MassVoter.com← Orleans Select BoardOrleans Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
July 30, 2025
21 recorded votes, 4 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
Accept the resignation of Len Short on the Board of Water and & Sewer Commissioners, with incredible thanks
To accept the resignation of Len Short on the Board of Water and & Sewer Commissioners, with incredible thanks
The minutes say 4-0, but 5 members were present for this vote (Kevin Galligan, Mefford Runyon, Mark Mathison, Michael Herman and Andrea Reed). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Ms. Shaw Reed moved to accept the resignation of Len Short on the Board of Water and & Sewer Commissioners, with incredible thanks. Mr. Herman seconded the motion. Mr. Runyon stated that Mr. Short was on the board for a very long time - into his 90's. Motion passed unanimously 4-0-0..” (Motion: Reed, second: Herman)
Elevate Tim Counihan to a Board Member with a term ending June 30, 2026
To elevate Tim Counihan to a Board Member with a term ending June 30, 2026
The minutes say 4-0, but 5 members were present for this vote (Kevin Galligan, Mefford Runyon, Mark Mathison, Michael Herman and Andrea Reed). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Ms. Shaw Reed moved to elevate Tim Counihan to a Board Member with a term ending June 30, 2026. Mr. Herman seconded the Motion. Motion passed unanimously 4-0-0..” (Motion: Reed, second: Herman)
Appoint Lynn Bruneau to the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners for a term ending June 30, 2028
To appoint Lynn Bruneau to the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners for a term ending June 30, 2028
From the minutes
“Mr. Runyon made the motion to appoint Lynn Bruneau to the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners for a term ending June 30, 2028. Mr. Herman seconded the motion. Following the vote, Board members thanked Tim Counihan for his willingness to serve and for his longstanding contributions to the Town, particularly his leadership and work involving Orleans sewer infrastructure projects. Members expressed appreciation for Mr. Counihan's experience and service to Orleans and encouraged him to consider serving on other Town boards and committees in the future. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Michael Herman - AYE; Kevin Galligan - AYE; Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Mark Mathison - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE..” (Motion: Runyon, second: Herman)
Appoint Stephanie Gaskill to the Community Preservation Committee as an At Large member with a term ending June 30, 2028
To appoint Stephanie Gaskill to the Community Preservation Committee as an At Large member with a term ending June 30, 2028
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman made the motion to appoint Stephanie Gaskill to the Community Preservation Committee as an At Large member with a term ending June 30, 2028. Seconded by Ms. Shaw Reed. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Michael Herman - AYE; Kevin Galligan - AYE; Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Mark Mathison - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE..” (Motion: Herman, second: Reed)
Appoint Allison Nadeau to the 4" of July Committee as a regular member with a term ending June 30, 2028
To appoint Allison Nadeau to the 4" of July Committee as a regular member with a term ending June 30, 2028
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman moved to appoint Allison Nadeau to the 4" of July Committee as a regular member with a term ending June 30, 2028. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Michael Herman - AYE; Kevin Galligan - AYE; Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Mark Mathison - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE..” (Motion: Herman)
Appoint Carol Etzold to the Marine & Freshwater Quality Committee with a term ending June 30, 2028
To appoint Carol Etzold to the Marine & Freshwater Quality Committee with a term ending June 30, 2028
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman made the motion to appoint Carol Etzold to the Marine & Freshwater Quality Committee with a term ending June 30, 2028. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Michael Herman - AYE; Kevin Galligan - AYE; Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Mark Mathison - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE..” (Motion: Herman, second: Reed)
Appoint Judith Bruce to the Open Space Committee as a regular member for a term ending June 30, 2028
To appoint Judith Bruce to the Open Space Committee as a regular member for a term ending June 30, 2028
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman made the motion to appoint Judith Bruce to the Open Space Committee as a regular member for a term ending June 30, 2028. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. Discussion followed regarding committee term limits, quorum concerns, and the need to stagger committee appointments in order to maintain continuity. Ms. Bruce stated that she would be willing to defer appointment if necessary pending further discussion regarding committee structure and appointments. Town staff explained that the Committee's prior reconstitution in 2019 had resulted in multiple terms expiring simultaneously rather than being staggered. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Michael Herman - AYE; Kevin Galligan - AYE; Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Mark Mathison - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE..” (Motion: Herman, second: Reed)
Reappoint Hardie Trusdale to the Open Space Committee as a regular member for a one-year term ending June 30, 2026, in order to maintain committee continuity and institutional knowledge while...
To reappoint Hardie Trusdale to the Open Space Committee as a regular member for a one-year term ending June 30, 2026, in order to maintain committee continuity and institutional knowledge while reestablishing staggered terms
Yes: Galligan, Reed, RunyonNo: Herman, Mathison
From the minutes
“Ms. Shaw Reed made the motion to reappoint Hardie Trusdale to the Open Space Committee as a regular member for a one-year term ending June 30, 2026, in order to maintain committee continuity and institutional knowledge while reestablishing staggered terms. Mr. Runyon seconded the motion. Discussion followed regarding the Select Board's term limit policy, succession planning, quorum concerns, and balancing committee continuity with opportunities for new participation on Town boards and committees. Motion passed by roll call vote, 3-2-0: Kevin Galligan - AYE; Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE; Michael Herman - NAY; Mark Mathison - NAY..” (Motion: Reed, second: Runyon)
Reappoint Chris Keating as an associate member of the Open Space Committee for a two-year term ending June 30, 2027
To reappoint Chris Keating as an associate member of the Open Space Committee for a two-year term ending June 30, 2027
Yes: Galligan, Reed, RunyonNo: Herman, Mathison
From the minutes
“Ms. Shaw Reed made the motion to reappoint Chris Keating as an associate member of the Open Space Committee for a two-year term ending June 30, 2027. Mr. Runyon seconded the motion at approximately (1:54:40). Discussion prior to the motion included comments from Chair Galligan regarding Mr. Keating's prior service and institutional knowledge involving Town Meeting-approved land acquisition projects and conservation matters. Chair Galligan stated that Mr. Keating's experience and familiarity with prior projects would be valuable in helping guide newer committee members and maintaining continuity on the Committee. Motion passed by roll call vote, 3-2-0: Kevin Galligan - AYE; Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE; Michael Herman - NAY; Mark Mathison - NAY..” (Motion: Reed, second: Runyon)
Appoint Robert Wilkinson to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an associate member for a term ending June 30, 2028
To appoint Robert Wilkinson to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an associate member for a term ending June 30, 2028
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman made the motion to appoint Robert Wilkinson to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an associate member for a term ending June 30, 2028. Mr. Runyon seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Michael Herman - AYE; Kevin Galligan - AYE; Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Mark Mathison - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE..” (Motion: Herman, second: Runyon)
Accept, with thanks, the resignation of John Disbury from the Cultural District Committee
To accept, with thanks, the resignation of John Disbury from the Cultural District Committee
From the minutes
“Mr. Runyon made the motion to accept, with thanks, the resignation of John Disbury from the Cultural District Committee. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Michael Herman - AYE; Kevin Galligan - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE; Mark Mathison - AYE..” (Motion: Runyon, second: Reed)
Accept, with thanks, the resignation of Peter Allgeier from the Economic Development Committee
To accept, with thanks, the resignation of Peter Allgeier from the Economic Development Committee
From the minutes
“Mr. Runyon made the motion to accept, with thanks, the resignation of Peter Allgeier from the Economic Development Committee. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Michael Herman - AYE; Kevin Galligan - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE; Mark Mathison - AYE..” (Motion: Runyon, second: Reed)
Elevate Mary Wright from associate member to regular member of the Planning Board for a term ending June 30, 2028
To elevate Mary Wright from associate member to regular member of the Planning Board for a term ending June 30, 2028
From the minutes
“Ms. Shaw Reed made the motion to elevate Mary Wright from associate member to regular member of the Planning Board for a term ending June 30, 2028. Mr. Herman seconded the motion. Discussion followed regarding maintaining staggered committee terms and the appropriate term expiration date. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Michael Herman - AYE; Kevin Galligan - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE; Mark Mathison - AYE..” (Motion: Reed, second: Herman)
Accept, with thanks, the resignation of Alice Thomason from the Transportation and Bikeways Committee
To accept, with thanks, the resignation of Alice Thomason from the Transportation and Bikeways Committee
From the minutes
“Mr. Runyon made the motion to accept, with thanks, the resignation of Alice Thomason from the Transportation and Bikeways Committee. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Michael Herman - AYE; Kevin Galligan - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE; Mark Mathison - AYE..” (Motion: Runyon, second: Reed)
Appoint John Smith as the Board of Health representative to the Wastewater Management Advisory Committee
To appoint John Smith as the Board of Health representative to the Wastewater Management Advisory Committee
From the minutes
“Mr. Runyon made the motion to appoint John Smith as the Board of Health representative to the Wastewater Management Advisory Committee. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Michael Herman - AYE; Kevin Galligan - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE; Mark Mathison - AYE..” (Motion: Runyon, second: Reed)
Appoint Judith Bruce as the Conservation Commission representative to the Wastewater Management Advisory Committee
To appoint Judith Bruce as the Conservation Commission representative to the Wastewater Management Advisory Committee
From the minutes
“Chair Galligan made the motion to appoint Judith Bruce as the Conservation Commission representative to the Wastewater Management Advisory Committee. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Michael Herman - AYE; Kevin Galligan - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE; Mark Mathison - AYE..” (Motion: Galligan, second: Reed)
Approve two one-day liquor licenses for Wild Water Collective located at 85 Route 6A for events scheduled on August 1, 2025 and October 23, 2025
To approve two one-day liquor licenses for Wild Water Collective located at 85 Route 6A for events scheduled on August 1, 2025 and October 23, 2025
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman made the motion to approve two one-day liquor licenses for Wild Water Collective located at 85 Route 6A for events scheduled on August 1, 2025 and October 23, 2025. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Michael Herman - AYE; Kevin Galligan - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE; Mark Mathison - AYE..” (Motion: Herman, second: Reed)
Approve a one-day entertainment license for Ember Gardens located at 41 Route 6A for an event scheduled on August 23, 2025
To approve a one-day entertainment license for Ember Gardens located at 41 Route 6A for an event scheduled on August 23, 2025
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman made the motion to approve a one-day entertainment license for Ember Gardens located at 41 Route 6A for an event scheduled on August 23, 2025. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Michael Herman - AYE; Kevin Galligan - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE; Mark Mathison - AYE..” (Motion: Herman, second: Reed)
Call a Special Town Meeting for Monday, November 17, 2025
To call a Special Town Meeting for Monday, November 17, 2025
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman made the motion to call a Special Town Meeting for Monday, November 17, 2025. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Michael Herman - AYE; Kevin Galligan - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE; Mark Mathison - AYE..” (Motion: Herman, second: Reed)
Open the Special Town Meeting warrant on Friday, August 1, 2025, and close the warrant on Wednesday, October 1, 2025
To open the Special Town Meeting warrant on Friday, August 1, 2025, and close the warrant on Wednesday, October 1, 2025
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman made the motion to open the Special Town Meeting warrant on Friday, August 1, 2025, and close the warrant on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Ms. Shaw Reed seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote: Andrea Shaw Reed - AYE; Michael Herman - AYE; Kevin Galligan - AYE; Mefford Runyon - AYE; Mark Mathison - AYE..” (Motion: Herman, second: Reed)
Adjourn at 8:42 p.m
To adjourn at 8:42 p.m
From the minutes
“Ms. Shaw Reed made the motion to adjourn at 8:42 p.m. Mr. Herman seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously..” (Motion: Reed, second: Herman)
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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