Windsor Town Council Meeting - May 4, 2026
Windsor Town Council Meeting - May 4, 2026
The Windsor Town Council met on May 4, 2026, at 12:30 PM (ET) to discuss proclamations, public comments, council communications, board of education updates, town manager reports, and new business including land acquisitions and state grant acceptance. The meeting featured significant debate over divisiveness in local politics, the upcoming budget referendum, and a proposed solar farm on Stone Road.
Proclamations & Awards
- Small Business Week (May 3–9, 2026) proclaimed by Mayor Nishette Lackburke. Economic Development Director Patrick McMahon accepted on behalf of local businesses and announced new businesses: Heart Space Wellness & Yoga (recent ribbon cutting) and Allie Scoop (ice cream shop opening behind The Beans).
- Older Americans Month (May 2026) proclaimed with theme "Champion Your Health." Stephanie Famiano accepted, inviting residents 55+ to visit the senior center.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Meg Harvey (37 Hobson Ave) spoke as a resident and board member of the Trap Rock Ridge Land Conservancy in favor of the town's proposed purchase of parcels on Wilson Ave, Garden Street, and Great Meadow Road. She urged that the land remain undeveloped open space for passive recreation, trail connectivity, and environmental protection.
- Mrs. Bologna (933 Stone Road) requested the council intervene on behalf of residents against the Verigee Solar Project ("Windsor Farm 2") before the Connecticut Siting Council. She cited deforestation of critical habitat and community concerns.
- Robert Bologna (933 Stone Road) opposed the five-megawatt solar farm on 965/999 Stone Road, stating it would negatively impact wildlife corridors and quality of life. He noted the state siting council has final jurisdiction over zoning and requested town assistance.
- David Fury (37 Lighthouse Hill Road) thanked the council for continued support of Windsor Robotics, reporting that the high school FIRST Robotics team (Team Paragon) achieved its best season in 25 years, winning all qualification and playoff matches in Hartford and qualifying for the world championship in Houston, where they placed 16th out of 74 teams in their division.
- George Slate (74 Ethan Drive) criticized the council's decision to abandon Flock license-plate reader technology, warning it could hinder police response in person-related crimes such as abductions. He later returned during second public comment to criticize the use of "Men Working" signs on town roads, calling them an anachronism and evidence of a hostile work environment.
- A brief comment expressed support for the Bolognas' opposition to tree removal for solar panels.
- Jeremy Halleck (1890 Pequonic Ave) thanked Councilor Elliveld for enabling a referendum on the road diet project. He expressed disappointment that Democratic councilors did not sign the petition and urged respect for the referendum outcome, also stating a failed budget vote should result in cuts, not increased spending.
- Charles Windsor Jackson III (26 Wilson Ave) reminded residents to vote on May 12 (likely the budget/referendum date).
- Judy Cook (16 Sage Park Road) criticized the divisiveness, particularly comments from Halleck, and expressed support for the road diet and traffic safety engineers.
Council Communications & Discussion
Multiple councilors addressed recent political divisiveness and misinformation surrounding the downtown road diet project and the April 15 special meeting.
- Councilor Durant expressed disappointment over council members using national-level political attacks in local debates and called for a council retreat to rebuild civility.
- Councilor Armstrong highlighted the Volunteer Fireman's Award luncheon and urged residents to vote.
- Councilor Pelkey raised concerns that volunteer firefighter numbers are insufficient and suggested the council consider one-time funds for recruitment. He also questioned organizations that benefit from tax dollars acting like political action committees.
- Councilor King (remote) agreed about misinformation spread by town-supported organizations and called for bipartisan civility, noting he had been personally attacked online.
- Councilor Elliveld emphasized that debate should be based on facts, not emotions, and noted the recent NSBA reception for Leonard Lockhart, who was elected president of the National School Boards Association.
- Councilor Gluck Hoffman voiced disappointment that individuals in their respective camps (not council members themselves) have engaged in mudslinging, and said using town-funded platforms for partisan attacks is unacceptable.
- Councilor Naeem clarified that two articles she posted (one from Texas, one from the AP) were factual news, not partisan attacks, and she aimed to discuss safety goals of the road diet. She wished mothers a happy Mother's Day.
- Mayor Lackburke noted the divisiveness traced back to the April 15 special meeting, which was called while several councilors were away on spring break. She stressed the need to maintain public trust and avoid procedural games.
Board of Education Report
Secretary Zoder reported:
- Community prom dress pop-up shop
- Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8)
- Windsor High School National Honor Society induction
- Music department earned top honors at Music in the Parks in Hershey, PA: Chamber Choir (1st place, Excellent), Gospel Choir (1st place, Excellent, plus outstanding accompanist award), Symphonic Band (1st place, Superior), Jazz Ensemble (2nd place, Excellent), Orchestra (1st place, Excellent).
- Seniors signing to play college athletics; graduation June 9 at Bushnell.
- Last school day June 15 for students, June 16 for teachers.
Councilor Elliveld raised concern that the Board of Education sent a text about the budget referendum to a subset of parents (via automated system), which he stated violates Public Act 9-3-69B (prohibiting use of school notification systems for referendum advocacy). He requested the BOE cease and desist. Councilors noted the state law and asked Secretary Zoder to relay to Dr. Haiti.
Councilor Pelkey requested more academic achievements in future reports. Councilor King noted that 92–93% of Windsor High School graduates who applied to UConn were accepted.
Town Manager Report
Peter Sousa announced:
- Community budget forums: May 5 at 6:30 PM (Pequonic Elementary), May 7 at 10 AM (Senior Center) and 6:30 PM (330 Windsor Ave).
- Absentee ballots available at Town Clerk's office; referendum date not stated but implied.
- June dog licensing and "Win Wag Photo Contest" (entries due May 14, voting May 18–31).
- Windsor Freedom Trail monument unveiling May 9 at 11 AM at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, followed by reception at Town Hall.
- Shad Derby Festival and Parade on May 16; street closures from 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Public Works Open House / Touch-a-Truck on May 21 at 99 Day Hill Road.
- State budget update: estimated $630,000–645,000 additional revenue for FY27, which could lower the tax rate.
Councilor Pelkey asked about street closure times for Shad Derby. Councilor King clarified that the additional state revenue would apply to the upcoming FY27 budget (the one on referendum).
New Business & Key Outcomes
1. Land Acquisition (94 T & 96 & 110 Wilson Ave, 10 Garden St, 1700 Great Meadow Rd)
- Motion to appropriate $335,000 (50% from Open Space Fund, 50% from General Fund unassigned balance) for acquisition. The parcels total ~17 acres; approximately 50% would be preserved as open space, the remainder potentially used for neighborhood-scaled housing and trail connectivity.
- Staff presented positive recommendations from Wilson-Deerfield Advisory Committee, Economic Development Commission, and Planning & Zoning Commission.
- Vote on appropriation: 7 in favor, 1 opposed, 0 abstentions (passed 7-1-0).
- Vote to set special town meeting for May 18, 2026 at 7 PM to consider the appropriation: passed 8-0.
2. Marshall Phelps Road Rehabilitation Grant
- Motion to accept and expend $1,922,412 in state grant funds (100% state-funded) for milling, repaving, drainage, guide rail, and restriping including 5-foot bike lanes on both sides. Design was previously approved. Construction expected mid-summer to mid-fall 2026.
- Vote on acceptance of funds and authorization for Town Manager to sign: 7 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention (passed 7-0-1).
- Vote to set special town meeting for May 18, 2026 at 7 PM to consider the resolution: passed 8-0.
3. Minutes Approval
- Minutes of April 6 (public hearing and regular meeting), April 7, April 20, April 21, and April 22 special meetings were approved. Vote: 8-0.
Other Outcomes
- Councilor King introduced resignations and appointments (reappointment of Roxanne Miller to Housing Code Board of Appeals) but the motion was not voted on; it was deferred for later consideration.
- The meeting adjourned without executive session.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome to the town council meeting of May 4th, 2026. Uh, this evening, the deputy mayor is not with us, and counselor King will be joining us a little bit later, and all other counselors are here. We'll move to our prayer and or reflection, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Father in Heaven, we ask for your wisdom as we begin this meeting. We acknowledge that we need your wisdom and insights, and welcome your presence among us. Guide us in our discussions and decisions, help us to seek what is best for all involved. We trust in your perfect wisdom and ask that you direct our meeting according to your will. In James 1.5, it says, if any lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. We claim that promise as we start our meeting and trust in your provision. Thank you for always being with us. Amen. I pledge a demons to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic before which it stands. Next on our agenda, we have proclamations and awards, and this evening we have two proclamations. The first is a proclamation designating May 3rd through May 9th as Small Business Week in Windsor, and the second is a proclamation designating May as older Americans month in Windsor. And the proclamation reads, whereas from storefront shops, restaurants, and personal services in downtown, neighborhood commercial villages to high-tech firms that keep America on the cutting edge, small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of our nation's promise. And whereas small business owners and main street businesses have energy and 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 36 million small businesses create nearly two out of three net new jobs in our economy. And whereas the town of Windsor supports and joins in the 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 3rd, 2026 through May 9th, 2026 be recognized as Small Business Week in Windsor. Signed Nishette Lackburke, Mayor of Windsor, May 4th, 2026. And we'll ask Patrick McMahon, who we all know, our economic development director to come forward. Can we give him a round of applause? Good evening, everyone. On behalf of all the small businesses in the community, griefly uh accept this uh for the small businesses. I did invite uh Jessica uh Shackleton from uh Heart Space Wellness and Yoga to come this evening. Unfortunately, a family obligation prevented that. However, she appreciated the invitation. She uh just had a ribbon cutting with the mayor uh last week and is located in the Webster uh bank complex in the in the courtyard, so please go ahead and check that out. And I also have a hot scoop, which is a cold scoop. Allie Scoop is opening behind the beans. So check that out. So thank you very much. Thank you. A hot scoop and a cold scoop. I like that. Okay. Our next proclamation is designating May as Older Americans Month in Windsor. May is older Americans Month, a special occasion to acknowledge and celebrate this excuse me, the significant impact that Windsor senior citizens have on all aspects of American society. And whereas through their wealth of life experience and wisdom, older adults guide our younger generations and carry forward abundant cultural and historical knowledge. And whereas older Americans improve our communities through intergenerational relationships, community service, civic engagement, and many other activities. And whereas communities benefit when people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and live independently. And whereas Windsor is dedicated to providing older Americans with the resources and support necessary to remain engaged in their communities, showcasing our commitment to inclusivity and connection. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and the Windsor Town Council that the month of May be designated as Older Americans Month in Windsor. This year's theme, Champion Your Health, emphasizes prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as fundamental aspects of healthy aging. It inspires individuals to take an active role in managing and advocating for their health, seeking preventative care and making informed decisions. We invite all residents to unite in honoring the invaluable contributions of our senior citizens and to promote programs and activities that foster connection, inclusion, and support for older Americans. Signed Michette Black Burke, Mayor of Windsor, May 4th, 2026, and I'm going to invite Stephanie Famiano to come up and accept this award. So not much more can be said, but I do want to say on behalf of myself, I'm so proud to serve the population, the older adult uh population in Windsor, and I am continually inspired, and I just love the work that we do. And if you are 55 and older, come check us out. We have a lot of fun.
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