Did you know...the Town of Wells Select Board meetings are streamed live for your viewing on Facebook, Town Hall Streams and YouTube? You can watch previously recorded meetings at any time, or tune in live to share a comment for the chance to have it shared during the public forum.

Stay up to date and view the meeting minutes at your convenience.

Daylight Savings Reminder: We are just a few days out from the start of daylight saving time, beginning on Sunday, March 10th. Clocks will go ahead one hour and give us later sunsets.

Wells Harbor is getting a new look this Spring, as a list of much needed improvements are slated to happen in the coming months.

The Eastern Shore Marina Pier will be rebuilt with new stringers and planking. Fifty brand new floats will be added to the Eastern Shore Marina with conduit running under the float for future utilities and improvements. 35 new pilings will be installed to hold four new rows of floating docks. The first row of floating docks will parallel the Eastern Shore Marina floats, stretching some 1,050 feet in between the old double row of moorings in the Federal Anchorage. In the middle of this string of floats will be a 32’ X11.5’ float for skiff tie up.

The second row of floats will be located towards the middle of the harbor and will consist of nine 24’ X 6.5’ floats running North to South for 216’.

On the West side of the harbor, along the Federal Navigation Channel, a third string of floats will consist of three 24’ X6.5’ for commercial dockage and one 32’ X11.5’ for transient boaters.

On the far West side of the harbor, six floats will be added to the existing three and all nine will be piled for movement control.



Finally, the Town is adding two brand new 32’ X 11.5’ main floats to the front of the pier. These floats were partially funded by a grant from Maine submerged Lands.

All of these improvements will take place post dredge operations. Your patience while we get the harbor ready for opening day will be greatly appreciated.

View a detailed lay out of the Wells Harbor Mooring system improvements below.

As of February 19th, Michels Construction, the company awarded the dredging contract for the Wells Federal Navigation Project, has removed 57,000 cubic yards of sand from the harbor and has built up 1,100 feet of beach. The overall goal for the Federal Navigation Project, is to remove 107,000 cubic yards of sand and rebuild 2,400 feet of beach.

Currently, the Town of Wells is in discussion with Michels about dredging the Town’s portion of the harbor at the completion of the Federal contract. This would result in removing an additional 23,000 cubic yards of sand in the inner harbor, also to be placed on Drake’s Island Beach.

Equipment Overview

• Dredge Cadiz: An Ellicott 360 HP cutterhead suction dredge with a 12-inch discharge, pumping about 2,000 cubic yards of sand per 24 hours. Currently, Dredge Cadiz is working the inner harbor, pumping its sand water mixture through a 12-inch pipe, about a half mile to a booster pump located in the Drake’s Island parking lot. From there, the booster pump is pumping the slurry through the pipeline to a drying pit on Drake’s Island Beach.

• Dredge Valor: An Ellicott 760 HP cutter head suction dredge with a 16-inch discharge, pumping at a rate of 2,000 cubic yards of sand per 24 hours. Currently, Dredge Valor is working in the settling basin, pumping its sand water mixture through a 16-inch pipe, 700 feet, to a second booster pump also located in the Drake’s Island parking lot. From there, the booster pump is pumping its slurry through a separate pipeline to the drying pit on Drake’s Island beach.

• 3 Barges of support equipment including fuel cells, an excavator, office trailer and a booster pump.

• 1 push boat to move the dredges and barges.

• 1 survey boat to calculate the cubic yardage of sand removed.

• On Drake’s Island Beach, Michels has a D6 bulldozer, continuously extending the drying pit and stockpiling the sand as it falls out of the sand water slurry.

We encourage you to check out the Wells Jetty Cam, below, to view the live progress of the Wells Harbor dredge for yourself.

You can learn additional information about election day here.

Do you have clear, easy to see numbers on your home to identify your address in an emergency?

When you are in distress and our first responders need to ask questions, you may be frustrated and scared for yourself or a family member, feeling we are wasting time. Rest assured that emergency services are headed towards you. But sometimes what you feel is simple to find may be because you are more familiar with your neighborhood and surroundings then we are. Sometimes the emergency is not visible from the outside of the building, especially medical emergencies and you may not be able to come out and flag us down.

The Wells Code §201-4 requires that all buildings be numbered. This is so that in an emergency Fire, Police, Ambulance or another emergency services can find you. The Code Enforcement Office is required to insure your house/property is visible numbered from the street. 

The Code requires that the numbers be displayed near or upon the front door and be clearly visible from the road. All numbers shall be in Arabic letters no less than 3 inches in height and a minimum of a half inch stroke and shall contrast in color with the building or background to which they are attached.

Houses or buildings that are set back and not visible from the road shall post a sign at the driveway entrance upon which shall be affixed the specific numbers in accordance with the numbering policy.

Please call us is you have any questions or would like our expertise as to where it would be best to affix the number identifying your property if your house number cannot be seen from the street.

What is excise tax? 

Excise tax is one of the major sources of revenue collected by the department. It is an annual local town tax that is paid to the community where the vehicle resides for over six (6) months of the year. Except for a few statutory exemptions, all vehicles registered in the State of Maine are subject to excise tax.  Registrants must always come to Town Hall first to pay their excise tax. They then have the option to register the vehicle at Town Hall or to go to a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch to complete the registration.

The same excise tax calculation formula is used by all municipalities in Maine so that everyone that owns the same year, make, model and vehicle with similar upgrades or options will all pay the same excise tax. Excise tax is computed using the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the year the vehicle was produced less destination multiplied by the tax rate.  The tax rates for all vehicles start at the year of production and then decrease for the next five years. A vehicle reaches the lowest excise tax rate once it is 6 years of age or older from the production year. 

When looking to purchase a new or used vehicle remember that you can call the office to get an estimated excise tax amount.

The library welcomes our new Adult Services Librarian, Kim Swejkoski, from Michigan! Stop by and say hello when you have a chance.

AARP continues to offer appointments for Tax Aide on Tuesdays at the library. Please call 207-806-2774 to make your appointment.

March’s Wednesday programs include:

Teen Game Tournament – March 6th, 1:00 pm

GimKit March Madness

Photo Scavenger Hunt – March 13th, 1:00 pm

Work as a team to complete the challenges!

Teen Collaborative Crafting – March 20th, 1:00 pm

Create Your Own Mini Bound Book

Random Fandom: Ain’t No Sunshine (in an eclipse) – March 27th, 1:00 pm

Learn about the upcoming April 8th Solar Eclipse with fun activities 

The Town of Wells is fortunate to have Kim join our staff and we are confident she will shine in her new role. We wish you all the best!

Owning an animal can be rewarding, exciting, and fun but it can also be time consuming, difficult, and expensive. Unfortunately, animal abandonment is a pervasive issue that is increasing in many communities in Maine. This issue not only jeopardizes the well-being of the animals but also places a strain on local animal shelters and rescue organizations and has the potential to increase health and safety risks for that community.

Here are some of the biggest causes of animal abandonment:

Impulse purchases: While it may be exciting to have a cute puppy or kitten in the house, that animal will eventually grow up and continue to be a commitment for the duration of their life. Make sure you are willing to commit to an animal for its entire life before making the purchase or adoption!

Behavioral Issues: Not every animal is perfect, and some end up with behavioral challenges that a pet owner must navigate. Sometimes it can be frustrating if an animal isn’t responding to a correction or picking up what you are asking of them right away. Remember that animals have a mind of their own too and you must work with them just as they must work with us!

Financial Constraints: Economic challenges can force pet owners to give up their pets when they can no longer afford their care, including food, veterinary expenses, and other necessities.

Owning a pet is a lifelong commitment that requires careful consideration and informed decision making. Potential pet owners should understand the responsibilities involved in caring for an animal before bringing them into their home.

Life happens! Maybe you have to move and can’t take your pet, maybe the behavioral challenge has proven to be more than you want to handle, maybe a loved one has passed away and left their animals behind, maybe the care of your pet has become a financial burden, and you are unable to care for your pet how you used to.

Here are some solutions if you find yourself struggling to care for an animal.

See if a family member is willing to help or take the animal: Sometimes asking for help or advice is hard but the people closest to us are usually more than willing to help.

Bring it to your local shelter: Here in Wells, we have access to the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk. They take in a variety of species from small animals to large dogs. Give them a call and ask for advice. If you feel like you can no longer keep your pet, they have a surrender form on their website where you are able to give more information and they will contact you directly.

Contact your local Animal Control Officer: I, as an ACO, am more than willing to assist you in finding a solution. From assisting with care, if needed, to finding a wonderful and suitable new home for your pet, I am here to help.

Animal Cruelty

Animal Abandonment is considered animal cruelty in the Sate of Maine and is considered a Class D Crime. Title 17 Section 1031 states, “A person, including an owner or the owner's agent, is guilty of cruelty to animals if that person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly: Injures, overworks, tortures, torments, abandons or cruelly beats or intentionally mutilates an animal…”

Addressing the issue of animal abandonment requires a collective effort from individuals and communities. In the face of challenges in caring for animals, remember that reaching out to your local animal control officer can be a crucial step towards ensuring the welfare of abandoned or at-risk pets, fostering a community where every creature receives the care and compassion they deserve.

I have referred to cats and dogs throughout this article, however, I want to assure you that we are able to assist with any animal, large or small, that you consider to be your companion (i.e. Livestock, rabbits, reptiles, birds, rodents, etc…).

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me, ACO Ashley Johnston, by phone (207-361-8918) or email (ajohnston@wellstown.org).

With nice weather coming, this is a reminder to all residents with motorcycles that motorcycle registrations expire annually in the month of March. Come into the Town Hall to reregister your motorcycle or visit the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website to renew online.

Please bring your current registration, insurance card and your current mileage with you when you come to reregister.

We have had a lot of accomplishments over the last few months in our department and we would like to celebrate a few of our members!

Captain David Tobeck completed his Officer III certification on February 9th along with our Assistant Chief Jonathan Gay. This class consists of a forty hour course designed to focus on the knowledge and skills required for administrative and operational challenges of the fire service. We are grateful for there interest in this training.

Call members Nicole Breton and Chelsey Breton had been hard at work going through their first EMT certification. After a 16 week course, they graduated with their other classmates on February 8th and received their Basic EMT certification. This will not only help them advance their careers as a first responder but our department and community when it comes to medical aid. We congratulate them on their success!

We also want to congratulate Firefighter Tyler Belanger on gaining his Advance EMT certification. This training is considerably more complex then the basic EMT classes and has many hours of in class and on the scene training that takes months to complete. After a daunting final exam, the department has another Advanced EMT to aid in the safety of our community.

Congratulations to all!

Are you interested in making a difference in your community, our beaches, and the planet? Plan now to attend the Wells Beach Cleanup on Saturday, April 27th, starting at 10 AM.



Volunteers will meet at the Wells Activity Center, located at 113 Sanford Road, at 10 AM, and then break into groups to disperse Wells Harbor, Wells Beach and Drake's Island Beach for the clean up.

The event is hosted by the Wells Police Department. To RSVP, please email Saundra with your name and the number of people in your group that will be attending.

Beach lovers of all ages are welcome! Supplies, including gloves will be provided. If you have a reach extender of your own that you would like to bring to collect the litter, you are encouraged to do so.



Let’s plan to have some fun and enjoy some free Congdon’s Donuts! Help make a difference to our environment.

Mother Nature may have not brought us very much snow to play outside this Winter but our indoor play was strong and exhilarating with our Youth Wrestling, Youth Swim Classes, Adult Open Gym, Men’s Basketball, Youth Basketball and Travel Basketball programs.

We held our Annual 3rd & 4th Grade Girls Travel Basketball tournament at the Wells Elementary School on Feb 16-18, hosting 8 teams who turned up ready to play! What a great weekend of games finalized by some extremely close, down to the last-minute play-off and championship games.

The Championship game between York and Kennebunk started with Kennebunk defense just shutting down the York offense; the score was 9-3 at the half. York dug deep, kept their heads up and slowly started to chip away the lead to bring it to a 2-point deficit with only minutes to go. After a couple of hard-fought shots and a few foul shots York pulled ahead by one with just seconds left. Kennebunk came back with a fury but could not make the shots fall. York won 13-12. 

Congratulations to both York & Kennebunk, as well as all the teams that competed. We hope to see you next year.

Recreation Department Replacement Vans Arrive

After recently receiving word that the vans we ordered in 2021 actually came in, we were able to trade in our current vans to obtain the specific ones we ordered! We are really excited for the new and improved sets of wheels for our programs!

Before:

After:

Summer Staff Hiring Process Begins

The Recreation Department is currently working on hiring Summer Staff for Camp Counselors and Camp Leaders. Go to www.wellsrec.org if you know someone who is interested in working with us this Summer! 

Spring Programs

Spring programs will be starting just around the corner! The Easter Bunny will be visiting the Walter Marsh Recreation Area on March 30th to hide 3,000 eggs and hand out prizes for the big hunt! It’s all free but you must pre-register to join in on the fun!

Happy Spring!

The following are ordinance changes proposed for the upcoming June 2024 Town Meeting

Revisions to Life Care Facilities:

The Board of Selectmen initiated changes to the existing Life Care and Congregate Care ordinances to specify the building and occupancy requirements of such facilities. The proposed changes would have a retro-active date of January 23, 2024.

Revisions to Floodplain Management Ordinances:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have published the final version of the revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps and required updates to Flood Ordinances. The Town has also submitted a request for a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) which is based on more detailed analysis and modelling of storm impacts and the characteristics of the Wells coastline. The revised maps and associated floodplain management ordinance will need voter approval. The LOMR effective date will coincide with the effective date of the FEMA Rate Maps.

Revision to the Zoning Map of Wells:

The Board of Selectmen identified an area of inconsistency within Town of Wells and WOCSD property located on Sanford Road of which a portion of the lots should be included in the General Business District versus the existing Residential Commercial District.

The Town of Wells is now hiring for a variety of seasonal positions.

Summer Reserve Police Officers and Community Service Officers

• The Town of Wells is now accepting applications for the positions of Summer Reserve Police Officers & Community Service Officers (CSO), for the 2024 season. The police positions include bike, foot, or cruiser patrol. Officers are required to work various shifts including nights, weekends and holidays. The community service officers will support police operations and work in the beach areas assisting citizens with parking and other duties to include town ordinance enforcement. 
• All positions have an anticipated start in mid-May 2024. 

Camp Counselors for Grades 1-6

• We are looking for Summer Camp Counselors to supervise young campers to make sure they learn and have fun. The most important of all Camp Counselor duties is to ensure campers are always safe. You’ll be responsible for overseeing camper games and activities. The job duties of a Camp Counselor also include organizing summer camp games, educating campers, ensuring campers are following rules and setting up equipment. If you love to work with children, are patient, enjoy working outdoors, energetic, and stern when needed, we’d like to meet you!  

Seasonal Lifeguards

• Wells Ocean Rescue – Wells Fire Department is seeking qualified individuals for the 2024 season. Season starts July 1st and ends September 4th with a typical workday from 7:45am-4:30pm.
• Hourly Wage starting at $18.00 an hour depending on years of experience with an Ocean Rescue Squad.

Wells Ocean Rescue is now hiring for the 2024 season. Wells lifeguards watch over the tens of thousands of visitors to our beautiful beaches from June through September. This is a fulfilling position, in which you play a critical role in ensuring the safety of others and are a key member of our community.

Applicants must be 16 years of age.

Interested in applying? Fill out an application below and email it to employment@wellstown.org

• Employment Application

Originally presented by Mr. Food many years ago, I have found this dessert is ideal for a large gathering of family and friends, church suppers, open houses, and holiday gatherings.  It is very easy to prepare, and when assembled in a glass trifle bowl, this makes a nice presentation on a dessert buffet. This is definitely not a low calorie, healthy dessert; however, sometimes, we may allow ourselves small tasty indulgences. 

Death by Chocolate Trifle Dessert

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 chocolate or devil’s food cake mix (I prefer Duncan Hines Perfectly Moist Devil’s Food Mix)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Chocolate Pudding:

• 2 (3.9 ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
• 4 cups milk
• Topping and Filling:
• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
• 2 (1.4 ounce) chocolate covered English toffee candy (Skor or Symphony candy bars), crushed

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or 2 round cake pans.
2. Assemble the cake mix, combining cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water in a large bowl. Mix with a large wooden spoon until well blended. Spread into the prepared baking pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted 2 inches from the side of the pan comes out clean, about 25 minutes, depending upon the baking pan utilized (9x13 vs round). Let cool completely.
4. While cake is baking, prepare the pudding. Whisk pudding mix and milk in large bowl until smooth. Set aside.
5. To assemble trifle: Using a fork, cut cake into small squares, and place on the bottom of the glass trifle bowl. Spoon half of the pudding mix on top of the cake pieces. Add half of the crushed candy bar, and then top with half of the Cool Whip whipped topping. Repeat layers in the same order. Refrigerate until serving, and sprinkle the remaining crumbled toffee bar on top just prior to serving. 

Nutrition: 423 calories … but remember, this is only an occasional indulgence, and life is way too fleeting and fragile to not enjoy a few moments of tasty pleasure!

Note: This trifle may also be made using a brownie mix or homemade brownies rather than a cake mix, however, having tried both, I much prefer the devil’s food cake. If you enjoy alcohol in moderate amounts, I have also prepared the cake as follows: After the cake is baked and has cooled, using a fork to make small square or rectangular shapes, you may then pour a chocolate liqueur such as Godiva over the top of the cake. Enjoy!

MARCH 2024 PROGRAMS

WELLS RESERVE AT LAUDHOLM

Saturday, March 2, 9:30-11am

Cultivating Compassion in Nature

Step into nature to practice expanding your awareness. Become attuned to your outer senses, inner sensations, thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and connections while nature supports your well-being. We meet inside and, weather permitting, move outdoors for a reflective walk. Facilitated and guided by Elizabeth Straka, local author, therapist, and compassion and grief worker. $8/$6. Registration required at growloveportalingawareness@gmail.com or 207-408-5657 (voice/text).

Tuesday, March 5, 12-1pm

Volunteering at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm

For decades, volunteers have been vital to the Wells Reserve at Laudholm and in 2023 they contributed more than 15,000 hours toward the site and its programs. In this virtual conversation, join staff and current volunteers to learn how you might find a role—and a community—at the Wells Reserve. Register at wellsreserve.org/calendar or call 207-646-1555 for information.

Thursday, March 7, 12-1pm

Gulf of Maine’s Cape Cod

In this lunch-and-learn hosted on Zoom by the Wells Reserve, instructor Steve Podsiadlo will lead a tour of Cape Cod’s landforms and shores, explaining how the cape’s beaches and features were formed. Sixth in a series on the Gulf of Maine, with recordings of earlier talks available on the Wells Reserve YouTube channel. Free. Registration link at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Friday, March 8, 2-5pm

Art in Nature: Block Printing Workshop

Block printing is a fun and easy way to create unique designs for cards and other items. Discover your inner artist by crafting your own make-and-take block print at the Wells Reserve. No experience needed and all materials provided. You will leave with your block print, a printed tote bag, and a set of handmade greeting cards. For ages 16 and up. $20/$16. Registration required at caryn@wellsnerr.org or 207-646-1555 x110.

Saturday, March 9, 10am-12pm

Winter Tree Walk

Discover the common Maine trees, what they do in the winter, and how to identify them when you can’t use leaves. Led by Maine Master Naturalist Eileen Willard, who spent 15 years as a University of New Hampshire instructor in dendrology (study of trees). For ages 12 and up. $8/$6. Register at suzanne@wellsnerr.org or 207-646-1555 x116.

Wednesday, March 13, 10:30am-12pm

Wednesday Walk

The natural world has long been a muse for poets, writers, and artists. Join Norma Fox, Wells Reserve docent and ranger, to explore nature through a variety of creative lenses. We’ll walk about 1½ miles in 90 minutes. For ages 12 and up. Free. Registration required at caryn@wellsnerr.org or 207-646-1555 x116.

Thursday, March 14, 5-7pm

Games Night

Play cribbage and dominoes with a welcoming group in the spacious Mather Auditorium at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm. All playing levels welcome. Free. Register with Lynne at 207-646-1555 x118 or lbenoit@wellsnerr.org.

Tuesday, March 19, 5:30-7pm

Vigorous Tenderness

Experience an outdoor distanced concert that amplifies marginalized voices in classical music and democratizes new/experimental music. This concert series began during the pandemic and is making its Wells Reserve debut on the spring equinox. Expect small groups of classical and Wabanaki music performers both indoors and out on the trails. Take it all in at your own pace. Free. Weather date March 20.

• Board of Assessment Review - 1 member vacancies; 2 alternate member vacancies
• Budget Committee -1 alternate member vacancy
• Comprehensive Plan Update Committee- 1 member vacancy
• Energy Advisory Committee - 1 alternate member vacancy
• Planning Board - 1 alternate member vacancy
• Recreation Commission - 1 member vacancy, 1 alternate vacancy
• WEMS Board - 2 member vacancies
• Zoning Board of Appeals - 1 associate vacancy

The Wells Council #9782 Knights of Columbus invites you to their St. Patrick's Day Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Social hour starts at 5:00 (bring your own wine and beer, no spirits) followed by dinner at 5:30pm. Dinner is a traditional Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner plus Ham. 

Cost is $30 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance (by March 10). Call 207-838-8738 or 207-651-2865 to reserve.

The Town of Wells has several open employment opportunities.

We encourage you to take a look at the job opportunities currently available with the Town of Wells on our Employment Opportunities page. There is so much important work that goes in to keeping the town 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.

Sign up for the RAVE Alert System for York County to ensure you receive emergency alerts.

​The RAVE Alert System is a reverse 911 application that allows citizens to sign up for emergency alerts. The program allows users to create a profile to alert first responders to their specific needs as well. For example, if there was an evacuation, the program would let first responders know if a user needed evacuation assistance through their profile. The profiles allow users to mark if they need specialized assistance, are dependent on electric supply, or even if they have pets or livestock.

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Examples of alerts include: winter storm notices, evacuation notices, flood alerts, bio-terrorism alerts, and boil water notices.

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Click here to Sign Up for RAVE Alerts.

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 rkelley@wellstown.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 Town of Wells website at www.wellstown.org.