Orleans: Behind the Scenes

More Than Tax Bills | Inside the Treasurer/Tax Collector's Office (S3, 10)

Ever wondered what actually happens inside the Treasurer/Tax Collector's Office? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Walker and Maya Golding to find out - from how your tax bills work to the surprising ways this office touches nearly every part of town life. It's more interesting than you might think. https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/387/Treasurer-Tax-Collector

Building a Resilient Downtown | Orleans' Ecological Infrastructure Project (S3, 09)

What does it take to make Downtown Orleans more resilient to flooding, water quality threats, and a changing climate? We sit down with Elizabeth Jenkins from the Town's Planningand Community Development department along with Peter Flinker and Nate Burgess from landscape architecture firm Dodson & Flinker to find out - and along the way, we uncover some surprising local history. In this episode: • The difference between ecological, green, and grey infrastructure • Why saltmarshes are one of Orleans' most important climate defenses • The buried story of Jeremiah's Gutter - the Cape's first canal • Phragmites: the invasive plant blocking the view at Window on the Cove   Want to get involved? Join the Community Charrette on June 5–6 and help shape the future of Downtown Orleans. https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/1898/Downtown-Town-Cove-Resiliency-Project

Sun, Sand & Stickers | Getting Ready for Orleans Summer (S3, 08)

We've been waiting for this! Stacy Faber from the DPW & Natural Resources Sticker Office joins Mia and Amanda to cover everything you need for a great Orleans summer - from beach stickers and over-sand vehicles to shellfish permits and getting on the water. All the links are at town.orleans.ma.us/544 [https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/544/Natural-Resources].

Fire-Rescue Station & Town Meeting | A Project Update for Orleans Residents (S3, 07)

In this episode, we take a closer look at the proposed new Fire-Rescue Station and the articles on the upcoming Town Meeting warrant. Hosts Mia and Amanda are joined by Fire Chief Geof Deering to walk through where the project stands today, what progress has been made since last fall’s Town Meeting vote, and what residents are being asked to consider this spring. The conversation covers: * Why the current Fire-Rescue Station no longer meets today’s needs * What has happened since funding for the design phase was approved * A clear breakdown of the two warrant articles related to the project * What the timeline looks like moving forward * Responses to common questions submitted by residents Whether you’ve been following the project closely or are just starting to learn more, this episode provides a straightforward overview to help you feel informed ahead of Town Meeting. Learn more, view project materials, and stay up to date: https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/1742/Orleans-Fire-Rescue-Station-Headquarters [https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/1742/Orleans-Fire-Rescue-Station-Headquarters]

Wastewater Planning and Projects | What to Expect at Town Meeting (S3, 06)

In this episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, we sit down with Rich Waldo to walk through upcoming wastewater-related items that will be before voters at Town Meeting. The conversation focuses on two key areas: continuing the planning and design work needed to move future phases of the Town’s Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan forward and ensuring that a previously approved sewer project for the Lakes and Ponds area can proceed as expected if construction costs come in higher than originally estimated. Listeners will hear why these investments are necessary, how the Town is approaching wastewater as a long-term, phased effort, and what steps are being taken to manage and offset costs through low-interest financing and outside funding sources. If you’re looking to better understand what’s ahead and how these decisions fit into the bigger picture of protecting Orleans’ water quality, this episode offers a clear and accessible overview.Show notes: John Nelson, Sewer Program Coordinator, Contact Information: jnelson@orleansma.gov