, 2024
• July 2, 2024
• July 16, 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

• 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.

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.

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.