Town Manager's Report - June 6, 2022

Community Investment Fund Grant Program
The State of Connecticut recently issued a Notice of Funding Availability for their new Community Investment Fund Grant program.   This competitive grant program is made available to approximately 55 municipalities that meet certain criteria as either a Public Investment Community or their school district is designated as an Alliance District.  Grant applications are to be submitted by no later than July 25th.  Staff and I are reviewing the program guidelines and will be evaluating which projects or programs might compete well.

State Law Concerning Financial Incentives for Data Centers
In 2021 the General Assembly adopted legislation that provides for state and local tax incentives for data center facilities based on the level of overall investment in a 5 year period. Current law calls for a locality to provide local tax incentives through a negotiated ‘host community’ agreement if over $200 M in investment is made in real or personal property over a 5 year period.  Staff has begun to do more in-depth research on the adopted law as we have recently fielded inquiries from developers and entities interested in data center development or investment.  A ‘host community” agreement would need to be considered and acted upon by the Town Council.

Unregistered and Junk Car Enforcement 
We have increased enforcement of the town’s Abandoned, Inoperable and Unregistered Vehicle ordinance. (Article VI).  Currently, we have 2 individuals working part-time to gain compliance. They have identified multiple locations across town where there appears to be violations of the ordinance provisions.  Staff is in the process of making contact with the property owners to gain compliance. Per the ordinance, residents may apply for a temporary storage permit to keep the vehicle stored outside of an enclosed structure.

Juneteenth Celebrations
Windsor and Bloomfield are partnering to present numerous Juneteenth celebrations of Freedom Day. On Saturday, June 18th there will be two events taking place to honor Juneteenth.

  • The first event will take place at the Wilson Branch Library from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will include a libation and African Drum & Dance performance, student performances, mask making, indoor activities for smaller children, vendor tables, snacks and more! This event is outdoors. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets.
  • The second event will be the Juneteenth Community Parade which will start at 11:00 AM from First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield and will march to the Blue Hills Fire Department in Bloomfield. If you’d like to be in the parade, please go to the town website at townofwindsorct.com to fill out an entry form and to get more information on the event.

On Sunday, June 19th there will be three events to celebrate Juneteenth.

  • The first will be a Community Church Service at 10:00 AM at Hopewell Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. David Massey.
  • The second event will be a Picnic on the Windsor Town Green from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. There will be entertainment, music, dancing and food. Lots of fun for everyone! To have a booth on the Town Green, please click on the following link and scroll down until you see this event. Instructions will be on the page.  https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/U2idx1D
  • The third event will be a Bloomfield Community Cookout that will be held from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Blue Hills Fire Department, 1021 Blue Hills Avenue, Bloomfield. This will be another great opportunity to enjoy a day outside with the family. There will be various entertainment, music, kids activities and a food truck!

Juneteenth Black History Jeopardy
Back once again is the famous Black History Jeopardy event on June 17th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at town hall in the Council Chambers. Hosts of the event will include the Honorable Kevin Washington and Kevin Booker, Jr.  This will be a fun-spirited game amongst teams. Just think, if you win, you get bragging rights! There are currently 4 spots left. To register as a team, please go to:  https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/3KGyX5v .

38th Annual Chamber of Commerce Auction
It’s that time of the year. The annual Chamber of Commerce auction will be happening on June 10, 2022 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Mill Brook Clubhouse, 147 Pigeon Hill Road. This event will be in-person and we’ll be bringing back fun with a celebration of the 1980’s. So be sure to bring your mullets, teased perms, and spandex leggings to the event. This year’s auction proceeds will benefit the Shad Derby Festival and the Windsor Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $50 per person, or buy two for $95. Buy your tickets soon at windsor2022.givesmart.com or call 860-688-5165 for more information.

 ‘AAA’ Credit Rating Reaffirmed
The town’s AAA credit rating has been reaffirmed by Standard and Poor.  This is the highest rating a municipality can attain.  S&P stated that the rating and stable outlook reflects the town’s:

  • Stable tax base
  • Strong management practices supported by a strong institutional framework
  • Consistent surpluses which continue to support very strong fund balances; and
  • Low carrying charges with predictable debt plans offset by rapid amortization, and limited pension pressures

This ‘AAA” rating should help the town obtain competitive interest rates as we prepare to borrow approximately $6.7M in bonds later this week.