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Select Board reviews environmental sustainability draft, suggests dark‑sky language and annual review
Summary
Orleans Select Board reviewed an environmental sustainability/climate omnibus draft and suggested adding language on dark‑sky and noise concerns, engaging the Board of Health, and establishing an annual review cycle to keep the document current with state guidance and evolving technologies.
Board members reviewed a draft environmental sustainability/climate omnibus policy and suggested targeted additions and an annual review cycle. One member recommended inserting a brief sentence supporting dark‑sky initiatives and considering noise and visual pollution; another suggested engaging the Board of Health and planning board for technical input.
Members discussed practical steps such as phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers over a multi-year period and working with Cape Light Compact to help make equipment upgrades financially feasible for landscapers. The board asked staff to treat the document as a living policy, with a regular December/January review to capture new state standards and emerging practices.
Next steps: staff will circulate revised language, confirm outreach with Board of Health and other committees, and include an annual review checkpoint in the policy language.
