Windsor Town Council Meeting: May 19, 2025 – Property Tax Relief Ordinance, Proclamations, and Fiscal Actions
Windsor Town Council Meeting: May 19, 2025 – Property Tax Relief Ordinance, Proclamations, and Fiscal Actions
The Windsor Town Council held a public hearing and regular meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 7:20 PM in Council Chambers (275 Broad Street) and via Zoom. The public hearing addressed an ordinance amending property tax relief for elderly and/or disabled homeowners. The regular meeting followed at 7:30 PM, featuring proclamations, public comments, council communications, reports from appointed boards and commissions, the town manager's report, and several votes including setting the mill rate and approving easements.
Public Hearing (7:20 PM – 7:30 PM)
- The council opened a public hearing for an ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE XVII, PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR ELDERLY AND/OR DISABLED HOMEOWNERS." No public testimony was offered during the hearing. The hearing was closed after the call for comments.
Proclamations/Awards
- Public Works Week (May 18–24, 2025): Proclaimed by Mayor and Town Council; John Marks (Mechanic Crew Leader) accepted on behalf of Public Works, inviting residents to an open house on Thursday, May 22, 2025, 3–6 PM at 99 Day Hill Road.
- Historic Preservation Month (May 2025): Proclaimed; Janet Ellsworth of the Oliver Ellsworth Homestead accepted, noting the Homestead recently received a National Award for historic preservation and thanking the town for a grant.
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May 2025): Proclaimed; presented by Councilor Naeem and Deputy Mayor, emphasizing solidarity against racism and contributions of the AAPI community.
Public Comments & Testimony
- First Public Comment Period (during regular meeting): Susan Miller (130 Palisado Ave) spoke on behalf of Windsor Climate Action, inviting council and public to an event on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6:30 PM in chambers featuring Vanessa Brown from Anthro Climate Consulting discussing health impacts of climate change, extreme heat, and air pollution.
- Second Public Comment Period (end of meeting): No speakers came forward.
Council Communications
- Councilors thanked voters for passing the budget referendum, praised the Shad Derby parade and community turnout, highlighted the upcoming Memorial Day parade (Monday, May 26), emphasized the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) focus groups, encouraged support for local small businesses, recognized volunteer firefighters and their families, and reminded residents about mental health resources (988 crisis lifeline) and the "Minds Matter" campaign.
Reports of Appointed Boards and Commissions
- Public Building Commission (Rich Hazleton): Provided updates on multiple capital projects: Wilson Fire Station roof – 100% complete; Oliver Ellsworth School humidity mitigation – completed, awaiting final inspection; Sage Park Middle School roof phase 2 – 100% complete; LP Wilson HVAC renovations phase 1 and 2 – ongoing, expected completion by end of July; LP Wilson HVAC project – bids approved, construction June–mid-August; Welch Park Pool House renovations – completed, final inspection scheduled for this week, pool expected to open end of May.
- Fair Rent Commission (Charles Jackson): Reported that over the last five years, all rent complaints (from Williamsburg, Rivers Bend, Deerfield apartments) were resolved without hearings. The commission held two organizational meetings in 2025, including training with Connecticut Legal Services and the CT Fair Housing Center. New members were oriented; a mock hearing was conducted. Councilors commended the revitalization of the commission and emphasized its availability to all renters.
Town Manager's Report (Mr. Sousa)
- Memorial Day observances: Elm Grove Cemetery ceremony at 8 AM, parade at 9 AM at Town Hall; rain plan: single ceremony at 10 AM in chambers.
- Health Department: QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training on May 20 at 6 PM at LP Wilson Community Center. Call 860-285-1824 for info. Also, 211 and prevent-suicide-ct.org resources.
- Public Works open house: May 22, 3–6 PM, rain or shine.
- POCD focus group on transportation: Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 PM; additional focus groups on open space/sustainability planned later in spring. QR code from Shad Derby float received 38 hits; photo booth 25 hits.
- Dog licensing month: "Wind Wag" photo contest voting open until May 30; winners announced June 3. June is dog license renewal month.
- Residential repaving: Phase 1 begins June 24 (weather permitting) includes streets in town center; some projects fully reimbursed by MDC (Upper Broad Street, Brown Avenue, Phelps, Prospect).
- Emergency radio system: Windsor partnering with East Windsor to share communications towers; East Windsor secured state funding; proposed interlocal agreement to be brought to council and Health & Safety Committee in June.
- DOMS Broad Street Eatery: Nominated as CT's best breakfast; voting open until 11:30 PM tonight on WFSB.com. Councilors encouraged votes.
Discussion Items
- Ordinance Amendment – Property Tax Relief for Elderly/Disabled Homeowners: Mr. Sousa explained the ordinance increases existing benefits (tiered by income) using $130,000 in additional budget funds. Income limits are indexed to state changes (current max $62,200). Examples: bracket $55k–$62k receives $800 (up from $550); bracket $38k–$45k receives $1,250 (up $250). No change to income limits. Councilor Elbelt moved to amend the lowest income tier (0–$22,700) from 100% to 150% plus $125 (single and married), estimated cost $9,000, to be taken from rainy day fund. Discussion ensued about needing more analysis, impact on average vs. random house, and precedent. Councilor Naeem suggested sending to Finance Committee for further review. The amendment failed on a voice vote (no tally provided). The original ordinance then passed 9-0.
- Setting Mill Rate: Motion to set mill rate at 28.45 mills for FY 2026 (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026) for real estate, personal property, and motor vehicles, reflecting October 2023 reevaluation with two-year phase-in; total estimated net taxable grand list $4,552,393,190. Passed 9-0.
- Suspense Tax Book Transfer: Motion to transfer $399,186.41 in uncollectible motor vehicle, supplemental, and personal property taxes from FY 2021 and one account from FY 2020 to the suspense tax list. Various collection methods pursued. Passed 9-0.
- Acceptance of Easements at 150 Broad Street: Motion to accept an electric utility easement and pedestrian right-of-way easement at 150 Broad Street (Founders Square – 120-unit mixed-use development). Town Engineer Suzanne Chope explained the easements allow a relocated street light connection and public pedestrian access across the property, with the developer maintaining the sidewalk and bearing liability. There is no cost to the town. An 8-24 review will occur at Planning & Zoning Commission meeting May 20. Passed 9-0.
- Minutes: Approved minutes of April 30, 2025 special meeting and May 5, 2025 regular meeting. Passed 9-0.
- Resignations and Appointments: List of names submitted for consideration; vote postponed to next meeting.
- Executive Session: Motion to enter executive session for discussion of selection of a site or purchase of real estate. Approved. Meeting adjourned to executive session (closed to public).
Key Outcomes
- The ordinance amending property tax relief for elderly/disabled homeowners (increasing benefits) was approved 9-0 after an amendment to further increase the lowest income tier failed (vote not recorded by name but failed on voice vote).
- The mill rate for FY 2026 was set at 28.45 mills, reflecting the second year of the 2023 revaluation.
- Uncollectible taxes totaling $399,186.41 were transferred to the suspense tax book.
- Two easements (electric utility and pedestrian right-of-way) at 150 Broad Street were accepted; developer maintains the sidewalk and assumes liability.
- Minutes of April 30 and May 5 meetings were approved.
- The council moved into executive session for real estate discussion.
- The next step: the Finance Committee will review potential further adjustments to the senior/disabled tax relief program for next fiscal year.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. The time is now that was my feedback, excuse me. Good evening. The time is now seven twenty PM. And welcome to the public hearing of May nineteenth, twenty twenty-five. And before I begin, I would like to read the public notice. Notice is 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 Monday, May 19th, 2025, at 720 PM prevailing time to hear public comment on the following items. To hear public comment on an ordinance entitled and ordinance amending chapter five. Always a trick question. With the notice being read, the public hearing is now open, and I will now turn this over to our moderator, IT Director, Frank Angelo, who will provide the instructions. And if there's anyone here who would like to address the council, participate in our public hearing, please step forward, state your name and address. Good evening and welcome to the May 19th, 2025 Windsor Town Council meeting. All of our counselors are accounted for, so that will be our roll call. Items number two and three on our agenda are the prayer and or reflection by our deputy mayor Clace and the Allegiance also by Deputy Mayor Clace. Deputy Mayor. Thank you. Good evening to those in the audience. Thank you for attending. I'm going to read a reflection. As we approach Memorial Day and honor those who have gave their lives in service to our country, their sacrifice remind us of the power of community, the value of service, and our shared responsibility to care for one another. The wonderful town staff, volunteers, neighbors, and our diverse communities all bring something vital to the life of this town. Let's reflect on the importance of honoring one another, not just during prop proclamations or special observances, but in the everyday ways we show respect, kindness, and appreciation. May the town council continue to lead, support policies, and collaborate to create a community where belonging and safety isn't just a goal, it's a lived experience. Let's continue to show up for one another in word and action and in spirit, so everyone has the space to thrive. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. This evening we have three proclamations, and uh during this portion of our meeting, we will ask that um those who are receiving the proclamations at the conclusion of the reading, we would ask that you step forward. We do want to take a picture with you. Yes, it will probably end up on social media if Mr. McMahon is here. Thank you for that, Mr. McMahon. So we'll begin with uh the proclamation designating May 18th through May 24th as Public Works Week in Windsor. Uh this evening, I'm going to invite uh Counselor Glock Hoffman to present this proclamation with me, followed by the proclamation designating May as Historic Preservation Month. And that will be presented by Councillor Armstrong, and then lastly a proclamation proclaiming May twenty twenty-five as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and that will be presented by Councillor Naeem and our Deputy Mayor. And whereas the efficiency of the qualified and dedicated personnel who staff public works departments is considerably influenced by the community's attitude and understanding of the importance of the work they perform. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and the Windsor Town Council that May 18th, 2025 through May 24th, 2025, be declared as National Public Works Week in the Town of Windsor, and that citizens and civic organizations of the town of Windsor acquaint themselves with the issues involved in providing our public work support and to recognize their contributions, which publicly, excuse me, which public works personnel make every day to our health, safety, comfort, and quality of life. Signed Neshet Black Burke, Mayor of Windsor, May 19th, 2025. And we're going to invite John Marks, the mechanic crew leader to come and receive this award on behalf of the council. Can we give them a round of applause? On behalf of uh everyone from the public works department, I'd like to thank uh Madam Mayor and uh the esteemed counselors for this recognition and your continued support throughout the year of our uh efforts on behalf of the uh town of Windsor to maintain services for all the residents. I'd also like to invite all of you and any residents of the town this Thursday, uh, 3 to 6 p.m. We're having the open house, 99 Day Hill Road at the Public Works Facility. So if anyone wants to come and see what we do, the equipment we use, uh, ask questions, get a tour, sit in a plow truck. Uh still be having, I believe, light refreshment as well. So please uh come on up and see what we do. Thank you. Thank you. And John, if you have to step this way, all the counselors would like to shake your hand. Thank you. Make it easier for you.
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