Town Manager's Report - June 21, 2021

July is Parks and Recreation Month
Windsor Recreation and Leisure Services is celebrating Park and Recreation Month, an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). We are celebrating how the Town of Windsor is stronger, more vibrant, and more resilient because of parks and recreation. The Windsor Recreation staff has planned a variety of activities to celebrate the month with special events and programs for residents of all ages and abilities such as Movie Nights, Block Parties, Float Nights at the Pool, Trivia Night, Family Nights, Senior Kayaking, Outdoor Zumba and more! Our local parks are often our first experience in nature, our introduction to a favorite hobby or physical activity. They are places to gather with friends and family, spaces to celebrate life’s special moments, spots of respite and healing. Community members are encouraged to share their memories and stories on our Social Media outlets using the hashtag #OurParkAndRecStory.

‘AAA’ Credit Rating Affirmed
Our bond and note sale took place on Thursday, June 10th and the results were very favorable. The town received nine bids on the bond sale and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC was the low bidder. The issue consisted of $21,270,000 general obligation bonds with a 15-year term and interest rates ranging from 5.0% down to 2.0% (average interest rate or ‘coupon’ is 3.2%.)

The town received 3 bids on the note sale. Piper Sandler was the low bidder. The amount of the one-year note that was sold is $2,610,000 and we received a 2% interest rate. We will close on the bond and note sale and receive the proceeds on Thursday, June 24.

Milling/Paving operations
The second round of this year’s milling/paving operations is anticipated to begin during the first week of July, weather permitting. We expect the work to be wrapped up sometime in the middle of the month. Streets currently scheduled for rehabilitation include Rainbow Road (Poquonock Ave. to High St.), Bayberry Circle, Rainbow Creek Drive, Brookside Circle, Brentwood Lane, Holly Circle, Eastview Drive, Juniper Road, and Farmstead Lane. Public works staff will be completing repairs to drainage structures on those streets before paving work begins.

COVID Vaccination
As of June 16, 2021, 58.38% of our total estimated population was fully vaccinated. This is up from 54.92% as of June 2nd. 67% of town residents, 15 years old and above, have been fully vaccinated. In the remainder of June, the town’s Health Department will be conducting at least 4 vaccination clinics.

Walk-up clinics are being held tomorrow, Tuesday, June 22nd, at the Wilson Library from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and on Thursday, June 24th, at the First Town Downtown Farmers Market at 240 Broad Street from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Our health department is designing and rolling out a series of efforts to increase vaccination promotion and information. We will be utilizing print and digital methods as well as being present at various community events and retail locations. We plan on using posters, flyers, mailing postcards/letters as well as social media platforms to advertise.

We are engaging with a variety of community partners as well to assist in the effort. Partners include the faith community, Wilson/Deerfield Advisory Committee, Chamber of Commerce and civic organizations.

In terms of town facilities (non-Board of Education), masks are required for individuals not yet fully vaccinated.