OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Windsor Town Council Regular Meeting and Public Hearing - June 2, 2025

Town Council & Planning and Zoning — Monday, June 2, 2025
BodyWindsor, Connecticut
SessionTown Council & Planning and Zoning
DateMonday, June 2, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:30:28

Transcript — Verbatim
1:44

Good evening.

1:46

The time is now seven twenty PM, and welcome to the public hearing of June second, twenty twenty-five.

1:52

And before I open it, I would like to read the public notice.

1:55

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, June second, twenty twenty five, at seven twenty PM prevailing time to hear public comment on the following items.

12:03

Good evening and welcome to the June second, twenty twenty five meeting of the Windsor Town Council.

12:09

All counselors are here, and that will serve as our roll call for item number one, and we'll move to items two and three on our agenda, uh, the prayer and or reflection, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by Councillor Naeem.

12:24

Thank you so much.

12:25

Um short reflection tonight, um, especially on this month.

12:30

So June is a big month of celebration and remembrance.

12:34

Uh it's both Pride Month and National Caribbean American Heritage Month, and it is also the month that we observe Juneteenth.

12:43

Uh, each of these things reminding us of the ongoing struggle for equity and the importance of standing together for justice, dignity, and inclusion.

12:53

Uh, I I hope that our work at this table uh continues to honor those ideals and helps ensure that everyone in our community feels valued, safe and sane.

13:25

Thank you, Councillor Naeem.

13:28

This evening we do have a proclamation declaring the month of June twenty twenty-five as National Caribbean American Heritage Month.

13:37

Council Walker.

14:00

Whereas National Caribbean American Heritage Month is the time we acknowledge the significant way Caribbean Americans have shaped our culture and heritage.

15:00

And whereas we acknowledge the contributions of the migrant farm workers who travel here annually to work the fields and farms, providing food, tobacco, and goods that contribute to the economy of the town of Windsor, other towns, and the state.

15:15

And whereas in 2004, an official campaign for June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month was initiated, and a proclamation making the resolution official was signed by the President George Bush on June 5th, 2006.

15:32

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and the Windsor Town Council that the Town of Windsor declares the month of June 2025 as National Caribbean American Heritage Month as we pay tribute to every Caribbean American for all they have done to improve and celebrate this town.

15:50

Signed Michette Blackberg, Mayor of Windsor, June 2nd, 2025.

16:10

Thank you, Councillor Walker.

16:13

Thank you.

16:14

Next, we move to item number five in our agenda, which is public communications and petitions.

16:20

If anyone from the public would like to address the council, you'll be given three minutes to speak.

16:26

Please state your name and address.

16:27

And I will turn this over to our moderator, Scott Coby, our assistant town manager.

16:32

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

16:33

If there is anyone from the public who is virtual this evening and 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.

16:44

You'll be given three minutes to speak.

16:46

Please state your name and address when you were called on.

16:48

You'll be prompted that you are now unmuted.

16:50

For those dialing in by phone, once prompted, you will then press star six to unmute.

16:54

And for clear communication, we ask that you do not place the call on speaker phone.

16:59

At this time, Madam Mayor, we have no virtual attendees with our hand raised.

17:03

Thank you, Mr.

17:04

Covey.

17:05

So we'll move back to the town hall chamber.

17:07

Again, if you would like to address the council, we do ask that you step forward to the table, state your name and address.

17:13

You will be given three minutes to speak.

17:14

And at the sound of the chime, we would ask that you conclude your comments.

17:36

George Slate 74 Ethan Drive.

17:41

Uh regarding senior tax relief for the benefit of our some of our most vulnerable citizens.

17:47

I wish that were the topic that I'd be talking to you about tonight.

17:51

Instead, uh I hope to voice as best I can the dire circumstances that over a thousand of Windsor's residents will face soon, the loss of their medical insurance as a result of the budget reconciliation bill that the House recently passed and which is now in the Senate.

18:12

How'd I come up with a thousand?

18:14

CBO scored the bill and concludes that 13.5 million will lose medical insurance coverage.

18:20

U.S.

18:21

population is about 342 million.

18:24

Take that ratio times 30,000 Windsor residents, and you get 1,184.

18:31

That's where the thousand comes from.

18:34

So why do I raise this topic tonight?

18:36

First, the recent headline, and I don't subscribe to the current, but we get the electronic version of the headlines about Senator Murphy.

18:45

On ninth walk across Connecticut, U.S.

18:48

Senator Murphy encounters something new.

18:51

Intense fear.

18:58

Second, in doing research to prepare to talk to you tonight, I came across a listing of the effective dates of several of the provisions in the bill that the uh our citizens will face.

19:11

And several or many of them are on date of enactment.

19:15

Third, the bill in some form with the punishing provisions in the House bill has to be enacted because of the absolute necessity of extending the debt ceiling in late July or early August.

19:31

Fourth, in doing my research, I came across I came away shell-shocked, literally.

19:38

And although I will not be personally, I won't be obliterated by the punishing provisions of this bill.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████████24%
Affordable Housing███████████11%
Community Engagement█████████9%
Public Engagement█████████9%
Economic Development████████8%
Public Safety███████7%
Education and Youth██████6%
Parks and Recreation██████6%
Public Health████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Windsor Town Council Regular Meeting and Public Hearing - June 2, 2025

The Windsor Town Council held a public hearing and regular meeting on June 2, 2025, at Windsor Town Hall. The public hearing began at 7:20 PM to hear comments on applications for the Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program. The regular meeting commenced at 7:30 PM and included proclamations, public comments, reports from boards and the town manager, and several resolutions and appointments.

Proclamations & Awards

  • The council declared June 2025 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month in Windsor, recognizing contributions of Caribbean Americans and migrant farm workers. The proclamation was read by Councilor Walker.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • George Slate (74 Ethan Drive) spoke about the potential impact of the federal budget reconciliation bill on Windsor residents. He cited a Congressional Budget Office estimate that 13.5 million people nationwide would lose medical insurance coverage, projecting that approximately 1,184 Windsor residents could be affected. He urged the community to prepare for the consequences of cuts to programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, rental assistance, and child tax credits, and called on the town to support vulnerable residents.
  • Charles Jackson (constable) raised concerns about commercial vehicle violations in town, including parking on residential streets and on Wilson Avenue. He noted that vehicles over 24 feet are difficult to enforce and that current fines are equivalent to parking lot fees, discouraging compliance. He also reported vehicles with expired or illegal plates and requested that the council review ordinances and consider increasing fines.

Communications from Council Members

  • Council members shared community updates: congratulating Windsor High School seniors, reminding about the June 6th event at the Senior Center on African American family history, promoting the "flocking" fundraiser for Project Graduation, wishing a happy birthday to the Deputy Mayor, recognizing volunteers at the annual breakfast, and noting the upcoming Battle of the Badges softball game on July 19th (Windsor Volunteer Fire Department vs. Bloomfield Fire Department).

Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

  • Board of Education (Secretary Lockhart): Reported that Windsor High School graduation will be June 10, 2025 at 6:30 PM at the Bushnell; the last day of school is June 9th. Announced paraeducator of the year (Danielle Franklin) and teacher of the year (Elinor Lloyd). Unveiled Windsor's first mobile classroom to provide academic support in neighborhoods. Listed colleges where 16 seniors signed for athletics. Reported music department awards from a festival in New Jersey. Art purchase prize winners were announced. The final board meeting will be June 17, 2025.
  • Historic District Commission: Not present.

Town Manager's Report (Peter Sousa)

  • Reminder of the Plan of Conservation and Development workshop on June 4th at 6:30 PM.
  • MDC construction on Deerfield Road near I-291 will cause overnight detours through June.
  • Gosley and Welch Pools open June 16th; pool passes available through the Recreation Department.
  • Summer camp programs and Northwest Park activities are starting.
  • Conservation Commission bird photography contest: voting is open.
  • VA outreach clinic will be at LP Wilson on June 6th and 20th.
  • Triple-A credit rating reaffirmed by Standard & Poor's; $5.4 million in general obligation bonds will be issued June 10th for 10-year terms.

Discussion Items

  • 12A – Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program: The council approved a resolution authorizing applications from three organizations: Madina Academy ($150,000 for energy efficiency upgrades), Archer Memorial AME Zion Church ($36,600 for energy efficiency upgrades), and the Oliver Benoit Foundation ($90,000 for personal care packages for homeless and sheltered residents). The program allows corporations to receive tax credits for donations to approved nonprofits and municipalities. Motion passed 9-0.
  • 12B – Community Investment Fund Grant for Affordable Housing Study: The council approved a resolution to submit a $250,000 planning grant application to the Department of Economic and Community Development for a feasibility study on developing affordable senior and disabled housing on the 4.47-acre Fitch property at Mack Street and Bloomfield Avenue (currently used for ball fields). The town would provide a $25,000 local match. The study would include surveys, environmental review, conceptual plans, market analysis, and community engagement. Potential relocation of little league fields would be evaluated. Motion passed 9-0.
  • 12C – Public Hearing for Sidewalk on Prospect Hill Road: The council voted to set a public hearing on June 16, 2025 at 7:20 PM to consider constructing a five-foot concrete sidewalk along Prospect Hill Road from Wood Duck Farm Road to Day Hill Road. The state will fund 100% of construction through the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTSIP); the town will contribute approximately $20,000 for design. The sidewalk would connect existing segments. Motion passed 8-0-1 (one abstention).

Resignations and Appointments

  • The council approved a slate of appointments and reappointments to various boards and commissions, including: Mike Duvell (Conservation Commission, Housing Code Board of Appeals), Milo Peck (Public Building Commission), Stephen Frazier (Inland Wetlands), Alfred Tangway (Greater Hartford Transit District), Donald Trinks (Windsor Housing Authority), Christina Crossett (Arts Commission), Caitlin Walsh (Library Advisory Board), Matthew Hellman (Youth Commission), Andrea Olsen (Zoning Board of Appeals and Historic District Commission as alternate), Marva Douglas Wilkes (Commission on Aging), and Marco Romero (Youth Commission). Motion passed 9-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved applications for the Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program (9-0).
  • Authorized submission of a Community Investment Fund grant for an affordable housing feasibility study (9-0).
  • Set a public hearing for June 16, 2025 on the proposed Prospect Hill Road sidewalk (8-0-1).
  • Approved all appointments and reappointments listed (9-0).
  • Approved minutes of the May 19, 2025 public hearing and regular meeting (9-0).
  • Triple-A credit rating reaffirmed; bond issuance planned for June 10, 2025.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. The time is now seven twenty PM, and welcome to the public hearing of June second, twenty twenty-five. And before I open it, 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, June second, twenty twenty five, at seven twenty PM prevailing time to hear public comment on the following items. Good evening and welcome to the June second, twenty twenty five meeting of the Windsor Town Council. All counselors are here, and that will serve as our roll call for item number one, and we'll move to items two and three on our agenda, uh, the prayer and or reflection, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by Councillor Naeem. Thank you so much. Um short reflection tonight, um, especially on this month. So June is a big month of celebration and remembrance. Uh it's both Pride Month and National Caribbean American Heritage Month, and it is also the month that we observe Juneteenth. Uh, each of these things reminding us of the ongoing struggle for equity and the importance of standing together for justice, dignity, and inclusion. Uh, I I hope that our work at this table uh continues to honor those ideals and helps ensure that everyone in our community feels valued, safe and sane. Thank you, Councillor Naeem. This evening we do have a proclamation declaring the month of June twenty twenty-five as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. Council Walker. Whereas National Caribbean American Heritage Month is the time we acknowledge the significant way Caribbean Americans have shaped our culture and heritage. And whereas we acknowledge the contributions of the migrant farm workers who travel here annually to work the fields and farms, providing food, tobacco, and goods that contribute to the economy of the town of Windsor, other towns, and the state. And whereas in 2004, an official campaign for June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month was initiated, and a proclamation making the resolution official was signed by the President George Bush on June 5th, 2006. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and the Windsor Town Council that the Town of Windsor declares the month of June 2025 as National Caribbean American Heritage Month as we pay tribute to every Caribbean American for all they have done to improve and celebrate this town. Signed Michette Blackberg, Mayor of Windsor, June 2nd, 2025. Thank you, Councillor Walker. Thank you. Next, we move to item number five in our agenda, which is public communications and petitions. If anyone from the public would like to address the council, you'll be given three minutes to speak. Please state your name and address. And I will turn this over to our moderator, Scott Coby, our assistant town manager. Thank you, Madam Mayor. If there is anyone from the public who is virtual this evening and 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 were called on. You'll be prompted that you are now unmuted. For those dialing in by phone, once prompted, you will then press star six to unmute. And for clear communication, we ask that you do not place the call on speaker phone. At this time, Madam Mayor, we have no virtual attendees with our hand raised. Thank you, Mr. Covey. So we'll move back to the town hall chamber. Again, if you would like to address the council, we do ask that you step forward to the table, state your name and address. You will be given three minutes to speak. And at the sound of the chime, we would ask that you conclude your comments. George Slate 74 Ethan Drive. Uh regarding senior tax relief for the benefit of our some of our most vulnerable citizens. I wish that were the topic that I'd be talking to you about tonight. Instead, uh I hope to voice as best I can the dire circumstances that over a thousand of Windsor's residents will face soon, the loss of their medical insurance as a result of the budget reconciliation bill that the House recently passed and which is now in the Senate. How'd I come up with a thousand? CBO scored the bill and concludes that 13.5 million will lose medical insurance coverage. U.S. population is about 342 million. Take that ratio times 30,000 Windsor residents, and you get 1,184. That's where the thousand comes from.

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