2016 ANNUAL REPORT
2016
ANNUAL REPORT Editor Katie VanMeter kvanmeter@windsorgov.com
Writing Katie VanMeter
Contributors Carlin Barkeen Paul Hornbeck Andy Morgan Vicki Miller Kelly Unger
Photos
inside FEATURES
8 Smart Growth
Windsor develops Comprehensive Plan, a 15-20-year vision for town growth and development.
10 Train Horns Silenced in Windsor
A multi-year project to eliminate train horns in town is completed.
12 Recreation Center Opens Expansion
The Recreation Center expansion is unveiled, doubling the center’s size and amenities.
16 A New Vision
The Town Board sets a new direction with the 2016-18 Strategic Plan.
News
4 Your Representatives
Meet the members of the Windsor Town Board and find ways to engage with your government.
Katie VanMeter Andy Morgan Leeward Photography Chelsea Ellingson Photography Macaya Photography & Design
5 Budget at a Glance
Design
7 Employee PRIDE
Amy Mayer, The Tribune, Creative Supervisor
about This book is published by The Tribune.
Cover The community gathered on October 8 to celebrate the grand opening of the Community Recreation Center's expansion — complete with an inaugural pool jump and beach ball release.
301 Walnut Street Windsor, CO 80550 970-674-2400 windsorgov.com
Get an overview of town finances.
6 The Chief
Richard A. Klimek looks to lead Windsor Police with a community-focused approach. Town employees recognized for outstanding service and dedication to community.
18 Solidifying Windsor’s Infrastructure
Town breaks ground on new Public Works facility, slated for completion in fall 2017.
19 YourGOV, YourVoice
New community request portal provides higher level of service and feedback.
20 The Future of Water
Windsor examines water future, begins water plan.
21 Narrowing the Affordable Housing Gap
Housing Authority expands affordable housing apartment complex with help from Town Board.
22 Parks, Recreation & Culture Spotlight
Town now home to largest outdoor Pickleball courts in Northern Colorado.
23 Stay Connected 2
Stay in the loop and engage with your town.
Welcome to Windsor’s first annual report. Within these pages, you’ll find highlights from 2016, as well as a look to what’s in store for Windsor’s future. Early on in 2016, we spent time with our community to complete two forward-thinking documents: the 2016-18 Strategic Plan and the Comprehensive Plan. Developed by the Town Board and based on community feedback, the Strategic Plan (pg. 16) provides the vision for our efforts over the next two years. The Town Board, Planning Commission and Windsor staff also completed an update to the Comprehensive Plan (pg. 8). This document will guide growth and development for the next 15-20 years. The Comprehensive Plan has proven to be invaluable in governing decisions as Windsor continues to experience unprecedented growth and development (pg. 9). Several major community-driven capital projects were completed in 2016: the Community Recreation Center’s expansion opened in October (pg. 12) and the Railroad Quiet Zone (pg. 10) went into effect shortly before the New Year. Next on the agenda is the Public Works Service Facility (pg. 18), which broke ground in October, and the future of Windsor water resources (pg. 20). There are many other exciting projects, events and initiatives coming in 2017, several of which are highlighted in this publication. I want to offer my gratitude to our Town of Windsor employees. We could not have accomplished all that we did in 2016 and all we aim to do in 2017 without their hard work. While all of our staff members make a significant contribution to the smooth operation of our town, a select few have been recognized for going above and beyond (pg. 7). Despite the rapid growth we’re experiencing, Windsor continues to maintain the small-town feel we all know and love. I believe this is because we’ve stayed true to our core values, with a particular focus on building and maintaining relationships. I invite you to stay connected to all things Windsor by subscribing to our news, calendar and traffic alerts at windsorgov.com/notifyme; joining us on social media through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor; or by volunteering for any of our boards and commissions at windsorgov.com/Boards-Commissions. Thank you for helping keep Windsor a great place to live, work and play. Respectfully,
Kristie Melendez Mayor
A Year in Review & A Look Forward
A note from Mayor Kristie Melendez
Your Representatives Meet the members of the Town Board
Kristie Melendez Mayor kmelendez@windsorgov.com
Our community is served and governed by the Town Board. Comprised of six members and a mayor, the Town Board represents the citizens of Windsor and is responsible for creating town ordinances, allocating town funds, appointing individuals to boards and commissions, and providing direction to town staff. Each of the six board members represents a unique town voting district and is elected on a non-partisan basis for four years. The mayor is elected at large for a four-year term. For more information, visit windsorgov.com/townboard.
Myles Baker
Christian Morgan
Mayor Pro Tem, District 1
District 2
mbaker@windsorgov.com
cmorgan@windsorgov.com
Ken Bennett
Paul Rennemeyer
District 3
District 4
kbennett@windsorgov.com
prennemeyer@windsorgov.com
Brenden Boudreau
Ivan Adams
District 5
District 6
bboudreau@windsorgov.com
iadams@windsorgov.com
Attend a Town Board Meeting
Not sure who your representative is?
7 p.m. I Town Hall Second and fourth Monday of the month Watch live or on demand at windsorgov.com/MeetingsOnDemand.
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Find out by searching for your
address at gis.windsorgov.com/maps.
budget at a glance 2016 Budgeted cost per citizen per day of programs and services Capital improvements:
$0.74
Administrative/support services:
$0.54
Parks, Recreation & Culture:
$0.50
Utility Services:
$0.48
Public Works:
$0.42
Police Services:
$0.32
Debt Services:
$0.29
Internal Services:
$0.23
TOTAL:
2016 Budgeted Expenditures 13% Debt Service & Interfund Transfers 19% Operation & Maintenance 19% Personnel 49% Capital Outlay
2016 Budgeted Revenue vs. Expenses Revenue: $45,132,717 Expenses: $57,404,716 The appearance of expenses exceeding revenue in 2016 is actually a conscious choice to utilize reserves that were saved over several years to fund projects without taking on new debt. The Public Works Service Facility will be funded with this method in 2017.
$3.52
General Fund: Revenue vs. Expenses
Top 5 largest projects budgeted in 2016
$18.0 $16.0
$7,215,695
Kyger Reservoir Pump Station & Water Supply (multi-year)
$2,614,281
Public Works Service Facility (multi-year)
$2,333,000
Energy Impact Grant Recipient
Railroad Quiet Zone Project (multi-year)
$2,200,000
TIGER V Grant Recipient
Street Maintenance
$2,100,000
$14.0 $12.0 In Millions
Community Recreation Center Expansion (multi-year)
$10.0 $8.0 $6.0 $4.0 $2.0 $0.0
‘05 ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11
‘12 ‘13 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17
Revenue
$7.4 $8.1 $8.8 $11.8 $13.3 $12.2 $12.4 $12.2 $13.6 $14.0 $14.4 $15.5 $16.3
Expenses
$6.6 $7.4 $8.5 $12.7 $11.3 $10.9 $12.7 $11.7 $12.0 $12.8 $13.8 $14.8 $16.3
Fund Bal.
1.64 2.30 2.67 1.82 3.83 5.25 4.91
3.99 6.99 8.17 8.76 9.47 9.47 *Estimated
Our award-winning Finance Department strives for transparency and accountability. Budget information, Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports and monthly financial reports can be found on our website at windsorgov.com/Budgeting-FinancialReporting. Town of Windsor annual report I 5
the Chief
Windsor sees first new police chief in 30 years With Richard A. Klimek assuming the role of chief of police in July, The Town of Windsor’s Police Department experienced its first change of leadership in more than 30 years. Klimek, a 30-year Windsor resident and police officer, has witnessed Windsor’s growth from a one-stop-light town to a bustling regional hub. With a great respect and understanding of the past, Klimek looks to lead the department with a community-focused approach. We sat down with Klimek after his first 90 days on the job: What made you throw your hat in the ring for chief?
Originally I wasn’t going to. I thought I was nearing my time to be done. I had worked with former Chief John Michaels for so long — he had originally hired me — I had thought that when he leaves, I would leave. I realized I wasn’t ready; I really enjoy my job. I wanted to see if I could continue what we started as an organization, and make it better and about the community. What is your vision for the department?
I want to see us continue to provide customer-service based relationships and to enhance our skills and abilities in order to deliver needed services. With continued town growth, there will be a lot of changes to the department. It is going to be necessary for officers to become more specialized.
"
Describe the community’s relationship
with the Police Department.
[Windsor] truly is home. It’s one of those places that when you drive into town, you feel comfort. People are always willing to give a hand." Richard A. Klimek
Excellent. There’s a strong trust factor with the department. We need to continue to build bridges and stress that police officers are an arm of the community. We’re only as effective as our relationship with the community, and I want our relationship to only be enhanced and grow stronger. What is your number one priority as chief?
The safety of our community and police. You can’t have one without the other. A professional and considerate department leads to a safer community. What do you love about Windsor?
It truly is home. It’s one of those places that when you drive into town, you feel comfort. People are always willing to give a hand.
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Employee PRIDE Town employees display outstanding dedication We aim to provide our community with a high level of service and dedication. Our more than 200 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees strive to embody our core values: Producing Results, Responsibility, Integrity, Dedication and Exceptional Service (PRIDE). Each of the individuals featured here are recipients of at least one of our 2016 employee recognition awards, a result of a peer nomination for displaying one or more of our core values and going above and beyond normal job responsibilities.
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These faces represent the high-caliber employees who serve our community and commit to making Windsor a great place to call home.
PRIDE of Windsor: tara fotsch
The PRIDE of Windsor is the town’s most prestigious employee recognition award and is distributed annually to an employee that best exemplifies our core values. Tara Fotsch, manager of recreation, was named the 2016 PRIDE of Windsor award recipient for her exceptional leadership, including her stewardship of the Community Recreation Center expansion project. “Tara sets the bar high,” said Recreation
1. Ken Breneman Engineering 2. Justin Brunner Parks, Recreation & Culture 3. James Chubb Parks, Recreation & Culture 4. Natalie Cuellar Police 5. Chris Darcy Police 6. Chris Dempsey Public Works 7. Billy Frieda Police 8. Eric Goldsberry Public Works 9. Caitlin Heusser Parks, Recreation & Culture 10. Brent Hogsett Police 11. James Johnson Parks, Recreation & Culture 12. Johnny Martinez Parks, Recreation & Culture 13. Rhonda McCracken IT 14. Judy Morris Customer Service 15. Renee Mullinex Parks, Recreation & Culture 16. Andrew Stanger Police 17. Ken Sterkel Public Works 18. Cameron Utoft IT 19. Robin Volner Customer Service 20. Bobby Warner Parks, Recreation & Culture 21. Rob Winter Public Works 22. Britt Zimdahl Parks, Recreation & Culture
Supervisor and nominator Luke Bolinger. “To be responsible for bringing the $16-million expansion project to completion is a task few could handle, but Tara did so without breaking a sweat. Her integrity and dedication are unmatched.”
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Town of Windsor annual report I 7
Smart Growth
Windsor completes Comprehensive Plan, a framework for the future Since 1990, Windsor has experienced unprecedented growth, nearly doubling in size each decade. The question arises: how does a municipality manage growth while maintaining quality services and infrastructure? To help answer that, the Town Board, Planning Commission and Windsor staff set out to overhaul the town’s Comprehensive Plan, a document that guides growth and development decisions. “The previous plan was adopted in 2006,” said Director of Planning Scott Ballstadt. “In the time between the 2006 plan and the newly adopted plan, Windsor experienced record residential development, doubled in population and saw new commercial and industrial developments evolve. It was time for an update, and the plan itself recommends periodic revisions to reflect changing conditions.” The process for crafting the 186-page document was extensive and included a citizen advisory committee, online and in-person community feedback sessions, stakeholder group interviews, and staff research and planning. “We conducted an extensive public outreach process and received valuable input from the community that informed our goals and policies,” Ballstadt said. “The resulting new Comprehensive Plan goes into greater detail than previous versions and includes more specificity with regard to implementation.” The Comprehensive Plan provides a 15-20-year long-range vision, outlining a framework for land use, vehicle and pedestrian flow, environmental resources, industrial and commercial development, downtown investment opportunities, and more.
Used in conjunction with other town planning documents, the Comprehensive Plan helps guide and inform town decisions. “For example, whenever development proposals or other decisions regarding land use come before the Planning Commission and Town Board, staff recommendations are based upon the Comprehensive Plan goals and policies,” Ballstadt explained.
“We conducted an extensive public outreach process and received valuable input from the community that informed our goals and policies.”
Scott Ballstadt
The living document promotes thoughtful, planned growth that looks to maintain our core values and key characteristics despite expansion. “Windsor is a great community and a very desirable place to live. That’s a big reason why we’re experiencing such rapid population growth,” Ballstadt said. “We look to maintain the quality of life and ‘small town charm’ through the Comprehensive Plan, preserving the Windsor everyone knows and loves.”
For more information on the Comprehensive Plan, including the full document and a Dashboard Reference guide, visit windsorgov.com/comprehensiveplan.
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growth in windsor Windsor continues to expand
LARGEST NEW DEVELOPMENTS
E Harmony Rd
Improvements and/or homes under construction:
A B C D
50,000
The Ridge at Harmony Road Subdivision (1st Filing) • 415 single-family lots in three phases • 1,145 total residents at buildout
Windsor Lake
Windshire Park Subdivision 3rd Filing • 290 single-family lots in five phases • 800 total residents at buildout
Crossroads Blvd.
Highland Meadows Golf Course 11th and 12th Filing • 164 attached multi-family units (town homes and condominiums) • 453 total residents at buildout
E
South Hill Subdivision 1st and 2nd Filing • 244 single-family lots in six phases • 673 total residents at buildout
POPULATION*
Winter Farm Subdivision 3rd Filing • 290 single-family lots in three phases • 800 total residents at buildout
BUILDING PERMITS
45,000
# of Permits 2015
# of Permits 2016
Single Family
285
690
Multi-Family
13 (69 units)
21 (60 units)
Commercial
2
1
Industrial
2
12
40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 1930
1980
2015
2040
Sources: Census, State Demographers Office (SDO) annual estimates, Town of Windsor Building Permits and Town of Windsor Planning Department. *Notes: 1. These estimates and projections are mid-year numbers, consistent with Census and the SDO. 2. Conservative projections were used when determining the annual growth rate after 2020. A number of factors influence population projections and it is not unreasonable to assume that Windsor will experience years with higher growth rates above 2.5 percent. 3. As a reference, if growth rates between 2020 and 2040 average 3.0 percent, the 2040 population may be approximately 10,000 persons higher than shown.
Town of Windsor annual report I 9
Quiet zone
Train Horns Silenced
Railroad Quiet Zone established throughout town When the clock struck 12:01 a.m. on December 27, Windsor basked in the silence of the night, as we became one of the few communities in Colorado to have a town wide railroad Quiet Zone. The Quiet Zone designation eliminates train horns throughout Windsor, except in emergency situations. “With 14 crossings throughout town, the train horns were creating noise issues,” said Quiet Zone Project Engineer Desa Blair. “With the number of community complaints increasing, we looked at ways to solve the noise problem.” Town Board and staff worked together to find a solution, landing on establishing a Quiet Zone. To achieve a Quiet Zone designation, the town had to work through an extensive certification process that included safety upgrades at all but one of the town’s 14 crossings.
The project was complex and required coordination with many state and federal entities over several years. “We were awarded the grant in 2013, but didn’t receive funds until the following year,” Blair said. “Due to the number of crossings and required upgrades, we weren’t able to begin construction until fall 2015. “We appreciated the patience of the community during the 15 months of construction.” The Quiet Zone project is one to hang our hat on for various reasons, according to Blair. “This was a major accomplishment for the town,” she said. “Not only are we among a select few in the state with this designation, we also received competitive federal funding and dramatically increased safety measures at crossings throughout town.
“We applied and received a $3.3-million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration, which funded the majority of the project,” “And, the best part — we were able to listen to our community and solve a problem, which will hopefully improve the quality of life in Blair said. “With the grant, we upgraded 13 crossings with gates, Windsor for years to come.” flashing lights and medians, as needed, to provide safeguards for pedestrians and motorists.” The new safety measures give advance notice of an approaching train, eliminating the need for a train horn warning.
"
We were able to listen to our community and solve a problem, which will hopefully improve the quality of life in Windsor for years to come."
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Desa Blair
Railroad Safety Tips
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Trains and cars don't mix. Never race a train to the crossing — even if you tie, you lose.
Trains cannot stop quickly. Even if the engineer sees you, a freight train moving at 55 miles per hour can take a mile or more to stop once the emergency brakes are applied. That's 18 football fields! Never drive around lowered gates — it's illegal and deadly. If you suspect a signal is malfunctioning, call the emergency number posted on or near the crossing signal or call Windsor Police. Do not get trapped on the tracks; proceed through a crossing only if you are sure you can completely clear it without stopping. Remember, the train is three feet wider than the tracks on both sides. If your vehicle ever stalls on the tracks with a train coming, get out immediately and quickly move away from the tracks in the direction the train is coming from. If you run in the same direction as the train, you could be injured by flying debris when the train hits your car. The only safe place to cross is at a designated roadway crossing or public crossing with a railroad crossing sign, flashing red lights or a gate. If you cross at any other place, you are trespassing and can be ticketed or fined. Always expect a train. Freight trains do not follow set schedules; be alert.
Tips courtesy of Operation Lifesaver, Inc. For more information, visit oli.org.
Town of Windsor annual report I 11
Community Recreation center opens expansion The center’s addition creates a new community hub for Windsor
Upon entering the Community Recreation Center on October 8, the excitement was palpable as the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department unveiled the building’s 40,000-square-foot expansion. “We kept the new construction pretty hidden,” said Recreation Manager Tara Fotsch. “Even though we were under construction for a year and a half, we had walls up, so people were really seeing it for the first time.” An estimated 2,000 community members met at the Recreation Center to celebrate the grand opening, filling the center with an energetic buzz. The day showcased the new features with class demonstrations, tours, free use and even a beach ball drop to christen the new indoor Aquatic Center. “People were stunned,” said Parks, Recreation & Culture Director Eric Lucas. “All of the hard work was worth it when we got to see the joy on people’s faces.”
The preparation
And hard work it was. Described as a labor of love, the expansion effort began more than five years ago. “We started talking about an expansion in 2012 with a citizen group,” Fotsch said. “These talks led to a community survey that came back overwhelmingly in favor of an expansion.” With clear community support, Town Board gave the green light for formal expansion discussions and efforts began in earnest. Town staff and community volunteers worked to research options, obtain community feedback, and garner public support. “For two years, we went to every concert series, every swimming lesson and every baseball tournament to get the word out,” said Fotsch.
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"
People were stunned. All of the hard work was worth it when we got to see the joy on people’s faces.” Eric Lucas
Town of Windsor annual report I 13
“To listen to our community, we held 16 public feedback sessions and countless citizen group meetings, and launched an ad hoc committee,” Fotsch continued. “In those meetings, we presented four different scenarios and layouts. At the end of the meeting, folks were able to put dots on the scenario they preferred. The majority of the community — 80 percent — chose the design we ended up constructing.” In 2014, Town Board placed the expansion initiative on the ballot, with a proposal to fund the facility with a 0.75 percent sales tax increase. The measure passed by nearly 58 percent in both counties, and staff wasted no time in moving forward. “We knew by 8 o’clock on Election Day that it had passed,” Fotsch recalled. “Our architect was already on board with us during the feasibility process, so on Wednesday morning, we wrapped up the contractor Request for Proposal and had it out on the streets by that Friday. Within a month we had the contractor on board.” Throughout the final design and construction process, staff kept focused on the feedback they received from the community to inform their decisions. “We kept hearing, time and again, that our community wanted a place with a family atmosphere that offered something for everyone,” said Fotsch. “And, that’s what we accomplished.”
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A community hub
The expansion brings a host of new amenities and features to the Recreation Center, including an indoor Aquatic Center complete with a lap pool, lazy river, play structure, hot tub and water slide; an elevated running/walking track; designated open gym; fitness room with weight and cardio equipment; a tot lot playground; and childcare area. Despite all of the upgrades, the Community Recreation Center doesn’t look to replace private gyms or workout facilities.
“We may appear to serve the same market as the private sector, but we don’t. Our niche is truly families and the recreation side of things,” Lucas said. “We’re focused on teaching healthy
lifestyle habits and creating a healthy and engaged community. “We’re about teaching little kids how to swim, helping the unfit teenager run two miles for the first time, soothing the muscles of the physically disabled in our pool, providing a new lounge and Silver Sneakers program for seniors, and getting parents involved who haven’t been active since their kids were born.” The expanded facility also allows the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department to fulfill the town’s 2016-18 Strategic Plan (pg. 16) commitment to provide diverse, desirable recreation and cultural opportunities. “I’ve seen more diversity in Windsor since we opened. Our new amenities are drawing a more diverse crowd,” said Lucas. “We’re now able to offer activities and options for all levels and abilities. “The center is truly bringing people together and providing something for everyone.”
memberships For less than $2 a day, a family of four gains unlimited access to our: •
Aquatic Center: Lap pool, lazy river, activity pool, zero-depth entry with play structure, water slide, and hot tub
• Running track and designated open gym • Locker rooms • Fitness room with state-of-the- art weight equipment • Tot lot playground
annual memberships for families, youth, individual adults or seniors. Childcare services are available at the Kids Corner. Do you own or run a local
company? Lower your healthcare costs and keep your employees happy and healthy by starting a
• Bike tune-up station • Electric vehicle charging station • Select aerobic fitness classes
hours • • •
Packages include three-month or
Monday-Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturdays: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sundays: Noon – 6 p.m. * Pool closes an hour prior
corporate membership program at the Recreation Center.
Join the Community Recreation Center today! Drop into the Community Recreation Center or call 970-674-3500. For more information, visit windsorgov.com/memberships.
goes toward the construction (will sunset in 20 years or earlier, if financially possible). will continue (does not sunset — operations).
2004-2014: THE CENTER’S PROGRAM PARTICIPATION GREW
218%
MEMBERS AS OF JANUARY 31:
4,395
HOW MANY GALLONS OF WATER ARE IN THE POOL? LAP POOL
ACTIVITY POOL
HOT TUB
58K GAL
75.5K GAL
4K GAL
TO THE TOP OF THE SLIDE THAT’S 3 STORIES!
THE EXPANSION OPENED ON THE SAME DAY, 12 YEARS LATER, AS THE ORIGINAL FACILITY.
Town of Windsor annual report I 15
A NEW VISION Town Board develops 2016-18 Strategic Plan
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Every two years, Town Board members partner with the community and town staff to set a new course for Windsor through the Strategic Plan. “The Strategic Plan allows the community to see what our focus is,” said District 1 Representative and Mayor Pro Tem Myles Baker. “It sends a message to our community and our constituents on what our priority is as a Town Board and what we’ve directed staff to focus on.”
Performance Commitments
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Town Board uses the Strategic Plan as a guidepost for decision making, as well as an accountability tool for the community.
• Establish a water plan
• Traffic and roadways • Municipal broadband
“It’s one of four parts of checks and balances that make sure we’re on track,” said Christian Morgan, District 2 representative. “The Strategic Plan is used in conjunction with our Comprehensive Plan and our vision and mission statements. Everything we do should be run through these four filters to ensure it is what the community wants.” The board spent countless hours gathering feedback and analyzing data, with a particular emphasis on community engagement throughout the process. “We had the best community input that I’ve ever seen during my time on the board,” Baker said. “The community input really created the plan. We wouldn’t have come up with some of the ideas without that feedback.”
• Prioritize the future design and development of Crossroads Boulevard
• Establish standards, criteria, etc., for crosswalk markings, signage and flashing lights
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For more information on the 2016-18 Strategic Plan and for quarterly progress updates, visit windsorgov.com/strategicplan.
D iverse, D esirab le Recreation and Cultura l O pportunities • Establish a viable downtown Farmers Market in Windsor
The initiatives weave together, forming a greater theme: smart growth.
“I don’t think anyone’s convinced that we’re done expanding and growing,” agreed Morgan. “We’re maintaining for today, but designing and building for tomorrow.”
• Partner with developer to renovate and establish a commercially viable entity at the Mill
• Reevaluate and compare Windsor’s incentive program with our competitors
“We started with a huge list and narrowed it down. We wanted to make it big enough to last a couple of years, but not too big that we couldn’t get things done,” Baker said.
“The strategic plan this year, more than ever, really looks at future growth — covering items like water, roads, and municipal broadband,” said District 6 Representative Ivan Adams.
P rospero us Local Economy
• Explore options for retiring existing debt
The result: four performance commitments and 10 initiatives.
“This year we were more forward thinking than in previous years,” he continued. “We have some nice short-term goals, like the Farmers Market, but also infrastructure and trafficrelated items that position us for the future.”
Th o ugh tf ul F ramework and Supporti v e Infrastr ucture
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Safe , Well-Pl anned Comm unity wit h Spirit and P ride • Review current housing policies and most recent information in order to understand gaps and needs in existing housing options
Town of Windsor annual report I 17
Solidifying Windsor’s Infrastructure Town breaks ground on new Public Works facility The crunch of the earth and the eruption of cheers resonated on the empty lot as Public Works and Parks, Recreation & Culture staff dug into the soil for the ground breaking of the new Public Works Service Facility on October 10. The ground breaking marked a milestone several years in the making, and with an aggressive construction schedule, the project is anticipated to be complete in late fall 2017. “We’ve been planning for this facility for years,” said Terry Walker, director of Public Works. “It’s a great feeling to finally see it begin to take shape.” The new Public Works Service Facility, located on north 15th Street, will house the Public Works Department in the initial phase and the Parks & Open Space Division in the future. The facility will help alleviate overcrowding experienced in the current location. “We’ve outgrown our current space,” Walker said. “The current facility, leased in 1997, housed eight staff members and served a population of 9,000 residents. Since that time, the town has nearly tripled in size and staffing levels have increased.” The first phase of construction will focus on developing 10 acres this year, providing space for the departments to expand on the 24-acre site with projected growth through 2035. “The new facility will allow us to meet the needs of our growing town,” said Streets Supervisor Brian Rowe.
The Public Works Service Facility is located on 15th Street, north of the railroad tracks. The first phase of construction will include six new buildings — a central administrative building, a shop, a fleet building, and three storage buildings.
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The Town of Windsor will not incur new debt or request a sales tax increase as a result of the project. For several years, the town set aside capital funds to pay for the $13-million facility. In addition to the savings, the town was awarded a $1.5 million Energy Impact Grant, administered by the Department of Local Affairs, to help make the project a reality. “Overall, this new facility will help us better serve our community,” said Rowe. “We’ll be able to improve the quality of life for Windsor residents by maintaining infrastructure, protecting health and safety, and planning for future needs.”
YourGov, YourVoice
Windsor to launch a new service request portal
We’re catapulting Windsor’s customer service request process into the 21st century. This spring, Windsor will launch YourGov, a new platform to submit service requests, compliments and concerns to the town. “YourGov will allow us to streamline our request process and provide better feedback and increased transparency,” said Cody Groves, IT manager. Community members can visit windsorgov.com/ YourGov and submit either general comments — compliments, questions or concerns — or drop a pin on the service map for infrastructure-related items, like potholes or graffiti at a local park. “For infrastructure-related service requests, YourGov allows you to drop a pin at a geolocation and then guides you to submit basic information to help us fulfill the request in a timely manner,” Groves said.
Through YourGov, you can submit feedback to the town, including questions, comments, compliments, or service requests, like curb and sidewalk damage, potholes, street sign issues, vandalism or graffiti, weeds, debris and more.
Behind the scenes, staff members will receive the request and aim to respond within 48 business hours. If community members submit their contact information, they’ll receive updates throughout the solution process. “Our goal is to provide better customer service through this new request portal,” said Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture Eric Lucas. “We’re looking forward to providing a higher level of service to the town.”
Town of Windsor annual report I 19
the future of water Windsor begins work on water plan Water. This small, but critical life-sustaining molecule has become a hot topic across the state and nation. “We take water for granted because it is all around us,” said Dennis Wagner, director of engineering. “But, it is a finite and precious resource.” With Windsor’s growth, the town’s water future needs addressed now. “Town Board continues to make water a priority,” Wager said. “Their goal is to establish a water plan, which will provide a road map for the future.” Windsor currently obtains its water rights from two sources: the Colorado-Big Thompson Project and the North Poudre Irrigation Company. Windsor owns raw water rights for all existing customers in our service area — 3,400 acre-feet of water. The town will need 15,800 acre-feet of water to meet the demand of our total Growth Management Area build out.
To close the anticipated gap, Windsor is looking at other water source options, including the Northern Integrated Water Supply Project (NISP). “Windsor is one of 15 entities involved in NISP,” Wagner said. “This project looks nearly 25 years into the future for full build out and includes two reservoirs in Northern Colorado.” Windsor’s estimated share of the project would be 8.25 percent, dedicating 3,300 acre-feet of water to the town at a $57.8 million price tag. “We aren’t alone in water future conversations,” Wagner said. “Municipalities across the nation are grappling with growth and how to manage the future of a limited resource. Our goal is to be good stewards of our natural resources, while at the same time preparing for the future.”
More information on Windsor’s water past, present and future can be found at windsorgov.com/water.
Windsor Water 101 NON-POTABLE WATER
POTABLE WATER
typically used for irrigation.
human consumption.
is treated and safe for
is "raw" or untreated and
To buy the water rights for an average Windsor home, it costs $22,000.
When comparing a winter and summer day, water use in Windsor QUADRUPLES.
Total acre-feet needed to meet full Growth Management Area buildout demand
15,800 15,800 3,400
20
Annually, an average Windsor household uses 163,000 GALLONS.
3,400
Windsor obtains its water rights from two sources: Colorado Big Thompson and the North Poudre Irrigation Company
Current acre-feet supplied by owned water rights
Water is measured in acre-feet. Water is measured in acre-feet.
1 ACRE-FOOT 1 ACRE-FOOT
326,000 GALLONS 326,000 GALLONS
1 FB FIELD, 1 FOOT DEEP 1 FB FIELD, 1 FOOT DEEP
Narrowing the Affordable Housing Gap Windsor Housing Authority expands affordable housing apartment complex
Town officials and community members gathered on a sunny, fall day to celebrate the grand opening of the second phase of Windsor Meadows, a Windsor Housing Authority (WHA) affordable housing complex. “Today is an exciting day,” rang out Mayor Kristie Melendez. “The town recognizes that the provision of safe, decent and affordable housing for low-income households is a complex challenge that should be addressed by the entire community. “All Windsor citizens deserve a great and exciting future, and this development shows a commitment to that.” Windsor Meadows Phase Two provides 36 additional units to the affordable housing complex on north 15th Street, bringing the total to 80 available units for individuals and families who live and/or work in Windsor and meet eligibility and income requirements. “We provide affordable housing for different segments of society, like young families, seniors and the disabled,” said Bill Voegtli, WHA chairman. “We provide people a chance to have good and reasonable housing.” While WHA was established in 1974, the Town Board has made a concerted effort to assist WHA efforts in the last 10 years. Town Board adopted economic incentives for workforce housing in 2004. Additionally, the Town Board allocated a $1.1 million Private Activity Bond (PAB), available through Colorado’s Division of Housing, in 2015 to the Windsor Meadows Phase Two project. “While Windsor Meadows Phase Two is a step in the right direction, the journey is not over,” Melendez said. “Windsor’s explosive growth and appreciation in housing prices left a void in our community. There are still needs to be met and the Town Board is committed and willing to invest in other affordable housing projects for our future.”
"
We provide affordable housing for different segments ... young families, seniors and the disabled." Bill Voegtli Windsor Meadows caters to families and individuals who work in Windsor that
meet income and eligibility requirements. In addition to one, two and three-
bedroom units, the complex also includes a community building, playground, and sustainable features, like solar panels. For more information on the Windsor
Housing Authority and affordable housing in Windsor, visit windsorhousingauthority.org or call 970-686-5576.
Town of Windsor annual report I 21
park spotlight
Parks, Recreation & Culture By the Numbers
20
parks and natural areas
50¢
uses of the Poudre Trail at Eastman Park in 2016
40+
1,800
per day
per citizen for PRCMEMBERS AS OF JANUARY 19: services in 2016
116,267
miles of trails
average attendees at the 2016 Summer Concert Series
4,395
Recreation Center members (as of January 31)
HOW MANY GALLONS OF WATER ARE IN THE POOL? LAP POOL
ACTIVITY POOL
HOT TUB
58k GAL
75.5k GAL
4K GAL
THE EXPANSION OPENED ON THE SAME DAY, 12 YEARS LATER, AS THE ORIGINAL FACILITY.
Windsor Opens Northern Colorado’s Largest Outdoor Pickleball Courts TO THE TOP OF THE SLIDE!
(THAT’S 3 STORIES!)
Pickleball is the latest sport sweeping the nation. The multiage, multi-player sport incorporates aspects of ping pong, tennis and badminton. In November, the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department converted the underutilized hockey rinks at Main Park into six Pickleball courts. The new courts are the first in Windsor and the largest outdoor Pickleball courts in Northern Colorado. “The six new outdoor courts are the best in the area,” said Charlotte Jorgensen, Windsor’s United States Pickleball Association ambassador. Local Pickleball players, the Windsor Picklers, are excited about the opportunities the new courts provide. “The new outdoor courts will give us the opportunity to offer classes and clinics to teach and share with all age groups the game of Pickleball,” added Jorgensen. The project was community driven from start to finish.
The Pickleball courts are located at 300 Locust Street, and will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, free of
charge, weather permitting. A court reservation process and use fees will begin in spring 2017.
22
“Local Pickleball players worked hand-in-hand with staff from start to finish,” said Eric Lucas, director of Parks, Recreation & Culture. “And, more than 30 players collectively donated $5,000 to fund the courts. “This project is a great example of what we can accomplish when our community works together.”
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Sign up for emergency alerts at leta911.org. Town of Windsor annual report I 23
Calling all Photographers
Do you have photos of Windsor to share? Email your photos to Communications@windsorgov.com, and they may be featured on the town’s website, social media or other publications! Photos courtesy of the Windsor High School Digital Photography students.
301 Walnut Street Windsor, CO 80550 970-674-2400 • windsorgov.com