Windsor Town Council Meeting – January 21, 2025: Fire Truck Bond, Veterans Exemption, Poet Laureate, and Broad Street Referendum
Windsor Town Council Meeting – January 21, 2025
The town council held a public hearing and regular meeting on January 21, 2025, at 7:20 PM at Windsor Town Hall. The public hearing covered a bond ordinance for a new fire rescue pumper and an amendment to the veterans tax exemption. The regular meeting included proclamations, public comments, council communications, reports, and multiple votes. Key actions included approval of the fire truck bond and veterans exemption ordinances, appointment of the town’s first poet laureate, introduction of a bond ordinance for Broad Street traffic calming (with a March 11, 2025 referendum set), and discussion of speed camera locations.
Public Comments & Testimony (from the public hearing portion)
- Jeremy Halleck (1890 Pequantic Avenue) opposed the proposed road diet, citing potential congestion, and suggested installing traffic lights or speed bumps as lower-cost alternatives.
- Arts Commission representative (name not stated) expressed support for appointing Brittany Tatum (Versatile Poetic) as Windsor’s first poet laureate, calling it an important step for cultural inclusivity.
- Frank Davis (3 Birchwood Road, also representing the Windsor Land Trust) announced the dissolution of the Windsor Land Trust and the donation of its assets to the Trap Rock Ridge Land Conservancy. He thanked the town for past support and encouraged residents to join the new regional conservancy.
- Joel Herman (Root Ave, U.S. Army veteran) questioned the need to replace a 30-year-old fire truck with only 50,000 miles, suggesting refurbishment instead. He also asked about the resale value of the old truck.
Proclamations & Awards
- Fire Prevention Poster Contest Winners: The council added a proclamation to recognize winners from elementary schools. Acting Fire Marshal Dick Shea presented certificates to fourth‑grade winners and runners-up. The council commended the students and their art teacher, Ms. Lloyd.
Council Member Communications
- Mayor noted the 60th inauguration of President Donald Trump and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday observance. She also attended Loomis Chaffee’s convocation featuring Soledad O’Brien.
- Councillor Palkey reminded residents of the parking ban during snowstorms and apologized for an overly enthusiastic volunteer recruitment effort.
- Councillor Smith encouraged reflection on Black History Month and participation in February activities.
- Councillor Naeem highlighted a transit‑oriented development case study featuring Windsor, hosted by the Connecticut Main Street Center and CRCOG.
- Councillor Black Hoffman thanked Public Works for snow removal and noted the 70th anniversary of the Shad Derby Queen crowning; 12 candidates have been chosen.
- Councillor Armstrong reminded that supplemental motor vehicle taxes are due by February 3, 2025, and commended first responders and public works.
- Deputy Mayor promoted the maker space at Windsor Public Library and the availability of free equipment use.
- Several council members also expressed appreciation for the land trust transition and the fire prevention poster program.
Reports from Boards and Commissions
- Public Building Commission (Mr. Hazleton) reported on multiple projects: Wilson fire station roof replacement (completion by February 2025); Windsor fire station interior renovations (by March 2025); Oliver Ellsworth School humidity mitigation (closed out); Sage Park Middle School HVAC upgrades (complete by March 2025); LP Wilson Community Center HVAC phasing (February–March 2025); Clover Street School restroom ADA compliance (bids due February 2025, construction summer 2025); JFK Elementary HVAC phase three (complete); Welch Park pool renovations (punch list by April 2025). Also noted PBC oversight on upcoming projects.
Town Manager’s Report (Mr. Sousa)
- Solar Energy Initiative: Town staff working with Titan Energy to pursue Eversource’s non‑residential renewable energy program for school facilities. Potential rooftop installations at Sage Park (new roof) and Poquonock Elementary, plus solar canopies at Sage Park and the high school. Power purchase agreements would mean no upfront cost to the town. Grant applications open February, awards expected late May/June.
- Senior Center Tax Relief Program: Appointments begin February 3–10 (Mondays and Thursdays 9–11 AM) at the Senior Center.
- Upcoming Events: January 23, 2025 – Loomis Chaffee MLK concert featuring Windsor High School’s Teens in Praise choir and Shades of Yale (free, registration required).
- Surveys: Plan of Conservation and Development survey and Community Health Needs Assessment survey (with mental health focus) are available online and in paper through February 7, 2025.
Discussion Items
- Bond Ordinance – Fire Rescue Pumper: The ordinance appropriates $1,400,000 ($816,000 in bonds, $584,000 from the public safety equipment fund). Town Manager Sousa answered questions: refurbishment of the 30‑year‑old truck would cost up to $750,000 and yield only about 10 years of life; resale value of old truck is $5,000–$10,000. The new truck will be stationed at the Poquonock firehouse as Squad 33. The council approved the ordinance (9‑0‑0).
- Ordinance – Veterans Exemption: Amends Chapter 5, Article 14 to increase income limits for the veterans property tax exemption: from $43,800 to $53,400 for unmarried, and to $62,200 for married (aligned with the senior/elderly benefit). Effective for the October 2025 grand list (affecting summer 2026 tax bills). Approved (9‑0‑0).
- Appointment of Poet Laureate: The council appointed Brittany Tatum (Versatile Poetic) as Windsor’s first poet laureate for a term ending January 21, 2028. The Arts Commission recommended her after reviewing five applications. Councillor Naeem endorsed her, citing her work in the community. Approved (8‑1‑0).
- Broad Street Traffic Calming and Pedestrian Safety Bond Ordinance (Introduction): The bond ordinance appropriates $6,100,000 ($2,100,000 in bonds, $1 million from a state Urban Act grant, and $3 million from a federal Highway Infrastructure grant). The proposed design (option 3 with two single roundabouts) was previously selected by the council on December 16, 2024. The council introduced the ordinance after a motion to object failed. A voice vote showed 5 in favor, 3 opposed, and 1 abstention; a subsequent roll call recorded 4 in favor, 3 opposed, and 1 abstention (discrepancy noted). The ordinance was introduced.
- Public Hearing and Referendum Resolutions for Broad Street Bond: The council set a public hearing for February 3, 2025, at 7 PM (approved 9‑0‑0) and a referendum on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 6–8 PM (approved 9‑0‑0). The referendum will ask voters to approve the $6.1 million appropriation.
- Risk Manager Job Description: The council approved an updated job description for the risk manager position (vacant due to retirement). Changes include clarifying the role covers both the town and Board of Education, updated qualifications (bachelor’s degree in risk management, insurance, or equivalent, plus safety certifications), and added on‑call requirements. No financial impact. Approved (9‑0‑0).
- Speed Camera Discussion (Automated Traffic Enforcement): The Health and Safety Committee presented a proposal for speed cameras at four locations: Poquonock Avenue, Broad Street (near Remington Road), Windsor Avenue, and Rainbow Road. Only speed enforcement (10+ mph over limit) is recommended; red‑light enforcement is not. Criteria included average daily traffic, speed data, accidents, and police stops. Council members questioned why locations like Route 218 or Windsor Center were not selected. Town staff explained that Windsor Center had a lower percentage of vehicles exceeding 10 mph over the limit. The committee will hold a public informational meeting this winter and bring a recommendation back to the council. No vote was taken; the item will return.
- Executive Session: The council voted unanimously (9‑0‑0) to enter executive session to discuss pending litigation (Cody v. Town of Windsor, Southell v. Town of Windsor) and collective bargaining with the Windsor Police Department Play Association.
Key Outcomes
- Fire Rescue Pumper Bond: Approved (9‑0‑0).
- Veterans Exemption Amendment: Approved (9‑0‑0).
- Poet Laureate Appointment: Brittany Tatum appointed (8‑1‑0).
- Broad Street Bond Ordinance Introduction: Introduced (voice vote 5‑3‑1; final roll call showed 4‑3‑1 – discrepancy noted).
- Public Hearing for Broad Street Bond: Set for February 3, 2025, at 7 PM (9‑0‑0).
- Referendum for Broad Street Bond: Approved (9‑0‑0); voters will decide on March 11, 2025.
- Risk Manager Job Description: Approved (9‑0‑0).
- Speed Camera Proposal: Referred back to committee for further public input and a future council recommendation.
- Executive Session: Approved (9‑0‑0); meeting adjourned into executive session.
Meeting Transcript
The time is now seven twenty PM. Welcome to the public hearing of January twenty first, twenty twenty-five. And before I open it, I would like to read the public notice. Notices hereby given that the town council of the town of Windsor will hold a virtual and in-person public hearing in the council chamber at the Windsor Town Hall. Two seventy-five Broad Street on Tuesday, January twenty first, twenty twenty-five at seven twenty PM prevailing time to hear public comment on the following items. A bond ordinance entitled a bot ordinance appropriating one point four million for cost in connection with purchasing of a fire rescue pumper and authorizing the issue of eight hundred and sixteen thousand dollars, bonds and notes, and five hundred and eighty-four thousand from the public safety equipment fund to finance the appropriation. And an ordinance entitled an ordinance amending chapter five. This is always fun for me. Should remember your room in numbers. Information on how to attend the Zoom meeting via phone or computer will be included in the town council agenda. Please visit visit our town website, click on the virtual meeting info button on the front page and select town council meeting for January twenty first, twenty twenty-five. With the notice being read, the public hearing is now open, and I will now turn this over to our moderator, assistant town manager, Scott Cobe, who will provide the instructions. Thank you, Mr. Colby. So we'll come to the uh town hall chamber. And if there's anyone here who would like to um comment on the public on the item here for our public hearing, this bond ordinance and the amending of chapter five, Article 14, the veterans exception, please step forward, state your name and address, and you may do so at this time. All right. Well, seeing none moving forward, we'll bring our public hearing to a close and we will begin our town council meeting promptly at seven twenty-five. Thank you. All right. Good evening, and welcome to the town council meeting of January twenty first. So we are debating time, so one says seven twenty-five, one says seven thirty. So we could wait the few minutes. Okay. Councillor Palkey, we just want to make sure that you're good. I mean, I can go. All right. Excellent. So with that being said, all counselors are accounted for, and that will serve as our roll call. And then we'll move to um Councillor Pelke for our prayer and for reflection. Sure. Um in high school, I was my Earth Science teacher in my freshman year, nickname me the king of brevity. Hard for some people to believe that by any means. One nation, another indivisible with liberty, and justice for all. Thank you, Councillor Kelke. For the prayer and or reflection. Item number four on our agenda is proclamations and awards. And so at this time, is there a motion? I move to add certificates of achievement and appreciation for fire prevention posters or contest window winners under item four proclamation and awards. Second. Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. Is there any discussion, counselors? All right, all in favor. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion passes nine zero zero. Thank you. So we will add that to item number four.
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