MassVoter.com← Orleans Select BoardOrleans Select Board · 2026–2027 Board · Regular meeting
June 3, 2026
8 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Mefford Runyon, Michael Herman, Mark Mathison, Kevin Galligan, Mary Wright
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Support the Conservation Restriction for 32 Locust Road proposed by the Orleans Conservation Trust and that the Select Board finds that the 3.78 acre restriction is in the public interest of the Town
To support the Conservation Restriction for 32 Locust Road proposed by the Orleans Conservation Trust and that the Select Board finds that the 3.78 acre restriction is in the public interest of the Town
Yes: Galligan, Herman, Runyon, WrightNo: Mathison
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman moved to support the Conservation Restriction for 32 Locust Road proposed by the Orleans Conservation Trust and that the Select Board finds that the 3.78 acre restriction is in the public interest of the Town. Ms. Wright seconded the motion. Discussion: Mr. Herman stated that he hoped future discussions regarding similar matters would occur earlier in the process so that expectations and potential issues could be addressed before time constraints became a factor. He expressed concern about being placed in a position where a decision must be made under a deadline and thanked the parties for the discussion. Vote: Motion passed, 4-1-0. Ms. Wright, Mr. Herman, Mr. Galligan, and Mr. Runyon AYE; Mr. Mathison NAY..” (Motion: Herman, second: Wright)
Adopt the revisions to the 2018 Pleasant Bay Watershed Permit inter-municipal agreement as presented and authorize its execution on behalf of the Town
To adopt the revisions to the 2018 Pleasant Bay Watershed Permit inter-municipal agreement as presented and authorize its execution on behalf of the Town
From the minutes
“Mr. Galligan moved to adopt the revisions to the 2018 Pleasant Bay Watershed Permit inter-municipal agreement as presented and authorize its execution on behalf of the Town. Mr. Herman seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously (5-0-0)..” (Motion: Galligan, second: Herman)
Adopt the proposed guidelines of the Affordable Housing Property Tax Exemption Program as presented for the implementation of FY27
To adopt the proposed guidelines of the Affordable Housing Property Tax Exemption Program as presented for the implementation of FY27
Yes: Herman, Mathison, RunyonAbstained: WrightThe minutes say "Motion passed, 3-0-1-1, with one abstention. Mr. Runyon - AYE; Mr. Mathison - AYE; Mr. Herman - AYE; Ms. Wright abstained. Mr. Galligan had recused himself from the matter." Kevin Galligan stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman moved to adopt the proposed guidelines of the Affordable Housing Property Tax Exemption Program as presented for the implementation of FY27. Mr. Mathison seconded the motion. Discussion: Mr. Herman requested that the guidelines include an annual review of the program parameters so the Board can evaluate participation, track implementation, and consider any needed adjustments. Staff indicated that language could be added to include an annual review requirement.. Motion passed, 3-0-1-1, with one abstention. Mr. Runyon - AYE; Mr. Mathison - AYE; Mr. Herman - AYE; Ms. Wright abstained..” (Motion: Herman, second: Mathison)
Support the Comprehensive Permit application for 66 and 67 Route 6A, with the request that Orleans applicants be given local preference to the extent allowed and that regional preference apply to...
To support the Comprehensive Permit application for 66 and 67 Route 6A, with the request that Orleans applicants be given local preference to the extent allowed and that regional preference apply to both the rental and homeownership units
From the minutes
“Mr. Galligan moved to support the Comprehensive Permit application for 66 and 67 Route 6A, with the request that Orleans applicants be given local preference to the extent allowed and that regional preference apply to both the rental and homeownership units. Mr. Herman seconded the motion. Discussion: During deliberations, the motion was amended to define local preference as applicants who live in Orleans, work in Orleans, or have students attending Orleans Elementary School. Motion passed unanimously (5-0-0)..” (Motion: Galligan, second: Herman)
Review Number 11 at the Select Board Workshop on June 17, 2026
To review Number 11 at the Select Board Workshop on June 17, 2026
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman made the motion to review Number 11 at the Select Board Workshop on June 17, 2026. Mr. Mathison seconded the motion. Discussion: Discussion included concerns that Section 11 was structured differently from the other policy sections, incorporating specific goals and measurable objectives that were not present elsewhere in the policy. Board members expressed support for revising the section to create greater consistency throughout the document and suggested that Sections 11 and 12 be reviewed separately, as they originated from separate initiatives and were developed independently. Motion passed unanimously (5-0-0)..” (Motion: Herman, second: Mathison)
Approve the Consent Agenda, excluding Section "G" for separate discussion
To approve the Consent Agenda, excluding Section "G" for separate discussion. The motion was seconded. Discussion: The Board acknowledged the conclusion of John Meyer's term on the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners and expressed appreciation for his years of service and contributions to the Town
From the minutes
“Mr. Herman moved to approve the Consent Agenda, excluding Section "G" for separate discussion. The motion was seconded. Discussion: The Board acknowledged the conclusion of John Meyer's term on the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners and expressed appreciation for his years of service and contributions to the Town. Motion passed unanimously (5-0-0)..” (Motion: Herman)
Approve a one-year extension for Joan Francolini on the Community Preservation Committee, reappoint Judith Bruce to a new three-year term on the Conservation Commission, and approve a one-year...
To approve a one-year extension for Joan Francolini on the Community Preservation Committee, reappoint Judith Bruce to a new three-year term on the Conservation Commission, and approve a one-year extension for Kevin Higgins on the Veterans Committee
From the minutes
“A motion was made to approve a one-year extension for Joan Francolini on the Community Preservation Committee, reappoint Judith Bruce to a new three-year term on the Conservation Commission, and approve a one-year extension for Kevin Higgins on the Veterans Committee. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (5-0)..”
Adjourn at 7:16pm
To adjourn at 7:16pm
From the minutes
“Mr. Galligan moved to adjourn at 7:16pm. Mr. Herman seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Galligan, 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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