Orleans public meetings in 2025

Board of Health

The Orleans Board of Health will hold continued show‑cause hearings for properties ordered to connect to the municipal sewer system, including 5 North Cottage. The agenda also includes a sewer deferral request for 18 Old Colony Way, a hearing request for 63 Old Field Road, a variance request for 51 Beach Road, and a testing reduction request for 14 Prides Path. Additional administrative items such as residential kitchen permits and temporary food service establishments will be reviewed.

• Show cause hearing – 5 North Cottage (order to connect to municipal sewer)
• Sewer deferral request – 18 Old Colony Way (Agent: Bob Dubis)
• Hearing request – 63 Old Field Road (Agent/Owner: Sandy McLane)
• Variance request – 51 Beach Road (Agent: Shoreline Pools Inc)
• Testing reduction request – 14 Prides Path (Agent/Owner: Frederic & Terri Clark)

The Orleans Board of Health continued the Phase 1 show‑cause hearings to Jan 15, 2026 and extended the hearing for 5 North Cottage to the same date. It approved a sewer deferral for 18 Old Colony Way, variances for 63 Old Field Road and 51 Beach Road, reduced testing frequency for the I/A system at 14 Prides Path, and granted residential kitchen and temporary food service permits. All actions were adopted by voice vote of 5‑0‑0.

• Continued show‑cause hearings for 5 North Cottage to Jan 15, 2026 (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Continued Phase 1 show‑cause hearings to Jan 15, 2026 (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Approved sewer deferral for 18 Old Colony Way to Apr 16, 2026 (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Approved bedroom‑height variance for 63 Old Field Road with septic condition (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Approved pool‑fencing variance for 51 Beach Road with safety measures (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Reduced I/A system testing at 14 Prides Path from four to two times per year, with 19 ppm condition (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Approved residential kitchen permit for Tea Times Tx (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Approved temporary food service permit for Docito (voice vote 5‑0‑0)

Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee

The Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee will discuss the 2025 State of the Waters report and review the November 24, 2025 meeting minutes. It will receive updates on Pilgrim Lake water quality after alum treatment, the Wastewater Management Advisory Committee, and the Winter Farmer’s Market booth. The meeting will conclude with a vote on the committee’s reorganization and a period for public comment.

• Review and approve Committee meeting minutes from November 24, 2025
• One‑year report on 2024 Pilgrim Lake water quality changes after alum treatment
• Update from Wastewater Management Advisory Committee (Robert Mullin)
• Update on Winter Farmer’s Market Committee booth
• Discussion and vote on Committee reorganization

Recreation Advisory Committee

The Orleans Recreation Advisory Committee will meet to approve November minutes, hear a director's report on Eldredge Park renovation, and review staff updates. The committee will also vote on its contribution to the Town of Orleans Annual Report.

• Approval of RAC Minutes for November 20, 2025
• Eldredge Park Renovation Update
• Review of RAC contribution for Town of Orleans Annual Report (Vote)
• Updates from Recreation, Culture, and Community Events staff

Community Preservation Committee

The Orleans Community Preservation Committee will review grant applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The meeting includes presentations from the Affordable Housing Trust, Veterans Park Memorial, Civil War Monument, NW Schoolhouse, and Academy Playhouse. The committee will also discuss finances and approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Review of 13 FY27 Affordable Housing Trust applications
• Veterans Park Memorial restoration grant request
• Civil War Monument restoration grant request
• NW Schoolhouse safety additions grant request
• Academy Playhouse shutters grant request

Human Services Advisory Committee

The committee will review applications for human services programs, receive an update on applications received, and discuss a request to increase an organization’s request. No formal decisions are noted; the meeting focuses on ongoing review and future issues.

• Update on applications received (Alex Fitch)
• Question about increasing an organization’s request (Alex Fitch)
• Continue committee review of applications

The Human Services Advisory Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the December 4, 2025 meeting. No grant applications were approved, denied, or otherwise acted upon. The committee then unanimously adjourned the meeting.

• Approved Dec. 4, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a public pole hearing to discuss and vote on NBC LLC's request, on behalf of Verizon New England, to install an overhead wire system from an existing pole to a new building at 19 Ruggles Road. The board will also vote on conservation restrictions for the properties at 137 Skaket Beach Road and 40 Payson Lane. Additional items include approval of annual license renewals for 2026 and routine approvals of recent board minutes and interview appointments.

• Public Pole Hearing: NBC LLC request for Verizon New England to install overhead wire system at 19 Ruggles Road
• Vote on Conservation Restrictions for 137 Skaket Beach Road and 40 Payson Lane
• Consent agenda: approval of annual license renewals for 2026
• Approve Select Board minutes for May 7, May 21, and May 27, 2025
• Interviews/appointments: Cultural Council, Shellfish & Waterways, Old Kings Highway, ARC, Board of Assessors

The Select Board approved conservation restrictions for the parcels at 137 Skaket Beach Road and 40 Payson Lane. It also appointed Michael Abbott to the Cultural Council, Derek Bolduc to the Shellfish & Waterways Committee, and elevated Andrew Miao to a regular member of the Old Kings Highway Committee. The public hearing on the Ruggles Road utility pole request was continued to January 7, 2026. Routine items such as the consent agenda license renewals and past meeting minutes were also approved.

• Approved conservation restrictions for 137 Skaket Beach Road and 40 Payson Lane (3-0-0)
• Moved public hearing on Ruggles Road pole request to Jan 7, 2026 (3-0-0)
• Appointed Michael Abbott to Cultural Council, term ending Jun 30, 2028 (3-0-0)
• Appointed Derek Bolduc to Shellfish & Waterways Committee, term ending Jun 30, 2028 (3-0-0)
• Elevated Andrew Miao to regular member of Old Kings Highway Committee, term ending Dec 31, 2026 (3-0-0)
• Approved consent agenda annual license renewals for 2026 (3-0-0)
• Approved Select Board minutes from May 7, May 21, and May 27, 2025 (3-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:38 p.m. (3-0-0)

Select Board

The Orleans Select Board will hold a workshop meeting on December 17, 2025. Board members will review and discuss the town’s Select Board policies, focusing on Section F. No formal actions or votes are listed on the agenda.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review a request for a special permit regarding building coverage limits. The board will also review meeting minutes from November 5 and November 19, 2025.

• Case #2025-19: Special Permit request for a 3,299 SF dwelling and 816 SF detached garage at 5 Spinnaker Trail (total coverage 4,115 SF)

Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners will discuss and vote on scheduling a public hearing for the Watershed Management Plan. The board will also review abatement requests and license renewals for drain layers.

• Vote to send Watershed Management Plan to public hearing on January 21, 2026
• Abatement requests for 45 West Rd and 237 Rock Harbor Rd
• Drain Layers License Renewals for 21 entities including Shore Things Environmental, LLC and Cape Cod Excavating, Inc
• FOG Program Variance Requests for Rodeway Inn, Izzo's Pizza, and Orleans Yacht Club
• Review of Water Rates Working Group Report

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board will meet on Dec. 16, 2025 in the Nauset Room at Orleans Town Hall and via Zoom. An executive session is scheduled to discuss the purchase, exchange, or lease of real property on Monument Road. The board will also review proposals and a purchase‑sale agreement for a 4‑unit housing project at 22 Old Tote Road, and provide updates on several ongoing development projects.

• Executive session to consider purchase, exchange, or lease of real property on Monument Road
• Review of Request for Proposals and closing of Purchase & Sale Agreement for 22 Old Tote Road housing project
• Update to Management Agreement contract for trust‑owned condominium at 24 Old Colony Way with Orleans Housing Authority for 2026
• Notice of Funding Availability for Development Activities – Marketing
• Presentation of Community Preservation Act Fund request to the Community Preservation Committee on Dec. 18

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board entered executive session to discuss a real‑property transaction and then reconvened in open session. The board voted unanimously to take title of 22 Old Tote Road. It also unanimously approved renewing the management services contract for the Old Colony Way condominium and approved the minutes from the previous meetings before adjourning.

• Entered executive session to consider Monument Road property (5-0-0)
• Approved taking title of 22 Old Tote Road (5-0-0)
• Approved renewal of management services for Old Colony Way (5-0-0)
• Approved minutes from November 4, 2025 and October 21, 2025 (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The Marion Craine Gallery Exhibition Committee will meet to review artist presentations and a membership application. The board will also review the gallery schedule and receive financial and director reports.

• Presentation by artist Charlotte Simpson [Vote]
• Presentation by artist John Duggan representing Celebrate Our Waters Program [Vote]
• Julie Brooks application for membership to the Marion Craine Gallery Committee [Vote]
• Review of Gallery Schedule
• Financial Report by Tavi Prugno

Conservation Commission

The Orleans Conservation Commission will review permits for a wastewater sewer project in the Lakes and Ponds area and several land development proposals. The agenda also includes administrative reviews and a vote on funding for a Putnam Farm agricultural barn.

• Town of Orleans Phase 3 Lakes and Ponds sewer area project
• Driveway extension at 184 Quanset Rd
• Vote to authorize spending from Conservation Trust Fund for Putnam Farm barn
• Review of single-family dwelling permits at 75 Areys Ln and 8 Kescayogansett Rd
• Review of dormer addition at 60 Captain Linnell Rd

The Conservation Commission approved the Phase 3 Lakes and Ponds sewer project with special time‑of‑year and shrub conditions. It also approved three residential projects (75 Areys Lane, 8 Kescayogansett Rd, and 184 Quanset Rd) and a Certificate of Compliance for 60 Captain Linnell Rd with a $4,000 surety. Additionally, the commission authorized up to $45,000 for the Putnam Farm Agricultural Barn and struck an invalid order for the 75 Areys Lane project.

• Approved Phase 3 Lakes and Ponds sewer project with time‑of‑year restriction and native shrubs (7‑0‑0)
• Approved 75 Areys Lane residential project (7‑0‑0)
• Approved 8 Kescayogansett Rd residential project with tree replacement condition (7‑0‑0)
• Approved Certificate of Compliance at 60 Captain Linnell Rd subject to $4,000 surety (7‑0‑0)
• Found 75 Areys Lane project in compliance and struck invalid OOC (7‑0‑0)
• Approved 184 Quanset Rd driveway extension (7‑0‑0)
• Authorized spending up to $45,000 for Putnam Farm Agricultural Barn (7‑0‑0)
• Approved minutes of 10/21/25 (7‑0‑0)

Orleans School Committee

The Orleans School Committee will hear reports on the latest MCAS results, special‑education audit findings and preschool program status. Administrators will also present the FY27 budget review, the FY26 monthly financial report, and a summary of the recent MASC conference. The meeting includes routine items such as approval of the November 13 minutes and scheduling of future meetings.

• Review of MCAS results
• Special education audit findings and programming
• Preschool program overview
• FY27 budget review
• FY26 monthly financial report

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will review grant submissions and vote on which grants to support for 2026. The body will also discuss potential partnerships and programs for the upcoming year.

• Vote on 2026 grant support
• Recreation Department update on JOY Holiday Structure
• Discussion of 2026 programs including art shows, wall murals, and movies in the park
• Review of current grant cycle status and upcoming deadlines

The council approved the November 2025 meeting minutes. It adopted a new schedule for future meetings to be held the first Monday of each month at 5:30 pm beginning in 2026. A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and passed, ending the meeting.

• Approved November 2025 minutes (passed)
• Adopted new meeting schedule: first Monday each month at 5:30 pm starting 2026 (passed)
• Motion to adjourn passed

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will receive presentations from FY27 grant applicants. The meeting includes reviews of requests for historic preservation, open space, recreation, and housing projects.

• FY27 grant application from Centers for Culture and History of Orleans for archiving
• FY27 grant applications from Orleans Conservation Trust for trails guide and Cedar Shore
• FY27 grant application from Community Development Partnership for housing workshops
• FY27 grant application from French Cable Museum to restore archive
• FY27 grant application from Orleans Historic Commission (Form B)

The Community Preservation Committee approved the minutes from the December 4, 2025 meeting with an 8‑0‑0 vote. The committee then adjourned the December 11, 2025 meeting, also by an 8‑0‑0 vote. No other actions were taken.

• Approved December 4, 2025 minutes (8-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0-0)

Architectural Review Committee

The Architectural Review Committee will consider two applications for property modifications. The committee also plans to discuss its future functioning with Select Board member Mefford Runyon.

• Re-roof application for Cape Associates at 20 West Rd.
• New sign application for Emily Richarson of Homegrown Boutique at 41 Main St.
• Discussion with Select Board member Mefford Runyon regarding committee function

The Architectural Review Committee unanimously waived the site‑plan requirement for Homegrown Boutique’s new signs and approved the three sign designs with downward‑facing lighting. It also approved Cape Associates’ roof replacement application, conditional on a later site‑plan submission. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Waived site‑plan requirement for Homegrown Boutique sign application (4-0-0)
• Approved three Homegrown Boutique signs and downward lighting as presented (4-0-0)
• Approved Cape Associates re‑roof application conditional on site‑plan submission (4-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0-0)

Energy & Climate Action Committee

The Energy and Climate Action Committee will vote on a recommendation to the Select Board regarding the Climate Action Roadmap. Members will also review the Municipal Decarbonization Plan and prepare for a citizen forum on January 15.

• Vote on recommendation to Select Board on Climate Action Roadmap
• Review and recommendations on the Municipal Decarbonization Plan
• Specialized Energy Code After Action Review
• Planning for Jan 15 Orleans Citizen Forum on Climate Action Roadmap
• Establishment of goals for 2026

The committee unanimously passed a motion to submit a recommendation to the Select Board directing town staff to begin the Climate Action Roadmap procurement without waiting for grant funding. It also unanimously approved the minutes from the November 6, December 13, and November 20, 2025 meetings. The discussion on speakers for the Jan 15, 2026 Citizens Forum was tabled and the forum will be rescheduled. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved recommendation to Select Board to start Climate Action Roadmap procurement (unanimous)
• Approved November 6, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved December 13, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved November 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled speakers and preparation for Jan 15, 2026 Citizens Forum (rescheduled)
• Motion to adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee

The Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee will review the town's crosswalk policy and discuss speed data for Barley Neck Road. Members will also address pedestrian crossing light issues at Old Colony and Main Street.

• Crosswalk Policy Review
• Review of Salty Ridge and West Road
• Barley Neck Road near Hayward Lane speed data report
• Pedestrian crossing light problems at Old Colony and Main Street
• Main Street Field Survey status and FY27 schedule

The Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee approved the revised crosswalk policy by unanimous vote. The committee also approved the minutes from the November 12 meeting, again unanimously with one abstention. The pedestrian crossing light at Old Colony and Main Street was confirmed to be operating correctly and no further action was required. The meeting set agenda items for the January 5 session, including updates on the crosswalk policy, field survey, and a Beach Road community meeting.

• Approved crosswalk policy (unanimous)
• Approved November 12 meeting minutes (unanimous, 1 abstention)
• Resolved pedestrian crossing light issue; no further action needed
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Economic Development Committee

The committee will review the November 7, 2025 meeting minutes, receive a staff update from Amanda Converse, discuss the upcoming Special Town Meeting, and examine the Economic Development Committee Data Dashboard. It will also address any new business and set the date for the next meeting.

• Review November 7, 2025 EDC meeting minutes
• Staff update from Amanda Converse, Economic Development Coordinator
• Discussion of Special Town Meeting
• Economic Development Committee Data Dashboard update
• Schedule next meeting for December 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM in Nauset Meeting Room

Board of Assessors

The Orleans Board of Assessors will discuss reports on MV abatements, boat excise abatements, and real estate exemptions. It will also consider the In Lieu of Taxes report and various commitment items. Afterward, the board will enter an executive session to discuss real estate exemptions and deferrals confidentially.

• MV Abatements Report
• Boat Excise Abatements
• Real Estate Exemption Report
• In Lieu of Taxes Report
• Executive Session on Real Estate Exemptions and Deferrals

The Board of Assessors approved 63 real estate tax exemptions totaling S72,458.63 and a $3,029.55 tax deferral. It also accepted Julie Lee's resignation and approved a $54,431.19 payment in lieu of taxes for four Orleans Housing Authority properties. Several vehicle and boat excise abatements were unanimously approved, and the meeting was adjourned by a 2‑0 vote.

• Accepted Julie Lee resignation from the Board (no vote recorded)
• Approved $54,431.19 payment in lieu of taxes for four Orleans Housing Authority properties
• Signed warrant for 2025 motor vehicle excise commitment #6, 234 bills totaling S24,831.84
• Unanimously approved 3 boat/vessel excise abatements totaling S58.51
• Unanimously approved 16 motor vehicle excise abatements totaling S5,665.99
• Approved 63 real estate tax exemptions totaling S72,458.63 in taxes and S2,173.75 surcharge
• Approved 1 real estate tax deferral for S3,029.55
• Motion to close executive session and adjourn passed 2‑0

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission is holding an on-site meeting to review Notices of Intent for three projects. These include a municipal sewer expansion and two private residential developments. All projects involve work within protected resource areas or the Pleasant Bay ACEC.

• Town of Orleans Phase 3 Lakes and Ponds sewer area construction by AECOM
• Single-family dwelling construction at 75 Areys Ln
• Dwelling demolition, relocation, and addition at 8 Kescayogansett Rd

Cultural District Committee

The Cultural District Committee will review reports on current projects and events. The body is also discussing a change to its meeting time.

• Pop-Up Practices
• Solstice
• Arts Week
• Discussion on changing meeting time

The Cultural District Committee approved the October 2025 minutes and the Treasurer's report, both unanimously. The board voted to accept the Solstice event flyer and public‑relations plan. Members also approved moving the regular meeting to 5:30‑7 pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month, with a unanimous vote.

• Approved October 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer's report (unanimous)
• Accepted Solstice flyer/PR plan (unanimous)
• Changed meeting time to 5:30‑7 pm, fourth Tuesday monthly (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will review the status of current grants and set deadlines for the next cycle. Members will discuss the JOY Holiday Structure and plan for 2026 programs including art shows and murals.

• Update on current grant cycle and outstanding grants
• Recreation Department update on JOY Holiday Structure
• Preparation for January 2026 Grant Selection
• Discussion of 2026 programs: art show, wall murals, and movies in the park

Board of Health

The Board of Health will conduct show cause hearings for properties ordered to connect to the municipal sewer. The board will also review variance and testing reduction requests for specific residential addresses.

• Show cause hearings for 8 Old Tote Road and 34 Route 6A regarding municipal sewer connection
• Variance request for 18 Sparrowhawk Road
• Testing reduction request for 14 Prides Path
• License and permit renewal approvals

The Board continued show‑cause hearings for 8 Old Tote Road and 34 Route 6A, moving them to Jan 15 2026 (5‑0‑0 each). It approved a 140‑foot fence variance for 18 Sparrowhawk Road to allow a larger pool enclosure (5‑0‑0). Several license renewals—including Body Art, Hotels, and Swimming Pools—were approved (5‑0‑0 votes). The Board also continued a 17A testing request for 14 Prides Path I/A to Dec 18 2026 (5‑0‑0) and adjourned the meeting.

• Continued show‑cause hearing for 8 Old Tote Road to Jan 15 2026 (5‑0‑0)
• Continued show‑cause hearing for 34 Route 6A to Jan 15 2026 (5‑0‑0)
• Approved 140‑foot fence variance for 18 Sparrowhawk Road (5‑0‑0)
• Continued 17A testing request for 14 Prides Path I/A to Dec 18 2026 (5‑0‑0)
• Approved renewal of Body Art Establishment license (5‑0‑0)
• Approved renewal of Body Art Practitioner license (5‑0‑0)
• Approved renewal of Hotels licenses (5‑0‑0)
• Approved renewal of Swimming Pools licenses (5‑0‑0)

Community Preservation Committee

The Orleans Community Preservation Committee will review FY25/FY26 finances, including active and closed projects. Members will discuss and may vote on community housing initiatives that are located outside Orleans. The committee will consider FY27 grant applications and allocations totaling $1,440,318.84 for a range of historic, recreational, and housing projects. Updates on ongoing projects and a legal review will also be presented.

• Review and discussion of FY25/FY26 finances and project status
• Discussion and possible vote on Community Housing initiatives outside Orleans
• Presentation of FY27 grant allocations totaling $1,440,318.84 across multiple projects
• Updates on specific projects such as trail signage, French Cable archive, and Veteran’s Park restoration
• Legal process and review item on the agenda

The committee voted 9‑0‑0 to close six account codes and return any balances to the CPC reserve fund. It also voted 9‑0‑0 to set aside $1 million to reduce bonding for the Eldredge Park renovation. A separate 9‑0‑0 vote declined funding for three Pennrose affordable‑housing grant applications totaling $300,000, and the committee confirmed that non‑strikethrough projects in Item 7 remain active. Minutes from the November 6 meeting were approved (8‑0‑1) and the meeting adjourned at 6 p.m.

• Closed accounts 59121A, 59121D, 59122D, 59122I, 59124M, 59124K and returned balances to CPC reserve (9-0-0)
• Set aside $1M from CPC balance to reduce bonding for Eldredge Park renovation (9-0-0)
• Declined to fund three Pennrose affordable‑housing grant applications totaling $300,000 (9-0-0)
• Declared projects listed in Item 7 without strikethrough as still active (9-0-0)
• Approved minutes of November 6, 2025 (8-0-1)
• Adjourned meeting at 6 p.m. (9-0-0)

Human Services Advisory Committee

The committee will discuss the status of received applications and whether to increase specific organization requests. Members will also continue reviewing applications and a draft of the annual report.

• Update on applications received
• Discussion on increasing an organization's request
• Review of application submissions
• Review of the draft Annual Report

The Human Services Advisory Committee approved the November 20, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. The committee also approved the HSAC report for inclusion in the Annual Town Report, again unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote. No other applications were acted upon.

• Approved November 20, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved HSAC report inclusion in Annual Town Report (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Historical Commission

The Orleans Historical Commission will hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent concerning 15 Main Street. The commission will receive updates on the Form B project, the archaeology project, and the public education initiative. Members will review the draft Annual Town Report and consider the Demolition Delay Bylaw. The meeting will conclude with scheduling the next session.

• Public Hearing: Notice of Intent – 15 Main Street
• Form B Project Update
• Archaeology Project Update
• Public Education Initiative – status and next steps
• Demolition Delay Bylaw

The Orleans Historical Commission approved the November 12, 2025 meeting minutes. It opened a public hearing on the Notice of Intent for 15 Main Street and voted to allow the building's demolition. The hearing was then closed and the commission adjourned.

• Approved November 12, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0-1)
• Opened public hearing on 15 Main Street Notice of Intent (4-0-0)
• Approved demolition of 15 Main Street structure (4-0-1)
• Closed public hearing (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Select Board

The Select Board will hold public hearings regarding FY26 property tax classification options and amendments to shellfish grant regulations. The board will also consider a grant expansion for Derek Bolduc in Little Pleasant Bay and a license transfer for Nauset Beach Camp #10.

• Public hearing on FY26 property tax classification options
• Public hearing on Aquaculture/Shellfish Grant Regulations amendments
• Request for expansion of shellfish grant license #79 (Derek Bolduc) in Little Pleasant Bay
• One Day All Alcohol License request for Lower Cape Youth Hockey at 23 O'Connor Road
• Transfer of Assignment of Use License for Nauset Beach Camp #10 from Edward L. Hathorne to Dean Grant

The board agreed to replace the existing recycling policy with a broader environmental stewardship policy. It approved revisions to the Conservation Restrictions and Designer Selection Procedures policies and decided to archive the Licensed Premises Accessible to the Public policy. The board also noted several other policies as outdated and directed further review or revision.

• Create new comprehensive environmental policy section (replacing recycling policy)
• Approve revisions to Conservation Restrictions policy (remove "significant", add funding language) pending Town Counsel review
• Reach general agreement on revisions to Designer Selection Procedures (D5)
• Archive Licensed Premises Accessible to the Public policy
• Identify Fair Housing policy as outdated; consult with Elizabeth Jenkins and Town Counsel
• Determine Budget policy (2018) outdated; plan to revise into general framework
• Question applicability of Municipal Self-Insurance policy; refer to Finance Director
• Generally support retaining Acceptance of Equipment policy, consider adjusting $510,000 threshold

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a workshop meeting to review and discuss Select Board Policies. The discussion will focus on Section D and potentially Section E.

• Review of Select Board Policy Section D
• Review of Select Board Policy Section E

Housing Authority

The Orleans Housing Authority will meet to approve fiscal year end certifications, a report on tenant accounts receivable, and documents regarding oil tank replacements. The board will also vote on authorizing the chair to sign financial assistance contracts.

• Vote to approve Lead Paint Certification
• Vote to approve Tenants Accounts Receivable Report
• Vote to approve Certificate of Substantial Completion for Oil Tank Replacements
• Vote to approve Certificate of Final Completion for Oil Tank Replacements
• Vote to approve Chair as authorized to sign Contracts For Financial Assistance

Council on Aging

The Orleans Council on Aging board will hear a chair’s report on improving relationships with town bodies, a select board liaison update, and a Friends of Orleans COA report. It will review the October 2025 monthly budget summary. The board will also discuss establishing a workgroup to implement FY26 goals and priorities.

• Chair’s Report: action plan for improving relationships and awareness of town multi‑member bodies
• Select Board Liaison Update
• Friends of Orleans Council on Aging Report
• Financial Report: review of October 2025 COA monthly budget summary
• FY26 COA Board Goals/Priorities: discussion of establishing a workgroup/action steps

The Orleans Council on Aging met on December 3, 2025 with a quorum. No public comment or financial reports were presented. Carol Hackett formally assumed the Friends of the Orleans Council on Aging liaison role. The motion to adjourn was passed 6‑0‑0.

• Adjourned meeting (vote 6-0-0)
• Carol Hackett assumed Friends liaison role (no vote required)

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The Snow Library Board of Trustees will consider several agenda items, including approval of the October 7, 2025 meeting minutes and reports from the chair, financial officer, and library director. Trustees will vote on the draft of the 2025-2050 Orleans Comprehensive Plan, the FY2027 Snow Library Action Plan, and the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in the library parking lot. Additional votes will address early closures of the library on December 24 and December 31, 2025.

• Approve minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting
• Vote on draft of the 2025-2050 Orleans Comprehensive Plan
• Approve FY2027 Snow Library Action Plan
• Approve electric vehicle charging stations in the library parking lot
• Approve early closure on Dec 24 and Dec 31, 2025

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will review certificates of compliance for several property owners who performed reconstruction, landscaping, and invasive‑plant management within coastal buffer zones. It will also discuss and vote on a request from the Orleans Conservation Trust to support the CPC application to redesign and update the Orleans Walking Trails Guide, possibly adding the Commission as a co‑applicant. The meeting includes public comment, chairman’s business, and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Certificate of compliance for Mayflower Regan LLC (63 Kenneth Ln) – reconstruction of dwelling and boathouse within 100’ coastal buffer
• Certificate of compliance for Thomas & Kristy Cunningham (112 Areys Ln) – reconstruction of dwelling and landscaping within 100’ coastal buffer
• Certificate of compliance for Vic Paci & Jennifer Miller (30 & 40 Payson Ln) – invasive plant management and restoration on coastal bank
• Certificate of compliance for Kathleen Hoffman (60 Captain Linnell Rd) – dormer addition within 100’ coastal buffer and salt marsh
• Review and vote on Orleans Conservation Trust request to support walking‑trails guide redesign and possible co‑applicant status

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved Certificates of Compliance for properties at 63 Kenneth Lane, 112 Areys Lane, 30 & 40 Payson Lane, and 60 Captain Linnell Road, each with specific ongoing conditions. It also approved supporting the Orleans Conservation Trust’s walking‑trails guide application as a co‑applicant. The board adopted the minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting and adjourned the hearing.

• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 63 Kenneth Lane with patio removal condition (7-0-0 unanimous)
• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 112 Areys Lane with vegetation‑management condition (7-0-0 unanimous)
• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 30 & 40 Payson Lane with $8,000 performance escrow and contractor invasive‑management condition (6-0-0 unanimous)
• Approved continuation of Certificate of Compliance for 60 Captain Linnell Rd (7-0-0 unanimous)
• Approved supporting Orleans Conservation Trust application and signing on as co‑applicant (7-0-0 unanimous)
• Approved minutes from 10/7/25 (6-1-0)
• Adjourned public hearing (7-0-0 unanimous)

Veterans Committee

The Veterans Committee will review follow-up actions from the Veterans Day service and receive construction updates on electric and sound systems. The body will also discuss a design for the Korean War and hear a presentation from Crosby Monuments.

• Follow-up from Veterans Day service
• Construction updates regarding electric and sound
• Discussion for Korean War design
• Presentation from Tom Blute of Crosby Monuments

Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee

The Marine and Fresh Water Quality Committee will review the October 27, 2025 meeting minutes and discuss next steps for the Orleans 2050 Comprehensive Plan. It will receive updates from the Wastewater Management Advisory Committee, the Community that CARES Collaboration, and the Winter Farmer’s Market Committee. The committee will also hear reports and discuss water quality and management programs for Pilgrim Lake, Cedar Pond, and Baker Pond, and will consider a public‑hearing support statement for the Orleans Pesticide Reduction HRP. The meeting concludes with announcements, public comment, and adjournment.

• Orleans 2050 Comprehensive Plan — discussion of next steps
• Wastewater Management Advisory Committee — update
• Orleans Pesticide Reduction HRP — public hearing support statement
• 2024 Pilgrim Lake: Water Quality Changes Post‑Alum Treatment — one‑year report
• Cedar Pond Adaptive Management Monitoring Program — 2025 semi‑annual report

The committee approved the October 27, 2025 minutes by unanimous roll‑call vote. Two agenda items—Winter Farmer’s Market Committee Booth and the Pilgrim Lake Herring Run—were postponed to future meetings. Members agreed to post a video about alum treatment on the town’s water quality website. A motion to resubmit the Baker Pond alum treatment request at the spring 2026 Town Meeting passed unanimously.

• Approved October 27, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed Winter Farmer’s Market Committee Booth item
• Postponed Pilgrim Lake Herring Run discussion to next meeting
• Agreed to post alum‑treatment video on MFWQC website
• Resubmit Baker Pond alum treatment request at spring 2026 Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The Orleans Cultural Council will review grant requests for 2026 and discuss various community programs. The body will vote on whether to fund a holiday structure for the Village Green and determine the funding amount.

• Review of 2026 Grant requests
• Vote on funding for Village Green Holiday structure
• Discussion of mural project
• Discussion of Movies in the park program

The council approved a $5,000 grant to fund the Village Green holiday lobster buoy structure, passing the motion unanimously. The October 2025 meeting minutes were approved. Discussion of existing cultural projects such as murals and park movies was postponed to the February meeting.

• Approved $5,000 for Village Green holiday lobster buoys (unanimous)
• Approved October 2025 meeting minutes
• Tabled discussion of murals, movies in park to February meeting

Board of Health

The Board of Health will hold continued show‑cause hearings for three properties ordered to connect to the municipal sewer at 5 North Cottage Street, 8 Old Tote Road, and 34 Route 6A. It will also consider deferral requests for 157 Route 6A (David & Carolyn Delgizzi) and for 86 A, 86 B, and 88 Route 6A (Margaret Dodge). Additional items include variance requests for 47 Nauset Heights Road, 21 Pleasant View Drive, and 5 Spinnaker Trail, approval of temporary food permits for Cape Cod Charcuterie, and adoption of the 2026 agenda.

• Continued show‑cause hearings for 5 North Cottage St, 8 Old Tote Rd, 34 Route 6A
• Deferral request for 157 Route 6A (David & Carolyn Delgizzi)
• Deferral request for 86 A, 86 B, and 88 Route 6A (Margaret Dodge)
• Variance request for 47 Nauset Heights Rd (Janet and Michael Wall)
• Temporary food permit approvals for Cape Cod Charcuterie (Nov 15 & Nov 28)

The Orleans Board of Health approved a variance for 47 Nauset Heights Road and a pool‑area variance for 21 Pleasant View Drive, each by a 4‑0‑0 voice vote. It also voted to continue show‑cause hearings for several Phase 1 sewer‑connection properties, setting new dates in December, March and May. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved 2.84‑ft variance for 47 Nauset Heights Road (4‑0‑0)
• Approved pool‑area design variance for 21 Pleasant View Drive (4‑0‑0)
• Continued hearing for 5 North Cottage Street to Dec 18, 2025 (4‑0‑0)
• Continued hearing for 8 Old Tote Road to Dec 4, 2025 (4‑0‑0)
• Continued hearing for 34 Route 6A to Dec 4, 2025 (4‑0‑0)
• Moved deferral request for 157 Route 6A to Mar 5, 2026 (4‑0‑0)
• Extended deferral for 86A & 86B Route 6A and 88 Route 6A to May 7, 2026 (4‑0‑0)

Recreation Advisory Committee

The committee will meet to determine next steps for the Eldredge Park Renovation Project. Members will also review the Recreation Director's report and discuss future recreation programming.

• Next steps for Eldredge Park Renovation Project
• Recreation Director’s Report from Tom DeSiervo
• Discussion on future recreation programming
• Approval of minutes from June 11, July 30, and September 18, 2025

Human Services Advisory Committee

The Orleans Human Services Advisory Committee will receive an update on applications received, approve the minutes from the previous meeting, and start its review of new applications. Public comments and questions are invited throughout the meeting.

• Approve minutes from prior meeting
• Update on applications received (presented by Alex Fitch)
• Begin committee review of applications

The Human Services Advisory Committee unanimously approved the November 6, 2025 meeting minutes. No funding requests were voted on. Members were assigned to review specific organizations at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved November 6, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Assigned Fran K. to Aids Support Group of Cape Cod and Alzheimer’s Family Support
• Assigned Richard to Orleans After School and Mass Appeal
• Assigned Susan to Elder Services and Cape Cod Children’s Place
• Assigned Barb to Independence House (if submitted)
• Assigned Fran M. to future applications (to be notified)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Energy & Climate Action Committee

The committee will meet to coordinate the Energy Navigator Program. The session includes a training presentation on heat pumps by Steve Burke of Rise Engineering.

• Energy Navigator Program coordination
• Heat pump training by Steve Burke, Rise Engineering

The committee held a special meeting on November 20, 2025 to review the Energy Navigators program and hear a heat‑pump specialist. Attendees introduced themselves and discussed outreach successes at the farmers market and senior center. No policy actions or approvals were made; the only formal action was a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)

Select Board

The Select Board will vote on a residential tax exemption program and the designation of 56 Eldredge Park Way as Unique Real Property. The board will also consider seasonal closure requests for two restaurants and a one-day alcohol license. Other business includes a Special Town Meeting recap and Town Manager reports.

• Residential Tax Exemption program vote
• Temporary seasonal closure for The Rail Restaurant (222 Main Street)
• Temporary seasonal closure for The Barley Neck Inn Restaurant (5 Beach Road)
• One day beer and wine license for Sunset Leisure LLC (86 Route 6A)
• Determination of 56 Eldredge Park Way as Unique Real Property

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to review previous meeting minutes and consider a special permit or variance application. The board will discuss the placement of accessory buildings at a specific property in the VC district.

• Case # 2025-18: Special Permit or Variance for 8x24 freestanding exterior walk-in freezer/refrigerator units at 5 Old Colony Way

The board approved the October 15, 2025 meeting minutes by a 5‑0 vote and noted that no minutes were submitted for November 5, 2025. Public comment on the variance request for 5 Old Colony Way was opened and then closed, each by a 5‑0 vote. The board then approved the requested variance for the property at 5 Old Colony Way with a unanimous 5‑0 vote.

• Approved October 15, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Recorded that no minutes were submitted for November 5, 2025
• Opened public comment on variance case (5-0)
• Closed public comment on variance case (5-0)
• Approved variance for 5 Old Colony Way (5-0)

Open Space Committee

The Orleans Open Space Committee will hold a meeting to discuss a possible property purchase in executive session and approve minutes from October. The next meeting is scheduled for January 21, 2026.

• Executive session to discuss possible property purchase
• Approval of October meeting minutes
• CPC update
• Next meeting scheduled for January 21, 2026

The committee voted unanimously to enter and later adjourn an executive session. Members approved a motion for the Open Space Committee to draft a letter of support for the Orleans Conservation Trust’s Cedar Pond application. The minutes from the October 15, 2025 meeting were also approved unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned.

• All members approved motion to enter executive session (unanimous)
• All members approved motion to adjourn executive session (unanimous)
• All members approved motion to draft a letter of support for OCT Cedar Pond application (unanimous)
• All members approved the October 15, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• All members approved motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)

Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Board will meet to discuss and potentially vote on a Watershed Management Plan. The agenda also includes discussions regarding pending litigation in Case # 2472CV00509 and updates on wastewater and water department operations.

• Vote on Watershed Management Plan
• Pending litigation: Case # 2472CV00509 Leonard, Jack vs. Town of Orleans
• Sewer abatement request for water leak at 117 Route 6A
• Standby request for 51 Gibson Rd
• Water Rates Working Group Report

The Board entered executive session and voted 7-0-0 to accept a settlement judgment that lowers the betterment payment from $38,080.62 to $15,000. It also approved a standby request for 51 Gibson Road and abated $57.75. The Board committed $55,641.10 in sewer receivables and $1,532,753.44 in water and sewer rate receivables for October 2025. Finally, it denied the sewer abatement request for 117 Route 6A, all votes 7-0-0.

• Entered executive session (7-0-0)
• Accepted settlement judgment reducing betterment to $15,000 (7-0-0)
• Approved standby request for 51 Gibson Road and abated $57.75 (7-0-0)
• Committed sewer receivables for October 2025 totaling $55,641.10 (7-0-0)
• Committed water and sewer rate receivables for October 2025 totaling $1,532,753.44 (7-0-0)
• Denied sewer abatement request for 117 Route 6A (7-0-0)
• Approved minutes of October 15, 2025 (7-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 3:21 p.m. (7-0-0)

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The exhibition committee will consider a second presentation by artist Guy Laszlow Trudeau and vote on it. The committee will also review minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting, receive a financial report and a library director’s report from Tavi Prugno, and review the gallery schedule presented by Tom Genereux. Additional agenda items include public comment, old and new business, and adjournment.

• Second presentation by artist Guy Laszlow Trudeau (vote)
• Review minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting (vote)
• Financial report presented by Tavi Prugno
• Library Director’s report presented by Tavi Prugno
• Review gallery schedule presented by Tom Genereux

The Snow Library Board approved artist Guy Trudeau’s work for the gallery. The board also approved the minutes from the September 16 meeting. Both motions were passed with all members in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 pm.

• Approved artist Guy Trudeau’s work (all in favor)
• Approved September 16 minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Conservation Commission

The Orleans Conservation Commission will consider two continuation items. The first is a proposed amendment to the Order of Conditions for DEP #54-2638 submitted by Eastward MBT, LLC for a dry‑laid block patio and planting adjustments within a 100‑foot buffer of a bordering vegetated wetland at 21 Pleasant View Drive. The second is a proposal from Crawford Land Management for 65 Towhee Lane to reconstruct a single‑family dwelling, renovate an existing boathouse, and conduct site‑improvement and land‑management work on coastal beach, bank, salt marsh, and areas subject to coastal storm flowage within the Pleasant Bay ACEC. The commission will also hear public comment and review minutes from the Kents Point public hearing held on August 27, 2025.

• Eastward MBT, LLC – amendment to Order of Conditions (DEP #54-2638) for dry‑laid block patio and planting adjustments at 21 Pleasant View Dr within 100‑ft wetland buffer
• 65 Towhee Lane LLC – reconstruction of single‑family dwelling, boathouse renovation, and site‑improvement on coastal beach, bank, salt marsh, and storm‑flowage area at 65 Towhee Ln
• Public comment period
• Review of Kents Point public hearing minutes (8/27/25)

The commission unanimously approved the amended Order of Conditions for 21 Pleasant View Drive. It also unanimously approved the project at 65 Towhee Lane with standard and special conditions. No public comments were received during the meeting.

• Approved amended Order of Conditions for 21 Pleasant View Dr (7-0-0)
• Closed public hearing for 21 Pleasant View Dr (7-0-0)
• Approved project at 65 Towhee Lane with findings, standard and special conditions (7-0-0)
• Closed public hearing for 65 Towhee Lane (7-0-0)
• Approved minutes of 8/27/25 public hearing (7-0-0)
• Adjourned public hearing (7-0-0)

Fourth of July Committee

The Orleans Fourth of July Parade Committee will meet to approve the minutes of its September 22, 2025 meeting, consider any open positions, and address any new business items. The agenda also includes scheduling the next meeting and adjournment. No specific proposals or contracts are listed.

• Approve minutes of 9/22/25 meeting
• Open positions
• New business (unspecified)
• Schedule next meeting
• Adjournment

The committee postponed voting on the September 22 minutes to a later meeting because a quorum was not present. It decided to skip a December meeting and schedule the next meeting for January 20. The motion to adjourn was passed unanimously.

• Postponed approval of 9/22/25 minutes to a later meeting (no vote recorded)
• Skipped December meeting; next meeting set for Jan 20
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Select Board

The Orleans Select Board will hold its regular meeting on November 17, 2025. The agenda lists only standard procedural items: Call to Order, Any other Town Meeting Action, and Adjourn. No specific decisions, proposals, or discussions are detailed in the agenda.

• Call to Order
• Any other Town Meeting Action
• Adjourn

Orleans School Committee

The Orleans School Committee will meet to receive updates on FY26 grants and budgets from Assistant Superintendent Vicky Saldana. The body will also review the FY26 monthly financial report and 2025-2026 enrollment figures.

• FY26 Grant and Budget updates
• FY26 Monthly Financial Report
• 2025-2026 Enrollment review
• Declaration of surplus

Finance Committee

The Orleans Finance Committee will vote to approve the minutes from the October 30, 2025 meeting. The committee will assign speaking roles for the pro and con sides of four articles that received split votes. Additional agenda items include announcements, liaison reports, and scheduling of future meetings.

• Approve minutes from 10/30/25
• Assign speaking assignments for four articles with split votes
• Announcements
• Liaison reports
• Set dates for upcoming meetings (11/13, 11/17, 12/10, 1/08, 1/22)

The committee approved the minutes from its October meetings with vote totals of 7‑0‑0, 5‑0‑2, and 7‑0‑0. Members were assigned as ex‑officio liaisons to various town boards, including Chris Kanaga to the Wastewater Management Advisory Committee. The meeting was formally adjourned by an 8‑0‑0 vote.

• Approved 10/16/2024 minutes (vote 7-0-0)
• Approved 10/24/2024 minutes (vote 5-0-2)
• Approved 10/28/2024 minutes (vote 7-0-0)
• Appointed Chris Kanaga as ex‑officio member to Wastewater Management Advisory Committee
• Assigned Cheryl Codair to Affordable Housing Committee and Trust Board
• Assigned Tony Pearl to Transportation and Bikeways Committee and Shellfish and Waterways Advisory Committee
• Assigned Constance Kremer (Chair) to Recreation Advisory Committee
• Adjourned meeting (vote 8-0-0)

Energy & Climate Action Committee

The Orleans Energy and Climate Action Committee will meet to discuss its roles regarding a specialized energy code, review the Municipal Decarbonization Plan, and approve minutes from a previous meeting.

• Discussion on committee roles on Article 3 Specialized Energy Code
• Review of Municipal Decarbonization Plan
• Vote to approve minutes for October 9, 2025 meeting
• Update from Assistant Town Manager
• Appointment with Eversource

The Energy & Climate Action Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the October 9, 2025 meeting. The committee also unanimously moved to adjourn the November 13, 2025 meeting. No other actions or votes were recorded; updates on solar projects, EV chargers, the decarbonization plan, and an Eversource presentation were informational.

• Approved October 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Historical District Study Committee

The committee will review a Notice of Intent for 15 Main Street and a request to amend a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) grant for the Academy of Performing Arts. Members will also receive updates on the Form B and archaeology projects.

• Notice of Intent for 15 Main Street with a public hearing on December 3, 2025
• Academy of Performing Arts request to amend current CPC grant
• Correspondence from Massachusetts Historical Commission dated October 20, 2025
• Updates on Form B and Archaeology projects
• External website hosting payment

Select Board

The Select Board announced a special town meeting open house on November 12, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in the Nauset Room of Town Hall. The agenda lists a call to order, a warrant article titled “Open House,” and adjournment, and notes that discussion items are anticipated but not guaranteed. The Select Board may attend, but the meeting is not a regular Select Board meeting.

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will discuss the MV abatements report, the boat abatements report, and betterment payoff warrants. They will also consider FY26 property values and new growth. Minutes from the previous meeting will be approved. An executive session will be held to discuss real estate abatements confidentially.

• MV Abatements Report
• Boat abatements report
• Betterment Payoff warrants
• FY26 Values and New Growth Discussion
• Executive Session on Real Estate Abatements (confidential)

The Board unanimously approved boat and motor vehicle excise abatements totaling $2,444.17 and wrote off uncollectible taxes for 2019 MV excise, 2020 boat excise, and 2020 personal property tax. It signed four sewer betterment payoff warrants and granted all three members authority to stamp their signatures on future sewer betterment payoff requests. Minutes from the October 14 meeting were approved, and the Board entered executive session unanimously to consider abatement and exemption applications.

• Approved 9 boat/vessel excise abatements totaling $239.00 (unanimous)
• Approved 24 motor vehicle excise abatements totaling $2,205.17 (unanimous)
• Wrote off uncollectible taxes: 43 2019 MV excise bills $2,977.10; 5 2020 boat excise bills $191.00; 2 2020 personal property tax bills $30.16
• Signed sewer betterment payoff warrants for 45 West Rd Unit 1E ($5,289.03), 8 Canal Rd ($11,424.22), 18 West Rd Unit 212 ($5,288.97), 42 Old Colony Way Unit 6 ($6,188.09)
• Authorized all three members to stamp signatures on future sewer betterment payoff warrants (all signed)
• Approved minutes from the 10/14/2025 open session (Nick and Kerrin signed)
• Approved motion to enter executive session to consider abatement and exemption applications (3-0 unanimous)

Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee

The Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee will hear a presentation on the Beach Road feasibility study by VHB. A workshop with the committee and VHB will follow, after which the public may comment. The committee will also consider approving the minutes from the October 8 meeting and will plan the agenda for December.

• Presentation of Beach Road feasibility study by VHB
• Workshop with Transportation & Bikeways Advisory Committee and VHB
• Public comment period
• Approval of minutes from October 8 meeting
• Planning of December agenda

The committee approved the minutes from the October 8 meeting by unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously. No substantive policy decisions were made, but a public forum for the Beach Road feasibility study was scheduled for the January‑March timeframe.

• Approved October 8 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
• Planned public forum for Beach Road feasibility study (January‑March)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will meet to review staff updates and the Special Town Meeting Warrant scheduled for November 17. The session includes a period for public comment and the approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Review of November 17 Special Town Meeting Warrant
• Staff update from Economic Development Coordinator Amanda Converse

The committee approved the minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting by a 4‑0‑0 vote. After discussion, members voted 5‑0 to formally support Article 2, the Downtown Housing Overlay District, at the upcoming Special Town Meeting. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Approved October 14, 2025 minutes (vote 4-0-0)
• Unanimously supported Article 2 Downtown Housing Overlay District (vote 5-0)
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will provide updates on projects underway, discuss received and anticipated grant applications and the outlook for the grant season, and approve the minutes from the October 2, 2025 meeting. Public comment will be accepted before the meeting adjourns.

• Updates on projects underway
• Report and discussion of received and anticipated applications and outlook for the grant season
• Approval of Minutes: October 2, 2025
• Public Comment
• Call Meeting to Order

The committee voted to bill the Orleans Historic Commission website invoice to the FY26 grant for public education. It also approved repurposing $8,860 of the Academy preservation grant for shutters, pending OHC approval and compliance with standards. The minutes from the October 2, 2025 meeting were approved, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Billed OHC website invoice to FY26 grant (5-0-0)
• Repurposed $8,860 Academy grant for shutters (5-0-0)
• Approved October 2, 2025 minutes (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Human Services Advisory Committee

The Human Services Advisory Committee will review and assign applications it has received. It will provide an update on a letter sent to nonprofits. The committee will discuss ideas for public relations, outreach, and inclusion of its work in the Orleans Comprehensive Plan. Additional procedural items and future business will also be noted.

• Assign received applications
• Update on letter sent to nonprofits
• Discuss ideas for PR and outreach
• Consider inclusion of committee work in Orleans Comprehensive Plan
• Procedural matters (call to order, approve minutes)

The committee unanimously approved the October 9, 2025 meeting minutes. Members were assigned to specific nonprofit applicants and agreed to call each organization to encourage FY2027 funding applications. The committee decided a review checklist was unnecessary and will invite Pleasant Bay Community Boating to meet on November 20. Susan will ask the Planning Board chair to include HSAC work in the Orleans Comprehensive Plan, and Meff will explore removing HSAC from the town budget cycle.

• Approved October 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Decided a review checklist is not needed
• Assigned primary committee members to existing and one new applicant
• Planned invitation for Pleasant Bay Community Boating to meet on Nov 20
• Each member will telephone assigned organizations to encourage FY2027 applications
• Susan to request inclusion of HSAC in the Orleans Comprehensive Plan
• Meff to investigate taking HSAC out of the town budget cycle
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Energy & Climate Action Committee

The Energy & Climate Action Committee will hold a presentation on the Specialized Energy Code by the Department of Energy Resources. After the presentation, the public will have an opportunity to comment and ask questions about the code. No formal decisions are scheduled for this meeting.

• Presentation on the Specialized Energy Code by the Department of Energy Resources
• Public comment and questions on the Specialized Energy Code

The Energy & Climate Action Committee held a special meeting to gather public input on the Specialized Energy Code. The committee heard a presentation from Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources staff and comments from several residents. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. by a unanimous motion.

Select Board

The Orleans Select Board meeting on November 5, 2025 will consider the FY27 budget policy statement and the accompanying budget schedule. The board will also receive a report on the Town Manager’s evaluation and discuss a new evaluation instrument. Committee interviews with the Cultural District, Energy and Climate Action, and Transportation & Bikeways committees are scheduled. The meeting includes standard items such as public comment and announcements.

• Review FY27 budget policy statement and budget schedule
• Report on Town Manager evaluation summary and discussion of new evaluation instrument
• Cultural District Committee interview (Deanna Johnson)
• Energy and Climate Action Committee interview (John Dugan)
• Transportation & Bikeways Committee interview (Bob McDonald)

The Select Board unanimously approved the FY27 budget schedule and policy. It also appointed John Dugan as an associate member of the Energy & Climate Action Committee and Bob McDonald as a regular member of the Transportation & Bikeways Committee, each for a term ending June 30, 2028. All three actions passed with a 4‑0‑0 vote.

• Approved FY27 budget schedule and policy (4-0-0)
• Appointed John Dugan as associate member, Energy & Climate Action Committee (4-0-0)
• Appointed Bob McDonald as regular member, Transportation & Bikeways Committee (4-0-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Orleans Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to review meeting minutes and consider two special permit applications: a home occupation sign at 89 Nickerson Rd and home additions at 17 Deer Run.

• Review October 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Case #2025-16: Home occupation sign at 89 Nickerson Rd
• Case #2025-17: Home additions at 17 Deer Run

The Orleans Zoning Board of Appeals approved a Special Permit for a sign at 89 Nickerson Road and a Special Permit for an addition to the dwelling at 17 Deer Run. Both approvals were voted unanimously 5‑0. The sign permit includes placement approval by the Building Commissioner, and the dwelling addition will exceed 4,000 sq ft of building coverage.

• Approved Special Permit for 89 Nickerson Rd sign (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit for 17 Deer Run dwelling addition (5-0)

Council on Aging

The Orleans Council on Aging Board will vote to approve the minutes from its October 15, 2025 meeting. It will discuss reports from the town’s representative to the Board of Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, review the September 2025 budget summary and FY27 budget update, and consider a new action plan to improve relationships with town multi‑member bodies. Additional updates include a SNAP crisis briefing and FY26 board goals.

• Vote to approve minutes from the October 15, 2025 COA Board meeting
• Discuss Mark Berson’s report as Orleans Representative to the Board of Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands
• Review September 2025 COA Monthly Budget Summary and FY27 budget update
• Discuss action plan for improving relationships and awareness of Town multi‑member bodies
• Discuss FY26 COA Board Goals/Priorities workgroup proposal

The board voted to approve the October 15, 2025 meeting minutes with a 6‑yes, 0‑no, 0‑abstain vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously. No other formal actions or votes were recorded.

• Approved October 15, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0-0)

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board will meet via Zoom on November 4, 2025. The board will discuss the Specialized Energy Code and its potential impacts on affordable housing. It will also discuss warrant articles and the board’s position on them. No formal decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Discussion of Specialized Energy Code and its impacts on affordable housing
• Discussion of warrant articles and the board’s position on them

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board considered a motion to support the Specialized Energy Code and voted it down 2-4-2. The board then unanimously approved support for Warrant Articles 2, 4, and 5. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Rejected support for Specialized Energy Code (2-4-2)
• Approved support for Article 2 (8-0-0)
• Approved support for Article 4 (8-0-0)
• Approved support for Article 5 (8-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0-0)

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The Snow Library Board of Trustees will consider several routine items, including approval of the October 7, 2025 meeting minutes and reports on finances, exterior vegetation, and library operations. Trustees will vote on the FY2027 Action Plan and on a temporary early closing of the library at 5 pm on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. The meeting also includes a report from the Friends Representative before adjournment.

• Approval of the minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting (vote)
• FY2027 Action Plan approval (vote)
• Vote to close the library at 5 pm on Wednesday, November 26, 2025
• Exterior vegetation cutback report
• Financial report

Conservation Commission

The Orleans Conservation Commission will discuss several amendment requests for coastal development projects, including changes to a patio, deck, and stairs at multiple parcels. It will also consider a certificate of compliance for site regrading and invasive‑species removal. Finally, the commission will review and vote on a proposed conservation restriction at 137 Skaket Beach Road.

• Amended Order of Conditions for Eastward MBT, LLC – addition of a dry‑laid block patio at 21 Pleasant View Dr and adjusted plantings within a 100‑ft wetland buffer.
• Continuation for 65 Towhee Lane LLC – reconstruction of a single‑family home, boat house renovation, and site improvements on a coastal beach, bank, and salt marsh.
• Continuation for John Carroll Jr. & Cynthia Ireland – deck extension, dug‑in steps, firepit, landscaping, and invasive‑vegetation removal at 3 Shore View Dr.
• Administrative Review of 39 Keziahs Ln – replacement of concrete stairs with timber stairs.
• Other Business – review and vote on a conservation restriction request for 137 Skaket Beach Road.

The Orleans Conservation Commission approved a conservation restriction for 137 Skaket Beach Road (5-0-0). It also approved the 3 Shore View Drive deck project with a pre‑construction meeting condition (7-0-0) and granted certificates and permits for Kents Point stairs, 10 Howard Way compliance, and a certificate of compliance. Two pending projects were continued to a hearing on November 18, 2025.

• Continuance of Eastward MBT hearing to 11/18/25 (6-0-0)
• Continuance of 65 Towhee Lane hearing to 11/18/25 (6-9-0)
• Approved 3 Shore View Drive deck project with pre‑construction meeting (7-0-0)
• Approved Kents Point stairs replacement project (6-0-0)
• Approved Certificate of Compliance at 10 Howard Way (5-0-0)
• Approved Conservation Restriction at 137 Skaket Beach Rd (5-0-0)
• Approved minutes of 9/16/25 meeting (6-0-0)
• Adjourned the public hearing (7-0-0)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will discuss and vote on warrant articles for the November 17, 2025, Town Meeting. The committee will also review its Code of Conduct.

• Vote on warrant articles for 11/17/25 Town Meeting
• Discussion of Finance Committee Code of Conduct

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will consider an amendment to the Order of Conditions for a development by Eastward MBT, LLC at 21 Pleasant View Dr. The amendment proposes adding a dry‑laid block patio adjacent to the approved swimming pool and adjusting the locations of approved plantings. The work is planned within the 100‑foot buffer zone of a bordering vegetated wetland. Additional items may be discussed beyond those listed.

• Amended Order of Conditions for Eastward MBT, LLC – addition of dry‑laid block patio adjacent to swimming pool
• Adjustment of approved planting locations
• Work to occur within 100‑foot buffer zone of bordering vegetated wetland
• Reference to DEP #54-2638 Order of Conditions

Cultural District Committee

The committee will vote to approve the September 2025 meeting minutes. It will hear the treasurer’s report and an update on the MCC grant. Members will discuss planned events such as Pop‑Up Practices, the Solstice celebration, and Arts Week, as well as the committee website.

• Approve September 2025 minutes
• Treasurer’s report (Craig)
• MCC grant update
• Discussion of upcoming events: Pop‑Up Practices, Solstice, Arts Week
• Website update

The Cultural District Committee approved the September 2025 minutes by unanimous vote. It also unanimously supported the proposed Solstice star‑labyrinth design, specifying white tape, additional lighting, and a five‑path star layout. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved September 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Supported Solstice labyrinth with white tape, more lighting, 5‑path star (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Veterans Committee

The Orleans Veterans Committee will receive an update on the construction meeting held on October 20, 2025. Members will discuss plans for the upcoming Veterans Day service, including agenda items and speakers. The committee will also review recent discussions about a statue on Monument Road. A motion to close the meeting will be considered.

• Update on October 20 construction meeting
• Discussion of Veterans Day service agenda and speakers
• Review of Monument Road statue discussions
• Consideration of agenda for a possible special November meeting
• Motion to close the meeting

Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee

The Marine and Fresh Water Quality Committee will review water quality monitoring closeouts for freshwater lakes, ponds, and estuaries. The body will discuss the Baker Pond Management Plan's Fall Town Meeting Warrant proposal and a support statement for the Orleans Pesticide Reduction HRP.

• Baker Pond Management Plan Fall Town Meeting Warrant proposal update
• Orleans Pesticide Reduction HRP public hearing support statement
• 2025 Freshwater Lake and Pond (PALS) monitoring closeout
• 2025 Pleasant Bay and Nauset Estuary monitoring closeout
• Pilgrim Lake Herring Run 2025 summary

The Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee unanimously approved the September 22 regular meeting minutes and the September 22 special meeting minutes (both 6-0-0). No new policies or contracts were adopted; members discussed monitoring updates, erosion issues, and upcoming projects.

• Approved September 22 regular meeting minutes (6-0-0)
• Approved September 22 special meeting minutes (6-0-0)

Housing Authority

The Orleans Housing Authority will discuss its budget and director's report, review an old laundry room contract, and consider several new business items. Items include certificates of completion for septic work at the Meetinghouse, a CFA amendment, and votes on a Bad Debt write‑off, a Fair Market Housing Plan, and other projects. The board will also review the 2025 annual report, approve vouchers, and set the next meeting date.

• Approve Certificate of Substantial Completion FISH# 224074 – septic at 53 Meetinghouse
• Approve Certificate of Final Completion FISH# 224074 – septic at 53 Meetinghouse
• Approve CFA amendment #13 5001
• Vote to approve Bad Debt write off
• Vote to approve Fair Market Housing Plan

Architectural Review Committee

The Architectural Review Committee will review two property applications and discuss a proposed amendment to the Downtown Housing Overlay District. The body will consider a motion regarding its opinion of the zoning bylaw amendment.

• Application for vinyl siding replacement at 45 S Orleans Rd
• Application for a new sign at Homegrown Boutique, 41 Main St
• Discussion of Downtown Housing Overlay District amendment 164-19.3

The committee approved a vinyl siding replacement for 45 S. Orleans Rd. (4‑0‑0). It also approved the September 11 and October 9, 2025 meeting minutes (each 4‑0‑0). A motion to create a working group to summarize the ARC’s stance on the Downtown Housing Overlay District amendment passed unanimously (4‑0‑0). A prior recommendation to the Planning Board was withdrawn by unanimous agreement.

• Approved vinyl siding replacement for 45 S. Orleans Rd. (4-0-0)
• Approved minutes of September 11, 2025 with amendments (4-0-0)
• Approved minutes of October 9, 2025 with amendments (4-0-0)
• Formed working group to draft ARC position on Downtown Housing Overlay amendment (4-0-0)
• Motion recommending ARC not support amendment withdrawn unanimously
• No decision made on Emily Richarson sign application (no discussion)
• Quorum not available to vote on September 25, 2025 minutes (no decision)

Select Board

The Select Board will vote to request an official opinion on housing criteria and amend a purchase agreement. They will also discuss supporting a pesticide reduction bill at a public hearing.

• Vote to request official opinion on Downtown Housing Overlay District criteria
• Vote to amend 22 Old Tote Road Purchase & Sale Agreement
• Discuss support for Orleans Pesticide Reduction Home Rule Petition Bill H.995
• Special Town Meeting Article Presentations

The board approved an amendment to the 22 Old Tote Road Purchase & Sale Agreement, setting a new closing date of Dec. 31, 2025 (vote 3‑0‑1). It also voted unanimously to request an official opinion on the Downtown Housing Overlay District eligibility (4‑0‑0). Additionally, the board approved a letter of support for the Orleans Pesticide Reduction Home Rule Petition (Bill H.995) (4‑0‑0).

• Approved amendment to 22 Old Tote Road Purchase & Sale Agreement, new closing Dec 31 2025 (3-0-1)
• Requested official opinion from Executive Office on Downtown Housing Overlay District eligibility (4-0-0)
• Approved letter of support for Orleans Pesticide Reduction Home Rule Petition Bill H.995 (4-0-0)

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board will consider a grant application to the FY27 Community Preservation Committee. It will also approve an amendment to the purchase and sale agreement for 22 Old Tote Road rental housing and set a timeline for related proposals. Discussions will cover the Stretch Code's impact on affordable housing and a notice of funding availability carried over from the previous meeting.

• Project updates for 19 West Road, 107 Main St, 66‑76 Route 6A (Governor Prence), and 44 Main Street (Ms. Jenkins)
• Approval of amendment to Purchase and Sale agreement for 22 Old Tote Road rental housing
• Discussion of Stretch Code as it relates to affordable housing
• Vote on Notice of Funding Availability (continued from previous meeting)
• Consideration and vote to apply for a FY27 Community Preservation Committee grant

The board voted unanimously (6-0-0) to have staff apply to the Community Preservation Committee for a FY27 grant of $600,000 for a housing unit and $100,000 for gap funding. It also unanimously approved an amendment to the purchase and sale agreement for 22 Old Tote Road and accepted the Notice of Funding Availability as presented. All motions were carried with a 6-0-0 vote.

• Approved staff application for FY27 Community Preservation Committee grant: $600,000 unit housing + $100,000 gap funding (6-0-0)
• Approved amendment to purchase and sale agreement for 22 Old Tote Road (6-0-0)
• Accepted Notice of Funding Availability as presented (6-0-0)
• Approved minutes from September 16, 2025 (6-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:15 pm (6-0-0)

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The Marion Craine Gallery Exhibition Committee will review artist presentations and exhibit applications. The board is also deciding on the wording for the Bobi Eldridge memorial plaque and the status of an annual Lower Cape Pride exhibit.

• Presentation and vote regarding artists Susan Karchmer and Rachael Sokolowski
• Vote on Bobi Eldridge memorial plaque wording
• Vote on annual Lower Cape Pride exhibit every June
• Vote on Brian Ramsay exhibit application
• Vote on Darcy Herrington exhibit application

The board unanimously approved the September 2025 minutes. It also approved Susan Karchmer and Rachael Sokolowski to exhibit in January and February, and adopted an annual Lower Cape Pride exhibit every June. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 5:25 pm.

• Approved September 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Susan Karchmer and Rachael Sokolowski exhibition Jan–Feb (unanimous)
• Adopted annual Lower Cape Pride exhibit each June (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:25 pm (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will review several project applications and a request for a revised plan. The body will also discuss and possibly vote on changes to the Kents Point Land Management Plan.

• Notice of Intent for timber bulkhead repair at 13 Old County Rd
• Revised plan request for a chain link fence and plantings at 20 Seacrest Dr
• Administrative review for grassland restoration at 20 Cheney Rd
• Administrative review for asphalt driveway replacement at 16 High Tide Ln
• Certificate of Compliance for a Title 5 septic system at 26 Gibson Rd

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved the bulkhead rehabilitation project at 13 Old County Rd, attaching findings and standard conditions plus special DMF letter requirements. It also approved a revised plan at 20 Seacrest Dr with stone delineators and no mulch (5‑2‑0), a restoration at 20 Cheney Rd, a like‑for‑like gravel driveway replacement at 16 High Tide Ln, and a Certificate of Compliance for a septic system at 26 Gibson Rd. Additionally, the commission adopted changes to the Kents Point Land Management Plan to seasonally restrict parking from June 15 to September 15, establishing a one‑year pilot and monitoring program.

• Approved bulkhead rehabilitation at 13 Old County Rd with conditions (7-0-0)
• Approved project at 20 Seacrest Dr with stone delineator every 8' and no mulch (5-2-0)
• Approved restoration at 20 Cheney Rd (7-0-0)
• Approved like-for-like gravel driveway replacement at 16 High Tide Ln (7-0-0)
• Approved Certificate of Compliance for septic system at 26 Gibson Rd (7-0-0)
• Adopted Kents Point Land Management Plan changes to restrict parking June 15–Sep 15 (7-0-0)
• Adopted Kents Point one‑year pilot monitoring program (7-0-0)

Veterans Committee

The Memorial Day/Veteran’s Day Committee is meeting to review construction updates and monument designs. The session includes presentations from Crosby Monuments and Site One.

• Update on October 10, 2025, construction meeting
• Design discussion for Vietnam memorial
• Presentation from Tom Blute of Crosby Monuments
• Presentation from Site One
• Discussion regarding Monument road statue

Orleans School Committee

The Orleans School Committee will hear a security update from Chief MacDonald and a fire/rescue station update from Select Board Chair Kevin Galligan. The committee will also discuss the NPS religious exemption curriculum opt‑out, review administrators’ reports, and consider the FY27 budget timeline. A recurring item to declare a surplus will be addressed.

• Security Update – Chief MacDonald
• Fire/Rescue Station Update – Select Board Chair Kevin Galligan
• NPS Religious Exemption Curriculum Opt Out
• FY27 Budget Timeline
• Declare Surplus (Recurring Item)

Board of Health

The Orleans Board of Health will conduct continued show cause hearings for properties under an order to connect to the municipal sewer, including 5 North Cottage Street, 89 Old Colony Way, 8Old Tote Road, 34Route 6A, and 63 Route 6A. The board will also discuss the upcoming Orleans Municipal Sewer Project Phase 2. Additional agenda items include public comment, temporary food permit approvals for Surfside Seafood, Cape Cod Charcuterie, and Beach Patrol Taco’s N Stuff, a health agent report, and administrative matters.

• Show cause hearings for properties: 5 North Cottage Street; 89 Old Colony Way; 8Old Tote Road; 34Route 6A; 63 Route 6A
• Discussion on Orleans Municipal Sewer Project Phase 2
• Temporary food permit approvals for Surfside Seafood, Cape Cod Charcuterie, Beach Patrol Taco’s N Stuff
• Health Agent Report

The Orleans Board of Health voted to continue five Phase 1 sewer connection hearings until November 6 or November 20, 2025. It also moved the deferral request for 157 Route 6A to November 20. The Board approved three temporary food permits and appointed a burial agent, then adjourned.

• Continued 5 North Cottage St hearing to Nov 20 (voice vote 4-0-0)
• Continued 89 Old Colony Way hearing to Nov 6 (voice vote 4-0-0)
• Continued 8 Old Tote Rd hearing to Nov 20 (voice vote 4-0-0)
• Continued 34 Route 6A hearing to Nov 20 (voice vote 4-0-0)
• Continued 63 Route 6A hearing to Nov 6 (voice vote 4-0-0)
• Moved 157 Route 6A deferral request to Nov 20 (voice vote 4-0-0)
• Approved three temporary food permits (Surfside Seafood, Cape Cod Charcuterie, Beach Patrol Tacos) (voice vote 4-0-0)
• Appointed burial agent Kelley Darling (voice vote 4-0-0)

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a public hearing on transferring the liquor license for Rock Harbor Grill Inc. at 18 Old Colony Way, then vote on a new common victualler license for Cat Bar, Inc. at the same address and a one‑day alcohol license for Sunset Leisure at 96 Rt 6A. The board will also vote to appoint Jeremy Wiley as a student officer to the Orleans Police Department and to sign the November 17, 2025 Special Town Meeting warrant. Additional agenda items include committee interviews and resignations, a presentation on the Specialized Energy Code, and discussion of warrant articles for the special town meeting.

• Public hearing on transfer of liquor license for Rock Harbor Grill Inc. (18 Old Colony Way)
• Vote on new common victualler license for Cat Bar, Inc. (18 Old Colony Way)
• Vote on one‑day alcohol license for Sunset Leisure (96 Rt 6A)
• Vote to appoint Jeremy Wiley as student officer to the Orleans Police Department
• Vote to sign the November 17, 2025 Special Town Meeting warrant

The board approved moving forward with a purchase‑and‑sale agreement to buy a 0.82‑acre parcel from Dr. Monfette for $1,350,000 to expand the fire‑rescue station and also approved a $91.35 million land acquisition for the fire‑rescue station project. It approved the transfer of the Rock Harbor Grill liquor license to Cat Bar, a new annual common victualler license for Cat Bar, and a one‑day liquor license for Sunset Leisure. Additional actions included appointing Jeremy Wiley as a student officer, appointing Joel Porten to the Transportation & Bikeways Committee, and supporting multiple Special Town Meeting warrant articles on zoning, the Specialized Energy Code, affordable‑housing tax exemption, community‑impact fee, and a capital improvement fund. All votes were unanimous (4‑0‑0) except the affordable‑housing tax exemption which passed 3‑0‑0.

• Approved purchase agreement for 0.82‑acre parcel ($1.35 M) (4‑0‑0)
• Approved $91.35 M land acquisition for fire‑rescue station (4‑0‑0)
• Approved transfer of Rock Harbor Grill liquor license to Cat Bar (4‑0‑0)
• Approved new annual common victualler license for Cat Bar (4‑0‑0)
• Approved one‑day liquor license for Sunset Leisure (4‑0‑0)
• Appointed Jeremy Wiley as student officer (4‑0‑0)
• Appointed Joel Porten to Transportation & Bikeways Committee (4‑0‑0)
• Supported Technical Updates to Zoning Bylaw (4‑0‑0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Orleans Zoning Board of Appeals will review minutes from its September 17, 2025 meeting. It will then hear two special permit requests: one for an addition at 77 Monument Rd and another for modifications at 30 Hayward Lane. The board will also address administrative items such as filing decisions within 14 days and reporting on the application review.

• Review meeting minutes from September 17, 2025 (old business)
• Special Permit Case #2025-14: addition at 77 Monument Rd, Map #49, Parcel #21
• Special Permit Case #2025-15: rear‑setback and deck changes at 30 Hayward Lane, Map #50, Parcel #9
• Administrative: decisions must be filed within 14 days of the board vote
• Administrative: report on applications review

The Orleans Zoning Board of Appeals approved a Special Permit for 77 Monument Rd and a Special Permit for 30 Hayward Lane, each with a unanimous 5‑0 vote. The board also approved the meeting minutes from September 17, 2025. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved Special Permit for 77 Monument Rd (unanimous 5-0)
• Approved Special Permit for 30 Hayward Lane (unanimous 5-0)
• Approved September 17, 2025 meeting minutes

Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee will hold its October 15 meeting to hear an online GIS lesson presented by John Jannell, receive a CPC update from Hardie, and consider approval of the August meeting minutes. The agenda also includes routine items such as call to order, chair business, scheduling the next meeting, and adjournment.

• Online GIS lesson — John Jannell
• CPC update — Hardie
• Approve August meeting minutes
• Schedule next meeting for November 19, 2025

The committee approved the minutes from the September 17, 2025 meeting after a motion and second, with all members voting in favor. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded, and all members present voted to approve the adjournment. The next meeting was tentatively set for November 19, 2025.

• Approved 9/17/2025 minutes (unanimous vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:16 AM (unanimous vote)
• Tentatively scheduled next meeting for Nov 19 2025

Council on Aging

The Orleans Council on Aging board will vote to approve the minutes from the September 24, 2025 meeting. The board will then review and discuss FY26 board goals and priorities. Finally, members will discuss the process for a new draft charge and possible recommendations for FY27 budget priorities.

• Vote to approve minutes from the September 24, 2025 COA Board meeting
• Review and discuss FY26 COA Board goals and priorities
• Discuss process for reviewing a new draft charge for the COA Board
• Discuss possible recommendations for FY27 COA budget priorities

The Orleans Council on Aging Board approved the FY26 Board Goals and Priorities with a 6‑0 vote. The board also approved the September 24, 2025 meeting minutes by a 5‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved September 24, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved FY26 COA Board Goals/Priorities (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Orleans Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners will hold a hybrid meeting on October 15, 2025. The agenda includes a public hearing on the Watershed Management Plan, a FOG variance request for the Orleans Whole Foods Store, and an additional allocated flow project for 43 Route 6A. Several water abatement requests are also listed, along with departmental reports on wastewater and drought conditions.

• Public hearing – Watershed Management Plan
• FOG variance request – Orleans Whole Foods Store
• Additional allocated flow – Phase 1, 43 Route 6A
• Water abatement request – 15 Saltworks Circle
• Water abatement request – 14 Lucy’s Lane

The Orleans Water & Sewer Board voted unanimously to approve a variance allowing Orleans Whole Foods to pump its external grease tank every four months instead of three. It also approved an additional wastewater flow of 66 gallons per day for 43 Route 6A. Several financial commitments and water charge abatements were authorized, and a request for a water‑leak abatement was denied.

• Approved Whole Foods grease‑tank variance (pump every 4 months) – vote 7‑0‑0
• Approved additional wastewater flow of 66 gpd for 43 Route 6A – vote 7‑0‑0
• Committed sewer receivables for September 2025 totaling $59,537.50 – vote 7‑0‑0
• Committed water and sewer rate receivables for September 2025 totaling $2,360.85 – vote 7‑0‑0
• Abated water charge $53.33 for 15 Saltworks Circle – vote 7‑0‑0
• Abated water charge $133.12 for 14 Lucy’s Lane – vote 7‑0‑0
• Denied water‑leak abatement for 412 South Orleans Road and authorized a payment plan – vote 7‑0‑0
• Closed the public hearing – vote 7‑0‑0

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will review the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes and receive a staff update from Economic Development Coordinator Amanda Converse. An intern will present the results of the town’s Annual Small Business Survey. The committee will consider the Special Town Meeting Warrant scheduled for November 17 and address any new business items.

• Review September 9, 2025 EDC meeting minutes
• Staff update from Economic Development Coordinator Amanda Converse
• Presentation of Annual Small Business Survey results by intern Kailey Cordeira
• Consideration of November 17 Special Town Meeting Warrant
• Public comment period

The committee unanimously approved the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes (vote 4‑0‑0). It also scheduled a special virtual meeting for Friday, November 7 at 9:00 a.m. to review the final Downtown Housing Overlay District warrant and consider an EDC endorsement. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved September 9, 2025 EDC minutes (4-0-0 vote)
• Scheduled special virtual meeting for Nov 7 to review DHOD warrant and consider endorsement

Board of Assessors

The Orleans Board of Assessors will review reports on motor vehicle abatements, motor vehicle excise commitments, and boat excise commitments. It will also approve the meeting minutes and examine the monthly sales report. An executive session will be held to discuss real estate abatements and Chapter 61 applications, which are confidential matters.

• MV Abatements Report
• MV Excise Commitment
• Boat Excise Commitment
• Real Estate Abatements (executive session)
• Chapter 61 Applications (executive session)

The Board unanimously approved 16 motor vehicle excise tax abatements totaling $7,926.92 and released $200,000 of overlay surplus for the FY2026 budget. It also unanimously authorized the Assessor to sign FY2026 tax recap sheets and approved boat and motor vehicle excise commitments for FY2026 and 2025. The minutes of the September 9 session were approved, and the board voted 2‑0 to adjourn and enter executive session.

• Approved 16 motor vehicle excise tax abatements totaling $7,926.92 (unanimous)
• Approved release of $200,000 overlay surplus for FY2026 budget (unanimous)
• Authorized Assessor Brad Hinote to sign FY2026 LA4, LA13, and Levy Limit sheets (unanimous)
• Approved FY2026 boat excise commitment of 641 bills totaling $19,953 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Motor Vehicle Excise Commitment #5 of 292 bills totaling $56,718.50 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of the September 9 open session (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn open session and enter executive session passed 2‑0

Conservation Commission

The Orleans Conservation Commission will discuss two conservation projects. One proposal is to restore about one‑third of the Orleans Conservation Trust property at 20 Cheney Rd into a high‑functioning eastern sandplain grassland, including vegetation alteration and invasive species removal. The other proposal is to repair, replace, and rehabilitate an existing timber bulkhead about 135 feet long (69 feet within Orleans) at 13 Old County Rd along Town Cove, involving work on coastal bank and related marine lands.

• Restoration of high‑functioning eastern sandplain grassland at 20 Cheney Rd
• Repair, replacement, and rehabilitation of a 135‑ft timber bulkhead at 13 Old County Rd (Town Cove)

Shellfish & Waterways Improvement Advisory Committee

The Shellfish & Waterways Improvement Advisory Committee will review proposed changes to shellfish grant regulations. Members will discuss whether manila clams are present in Orleans and Eastham waters. The meeting includes a public comment period and a report from Natural Resources Manager, Harbormaster, and Shellfish Constable Nate Sears.

• Review proposed changes to shellfish grant regulations
• Discuss presence of manila clams in Orleans and Eastham waters
• Public comment period
• Report from Natural Resources Manager/Harbormaster/Shellfish Constable Nate Sears

The advisory committee approved the meeting minutes without changes. The committee unanimously approved the Shellfish Grant Regulations after discussion. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Shellfish Grant Regulations (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The Orleans Cultural Council will approve the September meeting minutes and hear the treasurer's report, which includes a grant update and the FY25 budget submission. Members will discuss the 2026 grant cycle, including deadlines for requests. The council will also follow up on a mural project, movies in the park, and consider holiday decorations through the Recreation Department.

• Approval of September meeting minutes
• Treasurer's report – grant update and FY25 budget submission
• Discussion of 2026 grant cycle deadlines
• Mural discussion
• Holiday decorations through Recreation Department

The Orleans Cultural Council approved the September meeting minutes. A unanimous vote approved financial assistance for a new holiday display on the Village Green, though the exact amount will be set at a later meeting. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved September meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved financial assistance for holiday display (unanimous; amount to be determined)

Finance Committee

The Orleans Finance Committee will consider approval of the September 25 meeting minutes. A presentation by John Londa of the Energy and Climate Committee will be given. Members will discuss and vote on warrant articles for the November 17 Fall STM. The committee will also review upcoming meeting dates and locations.

• Approve minutes of 9/25/25
• Presentation by John Londa, Energy and Climate Committee
• Discuss/vote warrant articles for 11/17/25 Fall STM
• Liaison reports and announcements
• Review and discuss upcoming Finance Committee meeting schedule

The committee approved the minutes from the September 25 meeting unanimously. It voted 7‑0‑0 to recommend the Fund Wastewater Engineering Support article. A recommendation for the Downtown Housing Overlay District was initially voted 3‑3‑1 and then rescinded by a unanimous 7‑0‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned with a 7‑0‑0 vote.

• Approved minutes of 9/25/25 (7-0-0)
• Recommended Fund Wastewater Engineering Support article (7-0-0)
• Recommended Downtown Housing Overlay District article (3-3-1)
• Rescinded Downtown Housing Overlay District recommendation (7-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0-0)

Human Services Advisory Committee

The Human Services Advisory Committee will receive updates on its charge, website, shared drive, a letter to nonprofits, and multi‑member bodies orientation. It will then discuss the committee’s review process and consider how to handle assignments, interview clustering, and outreach ideas. The meeting will also address how to manage late applications and set future calendar dates.

• Update on the Committee Charge (Alex Fitch)
• Update on the Committee website and shared drive (Alex Fitch)
• Update on letter sent out to nonprofits (Alex Fitch)
• Review of the committee’s review process (questions, ideas)
• Assignments and new assignments process, including interview clustering

The Human Services Advisory Committee approved the June 26, 2025 meeting minutes (4‑in‑favor, 1 abstention). It adopted a $200,000 budget assumption for FY27 and agreed to begin reviewing applications as soon as they are received. Members decided to interview all new applicants, to wait for agency applications before assigning reviewers, and assigned outreach and scheduling tasks. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved June 26, 2025 meeting minutes (4 in favor, 1 abstention)
• Adopted $200,000 budget assumption for FY27 (consensus)
• Decided to begin application reviews as soon as received (consensus)
• Agreed to interview all new applicants (consensus)
• Decided to wait for agency applications before assigning reviewers (consensus)
• Assigned Fran M to contact Cape Coddah newsletter (task assigned)
• Barb will schedule biweekly meetings starting Oct 23 (task assigned)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

Energy & Climate Action Committee

The Orleans Energy & Climate Action Committee will discuss several updates and outreach efforts, and will make a recommendation to the Select Board on the town's Climate Action Roadmap. It will also consider an appointment of a representative from Eversource for grid modernization and heat‑pump rate issues. The meeting includes updates from town staff, the local climate network, and a review of liaison assignments.

• Appointment of Mr. Dudek (Eversource) for grid modernization and heat‑pump rate matters
• Recommendation to the Select Board on the Climate Action Roadmap
• Specialized Energy Code outreach flyers and events (e.g., Builders/Chamber on Oct 23, FINCOM on Oct 9)
• Update on input to the Comprehensive Plan
• Review of liaison assignments for various town committees and boards

The Energy & Climate Action Committee approved the minutes from the September 11, 2025 meeting, noting a needed clarification on the Climate Action Plan funding reference. The motion was moved by Roger McDaniel, seconded by David Jacobson, and passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken at this meeting.

• Approved September 11, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous, subject to clarification)

Architectural Review Committee

The Architectural Review Committee will consider six scheduled applications, including siding replacement, roof replacement, solar panel installation, landscaping, and sign modifications. The committee will also hear a presentation from the Planning Department on a new zoning by‑law. Minutes from the September meetings will be approved.

• Replace existing sidewall with vinyl siding at 45 S Orleans Rd.
• Replace roof with asphalt at 24 Canal Rd.
• Add 366 solar panels to the roof at 24 Canal Rd.
• Change shape and size of existing sign for Idle Times Bike Shop
• New sign for 89 Nickerson (HERS Raters of Cape Cod)

The Architectural Review Committee approved the installation of 366 solar panels on the Seashore Park Inn roof, a grass planting project at the same site, a new sign for Idle Times Bike Shop, a new HERS Raters of Cape Cod sign, and a full roof replacement for the Seashore Park Inn. The committee also postponed review of the meeting minutes and formally adjourned the meeting.

• Approved 366 solar panels on 24 Canal Rd (5-0-0)
• Approved grass planting at 24 Canal Rd (5-0-0)
• Approved new Idle Times Bike Shop sign (5-0-0)
• Approved HERS Raters of Cape Cod sign on 89 Nickerson Rd (5-0-0)
• Approved reroofing of 24 Canal Rd (5-0-0)
• Postponed review of minutes to next ARC meeting (4-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (4-0-0)

Historical Commission

The Orleans Historical Commission will vote to approve the September 10, 2025 meeting minutes and review several open items, including draft statements of work for the Form B and Archaeology projects, an external website hosting payment, and the status of a public education initiative. The commission will also consider sunsetting its Facebook account and address any new business before setting future agenda items.

• Vote to approve meeting minutes from September 10, 2025
• Review Form B Project Statement of Work (draft)
• Review Archaeology Project Statement of Work (draft)
• Discuss external website hosting payment
• Discuss public education initiative status and next steps

Select Board

The Select Board will consider an amendment to its meeting agenda policy and discuss a proposed Luxury Real Estate Transfer Fee. The board may also vote on supporting warrant articles for a Special Town Meeting.

• Vote on amendment to Select Board policy A-3 regarding meeting agendas
• Discussion of proposed Luxury Real Estate Transfer Fee
• Possible vote to place or support warrant articles for Special Town Meeting
• Executive session regarding real property and personnel negotiations

The Select Board voted 4-0-0 to enter Executive Session to discuss real‑property matters. It then unanimously approved an amendment to Select Board Policy A‑3 to include a Wampanoag acknowledgment statement on the agenda. The Board discussed a proposed real‑estate transfer fee and warrant articles but took no votes. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved Executive Session to consider real‑property matters (4-0-0)
• Approved amendment to Select Board Policy A‑3 adding Wampanoag acknowledgment (4-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee

The Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee will discuss speed reduction strategies and a dangerous intersection review. The body will also review crosswalk policy and a field survey for Main Street.

• Speed reduction strategies for West Road, Salty Ridge, and Nauset Heights
• Intersection review of Route 28 and Lake Drive
• Orleans Crosswalk policy discussion
• Main Street field survey for FY '27
• Overland Way Rail Trail connector signage

The Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee unanimously approved moving regular meetings to the first Monday of each month, 3:30‑5:00 pm, starting in January. The committee also agreed to award the Main Street field survey contract to VHB immediately. The crosswalk policy will be revised and forwarded to the Select Board, and no action will be taken on the Route 28/Lake Drive intersection at this time.

• Change meeting time to first Monday 3:30‑5:00 pm – unanimous approval
• Award Main Street field survey contract to VHB – agreement (no vote recorded)
• Approve minutes of September 10 and August 18 meetings – unanimous approval
• No action on Route 28 and Lake Drive intersection – decision
• Chief MacDonald and Calvin Sutton to evaluate Nauset Heights Road for traffic‑calming signs – action item
• Revise crosswalk policy and present to Select Board – action item
• Adjourn meeting – unanimous approval

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The Snow Library Board of Trustees will review and discuss the FY2027 Action Plan draft. They will also consider the Orleans request for proposals (RFQ) for a comprehensive facilities assessment of town‑owned facilities. Additional items include a financial report, the library director’s report, and the Friends representative report. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• Approval of the minutes from the September 2, 2025 meeting
• Orleans RFQ for Comprehensive Facilities Assessment of Town‑Owned Facilities
• Financial Report
• FY2027 Action Plan Draft for Discussion
• Report of the Friends Representative

The trustees voted to approve the September 2025 minutes, with all members in favor. A motion to adjourn the meeting was also passed unanimously. No other motions were voted on.

• Approved September 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn passed (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hear notices of intent for residential construction and renovations. The body will also consider a restoration project for eastern sandplain grassland and a request to support an amended Conservation Restriction.

• Notice of Intent for addition and deck at 5 Captain Linnell Rd
• Notice of Intent for dwelling reconstruction and boat house renovation at 65 Towhee Ln
• Administrative Review for grassland restoration at 20 Cheney Rd
• Request to support an amended Conservation Restriction at 40 Payson Lane
• Certificate of Compliance for work at 118 Areys Ln

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved the 5 Captain Linnell Rd addition with conditions on plastic material handling, a no‑mow zone, and a revised storm‑water plan. It also unanimously approved the 21 Little Bay Rd pool replacement, requiring removal of a split‑rail fence, annual monitoring, tree replacement, and overseeding of the lawn. The hearings for 65 Towhee Lane and 3 Shore View Dr were each continued to November 4, 2025. All votes were 7‑0‑0.

• Approved 5 Captain Linnell Rd addition with plastic cut outside jurisdiction, ACEC no‑mow zone, and revised storm‑water plan (7-0-0)
• Approved 21 Little Bay Rd pool project with fence removal, annual monitoring, tree replacement, and overseeding (7-0-0)
• Continued public hearing for 65 Towhee Lane to 11/4/25 (7-0-0)
• Continued public hearing for 3 Shore View Dr to 11/4/25 (7-0-0)
• Closed public hearing for 21 Little Bay Rd (7-0-0)

Select Board

The Orleans Select Board meeting on October 2, 2025 will discuss a Community Preservation Committee application for the Eldredge Park Renovation project. The agenda also includes a call to order and an adjournment. The meeting may address additional items not listed, as noted in the disclaimer.

• Discuss Community Preservation Committee application for Eldredge Park Renovation project

Board of Health

The Orleans Board of Health will hold continued show‑cause hearings for three properties ordered to connect to the municipal sewer. It will consider a hearing request for 130 Brick Hill Road and variance requests for 39 Champlain Road and 14 Greymoor Way. The board will also review several temporary food permit applications for local events and vendors.

• Show‑cause hearings for 1 Finlay Road, 30 Locust Road, and 34 Route 6A
• Hearing request for 130 Brick Hill Road (owner: Karena and Kevin Scopetski)
• Variance request for 39 Champlain Road (owner: Andrew Tubman)
• Variance request for 14 Greymoor Way (owners: Elaine and Benjamin Smith)
• Temporary food permit approvals for Shorecuterie Cape Cod, Mom and Pops Food Truck, Docito, and others

The Orleans Board of Health approved a building permit for 130 Brick Hill Road and granted variances for pool fencing at 39 Champlain Road and septic capacity at 14 Greymoor Way. It also extended show‑cause hearings for Phase 1 sewer connections at several properties, moving deadlines to October 16 or December 18, 2025. All temporary food service permits and one mobile food service permit were approved, and the minutes from the May 15, 2025 meeting were adopted.

• Approved building permit for 130 Brick Hill Road (voice vote 5-0-0)
• Approved pool‑fence variance for 39 Champlain Road (voice vote 5-0-0)
• Approved septic variance for 14 Greymoor Way (voice vote 5-0-0)
• Extended show‑cause hearing for 1 Finlay Road to Dec 18 2025 (voice vote 5-0-0)
• Extended show‑cause hearing for 34 Route 6A to Oct 16 2025 (voice vote 5-0-0)
• Approved temporary food service permits for Shorecuterie, Mom and Pop’s Burgers, Docito, and Orleans Chamber (voice vote 5-0-0 each)
• Approved mobile food service permit for Andale on Wheels (voice vote 5-0-0)
• Adopted minutes of May 15 2025 meeting (vote 3-0-2, two abstentions)

Community Preservation Committee

The Orleans Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing on October 2, 2025, with in‑person and Zoom participation. Members will discuss letters received about the Eldredge Park Renovation and then vote on application 16 F CPC FY26 for that project. A conservation presentation by Stephen O’Grady and project updates will also be provided. The meeting will conclude with approval of the September 4, 2025 minutes.

• Public hearing with comment period on Eldredge Park Renovation
• Vote on application 16 F CPC FY26 Eldredge Park Renovation
• Presentation on conservation by Stephen O’Grady
• Updates on projects as needed
• Approval of September 4, 2025 meeting minutes

The Community Preservation Committee voted to recommend that the Town Meeting borrow $3 million for the Eldredge Park Renovation project. The motion passed with a vote of 8‑0‑1. The committee also approved the minutes from September 4, 2025, closed the Select Board, and adjourned the meeting.

• Public comment closed unanimously (9‑0‑0)
• Recommended Town Meeting borrow $3 million for Eldredge Park Renovation (8‑0‑1)
• Motion to close the Select Board approved (3‑0‑0)
• Accepted September 4, 2025 minutes (8‑0‑0)
• Meeting adjourned (8‑0‑0)

Select Board

The Select Board will consider endorsing a draft Open Space and Recreation Plan by Weston & Sampson. The board will also vote on various licenses for the Outermost Roots and Blues Festival and determine warrant articles for a Fall Special Town Meeting.

• Vote on Open Space and Recreation Plan draft by Weston & Sampson
• Entertainment and alcohol licenses for Outermost Roots and Blues Festival at 223 Beach Road
• Hawker & Peddler licenses for Billingsgate Market, Mac’s Seafood, and Mom & Pops Burgers
• Transient Vendor licenses for Orleans Chamber of Commerce at 223 Beach Road and 60 Main St.
• Authorization for Town Manager to represent the Town for the Massachusetts Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program Phase 3

The Board voted 4‑0‑0 to approve the Open Space and Recreation Plan draft prepared by Weston & Sampson. It also approved several one‑day alcohol and outdoor‑entertainment licenses for the Friends of Nauset Beach festival events on October 11‑12, and a two‑day Hawkers & Peddlers license for Billingsgate Market. Additionally, the Board authorized Town Manager Kim Newman to act as the town’s representative for the Massachusetts Clean Water State Revolving Fund Phase 3 application, also by a 4‑0‑0 vote.

• Approved Open Space and Recreation Plan (4-0-0)
• Approved one‑day all‑alcohol license for Friends of Nauset Beach – Saturday Oct 11 (4-0-0)
• Approved one‑day all‑alcohol license for Friends of Nauset Beach – Sunday Oct 12 (4-0-0)
• Approved one‑day outdoor entertainment license for Friends of Nauset Beach – Saturday Oct 11 (4-0-0)
• Approved one‑day outdoor entertainment license for Friends of Nauset Beach – Sunday Oct 12 (4-0-0)
• Approved two‑day Hawkers & Peddlers license for Billingsgate Market (4-0-0)
• Approved two one‑day Hawkers & Peddlers licenses for Mac's Seafood (4-0-0)
• Authorized Town Manager Kim Newman to represent town for Clean Water SRF Phase 3 (4-0-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Orleans Zoning Board of Appeals will review minutes from its September 17, 2025 meeting. It will then consider two special permit applications: one for a proposed addition to a single‑family house at 77 Monument Rd, and another for footprint, deck, and storage modifications at 30 Hayward Lane. The board may discuss additional items at the Chair's discretion.

• Review meeting minutes from September 17, 2025 (Old Business).
• Case #2025-14: Special Permit for an addition at 77 Monument Rd, Map #49, Parcel #21.
• Case #2025-15: Special Permit for footprint, deck, and FEMA‑conforming storage changes at 30 Hayward Lane, Map #50, Parcel #9.

Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Orleans Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners will hold a special meeting on October 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM for a site visit to 350 South Orleans Rd. The visit is intended to understand the watershed area and its current allowed uses before the scheduled public hearing on October 15, 2025. The meeting will take place at the DPW office, 40 Giddiah Hill Rd.

• Site visit to 350 South Orleans Rd
• Public hearing on watershed uses set for October 15, 2025
• Meeting location: DPW, 40 Giddiah Hill Rd

Veterans Committee

The Memorial Day/Veteran’s Day Committee is meeting to discuss the Vietnam and Korean War memorials. The group will also review brick sales and begin planning for Veterans Day.

• Discussion of Vietnam memorial date in October
• Discussion of Korean war memorial design
• Update on 501 c3 brick sales, donations, and installation
• Planning for Veterans Day speakers and setup
• Update on Monument road statue discussions

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will discuss budget priorities from the September 24 joint public hearing with the Select Board and review capital planning and revenue/budget working groups. It will consider a proposal to cancel the October 23 Finance Committee meeting so members can attend the Orleans Citizens Forum Planning Board presentation of the Comprehensive Plan. The committee will also approve the minutes from the September 11 meeting and receive updates and liaison reports. Upcoming meeting dates will be confirmed.

• Approve minutes of 9/11/25 meeting
• Further discussion of 9/24 Joint Public Hearing Budget Priorities with Select Board
• Discuss Capital Planning and Revenue/Budget working groups
• Proposal to cancel 10/23 Finance Committee meeting to attend Comprehensive Plan presentation
• Updates: announcements and liaison reports

The committee approved the minutes from the September 11 meeting by an 8‑0‑0 vote. It then decided to cancel the October 23 Finance Committee meeting so members could attend the Planning Board's Comprehensive Plan presentation. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved minutes of 9/11/25 (8-0-0 vote)
• Cancelled 10/23/25 meeting to attend Planning Board presentation

Architectural Review Committee

The Orleans Architectural Review Committee will consider a scheduled application to replace a walkway and enhance landscape plantings at 15 Locust Rd. The committee will also vote to approve the meeting minutes from September 11, 2025. Additional matters may be discussed at the Chair's discretion.

• Review application for walkway replacement and landscape plantings at 15 Locust Rd.
• Approve meeting minutes from September 11, 2025.
• Potential discussion of other matters arising as noted by the Chair.

The Architectural Review Committee voted to accept the application for improvements to the walkway at 15 Locust Road. The motion was moved by Ms. Marsh, seconded by Ms. McMahan, and passed unanimously with a 3‑0‑0 vote.

• Approved application for 15 Locust Road walkway improvement (3-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0-0)

Select Board

The Select Board will consider several items, including a road closure request for the Orleans Chamber of Commerce’s Halloween Stroll on Oct. 25, 3:00‑4:30 p.m., and a request for a one‑day alcohol license for Agway of Cape Cod at 20 Lots Hollow Road on Oct. 3, 2025, 4:00‑6:00 p.m. The board will also hear a presentation on a possible special town meeting article for body‑worn and in‑car video cameras, and will hold a joint public hearing with the Finance Committee on upcoming budget priorities. Additional agenda items include recognition of the Orleans Intern Program “Spirit of Massachusetts Award,” follow‑up discussion of the Residential Tax Exemption Program, and interviews for affordable‑housing and cultural‑district committee appointments.

• Vote to consider road closure request by the Orleans Chamber of Commerce for the Halloween Stroll on Saturday, October 25, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Vote to consider a special one‑day alcohol license for Agway of Cape Cod, 20 Lots Hollow Road on Friday, October 3, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Presentation by Chief MacDonald on a potential Special Town Meeting article for body‑worn cameras and in‑car video systems
• Joint public hearing with the Finance Committee on budget priorities for upcoming fiscal years
• Vote to acknowledge initiation of adoption process for potential zoning amendments for Special Town Meeting and refer to the Planning Board for review

Council on Aging

The Orleans Council on Aging board will review and vote on several items, including the Eldredge Park Renovation Plan. Members will discuss funding for a new COA vehicle and set priorities for the FY27 budget. The board will also consider a draft charge to submit to the Select Board and approve the minutes from the July 23 meeting.

• Vote to approve minutes from the July 23, 2025 COA Board meeting
• Review August 2025 COA monthly budget summary
• Discuss funding for a new COA vehicle
• Review and vote to support the Eldredge Park Renovation Plan
• Review new draft charge for the COA Board and vote to submit to the Select Board

The board approved the minutes from the July 23, 2025 meeting. It adopted the 2026 COA Board meeting schedule. Members voted to support the Eldredge Park Renovation Plan. The board also approved a new draft charge and sent it to the Select Board for approval.

• Approved July 23, 2025 minutes (6-0-0)
• Adopted 2026 COA Board meeting schedule (6-0-0)
• Supported Eldredge Park Renovation Plan (6-0-0)
• Approved new draft Charge for COA Board (6-0-0)
• Sent the Charge to the Select Board for approval (6-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0-0)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will hold a joint public hearing with the Select Board to discuss FY 26 budget priorities for upcoming fiscal years. The meeting will be hybrid, allowing in‑person attendance at the Nauset Room, Town Hall, and remote participation via Zoom. After the hearing, any other business may be considered. The meeting will adjourn at the end of the session.

• Joint public hearing with Select Board on FY 26 budget priorities
• Call to order at 6 pm
• Any other business to be conducted jointly
• Adjournment

Conservation Commission

The Orleans Conservation Commission will hold an on-site meeting at Town Hall on September 23, 2025. The agenda lists matters anticipated by the Chair, though not all items may be discussed.

• On-site meeting at Town Hall
• Locations to be determined, as necessary
• Matters anticipated by the Chair

Cultural District Committee

The Cultural District Committee will meet to review the FY26 budget and determine priorities for 15K in MCC funding. The body will also discuss upcoming events and website updates.

• FY 26 Budget
• MCC 15K- FY26 priorities
• Pop-Up Practices volunteers for 10/18, 10/25, and Nov.
• Solstice and Arts Week reports
• Website updates

The Cultural District Committee approved the August 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. No other actions were formally approved; the committee discussed upcoming events, potential Arts Week funding, and banner repairs, but deferred decisions pending budget confirmation. The meeting was adjourned unanimously and the next meeting is set for Oct. 28, 2025.

• Approved August 2025 minutes (unanimous approval)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous approval)

Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee

The Marine and Fresh Water Quality Committee will meet on September 22, 2025 to review the Baker Pond Management Plan, including an overview and update, and to consider a recommendation to use alum treatment for Baker Pond. The meeting will also include a period for public comment before adjourning.

• Recommendation to use alum treatment for Baker Pond
• Overview and update of the Baker Pond Management Plan, including Fall Town Meeting warrant proposal
• Public comment session

The Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee met on September 22, 2025 to review the Baker Pond Management Plan and consider a short‑term alum treatment to address phosphorus. Members presented data and public comments were heard, and the committee outlined next steps for a Town Meeting article and possible funding. No formal vote, approval, denial, or other decision was recorded at this meeting.

Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee

The Marine and Fresh Water Quality Committee will receive updates on water quality monitoring for local lakes, ponds, and estuaries. The body will also discuss the Baker Pond Management Plan and a related proposal for the Fall Town Meeting Warrant.

• Baker Pond Management Plan and Fall Town Meeting Warrant Proposal
• 2025 Season Freshwater Lake and Pond (PALS) monitoring updates
• 2025 Summer Pleasant Bay and Nauset Estuary monitoring updates
• Cyanobacterial Monitoring Program (OPC/APCC) update
• Cedar Pond Management Monitoring Program May 2025 Final Report update

The Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee approved the minutes from the August 25, 2025 meeting with a 4‑0‑0 vote. No other formal actions were voted on; the remainder of the meeting consisted of updates on water‑quality monitoring, wastewater management, cyanobacterial monitoring, and upcoming public outreach events.

• Approved August 25, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-0)

Fourth of July Committee

The committee will meet to review the 2025 parade and discuss open positions. The meeting includes time for new business and scheduling the next session.

• 2025 Parade Debrief
• Discussion of open positions

The Fourth of July Parade Committee met on September 22, 2025, debriefed the 2025 parade and identified several logistical challenges. Members discussed possible assistance from the Recreation Department, including police detail, storage space, and a flatbed truck for judges. No formal approvals or denials were recorded. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Board of Health

The Orleans Board of Health will discuss a possible vote on the Crescendo Community Engagement Project. It will also hold continued show‑cause hearings for properties ordered to connect to the municipal sewer, and consider a variance request for 13‑B Standish Road. Additional items include temporary food permit approvals for several vendors and a rabies vaccination exemption request.

• Show‑cause hearings for properties at 5 North Cottage St, 89 Old Colony Way, 8 Old Tote Rd, 34 Route 6A, and 63 Route 6A
• Variance request for 13‑B Standish Road (owner: Nauset Cottage LLC; agent: Ryder & Wilcox)
• Discussion and possible vote on the Crescendo Community Engagement Project
• Temporary food permit approvals for Billingsgate Market, Mac's Seafood, Pico Taco Shack, Cibo, and the Outermost Roots and Blues Festival
• Rabies vaccination exemption request

The Orleans Board of Health approved a 66‑foot variance for a pool fence at 13‑B Standish Road, allowing the fence to be placed 86 feet from the pool apron with required safety features. It also voted to allocate $3,750 of opioid‑abatement funds to a Crescendo Consulting community‑engagement study with neighboring towns. Several ongoing sewer‑connection show‑cause hearings were postponed to October dates, and temporary food permits for four vendors and a rabies‑vaccination exemption for a cat were approved. All votes were unanimous voice votes.

• Continue show‑cause hearing for 5 North Cottage St to Oct 16; no appearance needed (voice vote 4‑0‑0)
• Continue show‑cause hearing for 89 Old Colony Rd to Oct 2; applicant must complete FOG class (voice vote 4‑0‑0)
• Continue show‑cause hearing for 8 Old Tote Rd to Oct 16 pending town manager and counsel response (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Approve 66‑ft pool fence variance at 13‑B Standish Rd with safety conditions (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Approve $3,750 Orleans contribution to Crescendo Community Engagement Project (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Approve temporary food permit for Billingsgate Market pending further health‑department review (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Approve temporary food permit for Mac’s Seafood pending further health‑department review (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Approve rabies‑vaccination exemption for cat Shadow owned by Jackie and Patrick O’Connor

Recreation Advisory Committee

The joint Conservation Commission and Recreation Advisory Committee will hear a presentation of the 2025 Open Space and Recreation Plan update by Town Planner George Meservey. Committee members and the public will discuss the plan and ask questions. The meeting will conclude with a vote on the proposed updates.

• Presentation of 2025 Open Space and Recreation Plan update by Town Planner George Meservey
• Public comment period
• Discussion and questions on the plan
• Vote on the plan updates

The committee voted to formally support the Draft Open Space and Recreation Plan presented by George Meservey. The motion passed unanimously, 5‑0. The meeting was then adjourned at 6:30 PM.

• Approved support for Draft Open Space and Recreation Plan (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee, meeting jointly with the Recreation Advisory Committee and the Conservation Commission, will hear a presentation of the 2025 Open Space and Recreation Plan update from Town Planner George Meservey. The agenda includes public comment, discussion and questions, and a vote on the plan update.

• Presentation of Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2025 by Town Planner George Meservey
• Public comment period
• Discussion and questions on the plan update
• Vote on the plan update

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission and Recreation Advisory Committee will hear a presentation of the Open Space and Recreation Plan Update for 2025 by Town Planner George Meservey. Members of the public may comment. The bodies will discuss the plan and hold a vote.

• Presentation of Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2025 by Town Planner George Meservey
• Public comment period
• Discussion and questions on the plan
• Vote on the plan update

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to review minutes from a previous meeting and continue a public hearing regarding a residential property. The board is considering a request to alter a nonconforming structure and adjust a front yard setback.

• Case #2025-13: Special Permit request for 9 Little Marsh Lane to add a second floor and garage
• Case #2025-13: Request to increase nonconforming front yard setback from 24.0’ to 23.5’

The Orleans Zoning Board of Appeals approved the September 3, 2025 meeting minutes, closed public comment on Case #2025-13, and approved a Special Permit for 9 Little Marsh Lane. The permit allows a six‑inch front‑setback increase and a second‑floor addition to the nonconforming residence. All three actions were approved by a unanimous 5‑0 vote.

• Approved September 3, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Closed public comment on Case #2025-13 (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit for 9 Little Marsh Lane (5-0)

Open Space Committee

The Orleans Open Space Committee will consider an update on the 22 Tonset project, hear announcements about CPC happenings, and vote to approve the August meeting minutes. The agenda also includes routine items such as public comment, chair business, and scheduling the next meeting for October 15, 2025. The meeting is set for September 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM in the Skaket Room of Orleans Town Hall, with remote access via Zoom.

• Update on 22 Tonset project
• Discussion of CPC happenings
• Approval of August meeting minutes
• Scheduling of next meeting for October 15, 2025

The committee voted to approve the minutes from the August 20, 2025 meeting, with all members present voting in favor. A motion to adjourn the September 17 meeting was also approved by all members present. No other formal actions or votes were recorded.

• Approved August 20, 2025 minutes (unanimous approval by members present)
• Approved motion to adjourn the September 17, 2025 meeting (unanimous approval by members present)

Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Board will meet to discuss the Watershed Management Plan and reorganize the Board. The meeting includes reports on wastewater infrastructure and water department updates regarding a September drought.

• Watershed Management Plan discussion with Orleans Conservation Trust and Energy and Climate Change Committee
• Commercial property shut-offs for non-payment at 15 Giddiah Hill, 81 Rayber Rd, 15 Main Street, 165 Route 6A Unit A, and 11 Cove Rd
• Refunds for Account 3756 and Account 4182
• Standby status for 15 Cottage Street
• WTP HVAC Update

The Board voted 7‑0‑0 to schedule a public hearing for the watershed management plan on October 15, 2025. It also extended mandatory water‑use restrictions through December 31, 2025 with a 7‑0‑0 vote. Several financial actions were approved, including committing sewer receivables of $44,789.50 and water/ sewer rate receivables of $4,772.54 for August 2025, and issuing refunds and shut‑off letters.

• Approved watershed management plan public hearing (Oct 15, 2025) – vote 7-0-0
• Extended mandatory water‑use restrictions through Dec 31, 2025 – vote 7-0-0
• Committed sewer receivables for Aug 2025 totaling $44,789.50 – vote 7-0-0
• Committed water and sewer rate receivables for Aug 2025 totaling $4,772.54 – vote 7-0-0
• Abated $65 for 212 Main Street – vote 7-0-0
• Refunded $849.53 to account #3756 – vote 7-0-0
• Refunded $92.24 to account #4182 – vote 7-0-0
• Issued commercial property shut‑off letters to five accounts – vote 7-0-0

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board

The Affordable Housing Trust Board will review project updates and discuss a Request for Proposals for four rental housing units at 22 Old Tote Road. The board will also hear a presentation on the Specialized Stretch Code and discuss funding availability criteria.

• Request for Proposals for 4 units of Rental Housing at 22 Old Tote Road
• Project updates for 19 West Road, 107 Main St, 66-76 Route 6A, and 44 Main Street
• Presentation on Specialized Stretch Code by the Climate and Energy Committee
• Discussion of Notice of Funding Availability criteria and priorities
• Potential Town Meeting Article regarding a Downtown Housing Overlay District

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board approved the minutes from the August 18, 2025 meeting with a 5-0-2 vote. The board then adjourned the September 16, 2025 meeting unanimously (7-0-0). No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved August 18, 2025 minutes (5-0-2)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0-0)

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The Marion Craine Gallery Exhibition Committee will meet to review the gallery schedule and hear a presentation from artist Darcy Herrington. The board will also review the financial and library director's reports.

• Presentation and vote regarding artist Darcy Herrington
• Review of gallery schedule
• Financial report provided by Tavi Prugno
• Acknowledgement of committee founder Bobi Eldridge

The board voted unanimously to approve the minutes from the August 2025 meeting. Library Director Tavi Prugno will email committee members suggested wording for a memorial plaque for founder Bobi Eldridge. The committee will follow up next month on artist Brian Ramsay’s submission for a future exhibit. The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 pm.

• Approved August 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:45 pm (unanimous)
• Task: Tavi Prugno to email suggested plaque wording to members
• Task: Committee to follow up next month on Brian Ramsay’s art submission

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will consider a Notice of Intent to replace an existing pool and hardscape at 21 Little Bay Road, including vegetated buffer work within the 100‑foot coastal buffer and Pleasant Bay ACEC. It will also hear continuance requests for road improvements at 45 Old Field Road, a deck extension at 3 Shore View Drive, and a revised plan to replace an ornamental cherry with three tupelos at 27 Cheney Road. The meeting includes discussion of the Kents Point public hearing (8/27/25) on Land Management Plan updates. Public comment will be allowed.

• Notice of Intent: replace pool and hardscape at 21 Little Bay Rd (within 100’ buffer, Pleasant Bay ACEC)
• Continuance request: road improvements and bank stabilization at 45 Old Field Rd (within 100’ buffer, bordering vegetated wetland and salt marsh)
• Continuance request: deck extension, steps, firepit at 3 Shore View Dr (within 100’ buffer, coastal bank)
• Revised plan request: remove 1 ornamental cherry, plant 3 tupelos at 27 Cheney Rd (within coastal storm flowage, Pleasant Bay ACEC)
• Chairman’s Business: discussion of Kents Point 8/27/25 public hearing on Land Management Plan updates

The Commission unanimously approved the road improvement and bank stabilization project at 45 Old Field Rd, attaching findings, standard conditions, and specific monitoring requirements. It also approved a revised planting plan for 27 Cheney Rd, replacing an ornamental cherry with three native tupelos. The Commission continued public hearings for the Little Bay Rd pool project, the Shore View Dr deck project, and set a new hearing date of October 7, 2025 for each. Additionally, the Commission directed staff to develop findings and a proposed motion for a seasonal sticker‑parking pilot at Kents Point and adjourned the meeting.

• Motion to continue public hearing for 21 Little Bay Rd to 10/7/25 approved (7-0-0)
• Motion to close public hearing for 45 Old Field Rd approved (7-0-0)
• Motion to approve 45 Old Field Rd project with conditions approved (7-0-0)
• Motion to continue public hearing for 3 Shore View Dr to 10/7/25 approved (7-0-0)
• Motion to approve revised plan request for 27 Cheney Rd approved (7-0-0)
• Motion to direct staff to prepare findings and suggested motion for Kents Point seasonal sticker pilot approved (7-0-0)
• Motion to adjourn the public hearing approved (7-0-0)

Orleans School Committee

The Orleans School Committee will meet to review administrator reports and the NRHS Building Project. The committee is scheduled to discuss and vote on the Special Education Stabilization Fund and approve gifts and grants.

• Vote on Special Education Stabilization Fund
• Approval of gifts and grants
• NRHS Building Project update
• Fire Rescue Station Building Committee discussion
• FY25 Budget/Actual review

The Orleans School Committee voted to return the FY25 budget excess of $124,139 to the town and to place a warrant article to move those funds into the Special Education Stabilization Fund. The committee also accepted a $5,614 gift from the Orleans Conservation Trust, approved the 2025‑2026 PTC fundraisers, and approved the minutes from the June 9, 2025 meeting. All motions were adopted unanimously.

• Approve transfer of $124,139 excess to Town and request warrant for Special Education Stabilization Fund (unanimous)
• Accept $5,614 gift from Orleans Conservation Trust (unanimous)
• Approve 2025‑2026 Parents‑Teacher Committee fundraisers (unanimous)
• Approve minutes of June 9, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting at 4:18 pm (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Orleans Finance Committee will meet to discuss the formation of subcommittees for capital planning and revenue/budget, review meeting schedules, and hold a joint meeting with the Select Board regarding the FY27 Budget Policy.

• Discussion on forming subcommittees for capital planning and revenue/budget
• Review of Finance Committee meeting schedule
• Joint meeting with Select Board on FY27 Budget Policy
• Public comment period
• Presentation on broadband and internet capital needs

The Orleans Finance Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the August 28, 2025 meeting. The committee discussed the formation of working groups and received updates on various town projects, but no further actions were taken. The meeting was then adjourned by an 8‑0‑0 vote.

• Approved minutes of 8/28/25 (8-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0-0)

Energy & Climate Action Committee

The Energy & Climate Action Committee will hear public comment, consider an appointment with Tom Boudreau of RevEnergy LLC on energy monitoring, receive updates from the Assistant Town Manager and local climate groups, review the Comprehensive Plan before its draft release, and vote to approve minutes from the August 14 and August 21 meetings.

• Appointment with Tom Boudreau, RevEnergy LLC on energy monitoring
• Update from Assistant Town Manager
• Climate change impact news presentation
• Comprehensive Plan review prior to draft release
• Vote to approve minutes for August 14 and August 21 meetings

The committee approved the minutes from the August 14, 2025 meeting. It decided to move forward with the Climate Action Plan, authorizing up to $100,000 in spending without further approvals. The sole solar‑project bidder was deemed acceptable and a contract is being finalized, and the EV‑charger package has been resubmitted to Eversource pending response.

• Approved minutes of the August 14, 2025 meeting (motion passed)
• Decided to proceed with the Climate Action Plan, authorizing up to $100,000 in expenditures
• Sole bidder Revision Energy deemed acceptable for the 1 MW solar project; contract being finalized
• EV‑charger package resubmitted to Eversource; awaiting utility response
• Motion to adjourn carried unanimously

Architectural Review Committee

The Architectural Review Committee will consider two property improvement applications. One is from George Davis Inc for windows, a deck, and a chimney replacement at 143 Rt 6A. The other is a continued application from Idle Times Bike Shop for a window replacement at 29 Main Street. The committee will also approve the minutes from the August 28, 2025 meeting and may discuss any other matters the chair raises.

• Approval of meeting minutes – August 28, 2025
• George Davis Inc – windows, deck, and chimney replacement at 143 Rt 6A
• Idle Times Bike Shop – window replacement at 29 Main Street

The Architectural Review Committee approved George Davis Inc.'s application to replace the deck, railing, and chimney at 143 Route 6A with a 4‑0‑0 vote. The committee also approved Idle Times' submission A2 for 29 Main Street, adding specific window framing, mullion, color, plantings, and lighting modifications, also by a 4‑0‑0 vote. Minutes from the August 28, 2025 meeting were approved, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved deck, railing, and chimney replacement at 143 Route 6A (4-0-0)
• Approved Idle Times submission A2 with modifications for 29 Main Street (4-0-0)
• Approved minutes of August 28, 2025 (3-0-1)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0-0)

Historical Commission

The Orleans Historical Commission will consider several routine items. Commissioners will vote to approve the meeting minutes from the June 11, July 9, and August 13, 2025 sessions. They will also discuss updates on signage, the CPC projects budget, open Form Bs, and the town’s marketing and branding initiative. New business includes reviewing the regular meeting time and setting the next meeting for October 8, 2025.

• Vote to approve meeting minutes from June 11, 2025
• Vote to approve meeting minutes from July 9, 2025
• Vote to approve meeting minutes from August 13, 2025
• Discussion of signage and CPC projects/budget status
• Update on marketing and branding initiative (see town website link)

The Orleans Historical Commission approved the minutes from June, July and August 2025 (3‑0‑0). It voted to issue a request for proposals for archaeological services (3‑0‑0) and for updating about 28 Form Bs at an estimated $40,000 (3‑0‑0). The commission also moved its regular meeting time to 3:00 pm, pending room availability (3‑0‑0).

• Approved June, July, and August 2025 meeting minutes (3-0-0)
• Approved RFP for archaeological services (3-0-0)
• Approved RFP to update Form Bs, approx $40,000 (3-0-0)
• Approved moving regular meeting time to 3:00 pm, contingent on space (3-0-0)
• Approved adjournment at 4:53 pm (3-0-0)

Select Board

The Select Board will interview candidates for several town committees and consider resignations. It will review updates to the Rental Registration Program and discuss possible next steps for the town's CPC application to fund the FY26 Eldredge Park Renovation project. The board will also update a warrant article for the Fall Special Town Meeting, vote on amendments to Select Board Policies, and approve recent meeting minutes.

• Interviews and resignations for Council on Aging, Historical Commission, Cultural District Committee, Economic Development Committee, and Zoning Board of Appeals
• Committee representative appointments to Board of Health, Open Space Committee, and ZBA Task Force
• Rental Registration Program update
• Discussion and possible vote on next steps for CPC funding of the FY26 Eldredge Park Renovation project
• Vote to accept amendments to Select Board Policies – Sections A & B

Select Board

The board will hold an executive‑session strategy meeting on upcoming negotiations with non‑union personnel. It will then vote on whether to consider the Finance Director’s contract. Finally, the board will review Select Board Policies Sections C and D.

• Executive‑session strategy session for non‑union personnel negotiations
• Vote to consider Finance Director contract
• Review of Select Board Policies Sections C & D

Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee

The Orleans Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee will discuss safety improvements on Barley Neck Road, Nauset Heights Road, and the bike crossing at West Road and Salty Ridge Road. They will review a draft crosswalk policy and consider a field survey warrant for Main Street. A key decision will be whether to continue pursuing the Old Colony sidewalk project as a priority.

• Possible stop sign at the exit from Nauset Marine facility on Barley Neck Road
• Safety remedies and funding sources for Nauset Heights Road
• Flashing beacon recommendation for the bike crossing at West Road and Salty Ridge Road
• Decision on continuing the Old Colony sidewalk project as a priority
• Review of draft Orleans Crosswalk Policy

The committee approved Stephanie Gaskill as clerk by unanimous vote. It voted unanimously to defer the $350,000 FY‑26 engineering and design budget for the Old Colony project to FY‑29 and to shift the $3 million construction budget to FY‑31. A warrant article to fund a Main Street field survey was also approved unanimously. Minutes of the August 13 community meeting and the adjournment motion were each approved unanimously.

• Approved Stephanie Gaskill as committee clerk (unanimous)
• Approved postponement of $350K Old Colony engineering/design budget to FY‑29 (unanimous)
• Approved postponement of $3M Old Colony construction budget to FY‑31 (unanimous)
• Approved Main Street field survey warrant article (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of August 13 community meeting (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (unanimous)

Economic Development Committee

The Orleans Economic Development Committee will review the minutes from its June 10, 2025 meeting. It will receive a staff update from Economic Development Coordinator Amanda Converse and a zoning update from the Planning Department. The committee will discuss correspondence from the Wastewater Management Advisory Committee regarding a sewer project. The meeting also includes public comment, membership updates, and scheduling of the next meeting.

• Review of EDC meeting minutes from June 10, 2025
• Staff update from Economic Development Coordinator Amanda Converse
• Planning Department zoning update
• Discussion of Wastewater Management Advisory Committee correspondence on sewer project
• Membership updates

The Economic Development Committee approved the minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting by a 4‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned at 10:22 a.m. after a motion by David Currier. No other actions were decided.

• Approved June 10, 2025 minutes (4‑0‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Board of Assessors

The Orleans Board of Assessors will review and approve the meeting minutes. It will consider the Monthly Sales Report and the MV Abatements Report. The board will then enter an executive session to discuss abatements, exemptions, and Chapter 61 applications under confidentiality requirements.

• MV Abatements Report
• Approval of Minutes
• Monthly Sales Report
• Executive Session on abatements, exemptions, and Chapter 61 applications

The Board of Assessors unanimously approved 21 motor vehicle excise tax abatements that total $1,993.55. The assessors also approved the minutes from the August 12 open session. The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. and adjourned at 4:15 p.m.

• Approved 21 motor vehicle tax abatements totaling $1,993.55 (unanimous)
• Approved August 12 meeting minutes (by Nick and Kerrin)

Conservation Commission

The Orleans Conservation Commission will hold an on-site meeting at Town Hall to discuss a Notice of Intent for a property at 21 Little Bay Rd. The proposal involves replacing an existing pool and hardscape with new features, installing a vegetated buffer along a Coastal Bank, and managing invasive plants.

• On-site meeting at Town Hall
• Notice of Intent for 21 Little Bay Rd
• Proposed pool and hardscape replacement
• Vegetated buffer installation along Coastal Bank
• Invasive plant management and restoration

Shellfish & Waterways Improvement Advisory Committee

The Shellfish & Waterways Improvement Advisory Committee will review the August 2025 minutes, hear a presentation on the Pleasant Bay eel grass study from Holly K. Plaisted, receive a report from Natural Resources Manager, Harbormaster, and Shellfish Constable Nate Sears, and open the floor for public comments and announcements. No formal decisions are indicated on the agenda.

• Review of August 2025 meeting minutes
• Pleasant Bay eel grass study presentation by Holly K. Plaisted
• Report from Natural Resources Manager/Harbormaster/Shellfish Constable Nate Sears
• Public comment and announcements

The Shellfish & Waterways Improvement Advisory Committee accepted the prior meeting's minutes. After reports on eelgrass, shellfish closures, and ongoing projects, the members voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting.

• Accepted previous meeting minutes (no vote tally recorded)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously (motion by Bob, seconded by John)

Cultural Council

The Orleans Cultural Council will open with a call to order and review the previous meeting minutes. Members will discuss grants and brainstorm ideas for 2026. The meeting will conclude with an adjournment. Items listed are anticipated topics and may be adjusted as permitted by law.

• Grants discussion
• Brainstorming ideas for 2026

The Cultural Council approved the minutes from the May meeting. The council received notice that it will receive $5,700 from the Mass Cultural Council for the next grant cycle. Action items were assigned: Ellen Snyder‑Grenier will write and submit an article about grant applications and contact teachers about blackout dates; Heather Morin will update the members list and website with term limits; Brian Smith will email agenda copies to members before meetings; each member will review project ideas and report back at the October meeting.

• Approved May meeting minutes (no vote tally recorded)
• Ellen Snyder‑Grenier assigned to write and submit article about grant applications
• Ellen Snyder‑Grenier assigned to contact teachers about blackout dates for art show
• Heather Morin assigned to update members list and website with term limits
• Brian Smith assigned to email agenda to council members prior to meetings
• Council members assigned to consider project ideas and report thoughts at October meeting

Community Preservation Committee

The committee unanimously approved the August 7, 2025 minutes and then adjourned the meeting. A motion to bond $2.5 million for the Eldredge Park Renovation was withdrawn. The committee decided to continue discussion of the renovation at the October 2, 2025 meeting.

• Approved August 7, 2025 minutes (7-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0-0)
• Motion to bond $2.5 M for Eldredge Park Renovation withdrawn
• Motion to continue evaluation later withdrawn
• Discussion of Eldredge Park Renovation deferred to Oct 2, 2025 meeting

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved the August 20, 2025 meeting minutes. It also unanimously amended the language of the decision for Case #2025-08/14 Hayward Lane. Finally, the board unanimously approved a continuation of the Little Marsh Lane special permit case to September 17, 2025.

• Approved August 20, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Amended language of decision for Case #2025-08/14 Hayward Lane (5-0)
• Approved continuation of Case #2025-13 (Little Marsh Lane) to September 17, 2025 (5-0)

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The Snow Library Board of Trustees will meet to discuss physical plant priorities and parking restrictions at 56 Main Street. The board is scheduled to vote on a temporary affordable housing model on library property to advertise a Lifelong Learning (LTL) course.

• Vote on temporary affordable housing model on library property for LTL course
• Discussion of parking restrictions at 56 Main Street
• Discussion for listing library physical plant priorities
• Approval of July 1, 2025 meeting minutes

The trustees approved the July 1 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. They elected Gerry Grenier as vice‑president of the Friends of Snow Library and Linda Reed as member‑at‑large, each by board vote. The board then moved to adjourn the meeting, which passed unanimously. No other motions were decided.

• Approved July 1, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Gerry Grenier as Friends vice‑president (unanimous)
• Approved Linda Reed as Friends member‑at‑large (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Conservation Commission

The Orleans Conservation Commission approved a positive determination for 158 Tonset Rd, a revised plan for 48 Horseshoe Ln with a hand‑installation condition for a sauna, certificates of compliance for 21 Tanglewood Terrace and 16 Hayward Ln, and the project at 1 Ruggles Rd. All motions passed with a 7‑0‑0 vote.

• Approved positive determination for 158 Tonset Rd (7-0-0)
• Approved revised plan for 48 Horseshoe Ln with condition that sauna sonotubes be installed by hand (7-0-0)
• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 21 Tanglewood Terrace with ongoing invasive‑management notification condition (7-0-0)
• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 16 Hayward Ln with standard and ongoing conditions for docks and piers (7-0-0)
• Approved project at 1 Ruggles Rd (7-0-0)
• Approved minutes of 8/5/25 (7-0-0)
• Closed public hearing (7-0-0)
• Adjourned public hearing (7-0-0)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to appoint liaison assignments and discuss Select Board goals regarding fiscal management. The meeting also includes updates from liaisons and the establishment of a September meeting schedule.

• Appointment of liaison assignments
• Discussion of Select Board goal #2 Fiscal Management
• Planning for a joint meeting with the Select Board on 9/24/25 regarding budget priorities

The Orleans Finance Committee approved the minutes from the August 7, 2025 meeting by a 7‑0 vote. The committee discussed liaison assignments for various town departments and committees. It set three upcoming meeting dates in September, confirming a preferred start time of 5:30 pm. The meeting was adjourned with a unanimous 7‑0 vote.

• Approved 8/7/25 Finance Committee minutes (7-0)
• Scheduled Finance Committee meeting for 9/11/25 at 5:30 pm
• Scheduled joint Finance Committee/Select Board meeting for 9/24/25 at 5:00 pm
• Scheduled Finance Committee meeting for 9/25/25 at 5:30 pm
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Architectural Review Committee

The Architectural Review Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the August 14 meeting. The committee also unanimously voted to adjourn the August 28 meeting. Members asked the applicant to submit revised drawings to address window asymmetry and directed that the matter be continued to the September 11, 2025 meeting.

• Approved minutes of Aug 14, 2025 (4-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0-0)
• Requested revised drawing to reduce window asymmetry (committee recommendation)
• Continued review of 29 Main St window project to Sep 11, 2025

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission voted 7‑0‑0 to close the public hearing on the Kent’s Point Land Management Plan, but will accept written public comments through September 9, 2025. A second unanimous vote 7‑0‑0 adjourned the meeting. No substantive action on the proposed sticker‑parking requirement was taken at this meeting.

• Closed public hearing, accepting written comments until Sep 9 2025 (7‑0‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (7‑0‑0)

Cultural District Committee

The Cultural District Committee will review the FY 26 budget and coordinate several community projects. The body is discussing logistics for events including Arts Week and the Orleans Block Party. Members will also seek to set a date to update the strategic plan.

• FY 26 Budget review
• Pop-Up Practices volunteer and sign placement stipends
• Solstice Sparkle project coordination
• Arts Week event offerings and booking
• Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG) and Orleans Block Party

The Cultural District Committee unanimously approved the July 22, 2025 minutes, the FY26 budget allocating about $6,670 for Solstice and Arts Week, and the projected expenses of $5,246.64 for the Pop‑Up Practices series. The Orleans Block Party was noted as cancelled, and new banners will be installed for the Solstice event. The meeting adjourned unanimously and set the next meeting for September 23, 2025.

• Approve July 22, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approve Treasurer’s Report allocating $6,670 for Solstice & Arts Week (unanimous)
• Approve projected expenses for Pop‑Up Practices $5,246.64 (unanimous)
• Orleans Block Party cancelled (noted)
• Motion to adjourn (unanimous)

Veterans Committee

The Veterans Committee will review designs for a Vietnam memorial and an Indigenous marker. The body will also discuss the approval of a podium reflecting the War of 1812 and provide updates on construction and brick sales.

• Approval of podium reflecting War of 1812 (Battle Rock Harbor plaque)
• Design discussion for Vietnam memorial (Site one)
• Design ideas for Indigenous marker
• Update on Coast Guard Bell refurbishment by GFM metal fabrication
• Outcome of proposal to Board of Selectmen regarding Civil War Soldier

Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee

The Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee approved the July 29, 2025 meeting minutes with a 6‑0‑1 vote (Carol abstained). The committee confirmed the reappointments of Carolyn Auty as Vice Chair, Rich Levy as Chair through CY 2025, and Bob Mullin as Clerk through CY 2025, leaving one seat vacant. Members discussed volunteer recruitment, pond and estuary monitoring updates, and plans for an alum treatment at Baker Pond pending town approval. The committee also noted actions to improve web‑page postings of open positions and water‑quality data.

• Approved July 29, 2025 minutes (6-0-1 vote)
• Reappointed Carolyn Auty as Vice Chair (through CY 2025)
• Confirmed Rich Levy as Chair (through CY 2025)
• Confirmed Bob Mullin as Clerk (through CY 2025)
• Noted one committee seat remains open
• Planned alum treatment for Baker Pond pending town meeting approval
• Agreed to review posting of open positions on the town website
• Scheduled next water‑quality monitoring event for September 3

Board of Health

The Orleans Board of Health continued show‑cause hearings for several Phase 1 sewer properties, voting to postpone each case to the October 2 or September 18 meetings. It approved a one‑year continuance for 167A Route 6A to explore easement and alternative‑system options. The board also approved waivers for Title 5 inspections at 21 Little Bay Road and 22 Pilgrim Lake Terrace. All votes were unanimous voice votes (5‑0‑0).

• Continued hearing for 1 Finlay Road to Oct 2 (5‑0‑0)
• Stayed hookup requirement for 15 Cottage Street (5‑0‑0)
• Continued hearing for 6 Cove Road to Oct 2 (5‑0‑0)
• Continued hearing for 30 Locust Road to Oct 2 (5‑0‑0)
• Continued hearing for 89 Old Colony Way to Sep 18 (5‑0‑0)
• Sent certified letter for 8 Old Tote Road, deadline Sep 18 (5‑0‑0)
• Granted one‑year continuance for 167A Route 6A to explore easement or I/A system (5‑0‑0)
• Approved waiver for 21 Little Bay Road Title 5 inspection (5‑0‑0)

Energy & Climate Action Committee

The committee met on August 21, 2025, reviewed contributions to the Energy Navigator program, and then moved to adjourn. A motion to adjourn was made by John Londa, seconded by Roger McDaniel, and approved. No other decisions were taken.

• Adjourned meeting (motion by John Londa, seconded by Roger McDaniel)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the minutes from the August 6 meeting (5‑0). It approved a special permit for Happy Clam LLC at 14 Hayward Lane, requiring the planting of 6‑foot mature trees along the driveway before a Certificate of Occupancy (vote 4‑1). The board also approved a special permit for Jason and Amy Beard’s project at 62 Countryside Drive (5‑0). Finally, Matt Cole was appointed as the board’s representative to the Zoning Bylaw Task Force (5‑0).

• Approved August 6 minutes (5‑0)
• Approved Special Permit for Happy Clam LLC, conditional tree planting (4‑1)
• Approved Special Permit for Beard project at 62 Countryside Drive (5‑0)
• Appointed Matt Cole to Zoning Bylaw Task Force (5‑0)

Open Space Committee

The committee voted to appoint Lynn O'Connell as Chair, David Herrick as Vice Chair, Christopher Keating as Clerk, and Hardie Truesdale as liaison to the CPC. The minutes from the June 25, 2025 meeting were approved. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved Lynn O'Connell as Chair (unanimous)
• Approved David Herrick as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Approved Christopher Keating as Clerk (unanimous)
• Approved Hardie Truesdale as CPC liaison (unanimous)
• Approved the June 25, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding proposed easements for the Phase 3 Lakes and Ponds Area Sanitary Sewer and Pump Station Project. The board will also review water and sewer department reports and discuss a flow request for Nauset Farms.

• Public hearing on Phase 3 Lakes and Ponds Area Sanitary Sewer and Pump Station Project easements
• Nauset Farms additional allocated flow request
• August drought update
• Watershed Management Plan October public hearing discussion
• WTP HVAC and Town Water Pump updates

The Board recommended that the Select Board execute utility easement orders and a pump station easement. It directed staff to reconcile the commission charter and affirmed prior votes. The Board approved financial commitments totaling $964,689.37 for July water and sewer receivables and approved several minutes and abatement actions. The meeting adjourned at 2:16 p.m.

• Recommended Select Board execute utility easements order (7-0-0)
• Recommended Select Board execute pump station 5 easement order (7-0-0)
• Directed staff to reconcile charter documents and affirm prior votes (7-0-0)
• Approved July 16, 2025 minutes with edits (7-0-0)
• Approved August 6, 2025 minutes with edits (6-0-1)
• Committed $901,510.37 water and sewer receivables for July 2025 (7-0-0)
• Committed $63,179.00 sewer receivables for July 2025 (7-0-0)
• Abated $1,967.29 sewer charges for Landings Edge irrigation accounts (7-0-0)

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The Marion Craine Gallery Committee approved two artist exhibitions—Julie Brooks for November and Derrick Roese for October—by unanimous vote. The board also approved the minutes from the July 15, 2025 meeting, a June 2026 exhibition by the Outercape Pride group, and a memorial plaque for founder Bobi Eldridge. All motions passed with all members in favor.

• Approved Julie Brooks November exhibition (all were in favor)
• Approved Derrick Roese October exhibition (all were in favor)
• Approved minutes from July 15, 2025 meeting (all were in favor)
• Approved Outercape Pride exhibition for June 2026 (all were in favor)
• Approved installation of memorial plaque for Bobi Eldridge (all were in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:47 pm (all were in favor)

Conservation Commission

The Orleans Conservation Commission voted 4‑3 to approve alternative 2, the west‑side barn site closest to the wetland at Putnam Farm. The commission also approved a negative determination for the Putnam Farm project, approved the garage/ADU and farm shed at 128 Monument Rd with conditions, and approved the pool and shed project at 317 S Orleans Rd with a contractor‑change condition. All public hearings were formally closed by unanimous motions.

• Closed public hearing on Putnam Farm barn (6‑1‑0)
• Approved alternative 2 (west side near wetland) for Putnam Farm barn (4‑3‑0)
• Approved Putnam Farm project with a negative determination (7‑0‑0)
• Closed public hearing on 128 Monument Rd project (7‑0‑0)
• Approved 128 Monument Rd garage/ADU and farm shed with conditions (7‑0‑0)
• Closed public hearing on 317 S Orleans Rd project (7‑0‑0)
• Approved 317 S Orleans Rd pool, shed, and mitigation project with contractor‑change condition (6‑1‑0)
• Closed public hearing on Dead Low LLC project (7‑0‑0)

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board

The Affordable Housing Trust Board will discuss updates on several housing projects and the development of four rental units at 22 Old Tote Road. The board will also review funding availability criteria and the current trust balance.

• Project updates for 19 West Road, 107 Main St, 66-76 Route 6A, and 44 Main Street
• Request for Proposals and housing restrictions for 4 units of rental housing at 22 Old Tote Road
• Discussion of Notice of Funding Availability criteria and priorities
• Report on current Trust Balance and Rental Assistance Program

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board approved the minutes from the July 15, 2025 meeting with a 5‑0 vote. The board then adjourned the August 18 meeting at 4:02 pm, also by a 5‑0 vote. No other motions were adopted.

• Approved July 15, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Energy & Climate Action Committee

The committee voted to appoint Andy O’Neill as the ECAC member for participation on the solar bid evaluation, with the motion carried after a vote in favor and O’Neill abstaining. The minutes of the July 10, 2025 meeting were approved, with one abstention. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Andy O’Neill appointed ECAC representative for solar bid evaluation (motion carried, O’Neill abstained)
• July 10, 2025 meeting minutes approved (no objections, one abstention)
• Meeting adjourned unanimously

Architectural Review Committee

The ARC retroactively approved the prior restoration (siding, roof, fire escape, windows) at the Academy of Performing Arts, passing 3-1-0. The committee also approved the Academy’s roof shingle repair, vinyl siding replacement, and chimney removal, with a unanimous 4-0-0 vote. New windows and doors for 41 Main Street were approved unanimously (4-0-0). The July 24, 2025 minutes were approved (3-0-1) and the meeting was adjourned unanimously (4-0-0).

• Approved retroactive restoration of Academy of Performing Arts (siding, roof, fire escape, windows) – 3-1-0
• Approved Academy roof shingle repair, vinyl siding replacement, chimney removal – 4-0-0
• Approved new windows and doors for 41 Main Street – 4-0-0
• Approved July 24, 2025 minutes – 3-0-1
• Adjourned meeting – 4-0-0

Historical Commission

The Orleans Historical Commission elected Ed Marcarelli as Chair and Bill Wibel as Vice Chair, each vote passing 3‑aye, 0‑no, 1‑abstain. The commission also agreed to retain its external website and fund the associated bill using the CPC grant. The meeting was adjourned by a 5‑0‑0 vote.

• Elected Ed Marcarelli as Chair (3-0-1)
• Elected Bill Wibel as Vice Chair (3-0-1)
• Approved keeping the external website and paying the bill under the CPC grant (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a workshop meeting to review and discuss specific sections of the Select Board Policies. The agenda focuses on Section B and potentially Section C.

• Review of Select Board Policy Section B
• Review of Select Board Policy Section C

Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee

The Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee approved the July 9 meeting minutes, with a unanimous vote and abstentions from three members. A motion to adjourn the August 13 meeting was also unanimously approved. No other formal decisions or votes were recorded; the committee discussed several future actions and agenda items.

• Approved July 9 meeting minutes (unanimous approval; Deering, Sutton, Goodman abstained)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous approval)

Board of Assessors

The Board unanimously approved 19 motor‑vehicle tax abatements for 2025 totaling $2,101.68 and 3 abatements for 2024 totaling $732.66. It also unanimously signed off on FY2026 assessments for the Environmental Protection Fund Tax ($182,938) and the Barnstable County Tax ($170,629). Additionally, the Board approved the 2025 Motor Vehicle Commitment #4 covering 323 bills for $71,063.23 and approved the minutes from the July 8 sessions.

• Approved 19 motor‑vehicle tax abatements for 2025 totaling $2,101.68 (unanimous)
• Approved 3 motor‑vehicle tax abatements for 2024 totaling $732.66 (unanimous)
• Signed off FY2026 Environmental Protection Fund Tax assessment of $182,938 (unanimous)
• Signed off FY2026 Barnstable County Tax assessment of $170,629 (unanimous)
• Signed off 2025 Motor Vehicle Commitment #4 for 323 bills totaling §71,063.23 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of the July 8 open session (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of the July 8 executive session (unanimous)

Shellfish & Waterways Improvement Advisory Committee

The Shellfish and Waterways Improvement Advisory Committee will meet to elect officers and review previous minutes. The committee will also receive a report from Nate Sears and discuss updates regarding the commercial striped bass fishery.

• Election of officers
• Commercial striped bass fishery update
• Report from Natural Resources Manager/Harbormaster/Shellfish Constable Nate Sears

The Shellfish & Waterways Improvement Advisory Committee elected Kyle Von Iderstein as Recording Secretary, Bob as Vice President, and Craig Poosikian as Chair. All three accepted their positions. The board then voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting. No other formal actions were decided at this session.

• Kyle Von Iderstein appointed Recording Secretary (accepted)
• Bob appointed Vice President (accepted)
• Craig Poosikian appointed Chair (accepted)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting passed unanimously

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee elected Ms. Francolini as Chair, Ms. Gaskill as Vice Chair, and Mr. Lipman as Clerk, each receiving an 8-0-0 vote. The committee also approved a $4,350 payment of dues to the Community Preservation Coalition with an 8-0-0 vote. Minutes from the June 5, 2025 meeting were approved, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Elected Ms. Francolini as Chair (8-0-0)
• Elected Ms. Gaskill as Vice Chair (8-0-0)
• Elected Mr. Lipman as Clerk (8-0-0)
• Approved $4,350 payment of dues to Community Preservation Coalition (8-0-0)
• Approved minutes of June 5, 2025 meeting (8-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0-0)

Finance Committee

The committee approved the amended minutes from July 10, 2025 by an 8‑0 vote. It then appointed Elaine Baird as Chair, Nick Athanassiou as Vice Chair, and David Abel as Clerk, each confirmed by unanimous 8‑0 votes. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved July 10, 2025 minutes (8-0-0)
• Appointed Elaine Baird as Chair (8-0-0)
• Appointed Nick Athanassiou as Vice Chair (8-0-0)
• Appointed David Abel as Clerk (8-0-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the July 30, 2025 meeting minutes. It voted to continue Case #2025-09 to the August 20, 2025 meeting. It also approved a Special Permit for a 624‑sq‑ft addition at 12 Deacons Way. All three actions passed unanimously with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved July 30, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved continuation of Case #2025-09 to Aug 20, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit for 12 Deacons Way addition (5-0)

Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Board voted unanimously to forward the proposed Phase 3 easements for the Lakes and Ponds Area Sewer Collection System to a public hearing on August 20, 2025. The motion passed 6‑0‑0. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous vote. Board membership updates were noted, with Tim Counihan becoming a full member and Lynn Bruneau an associate member.

• Approved sending Phase 3 easement proposal to public hearing (6-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The commission unanimously approved the projects at 124 Hopkins Lane and 30 Hayward Lane, each with specific conditions, and issued a Certificate of Compliance for 8 Kescayogansett Road with a hand‑pulling invasive‑control condition. It also approved negative determinations for the projects at 118 Freeman Lane and 0 Herring Brook Way. All motions passed with a 7‑0‑0 vote.

• Approved 118 Freeman Lane project with negative determination (7-0-0)
• Approved 0 Herring Brook Way project with negative determination (7-0-0)
• Approved 124 Hopkins Lane project with conditions including contractor change clause and barn‑maintenance limits (7-0-0)
• Approved 30 Hayward Lane project with conditions including contractor change clause (7-0-0)
• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 8 Kescayogansett Rd with hand‑pulling invasive condition (7-0-0)
• Approved minutes of 7/1/25 and 7/15/25 (7-0-0 each)

Recreation Advisory Committee

The committee discussed design elements, costs, and community benefits for the Eldredge Park project but made no formal approvals or policy changes. The only formal action was a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously (7-0-0). No other decisions were recorded.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board approved the July 2 and July 16 meeting minutes (5‑0). It accepted the withdrawal of the Biggers special permit application without prejudice (4‑0) and postponed the Happy Clam case to August 20, 2025 (5‑0). The Board also elected Gerald Mulligan as chair, Austin Higgins as vice chair, and a secretary as clerk for the next calendar year (each 4‑0). No zoning bylaw changes were decided.

• Approved July 2 and July 16 minutes (5-0)
• Approved withdrawal of Biggers special permit without prejudice (4-0)
• Approved continuance of Happy Clam case to Aug 20, 2025 (5-0)
• Elected Gerald Mulligan as Chair for next year (4-0)
• Elected Austin Higgins as Vice Chair for next year (4-0)
• Elected Secretary as Clerk for next year (4-0)

Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee

The committee voted unanimously to nominate Carolyn Auty as Vice Chair. They also voted unanimously to keep Richard Levy as Chair and Bob as Clerk through calendar year 2025. The June 23, 2025 meeting minutes were approved by a 5‑0‑1 vote, with Ed Hafner abstaining.

• Nominated Carolyn Auty as Vice Chair – approved 6-0-0
• Confirmed Richard Levy as Chair and Bob as Clerk through CY 2025 – approved 6-0-0
• Approved June 23, 2025 meeting minutes – approved 5-0-1 (1 abstention)

Architectural Review Committee

The committee approved Gibson Realty's application to replace skylights and reroof 6 Route 6A. A motion to leave the ARC application policy unchanged was also carried. The minutes from July 10, 2025 were approved, and the committee agreed that a building permit should not be issued without ARC review. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved skylight replacement and roof repair at 6 Route 6A (4-0-0)
• Kept ARC application policy unchanged (4-0-0)
• Approved July 10, 2025 minutes (4-0-0)
• Decided building permits should not be issued without ARC review (consensus)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0-0)

Council on Aging

The board elected Denise Dunlap as Chair and Mark Kaminsky as Vice Chair by a unanimous 4‑0‑0 vote. A motion to approve the June 25 minutes failed after a quorum question was raised. The board approved moving future meetings to Town Hall to allow remote public participation, also by a 4‑0‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned with a 4‑0‑0 vote.

• Election of Denise Dunlap as Chair and Mark Kaminsky as Vice Chair approved (4-0-0)
• Motion to approve minutes of 6/25/25 failed (no vote tally reported)
• Motion to move COA Board meetings to Town Hall passed (4-0-0)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting passed (4-0-0)

Cultural District Committee

The Cultural District Committee accepted the June 2025 minutes with a unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous approval. No other motions were recorded as decided during this session.

• Accepted June 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Orleans Board of Health granted an indefinite stay on the sewer hookup requirement for 15 Cottage Street and extended show‑cause hearings for multiple properties to August 21 or September 18, 2025. It approved the Sharkcuterie food‑services establishment retroactively and authorized temporary food permits for First Friday events with an allergen‑warning condition. The board also approved a septic‑system upgrade at 7 Little Cove Road and a setback variance for the septic system at 1 Namskaket Road.

• Approved indefinite stay of sewer hookup for 15 Cottage Street (5-0-0)
• Continued show cause hearing for 6 Cove Road to Aug 21 (5-0-0)
• Continued show cause hearing for 30 Locust Road to Aug 21 (5-0-0)
• Continued show cause hearing for 5 North Cottage Street to Sep 18 (5-0-0)
• Approved retroactive food services establishment for Sharkcuterie (5-0-0)
• Approved temporary food permits for First Friday events with allergen warning (5-0-0)
• Approved septic system upgrade at 7 Little Cove Road (5-0-0)
• Approved variance for septic setbacks at 1 Namskaket Road (5-0-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The board unanimously approved a special permit amendment for Orleans Plaza, LLC to construct 29 apartments and 12,000 sq ft of commercial space, contingent on meeting all Site Plan Review requirements. The board also approved the withdrawal without prejudice of a liquor‑license variance petition filed by Michelle Lamy. Additionally, the board approved a special hearing scheduled for July 30, 2025.

• Approved special permit amendment for Orleans Plaza, LLC (29 apartments, 12,000 sq ft commercial) with Site Plan Review conditions (4-0)
• Approved withdrawal without prejudice of liquor‑license variance petition by Michelle Lamy (4-0)
• Approved special hearing for July 30, 2025 (3-0)
• Scheduled hearing for case #2025-07 on July 30, 2025 (no quorum)
• Scheduled hearing for case #2025-08 on July 30, 2025 (no quorum)

Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Board unanimously approved Virginia Farber as Chair and Robert Rich as Vice Chair. It also approved the June 25, 2025 meeting minutes, and committed June sewer receivables of $83,667.10 and water receivables of $8,947.00. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous vote.

• Virginia Farber elected Chair (6-0-0)
• Robert Rich elected Vice Chair (6-0-0)
• June 25, 2025 minutes approved (6-0-0)
• Sewer receivables for June 2025 committed $83,667.10 (6-0-0)
• Water receivables for June 2025 committed $8,947.00 (6-0-0)
• Public comment closed (6-0-0)
• Nomination for Chair closed (6-0-0)
• Meeting adjourned (7-0-0)

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board

The Affordable Housing Trust Board voted to approve the minutes from the June 17, 2025 meeting with a 5‑0‑2 vote. The board then adjourned the July 15 meeting unanimously (7‑0‑0). No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved June 17, 2025 minutes (5-0-2)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0-0)

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The board approved the minutes from the June 17 meeting. It approved artist Doug Fraser’s exhibit scheduled for December 2. It adopted a new removable label process for art displays. It voted to eliminate the exhibit confirmation form. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved June 17 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Doug Fraser exhibit on Dec 2 (unanimous)
• Adopted new removable label process (unanimous)
• Eliminated exhibit confirmation form (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved a motion to continue the public hearing to August 5, 2025, with a unanimous 6‑0‑0 vote. Later the same day, a motion to adjourn the public hearing also passed unanimously (6‑0‑0). The meeting was adjourned at 9:43 a.m.

• Continue public hearing to 8/5/25 (6-0-0 unanimous)
• Adjourn public hearing (6-0-0 unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Orleans Finance Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the June 26 meeting. It also approved two year‑end transfers: $3,988.02 for Veterans’ Benefits and $362.59 for the Zoning Board of Appeals, each passing with a 7‑0‑0 vote.

• Approved minutes of 6/26/25 (7-0-0)
• Approved $3,988.02 Veterans Benefits transfer (7-0-0)
• Approved $362.59 Zoning Board of Appeals transfer (7-0-0)

Energy & Climate Action Committee

The committee voted unanimously to submit an amended letter to the Select Board recommending a warrant article for adopting the Specialized Energy Code, with an effective date of July 1, 2026. The minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting were also approved unanimously. The committee appointed David Jacobson as Orleans’ representative to the Cape Light Compact and as liaison to the New Fire Station Advisory Committee. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Recommend adoption of Specialized Energy Code via warrant article – motion passed unanimously
• Approve June 10, 2025 minutes – approved unanimously
• Appoint David Jacobson as Orleans town representative to Cape Light Compact – reported
• Designate David Jacobson as ECAC liaison to New Fire Station Advisory Committee – reported
• Adjourn meeting – motion passed unanimously

Architectural Review Committee

The Architectural Review Committee approved the application for an access ramp at 31 Main Street, urging the applicant to consider an alternative door that matches the historic façade. The motion passed unanimously with a 5-0-0 vote. The committee also approved the minutes from the June 26, 2025 meeting and adjourned the session.

• Approved access ramp application for 31 Main Street (5-0-0)
• Approved minutes of June 26, 2025 (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Historical Commission

The Orleans Historical Commission met on July 9, 2025. Members elected Francis Mustaro as Acting Chair by a unanimous 5‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m. by a 3‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Elected Francis Mustaro as Acting Chair (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:10 p.m. (3-0-0)

Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee

The committee approved the June 11 minutes unanimously. It deferred the crosswalk policy to the August meeting. Leadership was reorganized: Peter Ryder will become chair beginning in September and Scott MacDonald will chair the August meeting. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved June 11 minutes (unanimous)
• Deferred crosswalk policy to August meeting (unanimous)
• Peter Ryder appointed chair effective September (unanimous)
• Scott MacDonald to chair August meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board unanimously approved 21 motor vehicle excise tax abatements totaling $3,555.35. It also unanimously approved the minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting. A motion to enter executive session to discuss exemption and abatement applications was made, seconded, and approved unanimously (3‑0).

• Approved 21 motor vehicle tax abatements totaling $3,555.35 (unanimous 3-0)
• Approved minutes of the June 10, 2025 meeting (unanimous 3-0)
• Approved motion to enter executive session to discuss exemption and abatement applications (unanimous 3-0)

Shellfish & Waterways Improvement Advisory Committee

The committee made and seconded a motion to change “hell” to “he’ll” in the June minutes, though no vote result was recorded. Nate Sears agreed to consult counsel about possible violations of family permit area regulations. The group planned to issue a bid for the Goose Hummock Bulkhead within a week. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous vote.

• Motion to change “hell” to “he’ll” in June minutes was made and seconded (vote outcome not recorded)
• Nate Sears to follow up with counsel on family permit area law compliance
• Plan to issue bid for Goose Hummock Bulkhead within a week
• Motion to adjourn the meeting passed unanimously

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the minutes from the April, May, and June 2025 meetings by a 5‑0 vote. It granted a continuation for the Happy Clam LLC special permit at 14 Hayward Lane to July 16, 2025 by a 3‑0 vote. It also granted a continuation for the Beard family special permit at 62 Countryside Drive to August 6, 2025 by a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved April‑June 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0)
• Approved continuation for Case #2025-08 (14 Hayward Lane) to July 16, 2025 (3‑0)
• Approved continuation for Case #2025-09 (62 Countryside Drive) to August 6, 2025 (4‑0)

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The trustees approved the June 4 minutes (4‑0) and awarded a contract to Capital Carpet and Flooring Specialists, Inc. to replace carpet in several library areas within 90 days of June 30, 2025. New policies and forms were posted on the library website, and the four desktop computers in the Children’s area were removed while a Chromebook replacement is pending.

• Approved June 4 minutes (4‑0)
• Awarded carpet replacement contract to Capital Carpet and Flooring Specialists (no vote recorded)
• Posted new library policies and forms on website
• Removed four desktop computers in Children’s area (completed)
• Continued Chromebook replacement plan for Children’s area (ongoing)
• Adjourned meeting (6‑0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to direct the working group to change the Kents Point Local Master Plan to implement sticker parking. The commission also approved the meeting minutes and elected Drusy Henson as commission chair, both by unanimous vote. Nominations for the chair position were opened during the meeting.

• Directed working group to amend Kents Point LMP for sticker parking (7-0-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (7-0-0)
• Opened nominations for Commission Chair (7-0-0)
• Elected Drusy Henson as Commission Chair (7-0-0)

Finance Committee

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the May 22 meeting. It then approved a $17,605 reserve‑fund transfer for a new police biometric and license‑plate reader, and also approved the year‑end transfer requests listed in the June 25 letter. The meeting was adjourned after an 8‑0‑0 vote.

• Approved minutes of 5/22/25 (8-0-0)
• Approved police reserve fund transfer of $17,605 (8-0-0)
• Approved year‑end transfer requests per June 25 letter (8-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0-0)

Human Services Advisory Committee

The committee unanimously approved the June 12, 2025 minutes, the $2,000 grant to Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and the revised FY 2027 grant application form. It also unanimously accepted the schedule to post the application information on September 8 and begin reviews on October 1, with submissions due by October 31. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 11:55 AM.

• Approved June 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $2,000 BB&BS grant (unanimous)
• Approved revised FY 2027 grant application form (unanimous)
• Accepted posting and review dates (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Architectural Review Committee

The Architectural Review Committee approved the sign application for Grady Consulting LLC at 56 Main Street with a 4-0 vote. The committee also voted to keep Stephen Salley as Chair and Tom Coleman as Vice Chair, again 4-0. Minutes from the June 12 meeting were approved unanimously.

• Approved Grady Consulting sign application (4-0-0)
• Maintained Stephen Salley as Chair and Tom Coleman as Vice Chair (4-0-0)
• Approved June 12, 2025 minutes (4-0-0)

Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee voted to draft a letter to the Select Board asking that the recent decision not to renew two members’ terms be reconsidered, and assigned Stephanie Gaskill to write the letter. The committee also approved the minutes from the May 21, 2025 meeting. A motion to adjourn the meeting was approved.

• Draft letter to Select Board requesting reconsideration – approved (unanimous)
• Assign Stephanie Gaskill to draft the letter – approved (unanimous)
• Approve May 21, 2025 meeting minutes – approved (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting – approved (unanimous)

Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Board entered an executive session and then approved a series of amendments to the sewer use rules and regulations, including date changes and revisions to privilege fee provisions. It also committed $65,995.20 in sewer receivables and $4,758.00 in water receivables for May 2025. All votes were unanimous (7‑0‑0).

• Entered executive session (7-0-0)
• Approved amendments to sewer use rules and regulations (7-0-0)
• Struck June 18, 2005 dates and replaced with June 25, 2025 on each page (7-0-0)
• Amended article 2 provisions on page 22 (privilege fee changes) (7-0-0)
• Amended article 2 provisions on page 23 (privilege fee reference) (7-0-0)
• Amended article 6 footnotes on page 43 (7-0-0)
• Committed sewer receivables for May 2025: $65,995.20 (7-0-0)
• Approved fog variance for Cibo to pump external tank every 4 months (7-0-0)

Cultural District Committee

The Cultural District Committee approved the minutes from May 27, 2025 and the Treasurer’s Report unanimously. It authorized $700 for First Fridays music, accepted a Chronicle advertisement, and assigned staff to set up a MailChimp outreach template. The committee also approved FY 2026 contracts with Ally for website and marketing work and with Candace for twice‑weekly social‑media postings. Additional items such as continuing the Fall Pop‑Ups series and a new “found art” contest were discussed but not formally decided.

• Approved May 27, 2025 minutes – Unanimous
• Approved Treasurer’s Report – Unanimous
• Approved $700 support for First Fridays music
• Accepted Chronicle ad costs – prepaid with FY 25 funds
• Assigned Debbie Winnick to set up MailChimp outreach/template
• Approved FY 26 contract with Ally for website updates and marketing
• Approved FY 26 contract with Candace for twice‑weekly social‑media posts
• Motion to adjourn – Unanimous

Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee

The committee voted 4‑0‑0 to reappoint Bob as the Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee representative to the Wastewater Management Advisory Committee. The same vote approved the revised May 27, 2025 meeting minutes. The Cedar Pond Management Monitoring Program annual technical report was postponed (tabled) for discussion at the next meeting.

• Reappointed Bob as MFWQC representative to WMAC (vote 4‑0‑0)
• Approved revised May 27, 2025 meeting minutes (vote 4‑0‑0)
• Tabled Cedar Pond Management Monitoring Program annual technical report for next meeting

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board

The Affordable Housing Trust Board voted unanimously to allocate up to $50,000 to expand the Rental Assistance Program for additional households. It also approved the Request for Proposals for 22 Old Tote Road, appointed Ms. Mathison as Chair and Mr. Jurkowski as Vice Chair, and authorized a $7,000 payment to HAC for annual monitoring. The board approved the May 19 minutes and adjourned the meeting.

• Expand Rental Assistance Program up to $50,000 for 10‑16 more households (8-0-0)
• Approve issuance of RFP for 22 Old Tote Road (8-0-0)
• appoint Ms. Mathison as Chair of the Affordable Housing Trust Board (7-0-1, Mathison recused)
• appoint Mr. Jurkowski as Vice Chair (7-0-1, Jurkowski recused)
• Pay $7,000 annual monitoring fee to Housing Assistance Corporation (7-0-0)
• Approve minutes from May 19, 2025 (7-0-0)
• Adjourn meeting at 6:20 pm (7-0-0)

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The committee approved the May 2025 meeting minutes with a 4‑0 vote. A motion to adjourn was also passed unanimously (4‑0). The board announced a carpet replacement project in the gallery slated for July to September and noted the departure of a part‑time employee.

• Approved May 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Conservation Commission

The Orleans Conservation Commission voted unanimously on multiple items. It approved the dock repair at 36 Crystal Lake Drive with a negative determination and a width condition, approved projects at 22 Indian Fort Hill Rd, 19 Whippoorwill Ln, and 12 Deacon’s Wy with special conditions, continued the hearing for the 27 Cheney Rd bulkhead project to July 1, and approved a Certificate of Compliance for 45 Nichols Rd. The commission also approved the meeting minutes and adjourned the hearing.

• Approved 36 Crystal Lake Dr dock repair with negative determination and width condition (7-0-0)
• Approved 22 Indian Fort Hill Rd phragmites management project (7-0-0)
• Approved 19 Whippoorwill Ln driveway and wetland work with tree‑replacement condition (7-0-0)
• Approved 12 Deacon’s Wy dwelling addition with oak‑replacement condition (7-0-0)
• Continued public hearing for 27 Cheney Rd bulkhead project to 7/1/25 (7-0-0)
• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 45 Nichols Rd (7-0-0)
• Approved minutes for 5/6/25 (7-0-0)
• Adjourned the public hearing (7-0-0)

Board of Health

The Orleans Board of Health voted 4‑0‑0 to allocate $34,424 from the opioid settlement to a Recovery Coach program. It also approved a 1.7‑foot variance for the pool fence at 106 Beach Road (3‑0‑0) and a waiver for 27 Long View Drive pending additional details (4‑0‑0). Additional approvals included a nomination to the Wastewater Advisory Committee, seating and setback changes for Cooke’s Seafood, and relief for two mobile food units.

• Allocate $34,424 to Recovery Coach Program (4-0-0)
• Approve 1.7‑foot pool fence variance for 106 Beach Road (3-0-0)
• Approve waiver for 27 Long View Drive pending description (4-0-0)
• Approve Cooke’s Seafood indoor/outdoor seating changes and setback variance (4-0-0)
• Approve relief for Beach Patrol and High Tide mobile food trucks (4-0-0)
• Approve John Smith nomination to Wastewater Advisory Committee (4-0-0)
• Continue hearing for 6 Cove Road to July 17 (4-0-0)
• Continue hearing for 21 Old Tote Road to July 17 (3-0-0)

Human Services Advisory Committee

The Human Services Advisory Committee approved its leadership slate for the next year, naming Susan as Chair, Fran K. as Vice Chair, and Barb as Clerk. The motion was moved by Barb, seconded by Fran M, and passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Approved leadership slate: Chair Susan, Vice Chair Fran K., Clerk Barb (unanimous)

Energy & Climate Action Committee

The Energy and Climate Action Committee voted unanimously to become a co‑sponsor and co‑brand of the Energy Navigator Coaching Program being developed with Cape Light Compact, the Orleans Climate Action Network, and the Eastham committee. The committee also approved a unanimous recommendation that it be represented on the Fire‑Rescue Building Committee, naming David Jacobson as the representative. Officers for the next fiscal year were elected (John Londa chair, Hakim Janah vice‑chair, Andrew O’Neill clerk) and the minutes from the May 8 meeting were approved. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved unanimous co‑sponsorship of Energy Navigator Coaching Program (Committee)
• Approved unanimous recommendation for representation on Fire‑Rescue Building Committee, David Jacobson as representative
• Elected John Londa chair, Hakim Janah vice‑chair, Andrew O’Neill clerk (through June 30 2026)
• Approved minutes of May 8, 2025 unanimously
• Approved unanimous motion to adjourn the meeting

Architectural Review Committee

The Architectural Review Committee approved sign applications for Christie’s Atlantic Brokerage and Cape Cod Charcuterie, each with unanimous support. The committee also approved the minutes from the May 8 and May 22 meetings, with some members abstaining. A consensus was reached to deny any new signs whose lighting does not meet the lighting bylaw. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

• Approved Christie’s Atlantic Brokerage sign application (5-0-0)
• Approved Cape Cod Charcuterie sign application (5-0-0)
• Approved May 8, 2025 minutes (4-0-1)
• Approved May 22, 2025 minutes (3-0-2)
• Consensus to deny new signs with non‑compliant lighting (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission approved the demolition of portions of the building at 124 Hopkins Lane by a 5‑0‑0 vote. Members also nominated Charles Ellis as the CPC Liaison, which passed 4‑0‑1 with Ellis abstaining. The minutes from the May 14 meeting were approved 5‑0‑0, and the commission adjourned at 4:51 p.m. by a unanimous 5‑0 vote.

• Approved demolition of portions of 124 Hopkins Lane (5-0-0)
• Nominated Charles Ellis as CPC Liaison (4-0-1, Ellis abstained)
• Approved minutes of 5/14/2025 with amendments (5-0-0)
• Passed resolution thanking Ms. Nix and Mr. Petersen for their service (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:51 p.m. (5-0-0)

Recreation Advisory Committee

The Recreation Advisory Committee approved the May 2025 meeting minutes. The committee elected Jamie Balliett as chair, Shannon Heth as vice‑chair, and Tracy Murphy as clerk, each with unanimous votes. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved May 2025 minutes (6-0-0)
• Elected Jamie Balliett as chair (6-0-0)
• Elected Shannon Heth as vice‑chair (6-0-0)
• Elected Tracy Murphy as clerk (6-0-0)
• Motion to adjourn passed (6-0-0)

Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee

The committee approved the minutes from its April 9, April 28 and May 14 meetings. It agreed to seek Town Meeting funding again for a Main Street field study and to hold an open community meeting on Main Street on Aug. 18 at 4 p.m. A planning sub‑committee meeting was set for July 17, and members were tasked with contacting the Cape Cod Commission and circulating a Harwich crosswalk policy.

• Approved minutes of April 9 meeting (unanimously)
• Approved minutes of April 28 meeting (Griffin abstained)
• Approved minutes of May 14 meeting (Peter abstained)
• Agreed to seek Town Meeting funding again for Main Street field study
• Scheduled open community meeting on Main Street for Aug. 18, 4 p.m. (outreach 2‑4 p.m.)
• Planned planning committee meeting for July 17, 4 p.m. in Tonset Room
• Griffin and Lindsey will contact Cape Cod Commission for support
• Alice will circulate Harwich crosswalk policy

Economic Development Committee

The committee approved the May 13, 2025 minutes (4‑0‑0) and re‑elected the current officers for FY26 (6‑0‑0). It announced the Orleans Local Impact Grant pilot program, set to launch the week of June 16. The committee also suspended July and August meetings and will draft a letter to the Select Board and Water Sewer Commission about sewer project costs.

• Approved May 13, 2025 minutes (vote 4‑0‑0)
• Re‑elected current officers for FY26 (vote 6‑0‑0)
• Orleans Local Impact Grant pilot program launched (week of 6/16)
• Suspended July and August EDC meetings (no vote)
• Planned letter to Select Board, Water Sewer Commission, and WMAC on sewer project costs (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:42 a.m. (vote 6‑0‑0)

Board of Assessors

The Board approved several tax abatements and a $125,769.39 motor vehicle tax commitment, and approved the prior meeting’s minutes. In executive session, the Board denied a real‑estate abatement application for 24 Old Timers Ln because it was filed late. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved 25 motor vehicle tax abatements totaling $3,299.61 (3-0)
• Approved 2 motor vehicle tax abatements totaling $209.16 (3-0)
• Approved 1 boat excise tax abatement for $27.17 (3-0)
• Approved motor vehicle tax commitment of $125,769.39 (3-0)
• Approved minutes of the May 13, 2025 meeting (3-0)
• Approved executive‑session minutes from the prior meeting (3-0)
• Denied real‑estate abatement application for 24 Old Timers Ln (3-0-0)

Shellfish & Waterways Improvement Advisory Committee

The Shellfish & Waterways Improvement Advisory Committee approved a memorial bench to be installed at Pilgrim Lake, with the motion passing unanimously. Nick Sanders was named the new assistant shellfish constable, succeeding Stephanie Sykes. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved memorial bench at Pilgrim Lake (unanimous)
• Appointed Nick Sanders as assistant shellfish constable (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Orleans School Committee

The Orleans School Committee voted unanimously to appoint Sassandra Roche as Chair and Gail Briere as Vice‑Chair. Amanda Lapierre was named Secretary. Additional role assignments were made, including Ginger Marks as Warrant Authorizer and various policy and program responsibilities for each member.

• Chair nomination: Sassandra Roche elected (unanimous vote)
• Vice‑Chair nomination: Gail Briere elected (unanimous vote)
• Secretary appointed: Amanda Lapierre
• Warrant authorizer assigned: Ginger Marks (alternate Gail Briere)
• Policy lead assigned: Ian Mack
• Central Office lead assigned: Gail Briere
• Negotiations lead assigned: Gail Briere
• Transportation lead assigned: Ginger Marks

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee voted to approve the minutes from the March 6, 2025 meeting. The motion passed with seven votes in favor and one abstention. The committee then moved to adjourn the meeting at approximately 5:45 p.m., which also passed with the same vote tally.

• Approved minutes of March 6, 2025 (7-0-1)
• Adjourned meeting at ~5:45 p.m. (7-0-1)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved the language in the decision for Case #2025-05/Perseverance Coast, LLC. The board also unanimously approved a continuation of the special permit hearing for Rolf and Laurie Biggers (Case #2025-07) to July 16, 2025.

• Approved decision language for Case #2025-05/Perseverance Coast, LLC (4-0)
• Approved continuation of Case #2025-07 hearing to July 16, 2025 (4-0)

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The trustees approved the May 6 minutes unanimously (6-0). They elected Jamie Balliett as chair, Mark Ziomek as vice chair, Bill Powers as treasurer, and Lindsey Goodman as secretary, each with a 6-0 vote. The board voted to pause membership in Philanthropy Partners Cape Cod and the Islands for one year. The meeting was adjourned unanimously (6-0).

• Approved May 6 minutes (6-0)
• Elected Jamie Balliett as chair (6-0)
• Elected Mark Ziomek as vice chair (6-0)
• Elected Bill Powers as treasurer (6-0)
• Elected Lindsey Goodman as secretary (6-0)
• Paused membership in Philanthropy Partners Cape Cod and the Islands for a year
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Conservation Commission

The commission voted unanimously to continue the public hearings for the 12 Deacon’s Way and 27 Cheney Road applications to June 17, 2025. It approved revised plans for the 78 Great Oak Road dwelling project and the Lavender Hill septic‑system relocation. Certificates of compliance were issued for projects at 5 Asa’s Landing and 45 Nichols Road. The commission denied a fire‑pit project at 88 Rock Harbor Road and approved a vista‑corridor maintenance at 317 South Orleans Road with a condition prohibiting herbicide use.

• Continued public hearing for 12 Deacon’s Way to 6/17/25 (7-0-0)
• Continued public hearing for 27 Cheney Rd to 6/17/25 (7-0-0)
• Approved revised plan for 78 Great Oak Rd (7-0-0)
• Approved revised plan for 355 Tonset Rd (Lavender Hill LLC) (7-0-0)
• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 5 Asa’s Landing (7-0-0)
• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 45 Nichols Rd (7-0-0)
• Denied fire‑pit project at 88 Rock Harbor Rd (7-0-0)
• Approved project at 317 S Orleans Rd with no herbicide condition (7-0-0)

Human Services Advisory Committee

The Human Services Advisory Committee approved the May 1, 2025 minutes and unanimously accepted a revised committee charge. The board tabled discussion of using unexpended funds for emergency assistance and agreed to review the grant application process at the next meeting. Members also agreed to elect new officers for FY 26 at a future meeting.

• Approved May 1, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted revised committee charge (unanimous)
• Tabled discussion on emergency assistance funding (unanimous)
• Decided to review application process at next meeting
• Agreed to elect officers for FY 26 at next meeting
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board voted unanimously to go into executive session to discuss strategy for negotiations with non‑union personnel. After reconvening, the board unanimously approved sending a letter from the Chair and Town Manager to the Nauset Regional School District Committee. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Entered executive session to discuss non‑union personnel negotiations (5-0-0)
• Approved letter to Nauset Regional School Committee from Chair and Town Manager (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee

The Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee approved the April 28, 2025 meeting minutes with a 6‑0‑0 vote. Discussion of the Auty Fund was tabled for a future meeting. The Wastewater Management Advisory Committee update was deferred. No other formal actions were voted on.

• Approved meeting minutes (6-0-0)
• Tabled full Auty Fund discussion for future meeting
• Deferred WMAC update on Mill Pond nitrogen evaluation

Cultural District Committee

The Cultural District Committee approved the April 29, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous support.

• Approve April 29, 2025 minutes – unanimous approval
• Accept Treasurer’s Report – unanimous approval
• Adjourn meeting – unanimous support

Finance Committee

The committee unanimously approved the amended minutes from the April 24 and May 12 meetings (7-0-0 on each). It also adopted the schedule for the next Finance Committee meetings, setting dates for June 12 and June 26, 2025 at 5:30 pm. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous vote.

• Approved minutes of 4/24/25 (7-0-0)
• Approved minutes of 5/12/25 (7-0-0)
• Scheduled Finance Committee meeting for 6/12/25 at 5:30 pm
• Scheduled Finance Committee meeting for 6/26/25 at 5:30 pm
• Adjourned meeting (7-0-0)

Architectural Review Committee

The Architectural Review Committee unanimously approved the sign applications for Birchouse Botanicals at 48R Main Street and for Gemini Art Gallery at 7 South Orleans Road. Both motions passed with a 3-0-0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved sign for Birchouse Botanicals at 48R Main St (3-0-0)
• Approved sign for Gemini Art Gallery at 7 So. Orleans Road (3-0-0)
• Meeting adjourned (3-0-0)

Select Board

The Orleans Select Board entered an executive session to discuss non‑union personnel negotiations, then reconvened and approved a series of seasonal outdoor entertainment, liquor, and vendor licenses. The Board also adopted exemptions to the Native Plantings Policy and elected new officers, including Kevin Galligan as Chair. All motions carried with unanimous or recorded vote counts.

• Entered Executive Session to discuss non‑union personnel negotiations – Motion carried 5‑0‑0
• Approved Seasonal Outdoor Entertainment license for Blue Bubble LLC (15 Old Colony Way) – Motion carried 5‑0‑0
• Approved One‑Day Liquor licenses for Blue Bubble LLC (multiple dates) – Motion carried 5‑0‑0
• Approved Temporary Common Victualler license for the same dates – Motion carried 5‑0‑0
• Approved One‑Day Liquor license for Eastwind Gallery (34 Main Street) – Motion carried 5‑0‑0
• Approved exemptions to the Native Plantings Policy – Motion carried 4‑1‑0
• Elected Kevin Galligan as Chair of the Select Board – Motion carried 5‑0‑0
• Elected Meff Runyon as Vice Chair of the Select Board – Motion carried 5‑0‑0

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved three actions. It granted a continuation of the Biggers special‑permit hearing to June 4, 2025. It approved the appeal decision for Jennie Hutton Jacoby with a filing condition. It also approved a special permit to convert the office at 260 Cranberry Highway to storage, subject to conditions.

• Approved continuation of Biggers’ special permit hearing to June 4 2025 (unanimous 4‑0)
• Approved appeal decision for Jennie Hutton Jacoby with condition to file with registry of deeds (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved special permit to change office use to storage at 260 Cranberry Highway (4‑1)

Open Space Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the April 16, 2025 meeting. It voted to change the date of the next meeting to June 25, 2025 at 9 AM. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved April 16, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Changed next meeting date to June 25, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Board voted unanimously (7-0-0) to recommend a 5% water rate increase to the Select Board. It also voted unanimously (7-0-0) to hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the Sewer Use Rules and Regulations (SURR). Additional unanimous actions included approving April 16 minutes, committing April receivables for water and sewer, abating a small town‑owned property charge, and approving a drain‑layer license for Lynch Development Corp.

• Recommend 5% water rate increase to Select Board (7-0-0)
• Hold public hearing for proposed SURR changes (7-0-0)
• Approve minutes of April 16, 2025 meeting (7-0-0)
• Commit sewer receivables for April 2025 totaling $46,861.20 (7-0-0)
• Commit water and sewer receivables for April 2025 totaling $508,710.41 (7-0-0)
• Abate $54.99 for 72 Tonset Road (7-0-0)
• Approve drain‑layer license for Lynch Development Corp with conditions (7-0-0)
• Adjourn meeting at 2:34 pm (7-0-0)

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The trustees approved the minutes from the April 2025 meeting unanimously. They passed a motion to amend the Capital Improvement Plan, moving the library’s share into fiscal year 2028. A motion to approve artist Louise Couillard Zipperman for the September gallery exhibit was made and seconded, but the vote result was not recorded. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved April 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to move library portion of Capital Improvement Plan to FY 2028 (passed)
• Motion to approve Louise Couillard Zipperman for September exhibit (motion made and seconded; outcome not recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Commission voted to continue the public hearing on the 27 Cheney Rd bulkhead project to June 3, 2025. It approved the demolition and replacement project at 78 Great Oak Rd with a stone base for a rinse station and a planting protocol. It also approved the deck expansion at 29 Priscilla Rd with conditions, despite one dissenting vote. All related public hearings were formally closed.

• Continued public hearing for 27 Cheney Rd bulkhead project to 6/3/25 (7-0-0 unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for 78 Great Oak Rd (6-0-0 unanimous)
• Approved 78 Great Oak Rd project with stone base for rinse station and planting protocol (6-0-0 unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for 29 Priscilla Rd (7-0-0 unanimous)
• Approved 29 Priscilla Rd deck project with conditions (6-1-0, 1 nay)
• Closed public hearing for 54 Tonset Rd (7-0-0 unanimous)

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board

The Affordable Housing Trust Board voted unanimously to approve a $1,500,000 request for Phase 1 of the Governor Prence redevelopment at 66‑76 Route 6A. The board also approved the April 15, 2025 meeting minutes. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved $1,500,000 Phase 1 funding for Governor Prence redevelopment (6-0-0)
• Approved April 15, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0-0)

Orleans School Committee

The Orleans Elementary School Committee voted to approve exercising the first option term of the Transportation Memorandum of Agreement with the Cape Cod Collaborative for Fiscal Year 2026. All committee members voted in favor. No other formal actions were taken during the meeting.

• Approved FY2026 transportation MOA with Cape Cod Collaborative (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Orleans Board of Health approved a six‑foot variance to the required ten‑foot septic setback at 51 Great Oak Road. It also approved a six‑month deferral for the sewer connection at 7 Brewster Cross Road. Several ongoing show‑cause hearings were continued to later dates, each with a 3‑0‑0 voice vote.

• Approved six‑foot variance for 51 Great Oak Road (vote 3-0-0)
• Approved six‑month deferral for sewer connection at 7 Brewster Cross Road (vote 3-0-0)
• Continued show‑cause hearing for 11 South Orleans Road to July 17 (vote 3-0-0)
• Continued show‑cause hearing for 15 Cottage Street to July 17 (vote 3-0-0)
• Continued show‑cause hearing for 6 Cove Road to June 12 (vote 3-0-0)
• Continued show‑cause hearing for 11 Cove Road to June 12 (vote 3-0-0)
• Continued show‑cause hearing for 19 Cove Road to July 17 (vote 3-0-0)
• Continued show‑cause hearing for 1 Finlay Road to August 21 (vote 3-0-0)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission voted unanimously to impose a twelve‑month demolition delay on the property at 20 South Orleans Road. The commission also approved the minutes from the April 9, 2025 meeting with a minor amendment. After those actions, the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved twelve‑month demolition delay for 20 South Orleans Road (5-0-0)
• Approved minutes of 4/9/2025 with amendment (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee

The advisory committee tasked Calvin Sutton with providing crosswalk spacing regulations and, with Rich Waldo, presenting Cape Cod Commission data on pedestrian beacons at the next meeting. A speed table at Skaket Beach is being installed this week, and DPW will start town‑wide line striping next week. Several members were assigned to prepare graphics, gather field‑survey data, contact VHB, and plan an August public meeting on Main Street.

• Calvin Sutton will provide crosswalk distance regulations at the next meeting
• Rich Waldo and Calvin Sutton will present Cape Cod Commission beacon data at the next meeting
• Skaket Beach speed table is being installed this week
• DPW will begin in‑kind line striping throughout town starting next week
• Griffin and Lindsey will create graphics of current Main Street conditions
• George will obtain field‑survey information from the sewer project
• Rich and Calvin will contact VHB for sewer‑project information
• Public outreach meeting on Main Street scheduled for August

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee approved the minutes from the April 29, 2025 meeting with a 6‑0‑0 vote. The committee also voted to adjourn the May 13 meeting unanimously. Discussions included wastewater project relief and technology collaboration, but no further actions were decided.

• Approved minutes of April 29, 2025 (6-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors unanimously approved 42 motor vehicle excise tax abatements for 2025 totaling $5,378.98. They also approved additional abatements: 17 motor vehicle abatements for $2,220.79, 2 motor vehicle abatements for $20.95, 1 motor vehicle abatement for $11.81, and one boat excise tax abatement each for $25.00 in 2025 and 2024. The minutes from the April 8, 2025 open and executive sessions were both approved unanimously.

• Approved 42 motor vehicle tax abatements totaling $5,378.98 (unanimous)
• Approved 17 motor vehicle tax abatements totaling $2,220.79 (unanimous)
• Approved 2 motor vehicle tax abatements totaling $20.95 (unanimous)
• Approved 1 motor vehicle tax abatement for $11.81 (unanimous)
• Approved 1 boat excise tax abatement for $25.00 (unanimous)
• Approved 1 boat excise tax abatement for $25.00 (unanimous)
• Approved open session minutes from April 8, 2025 (unanimous, 2-0)
• Approved executive session minutes from April 8, 2025 (unanimous, 2-0)

Cultural Council

The council approved the March meeting minutes. Brian Smith was appointed President, with Heather Morin remaining Treasurer and Ellen Snyder‑Grenier remaining Secretary. Ellen will contact the town to change the meeting time on the website, and each member will bring one actionable project idea to the August meeting. The next meeting is set for August 11, 2025.

• Approved March meeting minutes (no vote tally provided)
• Appointed Brian Smith as President (effective June)
• Retained Heather Morin as Treasurer
• Retained Ellen Snyder‑Grenier as Secretary
• Ellen to request website meeting‑time change
• Members to submit one actionable project idea at August meeting

Finance Committee

The committee approved the talking points document to be read at the Town Meeting and scheduled the next Finance Committee meeting for May 22, 2025. The meeting was then adjourned by an 8‑0‑0 vote.

• Confirmed talking points document for Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Set next Finance Committee meeting for May 22, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0-0)

Energy & Climate Action Committee

The Energy & Climate Action Committee approved the March 13 minutes unanimously and approved the revised April 10 minutes by a 5‑0 vote, with one member abstaining. A motion to adjourn was made and approved unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved March 13 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved April 10 minutes (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Architectural Review Committee

The committee approved the Bank of America monument sign with downward lighting and approved new signs for Check Point East Recording Studio after waiving the site‑plan requirement. It also approved the Phare sign at 19 West Road with lighting that meets town standards. All motions passed unanimously (4‑0‑0).

• Approved Bank of America sign at 30 S. Orleans Rd with downward lighting (4-0-0)
• Waived site‑plan requirement for Oliver Inc. sign at 125 Route 6A (4-0-0)
• Approved Oliver Inc. signs at 125 Route 6A (4-0-0)
• Approved Phare sign at 19 West Rd with lighting per ordinance (4-0-0)
• Approved minutes of April 24, 2025 (4-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0-0)

Select Board

The board voted 5‑0‑0 to execute an Order of Taking by eminent domain for the 0.25‑acre parcel at 5 Academy Place, designated Veterans Memorial Park. It also instructed the Affordable Housing Trust Board to pursue a purchase of 22 Old Tote Road for up to $500,000, awarded five $1,000 Sarah Brown scholarships, and approved a slip transfer to Mark Shakliks. Additional actions included two new Common Victualler licenses, a shellfish grant transfer, and the appointment of Elizabeth Jenkins to the Barnstable County HOME Consortium.

• Approved eminent domain Order of Taking for 5 Academy Place (5-0-0)
• Instructed Affordable Housing Trust Board to pursue purchase of 22 Old Tote Road (≤$500,000) (5-0-0)
• Awarded five Sarah Brown Scholarships $1,000 each (5-0-0)
• Approved Rock Harbor slip transfer to Mark Shakliks (5-0-0)
• Approved Common Victualler license for Emack and Bolio’s, 80 Cranberry Highway (5-0-0)
• Approved Common Victualler license for Cap’t Cass Seafood, 117 Rock Harbor Road (5-0-0)
• Approved shellfish grant transfer #74 to Joshua Stewart (5-0-0)
• Appointed Elizabeth Jenkins as Orleans representative to Barnstable County HOME Consortium (4-0-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board approved the minutes from the April 16 meeting by a 5-0 vote. It also approved a motion to modify the Building Commissioner’s decision, allowing an in‑ground pool on 14 Harris Road provided the two adjoining lots stay under common ownership, with a 4-1 vote.

• Approved April 16 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved conditional pool variance for 14 Harris Road (4-1)

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The trustees approved the April 5, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous 6‑0 vote. They recognized the departing trustees, Sue Lynch and Pamela Ritchie, with gift cards. The board heard reports on a new partnership with the Orleans Conservation Trust, library staffing, technology upgrades, finances, and upcoming gallery exhibit. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 6‑0 vote.

• Approved April 5, 2025 minutes (6‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (6‑0)

Conservation Commission

The commission voted 7-0-0 to continue the deck hearing for 29 Priscilla Rd to May 20, 2025. It then closed and approved the 112 Freeman Lane timber stairway project with a 7-0-0 vote. A continuation was approved for the 19 Whippoorwill Lane hearing to June 17, 2025, also 7-0-0. Finally, the commission approved an amended order of conditions for 77 Keziah’s Lane with a unanimous 7-0-0 vote.

• Continue deck hearing for 29 Priscilla Rd to 5/20/25 (vote 7-0-0)
• Close public hearing for 112 Freeman Ln (vote 7-0-0)
• Approve 112 Freeman Ln timber stairway project (vote 7-0-0)
• Continue public hearing for 19 Whippoorwill Ln to 6/17/25 (vote 7-0-0)
• Approve appropriateness of amended order for 77 Keziah’s Ln (vote 7-0-0)
• Close public hearing for 77 Keziah’s Ln (vote 7-0-0)
• Approve amended order of conditions for 77 Keziah’s Ln (vote 7-0-0)

Board of Health

The Board continued show‑cause hearings for four Phase 1 sewer properties, setting a July 17, 2025 deadline for each. It accepted the Aqua Fund’s new rule that condominium owners with fewer than 10 units may qualify for sewer grants. The Board also approved variances for 47 Daley’s Terrace (four bedrooms with an I/A nitrogen‑removing system) and for 24 Collins Lane’s pool fence distance.

• Continued hearing for 30 Locust Rd, set for July 17, 2025 (vote 5‑0‑0)
• Continued hearing for 99 Route 6A, set for July 17, 2025 (vote 5‑0‑0)
• Continued hearing for 34 Route 6A, set for July 17, 2025 (vote 5‑0‑0)
• Continued hearing for 94 Route 6A, set for July 17, 2025 (vote 5‑0‑0)
• Accepted Aqua Fund condo qualification (fewer than 10 units) for sewer grants (vote 5‑0‑0)
• Approved variance for 47 Daley’s Terrace to allow four bedrooms with I/A system (vote 5‑0‑0)
• Approved variance for 24 Collins Lane pool fence, allowing 91.5‑ft distance with required alarms and repairs (vote 5‑0‑0)

Human Services Advisory Committee

The Human Services Advisory Committee unanimously approved its minutes and agreed to write a letter of support to the Board of Health for a $20,000 Recovery Coach program. It tasked members with drafting a revised committee charge, developing precise language for a new rolling‑admission application process, renaming the regional group, and creating a streamlined application form. The committee also noted the need to recruit a fifth member.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to write a letter of support to the Board of Health for $20,000 Recovery Coach funding
• Assigned Alex to draft a revised committee charge for Select Board approval
• Assigned Fran to present the revised charge at the May 29 meeting
• Assigned Alex to develop precise language for the new rolling‑admission application process
• Renamed the regional group to “Regional HSAC Workgroup”
• Agreed to create a streamlined application form based on a comparative spreadsheet
• Noted the need to recruit a fifth committee member

Select Board

The Select Board voted unanimously to sign Memoranda of Agreement with the Orleans Police Officers Federation and the Permanent Firefighters Association. It also approved two stabilization fund appropriations, adopted a revision to the Multi Member Body policy, and appointed a student officer for the police department. Additional actions included approving seasonal licenses, accepting commission resignations, and elevating a conservation commissioner.

• Signed Memoranda of Agreement with Police Officers Federation and Firefighters Association (4-0-0)
• Appropriated $423,880 to Pavement Management stabilization account (4-0-0)
• Appropriated $211,930 to Water Quality Drainage Improvement stabilization account (4-0-0)
• Adopted revision to Multi Member Body policy on representative appointments (4-0-0)
• Appointed Student Officer Amiyah Peters to Orleans Police Department (4-0-0)
• Approved seasonal hawker’s license for Andale on Wheels (4-0-0)
• Approved seasonal outdoor entertainment license for Agway of Cape Cod (4-0-0)
• Accepted resignation of Maia Ward from Conservation Commission (4-0-0)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee approved the minutes from the March 11, 2025 meeting with a 5‑0‑0 vote. No other formal actions were taken; the committee discussed wastewater phases, a village‑center parking proposal, and draft Local Comprehensive Plan goals but recorded no votes on those items. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 10:56 a.m.

• Approved March 11, 2025 EDC minutes (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Cultural District Committee

The Cultural District Committee appointed Honah Lee Milne as Vice Chair and accepted the Treasurer’s Report, both unanimously. It approved encumbrances of $2,000 for design and printing of promotional materials, $500 for FLAG signage, and any remaining funds to sponsor the June Pride Weekend or Cape Noir, all with unanimous votes. The committee also approved the March 25, 2025 minutes by majority with one abstention and agreed to pursue a $5,120 AFCC grant for the Fall ’25/Spring ’26 Pop‑Up Music series.

• Approved minutes from March 25, 2025 – Majority Approval, 1 abstain
• Accepted Treasurer’s Report – Unanimous Approval
• Appointed Honah Lee Milne as Vice Chair – Unanimous Approval
• Encumbered up to $2,000 for design & print of promotional materials – Unanimous Approval
• Encumbered $500 for signage for “FLAG” – Unanimous Approval
• Authorized use of remaining funds to sponsor June Pride Weekend and/or Cape Noir – Unanimous Approval
• Supported pursuit of $5,120 AFCC grant for Fall ’25/Spring ’26 Pop‑Up Music series – Consensus Yes

Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee

The Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee voted 7‑0‑0 to support Article 26, which funds a nitrogen evaluation for Mill Pond. Chair Rich Levy will revise the committee’s draft letter of support and circulate it for review. No other substantive actions were voted on at this meeting.

• Approved support for Article 26 Mill Pond nitrogen evaluation (7-0-0)
• Chair to revise and distribute the committee’s letter of support for Article 26

Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee

The committee presented a PowerPoint on planned roadway projects to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety. Attendees asked questions about accident history, funding, and walkability, expressing mixed feelings about safety. The committee said it will collect more data and increase community engagement before any actions are taken. No formal decisions or votes were recorded.

Finance Committee

The committee voted 8-0-0 to approve a $3,660.97 reserve fund transfer for a Veterans Benefits Assessment. It also approved the amended minutes from 4/10/25 with a 7-0-1 vote. The committee unanimously approved a letter recommending a single statement of concern for the entire Town Meeting warrant.

• Approved $3,660.97 Veterans Benefits Assessment reserve fund transfer (8-0-0)
• Approved amended minutes of 4/10/25 (7-0-1)
• Approved letter recommending a single statement of concern for the Town Meeting warrant (8-0-0)
• Cancelled FinComm meeting scheduled for 5/8/25 (no vote recorded)

Architectural Review Committee

The committee waived the site‑plan requirement and approved the new ladder sign for Pleasant Bay Realty at 57 Route 6A, with a 5‑0 vote. The review of the monument sign for Phare at 19 West Road was postponed pending site review and building‑department input, also by a 5‑0 vote. The minutes from the April 10, 2025 meeting were approved with a minor wording change, 5‑0. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Waived site‑plan requirement for Pleasant Bay Realty sign (57 Route 6A) – motion carried 5‑0‑0
• Approved Pleasant Bay Realty ladder sign (57 Route 6A) – motion carried 5‑0‑0
• Continued review of Phare sign (19 West Road) without prejudice – motion carried 5‑0‑0
• Approved April 10, 2025 minutes with minor change – motion carried 5‑0‑0
• Adjourned meeting – motion carried 5‑0‑0

Board of Health

The Orleans Board of Health voted 5‑0‑0 to adopt proposed increases to the Transfer Station fee schedule, making the new rates effective upon publication (estimated April 27). The board also rescinded a previously issued fine for the properties at 86 & 88 Route 6A and granted them a six‑month extension to complete sewer connection. Several pending sewer‑connection cases were continued to future dates for further review.

• Approved amendments to Transfer Station fee schedule (voice vote 5‑0‑0), effective upon publication (estimated April 27)
• Rescinded previously issued fine for 86 & 88 Route 6A (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Granted six‑month extension for 86 & 88 Route 6A to connect to municipal sewer (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Continued hearing for 65 Old Colony Way with administrative review by May 1, then possible show‑cause hearing May 15 (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Continued hearing for 8 Old Tote Road to May 15, 2025 (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Continued hearing for 9 Route 6A with administrative review by May 1, then possible show‑cause hearing May 15 (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Continued hearing for 34 Route 6A to May 1, 2025 (voice vote 5‑0‑0)
• Continued hearing for 36 West Road to May 15, 2025 (voice vote 5‑0‑0)

Recreation Advisory Committee

The Recreation Advisory Committee approved the minutes from the December 19, 2023, January 16, 2025, and March 20, 2025 meetings with a 4‑0‑0 vote. The committee then adjourned the April 17, 2025 meeting with a 6‑0‑0 vote. No other actions were decided.

• Approved minutes for 12/19/23, 1/16/25, 3/20/25 (4-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved an extension to May 7, 2025 for Jennie Hutton Jacoby’s appeal concerning an accessory swimming pool. It also approved a special permit and a variance to divide the lot at 43 Kenneth Lane into two parcels. All motions passed with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved extension to May 7 hearing for accessory structure appeal (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit for lot division at 43 Kenneth Lane (5-0)
• Approved Variance for lot division at 43 Kenneth Lane (5-0)

Open Space Committee

The committee voted to approve the minutes from the March 19, 2025 meeting. All members present voted in favor. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Approved 3/19/2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn (unanimous)

Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Board approved a variance allowing The Knack (Whole Clam LLC) to pump its external grease tank every four months. It also committed $50,644.50 in sewer receivables and $153,021.93 in water receivables for March 2025. A sub‑committee was formed to study a possible rate increase of up to 5% effective July 1. The minutes of the March 19, 2025 meeting were approved.

• Approved grease‑tank variance for The Knack (6-0-0)
• Committed $50,644.50 sewer receivables for March 2025 (6-0-0)
• Committed $153,021.93 water receivables for March 2025 (6-0-0)
• Formed sub‑committee to work on rate increase with Sue Brown (6-0-0)
• Approved minutes of March 19, 2025 meeting (6-0-0)

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board

The Affordable Housing Trust Board accepted a Notice of Funding Availability for the 22 Old Tote Road property (8‑0‑0). It voted to encumber $550,000 to cover the potential acquisition, plans, and sewer connection for that site (8‑0‑0). The board also approved the March 18, 2025 minutes (7‑0‑1) and adjourned the meeting (8‑0‑0).

• Accepted Notice of Funding Availability for 22 Old Tote Road (8-0-0)
• Encumbered $550,000 for Old Tote Road acquisition (8-0-0)
• Approved minutes from March 18, 2025 (7-0-1)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0-0)

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The Snow Library Marion Craine Gallery Committee approved the minutes from the March 18, 2025 meeting. The board also approved Erika Zvilnaite’s exhibition to be held in August. Both motions passed with all members in favor.

• Approved March 18, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved Erika Zvilnaite August exhibit (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:45 pm (all in favor)

Conservation Commission

The commission voted 7‑0‑0 to approve the 19 Childs Homestead Rd project, attaching its findings, standard conditions, and a special condition for a pre‑construction meeting about chain‑link fence removal. It also approved a Certificate of Compliance for the same site (vote recorded as 7). The hearings for three other applications were each continued to May 6 2025 by unanimous vote.

• Approved 19 Childs Homestead Rd project with findings, standard conditions, and fence‑removal meeting condition (7‑0‑0)
• Approved issuance of Certificate of Compliance for 19 Childs Homestead Rd (vote: 7)
• Continued public hearing for 13 Sheeps Pasture Point to 5/6/25 (7‑0‑0)
• Continued public hearing for 317 S. Orleans Rd (Dead Low LLC) to 5/6/25 (7‑0‑0)
• Continued public hearing for 54 Tonset Rd to 5/6/25 (7‑0‑0)

Finance Committee

The Orleans Finance Committee unanimously approved the FY26 budget as amended. It recommended and approved a series of Town Meeting warrant articles covering fire‑station design, beaches, sewer and transfer station funds, solar development, bulkhead work, community preservation, wastewater projects, and housing and veterans provisions. The only article rejected was the residential exemption budget request. All votes were recorded as shown.

• Approved FY26 budget (6-0-0)
• Approved Article 12 – Fund Fire‑Station Design ($4.5 M) (6-0-1)
• Approved Article 15 – FY26 Beaches Enterprise Fund Budget (6-0-0)
• Approved Article 16 – FY26 Sewer Enterprise Fund Budget (6-0-0)
• Approved Article 20 – Orleans Solar Development ($5 M) (6-0-0)
• Approved Article 21 – Goose Hummock Bulkhead ($1.6 M) (6-0-0)
• Approved Article 23 – CWRMP Phase III Lakes & Ponds Construction ($40.05 M) (6-0-0)
• Rejected Article 35 – Fund the Budget to Enable a Residential Exemption (0-6-0)

Energy & Climate Action Committee

The Energy & Climate Action Committee discussed upcoming solar projects, grant articles, and community initiatives but made no substantive approvals. Review of the March 13, 2025 minutes was deferred to the May 8 meeting. A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved unanimously.

• Review of March 13 minutes deferred to May 8
• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously

Architectural Review Committee

The Architectural Review Committee approved the signage application for Wildflower Hair at 80‑82 Route 6A with a 5‑0‑0 vote. It also approved the signage application for Flowers by the Bay at 31 Main Street with a 5‑0‑0 vote. The committee approved the minutes of the March 18, 2025 meeting, also by a 5‑0‑0 vote.

• Approved Wildflower Hair sign (80-82 Route 6A) – vote 5-0-0
• Approved Flowers by the Bay sign (31 Main Street) – vote 5-0-0
• Approved March 18, 2025 minutes – vote 5-0-0

Select Board

The Orleans Select Board accepted the FY26 operating budget of $64,069,780 and a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for non‑union staff. It also approved the three‑year Nauset Beach Agreement with Chatham and a lease amendment for the Center for Culture and History. Filing fees for Special One Day Liquor Licenses were eliminated and several liquor and outdoor entertainment licenses were granted. Additional ballot questions, including debt‑exclusion items and a $5 million solar development, were placed on the May 20, 2025 election.

• Approved FY26 budget $64,069,780 (5-0-0)
• Approved 3% COLA for non‑union employees (5-0-0)
• Approved 2025‑2028 Nauset Beach Agreement (5-0-0)
• Approved lease amendment to expand Center for Culture and History land (5-0-0)
• Eliminated filing fees for Special One Day Liquor Licenses ($50 business, $25 non‑profit) (5-0-0)
• Approved Special One Day Liquor Licenses for Cherry Blossom market (May 10) and Outermost Festival (Oct 10) (5-0-0)
• Placed debt‑exclusion Question 6 ($989,627) on ballot (5-0-0)
• Approved Solar Development project funding $5 million (5-0-0)

Transportation and Bikeways Advisory Committee

The advisory committee approved the February 12, 2025 meeting minutes. It agreed to add “pedestrians and bicyclists” to the vulnerable‑user references in the Comprehensive Plan and to include three new action items: a public‑road layout, a traffic study of the Route 6A corridor, and improvements to the Route 6A, Eldredge Parkway, West Road intersection. The committee also decided to adjust the location of the seasonal speed table on Skaket Beach Road and to install the tables in late May/early June, using new electronic message boards during the adjustment period. A community meeting to review Main Street, Old Colony Way, and Beach Road projects was scheduled for April 28.

• Approved February 12, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Added “pedestrians and bicyclists” to vulnerable‑user references (agreed)
• Added three items to the Comprehensive Plan Action Plan: public‑road layout; Route 6A corridor traffic study; Route 6A, Eldredge Parkway, West Road intersection improvements (agreed)
• Decided to adjust Skaket Beach Road speed‑table location and install seasonal speed tables in late May/early June (agreed)
• Planned use of two new electronic message boards during speed‑table adjustment period (agreed)
• Scheduled April 28 community meeting at 5:30 PM to review Main Street, Old Colony Way, and Beach Road projects (set)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)

Historical Commission

The commission unanimously approved a motion finding the flashing road sign at Main Street and Meetinghouse Road visually intrusive and recommending its removal. They also approved the creation of a public‑education subcommittee composed of Commissioner Marcarelli and Associate Member Mustaro. The board approved the minutes from the March 12, 2025 meeting.

• Approved recommendation to remove flashing sign at Main St. & Meetinghouse Rd (5-0-0)
• Established public‑education subcommittee (Marcarelli, Mustaro) (5-0-0)
• Approved minutes of 3/12/2025 meeting (5-0-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board approved a motor vehicle excise commitment of $196,009.41 for 2025‑2. It also approved several abatements and exemptions, including motor vehicle abatements, real estate and personal property abatements, and elderly exemptions. The March 11, 2025 minutes were adopted.

• Approved 1 motor vehicle excise abatement for 2024 totaling $60.33 (2-0)
• Approved 66 motor vehicle excise abatements for 2025 totaling $8,267.72 (2-0)
• Approved motor vehicle excise commitments for 2025‑2 totaling $196,009.41 (2-0)
• Approved 6 real estate abatements totaling $11,045.42 and $331.37 CPA (2-0)
• Approved 7 personal property abatements totaling $163.04 (2-0)
• Approved 9 uncollectible personal property tax accounts for 2024 totaling $306.82 (2-0)
• Approved 2 real estate exemptions totaling $2,000.00 and $60.00 CPA (2-0)
• Approved elderly exemption for 18 West Rd Unit 202 totaling $1,030.00 (2-0)

Shellfish & Waterways Improvement Advisory Committee

The committee unanimously approved the meeting minutes after a wording change. They agreed to look into Thursday, May 15 as the date for the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Accepted meeting minutes pending wording change (unanimous vote)
• Decided to look into Thursday May 15 as the next meeting date
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)

Orleans School Committee

The committee voted unanimously to approve Policy Manual Sections A through D for a second reading. They also approved the February 3 and February 10, 2025 meeting minutes. The meeting was then adjourned at 5:13 pm.

• Approved Policy Manual Sections A‑D for second reading (unanimous)
• Approved February 3 and February 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:13 pm (unanimous)

Registrar

Beverly Fuller was sworn in for a three‑year term as registrar. The board approved, by unanimous vote, a motion allowing the Town Clerk to conduct in‑person early voting at Town Hall for two weeks (May 5‑16) for the annual town election. The board also approved, unanimously, a motion permitting in‑person early voting for any special election in 2025.

• Beverly Fuller sworn in for a 3‑year term (no vote tally recorded)
• Approved in‑person early voting at Town Hall for May 5‑16 annual election (unanimous)
• Approved in‑person early voting for any 2025 special election (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Orleans Board of Health approved a variance for 9 Fox Ridge Drive despite the septic tank size requirement (voice vote 4-0-0). It granted a deferral for 43 Canal Road until the April 17, 2025 meeting and issued fines or conditional deadlines for several properties that have not complied with sewer connection orders. Additional deadlines were set for permit and plan submissions, with fines of $200 for missed dates.

• Approved variance for 9 Fox Ridge Drive (4-0-0)
• Granted deferral for 43 Canal Road until April 17, 2025 (4-0-0)
• Issued $200 fines for 14 & 18 Brewster Cross Rd and 157 Route 6A (4-0-0)
• Continued show cause hearing for 31 Canal Road to April 17, 2025 (4-0-0)
• Set May 15, 2025 deadline for permit at 15 Cottage St & 11 South Orleans Rd; fine if missed (4-0-0)
• Set May 15, 2025 deadline for plans at 11 Cove Rd; fine if missed (4-0-0)
• Allowed 21 Old Tote Rd to submit plans by April 17, 2025; fine if not (3-0-0)
• Deferred 8 Old Tote Rd matter to April 17, 2025 (4-0-0)

Finance Committee

The committee approved the amended warrant letter for the May Town Meeting by a 7‑0‑0 vote. It also recommended the Consent Calendar for the town meeting with a 7‑0‑0 vote. Finally, the committee recommended Article 12 for fire station design and construction, a $45 million project, with a 6‑0‑1 vote (one abstention).

• Approved amended warrant letter (7-0-0)
• Recommended Consent Calendar (7-0-0)
• Recommended Article 12 Fire Station Design and Construction (6-0-1)

Human Services Advisory Committee

The Human Services Advisory Committee unanimously approved a $20,000 allocation for the Community Services Navigator Program. A motion to require an individual up‑or‑down vote on each eligible grant application passed with a 3‑to‑2 vote. The committee also approved the meeting minutes as amended.

• Approved $20,000 for Community Services Navigator Program (unanimous)
• Adopted rule for individual up‑or‑down vote on each eligible grant application (3‑2)
• Approved minutes as amended (unanimous)

Select Board

The board placed Articles 1‑11, 14‑18, the capital budget article, Article 20 on solar energy, the bulkhead at Rock Harbor article, and Article 33 on the warrant, and removed Articles 28 and 29. Each motion passed unanimously with a 4‑0‑0 vote. The board also entered executive session to discuss collective‑bargaining strategy, which was approved 4‑0‑0. Capital debt was noted as $8 million, lower than the previously projected $11 million.

• Approved Articles 1‑11 for Town Meeting (4‑0‑0)
• Approved Articles 14‑18 for Town Meeting (4‑0‑0)
• Approved Capital Budget article (4‑0‑0)
• Approved Article 20 on solar energy (4‑0‑0)
• Approved bulkhead at Rock Harbor article (4‑0‑0)
• Removed Article 28 from warrant (4‑0‑0)
• Removed Article 29 from warrant (4‑0‑0)
• Approved Article 33 (4‑0‑0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The board approved the March 19 meeting minutes after a motion and second. It upheld three ZEO findings on storage, change‑of‑use size, and setback requirements, and it overturned the ZEO finding about parking spaces. The board rejected the applicant’s request to overturn the enforcement order. It also approved a unanimous continuation of the case to May 19, 2025 for site‑plan review.

• Approved March 19 minutes (motion by Higgins, seconded by Asantugrul)
• Upheld ZEO finding that storage is prohibited in the General Business District (bylaw 164-13)
• Upheld ZEO finding that a change of use over 1,000 sq ft requires Site Plan Review Committee approval (bylaw 164-33)
• Upheld ZEO finding that storage location violates setback and screening requirements (bylaw 164-27)
• Overturned ZEO finding that removing parking spaces may violate parking requirements
• Rejected application to overturn the ZEO enforcement order
• Approved continuation of the case to May 19 2025 (unanimous 5‑0 vote)

Snow Library Board of Trustees

The trustees approved the March 5, 2025 meeting minutes with a 4‑0 vote. They then adjourned the April 1 meeting unanimously. No other actions were voted on.

• Approved March 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission voted 7‑0‑0 to issue a negative determination for the Title 5 septic system proposed at 4 Driftwood Lane, effectively denying the project. It also denied a deck expansion at 29 Priscilla Rd and directed the applicant to seek a Resource Development Agreement. Approvals were granted for the Kents Point workday at 39 Keziahs Ln and an osprey pole at 654 S. Orleans Rd, and the commission ordered a cease‑and‑desist letter to an abutter encroaching on town conservation land. The public hearing on the 54 Tonset Rd invasive‑species project was continued to April 15, 2025.

• Approved negative determination for 4 Driftwood Lane septic project (7-0-0)
• Continued public hearing for 54 Tonset Rd project to 4/15/25 (7-0-0)
• Denied deck expansion at 29 Priscilla Rd and directed RDA application (7-0-0)
• Approved Kents Point workday at 39 Keziahs Ln (7-0-0)
• Approved osprey pole installation at 654 S. Orleans Rd (7-0-0)
• Approved cease-and-desist letter to abutter for encroachment (7-0-0)
• Approved minutes (edited) (6-0-1)
• Adjourned public hearing (7-0-0)

Personnel Advisory Board

The board reviewed proposed changes to the personnel bylaw and compensation plan, including a reduction in steps over three years and new titles. Members voted their agreement with the proposed changes. The board also unanimously approved the minutes from the November 13, 2024 meeting and unanimously adjourned the session.

• Approved personnel bylaw and compensation plan changes (vote not specified)
• Approved minutes of November 13, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the March 12 and March 13 meetings by unanimous vote. It then approved a $4,195 reserve fund transfer to cover unemployment benefits for two town employees, also by unanimous vote. The remainder of the meeting consisted of discussion on housing initiatives and upcoming Town Meeting materials, with no further decisions made. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm.

• Approved minutes of 3/12/25 (9-0-0)
• Approved minutes of 3/13/25 (8-0-0)
• Approved Reserve Fund Transfer $4,195 (8-0-0)

Select Board

The Select Board approved several appointments, accepted a committee resignation, and renewed seasonal licenses. It adopted a change to Section 3.8 of the Orleans Shellfish Regulations that prohibits dry harvesting or harvesting in shoal areas when water temperature is under 28 degrees. The Board also approved FY26 beach fee changes and granted an annual indoor entertainment license to Town Cove Tap House.

• Appointed Matt Campbell to the Agricultural Advisory Council (4-0-0)
• Accepted resignation of Karen Pierson from the Cultural District Committee (4-0-0)
• Appointed David Lyttle to the Zoning Board of Appeal (4-0-0)
• Approved 2025 seasonal license renewals for Common Victualler, Hawker & Peddler, Entertainment and Innholder (4-0-0)
• Adopted amendment to Section 3.8 of the Shellfish Regulations prohibiting harvest below 28°F (4-0-0)
• Approved annual indoor entertainment license for Town Cove Tap House, 22a Main Street (4-0-0)
• Approved FY26 beach fee changes as submitted (4-0-0)
• Placed Articles 1‑11 on the Consent Calendar (4-0-0)

Cultural District Committee

The Cultural District Committee unanimously approved the February 25, 2025 meeting minutes. It also unanimously approved changing the Treasurer’s report wording from “ENCUMBERED?” to “ALLOCATED.” The meeting was then adjourned by motion. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved February 25, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved wording change in Treasurer’s report to “ALLOCATED” (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion adopted)

Select Board

The Select Board discussed the Orleans Campus Plan and short‑term rental requirements. The board agreed to hold a joint meeting with the Board of Health. Both the Orleans Elementary Committee and the Select Board voted to adjourn their respective meetings.

• Orleans Elementary Committee adjourned (vote 5-0-0)
• Select Board adjourned (vote 3-0-0)
• Agreed to hold a joint meeting with the Board of Health (no vote recorded)

Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee

The committee temporarily tabled the Orleans Citizen Forum on fresh water quality (Agenda Item 5). Rich Levy will compile the Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee’s comments on the Comprehensive Plan goals and forward them to Town Planner George Meservey. The FY26 water‑quality funding request was noted at a total of $154,000 after revisions.

• Item 5 (Orleans Citizen Forum) temporarily tabled
• Rich Levy to compile MFWQC comments and forward them to George Meservey

Recreation Advisory Committee

The Recreation Advisory Committee held a public hearing on the Open Space and Recreation Plan on March 20, 2025. A formal presentation was given by Weston and Sampson outlining the plan's background, purpose, and goals. Community survey feedback included 568 respondents, with 33% residing in Orleans for over 20 years and 40% feeling their needs are met. No decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded during this meeting.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a language change in the decision for Case 2025‑02 covering 15‑17 High Street. The board also unanimously voted to continue consideration of the Harris Road variance and appeal case to the April 16, 2025 meeting. The minutes from the February 5, 2025 meeting were approved.

• Approved language change for Case 2025‑02 (15‑17 High Street) (5‑0)
• Approved continuation of Case #2025‑04 (Harris Road) to April 16, 2025 (5‑0)
• Approved February 5, 2025 meeting minutes (vote not recorded)

Open Space Committee

The committee approved the February 19, 2025 minutes and scheduled its next meeting for April 16, 2025. A motion to adjourn was passed unanimously. No policy or project decisions were made; members discussed the upcoming CROS plan.

• Approved 2/19/2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for April 16, 2025
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Board voted unanimously to support a $50 basic sewer service charge for phase 1 and a water rate increase of up to 5% effective July 1 2025. It also conditionally approved extra water flow for 191 Route 6A and approved a $33,793.76 flow abatement for 2 Academy Place, while denying betterment abatement requests for 195 Route 6A and 37 S Orleans Road. Additionally, the Board recommended deferring the sewer connection for 18 Old Colony Way until Dec 31 2025 and adopted a mandatory two‑day‑a‑week watering restriction.

• Approved basic sewer service charge $50 for phase 1 (7-0-0)
• Approved water rate increase up to 5% effective July 1 2025 (6-0-0)
• Conditionally approved additional 840 gallons/day flow for 191 Route 6A with grease‑trap conditions (7-0-0)
• Approved additional allocated flow abatement of $33,793.76 for 2 Academy Place (7-0-0)
• Denied sewer betterment abatement request for 195 Route 6A (7-0-0)
• Denied sewer betterment abatement request for 37 S Orleans Road (7-0-0)
• Recommended deferral of sewer connection for 18 Old Colony Way until Dec 31 2025 to Board of Health (6-0-1, 1 abstention)
• Implemented mandatory 2‑day‑a‑week watering restriction (7-0-0)