Town Manager's Report - March 6, 2023

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
The Windsor Health Department will host COVID Vaccine Clinics in partnership with the DPH/Griffin Hospital VAX Van in March on:

  • Thursday, March 16, 2023, Windsor Library, 10 AM – 1 PM, 12yrs+
  • Wednesday, March 22, 2023, LP Wilson Community Center,  4 PM – 7 PM, 6mo+

No appointment is needed. This clinic is a walk-in clinic and recipients should bring their vaccine, insurance cards and ID with them.
 
DOT project – Poquonock Avenue                                                                 
The DOT has a project to install a liner in a 36” pipe under Poquonock Avenue in the vicinity of Holcomb Hill. Although the existing 36” culvert will remain in place, the project includes minor drainage work and other ancillary work in Route 75. Work is slated to begin in April and finish up at the end of June. During that time, there will be some limited alternating one-way traffic. Most work will be out of the Route 75 travel lanes.  Please observe lower speed limits within the work zone.

Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program
The town has launched its new Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program, made available by the Town Council’s approval of the use of American Rescue Funds. This grant program aims to assist community groups and neighborhoods with small-scale physical improvement projects as well as annual or one-time events, provided the proposal offers a clear public benefit.

More information, including program guidelines and application form can be found at www.townofwindsorct.com/cnep

The Community Development Office is working with the following schedule:

  • March 7: Program website goes live and community outreach begins. Outreach efforts include email to local civic and youth organizations as well as residents (over 3,000 recipients). Social Media postings by town accounts, printed fliers to be posted on community spaces. Online marketing materials shared with School district, Chamber of Commerce, and to be published by the Windsor Journal.
  • March 15: Program Workshop (online via zoom).
  • March 20 – April 14: Applications accepted.
  • Week of May 8: Award notifications.

Windsor Police Cadet Spaghetti Dinner
The Windsor Police Cadets Annual Spaghetti Supper, will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department, 340 Bloomfield Avenue, Windsor, CT from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.  The event will be curbside pick-up only.

Tickets are $10.00 and must be purchased in advance.  For advance tickets, contact Advisor Aide Dawn Sandone @ (860) 729-3703.  Tickets will not be available at the door.

Removal of Trees on Town Green  and Palisado Green
The beech tree in front of town hall and the sugar maple tree in front of the Chamber of Commerce on the town green are in severe decline.  Unfortunately, these trees need to be removed.

Both trees will be removed in the coming weeks. The soils in the areas adjacent to them will be reconditioned so that they can be
replanted with new trees. Plans are currently underway to replant the town green and ensure that its beauty, stature, and vibrancy remains the same.

Also, there is a large maple tree on the Palisado Green that is in decline. DPW is working to remove the tree as it poses a risk to overhead utilities as well as motorists and bikers along Route 159 and users of the Palisado Green.

Phenomenal Women of Windsor
Windsor’s Human Relations Commission will be sponsoring an award ceremony for the “Phenomenal Women of Windsor” on March 9, 2023 at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. This event will celebrate all the many women or femmes within the community who have positively contributed towards making a change in Windsor.  All are welcome to attend.

Full Moon Hike
Come experience the wonder of NWP at night! Join NWP staff on March 7th from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM for a guided Full Moon Hike as we use our senses to explore the park after dark. As the sun goes down, everyone will bundle up and head out on a light 1-1/2 hour walk through the trails to discover the hidden wonders of the night. A great way to get some exercise while learning more about the flora and fauna that call the park home. $12/person (Windsor resident) or $16/person (non-resident). Preregistration is needed as space is limited. 860-285-1886.

Route 159  Median Replacement  
The State has funded the replacement of the medians on route 159 in Wilson between Route 218 and the Hartford city line.   The work will include removal of existing curbing and brick pavers.   New curbing and stamped concrete with a brick pattern will be installed.  The median width will generally remain the same.

We continue to work with the CT Department of Transportation to finalize plans for tree preservation and locations and types of planters.   The installation of new trees, planters and plantings will be a local town cost.  Cost estimates will be finalized in the coming weeks.  The town will have annual maintenance responsibilities.

The State’s contractor plans to begin work later this month.  At times there may be traffic delays due to the construction work. We ask that motorist be patient and take precautions as they approach and travel through the work zone.   Work is expected to last the better part of the summer.

EMS Call Follow-up
Since the last Town Council meeting, town staff has reached out and spoken to the resident that recently raised concerns about timely responses to a medical emergency call.

Windsor EMS, the provider of ambulance service in town, had one ambulance on duty at the time of the call and that unit was committed to another medical call.   Although the dispatcher worked diligently to secure mutual aid, that effort took a notable length of time as previously reported.

Town staff is working with Windsor Volunteer Ambulance to review staffing resources and various call data / trends to provide future information to the Town Council in the coming weeks.