The Town Crier

It’s a big day, the Town Crier is turning 30! This week, we’re trading our usual summertime topics for a review of the democratic process, twenty year old deeds and some unexpected big Town business.

Stephanie breaks down the August 4 Special Town Meeting called by citizens’ petition, explains how the petition process works, review the proposal involving approximately ten acres of the Crocker Pond Recreation Area, and discuss why the several town boards and committees oppose the article. Plus, quick updates on first-quarter tax bills, the July South Street Sentinel and the latest Select Board meeting.  

Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email podcast@westminster-ma.gov — your input makes the show!

In this episode of The Town Crier, Stephanie shares Fourth of July and summer updates for Westminster, including the delivery of the Town’s official 250th anniversary reproduction of the Declaration of Independence by Representative Kim Ferguson’s office and the return of patriotic bunting on Town buildings and properties.

This episode also includes a recap of the June 29 Select Board meeting, an update on the new Westminster app, the adoption of the Strategic Staffing Plan, and information explanation of the Depot Road/Route 2A/State Road East roundabout as a MassDOT project, programmed for 2030.

Plus, a reminder that all non-emergency Town offices will be closed Monday, July 6, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. Happy birthday, America and happy summer, Westminster!

Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email podcast@westminster-ma.gov — your input makes the show!

In this episode, Stephanie teams up with Select Board Chair Mike Cooley, to tackle local questions, clear up common misconceptions, and bust a few municipal myths about how municipal government really works. We cover the Massachusetts General Laws, local bylaws, home rule charters and what that means for Westminster, as well as, what the Select Board can and cannot do; why Town Meeting matters; public meetings vs public hearings; and all the places residents are able to go for information.

Plus, we recap the latest Select Board meeting, including the USA 250th Flag Day recognition, the Westminster Police commemorative patch, Public Safety Building Committee update, year-end transfers, Town Clerk transition, annual appointments, zoning referrals, and more.

Big surprise! We also tease the upcoming Town of Westminster app, meant to make our town government even more user friendly and easily accessible!

Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email podcast@westminster-ma.gov — your input makes the show!

This quick solo episode of The Town Crier is a fast lap around Westminster as June gets rolling. Stephanie covers upcoming Parks and Rec events, including JAWS Night at Crocker Pond and the Public Safety vs. Baseball and Softball Coaches game, plus the 5th Grade Flag Day Contest, Historical Society’s Townwide Yard Sale, Farmers Market, Crocker Pond opening, and Westminster’s WooSox Town Takeover Night.

There’s also a Select Board recap, an update on the June 1 PFAS informational meeting, reminders about board and committee reappointments, continued work at Academy Hill, and a timely note on black bear activity around town.

Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email podcast@westminster-ma.gov — your input makes the show!

In this episode Westminster Health Director Abby Conlin joins Stephanie to talk about summer health considerations, including mosquitoes, ticks, swimming safety, heat, and seasonal public health reminders.

Abby also highlights the upcoming June 1 Board of Health PFAS informational session, including what residents can expect, the state agencies attending, how the public question period will work, and what we know about the upcoming Massachusetts Department of Public Health public health evaluation for Westminster.

Plus, a recap of recent Select Board updates, share details on Memorial Day events, JAWS Night at Crocker Pond, the Adams Street 40B hearing schedule, and the Town Wide Yard Sale.

Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email podcast@westminster-ma.gov — your input makes the show!