Town Manager's Report - June 15, 2020
Concerts on the Green
First Town Downtown is sorry to announce that they will not be hosting concerts on the green during the summer of 2020 due to the many concerns of volunteers, musicians, sponsors and not knowing what the state guidelines will be later this summer about large groups. For more information call 860-688-5715.
Farmer’s Market to Begin July 2
First Town Downtown is very excited to be moving forward with the Farmers’ Market with new guidelines to keep everyone safe. It will run from July 2 through October 15 on Thursdays from 3:30 – 6:30 pm at 240 Broad Street in Windsor Center. This well-attended local marketplace in Windsor Center includes locally grown fruits, vegetables, baked goods, herbs, eggs, cheese, skincare products, candles and more. For more information call 860-688-5715.
Windsor Libraries
The Main and Wilson Branch Libraries are scheduled to re-open to the public on June 22. All visitors and staff will be required to wear a face covering and maintain social distancing of six feet. If unable to wear a face cover, curbside pick-up will still be available for all patrons.
Public computers can be used for one hour per day per person with a library card. The fax machine and photocopier will be available for independent use with a credit/debit card or exact change. Patrons will be encouraged to wipe down keyboards before using them. Disinfecting towels and hand sanitizer will be provided.
Programs and the virtual collection will continue to be offered online at www.windsorlibrary.com.
Summer 2020 hours at the main library will be Monday -Thursday 10-7, Friday and Saturday 10-5. Wilson Branch hours will be Monday 10-7:30, Tuesday-Friday 10-5:30 and Saturday 10-3.
Summer Camps
Recreation summer camps and Northwest Park educational camps begin on Monday, June 29, in a modified fashion to comply with orders by the state. Camp programs will be offered at various locations, including LP Wilson, 330 Windsor Ave., and Clover Street School. Registration is on-going, and scholarships are available. For more information, call 860-285-1990 or go to https://townofwindsorct.com/recreation/camps-pools-parks/
Swim lessons & pools
Goslee Pool and Welch Pool will be open as of July 1. By state orders, the number of patrons permitted in the pool area will be limited to the number that can safely fit on the pool deck area while practicing social distancing. Senior swim, open swim, and lap swim will be offered at various times throughout the day. To avoid potentially long lines, we are encouraging individuals to reserve swim times online at www.townofwindsorct.com/recreation.
In addition, Recreation is offering a scaled-down version of swim lessons. Lessons will be for levels Parent-Tot, Water Adjustment with a Parent/Guardian, Level 4, and 5. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 860-285-1990 or go to https://townofwindsorct.com/recreation/camps-pools-parks/
COVID Financial Recap
We are projecting to incur approximately $195,000 in various expenses related to addressing COVID-19. These costs are being covered by the FY 20 General Fund. Included in this estimate is approximately $68,000 in unemployment expenses due to furloughing or reducing hours of 69 part-time employees and reducing hours of 6 full-time positions.
We will be pursuing partial reimbursement for eligible expenses through federal and state assistance.
In terms of revenue, our overall General Fund revenues have not been negatively impacted over the past few months. Two of our Enterprise Funds and several special revenue accounts have been impacted in terms of revenue. Some of the loss in revenue has been mitigated by lower program expenses.
Through the end of the current budget year, the two enterprise funds are projected to have a new loss totaling $215,000, with the Discovery Center accounting for $187,000 of the loss.
Combined Recreation, Senior Center and Northwest Park user fee accounts are projected to experience a new loss of approximately $60,000 for FY 20.
Looking ahead to FY 21, the two enterprise funds, as well as summer recreation programs, are likely to see less revenues as programs are being modified and scaled back to meet State safety guidelines. Unfortunately, program expenses will not be noticeably less due to staffing ratios, additional materials and supply costs.
Credit Rating Reaffirmed and Bond Sale Results
Standard and Poor’s (S & P) has reaffirmed the Town’s AAA credit rating for the 2020 bond and note issue. Our rating was affirmed after S&P reviewed and analyzed various aspects of the local and regional economy, recent economic development activity, management practices, fiscal and debt management practices, budgetary performance, retirement plan stewardship and our other post-employment benefits program.
The Credit Profile report documents had a number of positives put forth by S & P, such as our “strong economy, strong management practices and strong budgetary flexibility”.
The bond and note sale took place on Thursday, June 12th and the results were favorable. The town received nine bids on the bond sale and Janney Montgomery Scott LLC was the low bidder at 1.8% TIC. The issue consisted of $15,570,000 general obligation bonds with a 20-year term and interest rates ranging from 5.0% down to 2.0% (average rate or “coupon” 3.17%). The issue came with a cash premium of approx. $1.1 million.
The town received 5 bids on the bond anticipation note. This issue consisted of a one year note in the amount of $12,500,000 with a 2% interest rate and premium in the amount of $188,000.
The proceeds from the bond and note sale will be used to finance projects in the FY 20 capital improvement project, as well as provide funds for the continuing construction of the public safety facilities at 110 Addison Road and 300 Bloomfield Avenue. We will close on the bond and note sale and receive proceeds on Thursday, June 25th.