Hosts: Jay Lindly & Shilo Martin
Guests: Todd MacDaniel (Hochatown Trustee), Blue McDaniel (Water Board), Adam Vossen (Town Administrator), Cody Gilbert (Fire Chief)
In Episode 116 of Hosting Hochatown, Jay Lindly and Shilo Martin sit down for a wide-ranging roundtable discussion with several of Hochatown’s key leaders to talk openly about where the town is, where it’s headed, and what that growth means for both residents and visitors.
This episode brings together perspectives from town leadership, public safety, utilities, and administration to address many of the questions people are asking as Hochatown continues to develop. From tourism and infrastructure to emergency services and utilities, the conversation is focused on transparency, planning, and long-term sustainability.
A major portion of the discussion centers around tourism and growth in Hochatown. The group talks about how tourism continues to drive the local economy, while also creating challenges that must be managed carefully to preserve quality of life for residents. There is thoughtful conversation about balancing visitor expectations with the realities of infrastructure, services, and long-term planning.
Road construction and maintenance is another key topic. The panel explains how road projects are prioritized, who is responsible for maintenance, and how increased traffic from growth impacts local roads. They also discuss what residents and visitors can realistically expect as improvements continue over time.
Public safety is a major focus of this episode. The discussion covers the steps that were taken toward the creation of a local police department, why that move is important for Hochatown, and the planning involved in building departments from the ground up. Fire protection is also addressed, with Fire Chief Cody Gilbert sharing insight into the development of the Hochatown Fire Department, staffing needs, equipment, and how emergency response will continue to improve as the town grows.
Utilities are another important part of the conversation. Blue McDaniel discusses water system oversight, while the group talks about sewer planning, expansion needs, and the challenges that come with rapid development. Protecting water quality and ensuring capacity for future growth are recurring themes throughout the episode.
The roundtable also offers listeners a better understanding of how town leadership works behind the scenes. Todd MacDaniel and Adam Vossen explain the roles of trustees and the town administrator, how decisions are made, and why public input and community involvement are important as Hochatown moves forward.
This episode is especially valuable for residents wanting clear answers, business owners navigating growth, and visitors who want a better understanding of the town they enjoy. It’s an honest, informative conversation that reflects both the opportunities and challenges facing Hochatown.
Hosting Hochatown continues its mission of connecting the community through meaningful conversations that matter.