Spring 2024 Windsor Matters Magazine

Barry Wilson Mayor bwilson@windsorgov.com

Ron Steinbach District 1 rsteinbach@windsorgov.com

Vacant District 2 (previously held by Barry Wilson)

Lainie Peltz District 3 lpeltz@windsorgov.com

Julie Cline District 4 jcline@windsorgov.com

Richard Klimek District 5 rklimek@windsorgov.com

Jason Hallett District 6 jhallett@windsorgov.com

Town Board Meetings

Held the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. For more information about meetings, visit windsorgov.com/TownBoard

TOWN MANAGER

Shane Hale shale@windsorgov.com 970-674-2419

STAY CONNECTED

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WINDSOR MATTERS UPCOMING MEETINGS

Windsor Matters is an effort to improve town communications and increase resident engagement. The newsletter is included in monthly utility bills, with a full print edition mailed twice a year.

Cover: Summer Concert Series at Boardwalk Park.

Left: The mother statue at Boardwalk Park.

Windsor Matters is published by the Town of Windsor © 2024. Reproduction of any portion of this publication, including photography and artwork, is strictly prohibited without the express consent of the Town of Windsor. Archived editions of the newsletter can be viewed at windsorgov.com/Newsletter

Windsor Town Hall

301 Walnut St.

Windsor, CO 80550 970-674-2400 • windsorgov.com

NORTH 15TH STREET CAMPUS

Windsor’s New Police Station on Fast Track to Completion

The Windsor Police Department is thrilled to announce a significant update on the construction of its new headquarters at 960 N. 15th St. The project, which broke ground in August of last year, is now surging ahead of schedule, with an anticipated completion date in July 2024—months ahead of the initial estimates of early 2025.

As the walls rise and the infrastructure takes shape, the interior of the new 43,330 squarefoot facility is bustling with activity. This state-of-the-art headquarters will not only accommodate the department’s growing force but will also feature advanced resources for officers, including expansive training areas, a multipurpose conference space and cutting-edge evidence processing facilities.

Because of the Town Board’s strong fiscal stewardship, the entire project has been funded without the need for financing, with $20 million appropriated out of the 2024 Capital Improvement Project fund and the remainder funded with on-hand cash reserves. Having a healthy reserve balance available gave Town Board and staff the flexibility to prioritize the project and ensure the police department has the resources it needs going forward without incurring any new debt.

Simultaneously, the N. 15th St. Improvements Project is making strides alongside the station’s construction. This year, residents can expect to see a wider WCR 15, the undergrounding of utilities, and enhancements to traffic safety—all integral parts of the North 15th Street Campus development.

The new police facility is a cornerstone of this development, which envisions a vibrant community hub complete with a park and a new middle school. The area is set to become a beacon of community safety, education, and recreation.

WINDSOR PD FAST FACTS

Future uses for the existing police facility at 200 N. 11th St. are still being considered by staff and Town Board.

For ongoing updates and details on all major 2024 Capital Improvement Projects, including this project, visit Windsor’s public engagement platform, Project Connect, at windsorprojectconnect.com.

• Current staff:

» Sworn officers: 52

» Civilian staff: 13

• 6 divisions:

» Patrol

» Investigations

» Property/Evidence

» Records

» Special Operations

• Town of Windsor incorporated on April 2, 1890

» Community Engagement Team (CET)

PDOWNTOWN PARKING

New Public Parking Options Now Available

In a move that underscores the Town of Windsor’s commitment to thoughtful urban planning and community engagement, the Public Works team recently completed the construction of three new public parking lots in the heart of downtown Windsor. This development is a significant improvement for both residents and businesses, providing 126 additional parking spaces and enhancing the accessibility of the bustling downtown area.

The newly minted parking areas include the Walnut Lot, nestled in the alley just north of Walnut St., between 4th and 5th St.; the Bethel Lot, conveniently situated east of 4th St. behind Bethel Lutheran Church; and the Museum Lot, located to the south of the Windsor History Museum. These lots are strategically placed to offer visitors convenient and easy-to-access parking options, thereby addressing the immediate parking concerns and enriching the downtown Windsor experience.

However, the town’s vision extends beyond merely adding parking capacity. The introduction of these lots is part of a broader initiative to establish a comprehensive parking management plan that will remain effective for years to come. This forward-thinking approach aims to

create a sustainable and adaptable strategy that can evolve with the changing needs and dynamics of Windsor’s downtown area.

To inform this ambitious plan, the town is currently conducting a Parking Management Plan survey. This survey seeks to build upon the insights gained from the 2020 Parking Study by collecting true data and a diverse range of public input. The goal is to understand the parking concerns of Windsor’s residents and to identify the elements they value most for inclusion in the management plan.

This survey represents the first of many outreach efforts designed to engage the community in shaping how parking in downtown Windsor

will be managed in the years ahead. By actively seeking the opinions and preferences of its residents, the Town of Windsor is ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and that the future of downtown parking aligns with the collective vision of those it serves.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the survey and contribute to the development of a parking solution that reflects the community’s needs.

Windsor’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan Adopted

The 2024 Comprehensive Plan was presented and adopted by Town Board and Planning Commission on Wednesday, March 20 and Monday, March 25, respectively.

Since 2022, the Town of Windsor has been working to develop an updated Comprehensive Plan that addresses the town’s recent and anticipated growth. This updated guiding policy document represents the community’s vision for long-range planning and commitment to ensure that Windsor continues to thrive over the next decade and beyond. An updated plan was developed to better represent the recent growth to over 40,000 residents.

The plan addresses issues such as housing, transportation, land use, growth, access to recreation and more. In addition to robust goals and policies identified by residents, business owners, stakeholders and boards and commissions, the plan also details how it will be implemented over the next 10 years and will continue to track its progress to help ensure the town is taking steps in the right direction.

The Windsor Comprehensive

Plan serves as the foundation for decision-making and a reference for town leaders, residents and community partners as they consider development proposals, capital improvements, infrastructure investments, policy changes and other considerable actions that

will have community-wide impact. The goal will be to update the Comprehensive Plan every five years to ensure that new trends and issues can be addressed and that the changes in values and community priorities are integrated.

Windsor residents attend the Comprehensive Plan Open House Event at Windsor Severance Fire Rescure Station 1 on Feb. 7, 2024.

Project Connect has more information than ever before! You may have been to the platform once or twice to fill out a survey or find out more about an upcoming event. Now, Project Connect is the place to be for any and all updates regarding how taxpayer dollars are being spent for Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects.

Every year, the Town of Windsor's major projects are budgeted in the town's CIP. Projects are generally sorted into five separate categories that are based on the type of project: Transportation, Water, Sewer and Stormwater, Parks and Trails, Facilities and Street Maintenance. Additionally, some projects are a part of a larger High Impact Area, areas that have been identified as having a significant impact to the public, either during construction, for the services they will provide, or because of their financial impact.

Projects are updated on a monthly basis at windsorprojectconnect.com. Register today so you don’t miss out on any important updates!

every

JUNE 1 through AUGUST 31 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. • BOARDWALK PARK

Stop by the Farmers Market and enjoy a wide variety of locally-sourced consumable goods, crafts and live music.

EMERGENCY ALERTS

If We Can't Reach You, We Can't Alert You!

Emergencies come unannounced, and preparedness is key to ensuring the safety of the community. In times of crisis, every second counts, which is why it's crucial to stay informed to stay connected. Sign up for NOCO Alert and Code Red today and stay connected when it matters most.

NOCO Alert: Connecting All Windsor Residents

Stay ahead of emergencies with NOCO Alert. Receive instant notifications on your cell phone or email by registering at NOCOAlert.org.

With the ability to provide multiple addresses and set language preferences, you'll always be in the loop, whether you're at home, school or work. Thanks to an intergovernmental agreement, NOCO Alert covers the Windsor Severance Fire Rescue service area through LETA 911, ensuring that you receive timely alerts when it matters most.

Code Red: Connecting Weld County Windsor Residents

In Weld County, Code Red is another go-to resource for critical updates from local emergency responders. From evacuation notices to severe weather alerts, Code Red keeps you informed and safe.

Visit weld911alert.com to register and ensure you're notified in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts. Don't leave your safety to chance—take control by signing up for Code Red.

Stay Safe, Stay Connected

Sign up for both NOCO Alert and Code Red today to ensure you're always informed and connected in times of emergency. Remember, if we can't reach you, we can't alert you. Don't wait for an emergency to strike—act now and stay informed.

For All Windsor Residents

For Windsor Residents in Weld County

Additional Messages

Help Keep Our Waterways Clean!

While the Town of Windsor manages several different initiatives to improve nonpotable water quality, it takes our entire community to keep our local bodies of water free of pollutants.

Water in northern Colorado is a scarce resource, and the town is committed to protecting it to the best of its ability. Between wastewater, potable water and stormwater (or non-potable water), our Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) is the only system where water isn’t treated before returning back to the Cache la Poudre River. When stormwater runoff, like rain and snowmelt, make their way towards the MS4 system, it picks up pollutants along the way, which can lead to harmful algae blooms (HAB) in local bodies of water.

While keeping waterways clean is a community-wide effort, the town has adopted several initiatives to help reduce nutrient loading that can lead to HABs. As summertime approaches, it’s crucial for the town to collect nutrient, chloride and E. Coli samples in local bodies of water, detention ponds and the Poudre River to assure proper measures are being taken to avoid harmful conditions for humans, wildlife and pets.

This year, the town will be deploying new technology to reduce the likelihood of HABs, ultimately with the goal to avoid any closures of Windsor Lake during peak season as well as improving the quality of the water that is released from the lake downstream. Four state-ofthe-art LG Sonic MPC-Buoys will be deployed in Windsor Lake prior to boating season to combat HABs using ultrasonic treatment. These environmentally friendly devices are harmless and do not affect the health and safety of humans, wildlife or the ecosystem.

Several stormwater initiatives began in 2023 to improve water quality and will continue throughout the year.

In addition to the deployment of the buoys, there will be additional supplementary sampling, GIS mapping, the use of EutroSORB filter logs – a product designed to absorb excess phosphorus from moving water – and the Eastman Park Pond floating islands program.

Residents are encouraged to keep stormwater runoff clean by taking simple steps to reduce nutrient pollution; such as properly disposing of fallen leaves and grass clippings, picking up after pets, avoiding overfertilizing and using commercial car washes that typically use recycled water.

Spring Clean Up Days

May 10 & 11

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Public Services Campus, 922 N. 15th St.

Windsor residents are invited to participate in the 2024 Spring Clean Up Days event on May 10 and 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held at the Windsor Public Services Campus, located at 922 N. 15th St., and is free to attend with an entry voucher.

An original voucher is required to participate and can be found on the back of this magazine. If the voucher is misplaced, residents can bring a valid identification such as a driver’s license or copy of their utility bill, provided it has a Windsor address, to the event. Additionally, replacement vouchers can be picked up at Town Hall, 301 Walnut St., the Community Recreation Center, 250 N. 11th St., or at the Public Services Campus.

At the event, residents will be able to drive up and drop off their materials at corresponding stations. Residents will be responsible for unloading their own items.

For more information about Town of Windsor Utilities, visit windsorgov.com/Utilities

ACCEPTED ITEMS

• General household trash

• Organic materials such as yard and garden waste, branches, tree limbs up to four inches in diameter and grass clippings

• Scrap metal

• Small furniture (no mattresses or large couches)

• Indoor appliances such as stoves, ovens, washers, dryers, dishwashers, microwaves

• Grills

• Bicycles

• Vehicle tires without rims

• Small printers and copiers

• Laptops, computers, keyboards, cell phones, tablets, servers

• Flat screen TVs and monitors

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED

• General household mixed recycling (paper, cardboard etc.)

• Hazardous waste (paint, cleaners, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.)

• Propane tanks and gas cylinders

• Refrigerators or other appliances containing freon

• Commercial truck or agricultural tires

• Construction debris (dirt, cement, pavers)

• Wooden pallets

• Vehicles

• Animal carcasses

• CRT TVs

• Projector style TVs

• Glass

PUBLIC ART IN WINDSOR

How the Windsor Arts Commission is Adding to the Town's Character

The Windsor Arts Commission, known to many as WAC, has only been around since 2022, but this team of engaged community members has already taken great strides in changing the very face of Windsor. Before the commission was created, the town had accumulated a few notable public sculptures including the sugar beet farmers at Boardwalk Park and the metal pelicans in the traffic circle on 7th St. These sculptures were donated to the town by outside individuals or organizations, but there was no one actively working on beautifying Windsor with public art. Everything changed in 2022 when Town Board approved the Windsor Community Art Policy and founded the Windsor Arts Commission.

The Windsor Arts Commission consists of seven community members who are appointed by Town Board to represent the interests of the community when it comes to locations for artwork, artists and styles. The Arts Commission team uses the Windsor Public Art Master Plan as their roadmap for what the community wants to see. The Master Plan was created using the feedback of over 600 Windsor residents who were asked about their favorite art mediums, styles and areas that they’d want to engage with public art.

The first major project that the Arts Commission completed was a mural at 408 Main St. in downtown Windsor. The piece was created by Fort Collins artist Chris Bates, who took inspiration from Windsor history while creating the colorful and eyecatching painting. Since then, the commission has facilitated murals at the Community Recreation Center, Chimney Park Pool and the Eastman Park skate park.

In addition to these large artworks, the commission has also hosted more than ten public art events for the Windsor community. During these ArtLIVE! events, local artists are invited to create pieces in front of a live audience so that people can watch the creative process in action. Some of these works can be found hanging in public buildings, and others were only temporary, like a beautiful chalk design at Boardwalk Park. ArtLIVE! will continue through 2024, so be sure to check one out.

This year is shaping up to be the biggest yet for the Windsor Arts Commission. By working together with outside organizations and with internal town departments, the commission is spreading the love (and the art) even further. This summer, the Arts Commission will install its first large sculpture at the Historic Halfway Homestead. This sculpture will represent part of the earliest history of Windsor as a stagecoach stop on the Overland Trail. Also in the works for 2024 is a collaborative mural to be mounted at Eastman Park and some amazing seating and shade structures at Kyger Open Space by Denver artist Jodie Bliss.

Learn more about the Windsor Arts Commission by visiting recreationliveshere.com/PublicArt

WINDSOR ARTS COMMISSION

2024 EVENT SCHEDULE

5/25 Chimney Park Mural Ribbon Cutting Chimney Park Pool, 12-12:45 p.m.

6/27 ArtLIVE! at the Summer Concert Boardwalk Park, 6-8 p.m.

7/13 ArtLIVE! at the Farmers Market Boardwalk Park, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

7/25 ArtLIVE! at the Summer Concert Boardwalk Park, 6-8 p.m.

8/10 ArtLIVE! at the Farmers Market Boardwalk Park, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

THURSDAYS 6:30-8:30PM JUNE-AUGUST

Thursday nights this summer will be filled with live music thats sure to get you on your feet and food vendors to curb every craving. Snag a spot on the grass and join us for free at Boardwalk Park!

JUN

YAPPY HOUR

Bring your best friend (dog or human) down to Yappy Hour! Adult beverages for sale from local breweries, food, music and a special off-leash area for pooches to socialize. All beverage proceeds benefit the local Big Bones Canine Rescue shelter.

July 19 - Main Park

Aug. 16 - Main Park

Oct. 26 - Boardwalk Park Howl-o-ween

LOCATIONS VARY

970-674-3500 | recreationliveshere.com/YappyHour | @windsorPRC

Sunday, May 19

Noon - 3 p.m. | Eastman Park

Get ready to explore the great outdoors with us at our inaugural Kids to Parks Day! Stop by for a day filled with adventure, learning and prizes.

Explore Eastman Park, fill your park passport, and dive into exciting activities like biking, fishing and even learning about wildlife. We hope to adventure with you there!

EASTMAN PARK

7025 Eastman Park Dr. 970-674-3500 | recreationliveshere.com | @windsorPRC