Town Manager's Report - August 1, 2022

National Night Out
On Tuesday, August 2nd  from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, our Police Department will be hosting National Night Out at the Sage Park Middle School.  National Night Out is an annual community-building event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods a safer, more caring place to live.  It provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances and bolsters relationships between residents, businesses, police, and other emergency services.  There will be an assortment of fun-filled activities along with food and beverages.  Don’t miss this opportunity to meet some of the wonderful officers in Windsor that serve our community!

Citizen’s Academy Registration
Would you like to learn more about the wide range of services your local government provides? If so, please join the 2022 Citizen’s Academy where you will get to meet town staff and learn more about the town and school district. This 8 session series starts on September 22 and you can register by contacting Enita Jubrey at 860-285-1835 or jubrey@townofwindsorct.com or by going to the town’s website at www.townofwindsorct.com.

Community Block Party
On August 12th, there will be a community block party at Deerfield Park from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Admission is a snack donation for the Weekend Wheels program which is geared to school age children.  Enjoy games, arts and crafts, face painting, music, bounce house, food and more!  This event is created by youth in the Summer Teen Employment program (STEP) to promote family fun and community spirit in a substance-free environment. For more information, call 860-285-1946.

Vietnam Veterans Awards Ceremony
A Vietnam Veterans Awards Ceremony, sponsored by the Lieutenant Governor, State of CT and the Town of Windsor, will take place on August 2, 2022 at the Windsor High School auditorium at 1:00 PM.  Over 100 Vietnam veterans will be honored.

August 9th State Primary
The 2022 State Democratic and Republican Primaries will be held on Tuesday, August 9th.  All polling locations will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  To participate in the primary, you must be an enrolled party member of either the Democratic or Republican party.  The deadline for new or unaffiliated voters to enroll in a party is August 4th by mail or August 8th by 12 noon for in person party enrollment at Town Hall.   Absentee ballots are now available in the Windsor Town Clerk’s office.  Applications for an absentee ballot may be obtained by calling 860-285-1902 or by downloading the application from the town’s website.  Those eligible for absentee ballots include:  military personnel; anyone who will be absent from Windsor on Primary Day; anyone who is unable to get to the polls on Primary Day due to illness or physical disability; anyone whose religious beliefs forbid them from voting on Primary Day; or, anyone who is working at a polling place other than their own district.  The Town Clerk’s office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Activated Nationwide
Effective in July, 988, has been designated as the new 3-digit nationwide number for mental health suicide crisis. Anyone experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicide crisis can call or text 988 or chat with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. This support is available to people in crisis or their loved ones, and it is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day year round. When someone calls 988, a trained crisis counselor will answer the phone, listen to the caller, understand how their problem is affecting them, provide support, and share resources, as needed.

Rainbow Reservoir Blue-Green Algae Bloom
Similar to other bodies of waters in the state, the Rainbow Reservoir is currently experiencing a blue-green algae bloom that was identified by the health department last week. The health department has posted advisory signage at the reservoir’s boat launch as well as along the trails in Northwest Park that run along the reservoir. The Recreation and Leisure Department has adjusted any camp-related activities as needed on the reservoir. Camp Shalom has also been alerted of the conditions and provided information on best practices with dealing with the blue-green algae bloom.

Some of the symptoms that are experienced by contact with the blue-green algae bloom include but are not politer to skin irritation, upset stomach and respiratory issues.

Funding for Replacement of Route 159 Medians in Wilson
I am pleased to let you know that the State DOT is planning to reconstruct the center medians along Route 159 in Wilson. The State Bond Commission has authorized up to $2M for this project.  The project area is roughly from Route 291 overpass to the Hartford city line. The DOT plans to remove the existing medians and block pavers and construct new asphalt curbs and install red-colored stamped concrete for the median surface.  The new medians will be the same size as what is currently in place.  There will be no alternations to the sidewalks or street curb line.

Town staff has stressed the importance of needing to have landscaped planters as well as street trees similar to what currently exists.  We will continue to work with DOT on the final project scope. There may be a need for local funds to be appropriated for the cost of the planting structures and materials.  There is a possibility this work could be initiated this construction season.