Windsor Town Council Meeting – February 18, 2025
Windsor Town Council Meeting – February 18, 2025
The Windsor Town Council met on February 18, 2025, at 12:30 PM (Eastern) with all nine councilors present. The meeting opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by public comments (none offered), communications from council members, reports from the public building commission and the town manager (including a police chief update), and new business including three bond ordinances and an executive session.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public addressed the council during either of the two public comment periods.
Discussion Items
- Council Communications: Multiple councilors encouraged residents to help neighbors with snow removal and cold weather, thanked public works and first responders, and promoted upcoming events including the "500 Hands in Five Hours" food drive (February 22), Team Paragon robotics, a St. Patrick's Day event benefiting the Windsor Education Foundation, the Northwest Park Breakfast (March 22), and Latin Footprints dance events.
- Public Building Commission Report: Commissioner George Bolduck reported completion of the Wilson Fire Station roof replacement, ongoing interior renovations (expected by May 2025), Clover Street School restroom ADA upgrades Phase 2 (pending funding, construction June–August 2025), and Welch Park Pool House renovation (punch list items remaining, expected completion April 2025).
- Town Manager Report (Scott Colby):
- Reminded residents that the deadline to appeal real estate/personal property/motor vehicle assessments is February 20, 2025.
- Announced a $400,000 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant from the state to continue the town's housing rehabilitation program, expected to rehabilitate 10 units with roof, heating, window, lead paint, asbestos, and electrical/code upgrades. Windsor was one of eight awardees statewide.
- Promoted the State of the Town address (February 26) and a Plan of Conservation and Development workshop (February 27).
- Noted the VITA tax assistance program at the main library and Wilson Branch.
- Announced Camp Foxfire summer camp registration is open.
- Announced a free screening of "Summer of Soul" on February 22.
- Police Chief Donald Melanson Statement: Provided an update on a recent police-related incident, stating the officer involved has received additional remedial training and remains in limited duty status pending investigations by the Office of Inspector General and an internal investigation. He described the department's training on de-escalation, conflict resolution, and use of force, noting training exceeds state/accreditation standards.
Key Outcomes
- Bond Ordinance – Clover Street School Restroom ADA Upgrades Phase 2: The council voted 9-0 to waive the reading and introduce a bond ordinance appropriating $1,880,000 ($1,145,000 in bonds and $735,000 from existing Phase 1 project funds). A public hearing was set for March 3, 2025 at 7:20 PM. (Passed 9-0)
- Bond Ordinance – Pavement Resurfacing at Town Facilities and Schools: The council voted 9-0 to waive the reading and introduce a bond ordinance appropriating $285,000 in bonds for milling and paving at the high school parking lot and Sage Park Middle School. A public hearing was set for March 3, 2025 at 7:20 PM. (Passed 9-0)
- PFOS Foam Removal from Fire Apparatus: The council voted 9-0 to approve $2,500 from the general fund for removal and disposal of PFAS-containing foam from four fire apparatus, with a state reimbursement grant anticipated. (Passed 9-0)
- Approval of Minutes: The council voted 9-0 to approve the minutes of the February 3, 2025 public hearing and regular meeting. (Passed 9-0)
- Reordering Agenda: The council voted 9-0 to move agenda item 12F after item 16 to be followed by executive session. (Passed 9-0)
- Executive Session: The council voted 8-0 (one councilor absent during the roll call) to enter executive session for strategy and negotiations regarding pending litigation in Great Pond Village LLC vs. Town of Windsor. (Passed 8-0)
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome to the February 18th, 2025. Town Council meeting. And this evening, all counselors are here. Counselor Smith is joining us via Zoom. And for our prayer andor reflection and the Pledge of Allegiance, I will ask Councillor Armstrong to lead us. Let us pray. But oh God, as we gather in this meeting, we come before you with gratitude for the many blessings you have bestowed upon us. We recognize that it is only by your grace that we can come together as a team of counselors to serve our community and fulfill our mission. Thank you for each person present for the unique gifts they bring to our collective work. As we look around this room, we see diverse groups of individuals, each with unique perspectives and experiences. Help us to appreciate the value of these differences as we work together for a common goal. Remind us that we are united and our desire to serve and make decisions that reflect your love and wisdom. May we approach our discussions today with humility, seeking your will above our own. Let us not be swayed by personal ambitions or pride, but instead focus on what truly matters, serving our community. As we share our thoughts and ideas, guide our conversations so that they are filled with grace and respect. Help us to listen actively and to speak thoughtfully, recognizing that our words have the power to uplift or discourage. Let us strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and heard. As we begin our discussions, let us take a moment to reflect on the importance of collaboration. Each team member brings unique gifts and insights, and it is in this diversity that we find strength. Help us to appreciate one another, to listen actively, and to approach our conversations with open hearts and minds. May our words encourage and uplift, fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. I mean the spirit of unity, we ask for forgiveness for any past misunderstandings or disagreements that may linger among us. Help us to approach each other with grace and humility, ready to move forward in love and cooperation. And as we delve into our agenda, give us a clarity to recognize what is truly important and the coverage to make difficult decisions when necessary. May we be mindful of how our choices affect not only our council, but also the broader community that we serve. We also take this time to remember those in our community and in our nation who are facing challenges. May your love surround them and provide comfort in their struggles and help us to remain aware of their needs as we make decisions that affect the lives of so many. In closing, we ask for your blessings on our time here together. May our meeting be productive, guided by your wisdom and rooted in love. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in our community through our work. Help us to conclude this meeting with a sense of accomplishment and clarity. And in the words of Martin Luther King, the time is always right to do what is right. Amen. One nation under God and indivisible with liberty and justice for all the thank you, Councilor Armstrong. This evening we do not have any proclamations or awards, so we'll move right into public communications and petitions. If anyone from the public would like to address the council, you will be given three minutes to speak. Please state your name and address, and I will now turn this over to our moderator, Frank Angelo, who will provide the instructions. Thank you. If there's anyone from the public who would like to address the council, you may do so by raising your hand on your computer by selecting the participants icon on the Zoom menu bar and then clicking raise hand or by dialing star nine on your phone. You'll be given three minutes to speak. Please state your name and address. When you're called on, you'll be prompted with you are now unmuted. For those dialing by phone, once prompted, you will press star six to unmute. For clear communication, we ask that you do not place the call on speaker phone. Thank you. So we'll move to the town hall chamber. If anyone from the public would like to address the council, we will ask that you step forward, state your name and address, and please note that at the sound of the chime, uh, your three minutes would have expired, and we'll ask you to conclude your comments. Must be the cold. Yes. Must be the cold outside.
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