Show Notes
As Orleans enters a new year, this episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes takes a step back to reflect on what defined 2025 - and looks ahead to what’s coming in 2026. Hosts Mia and Amanda are joined by Town Manager Kim Newman and Assistant Town Manager Mark Reil for a wide-ranging conversation about the themes, priorities, and behind-the-scenes work that shaped the past year. Together, they discuss community support, housing, public service, staffing, communications, and the major initiatives that set the stage for the Town’s future. The episode also offers insight into how Town government approaches long-term planning, what residents may not always see, and what the community can expect in the year ahead - making it a helpful starting point for anyone who wants to better understand how Orleans works and where it’s headed.
More from Orleans: Behind the Scenes
In Orleans, the voters are the legislature. Amanda Converse and Mia Baumgarten break down how Town Meeting works, how Annual and Special Town Meeting differ, how to find and read the warrant, and how to get involved well before you take a seat on Town Meeting night. In This Episode •Open Town Meeting: why Orleans voters, not a council, make the big decisions •The 200-voter quorum and why turnout matters•Annual vs. Special Town Meeting: what each one handles, and why "special" doesn't mean less important •The warrant: what it is, where articles come from, and how residents can petition to add one•Finding the warrant: online at Town Meeting Central and in print at Town Hall •Reading the warrant: article language, explanations, board recommendations, and vote thresholds •Getting involved before the vote: voter registration, open houses, public hearings, staff presentations, and more •Town Meeting night: check-in, the Moderator, motions, debate, and how to speak at the mic •What happens after the vote Resources •Town Meeting Central (Town Meeting Information): warrant, article summaries, presentations, and event dates •Special Town Meeting: Monday, November 16, 2026, 6PM, Nauset Regional Middle School •Town Meeting Open Houses: –Tuesday, Nov. 10 – Town Hall, 4:30–6PM –Thursday, Nov. 12 – Snow Library, 12–1:15PM –Friday, Nov. 13 – Council on Aging, 8:30–10AM
Zoning decides what gets built in Orleans, where, and how it's used, but bylaw language is hard to read cold. Four zoning articles go to Special Town Meeting on Monday, November 16 at 6PM Amanda Converse and Mia Baumgarten sit down with Elizabeth Jenkins to break down what each article does, why it's on the warrant, and what it means for residents and businesses. Town Meeting InformationProposed Zoning Amendments Orleans: Behind the Scenes takes you inside the work of the Town of Orleans: the departments, projects, and people behind the services you rely on every day. Hosted by Amanda Converse and Mia Baumgarten.
Thinking about connecting your home to Town sewer - or already in the middle of it? We sat down with John Nelson, Orleans' Water/Sewer Program Coordinator, to answer the questions residents ask most: what the process actually looks like, what it costs, and what changes once you're connected. In this episode: The step-by-step connection process - from hiring an engineer through final inspection Why you need both an engineer and a contractor, and what each one handles A breakdown of the real costs: engineering, contractor, sewer use fees, and betterments Financial assistance available through the Cape Cod AquiFund loan program What to expect during construction on your property What never to flush, and how to care for a grinder pump if you have one Where to check current construction updates for your street Resources: Need to Connect to Sewer? | Orleans, MA Cape Cod AquiFund — www.capecod.gov/aquifund Contact John Nelson, Sewer Program Coordinator: 508-240-3700 x2319 / [email protected] About the show: Orleans: Behind the Scenes introduces you to the people and departments behind daily life in Orleans - showing how municipal work shapes the town you live in.
Orleans' water comes entirely from a sole-source aquifer - no rivers or reservoirs to fall back on - which makes the town especially sensitive to how much snow and rain fall each winter. In this episode, Sue Brown, Orleans' Water & Sewer Superintendent, joins Amanda and Mia to explain what's really behind current water restrictions: how the state's drought designations work, what makes Orleans' rules different from some neighboring towns, how enforcement actually happens day to day, and what residents can do - beyond skipping the sprinkler - to help.
Fire-Rescue Chief Geof Deering sits down to talk about his path into the fire service and what it's like leading Orleans Fire-Rescue. We get a real look at what the departmenthandles day to day - from call volume to coastal rescues to what it takes to keep the department running. Geof also wears a second hat as Orleans's Emergency Management Coordinator, and he shares practical, save-this-episodeadvice on hurricane preparedness, alarm systems, lock boxes, and making sure your house number is visible to first responders. Resources • Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency | Mass.gov • Sign Up for Emergency Alerts