The Windsor Town Council met on January 5, 2026, at 12:30 PM. The meeting began with a prayer, pledge of allegiance, and a proclamation honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The majority of public comments and discussion centered on the use of Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, with many residents urging a pause or removal. The council approved a policy governing the fixed ALPR data usage and security, introduced a stormwater bond ordinance, and tabled a resolution regarding the Highlands Conservation Act. Sixteen appointments to various boards and commissions were confirmed.
Good evening. Good evening and welcome to the town council meeting of January 5th, 2026. The councillors are here. I know that Councillor King will be joining us shortly. And items number two and three on our agenda is the prayer and or reflection and the pledge of allegiance, and that will be led by Councillor Elbow. Thank you, Madam Mayor. As last year comes to a close, God admonishes and wants us to pause and see how far we have come. You may not have noticed it, but God has been strengthening you and shaping you and carrying you through every high and low. As the Bible says in Isaiah, forget the former things, do not dwell upon the past. You do not need to drag old burdens into a new season. Release what hurt you, release what disappointed you, make room for what God is about to do. They are preparing new opportunities, new peace, new joy for you. What is ahead is greater than what is behind. Walk into this next season with confidence, knowing that God is going to going with you. God for the new year, please provide us with your divine guidance for us and our state and federal leaders, praying for peace amongst amidst global conflicts, justice, wisdom for decision making, unity, freedom, and the well-being being of nations, with calls for us and our leaders to act with humility and for citizens to engage constructively for bet for a better future, emphasizing themes of hope, strength, and purpose. Amen. Thank you, Councillor Ellibeld, for that prayer and reflection and the Pledge of Allegiance. This evening we do have a proclamation that we would like to present. It's a proclamation honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the formation of the United States. So, Deputy Mayor, do you want to join me? Sure. And the proclamation reads, honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the formation of the United States of America. Whereas the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence will occur on July 4th, 2026. And whereas Windsor, Connecticut, founded in 1633, has contributed proudly and significantly to the history of our nation and our state for more than 393 years. And whereas in 2016, the United States Congress established by joint resolution, the America 250 Commission to encourage observance of the 250 years of our nation's existence. And I practice this word, semi quincentennial commission with executive order 22-02, and the commission has determined its mission and purpose is to develop, encourage, and execute an inclusive celebration, commemoration, and observance of the 250th anniversary of the declaration of independence through civic cultural and historical education events and programming. And whereas the commission will help to enhance tourism, economic development, history, and civic education, historic preservation, and outdoor recreation within the state. And whereas preserving, studying, and enjoying the state history strengthens communities, builds pride, forges bonds between Connecticut residents as we work toward the goal of equality and recognition of the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And whereas it is appropriate that the town of Windsor engages fully with its past and looks toward a shared future. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and the Windsor Town Council that Windsor residents are encouraged to engage in commemorative activities leading up to July 4th, 2026, and through the end of 2026, and take advantage of the resources available from the America 250 Commission, the Connecticut semi-quincentennial commission, and the Windsor CT 250 Committee to observe the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the formation of the United States of America. Windsor will do its best to uplift support and generate commemorative opportunities during this time. Signed Nishette Lack Burke, Mayor of Windsor, January 5th, 2026. And at this time, I'm going to ask Carrie Taylor from the Windsor Historical Society, along with members of the 250 committee, to please join the Deputy Mayor and I appear. We want to present this to you. And can we give them a round of applause as they come? And I don't know, Carrie, do you want to say anything? Do you want to say anything? Oh, we'll give this to you first, and then we'll hold it while you talk about the network. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Um thank you so much, Mayor, and uh members of town council. Um 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and we appreciate the council's support and the town support in this year. It's wonderful that um here in the town of Windsor that here locally that we're going to be part of this um commemoration of this national anniversary with different events here. Um part of uh not only uh the town's history, but the state history here in Connecticut is very rich and varied, um, with lots of uh local history and local cultural um uh cultural events that uh really is what makes up our nation's history, and I think throughout this year you'll be seeing um some of our cherished um events, cultural events and traditions here in Windsor are going to be part of this um great anniversary, and I think we encourage everyone to check out the events that we'll be offering throughout town throughout 2026. So thank you very much for um this recognition and encouraging everyone in town to be part of this national event here in Windsor. Thank you. You're gonna have great things. All right, we can just go. Thank you so much.