Ocoee Commission Approves Floodplain Management Amendments

Overview: The recent Ocoee City Commission meeting resulted in the unanimous approval of critical amendments to the Land Development Code pertaining to floodplain management, aimed at increasing the city’s resilience to floods. The code revisions, which were already partially in place, focus on protecting critical facilities by keeping them outside the 500-year floodplain, improving local drainage protection, and potentially lowering insurance costs for residents. If adopted, Ocoee could progress from a Class 9 to a Class 7 in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System, providing significant insurance discounts to the community.

Halifax Commission Explores Dementia Care and Senior Services Enhancement

Overview: The Halifax Conservation Commission recently convened to discuss several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for the town’s senior population. Key topics included the launch of a new pilot program for respite care with a focus on dementia, the integration of licensed social workers for mental health support, and the improvement of the Council on Aging’s (COA) services and facilities.

Manchester School Board Honors Students and Addresses Key Issues

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Manchester School Board, members celebrated student achievements, discussed financial strategies, and addressed administrative and legal appointments for the upcoming school year.

Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School Committee Votes on Calendar Changes, Discusses Transportation

Overview: The Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School Committee has voted on changes to the school calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year, amid a series of discussions on topics ranging from transportation to school safety and the financial state of the district. The meeting saw the passage of a motion to designate November 27th and April 18th as half days, the latter being Good Friday, with a majority vote of three to two.

Millburn Zoning Board Contemplates Solar Panels for St. Rose Lima Church

Overview: During a recent meeting, the Millburn Town Zoning Board addressed several significant proposals, with the most newsworthy being the discussion around installing solar panels at St. Rose Lima Catholic Church. The church’s initiative to adopt renewable energy and lower its electricity expenditures drew attention, as the board scrutinized the project’s requirements for variances, such as side yard buffers, setbacks from street lines, and the height of the panels. Representatives for the church presented their case, emphasizing the alignment of the project with the town’s sustainability goals and the subsequent need for approval following initial construction steps. The debate also included considerations for the visual impact of the solar panels on neighboring properties and the church’s continued functionality as a house of worship post-installation.