Town Matters: A Podcast by Brattleboro’s Town Manager

Utility Rate Study, Department Updates Feb 13, 2025

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes the Selectboard meeting held on February 4, 2025, and previews a regular meeting scheduled for February 18.

SHOW NOTES —

Feb. 4: Meeting Materials, Watch
The Rec & Parks Department is adding new youth programs in February.
The Winter Carnival kicks off on Feb. 15.
View the project page for the utility rate study.
Voters may now request absentee ballots for the March 4th election through the state’s My Voter Page or by contacting the Town Clerk’s Office.
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Selectboard Approves Budget Jan 30, 2025

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes the Selectboard meeting held on January 21, 2025, and previews a special meeting scheduled for January 28 and a regular meeting on February 4.

SHOW NOTES —

Jan. 21: Meeting Materials, Watch
Jan. 28: Meeting Materials, Watch
The Assessor's Office is accepting business license renewals for 2025.
Dog license renewals are now available for 2025.
The Charter Revision Commission is discussing annual town meeting on Feb. 6.
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Preparing for RTM Jan 14, 2025

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes the Selectboard meeting held on January 7, 2025, and previews a regular meeting scheduled for January 21.

SHOW NOTES —

Jan. 7: Meeting Materials, Watch
The Assessor's Office is accepting business license renewals for 2025.
Dog license renewals are now available for 2025.
The Charter Revision Commission is discussing annual town meeting on Feb. 6.
Candidate petitions are now available for the March 4 elections & RTM 2025
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Budget Reductions Jan 02, 2025

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes the Selectboard meeting held on December 17, 2024, and previews the next regular meeting scheduled for January 7, 2025.

SHOW NOTES —

Dec 17: Meeting Materials, Watch
Visit the FY26 Budget page here.
Candidate petitions are now available for the March 4 elections & RTM 2025
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Vacant Building Ordinance, Charter Commission Update Dec 13, 2024

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes the Selectboard meeting held on December 3, 2024, and previews the final meeting of the year, which is scheduled for December 17.

SHOW NOTES —

Dec. 3: Meeting Materials, Watch
Dec 17: Meeting Materials
Visit the FY26 Budget page here.
Improvements to traffic flow around the General John Stark Memorial Bridge is in the works.
The Recreation & Parks Department is hosting numerous events this holiday season.
Brooks Memorial Library is seeking feedback about technology at the library.
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Police Substation, Solid Waste Decisions Nov 26, 2024

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes a special Selectboard meeting held on November 12, 2024, and a regular meeting on November 19. He then previews a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 3.

SHOW NOTES —

Nov. 12: Meeting Materials, Watch
Nov. 19: Meeting Materials, Watch
Visit the FY26 Budget page here.
View committee vacancies.
A Special Representative Town Meeting has been scheduled for Dec. 12 to weigh whether to accept or reject an ordinance change. View the Community Safety project page here.
The burn ban was extended to Dec. 2.
The Brattleboro-Hinsdale Bridge will open to motor traffic on Dec. 5.
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Budget, Solid Waste Discussions Continue Nov 13, 2024

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes Selectboard meetings held on October 30, November 5, and November 12. He then previews a regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

SHOW NOTES —

Oct. 30: Meeting Materials, Watch
Nov. 5: Special Meeting, Watch; Regular Meeting, Watch
Nov. 12: Meeting Materials
Visit the FY26 Budget page here.
View the Community Safety project page here.
A Special Representative Town Meeting has been scheduled for Dec. 12 to weigh whether to accept or reject an ordinance change.
A second public forum about the Canal Street Corridor Plan is scheduled for Nov. 14.
There is a statewide ban on burn permits has been extended to Nov. 18.
View committee vacancies.
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Solid Waste, Police Substation, FY26 Budget Oct 29, 2024

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Selectboard meeting held on October 15, 2024, and previews a special meeting scheduled during the Community Safety Fair & Forum and a regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 5.

SHOW NOTES —

Oct. 15: Meeting Materials, Watch
View the Community Safety project page here.
The Budget Open House is scheduled for Nov. 12. Visit the FY26 Budget page here.
A second public forum about the Canal Street Corridor Plan is scheduled for Nov. 14.
There is a statewide ban on burn permits in effect through Nov. 11.
Helpful info for voters about the General Election.
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Pool Project Updates, Solid Waste Options Oct 09, 2024

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meetings held on October 1, 2024, and previews a regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 15.

SHOW NOTES —

Oct. 1: Meeting Materials, Watch
View the Pool Project page here. The pool conceptual designs are here.
View the Community Safety project page here.
Community Safety Fair & Forum is Oct. 30.
Visit the FY26 Budget page here.
The Human Services Review Committee is accepting applications.
General Election ballots have been mailed to Vermont voters.
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Ordinance Updates, State Legislative Priorities Sep 25, 2024

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meetings held on September 17 and 19, 2024, and previews a regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 1.

SHOW NOTES —

Sept. 17: Meeting materials, Watch
Sept. 19: Meeting materials, Watch
View the Community Safety project page here.
Ballots will be mailed to Vermont voters during the week of Sept. 23.
The Human Services Review Committee is accepting applications.
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Acceptable Community Conduct Ordinance Sep 11, 2024

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on September 3, 2024, and previews a regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 17 and a special meeting to be held on Thursday, September 19.

SHOW NOTES —

Sept. 3: Meeting materials, Watch
View the Community Safety project page here.
The Police and Fire Departments are holding a charity softball game on Sept. 14
Ballots will be mailed to Vermont voters during the week of Sept. 23.
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Downtown Safety Action Plan Aug 28, 2024

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on August 20 and previews a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

SHOW NOTES —

August 20: Meeting materials, Watch
View the Community Safety project page here. The Downtown Safety Action Plan discussed during the Aug. 20 meeting is here.
View the Fuller Park (aka the bandstand) project page here.
Register for fall youth sports programs here.
The Police and Fire Departments are holding a charity softball game on Sept. 14
Confirm your voter info is up-to-date.
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Developing Safety Zones Aug 16, 2024

In this episode, Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on August 6 and previews a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

Show notes —

August 6: Meeting materials, watch
August 20: Meeting materials
Confirm your voter info is up-to-date before September 1.
Take the pool survey before the August 21 deadline.
Register for fall youth sports programs here.
More info at Brattleboro.gov
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Legislative Priorities, Safety Updates Jul 30, 2024

In this episode, Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on July 23 and previews a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

Show notes —

July 23: Meeting Materials, Watch
Click here to learn more about the State Primary Election.
The Brattleboro Police Department will be hosting National Night Out on Aug. 6 from 5-8 p.m.
The pool will have reduced hours starting Aug. 4.
Take the pool survey.
More info at Brattleboro.gov
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Parking, State Legislators, & Community Safety on July 23 Agenda Jul 16, 2024

In this episode, Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on July 9 and previews a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

SHOW NOTES —

July 9: Meeting Materials, Watch
Click here to learn more about the State Primary Election.
The Brattleboro Police Department will be hosting National Night Out on Aug. 6 from 5-8 p.m.
Rec & Parks is hosting free concerts on Tuesday nights in July.
More info at Brattleboro.gov
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Parking, Waste Program Updates Jul 05, 2024

In this episode, Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on June 18 and previews a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

Show notes —

June 18: Meeting Materials, Watch
July 9: Meeting Materials
The Fuller Park Public Forum has been rescheduled for July 10
The Rec & Parks Department will be hosting its annual pool party on July 17.
For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Parking, Solid Waste Discussions Return June 18 Jun 13, 2024

In this episode, Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on June 4 and previews a regular meeting scheduled for June 18.

Show notes —

June 4: Meeting Materials, Watch
The library will close early on June 20 for a network upgrade
Fuller Park Public Forum on June 20
Pool Public Forum on June 25
Canal Street Corridor Public Workshop on June 27
For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Retreat Rescheduled May 28, 2024

In this episode, Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on May 21, previews a meeting scheduled for June 4, and discusses the agenda for the 2024 Selectboard Retreat, which has been rescheduled for June 13.

Show notes —

May 21 Meeting: Meeting Material, Watch
Apply to a board or committee
Save the Date: Fuller Park Public Forum on June 20
Save the Date: Pool Project on June 25
For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Charter Chat, Updating Ordinances, Housing May 15, 2024

In this episode, Town Manager John Potter covers the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on May 7 and previews a meeting scheduled for May 21.

Show notes —

May 7 Meeting: Meeting Material, Watch
Watch the Charter Revision Commission’s update
Join us at the Town's first-ever Committee Fair
Save the Date: Fuller Park Public Forum on June 20
Provide input about the Solid Waste Program
For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Town Seeks Input on Solid Waste Program May 02, 2024

In this episode, Town Manager John Potter covers the Brattleboro Selectboard meetings held on April 16 and April 25, and previews an upcoming regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 7.

Show notes —

April 16 meeting: Meeting Material, Watch
April 25: Meeting Material, Watch
Provide input about the Solid Waste Program
Join us at the Town's first-ever Committee Fair
Brooks Memorial Library's Tool Cottage is now open
The Town has put out a call for Black artists for its second annual Juneteenth Art Show
For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or check it out here.

Bridge 54 Project, Solid Waste Program & EMS Policy Apr 10, 2024

This episode covers the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on April 2, 2024 and previews an upcoming regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 16 as well as a special meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 25.

Show notes —

April 2 meeting: Meeting Material, Watch
Summer Day Camp registrations are open now.
The Planning Department is holding an Open House on April 18.
Super Fun Bike Day is April 20.
For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

The Selectboard Transitions Mar 29, 2024

This episode covers the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on March 21, 2024, the reorganizational meeting held on March 26, and previews an upcoming meeting scheduled for April 2.

Show notes —

March 21 meeting: Meeting Material, Watch
View the latest conceptual designs of the pool at Living Memorial Park here.
Representative Town Meeting was held on March 23: Watch, Minutes
The Selectboard’s Reorganizational Meeting was held on March 26: Watch
Summer Day Camp registrations are open now.
Dog licenses are due April 1.
Southeast Transit will hold two informational meetings about the MicroMOO on April 9.
The top floor of the Transportation Center is temporarily closed.
For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Legislators Return, Pool Project Plans on March 21 Mar 13, 2024

This episode covers the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on March 5 and previews an upcoming special meeting scheduled for March 21.

Show notes —

March 5 meeting: Meeting Material, Watch
Visit the Pool Project page here.
The Rabies Clinic is March 16.
Representative Town Meeting is March 23, 2024.
The Annual Egg Hunt is March 30.
For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

EMS Billing, Legislators to Return & Public Safety Update on March 5 Feb 29, 2024

This episode covers the Brattleboro Selectboard meetings held on February 20 and previews an upcoming meeting scheduled for March 5 at 7 p.m.

Show notes —

Feb. 20 meeting: Meeting Material, Watch
Apply to a board or committee.
Learn about Election Day, March 5, in Brattleboro here.
For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Dettman Drive, Security Updates & Sustainability Feb 16, 2024

This episode covers the Brattleboro Selectboard meetings held on February 1 and February 6, and previews an upcoming meeting scheduled for February 20.

Show notes —

Feb. 1 meeting: Meeting Material, Watch
Feb. 6 meeting: Meeting Material, Watch
Feb. 20 meeting: Meeting Material
View the Representative Town Meeting warning.
Apply to a board or committee.
Learn more about absentee ballots.
Sample ballots for the March 5 election are here.
How to become a write-in candidate for RTM Member.
For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

The Road to RTM Jan 31, 2024

This episode covers the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on January 16 and previews a special meeting on February 1 and a regularly scheduled meeting on February 6.

Show notes —

Watch the January 16 Selectboard meeting here; meeting materials are here.
More info on the February 1 special meeting here.
View more info about the FY25 Budget here, which includes a timeline with helpful background material
Learn about dog licensing here.
Apply to a board or committee.
For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Selectboard Goals, Dettman Bridge & Budget Talk Jan 10, 2024

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting held on January 2 and 5, and then previews the meeting scheduled for January 16.

Show notes —

Watch the January 2 Selectboard meeting here; meeting material is here.
Watch the January 5 Selectboard meeting here; meeting material is here.
View more info about the FY25 Budget here, which includes a timeline with helpful background material
Learn more about petitions for March 2024 elections
The Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic, which was promoted toward the end of the episode, was canceled after this episode was published. Click here for more info.
For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov
Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

Draft Budgets & Another Look at ARPA Dec 28, 2023

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting held on December 19, 2023 and previews the meeting scheduled for January 2, 2024.

Show notes —

Watch the December 19 Selectboard meeting here
View more info about the FY25 Budget here, which includes a timeline with helpful background material
Learn more about petitions for March 2024 elections
For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov

Final Meetings of 2023 Dec 13, 2023

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting held on December 5 and previews the meeting scheduled for December 19.

Show notes —

Watch the December 5 Selectboard meeting here
Learn more about petitions for March 2024 elections
Brooks Memorial Library has published its strategic plan
View the Rec & Parks holiday season brochure
For more updates visit Brattleboro.gov

The Budget Process Continues Dec 04, 2023

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting held on November 21 and previews the meeting scheduled for December 5.

Show notes —

Watch the November 21 Selectboard meeting here.
Take the second round of the ARPA Survey.
View the Rec & Parks holiday season brochure.

Discussing Local Issues with State Representatives Nov 15, 2023

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting held on November 7 and previews the meeting scheduled for November 21.

Show notes —

Watch the November 7 Selectboard meeting here.
Read more on the Town Legislative Agenda for 2024 here.
Check out the redesign Town of Brattleboro website at Brattleboro.gov.
Take an online survey about the future of the pool at Living Memorial Park.
For more info about the winter parking ban, click here.

Budget Planning and a Town Legislative Agenda Nov 01, 2023

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting held on October 17 and previews the meeting scheduled for November 7.

Show notes —

Watch the October 17 Selectboard meeting here.
The Brattleboro Representative Town Meeting Human Services Review Committee is accepting applications for FY25 Human Services Funding. The application is available here.

October Updates Oct 11, 2023

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting held on October 3 and previews the meeting scheduled for October 17.

Show notes —

Watch the October 3 Selectboard meeting here.
The Brattleboro Representative Town Meeting Human Services Review Committee is accepting applications for FY25 Human Services Funding. The Application, as well as instructions and guidelines, are available here.
Brattleboro was the subject of a video produced by the nonprofit Strong Towns. View that video here.
Join a board or committee! Fill out an application here.

The EMS Decision Sep 26, 2023

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting held on September 19 and previews the meeting scheduled for October 3.

Show notes —

You can view the September 19 meeting on YouTube.
The Town will host a Budget Engagement Open House on September 28 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main Street in Brattleboro. Meet with staff from Town departments, learn more about what they do, and share your ideas about how the Town's $1.4 million in ARPA funding should be allocated.

Fire-EMS Project Nears End, Budget Open House Planned Sep 13, 2023

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting(s) in early September, previews the meeting on September 19, and announces a Budget Engagement Open House to kick off the start of the budget season.

Show notes —

The Selectboard meeting originally scheduled for September 5 was recessed to September 7. Watch the September 7 meeting here.
A Public Forum on Fire-EMS Alternatives was held on September 12. Watch here.
The Town will host a Budget Engagement Open House on September 28 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main Street in Brattleboro. Meet the Town departments that provide your services and share your ideas.

A Preview of the September Schedule Aug 30, 2023

This episode of "Town Matters" provides a recap of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on August 15 and a preview of a meeting scheduled for September 5.

Show notes:

Watch the regular Selectboard meeting from August 15 here.
Selectboard meeting material can be found here.
Visit the EMS Transition Project page here.
Brattleboro residents are eligible for trees to plant in their yard through Community Canopy, an Arbor Day Foundation program. Sign up by calling 855-234-3801 or visiting vtcommunityforestry.org/trees
Register for Rec & Parks programs here. View their fall brochure here.

“Town Matters” is recorded at Brattleboro Community Television. Provide feedback to the show at townmatters@brattleboro.org.

Summer Sessions Aug 09, 2023

This episode of "Town Matters" provides a recap of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on July 25 and a preview of a meeting scheduled for August 15.

Show notes:

Watch the regular Selectboard meeting from July 25 here.
Selectboard meeting material can be found here.
Visit the EMS Transition Project page here.

“Town Matters” is recorded at Brattleboro Community Television. Provide feedback to the show at townmatters@brattleboro.org.

Selectboard Goals Jul 19, 2023

Show notes —

Selectboard meeting materials can be found here.
Watch the July 11 Selectboard meeting courtesy BCTV.
During the July 11 meeting, the Brattleboro Selectboard adopted five major goals for fiscal year 2024 through fiscal year 2025. Those goals are: making the Transportation Center a good place for parking; developing an expansive vision for the Town pool; finding a path forward for Community Safety; developing the concept of safety zones; and advancing housing initiatives.
Watch the July 18 Selectboard meeting courtesy BCTV.
The Fire-EMS Transition Project will be discussed at the Selectboard meeting scheduled for July 25. You can find more details, including background info, on the project page.
Save-the-date: There is a Downtown Community Safety Fair scheduled for Aug. 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Gibson-Aiken Center.
The top floor (4th floor) of the Transportation Center will be closed for repairs. The floor will be closed through July 28.
The steps in front of the Municipal Center are being reset. Please enter and exit the building through the rear parking lot.

“Town Matters” is recorded at Brattleboro Community Television. Provide feedback to the show at townmatters@brattleboro.org.

A Special Meeting on July 11th Jul 06, 2023

This episode of "Town Matters" provides a recap of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on June 20 and a preview of a special meeting, which is scheduled for July 11.

Show notes:

Watch the regular Selectboard meeting from June 20 here.
Selectboard meeting material can be found here.
Visit the EMS Transition Project page here.

The Selectboard summer schedule is as follows:

July 11 – Special meeting
July 18 – Canceled
July 25 – Special meeting
August 1 – Canceled
August 15 – Regular meeting (and then back to the regular schedule)

“Town Matters” is recorded at Brattleboro Community Television. Provide feedback to the show at townmatters@brattleboro.org.

Three June Meetings Jun 14, 2023

This episode of "Town Matters" offers a quick overview of three Selectboard meetings that were scheduled throughout June 2023.

Show notes:

Watch the Selectboard Retreat here.
Watch the regular Selectboard meeting from June 6 here.
Selectboard meeting material can be found here.
Listen to VPR's Vermont Edition regarding security services.
Visit the EMS Transition Project page here.

This show was recorded at Brattleboro Community Television.

EMS Updates, VTrans Project & Selectboard Retreat May 31, 2023

Brattleboro Town Manager discusses the Selectboard meeting from May 16 and what's ahead in June 2023. Follow "Town Matters" wherever you listen to podcasts.

Show notes:

The Brattleboro Selectboard meeting materials can be found here.
Watch the May 16 Selectboard meeting here.
The Selectboard summer schedule: June 20, July 11 & 25, Aug. 15.
Visit the EMS Transition Project page here.
Sign up for alerts about the VTrans project on I-91.
There will be a Planning Commission public hearing on amendments to the Land Use Regulation on June 5 at 6 p.m. in the Selectboard meeting room and on Zoom.
The dog warrant is being presented to the Selectboard on June 6. Anyone who has not yet licensed their dog for the year should do so with the Town Clerks office prior to that date or risk being fined $100.
The Recreation and Parks Department is gearing up for summer programs and camps. Parents can register online or in person at 207 Main Street at the Rec & Parks Office.
Brooks Memorial Library cardholders can borrow gardening equipment from the Big Red Shed.
In celebration of Juneteenth, the Town of Brattleboro is inviting Black artists to display and sell their work in the Municipal Center on select dates this June. Exhibition space will be available later in June. For more information, contact HR Director Sally Cruz Nix at snix@brattleboro.org.