HOLIDAY CLOSURES
 Tuesday, December 24:
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Public Works Office - CLOSES @ 11:30 AM
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Town Hall Offices & Community Services - CLOSES @ 12 PM
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Thomas Memorial Library - CLOSES @ 1 PM
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Recycling Center - CLOSES @ 2 PM
- Pool & Fitness Center - CLOSES @ 2:30 PM
Wednesday, December 25:
- All town offices and services will be CLOSED in observance of the Christmas Holiday.
Wednesday, January 1:
- All town offices and services, except pool & fitness center, will be CLOSED in observance of the New Year!
- Pool & Fitness Center - CLOSES AT 7 PM
CAPE ELIZABETH BUSINESS FORUM SUCCESS!
The Cape Elizabeth Business Summit held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Town Hall was well attended by local business owners and prospective business owners. Paul Johnson of GPCOG, one of four summit facilitators, said the number of attendees should be considered a success. “I can’t tell you how overwhelming this turnout has been and the phone calls and surveys that we have had. You should be really proud of your community for the number of people who have turned out.”
The summit featured a round-robin format where groups spent 15 minutes at one of four stations providing feedback on the key themes that emerged from preliminary discussions Johnson held with local business owners before the summit. Each station had a facilitator with knowledge and expertise in economic development and planning. Facilitators collected input and helped delve deeper into issues and suggestions. Key takeaways from the round-robin sessions were shared with the entire group, and attendees were asked for suggestions on what’s next.
The themes and facilitators included:
1. Navigating town ordinances, processes, and procedures as a Cape Elizabeth business owner
Facilitator: Christian Roadman, Senior Planner, GPCOG
2. Exploring Cape Elizabeth’s need for dedicated staff hours/expertise to assist the business community
Facilitator: Karen Martin, Economic Development Director, Scarborough
3. Encouraging the business community to participate in creating/amending ordinances and other council decisions
Facilitator: Eamonn Dundon, Director of Advocacy, Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce
4. Defining the Cape Elizabeth brand
Facilitator: Paul Johnson, Economic Development Director, GPCOG
Themes, input, and suggestions will be included in a report for the Town Council by mid-January. Following the report, Johnson stated that the next step will be to hold a Solutions Summit in February, where approximately four to five potential solutions will be identified.
Business owners who were unable to attend or who have not yet conversed with Johnson may still reach out via email to Johnson or Town Councilor Stephanie Anderson: pjohnson@gpcog.org or stephanie.anderson@capeelizabeth.org.
 Forum attendees reviewing discussion themes and next steps.
NEW APPOINTMENTS TO BEGIN JANUARY 1
New appointments include:
- Gretchen Noonan - Board of Zoning Appeals
- Debbie Grew - Community Services Committee
- Mitch Waksman - Conservation Committee
- Matthew Grymek - Conservation Committee
- Kara Law - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
- Dennis Leiner - Fort Williams Park Committee
- Natalie Burns - Natalie Burns
- Scott Mazuzan - Thomas Memorial Library Committee
Thank you to all who applied, all who have served, continue to serve and will serve. Our town wouldn't be the same with out you!
 1. DOG LICENSES EXPIRE
ON DECEMBER 31, 2024
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The State of Maine Animal Welfare Department has released a new and convenient platform for dog registration. While residents may still register their pets at Town Hall, utilizing the State's online platform is speedier and preferred. All dogs must be registered or renew registration for 2025 before January 31, 2025, to avoid penalties. Proof of rabies vaccine is required.
The cost to register or renew is $6 (spay/neutered) or $11 (not spayed/neutered). There is a $25 late fee after February 1st.
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2. SHORT TERM RENTAL RENEWALS DUE JANUARY 31
Short Term Permits expire on December 31st of each year and must be renewed by January 31st. The permit application fee is $500 if renewed by January 31st OR $1,000 if submitted on or after February 1st.
Short Term Rental FAQs can be found at: https://www.capeelizabeth.com/ShortTermRental
You can renew your permit two ways:
- Use our Online Permit Program located at capeelizabeth.patriotpermitpro.com OR capeelizabeth.com / services / CEO permitting system to launch the program. Credit cards are accepted.
- Visiting the Code Enforcement office located on the 2nd floor of the Town Hall, 320 Ocean House Road. Checks or cash accepted only.
Should you have any questions, please contact the Code Enforcement Office at 799-1619.
SNOW! WHAT TO KNOW WHEN IT SHOWS
 Eventually, we all know that it will fall. When it does, here are a few tips to help you manage the snow. When the Cape Elizabeth Police Department issues a parking ban due to weather, it will be posted on the town website and social media accounts (Facebook & X, and the CEPD Facebook page.
MaineDOT Winter Driving Tips:
- Avoid any sudden or excessive actions while steering, braking or accelerating so you don't lose control.
- Take it slow in ice and snow!
- Don't turn your four-wheel drive into an “off-road” vehicle!
- Allow extra room between vehicles.
- Don't take chances when pulling out in front of approaching vehicles.
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Avoid using cruise control: Don't let your cruise control make a bad decision for you.
- Brake early, brake slowly, brake correctly and never slam on the brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don't have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal.
- Stay alert! Beware of what's going on well ahead of you. Other vehicles can alert you to problem spots on the road which may give you the split second you need to avoid a crash. Needless to say, you can't be alert if you're on the phone so don't let yourself get distracted.
How to Clear Your Driveway:
 Winter Emergency Car Kit:
SAND FOR SENIORS
 Sand buckets to make driveways and sidewalks safe are available to Cape Elizabeth senior citizens. Please call or email Officer Darin Estes:
207-767-3323 EX 208 OR darin.estes@capeelizabeth.org
Speaking of Snow, Public Works is Hiring Seasonal Plow Drivers!
 Are you looking for a short-term opportunity to earn extra money? The Town of Cape Elizabeth is seeking to fill seasonal plow driver positions to assist the Public Works Department's winter operations. These positions work on an on-call basis and are filled between November and April. Please see JOB POSTINGS FOR MORE INFORMATION.
NEW YEAR'S DAY POLAR PLUNGE!
Kettle Cove at 11 AM
We may not all agree that cold water plunges are fun and good for the soul, but we can all agree that the Cape Elizabeth New Year's Day Polar Plunge is for a good cause! Project Graduation!
As always, donations received at the Polar Plunge benefit Project Graduation and the graduating class at CEHS. Project Graduation provides seniors a safe and memorable way to spend together as a class on Graduation Day & Night.
Not up for the cold? Please consider donating to Project Graduation 2025 using the Class of 2025 Student Representative (Freya Hubbs) Venmo QR code below and indicate "Project Graduation 2025" in the "What's this for?" spot.
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To ensure your donation goes to the right place, enter the last four digits of the account holder's mobile: 5909
NOTE: 100% of donations go towards Project Graduation 2025 and are tax deductible.
THANK YOU!
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Do you have an event that you would like featured? Just email our Public Communications Coordinator at susana.hubbs@capeelizabeth.org
COMMUNITY LINKS
Cape Elizabeth Community Services • Cape Elizabeth School Department • CETV On Demand •. Thomas Memorial Library •. Meetings Calendar
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