OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Windsor Town Council Meeting - May 5, 2025

Town Council & Planning and Zoning — Monday, May 5, 2025
BodyWindsor, Connecticut
SessionTown Council & Planning and Zoning
DateMonday, May 5, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:32:27

Transcript — Verbatim
5:13

Good evening and welcome to the town council meeting for May 5th, 2025.

5:19

Um, all counselors are here, so that will suffice as our roll call, and we'll move to items two and three on our agenda.

5:27

The prayer and or reflection by Council King, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

5:33

Counselor King.

5:34

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

5:35

Um, just a quick reflection today as we are getting ready to have budget resolutions and budget referendums.

5:40

Um I was reflecting about this when we were thinking about uh education and the cost of education, and this was a speech from Ulysses S.

5:49

Grant, a very um successful Republican president in Des Moines, 1875.

5:54

Let us all labor to resolve that either state or nation or both combined shall support institutions of learning sufficient to afford every child growing up in the land the opportunity of a good common school education.

6:05

So the more things change the more they stay the same.

6:07

And with that, let's do a bunch of them.

6:13

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the Republican for which one nation indivisible with liberty.

6:27

Thank you, Councillor King.

6:29

And good evening to everyone who has joined us online and also here in the town hall chamber.

6:35

This evening we do have two proclamations, and we'll begin our proclamations and awards.

6:41

Um Councillor Naeem will be presenting the Small Business Week in Windsor proclamation.

6:47

Counselor Knight.

6:58

All right, and I'll go ahead and read this proclamation.

7:01

I know we've got someone here to a couple people maybe here to accept it.

7:05

So uh proclamation designating May 4th, 2025 to May 10th, 2025 as Small Business Week in Windsor.

7:13

Whereas from storefront shops, restaurants, and personal services in downtowns and neighborhood commercial villages to high-tech firms that keep America on the cutting edge, small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstone of our nation's promise.

7:28

And whereas small business owners and main street business have energy and a passion for what they do.

7:35

And whereas when we support small business, jobs are created and local communities preserve their unique culture.

7:43

And whereas because this country's 33 million small businesses create nearly two out of three net new jobs in our economy, we cannot resolve ourselves to create jobs and spur economic growth in America without discussing ways to support our entrepreneurs.

7:59

And whereas Windsor is enhancing its entrepreneurial ecosystem by partnering with First Town Downtown, the Chamber of Commerce, Windsor Arts Center, and Creative Businesses, Windsor Public Library, and its makerspace, Connecticut Small Business Development Center, Windsor Works, the Collective Space, Regis, and Small Business Financing Entities.

8:21

And whereas the town of Windsor supports and joins in this national effort to help America's small businesses do what they do best, grow their business, create jobs, and ensure that our communities remain as vibrant tomorrow as they are today.

8:36

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor of the town of Windsor that the week of May 4th, 2000 2025, and May 10th, 2025, we recognize as Small Business Week in Windsor.

8:48

Signed Nishette Black Burke, Mayor of Windsor, May 5th, 2025.

8:59

Madam Mayor, would you like to like go to the why do we have to go there?

9:05

Yes.

9:06

I'll let you share who's here.

9:09

Absolutely.

9:10

Thank you.

9:10

Can I say a few words?

9:11

Absolutely.

9:12

Oh, yes.

9:14

Good evening, everyone.

9:16

Thank you very much for this proclamation.

9:18

I have uh some representatives of our small business community here today.

9:22

We have uh Ashley Lungren of Salt's Eclectic Uh Cuisine.

9:31

Mary Kate Thompson from Edward Jones Investments.

9:37

We have Bert Smith and Amy Weiss from House of Books and Themes.

9:44

Uh we have Anissa Tysh from Windsor Works.

9:49

And look at this, how many women business owners right here in the house?

9:54

Fantastic.

9:56

And so during the course of this week, we'll be highlighting uh the the week on social media.

10:01

We'll highlight a few of the businesses and especially the resources that are available to small business owners in the community each day on social media.

10:15

This Thursday at 4 p.m.

10:18

at Dudley Town Brewing Company is the grand opening of Salt's Eclectic Cuisine.

10:24

So congratulations on that.

10:25

We'll see you on Thursday.

10:36

It looks kind of like the board.

11:33

Thank you.

11:34

Thank you for getting as always.

11:37

Exactly.

11:42

Our next proclamation for the evening is designating May as older Americans Month in Windsor.

11:48

Whereas May is Older Americans Month, a time for us to recognize and honor Windsor's older adults and their immense influence on every facet of American society.

12:00

And whereas, through their wealth of life experience and wisdom, older adults guide our younger generations and carry forward abundant cultural and historical knowledge.

12:12

And whereas older Americans improve our communities through intergenerational relationships, community service, civic engagement, and many other activities.

12:23

And whereas communities benefit when people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and live independently.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████21%
Economic Development████████████████████20%
Public Engagement███████████11%
Special Events██████████10%
Public Safety█████████9%
Education and Youth█████████9%
Budget Equity Analysis████4%
Arts And Culture████4%
Senior Services███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Windsor Town Council Meeting - May 5, 2025

The Windsor Town Council met on May 5, 2025, at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included roll call, a prayer/reflection by Councilor King, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key actions included two proclamations, public comment on public safety concerns at a shopping plaza, reports from boards and commissions, and several new business items related to grants and property tax relief.

Proclamations/Awards

  • Small Business Week: May 4–10, 2025, was proclaimed Small Business Week in Windsor. Several small business owners attended, including representatives from Salt's Eclectic Cuisine, Edward Jones Investments, House of Books and Themes, and Windsor Works. The grand opening of Salt's Eclectic Cuisine at Dudley Town Brewing Company will be held on May 8 at 4 PM.
  • Older Americans Month: May 2025 was proclaimed Older Americans Month with the theme “Flip the Script on Aging.” Stephanie Famiano from the Windsor Senior Center accepted the proclamation.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Dennis Murray (85 Pine Lane, resident since 1988) spoke about ongoing issues at the Price Rite shopping plaza, including loitering, public drinking, public urination, drug use, and drug dealing. He noted that despite reporting via SeeClickFix, little action has been taken. He also raised concerns about fire lane parking violations. He requested the town address these public safety hazards.

Communications from Council Members

  • Councilors shared updates on community events: Wilson-Deerfield cleanup (approx. 50 volunteers), Shad Derby coronation ball (Queen Hannah Donzella and court announced), Hayden Station Pancake Breakfast, and International Firefighters Day.
  • Councilor Walker stated that the Republican caucus voted against the Board of Education budget and other items due to affordability concerns for seniors and families. He urged residents to vote “no” on the upcoming budget referendum (May 13) and called for further cuts.
  • Councilor Naeem responded that additional cuts would harm critical services (senior lunches, libraries, teachers) and that no specific cuts were proposed. He noted the council had already included a 150% senior tax credit match increase.

Reports from Appointed Boards and Commissions

  • Board of Education (presented by Mr. Fury):
    • Graduation: June 10, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Bushnell.
    • Last day of school: June 9 for students, June 10 for teachers.
    • Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9) with breakfasts at schools.
    • Leonard Lockhart elected president-elect of the National School Board Association.
    • New speaker series “The Plug” launched with Amazon recognized as Partner of Year.
    • National Honor Society inductees and Superintendent Awards announced.
    • Choral groups earned superior ratings and awards.
    • Numerous college athletic scholarships listed.
    • Next board meeting: May 20 at 7 PM.
  • Economic Development Commission (Chair Randy Graf online):
    • Reviewed market analysis findings, TIF budget recommendations, and co-sponsored business breakfast.
    • Key development activities: Baker Hollow Road completion, Marvin Windows building, Great Pond development, redevelopment of former Arthur's Pasa (120 apartments, 6,000 sq ft commercial), Bowfield Green (77 units, 7,000 sq ft commercial), 450 Bloomfield Ave (201 units), and Villages at Pequonock (192 units, adjusted site plan).
    • Priorities include Day Hill Corporate Area planning study and addressing corporate office vacancy rates.
  • Board of Assessment Appeals (George Baldock):
    • 18 appeals heard (down from 180+ last year). Total assessed value: $83.5 million, reductions of $332,000 (0.4%).
    • Real estate: 8 appeals, $2M assessed, $10,092 reduction.
    • Commercial/industrial: 5 appeals, $81.4M assessed, no reductions.
    • Personal property: 3 appeals, $403,000 assessed, $321,993 reduction due to a late filing correction.
    • Motor vehicles: 2 appeals, no reductions.
    • Next meeting: September for motor vehicle appeals.

Town Manager's Report (Peter Sousa)

  • Budget forums: May 6 (6:30 PM, 330 Windsor Ave), May 7 (6:30 PM, Poquonock Elementary), May 8 (10 AM, LP Wilson Senior Center).
  • Budget referendum: May 13, 2025. Absentee ballots available at Town Clerk's office by May 12.
  • Plan of Conservation and Development focus group: May 8 at 7 PM on cultural/historical resources.
  • Solar project on River Street: construction expected to start this week pending permits.
  • Dog licensing contest: entries due by noon May 14; public voting May 16–30.
  • Public Works Open House: May 22, 3–6 PM at 99 Day Hill Road.
  • Healing Space mental wellness event: May 9, 6–8 PM at 330 Windsor Ave (RSVP to 860-285-1839).
  • Shad Derby events: parking restrictions on parade day; follow-up on public comment issues with police and property manager.

Discussion Items (New Business)

  • 12A: Public Hearing – Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program – Motion passed 9-0 to set a public hearing for June 2, 2025 at 7:20 PM to receive applications for the state tax credit program. Nonprofits must submit by May 21.
  • 12B: Board of Education Teachers Union Contract – The council took no action; the contract will be treated as ratified after 30 days. No motion to reject was made.
  • 12C: Emergency Management Performance Grant – Authorized acceptance of up to $14,726.50 from the state. Motion passed 9-0.
  • 12D: Cybersecurity Grant Application – Authorized submission for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program for cloud backup storage. Total project cost $51,847, reimbursement requested $41,477 (80%). Application due May 12. Motion passed 9-0.
  • 12E & 12F: Ordinance Amending Property Tax Relief for Elderly/Disabled Homeowners – First reading waived; ordinance introduced to increase the local match from 100% to 150% and set a public hearing for May 19, 2025 at 7:20 PM. Currently 432 participants, program cost would increase from $434,000 to $565,000. Motion to introduce and set hearing passed 9-0.

Resignations and Appointments

  • Resignation of Catherine Grimshaw Parker from the Windsor Arts Commission accepted unanimously (9-0).

Approval of Minutes

  • Minutes from April meetings (April 7, 9, 21, 23, 28) approved unanimously (9-0).

Key Outcomes

  • Two proclamations issued (Small Business Week, Older Americans Month).
  • Public hearing set for June 2 on Neighborhood Assistance Act applications.
  • Emergency management grant ($14,726.50) accepted.
  • Cybersecurity grant application authorized (up to $41,477 reimbursement).
  • Ordinance introduced to increase elderly/disabled tax credit match to 150%; public hearing set for May 19.
  • Teachers union contract allowed to take effect without council rejection.
  • All votes were unanimous (9-0) except where noted (no opposition recorded).
  • The council urged residents to vote in the May 13 budget referendum and to attend budget forums.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the town council meeting for May 5th, 2025. Um, all counselors are here, so that will suffice as our roll call, and we'll move to items two and three on our agenda. The prayer and or reflection by Council King, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Counselor King. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, just a quick reflection today as we are getting ready to have budget resolutions and budget referendums. Um I was reflecting about this when we were thinking about uh education and the cost of education, and this was a speech from Ulysses S. Grant, a very um successful Republican president in Des Moines, 1875. Let us all labor to resolve that either state or nation or both combined shall support institutions of learning sufficient to afford every child growing up in the land the opportunity of a good common school education. So the more things change the more they stay the same. And with that, let's do a bunch of them. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the Republican for which one nation indivisible with liberty. Thank you, Councillor King. And good evening to everyone who has joined us online and also here in the town hall chamber. This evening we do have two proclamations, and we'll begin our proclamations and awards. Um Councillor Naeem will be presenting the Small Business Week in Windsor proclamation. Counselor Knight. All right, and I'll go ahead and read this proclamation. I know we've got someone here to a couple people maybe here to accept it. So uh proclamation designating May 4th, 2025 to May 10th, 2025 as Small Business Week in Windsor. Whereas from storefront shops, restaurants, and personal services in downtowns and neighborhood commercial villages to high-tech firms that keep America on the cutting edge, small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstone of our nation's promise. And whereas small business owners and main street business have energy and a passion for what they do. And whereas when we support small business, jobs are created and local communities preserve their unique culture. And whereas because this country's 33 million small businesses create nearly two out of three net new jobs in our economy, we cannot resolve ourselves to create jobs and spur economic growth in America without discussing ways to support our entrepreneurs. And whereas Windsor is enhancing its entrepreneurial ecosystem by partnering with First Town Downtown, the Chamber of Commerce, Windsor Arts Center, and Creative Businesses, Windsor Public Library, and its makerspace, Connecticut Small Business Development Center, Windsor Works, the Collective Space, Regis, and Small Business Financing Entities. And whereas the town of Windsor supports and joins in this national effort to help America's small businesses do what they do best, grow their business, create jobs, and ensure that our communities remain as vibrant tomorrow as they are today. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor of the town of Windsor that the week of May 4th, 2000 2025, and May 10th, 2025, we recognize as Small Business Week in Windsor. Signed Nishette Black Burke, Mayor of Windsor, May 5th, 2025. Madam Mayor, would you like to like go to the why do we have to go there? Yes. I'll let you share who's here. Absolutely. Thank you. Can I say a few words? Absolutely. Oh, yes. Good evening, everyone. Thank you very much for this proclamation. I have uh some representatives of our small business community here today. We have uh Ashley Lungren of Salt's Eclectic Uh Cuisine. Mary Kate Thompson from Edward Jones Investments. We have Bert Smith and Amy Weiss from House of Books and Themes. Uh we have Anissa Tysh from Windsor Works. And look at this, how many women business owners right here in the house? Fantastic. And so during the course of this week, we'll be highlighting uh the the week on social media. We'll highlight a few of the businesses and especially the resources that are available to small business owners in the community each day on social media. This Thursday at 4 p.m. at Dudley Town Brewing Company is the grand opening of Salt's Eclectic Cuisine. So congratulations on that.

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