ORlEANS ANNUAl TOwN REPORt FOR YEAR ... - Town Of Orleans

BOARD OF SELECTMEN AND TOWN ADMINISTRATORIn 2007, the Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator continued their efforts to keepthe public informed on issues that were before the Town and the Board’s open doorpolicy ensured the public was welcome at any hearings and meetings.Through the combined efforts of the Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator, anumber of projects and initiatives were completed.• Received voter approval to enter into a new five year agreement with the Townof Chatham for the Management of Nauset Beach that provides for additionalrevenue for Orleans.• Received voter approval to use the former Tri-Town Composting Buildingproperty for Highway Department related activities.• Received voter approval to move forward with design and construction of theRock Harbor Bulkhead Reconstruction Project.• Received voter approval to implement a Medicare extension plan for eligiblemunicipal retirees, their spouses and dependents to better manage rising healthcare costs.The Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator also set and achieved many of theactions they had listed as part of their annual goals.• Completed negotiations on new three year collective bargaining agreements withour Managers Union and Steelworker Laborers Union.• Adopted a draft budget policy by October 31st and developed a fiscallyresponsible operating budget for FY08.• Hired a Media Operations Coordinator and went live with our new GovernmentAccess Channel 18 that greatly expanded coverage of committee meetings.• Created a Temporary Project Manager/Clerk of the Works position to better managelarge construction projects, maintain schedules and avoid cost overruns.• Completed emergency repairs and engaged an architectural firm to undertake afeasibility study of the existing Police Station to identify future needs and presentpossible options for consideration.• Completed a review of the existing fee schedules for all town departments,boards and committees.The office experienced a change in personnel during the year with the resignation ofNan Balmer as Office Manager and the addition of Liana Surdut, who previously workedin the Building Department, as our new Office Manager.As we move forward, Orleans will continue to focus on ensuring that the residents andvisitors of Orleans receive prompt, courteous, and knowledgeable customer servicewhile retaining cost efficiency as a priority. We will strive to continue maintaining theservices that we presently provide, while considering new initiatives that will eitheranswer a need or improve current practices.15