Town Manager's Report - January 17, 2023
Food Scrap Drop-off Program
The Town of Windsor now offers a residential food waste drop-off program. This drop-off program is voluntary and available for free to all residents. Transfer Station permits are not required to participate in this program.
Food scraps collected at home are brought to a designated location at the Windsor Transfer Station and then hauled to a commercial composting facility to be turned into nutrient-rich compost.
A dedicated container is available at the Transfer Station for residents to discard food scraps and leftovers such as produce, dairy, meats, coffee grounds & filters, tea bags, egg shells, breads, sauces, and fats.
For more information on this program, go to https://townofwindsorct.com/public-works/residential-food-waste-drop-off/, or contact the Transfer Station at (860) 285-1833.
Main Library Offering Free Income Tax Assistance
The Main Library will be partnering with the IRS in offering free basic tax assistance to qualified individuals through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. In operation for over 50 years, VITA sites offer free help to taxpayers who make $60,000 or less per year, are disabled or have difficulty speaking English.
The program will run on Monday evenings, by appointment, starting February 6 through April 17 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Space will be available for 18 appointments per session. Sign up for an appointment at www.windsorpl.librarycalendar.com or by calling the Reference Desk at 860-285-1918.
Mental Health First Aid Certification
Registration is open to Windsor residents for a two-part community mental health first aid (MHFA) certification course sponsored by Windsor Social Services, Youth Services Bureau and CHR. This free course for participants 18 years and older will be held on March 18th and April 1st from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Mill Brook Clubhouse, 147 Pigeon Hill Road. Lunch will be provided.
The CHR instructor will share how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. Also, participants will build skills and the confidence that is needed to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling and how to help connect them to appropriate support.
To register call 860-285-1946.
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
The Windsor Health Department will host COVID Vaccine Clinics in partnership with the DPH/Griffin Hospital VAX Van in January 2023. The dates include:
• Thursday, January 19, 2023, Windsor Library, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM – 12 yrs and older
• Wednesday, January 25, 2023, LP Wilson Community Center, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM – 6 months and older
No appointment is needed. This clinic is a walk-in clinic and recipients should bring their vaccine, insurance cards and ID with them.
Northwest Park Land Management
Visitors to Northwest Park may have noticed some land management work in progress this January. The park’s fields and thickets are cut every 1-5 years during the winter to remove tree saplings that would eventually take over through a natural process of succession. Cutting woody growth does not disturb the underground roots or seeds of native grasses and wildflowers, which will sprout again in the spring.
This year, the West Field thicket will be cleared. A number of larger trees have spread into the south end of the field and will be removed as well. Some individual trees will be intentionally left in the West Field, providing shelter and shade for wildlife and visual interest for hikers. By following a thoughtful land management regimen, Northwest Park’s rich diversity of habitats is maintained for native plants and wildlife, protecting Windsor’s natural heritage for all to enjoy.
Multifamily Rehabilitation Grant Program
The Community Development Office has been preparing to launch its new, ARF funded Multifamily Rehabilitation Grant Program. This program will be available to all landlords who own two to four unit buildings in Windsor and who rent to low and moderate income households as defined by the Housing and Urban Development Department. Grant funds will be utilized to address code correction needs.
Currently, the Community Development Office is working with the following schedule:
• Late January publicity of the program through various means such as postcards mailed, social media, and website.
• Mid-February there will be an application workshop for property owners to learn more about the program.
• Early March applications from property owners will be accepted. Applications will be available online and via hard copy.
Veteran’s Rally on January 19th
On Thursday, January 19th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM all veterans of any age and their families are encouraged to stop in at the L.P. Wilson Community Center for the first Veteran’s Rally. This free event will feature food, games, camaraderie, and important and helpful information for veterans and their families. This event is a collaborative effort of several town departments in partnership with the newly created Great Windsor Veteran’s Council. The Veterans Council’s mission is to be a resource for all who have or are serving in our military. The Veterans Council meets monthly with the goal of creating social opportunities and increasing awareness of resources available to local veterans of all ages.
FY 2024 Budget Hearing
On February 6th at 7:15 PM, the Town Council will hold a public hearing to gather public input as part of the FY 2024 budget development process. Residents may provide their initial thoughts, ideas and suggestions concerning the upcoming budget which runs from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.