Orleans voters approve $4.7M in spending, including for Nauset Beach retreat, elect Michael Herman
ORLEANS — Voters penned a series of checks in Tuesday's town election, approving three debt exclusions and an override that will raise more than $4.7 million.
The town will spend up to $3.3 million for phase two of the Nauset Beach retreat after voters approved the debt exclusion 1,350 to 477.
Phase one had created the food court and demolished the former Liam's at Nauset Beach clam shack while constructing the artificial sand dune that held up through last week's storm. Phase two adds a 218-car parking lot at the site of the old Nauset Beach Side Motel (the Hubler property). The parking lot will be linked to the current lot and that will become the new entrance to Nauset Beach.
Special Town Meeting: Orleans voters approve universal pre-school support, Nauset Beach retreat
The old entrance on Nauset Beach Road will become the exit to improve traffic flow. A septic system will be installed beneath the new lot in preparation for phase three — the move of the bathrooms and administration building when that becomes necessary.
Dredging project at Rock Harbor
Voters also passed the emergency dredging project at Rock Harbor by a 1,430 to 395 margin. That will be done in the next few months at a cost of $580,000. The channel for the harbor has silted in and boats have been backed up as they try to return at high tide.
It is expected that Eastham voters, at their spring town meeting next year, will cover half the cost. Because it is an emergency, Orleans initially will have to pay the full expense. The project will remove 1,470 cubic yards of sand that will be used to offset erosion at local beaches.
Methane gas flare exclusion approved
The last debt exclusion, which was approved by a 1,347 to 448 vote, raises $365,000 for a methane gas flare at the Transfer Station. The flare burns off excess methane from the landfill, and is mandated by the Department of Environmental Protection. The landfill was capped in 2004, so it's time for a new flare and the rest of the money is for monitoring it.
Preschool expenses
By a 1,186 to 651 margin, voters also approved a $495,000 override to cover preschool expenses for Orleans residents.. The town isn't going to operate a preschool program; instead, parents will receive payments based on a chil age to cover the fees at local private preschools.
A debt exclusion is a temporary tax hike because it is paid off over a number of years. An override is a permanent tax hike.
Michael Herman fills Select Board
Michael Herman, who ran unopposed for a Select Board seat, was elected with 1,475 votes and 41 write-ins. The board now will have a full complement of members for the first time since Cecil Newcomb resigned in June.
Herman, who bartended at the Land Ho and worked on a lobster boat with his uncle in the 1980s, returned to town two years ago. He now lives in his uncle's house on Tar Kiln Road, where he grows organic vegetables for sale at the farmers market.
“I’ve always been a big supporter of housing," he said. "I worked with Habitat of Humanity. When I moved to Orleans, I figured I wanted to give back. ... When Cecil Newcomb resigned, I figured that was a great opportunity.”
The unexpired term ends next May and Herman will need to run again for a full three-year tenure.
In addition to housing, Herman wants to focus on protecting the town’s natural resources.
“You can see the sunrise and set over the sea every day. That’s why we moved here and why tourists come, to Nauset Beach and Skaket and Rock Harbor and the freshwater lakes,” he said.
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Orleans MA voters approve $4.7M in spending, elect Michael Herman
