Windsor Town Council Votes to Turn Off Flock ALPRs, Approves Bond Ordinances - February 17, 2026
Windsor Town Council Meeting - February 17, 2026
The Windsor Town Council held a regular hybrid meeting on February 17, 2026, at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting featured extensive public comment on automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) and police department matters, followed by council debate and a vote to discontinue the use of Flock ALPRs. The council also introduced and approved several bond ordinances for capital improvement projects, including HVAC upgrades and restroom renovations at L.P. Wilson Community Center, and approved a study for Poquonock School's boiler and HVAC systems.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Deacon Art Miller (longtime Windsor resident and 2021 Citizen of the Year) expressed strong opposition to Flock cameras, stating they were installed without resident knowledge or council approval and that data has been accessed by entities beyond Connecticut. He asked for review, suspension, and eventual removal.
- Jeremy Hallig (1890 Poquonock Avenue) expressed support for license plate readers, stating they help law enforcement solve crimes and should remain.
- Patrick Dowd (418 River Street) raised serious concerns about the Windsor Police Department, detailing 16 instances of retaliation, hiring of candidates with integrity issues, and understaffing. He urged immediate action.
- Ken Ehrman (428 Broad Street) opposed Flock, citing lack of control over data shared with third parties, potential for misuse, and the fact that camera locations are publicly known. He called for ending the Flock relationship.
- Paul Cipriano (42 Preston Street) opposed Flock, expressing concern that federal government could pressure the company to release data.
- Multiple speakers (including Steve McKay, a former Connecticut State Trooper; Joel Herman, a U.S. Army veteran; Charles Button; Beth Caruso; Angela Belfort Franklin; James Shabbat Weingar; Christina Santos; Eric Weiner; Dan Piper; Pat Healy; and Charles Windsor Jackson III) spoke against Flock cameras, citing privacy violations, Fourth Amendment concerns, AI-enabled mass surveillance, and risks of data being shared with ICE or other agencies. A few also spoke in support of Windsor Police while opposing Flock.
- Debbie Sampson (604 Stone Road) expressed support for Windsor Police and deep concern about hiring candidates who failed background checks.
- Laura Cipriano (42 Preston Street, during second public comment) asked the council to commit to not allowing a federal detainment facility in Windsor.
Reports of Appointed Boards & Commissions
- Public Building Commission (presented by Milo Peck): Provided updates on multiple capital projects, including L.P. Wilson restroom renovations (construction over summer break), Veterans Pool renovations (conceptual design), Clover Street School restroom code compliance completed, studies underway at Milo Peck School, Main Public Library, and Wilson Public Library, Poquonock School boiler/HVAC assessment (engineering study selected), Welch Park Pool House project nearing completion, and L.P. Wilson HVAC Phase 3 (funding request introduced).
Town Manager's Report
- Peter Souza reported on upcoming public hearings for the Plan of Conservation and Development (February 24), veterans coffee hours (February 27), and encouraged residents to sign up for the Everbridge emergency notification system. He noted that the Town Improvements Committee will meet on February 23 to discuss the Broad Street traffic calming project, which has been revised to remove proposed roundabouts and modify existing traffic signals (pending DOT approval).
Discussion Items
- Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) – Flock Cameras (Item 12a, introduced by Councilor Armstrong): Councilor Naeem moved to direct the town manager to turn off Flock ALPRs and return with an alternative solution or contract meeting town policy. Councilor Eleveld moved to table the motion for two weeks to gather cost information on pausing/terminating the contract; that motion failed on a voice vote (3 in favor, opposed?). The main motion then passed 8-1-0 (Councilor Eleveld opposed). Prior to the vote, council discussed concerns about the company Flock, data privacy, and the impact on police operations. Town Manager Souza noted the contract auto-renews on June 9 unless canceled 30 days prior; cancellation would incur an $8,000 fee. Chief Melanson stated officers would be disheartened by removal. The final motion passed 8-1.
- LP Wilson Community Center HVAC Improvements Phase 3 Bond (Items 12b-12c): The council waived reading, introduced a $2,820,000 bond ordinance, and set a Special Town Meeting for March 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM to approve the appropriation. Passed unanimously (9-0).
- Poquonock School Boiler and HVAC Assessment Project (Item 12d): The council approved a $55,000 appropriation from the Capital Projects Fund for an engineering study, referred to the Public Building Commission. Passed unanimously.
- LP Wilson Main Hallway Restrooms Renovation Bond (Items 12e-12f): The council waived reading, introduced an $885,000 bond ordinance, and set a Public Hearing for March 2, 2026 at 7:20 PM. Passed unanimously.
- Settlement of Boglisch vs. Town of Windsor (Item 12g): The council voted to move this item to Executive Session (Item 16b). Passed unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Motion to turn off Flock ALPRs: Passed 8-1 (Councilor Eleveld opposed). The town manager is directed to cease use of the cameras and report back with an alternative solution or contract adhering to town policy.
- Introduction of $2,820,000 bond for LP Wilson HVAC Phase 3: Passed 9-0. A Special Town Meeting is set for March 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM.
- Appropriation of $55,000 for Poquonock School Boiler/HVAC Assessment: Passed 9-0.
- Introduction of $885,000 bond for LP Wilson restroom renovation: Passed 9-0. A Public Hearing is set for March 2, 2026 at 7:20 PM.
- Approval of minutes from February 2, 2026 meetings: Passed 9-0.
- Resignations/Appointments: No action needed; a list of proposed appointments was included in the packet for future consideration.
- Executive Session entered at approximately 10:00 PM to discuss pending litigation (Boglisch vs. Town of Windsor).
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. Good evening, and welcome to the town council meeting for February 17th, 2026. Councillor King will be joining us momentarily, but all of the counselors are here. And this evening, our prayer andor reflection, and the Pledge of Allegiance will be done by Deputy Mayor Claese. Say hey book, money potseo, which in South Korean means that I hope you receive lots of blessings in the new year. We are in the season of the lunar new year, a time that is all about thank you, renewal, fresh beginnings, and hope for what lies ahead. It's the year of the horse, the fire horse. It's a moment to reflect in the past year and what to think about and to think about how we want to move forward together. This year is also personally meaningful to me. It is the year of the firehouse firehouse horse, my sign. The fire horse represents energy, resilience, determination, and a strong spirit. Qualities that remind me very much of our Windsor community. A thriving town like a strong horse moves forward because of the steady efforts of many. Residents, volunteers, staff, and leaders, all working together with purpose and strength. And like fire, our community comes with comes from the spark of ideas, the warmth of neighbors helping neighbors, and the light we create when we choose collaboration over divert over division. The lunar new year year reminds us that every cycle brings an opportunity, an opportunity to recommit ourselves to service, to listen with open minds, and to build a future that reflects the best of who we are. As we begin tonight's work, may we carry that spirit with us a sense of renewal, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to move forward together for the good for all. Thank you. And now let's stand together for the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. This evening we do not have any proclamations or awards. And so we'll move to item number five on our agenda, 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 state and I will turn this over to our moderator, Scott Coby, assistant town manager. Thank you, Madam Mayor. If there's 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 in 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 are 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 for clear communication. We ask that you do not place the call on speakerphone. And at this time, Madam Mayor, we do have one uh individual with their hand raised. To our first caller, you are now unmuted. Good evening, members of the council. My name is Deacon Art Miller, and I've had the privilege of calling Windsor home for more than three decades. My wife and I built our lives here. We raised our children in this town. They went through our winter schools, graduated from our local programs, and learned what it means to belong to a caring community. In 2021, I was honored to be named Windsor's Citizen of the Year. A recognition that reminded me how deeply rooted my family and I are in the life of this town. Cameras, automated license plate readers have been operating in Windsor since 2022. They were installed without the knowledge or consent of most residents. And from what I understand, without approval from this council. Those cameras capture license plates and law movement, who drives past, when and where. But behind every plate is a human story, a line. What troubles me most is that data gathered here in Windsor has not stayed here. Freedom of Information Act findings show that information from these cameras has been accessed by entities and agencies well beyond Connecticut. That is not local safety. That is a distant surveillance. And this is incredibly bothering.
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