Town Manager's Report - May 4, 2020
Memorial Day Update
For everyone’s safety, the Holiday Observance Committee has canceled its traditional Memorial Day observances and parade. Staff is working with representatives of the American Legion and VFW to produce a video that will include portions of the traditional observances, such as the reading of the names of Windsor Veterans whom we have lost in the past year. This special presentation will be broadcast on WIN-TV, WGTV and the town’s social media outlets on Memorial Day to ensure we respectfully honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Members of the community are invited to participate in this production by videotaping themselves, their family or children reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Flanders Field or the Gettysburg Address. Detailed information is available on the town’s website at townofwindsorct.com.
Win Wag Photo Contest Begins May 7th
June is dog licensing month and you’re invited to participate in the Win Wag Photo Contest sponsored by the Town Clerk’s Office to raise awareness of dog licensing month in June. The photo contest is free and open to Windsor residents. The entry period for the contest begins at 8:00 AM on May 7th and ends at noon on May 20th. The winning entry, determined by online public voting, will be awarded with the #1 dog license tag for the current year and a PETCO gift card. See contest details on the town’s website at townofwindsorct.com.
Street Paving Schedule
The first phase of street milling and overlay is expected to begin the week of May 18 and continue through the first week of June. Contractors will be working on Willowcrest Drive, Southwood Drive, Nod Road, West Wolcott Avenue and Grant Circle. A separate project, the rehabilitation of Deerfield Road, is anticipated to begin in June. This project is a more comprehensive one, and will be underway for about 60 days.
Motorists should expect some delays in these area and use alternate routes if possible.
COVID – 19 – ‘A PATH FORWARD TO WINDSOR’S RAMPING UP’
I along with Department Directors have initiated planning a path forward toward our ‘reopening’ or ‘ramping up’ process.
This effort will be multi-layered and focused on several key areas including:
- Employee Wellness & Safety;
- Facilities;
- Programs & Operations; along with
- Community Support & Spirit.
There are various multi-disciplinary teams working to develop both an overall organizational approach as well as plans tailored to each department in anticipation of the Governor lifting or modifying various restrictions in phases starting later this month.
The work includes identifying short and longer-term resource needs (materials/supplies, people, technology, equipment) as well as budgetary aspects related to expenditures and revenues. Our planning work is very much dependent on guidance and direction from the State of CT as well as the CDC.
Public Service Recognition Week
May 3-9, 2020 has been designated as Public Service Recognition Week, honoring federal, state, and local government employees.
I would like to recognize the efforts of our approximately 190 full-time town employees plus the dozens of part-time employees whose work throughout the year supports the business community, provides public safety, protects our environment, preserves our history and provides programs and services for residents young and old.
As we know, these past weeks have been challenging, and I want to recognize the tireless efforts of our health department staff and all employees playing a critical role in an ever-changing environment. Town of Windsor employees always are and will continue to be on the front lines, providing essential services to the residents of Windsor. I thank them for their dedication, and it is my pleasure to work with them. I’d also like to thank all of our teachers, both in public, private and parochial schools, for all they do not only during the last several weeks but also throughout the year.