October 1, 2025

“Mr. Runyon moved to approve the Open Space and Recreation Plan as submitted to the Select Board. Seconded by Mr. Herman. Discussion: occurred regarding incorporation of the Eldridge Park Renovation Project into the Open Space and Recreation Plan, following public comment on the matter. It was confirmed that the project, described as a relatively recent initiative under consideration for financing, could be incorporated into the final document prior to submission, and staff indicated that such an addition would be straightforward to implement. Mr. Herman also raised the importance of ensuring that the plan remained consistent with the Town's recently adopted native plant policy, noting that references to native species and related initiatives appeared throughout the document. The member emphasized the need to confirm alignment between the policy and the plan's language and objectives. In response, it was acknowledged that the plan would be reviewed to ensure consistency. Additional related initiatives, including pollinator pathway efforts, were also noted as relevant considerations within the broader context of the plan. Unanimous vote. 4-0-0..” (Motion: Runyon, second: Herman)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

“Mr. Herman moved to approve a one-day outdoor entertainment license for the Friends of Nauset Beach, inc., manager Mike McNamara for Sunday, October 12, 2025, granting a variance to allow the entertainment from 11am to 6pm in the upper parking lot area of Nauset Beach, located at 223 Beach Road. Seconded by Mr. Runyon. All four (4) of the motions listed above were voted on and unanimously passed 4-0-0..” (Motion: Herman, second: Runyon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

“Mr. Herman moved to approve a two one-day Hawkers & Peddlers license from Mom & Pops Burgers, manager Ray Bedwell for the Outermost Music Festival on Saturday, October 11, 2025, and Sunday, October 12, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Mathison. All four (4) of the motions listed above were voted on and unanimously passed 4-0-0..” (Motion: Herman, second: Mathison)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

“Mr. Herman moved to recommend a motion to move to approve a request for a one-day transient vendor license for Judy Lindahl on behalf of the Orleans Chamber of Commerce for the Outermost Weekend Roots and Blues Festival event on Saturday, October 11, 2025, and Sunday, October 12, 2025. The market will take place in the upper parking lot area of Nauset Beach, 223 Beach Road from 11am to 7pm. Seconded by Mr. Runyon. Motion passed unanimously. 4-0-0..” (Motion: Herman, second: Runyon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

“Mr. Herman moved to approve the request for a one-day transient vendor license for Judy Lindahl on behalf of the Orleans Chamber of Commerce for the Outermost Market in the Park event at the Village Green to be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 11am to 7pm. Seconded by Mr. Runyon. Motion passed unanimously. 4-0-0..” (Motion: Herman, second: Runyon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

“Mr. Herman moved to authorize the Town Manager, Kim Newman, to act as representative of the Town regarding Mass Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program, Phase 3 Sewer. Seconded by Mr. Runyon. Motion passed unanimously. 4-0-0..” (Motion: Herman, second: Runyon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

“Mr. Runyon moved to vote to place and recommend an article for wastewater engineering support funding, utilizing the Wastewater Stabilization Reserve Fund. Seconded by Mr. Mathison. Discussion occurred regarding the use of the Wastewater Stabilization Reserve Fund, with members noting that, as an enterprise fund, it was appropriately structured to support a broad range of wastewater-related expenses. While acknowledging that the fund currently maintained a healthy balance, including revenue generated from short-term rental and rooms taxes, concern was raised about the need to replenish the fund over time, particularly given existing and anticipated debt obligations. It was noted that the fund was being utilized to support the wastewater program as it continued to develop, and members emphasized the importance of monitoring the balance closely to ensure long-term sustainability and avoid potential shortfalls during future budget cycles. Motion passed unanimously. 4-0-0..” (Motion: Runyon, second: Mathison)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

“Mr. Runyon moved to place the easement Land Acquisition Article on the November Town Meeting Warrant. Seconded by Mr. Mathison. Discussion included a recommendation to clarify that the Town was actively engaged in real estate negotiations related to the proposed land acquisition, and that additional details were expected to be available within the coming weeks. It was noted that providing this context would help address the current lack of specificity in the warrant article and ensure that more complete information would be available prior to finalization of the warrant for Town Meeting. The motion passed unanimously. 4-0-0.” (Motion: Runyon, second: Mathison)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

“Mr. Runyon moved to place an FY26 budget adjustments/transfers warrant article. Mr. Mathison seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 4-0-0..” (Motion: Runyon, second: Mathison)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

“Mr. Runyon made a motion to place the warrant article to establish a Capital Improvement Fund. Seconded by Mr. Herman. Discussion occurred regarding the proposed establishment of a capital improvements fund, with members clarifying that the article would create the fund but would not appropriate or allocate any money at this time. It was explained that the fund would function as a reserve account, similar to other stabilization funds, allowing the Town to set aside and accumulate funds for future capital needs through subsequent Town Meeting actions. Members also noted that related policy discussions, including the use of community impact fees as a potential funding source, would be deferred for further consideration pending additional input from staff. Motion passed unanimously and it was placed. 4-0-0..” (Motion: Runyon, second: Herman)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

“Mr. Herman moved to place Memorial Park at Academy Place Park Grant. Mr. Runyon seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 4-0-0..” (Motion: Herman, second: Runyon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)