MassVoter.com← Orleans Select BoardOrleans Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
June 4, 2025
18 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Kevin Galligan, Mefford Runyon, Mark Mathison, Michael Herman, Andrea Reed
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Approve the 2025 ambulance rates for the Orleans Fire Department as listed in the packet
To approve the 2025 ambulance rates for the Orleans Fire Department as listed in the packet
From the minutes
“Ms. Shaw Reed moved to approve the 2025 ambulance rates for the Orleans Fire Department as listed in the packet. Mr. Herman seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Reed, second: Herman)
Amend the Town of Orleans parking rules and regulations, Article 1, Section 2, to require a valid resident parking permit sticker at 72 Tonset Road, prohibit parking from 11:00 p.m. to sunrise...
To amend the Town of Orleans parking rules and regulations, Article 1, Section 2, to require a valid resident parking permit sticker at 72 Tonset Road, prohibit parking from 11:00 p.m. to sunrise year-round, and make the amendment effective immediately upon incorporation into the Town's parking rules and regulations pursuant to Chapter 89. Discussion: Board members discussed eligibility for the Town's resident parking permit program, clarifying that access would extend not only to year-round residents but also to qualifying Orleans property owners, including seasonal owners, and acknowledged that the terminology surrounding the permit program could be confusing and may need to be updated for clarity in the future. Discussion also addressed the potential for expanded kayak storage and longer-term planning for the 72 Tonset Road property, with staff noting that the initial 12-vessel rack was intended to gauge demand and that broader site planning, including possible community input and a future task force, could help evaluate additional uses and improvements
From the minutes
“Ms. Shaw Reed made the motion to amend the Town of Orleans parking rules and regulations, Article 1, Section 2, to require a valid resident parking permit sticker at 72 Tonset Road, prohibit parking from 11:00 p.m. to sunrise year-round, and make the amendment effective immediately upon incorporation into the Town's parking rules and regulations pursuant to Chapter 89. Discussion: Board members discussed eligibility for the Town's resident parking permit program, clarifying that access would extend not only to year-round residents but also to qualifying Orleans property owners, including seasonal owners, and acknowledged that the terminology surrounding the permit program could be confusing and may need to be updated for clarity in the future. Discussion also addressed the potential for expanded kayak storage and longer-term planning for the 72 Tonset Road property, with staff noting that the initial 12-vessel rack was intended to gauge demand and that broader site planning, including possible community input and a future task force, could help evaluate additional uses and improvements. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Reed)
Grant an easement to Eversource for utility purposes over Town property located at 10 Old Colony Way
To grant an easement to Eversource for utility purposes over Town property located at 10 Old Colony Way
From the minutes
“Mr. Runyon moved to grant an easement to Eversource for utility purposes over Town property located at 10 Old Colony Way. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. Staff noted that the easement represented a significant milestone in a long-running effort to install two EV fast chargers at Depot Square. In response to a question about timing, staff indicated that while no specific installation timeline could be provided, progress on a nearby Eversource-related project suggested that once the utility completed its required approvals, installation could proceed relatively quickly. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Runyon, second: Reed)
The Select Board approve the application from Wild Water Collective, 85 Rte. 6A - Unit #1, for a one-day liquor license, wine only, for Friday, June 6, 2025, from 5:00pm - 8:00pm., subject to all...
That the Select Board approve the application from Wild Water Collective, 85 Rte. 6A - Unit #1, for a one-day liquor license, wine only, for Friday, June 6, 2025, from 5:00pm - 8:00pm., subject to all permits, licenses, and approvals, and in accordance with local, state, and federal rules, regulations, bylaws, and laws, said license to expire on June 7, 2025. Discussion: Board members noted that the one-day liquor license request was connected to the First Friday event and briefly discussed whether similar First Friday license requests would be coming forward together as a group, as had occurred in prior years. Staff stated that some had already been processed and explained that the Town planned to conduct a broader review of its licensing practices with special counsel, with the goal of adopting updated practices in January
From the minutes
“Ms. Shaw Reed moved that the Select Board approve the application from Wild Water Collective, 85 Rte. 6A - Unit #1, for a one-day liquor license, wine only, for Friday, June 6, 2025, from 5:00pm - 8:00pm., subject to all permits, licenses, and approvals, and in accordance with local, state, and federal rules, regulations, bylaws, and laws, said license to expire on June 7, 2025. Discussion: Board members noted that the one-day liquor license request was connected to the First Friday event and briefly discussed whether similar First Friday license requests would be coming forward together as a group, as had occurred in prior years. Staff stated that some had already been processed and explained that the Town planned to conduct a broader review of its licensing practices with special counsel, with the goal of adopting updated practices in January. Mr. Herman seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Reed, second: Herman)
Amend May 12, 2025, Select Board approved one-day alcohol license and temporary common victualer license for the Artist Cottages, Lulu LLC, Blue Bubbles LLC, 15 Old Colony Way with the following...
To amend May 12, 2025, Select Board approved one-day alcohol license and temporary common victualer license for the Artist Cottages, Lulu LLC, Blue Bubbles LLC, 15 Old Colony Way with the following dates: June 14, 2025, June 21st, June 28th, July 5th, July 12th, July 19th, July 26th, August 9th, August 20th, and November 29th, 2025. Subject to all permits, licenses, and approvals and in accordance with all local, state, and federal rules, regulations, bylaws, and laws. This license will expire on November 30th, 2025, unless sooner revoked by this select board
From the minutes
“Ms. Shaw Reed moved to amend May 12, 2025, Select Board approved one-day alcohol license and temporary common victualer license for the Artist Cottages, Lulu LLC, Blue Bubbles LLC, 15 Old Colony Way with the following dates: June 14, 2025, June 21st, June 28th, July 5th, July 12th, July 19th, July 26th, August 9th, August 20th, and November 29th, 2025. Subject to all permits, licenses, and approvals and in accordance with all local, state, and federal rules, regulations, bylaws, and laws. This license will expire on November 30th, 2025, unless sooner revoked by this select board. Mr. Runyon seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Reed, second: Runyon)
Appoint Nick Bono to the Board of Assessors for a term ending June 30, 2028
To appoint Nick Bono to the Board of Assessors for a term ending June 30, 2028
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman moved to appoint Nick Bono to the Board of Assessors for a term ending June 30, 2028. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Herman, second: Reed)
Appoint Mark Berson to the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners for a 4 term ending June 30, 2028
To appoint Mark Berson to the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners for a 4 term ending June 30, 2028
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman moved to appoint Mark Berson to the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners for a 4 term ending June 30, 2028. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Herman, second: Reed)
Appoint Virginia Farber to a term ending June 30, 2028
To appoint Virginia Farber to a term ending June 30, 2028
Yes: Galligan, Herman, Mathison, ReedNo: Runyon
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman moved to appoint Virginia Farber to a term ending June 30, 2028. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. Discussion: Additional discussion emphasized the substantial workload associated with the Conservation Commission and the difficulty of recruiting qualified volunteers willing to commit the necessary time and training. A Board member serving as liaison noted that the Commission was highly functional but required dedicated members due to the complexity of its regulatory work and certification requirements. Support was expressed for granting the Commission additional time to recruit and train new members, particularly given that one associate member was expected to continue frequent recusals for approximately another year. Other members acknowledged those concerns but reiterated that the presence of open seats also underscored the importance of continuing efforts to bring new participants onto the Commission. Motion passed. Ms. Shaw Reed - AYE; Mr. Galligan - AYE; Mr. Runyon - NAY; Mr. Mathison - AYE; Mr. Herman - AYE..” (Motion: Herman, second: Reed)
Elevate Tim Payson to a regular member with a term ending June 30, 2028. 5
To elevate Tim Payson to a regular member with a term ending June 30, 2028. 5
From the minutes
“Shaw Reed moved to elevate Tim Payson to a regular member with a term ending June 30, 2028. 5 Mr. Runyon seconded the motion. Discussion: Discussion on the motion to elevate Tim Payson to regular Conservation Commission membership focused on how his term should be structured. Members clarified whether his elevation would continue the balance of his existing associate term or begin a new full term. The consensus was that the appointment would begin a new term, allowing him three full regular-member terms rather than inheriting a partial term. Members noted the for future Boards and emphasized the need to be mindful of appointment dates when making future committee appointments. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Reed, second: Runyon)
Reappoint John Ostman and Debbie Oakes to the Planning Board for terms ending June 30, 2028
To reappoint John Ostman and Debbie Oakes to the Planning Board for terms ending June 30, 2028
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman moved to reappoint John Ostman and Debbie Oakes to the Planning Board for terms ending June 30, 2028. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. Discussion: A Board member noted that Debbie Oakes' initial appointment had been for a one-year term, followed by a full term, and questioned how that would affect her eligibility for future service under the Town's term-limit policy. It was clarified that, because her initial appointment had been partial rather than a full term, she could remain eligible for an additional term in the future if she wished. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Herman, second: Reed)
Appoint Austin Higgins to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending June 30, 2028
To appoint Austin Higgins to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending June 30, 2028
From the minutes
“Mr. Runyon moved to appoint Austin Higgins to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending June 30, 2028. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Runyon, second: Reed)
Appoint Gerald Mulligan to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending June 30, 2028
To appoint Gerald Mulligan to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending June 30, 2028
From the minutes
“Mr. Runyon moved to appoint Gerald Mulligan to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending June 30, 2028. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion with the acknowledgement that Mr. Mulligan took over as Chair with diligence. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Runyon, second: Reed)
Appoint Matt Cole to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a three-year term ending June 30, 2028
To appoint Matt Cole to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a three-year term ending June 30, 2028
Yes: Galligan, Herman, Reed, RunyonNo: Mathison
From the minutes
“Ms. Shaw Reed moved to appoint Matt Cole to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a three-year term ending June 30, 2028. Mr. Runyon seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-1-0. Ms. Shaw Reed - AYE; Mr. Galligan -- AYE; Mr. Runyon - AYE; Mr. Mathison - NAY; Mr. Herman - AYE..” (Motion: Reed, second: Runyon)
Accept the amendments to the FY24 - FY26 Town Manager's contract
To accept the amendments to the FY24 - FY26 Town Manager's contract
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman moved to accept the amendments to the FY24 - FY26 Town Manager's contract. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Herman, second: Reed)
Approve and sign the FY27 - FY31 Town Manager's contract
To approve and sign the FY27 - FY31 Town Manager's contract
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman moved to approve and sign the FY27 - FY31 Town Manager's contract. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. Discussion: During discussion, the Board noted that, in addition to parity considerations, the evaluation process was expected to become more active and responsive, with the goal of better supporting the success of the Town's top officials. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Herman, second: Reed)
Approve and sign the FY26 - FY30 Police Chief's contract
To approve and sign the FY26 - FY30 Police Chief's contract
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman moved to approve and sign the FY26 - FY30 Police Chief's contract. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Herman, second: Reed)
Approve and sign the FY26 - FY30 Fire Chief's contract
To approve and sign the FY26 - FY30 Fire Chief's contract
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman moved to approve and sign the FY26 - FY30 Fire Chief's contract. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Herman, second: Reed)
Adjourn at 7:51 p.m
To adjourn at 7:51 p.m
From the minutes
“Mr. Mathison moved to adjourn at 7:51 p.m. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous vote..” (Motion: Mathison, second: Reed)
From the Orleans Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: The Cape Cod Chronicle.
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