Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast TOWN MANAGER DOWNLOAD

In episode 49 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor discuss early career development, how to break into the local gov world, and Taylor says farewell for her last Town Manager Download Episode!

In Episode 48 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor welcome Hollie Lucht to the studio! This episode shines a light on the incredible work of Shrewsbury's Council on Aging and Senior Center. Discover the wide array of programs, support, and community connections they offer, ensuring that our senior population thrives. It's a heartwarming look at how Shrewsbury truly serves its elder citizens.

What does it take for a town to truly connect with its residents in today's world? In Episode 47 of the Town Manager Download, join Kevin and Taylor as they take a deep dive into Shrewsbury, Massachusetts's fascinating journey of communication and engagement over the past four years. Discover how they've balanced the ever-evolving expectations of their community with the crucial need for fiscal responsibility, all while working collaboratively to achieve better outcomes. Get ready for valuable insights and the key lessons learned along the way.

In Episode 46 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor discuss the upcoming May 2025 Annual Town Meeting. Join us as we break down the key items that will be discussed and voted on by your Town's legislative body. From budget proposals to important local initiatives, we'll give you the overview to get ready for Town Meeting!

In episode 45 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Fire Chief Seth Colby to detail his leadership transition, the department's strategic plan driven by community feedback, and the evolving landscape of modern firefighting. He emphasizes priorities like enhanced public communication, expanded education, and continuous professional development while maintaining the department's core values.

In Episode 44, Kevin and Taylor continue their insightful conversation with Kristina Ordung, focusing on Shrewsbury's innovative approach to employee benefits. Discover how Shrewsbury became the first local government in Massachusetts to offer comprehensive Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) for non-union employees, positioning the Town as a competitive employer in the region. The episode covers how these changes support work-life balance, improve retention, and keep the Town ahead in the evolving public sector landscape.

In Episode 43 of The Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor sit down with Kristina Ordung, Shrewsbury's Human Resources Director, to explore Shrewsbury’s shift from a longevity-based pay model to a performance-based appraisal system designed to attract, retain, and motivate top talent. Learn how this transformation is shaping a high-performing workforce and aligning employee success with the Town’s strategic goals.

In Episode 42 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Chris Roy, General Manager of SELCO, and Joel Malaver, Director of Broadband Technologies for SELCO, to discuss SELCO’s Fiber to the Home Initiative and fiber infrastructure in general.

In Episode 41 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Patty Sheehan, the Town’s Building Commissioner, to talk about the Office of the Building Inspector, changes to the building code, AI, and more!

In Episode 40 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor discuss the 2024 Fall Special Town Meeting warrant and the articles that will be voted on by the Town’s legislative body, Town Meeting.

In Episode 39 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Justin Dobson, Assistant to the Town Manager, to discuss accessibility in Shrewsbury, improvements the Town has made, and improvements to come!

In Episode 38 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Kelly Barner, Chair, and Melanie Petrucci, Secretary, of the Historic District Commission to discuss their new interactive walking tour of historic homes in the center of town - the perfect activity as we move into Fall!

In Episode 37 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Kristi Williams, the Town Manager of the Town of Westborough and President of the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association, or triple M-A for short, to discuss the importance of professional development and spotlight the MMMA.

In Episode 36 of the The Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor celebrate the close of Fiscal Year 2024 and reflect on accomplishments and challenges from the year and what they are looking forward to for Fiscal Year 2025.

In Episode 35 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Becca Keane, Director of Integrated Resources and Customer Experience, and Darren Borge, SELCO’s Technical Operations Manager, to talk about how SELCO is becoming the “modern utility” through smart metering. Kevin and Taylor also discuss how we are modernizing our Town processes through AI!

In Episode 34 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Nick Repekta, Highway Division Manager, and Andrew Truman, Conservation and Engineering Division Manager, to discuss Chapter 90 and our Pavement/Roadway Management Plan. We also debut a new segment in this episode called “Local Gov Geeks” where we talk about Kevin attending the  Athenian Project professional development program in South Carolina!

In Episode 33 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Gosia Stolarska Solid Waste and recycling Program Manager, and Kyle Orr, Casella Market Area Manager, to discuss Shrewsbury’s Solid Waste and Recycling Program, the Transition to Casella, and the new updates to the Recycling Program.

In Episode 32 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Keith Baldinger, Assistant Town Manager - Operations, to talk about his journey through local government and furthering his education.

In Episode 31 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Joel Kimball, Fleet Management Division Manager, to talk about the newest DPW division and the importance of going above and beyond maintaining vehicles and equipment by proactively managing them.

In Episode 30 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Planning and Economic Director Christopher McGoldrick to talk about the MBTA Communities zoning regulations and ways to get involved in the process in Shrewsbury.

In Episode 29 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Alex Martinez, Assistant to Town Manager - Management Analyst, to discuss the kickoff of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget cycle and take a deep dive into the budgeting process for Shrewsbury.

In Episode 28 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Marc  Serra, the Executive Director of Shrewsbury Media Connection, to discuss SMC and all the contributions this non-profit organization makes to the Town to help increase outreach and transparency of our local government!

In Episode 27 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Deputy Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Seth Colby to discuss the Shrewsbury Emergency Management Agency, one part of our public safety team the community might not know too much about!

In Episode 26 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Highway Division Manager, Nick Repekta, to talk about the snow and ice operations conducted by the Town, new technology they are using, and all things Highway Division!

In Episode 25 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Department of Public Works Director, Jeff Howland, PE, to talk about the Department of Public Works, the different divisions that are part of the Public Works Team, recent accomplishments, and future projects!

In Episode 24 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Recreation Director Laurel Rossiter, CTRS, to discuss her first (almost) year with Shrewsbury Recreation, the programming offered throughout the year, and the department in general!

In Episode 23 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Ruth Anderson, MAA Principal Assessor, to discuss how assessing works in Massachusetts, the goals of assessing, and how the tax reclassification process works!

In Episode 22 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Tacy Lambiase, the Project Manager from Kim Lundgren Associates for the Town’s Municipal Operations Climate Action Plan! This episode discusses the Plan itself and the importance of other municipalities doing this type of work!

In Episode 21 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Andy Truman, Town Engineer, to talk about the Town Center Area Traffic and Multimodal Study. This study aims to explore a variety of transportation options and solutions for the Town Center Area!  

In Episode 20 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Chief James Vuona to talk about the Shrewsbury Fire Department and the future of fire operations across the country! Chief Vuona reflects on his time in Shrewsbury and discusses the foundation for success he and his team have laid for SFD!

In Episode 19 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Dr. Joseph Sawyer, Superintendent of Shrewsbury Public Schools, to talk about Public Education in Shrewsbury and the partnership between municipal and school operations, including the budget!

In Episode 18 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Daniel Rowley, the Water and Sewer Superintendent, to talk about the Shrewsbury Drinking Water System, including improvements made over the years and plans the Town has for the future when it comes to our Water!

In Episode 17 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor reflect on the past year in the Shrew - highlighting some major accomplishments of the Town and Town Staff during Fiscal Year 2023 as they prepare to welcome the new fiscal year!

In Episode 16 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor provide a recap of the May 15, 2023 Annual Town Meeting, summarizing the highlights and decisions made by the Town’s elected legislative body - Town Meeting. Town Meeting marks the last major event for the Town in their Fiscal Year before the new one begins July 1, 2023!

In Episode 15 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor discuss current and new Communications and Engagement initiatives in the Shrew! Taylor is the first  Communications Coordinator in Town and provides insight on the challenges and opportunities social media and communications today pose for Local Governments and Shrewsbury specifically!

In Episode 14 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor discuss the upcoming May 15, 2023 Annual Town Meeting for residents and town meeting members to take a deeper look at the warrant prior to the Annual Town Meeting!

In Episode 13 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by the Shrewsbury Electric Light and Cable Operations (SELCO) General Manager, Christopher Roy to talk about public power and the benefits of having a municipally owned electric company in Town and the benefits community members get to experience!

In Episode 12 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by long-time Select Board Member, Maurice M. DePalo to reflect on his time serving the Shrewsbury community the last 30 years and why it is important to him to serve this community. 

In Episode 11 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Cemetery Program Manager, Justin Dobson, to discuss the Cemetery Program in the Town of Shrewsbury as well as the future expansion of the Cemetery and what residents can expect from that project.

 

In Episode 10 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Town Moderator, Jim Kane, to discuss Town Meeting and the unique form of government Massachusetts Towns work with to make government happen! Episode 10 gives an overview of how the local legislative body works in Shrewsbury and other communities in Massachusetts, what Town Meeting is, and how to get involved!

Kevin and Taylor are joined by Julie Tierney, Assistant to Town Manager - Business Systems Analyst in part 2 of the 2 part series regarding the Shrewsbury 2030 Strategic Plan! The team discusses process improvement and the art of continuous improvement!

 

Kevin and Taylor discuss the Shrewsbury 2030 Strategic Plan and what a plan like this means for the community to become the best local government in the world! This is part 1 of a 2 part series where we take a deep dive into the strategic planning process and how community engagement was essential to forming this plan and informing our future engagement efforts!

 

In Episode Seven of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by the Director of Human Resources, Kristina Ordung, to talk about the Shrewsbury Way and the Human Resources operations here in Shrewsbury. Episode 7 discusses organizational planning and management, the performance appraisal process, how HR is different in Local Government, and much more!

In Episode Six of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor catch the community up on current events in Shrewsbury. Episode 6 discusses updates in our local government with the Strategic Plan, Communications, and more!

In Episode Five of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Town Clerk Sharyn Thomas to talk about How to Get Involved and All Things Elections and Participation in Shrewsbury. Episode 5 discusses some key current events in Town and takes a closer look at the electoral process and the many ways residents can become involved or be more involved in their community and local government!

In Episode Four of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Assistant Town Manager for Finance and Administration David Snowdon to discuss the budgeting process, an essential function of local government, and how the Town of Shrewsbury Puts Your Tax Dollars to Work. We explore the financial process of the Town and how residents can engage and get involved in the budgeting process!

In Episode Three of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Police Chief Kevin Anderson to talk about leadership, the Shrewsbury Police Department, 21st Century Policing, and the new Police Station! Episode 3 gives listeners an overview of what Modernizing Policing means for the Shrewsbury community. 

In Episode Two of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Assistant Town Manager for Community Development and Human Services, Kristen Las, to talk about planning and community development! We learn about Planning for a Thriving Community and about this vital part of local government!

Kevin and Taylor kick things off on Episode One of the Town Manager Download with Welcome to the Shrew! This introductory episode talks about what  the Town Manager Download is all about - All things Shrewsbury and Local Government! The Team begins to explore the importance of leadership, effective management, engagement, and communications when it comes to government.