Windsor Town Council Meeting - August 3, 2026

The Windsor Town Council met on August 3, 2026, at 12:30 PM. The meeting opened with a prayer and reflection led by Councillor Naeem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The council heard public comments, received reports from boards and commissions, and voted on several new business items, including approval of a storefront activation grant program, a train station HVAC replacement, and improvements to Welch Park Little League fields.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the July 6, 2026 special and regular town council meetings (unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Flock Camera System: A resident criticized the council for stating the town would not assist the federal government with Flock camera data, arguing that the town should follow the law and use data fully to apprehend criminals. He challenged the council to refuse all federal funds if they hold such convictions.
• Welch Park Little League Facility Improvements: Several speakers (Maggie, CIO and fundraising director for Windsor Little League; 13-year-old player Katie Essex; Nathan, coach of the Challenger program; Corey Farron, board member; and George Varney, resident) spoke in favor of the proposed $375,000 project. They cited safety hazards (holes in dugouts, brittle nets, flooding dugouts), the need for accessible dugouts for players with disabilities, and the opportunity to host state tournaments again.
• Public Safety Concerns: George Slate criticized the mayor for making the town “less safe” by ending the Flock camera program without a replacement, drawing analogies to other policy changes.
• Police Interaction: Karen Jackson described a traffic stop where she felt mistreated by an officer, alleging the officer shined a flashlight in her eyes despite her disability, and that dispatch referred to her speech as “sluggard.” She requested an independent investigation and review of body camera footage.
• Storefront Activation Program Opposition: Teresa Beatrice read a statement from Jennifer Gravel, who opposed the $350,000 storefront activation grant program, arguing taxpayer funds should not subsidize private commercial improvements and that such funds could be better used for infrastructure or tax relief.
• Youth Sports Advocacy: John Stavola thanked the council for supporting his efforts to fund youth sports and criticized a board of education member for personal attacks. He also praised Town Manager Peter Sousa’s budget management.

Discussion Items

• Board of Education Report (Pay-to-Play Sports): Secretary Zadder reported that the board implemented pay-to-play fees after the budget failed. Fees are based on the cost of each sport, with waivers for free/reduced lunch students and a family cap of $650/year. The decision was made to avoid cutting teachers or staff. The council discussed communication methods, potential fundraising by booster clubs and civic organizations, and the possibility of payment plans.
• Public Building Commission (Train Station HVAC): Commissioner Peck and Facilities Manager Marco Aglico presented a $345,000 project to replace the boiler and five AC units with heat pumps at the historic train station (owned by Amtrak, leased by the town). The project includes hazardous material abatement, digital controls, and a 20-year life. Debate centered on the high cost relative to the building’s size and the fact that the town does not own the property. Council members expressed concerns but ultimately approved the appropriation 5–4.
• Welch Park Little League Facility Improvements: Director of Recreation Paul Norris presented the $375,000 phase one project, including irrigation on fields 1 and 2, new fencing, dugout repairs (new dugouts on field 5 for the adaptive program), and upgrades to support buildings. The project was identified in the FY27 capital improvement program. The council approved unanimously.
• Priority Redevelopment Properties: Economic Development Director Patrick McMahon recommended adding three properties to the list eligible for tax increment financing: Windsor Federal Bank properties (250 & 260 Broad St., 21 Maple Ave.), 457 Windsor Ave., and the Wilson Town Line Garage (8 Windsor Ave.). The council approved the addition.
• Storefront Activation Program: McMahon presented a program funded by the Windsor Center TIF district to provide matching grants (up to $50,000 for standard fit-outs, $75,000 for enhanced infrastructure) to fill vacant storefronts with public‑facing uses. A motion to table failed 4–4. After debate, the council approved the program 5–1–3. Supporters emphasized that TIF funds must be reinvested in the district and that the program includes a two‑year occupancy requirement and clawback provisions. Opponents argued that taxpayer money should not subsidize private business improvements.

Key Outcomes

• Early Voting Grant: Approved the acceptance and expenditure of a Connecticut Secretary of State grant for early voting costs (Democratic primary and general election). Approved.
• Property Tax Appeal Settlements: Approved two settlements: $64,202 to Aetna Life Insurance Co. and $174,172 to Old Windsor Station LLC, both paid from the general fund unassigned fund balance. Passed.
• Job Description Update: Approved the updated job description for Assistant to the Town Manager (no compensation change). Passed.
• Train Station HVAC Replacement: Appropriated $345,000 from general fund unassigned fund balance for HVAC replacement. Passed 5–4.
• Welch Park Little League Facility Improvements: Appropriated $375,000 from general fund unassigned fund balance. Passed unanimously.
• Priority Redevelopment Properties: Approved adding the three properties to the list. Passed.
• Storefront Activation Program: Approved program guidelines and $389,600 allocation from TIF funds. Passed 5–1–3.