The Mayor's Roundtable Podcast

On this episode of The Mayor's Roundtable Podcast, Mayor Wedegartner chats with Recreation Director Christy Moore about the city's annual Halloween celebration. The mayor then speaks to Veterans' Services Director Chirs Demars about this year's Veterans Day ceremony. Learn more about Greenfield's Halloween festivities at: https://greenfield-ma.gov/news_detail_T4_R133.php

On this episode of The Mayor's Roundtable Podcast, Mayor Wedegartner chats with Greenfield Public Library Director Anna Bognolo about her journey to librarianship, the new Greenfield Public Library's first few months of operation and exciting future developments with the space. They also discuss frequently discussed topics about the library, such as implementing new meeting spaces and developing a strategic plan.

On the long-awaited return of the Mayor's Roundtable Podcast, Mayor Roxann Wedegartner chats with Chief Assessor Randall Austin about the annual tax bill, tax exemptions and motor vehicle abatements.

Susan Worgaftik of the Lunt Neighborhood Action Group and Health Director Jennifer Hoffman discuss an application for a three-year, $150,000 grant for an epidemiological study of the neighborhood surrounding the former Lunt Silversmiths site. Episode includes a Municipal Minute on dog licenses.

Mary Westervelt is part of a group of local gardeners working to beautify the city and help bees and other pollinators by planting native plants on public land. She discusses their work, their plans for the future and how you can help bees and other pollinators in your own garden. Learn more about their efforts here: https://sites.google.com/view/greenfieldgardens/ Episode also includes a Municipal Minute on the new City website.

Mayor Roxann Wedegartner delivers the 2023 State of the City Address, followed by remarks from City Council President Daniel Guin.

Stone Soup Cafe Executive Chef and Co-Director Kirsten Levitt discusses how the nonprofit navigated the pandemic, its new Culinary Institute and plans for the future. Episode also includes a Municipal Minute on serving cherry sheets.

A discussion of the City's efforts to create more affordable housing and assist the unhoused population, including the genesis of the Wilson's redevelopment project, plans for the shelter on Wells Street and accessory dwelling units. Episode also includes a Municipal Minute on serving on City boards and commissions.

A discussion of elevated winter energy costs, how people might be able to save money and an overview of the Inflation Reduction Act and how it will benefit residents and City government. With skyrocketing energy costs, the City of Greenfield encourages everyone to tighten up your home at little to no cost. Massachusetts offers some of the best programs in the country and are available for everyone regardless of income level or if they rent or own. Buttoning up your home is the first step to reducing energy use now and will continue to save you money well into the future. Community Action of Pioneer Valley - Fuel assistance (help paying heating bills) and no cost energy upgrades (insulation, heating equipment, appliances) for income eligible residents - for example, a family of 4 making <$81,561. www.communityaction.us MassSave - Start with a free home energy assessment and take advantage of great incentives for weatherization and energy efficient heating equipment and appliances, including access to a 0% interest HEAT loan to pay for approved measures. https://www.masssave.com/en/saving/energy-assessments Inflation Reduction Act - plug in your zip code and basic info to see how you can save. https://www.rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator Episode also includes a Municipal Minute on the difference between operating and capital budgets.

A discussion of the City's sidewalk paving program including the rating system for sidewalks, how the City decides which sidewalks to replace, how sidewalk upgrades are funded and the responsibilities of property owners when it comes to sidewalks. Episode also includes a Municipal Minute on how to contact City government.